President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to supplement territorial and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Fiona beginning Sept. 17 and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in 55 municipalities within the Commonwealth including Adjuntas, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Arroyo, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Caguas, Canóvanas, Carolina, Cataño, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerío, Corozal, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guayama, Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Humacao, Jayuya, Juana Díaz, Juncos, Lares, Las Piedras, Luquillo, Maricao, Maunabo, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Peñuelas, Ponce, Río Grande, Salinas, San Juan, San Lorenzo, Santa Isabel, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa and Yauco.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

You can apply for disaster assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Public assistance federal funding is available to the Commonwealth, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for all 78 municipalities for debris and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

All municipalities in the Commonwealth are also eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Thomas J. Fargione has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date.

zella.campbell Thu, 09/22/2022 - 02:32

Two Disaster Recovery Centers Close Next Week, and Four Recovery Centers Remain Open

Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will close permanently next week. The four other recovery centers will remain open to help people directly affected by the July 25-28 flooding and severe storms.

Recovery centers closing next week:

ST. CHARLES COUNTY

O’Fallon Municipal Centre

100 N. Main St.

O’Fallon, MO 63366

Closes permanently at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28

ST. LOUIS CITY

Salvation Army Temple Center

2740 Arsenal St.

St. Louis, MO 63118

(Near the corner of Arsenal and California)

Closes permanently at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 1

Four recovery centers will remain open:  

ST. LOUIS CITY

Ranken Technical College

Mary Ann Lee Technology Center

1313 N. Newstead Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63113

(Near the corner of Newstead and Page)

ST. LOUIS COUNTY

Urban League Empowerment Center

9420 W. Florissant Ave.

Ferguson, MO 63136

(Closed September 21—22 for a previously-scheduled event) University City Recreation Division

Centennial Commons

7210 Olive Blvd.

University City, MO 63130

Hazelwood Civic Center

8969 Dunn Road

Hazelwood, MO 63042

Recovery center hours are:

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.– 6 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

At the recovery centers, specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are providing information on available services, explaining assistance programs and helping survivors complete or check the status of their applications.  

• The FEMA application deadline is October 7.

• Apply with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362).

• If you need help applying, FEMA can assist you at a Disaster Recovery Center.  
• No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Walk-ins are welcome.  
• People directly affected by flooding in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County may visit any recovery center for one-on-one help.

FEMA may be able to provide Individual Assistance grant money that does not have to be repaid for:

• Rental Assistance if you need to relocate because of flood damage
• Personal Property that was damaged or destroyed by flooding
• Lodging Reimbursement if you had to stay in a hotel temporarily
• Basic Home Repairs for homeowners whose primary residence was damaged by flooding
• Other Serious Needs caused by recent flooding

In addition to the assistance listed, please note the following:

• Only one application per household.
• FEMA does not pay for lost or spoiled food.
• By law, FEMA is not allowed to duplicate insurance payments or assistance provided by other sources.

Homeowners and Renters: After applying with FEMA, if you have been referred to SBA for a disaster loan, please complete and submit the application. Submitting the SBA application makes it possible for you to be considered for additional grants if you are turned down for an SBA loan.

If you qualify for a loan, you will have that resource available if you choose to accept it.

Help with your SBA application is available at any of the Disaster Recovery Centers.   

For updates, follow us on Twitter @MOSEMA and @FEMARegion7.

Get the latest information at Recovery.MO.gov and FEMA.gov/disaster/4665.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

tiana.suber Wed, 09/21/2022 - 21:46

FEMA Continues Hurricane Fiona Response Efforts

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell traveled to Puerto Rico yesterday and met with Gov. Pedro Pierluisi to assess any unmet needs and tour some areas affected by Hurricane Fiona. The Administrator remains in Puerto Rico today, meeting with FEMA staff and touring additional damaged areas.

Gov. Pierluisi requested an expedited major disaster declaration late Tuesday, and that request is under review. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. approved an emergency declaration for Puerto Rico on Sunday, authorizing FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate hardship and suffering and provide appropriate assistance, to save lives and protect property, public health and safety.

