FEMA Provides $8.8M to Bon Secours Mercy Health Inc.

CHICAGO – FEMA announced today that $8,809,879 in federal funding has been made available to Bon Secours Mercy Health Inc., for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of March 31, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Bon Secours Mercy Health Inc., for costs to provide ventilators and medical equipment used to treat serious illness caused by the COVID-19 virus.

“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. “Bon Secours Mercy Health played a critical role in improving the outcomes for Ohioans affected by COVID-19.”

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.

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

troy.christensen Wed, 09/14/2022 - 15:47

FEMA Urges Preparedness Ahead of Tropical System

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is monitoring a broad area of low pressure located about 800 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. Although conditions are only marginally conductive, some additional development of this system is possible and a tropical depression could form during the next couple of days.

Those in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are urged to take these steps to prepare now:

• Have several ways to receive emergency alerts and warnings. Download the recently updated FEMA App, available in both English and Spanish, so you can receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service.
• Fill out Ready.gov’s new online “Make a Plan” fillable form to store all your important emergency information in a digital file. Share this document with your family so they know what to do in the case of an emergency.
• Monitor your local news for updates and follow directions provided by local officials.
• Take some time today to visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov to learn how you can keep yourself, your family and your pets safe.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 09/14/2022 - 15:43

FEMA is Hiring – Join the Kentucky Team

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has an immediate need to fill temporary positions in Hazard and Frankfort to assist with recovery from the recent flooding in Eastern Kentucky.

FEMA is looking for qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds to fill a variety of emergency management functions. Job Postings include positions in civil rights, external affairs, human resources, hazard mitigation and training.

The temporary positions are for 120 days and may be extended, in 120-day increments, for a maximum 365-day appointment, based on the needs of the disaster.

Kentuckians who wish to apply for these positions can go to usajobs.gov to learn more and submit their applications. Salaries range from $16.12/hour to $45.24/hour. Detailed information is provided for each position including pay and benefits.

These job postings will close between September 22-27 or when the agency has received 200 applications, whichever is sooner. People who are interested in applying should do so as soon as possible. Applicants may be contacted via email, phone, or mail regarding the interview, hiring and selection process.

For information on Kentucky’s recovery from the floods, 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 - 14:14

Current Weather Activity Calls for Action: Get Ready Today

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – At the peak of the hurricane season and with several weather events in the forecast, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials encourage Puerto Rico residents to get their families and property ready, today. Taking timely preparedness measures enhances the response and recovery processes from these events and any other incident.

“We want to remind everyone in our communities, that taking all necessary steps and having emergency plans in place is the right thing to do at this time,” said Orlando Olivera, FEMA's Caribbean Area Office Coordinator in Puerto Rico. “Connect with your community, discuss with your neighbors how you can help each other before and after a disaster. Sharing information and joining efforts can ease the recovery process. It is time to be ready.”

With a few steps, get your family and business ready for the hurricane season.

• Know Your Risk: To search for general information about risks in your area, visit www.ready.gov.
• Get Prepared: Make sure you have family evacuation and communications plans, update your emergency supply kit, and evaluate your flood insurance needs.

‒       Know your zone. Make yourself familiar with your community’s evacuation zones, so you’ll know exactly where to go. Remember: if a hurricane threatens your community and local officials say it's time to evacuate, don't hesitate -- go early.

‒       Complete a family communication plan. Plan how you will assemble your family and loved ones and anticipate where you will go for different situations. Agree on the ways to contact one another in an emergency, identify meeting locations, and make a Family Emergency Communication Plan.

‒       Download the FEMA app. It includes disaster resources, weather alerts, safety tips, The app also provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, tips on how to survive disasters, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service.

• Stay Informed: Use trusted sources of information when getting ready. Sign up for alerts from your local emergency management office so notifications, including evacuation orders, go directly to your phone. Monitor local news for alerts and warnings in your area and follow directions of local officials. Make sure you have a battery-operated or hand-crank radio available should the power go out.

Additional information is available at www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.fema.gov which offer tools and resources to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency events.

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yuisa.rios Wed, 09/14/2022 - 12:07

Mobile Registration Center Opens in Perry County

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA is operating a mobile registration center this week in Perry County to help Kentucky flood survivors who experienced uninsured losses from the flooding that began July 26. The center is in northeast Hazard, Ky. off KY Highway 476.