Although the storm has passed, residents are encouraged to stay alert to continuing hazards, including extreme heat.

FEMA surged hundreds of employees to Puerto Rico to support the response, with the primary mission to support lifesaving and life-sustaining actions. This is in addition to 700 staff members who live and work on the island. In the coming days, our agency will begin preliminary damage assessments to determine additional needs. 

FEMA continues working closely with our federal, territorial, private sector and faith-based partners to support the island with this response and recovery. FEMA and interagency response teams are supporting the commonwealth by working to stabilize impacted community lifelines -- with a focus on power restoration, communications and water.

Due to continuous days of rainfall from Hurricane Fiona, risks of mud, rock and landslides persist across Puerto Rico. Additionally, an excessive heat advisory is in effect for the island for the next couple of days. Residents are encouraged to stay alert to continuing hazards.

Federal Actions to Support Areas Affected by Hurricane Fiona

• FEMA deployed five Incident Management Assistance Teams and four Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams to bolster response efforts. Additionally, Mobile Emergency Response Support, Incident Support Base and Staging Management Teams are on the island.
• FEMA prepositioned supplies on the island including four strategically located warehouses throughout the island, more than 7 million liters of water, more than 4 million ready-to-eat meals, more than 215 generators, more than 100,000 tarps, more than 28,000 plastic covers and more than 10,300 cots and other emergency supplies.
• FEMA is sending mental and counseling health resources to our FEMA personnel, many of whom are survivors themselves and from the island. Additionally, we are identifying additional mental health resources to the broader Puerto Rico community, many who are being retraumatized given that Maria was just five years ago.  
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Routine non-criminal immigration enforcement operations will not be conducted at evacuation sites, or assistance centers such as shelters or food banks. The laws will not be suspended, and we will be vigilant against any effort by criminals to exploit disruptions caused by the storm.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers team management and temporary emergency power teams are in Puerto Rico.
• The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Response Organization is in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• More than 450 members of the Puerto Rico National Guard are assisting the Puerto Rico government response by conducting search and rescue, commodity distribution, security operations and more. Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is supporting the island’s search and rescue response.  
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a Public Health Emergency for the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico due to the flooding impact of Hurricane Fiona. The declaration gives the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services beneficiaries and their health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs. The department is also sending medical assessment teams to the island.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service approved a waiver for the Puerto Rico Department of the Family to allow hot foods to be purchased with Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for one-week.

Stay Alert to Continuing Risks

• Avoid downed power lines: Do not touch or drive over downed power lines. Always assume a downed power line is unsafe, and contact the power company and emergency personnel.  
• Don’t drive or wade through flood waters: Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded: Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Use a generator safely: Keep generators far from your home. Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open as these could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• Stay safe during extreme heat: Avoid strenuous work or exercise during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
• Download the free FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to receive emergency alerts and real-time safety notifications, emergency preparedness tips and disaster resources.

Visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov to learn how you can keep yourself, your family and your pets safe.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 09/21/2022 - 20:04

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Muscogee (Creek) Nation

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to supplement tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding May 2-8, 2022.

Public assistance federal funding is available to the tribal government and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.

Roland W. Jackson has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the tribe and warranted by the results of further assessments.

amy.ashbridge Tue, 09/20/2022 - 21:13

FEMA Surges Hundreds of Additional Personnel to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Fiona Response

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will travel to Puerto Rico to assess the devastation caused by Hurricane Fiona and determine the additional resources needed to support the island’s recovery.

FEMA deployed one national and four regional Incident Management Teams and two Urban Search and Rescue teams to augment the hundreds of FEMA personnel on the ground. The additional staff will help bolster the Government of Puerto Rico’s response efforts.

“Our partnership with the Government of Puerto Rico has never been stronger and we remain committed to helping them respond to and recover from Hurricane Fiona,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We’re sending hundreds of additional staff in the next few days to place staff in each of the impacted communities to supplement our already vast footprint.”

The Administrator’s trip comes on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Maria hitting the island and follows the emergency declaration President Joseph R. Biden approved on Sunday. The declaration authorizes FEMA to coordinate all federal disaster relief efforts to save lives and protect property.