Location:

•  Home Place Community Center, 24 Victor Road, Hazard KY 41701
  • Hours, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Saturday, Sept. 17.

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.

It is not necessary to go to a mobile center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters may apply online at disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 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.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: How to Register with Disaster Survivor Assistance - YouTube.

Flood survivors who apply for FEMA assistance may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). It is important to submit an SBA application so you can be considered for additional FEMA grants.

sandra.habib Tue, 09/13/2022 - 16:53

FEMA’s Interagency Recovery Coordination Strengthens Partnerships in the U.S. Virgin Islands

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands -- It has been nearly five years since hurricanes Irma and Maria impacted the U.S. Virgin Islands and the recovery continues. While many individuals, organizations, and federal agencies, including FEMA, helped to provide relief immediately after the disaster, there is still work to be done. Long-term recovery requires the continued coordination and collaboration among multiple federal partners.

FEMA’s Interagency Recovery Coordination group has continually supported the territory in coordinating post-disaster resources which includes providing access to nongovernmental financial resources that may help the U.S. Virgin Islands meet needs that FEMA, the territory, and other programs cannot meet.

In the five years since the storms, at least six recovery support functions were activated to support the long-term recovery efforts for the territory: health and social services, infrastructure systems, natural and cultural resources, utilities, housing, and economic recovery, all of which have been funded by federal partners listed below.

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services was missioned assigned to complete assessment and prioritization of community healthcare needs, restore healthcare and social service functions, improve resilience and sustainability of healthcare system. HHS conducted grant writing workshops, coordinated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, conducted training for improved shelter operations.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, under the infrastructure support function, implemented the Blue Roof program and installed more than 3,600 fiber-reinforced plastic roofs to protect homes from the elements until permanent repairs were made. They also assisted with the removal of debris from the territory.
• U.S Environmental Protection Agency worked with local governments and citizens to keep hazardous materials from impacting the environment. EPA assisted with the collection and disposal of hazardous waste materials.
• U.S. Department of the Interior’s Natural and Cultural Resources Recover Support Function’s USVI mission was to support for the territory's unmet needs for natural and cultural resource recovery. NCR deployed historical architects and archaeologists to conduct 92 damage assessments and cost estimates on historic/archeological sites. They assisted the University of the Virgin Islands and non-governmental organizations with coral restoration and grant applications for coral nurseries. The NCR mission assigned a team from the Smithsonian Institute and the National Archives and Records Administration to provide technical assistance and cost estimates for the repair of 27 damaged libraries, museums and archives. They also coordinated Smithsonian's Heritage Emergency and Response Training.
• U.S. Department of Energy assessed damage immediately following the storm and assisted the territory in restoring power. DOE continues to collaborate with the territory to secure funding and provide technical assistance.
• U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s mission was to assist the territory in addressing unmet needs for housing recovery in connection with a comprehensive and sustainable long-term community recovery plan, including hazard mitigation, restoration of infrastructure and economic revitalization. HUD collaborated to provide counseling for local housing providers and grant writing workshops to non-governmental organizations.
• U.S. Economic Development Administration’s mission was to enable local public and private sector partners to return economic and business activities to a healthy state and develop new business and employment opportunities that result in a vibrant and resilient economies. Early in the recovery, EDA held a Capital Development Forum with the USVI Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and local lenders. Identified needs for financial literacy, business planning, and gap financing options for USVI small businesses and entrepreneurs, reviewed federal resources available to repair, harden or expand commercial infrastructure (airports, wastewater facilities, incubators, marine and tourism facilities) and increased business recovery services through Minority Business Development Agency small business workshops and consultation on continuity planning, bid preparation and disaster loan assistance.

EDA continues to provide workshops and webinars in collaboration with national and local agencies, business and nonprofit organization. Through FEMA’s IRC efforts, USVI businesses were able to access information on how to compete and receive project awards with federal funds. Businesses were able to learn more about how to obtain contractor license bonds, which was a prior barrier for smaller firms pursuing federally funded contracts. The IRC group, in partnership with Small Business Administration, Virgin Island Economic Development Authority, and Small Business Development Center, hosted workshop to present information on the Surety Bond Guarantee Program. This resulted in a significant increase in issuance of surety bonds from August 2021 to May 2022—resulting a net increase of more than $7 million in Surety Bond Guarantees issued.