Administrator Criswell called Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi on Monday to discuss Fiona’s impacts and how FEMA can provide additional support. One of the ways FEMA is providing additional resources is by increasing the number of field operations resources, including staff.

Hurricane Fiona’s rain bands continue to cause flooding along with potential mud and landslides across Puerto Rico. While the storm has moved north, additional flash and urban flooding is possible in the southern portion of the main island. Although the storm is moving away from Puerto Rico, residents are encouraged to stay alert to continuing hazards.

FEMA’s support of the Government of Puerto Rico has been ongoing. And while heavy rain and strong winds of Fiona have devasted the island, FEMA has been in collaboration with Puerto Rico and other local and federal partners to help better prepare the island for hurricane response.

“FEMA has been tracking the potential impacts of this severe weather event well-ahead of the storm’s landfall.” said Region 2 Administrator David Warrington. “It is our mission to help people before, during and after disasters and we remain committed to supporting the Government of Puerto Rico for as long as we are needed.”

“The Government of Puerto is appreciative of the support FEMA has already provided and we welcome the support of additional personnel,” said governor Pierluisi. “The amount of rain Puerto Rico received has been extraordinary, approximately 25 inches, but according to the National Weather Service, that number could rise to as much as 35,” governor Pierluisi added. “Life safety remains to be a top priority and it is my sincere hope that people will continue to follow the advice of local officials and stay home.”

FEMA will continue to work with the Government of Puerto Rico to respond to and recover from the storm and remain committed to helping reduce risks and hazards posed by future disasters and extreme weather events.

manuel.deleon Tue, 09/20/2022 - 18:00

Muskogee County Disaster Recovery Center to Close

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma residents have just a few more days to visit the joint federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Muskogee County. The center will close permanently at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21. The DRC was opened to help survivors affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 2-8. The recovery center in Seminole remains open to serve survivors.

MUSKOGEE COUNTY

The center is closing permanently at 7 p.m., Sept. 21.

Harris-Jobe Elementary School

2809 N. Country Club Road

Muskogee, OK 74403

Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Oklahoma residents can still visit the Seminole County DRC for assistance.  

SEMINOLE COUNTY

Seminole State College

David L. Boren Library Room 105

2701 Boren Blvd.

Seminole, OK 74868

Hours Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Survivors can also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 if they have questions about their FEMA application or have additional needs.

Carmen.Castro Mon, 09/19/2022 - 22:43

Kentuckians: Please Keep in Touch with FEMA

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentuckians who applied for assistance from FEMA are asked to please stay in touch with the agency to update application details with any new information.

In Kentucky, as of Sept. 19, 772 homeowners currently ineligible for housing assistance are ineligible due to a missed FEMA inspection or an inspector not being able to contact the homeowner. For renters this number is 950.

It is critical to keep in touch with FEMA. Missing or out of date information could slow much needed disaster assistance. Information that needs to be updated may include:

• Changes in your housing situation, phone number or mailing address.
• Adding or removing the name of a person designated to speak for you.
• Adding or changing names of household members and number of people living in the home.
• Changes in your application for FEMA help.
• Correcting or verifying home and property damage.
• Updating your payment preference.

If survivors have applied for assistance and not heard from FEMA, they are asked to call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit a disaster recovery center in your area to speak face-to face with FEMA personnel. To find a center near you visit fema.gov/drc.

Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties can apply for assistance by calling 800-621-3362, online at disasterassistance.gov, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

When contacting FEMA, applicants should have their 9-digit application number handy. This number is included in all correspondence you get from FEMA.

The United States Postal Service recommends those displaced by damage to their home or business to either place their mail on hold or submit a permanent or temporary change of address, depending on their circumstances. Hold Mail and Change of Address requests can be made online at usps.com.

Some post offices are temporarily closed, but alternate mail pick up locations are available visit https://go.usa.gov/xhrJn for more information.

Flood survivors who apply for FEMA assistance may be referred to the SBA. It is important to submit an SBA application so you can be considered for additional FEMA grants.

For the latest information on Kentucky flooding recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663 and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion4.

sandra.habib Mon, 09/19/2022 - 18:25

Prepared not Scared: Visit the Safety Town Preparedness Open House on Saturday

CHICAGO – Join FEMA, Safety Town and the American Red Cross of Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. – noon at the Naperville Safety Town campus to get hands-on safety skills training, take part in fun preparedness games and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones when faced with unexpected emergencies.

WHAT: Safety Town Preparedness Open House

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m. – noon

WHERE: Safety Town campus, 1320 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540

WHY: September is National Preparedness Month, an opportunity to remind Chicagoland residents and all Americans about the importance of knowing what to do before disaster strikes, and taking the steps to protect themselves, their loved ones and their legacy – so it may be passed down to future generations.

All individuals are invited to attend this free event. Visitors will receive disaster readiness information and tips from FEMA, experience the fun of Safety Town while learning important steps to stay safe around your neighborhood, and even have the chance to take part in hands-only CPR training through the American Red Cross. To learn more about Safety Town, visit Safety Town – Safety Doesn't Happen By Accident (napersafetytown.com). Find disaster readiness information at www.ready.gov or redcross.org/prepare. Learn more about FEMA’s National Preparedness Month at www.ready.gov/september.

# # #

FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

troy.christensen Mon, 09/19/2022 - 15:24

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Today, FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the Government of Puerto Rico to supplement the local government’s response efforts to the emergency conditions resulting from then Tropical Storm Fiona, now a Hurricane, beginning on September 17, 2022, and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to support the Government of Puerto Rico and provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures to save lives, protect property and public health, safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of this event in all 78 municipalities in Puerto Rico.

“As Puerto Rico faces the effects of Hurricane Fiona, we have received approval of the Federal Emergency Declaration by President Biden, which activates FEMA to work with our administration to effectively respond to damages caused by the storm. I thank the Biden-Harris Administration and FEMA for this support now and always. We will continue to collaborate with all federal agencies to assist our people. I reiterate our call to all citizens to remain at home protecting their lives until the weather improves,” said the governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro R. Pierluisi.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75% federal funding.

Emergency protective measures include, but are not limited to:

• Flood fighting
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC) related costs
• Emergency access
• Supplies and commodities
• Medical care and transport
• Evacuation and sheltering
• Search and rescue
• Use or lease of temporary generators
• Childcare
• Safety inspections
• Animal carcass removal

“This emergency declaration allows FEMA to assign missions to other federal agencies to support and fulfill emergency needs during incident operations following a declaration,” said Robert Little III, who has been designated as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response and recovery operations in Puerto Rico. Additional designations may be made at a later date.

Direct Federal Assistance (DFA) provides support for eligible emergency work when a state, tribal or territorial government has exhausted its own capabilities to provide those services.

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yuisa.rios Sun, 09/18/2022 - 19:37

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to supplement the Commonwealth’s response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Fiona beginning Sept. 17 and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance, to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all 78 municipalities in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75% federal funding.

Robert Little III has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date.

mayshaunt.gary Sun, 09/18/2022 - 14:36

FEMA Provides $22M to the City of Chicago for COVID-19 Response

CHICAGO – FEMA and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency announced today that $22,046,100 in federal funding has been made available to the city of Chicago for costs related to the response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of March 26, 2020.    

This funding will be used to reimburse the city of Chicago for costs to distribute and administer COVID-19 vaccines at 22 vaccination sites in the city. The funding also covers costs incurred to conduct home visits offering the vaccine to elderly individuals or people with disabilities, conduct outreach activities informing the community about the COVID-19 vaccine, and provide security services at the vaccination sites.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an important resource for state and local governments, jurisdictions, and eligible private non-profits to cover COVID-19 expenses,” said Tom Sivak, regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. ““We’re proud to support Chicago’s efforts to make the vaccine as accessible as possible to all residents and combat this pandemic together.”