FEMA’s IRC group continues to collaborate with federal and local transportation and utility agencies on several projects. To date, nine federal agencies have obligated more than $1.4 billion to the territory to support recovery.

gina.callaghan Tue, 09/13/2022 - 14:48

Houses of Worship Recovery Efforts Continue After Hurricanes Irma and Maria

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands -- FEMA’s role to support the U.S. Virgin Islands has been ongoing since Hurricane Irma made landfall on St. Thomas and St. John, September 6, 2017, and Hurricane Maria made landfall on St. Croix two weeks later, on September 19. FEMA recognizes the road to recovery requires a whole-community approach and is actively working with houses of worship to develop projects that strengthen resilience across the territory.

FEMA, through its Public Assistance Program is partnering with the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery to support the repair and restoration of houses of worship, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and schools managed by churches.

Recovery projects include 21 houses of worship of various denominations, the Diocese of St. Thomas with its seven parishes, 11 schools run by houses of worship and two homeless shelters run by Catholic Charities across the territory. Churches include:

St. Croix

• City of Refuge Worship Center, First Assembly of God, Inc., Lutheran Social Services of the VI, Inc., Midland Wesleyan Holiness Church, Inc., Moravian Church Virgin Islands Conference, New Life Resort, Inc., Pentecostal Movement Council, Inc., Refuge Tabernacle Church, Southgate Baptist Church, Inc., Sunny Isle Baptist Church, The Way of the Cross Baptist Church and Twigs Ministry, Inc.

St. Thomas

• Anna’s Retreat Church of God, Inc., Church of God of Prophecy, Hebrew Congregation, Hernhut Moravian Church, Nirvana Healing Temple, Nisky Moravian Church and Word of Faith International Christian Center

St. John

• Bethany Moravian Church and Emmaus Moravian Church

 

Nirvana Healing Temple and Southgate Baptist Church have made progress with their recovery projects.

Winds, wind-blown rain, flying debris, sliding rocks and mud from hurricanes Irma and Maria damaged Nirvana Healing Temple in Estate Mandahl on St. Thomas. Repairs to the roof and rooms of its retreat house, as well as repairs to the temple and entrance gate, were completed. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program obligated $746,000 to Nirvana Healing Temple to help fund repairs to its hurricane-damaged buildings.

On St. Croix, Southgate Baptist Church's two buildings were damaged by Hurricane Maria. Both the church in Estate Southgate and the Lighthouse Mission on Company Street had damage to items such as gutters, carpet, metal roofing, and windows, as well as damage to interior walls and floors, all of which have been repaired since the storm. FEMA has obligated about $242,500 for Southgate Baptist Church’s hurricane repairs at both locations.

“The Lighthouse Mission and Southgate Baptist Church of St. Croix have made extensive repairs to both facilities enabling each to fulfill our purpose of ‘shining the light of Jesus into Christiansted by programs of compassion and education,’” said the Rev. Edward Cullen. “We are appreciative of the small army of FEMA employees that have offered us guidance and encouragement throughout the disaster recovery process. We were recipients of not only their professional assistance, but many even volunteered their time to help us in serving our community.”

To date, FEMA has obligated nearly $3.2 million in Public Assistance funds for Irma and Maria damage to houses of worship, including repairs to homeless shelters, churches, soup kitchens, and schools. Nearly $1.3 million was obligated for damage caused by Irma, and nearly $1.9 million was obligated for damage caused by Maria.

Houses of worship often serve as a place of comfort for communities before, during and after a disaster. FEMA will continue to assist these sanctuaries in moving their storm-impacted construction projects forward and ensuring structures are strengthened to better withstand future storms.

gina.callaghan Mon, 09/12/2022 - 15:31

Kentuckians begin occupying FEMA Temporary Housing Units

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A little more than a month after historic flooding hit Eastern Kentucky, survivors who lost their homes are beginning to move into FEMA Temporary Housing Units. The units are being placed on private sites—when feasible—and in commercial parks.  FEMA has leased spaces at available commercial housing sites located within the affected area.

“Reaching this milestone, this early in a disaster, is a major accomplishment,” said Federal Coordinating Officer in Charge of Kentucky Recovery, Brett Howard “but this is just the beginning, we have more than 200 Kentucky families and individuals waiting for temporary housing solutions in five counties.”

Myra Shird, Federal Coordinating Officer in Charge of Direct Housing added, “We’re off to a great start, but there’s still a lot of work to do before this housing mission has been completed.”

Once a survivor moves into a FEMA temporary housing unit, they are required to do three things (every 30 days for owners and bi-weekly for renters):

1. Demonstrate a continued need for housing assistance.
2. Recertify their eligibility.
3. Show they are making progress toward a permanent housing solution.

FEMA has approved direct temporary housing assistance in five counties: Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Letcher and Perry. This program makes available several additional short-term housing solutions to disaster survivors. Survivors who have applied with FEMA for assistance do not need to reapply to be eligible for Direct Housing. If a survivor has not yet applied with FEMA, they can do so by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov; by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362; or downloading the FEMA mobile app available on iOS and Android. The registration deadline is Sept. 28, 2022.

Survivors are asked to please stay in touch with FEMA as their plans and contact information change. When phone numbers or mailing addresses change, FEMA can’t reach you. So, after you apply for disaster assistance, you need to let FEMA know each time your information changes. Individuals and households may be eligible for different programs as they move forward with their recovery.

sandra.habib Mon, 09/12/2022 - 15:05

Free Rebuilding and Repair Tips in Clay and Floyd Counties

FRANKFORT, Ky. – As Kentuckians rebuild, survivors of the July 26 flooding can get tips and advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand in Clay, Floyd and Whitley counties to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of disaster. These mitigation specialists will be available Sept. 9, through Sept. 16, at the following locations:

Clay County - R&S Variety and True Value Hardware – 100 Manchester Shopping Ctr. Manchester, KY 40962

• Hours: 8 a.m.— 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.—2 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.

Floyd County - Moore’s True Value – 13529 KY Route 80, Garrett, KY 41630

• Hours: 8 a.m.— 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m.— 6 p.m.  Wednesday and Saturday; closed Sunday.

From 8 a.m.— 3 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 10, specialists will be available in Whitley County at the MoonBow Eggfest - Sanders Park, 201 N. Main Street, Corbin, KY, 40701.

Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties can go online to disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app to register for disaster assistance or look up the status of their disaster assistance application. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

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, 09/12/2022 - 12:18

Floyd County Flood Survivors Can Now Be Considered for Direct Temporary Housing

FRANKFORT, Ky. – To assist survivors displaced by the July 26, Eastern Kentucky floods, FEMA has approved direct temporary housing assistance to Floyd County—bringing the total number of approved counties to five—including: Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties.

This program makes available several additional short-term housing solutions to disaster survivors. However, it takes time to transport, permit, install and inspect these units, before they are available.

The Direct Housing program provides three primary options:

• Multi-Family Lease and Repair, where FEMA enters into a lease agreement with the owner of multi-family rental properties (i.e., three or more units) and makes repairs to provide temporary housing for applicants.
• Temporary Housing Units such as a travel trailer or manufactured home; and
• Direct Lease, which is leasing existing ready-for-occupancy housing not usually available to the public.

Direct temporary housing takes significant time to implement and is not an immediate solution for a survivor's interim and longer-term housing needs. Additionally, not everyone impacted by the disaster will be eligible for direct housing. Therefore, it is important that partners at all levels – local, Commonwealth, other federal agencies, nonprofit and private sector organizations – work together to fill any gaps.

Survivors who have applied with FEMA for assistance do not need to reapply to be eligible for Direct Housing. FEMA reviews applications to identify those with housing needs. If a survivor has not yet applied with FEMA, they can do so by going to DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or downloading the FEMA mobile app.

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, 09/12/2022 - 12:12

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Bolt Creek Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Bolt Creek Fire burning in King and Snohomish Counties in Washington.

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 9:48 p.m. PT. He determined that the Bolt Creek Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the second FMAG declared in 2022 to help fight Washington wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Skykomish, Baring, Grotto, and Index. The fire also threatened transmission lines, telecommunications infrastructure, powerlines, railway line, cultural resources, roads, and bridges.

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $1,048,736 will be available to Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

mary.j.edmon Sun, 09/11/2022 - 17:21

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight the Milo McIver Fire in Oregon

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Milo McIver Fire burning in Clackamas County, Oregon.

The state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 5:05 p.m. PT. He determined that the Milo McIver Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the second FMAG declared in 2022 to help fight Oregon wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Estacada and Springwater. The fire also threatened Milo McIver State Park, commercial businesses, Estacada water and sewer plant, five dams, fish hatcheries, Bonneville Power Authority transmission lines, and the Valley View airport.