“The continued partnerships with FEMA throughout the COVID response has been outstanding as we work together to keep everyone safe, “ said Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Funding this program has directly supported many vaccination centers, served vulnerable populations, and addressed those with access and functional needs with safe and effective way to get a vaccine in the City of Chicago.“

FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to state and local governments, jurisdictions, and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

# # #

FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

troy.christensen Fri, 09/16/2022 - 17:54

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for American Samoa

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the territory of American Samoa to supplement territorial and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by high surf, high winds and flooding July 12-15, 2022.

Public assistance federal funding is available to the territory, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures throughout the territory.

Benigno B. Ruiz has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the territory and warranted by the results of further assessments.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 09/16/2022 - 15:18

FEMA Offers Free Repair and Rebuilding Advice at Local Stores

FEMA is providing free information about how to make your home stronger and safer – whether it was damaged by this summer’s flooding or not.

You can speak directly with FEMA specialists at local home improvement stores.

Do-it-yourselfers and professionals can get answers to questions and discuss:

• Proven methods for preventing damage from future disasters

• Techniques for rebuilding homes

• Tips for reducing your disaster risk – whether you own or rent your home

Locations:

The Home Depot

11215 St. Charles Rock Road

Bridgeton, MO 63044

The Home Depot

1603 S. Hanley Road

Brentwood, MO 63144

The Home Depot

3202 S. Kingshighway Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63139                                                  

Dates: Monday, September 19, through Saturday, October 1

Hours: Monday—Saturday, 8 a.m.--7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.--3 p.m.

For updates, follow us on Twitter @MOSEMA and @FEMARegion7.

Get the latest information at Recovery.MO.gov and FEMA.gov/disaster/4665.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

tiana.suber Fri, 09/16/2022 - 14:17

Mobile Recovery Center is Coming to Lee County

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center will open Friday, Sept.16, in Lee County to assist flood survivors who experienced loss from the East Kentucky flooding.

Mobile Center location:

• Lee-County: Lee County Cooperative Extension Service Community Center - 500 Happy Top Rd. Beattyville, KY 41311

Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Monday; and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday

This mobile center will be open Sept. 16 – Sept. 19 and will be back at this location Sept. 23 – Sept. 26.

Fixed centers are also available at these locations:

• Breathitt County: Breathitt Library–1024 College Ave, Jackson, KY 41339
• Clay County: Clay County Community Center–311 Highway 638, Manchester, KY  40962
• Knott County: Knott County Sport Plex –450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831
• Letcher County: Letcher County Recreation Center – 1505 Jenkins Rd., Whitesburg, KY 41858
• Perry County: Hazard Community College –1 Community College Dr, Hazard, KY 41701
• Pike County: Dorton Community Center –112 Hill Rd., Pikeville, KY 41501

Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Survivors in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties can go to any center to get help applying for FEMA assistance.

FEMA representatives will be at the centers to help with applications for federal assistance and provide information about other disaster recovery resources.

FEMA financial assistance may include money for temporary housing, basic home repairs or other uninsured, disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral, or dental expenses.

In addition to FEMA personnel, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and agencies from the Commonwealth will be available at the recovery centers to assist survivors.

It is not necessary to go to a disaster recovery center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to disasterassistance.gov or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

Flood survivors who apply for FEMA assistance may be referred to the SBA. It is important to submit an SBA application so you can be considered for additional FEMA grants.

sandra.habib Thu, 09/15/2022 - 18:37

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in San Luis Obispo County

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for San Luis Obispo County. The maps identify revised flood hazards along San Luis Obispo Creek, Huerhuero Creek, Meadow Creek and the Salinas River. These new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Sep. 15 to Dec. 14. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps. The preliminary maps can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA, County of San Luis Obispo and the cities of San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, and Pismo Beach worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

For more information on changes in unincorporated communities, including Avila, San Miguel, and Creston, contact San Luis Obispo County at 805-788-2316 or bclark@co.slo.ca.us. Other community information is available for the cities of San Luis Obispo at 805-781-7201 or hhannula@slocity.org, Arroyo Grande at 805-473-5441 or rdickerson@arroyogrande.org, and Paso Robles at 805-237-3861 or wfrace@prcity.com, Grover Beach at 805-473-4530 or publicworks@groverbeach.org, or Pismo Beach at 805-773-4658 or planning@pismobeach.org.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

robert.barker Wed, 09/14/2022 - 21:36

Disaster Recovery Center in Ferguson Closes for One Day on Saturday, September 17

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Ferguson (St. Louis County) will be closed for one day on Saturday, September 17. It is closing due to a previously scheduled event.

The recovery center location is:

Urban League Empowerment Center        

9420 W. Florissant Ave

Ferguson, MO 63136

All centers are closed on Sundays. The center will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, September 19.

Five other recovery centers will be open on Saturday, September 17. To find a DRC nearby, visit https://www.fema.gov/locations/missouri#drc.

tiana.suber Wed, 09/14/2022 - 21:01

There’s Still Time for Kentucky Flood Survivors to Apply with FEMA

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky homeowners and renters who suffered damage to their property from the severe July floods still have two weeks left to apply for federal disaster assistance.

Wednesday, Sept. 28, is the deadline to apply for assistance for survivors in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is designed to help you with basic, critical needs such as a safe, sanitary, and functional place to live while you look for a long-term or permanent housing solution.

Applying for help is free. call 800-621-3362, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Here is a brief description of Individual Assistance programs:

• Rental Assistance is financial aid for homeowners and renters for temporary housing if the July disaster displaced them from their primary residence. If there are no rentals or other alternate housing within a reasonable distance, you may be considered for FEMA’s direct temporary housing alternatives such as a travel trailer or manufactured housing unit. 
• Lodging Expense Reimbursement is reimbursement for out-of-pocket temporary lodging expenses that resulted from damage that made their primary residence uninhabitable. Eligible lodging expenses may include the cost of the room and any associated taxes.
• Home Repair Assistance is financial assistance for homeowners to repair their uninsured or underinsured primary residences, utilities servicing the primary residence, and residential infrastructure leading to their disaster-damaged property.
• Replacement Assistance is financial assistance for any homeowner whose primary residence was destroyed by the disaster and can be applied to the purchase of a new permanent residence.
• Other Needs Assistance is financial assistance for other disaster-caused expenses and immediate needs. This assistance may include funds to replace personal property, moving and storage expenses, transportation assistance, funeral, medical, dental, childcare, and miscellaneous disaster-related items.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

You also may apply at a Disaster Recovery Center. To find an open recovery center, visit fema.gov/drc.

For official information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Wed, 09/14/2022 - 18:41

The Road to Recovery Continues: Strengthening Public Housing in the U.S. Virgin Islands

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands -- In September 2017, the strong winds and heavy rains of hurricanes Irma and Maria shattered windows, damaged roofs and displaced many families from public housing complexes on St. Thomas and St. Croix.

Through a collaborative effort, FEMA, the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery and the Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) are working to repair and rebuild public housing and community centers to better withstand future storms. Hazard mitigation measures are being applied to construction projects that received funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance program to stop the repetitive cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction,

Through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, $909 million has been obligated to VIHA to revitalize public housing in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Funding includes $11.6 million for Hazard Mitigation measures to reinforce homes — making them resilient against torrential downpours and hurricane-force winds.

One example of FEMA’s support of making public housing structures more resilient in the U.S. Virgin Islands is funding the reconstruction of the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion on St. Croix. The $72.5 million project can move forward thanks to coordination between FEMA, U.S. Housing and Urban Development and the Virgin Islands Housing Authority.

FEMA has obligated nearly $52 million to this project through its Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs; $26.7 million and $25.3 million wind retrofit, respectively. The work being done under the PA program also includes Hazard Mitigation measures to upgrade damaged vinyl flooring, doors, window weatherstripping, gutters, and exterior security lighting.

Restoration projects of other St. Croix public housing developments damaged by Hurricane Maria, include:

• Marley Additions and Marley Homes -- FEMA obligated $7.6 million for repairs Nearly $100,000 will go toward Hazard Mitigation measures to upgrade damaged gutters, vinyl flooring and bathroom sheetrock with the addition of weatherstripping for doors.
• John F. Kennedy Terrace -- FEMA obligated $12.9 million for gazebo, pump house, office, community center and 31 apartment buildings.  