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $786,552 will be available to Oregon through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

mary.j.edmon Sun, 09/11/2022 - 17:12

New Disaster Recovery Center Opens in St. Louis City: Hours at all Disaster Recovery Centers Will Change on Monday

A new FEMA disaster recovery center will open on Saturday, September 10, in St. Louis City to provide one-on-one assistance to people directly affected by the July 25—28 flooding and severe storms.

Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

The disaster recovery center location is:

Salvation Army Temple Center

2740 Arsenal St

St. Louis, MO 63118

(Near the corner of Arsenal and California)

Saturday hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Beginning Monday, September 12, the new hours for all recovery centers will be:

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

Other recovery centers are open in these locations:

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 University City Recreation Division

Centennial Commons

7210 Olive Blvd.

University City, MO 63130

Hazelwood Civic Center

8969 Dunn Road

Hazelwood, MO 63042

ST. CHARLES COUNTY

O’Fallon Municipal Centre

100 N. Main St.

O’Fallon, MO 63366

(Southeast Entrance)

Developmental Disabilities Resource Board – DDRB Building

1025 Country Club Road

St. Charles, MO 63303

(Near I-70 at the Zumbehl Road Exit)

The DDRB location will close permanently on Wednesday, September 14, at 6 p.m.

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.

If you need help applying, FEMA can assist you at a Disaster Recovery Center.

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

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 Fri, 09/09/2022 - 16:13

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Mosquito Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) regional administrator authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combatting the Mosquito Fire burning in Placer and El Dorado counties.

On Sept. 9, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 3,600 homes in and around Foresthill, CA. The fire also threatened a high school, middle school, elementary school, Placer County Community Center, a Placer County Sheriff substation, Cal Fire Station 11, two hydro power plants, Foresthill Water Treatment Plant, Foresthill Fire Protection District, Sugar Pine Dam and Reservoir, and two public radio towers for fire and law enforcement communications.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to become a greater incident.

Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

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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 Fri, 09/09/2022 - 14:09

American Bar Association Offers Free Legal Aid to Eastern Kentucky Flooding Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Free legal assistance is available to disaster survivors in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties who were affected by the July 26, flooding in Eastern Kentucky.

Kentuckians who need help can call 844-478-0099 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. If after business hours, survivors can leave a message and calls may be returned on the next business day. The hotline is available to connect survivors to free legal services in qualifying counties who cannot afford an attorney.

Legal Aid may be able to help survivors in the following ways:

• FEMA and SBA financial benefits
• Home repair contracts and property insurance claims
• Re-doing wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
• Price gouging, scams or identity theft
• Landlord or tenant problems, or threats of foreclosure
• Disability-related access to federal, state and local disaster programs

Hotline partners cannot help in all cases. For example, they cannot take cases where a settlement could include legal fees or an award. But we can refer those cases for other legal help.

The Disaster Legal Services (DLS) program works with state and local partners to provide free legal help for low-income disaster survivors. The service is a partnership between the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, FEMA, AppalReD Legal Aid, Kentucky Bar Association, Louisville Bar Association, American Red Cross, Appalachian Citizens' Law Center, Northern Kentucky Bar Association and Lawyers Mutual of Kentucky.

For the latest information on Kentucky flooding recovery, visit femagov/disaster/4663 and follow FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion4. Visit the Governor’s website at governor.ky.gov/disaster-response/flood-response.

sandra.habib Thu, 09/08/2022 - 20:31

$95.7 Million Approved for Kentucky Tornado Recovery

FRANKFORT, Ky.–Nine months after the federal disaster declaration for Kentucky following the Dec. 10-11 tornadoes, more than $95.7 million in federal assistance has been provided by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration to support disaster recovery. 

That figure includes more than $15.8 million in housing assistance and other essential disaster-related needs and more than $59.3 million in SBA low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.

FEMA Individual Assistance

Sixteen counties were designated for federal assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program: Barren, Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor and Warren.

• More than $15.8 approved for individuals and households, including:
  • Nearly $11.5 million approved for Housing Assistance
  • Nearly $4.4 million approved for Other Needs Assistance, which helps to replace essential household items and other critical disaster-related needs

Direct Temporary Housing

Currently, 80 families are participating in FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing program in six designated counties: Caldwell, Graves, Hopkins, Marshall, Muhlenberg and Warren.