On St. Thomas, FEMA is providing about $80.96 million toward the revitalization of the Tutu Hi-Rise housing community which was severely damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria. FEMA approved the demolition of five buildings in the development. Through FEMA’s Public Assistance Alternative Procedures program, the Virgin Islands Housing Authority will spend $19 million of the $71.9 million to demolish and repair the buildings as part of the Estate Donoe redevelopment project.

Hurricane repairs for 12 additional apartment complexes at Tutu Hi-Rise will be funded by a combined $4.5 million. With a contribution of $6.3 million for renovations to the Tutu Community Center and the Housing Authority's main office, FEMA is committed to support the revitalization of the community at Tutu Hi-Rise. Funding for the community center and office includes nearly $395,000 in Hazard Mitigation measures to install wind-resistant roof gutters, air conditioning, security guards, roll-down shutters over doors and windows and roof and wall panels.  

Other St. Thomas public housing recovery projects include:

• Paul M. Pearson Gardens and Community Center -- FEMA obligated $3.8 million toward hurricane repairs. The Public Assistance project includes more than $500,000 in Hazard Mitigation measures to replace damaged roofs, replace damaged wood doors with metal doors, and other repairs.
• Oswald Harris Court -- FEMA obligated $9.5 million toward repairs through its Public Assistance program. The project includes nearly $800,000 in Hazard Mitigation measures to install structural reinforcement for solar panels, flooring, lighting and reinforcement of exterior walls. Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, FEMA has also obligated $1.3 million for architectural and engineering design cost toward eventual $17.4 million for wind retrofit.

FEMA will continue to support plans to repair and rebuild housing communities throughout the territory to ensure an equitable recovery for all U.S. Virgin Islanders.

Roof repairs advance in July 2021 at Paul M. Pearson Gardens Housing Community on St. Thomas. Numerous roofs at Pearson Gardens were damaged from the winds and rains of hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. FEMA committed $3.8 million toward hurricane repairs at Pearson Gardens. FEMA/Eric Adams

gina.callaghan Wed, 09/14/2022 - 17:33

FEMA Awards Vermont Nearly $1.9 Million For Relocating VSH Patients After Irene

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.9 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse the costs of relocating patients at the former Vermont State Hospital after it flooded during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.

The $1,876,426 Public Assistance grant will go to the Department of Buildings and General Services for the costs of setting up a temporary mental health facility in Morrisville after the August 2011 storm flooded the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury.

The state’s lone secure mental health hospital in the Waterbury State Office Complex (WSOC) had to be evacuated after the nearby Winooski River overflowed its banks and inundated the complex. FEMA also partially funded the construction of a new 25-bed, acute care hospital to replace VSH, the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital (VPCH) in Berlin, which was completed in 2014.

“Recovery from a catastrophic event like Tropical Storm Irene is a long and complex process,” said FEMA Region I Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “FEMA is pleased to assist Vermont as it wraps up the few remaining projects and prepares to close the books on Irene.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. Vermont has received nearly $209 million from the program for Tropical Storm Irene.

adrien.urbani Wed, 09/14/2022 - 16:22

Le Sueur County Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Information Open House

CHICAGO – Representatives from FEMA will host a Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Le Sueur County, Minn., on Sept. 21, 2022, from 5 – 7 p.m. CT. The open house will give residents a chance to review preliminary versions of the recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1% -annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within the county and offer information that public officials use to guide development in the floodplain.

Experts at the open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process in Le Sueur County. The newly prepared preliminary floodplain maps can also be reviewed at the meeting.

Once the maps become effective, they will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events.

WHAT:              Le Sueur County—Flood Map Information Open House 

WHEN:             Sept. 21, 2022, 5–7 p.m. CDT

WHERE:           Le Sueur County Government Center                          515 South Maple Avenue                          Le Center, MN  56057

Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an email to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

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FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

troy.christensen Wed, 09/14/2022 - 15:59