12 families have moved out of FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing and into their permanent housing.

U.S. Small Business Administration

• 647 disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters, and businesses for nearly $59.4 million.
  • More than $50.2 million in home loans (585)
  • Nearly $9.2 million in business loans (62)

FEMA Public Assistance

Twenty-three counties are eligible for Public Assistance: Barren, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Grayson, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Meade, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Shelby, Spencer, Taylor, Todd and Warren.

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, communities get help with the cost of repair, rebuilding and emergency work including reimbursements for debris removal, damaged roads and infrastructure.  For Kentucky, President Biden authorized 100% federal reimbursement for a 30-day period for eligible emergency work.

The program has 692 total projects, with 241 projects obligated, and has provided more than $20.6 million in reimbursements

• Of the 692 projects:
  • 93 for debris removal
  • 254 for emergency protective measures
  • 294 for permanent work
  • 51 for management costs

Interagency Recovery Coordination

Community Planning Capacity Building teams are still actively engaged in Western Ky., specifically the City of Mayfield and Graves and Fulton counties to identify long-term recovery needs.

The Interagency Recovery Coordination team has held two economic workshops in-person, and three virtual economic workshops targeting small businesses. They also have held two disaster housing recovery fairs where they brought over 25 service providers together to assist survivors.

For information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Thu, 09/08/2022 - 19:58

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the State of Maryland

PHILADELPHIA – The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise for communities around the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. The exercise will occur during the week of September 12, 2022, to assess the ability of the State of Maryland to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone within the State of Maryland.”

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions.  The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 10:30 a.m. on September 16, 2022.  The meeting will be conducted in a virtual format via Zoom.   Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the NRC.  Access to the public meeting is provided below:

Join ZoomGov Meeting https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1616179908 Meeting ID: 161 617 9908 Passcode: 054827  

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:

MaryAnn Tierney

Regional Administrator

FEMA Region III

615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

 

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.

Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

 Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

charles.elison Thu, 09/08/2022 - 18:04

FEMA’s USVI Disability Integration Team Takes an Inclusive Approach to Resilience in the U.S. Virgin Islands

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands — FEMA has applied an inclusive approach to supporting the U.S. Virgin Islands in its response and recovery efforts to hurricanes Irma and Maria which made landfall in September 2017. FEMA is committed to providing equitable services for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

Five years after the two Category 5 storms, FEMA’s partnership with the territory to support people with disabilities and access and functional needs continues to strengthen. Two FEMA Disability Integration Advisors live and work on-island to continue its efforts to ensure FEMA programs and services reach everyone across the territory. This includes working with the Territorial Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator Julien Henley.  

Collaboration with Henley, a longtime disability rights advocate, includes providing analytical support, technical assistance and sharing information at the regional and national level information.

“The collaboration between FEMA and the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands has increased the territories’ capabilities to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs,” said Henley. “The assistance of the FEMA Disability Integration team over the last several years has been invaluable and there is so much more to do. Through following ADA guiding principles, together, we can expand programs, advance initiatives and continue education on the importance of the ADA as we advocate for Virgin Islanders with disabilities.”

Following the aftermath of the storms, FEMA’s USVI Disability Integration team helped to provide qualified American Sign Language interpreters at nine Disaster Recovery Centers across the territory and collaborated with voluntary organizations to deliver durable medical equipment (DME) to the territory.

The USVI Disability Integration team also collaborated with Friends of Disabled Adults and Children and the Pass It On Center, both nonprofit organizations, to distribute hundreds of donated DME and supplies. DME included wheelchairs, walkers, nebulizers, shower supports, hospital beds and hearing aids to the elderly and those with access and functional needs. Through this collaboration, local donors were matched with survivors to meet unique needs. Hundreds of survivors benefited from this initiative and received critical medical supplies to assist them in their journey to regain their independence.

According to the 2010 U.S. census, people over age 65 made up 13.5 % of the USVI population and people with disabilities made up 9.8%. FEMA’s USVI Disability Integration team is taking measures to provide more equitable services to the territory’s senior and disability communities by facilitating engagement and community capacity building on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John.

“Ensuring that projects are built to federal and industry standards increases accessibility to government services, programs and facilities,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien. “Through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program with the support of the USVI Disability Integration Team, many recovery projects received much-needed funding to create inclusive and equitable facilities for residents and visitors. The Office of Disaster Recovery thanks FEMA and Territorial ADA Coordinator Julien Henley for their efforts to ensure a safer, better and stronger Territory for all Virgin Islanders.”   

FEMA’s USVI Disability Integration team provided recommendations for ADA upgrades to public facilities that met FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program requirements. The team provided input on the following recovery projects:

The Christiansted Boardwalk on St. Croix:

• Collaborated with internal and external partners; the project was awarded PA funding to improve accessibility in the parking area.

The Adrian Senior Center at George Simmons Terrace in Estate Adrian on St. John:

• Provided recommendations to improve the accessibility of the kitchen and restroom which serves St. John’s elderly population. 

The Magens Bay Bathhouse on St. Thomas:

• Provided technical guidance to address accessibility needs and federal requirements; collaborated with local and federal partners.

Government House on St. Thomas:

• Provided support to improve physical access to Government House; the facility will include two platform lifts and an accessible elevator, providing whole community access.

FEMA Disability Integration will continue to play a key role in supporting the U.S. Virgin Islands in working to ensure equitable access to its programs and services. The USVI Disability Integration team remains committed to collaborating with the territory and other federal partners to repair and revitalize parks, libraries, public housing and healthcare facilities in support of building long-term resiliency.     

FEMA Disability Integration provided recommendations to improve the accessibility of the kitchen and restroom of the Adrian Senior Center at George Simmons Terrace in Estate Adrian on St. John. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services provides community programs to St. John’s elderly population at the senior center. FEMA/Eric Adams

FEMA Disability Integration provided support for accessible elements to improve physical access to Government House on St. Thomas. This facility will include two platform lifts and an accessible elevator. FEMA/Eric Adams

delia.husband Thu, 09/08/2022 - 15:22

$13.1 Million Paid to Kentucky Flood Insurance Policy Holders

FRANKFORT, Ky. –  A little more than one month after the July 26 flooding in Eastern Kentucky, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has processed more than 65% of flood insurance claims they’ve received, for a total of more than $13.1 million dollars in the hands of insured flood survivors.

“There is no better way for disaster survivors to recover more fully and quickly than to have flood insurance from the NFIP,” said a Hazard Mitigation Branch Director for FEMA, Darrell Walker. “It does not need to be repaid, does not even require a Presidential Disaster Declaration and will pay for all covered items damaged by a flood.”

In Kentucky, a flood insurance policy with NFIP costs on average $1,174 a year, that’s roughly $98 per month. This amount varies based upon the amount of coverage purchased, the amount of the deductible chosen and the flood risk or flood zone of the insured property.

Floods can happen anywhere — just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage while the typical Individual Assistance grant awarded by FEMA is between $3,000-$6,000. Most homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both, so it is important to protect your most important financial assets — your home, your business, your possessions.

Flood insurance policies can be purchased to cover up to $250,000 for structure damage and $100,000 for contents damage. This is why it pays to be insured.

NFIP insurance is available to anyone living in one of 23,000 participating communities. Homes and businesses in high-risk flood areas with mortgages from government-backed lenders are required to have flood insurance.

To purchase flood insurance, call your insurance company or insurance agent, the same person who sells your home or auto insurance. If you need help finding a provider, go to FloodSmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider or call the NFIP at 877-336-2627.

Plan ahead, there is typically a 30-day waiting period for an NFIP policy to go into effect, unless the coverage is mandated, it is purchased as required by a federally backed lender or is related to a community flood map change.

For the latest information on Kentucky flooding recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663 and follow FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion4. Visit the Governor’s website at governor.ky.gov/disaster-response/flood-response.

sandra.habib Wed, 09/07/2022 - 16:54

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Ross Fork Fire in Idaho

BOTHELL, Wash.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Ross Fork Fire burning in Blaine County, Idaho.

The state of Idaho’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 4:09 p.m. PT. He determined that the Ross Fork Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the second FMAG declared in 2022 to help fight Idaho wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Smiley Creek, Beaver Creek, and Cabin Creek. The fire also threatened two communication towers, the Smiley Creek Airport, four religious camps, and the fire station in the area.

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $786,552 will be available to Idaho through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

mary.j.edmon Wed, 09/07/2022 - 16:29