The UPR Institute of Neurobiology to Be Repaired

FEMA’s $6.2 million will support scientific research on the island

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico –When the Institute of Neurobiology (INB) was founded in the late 1960’s, the study of this science was beginning on the island. Today, INB has 11 laboratories that do research on the human brain, its functions and its behavior as part of the nervous system.

By studying the structure of the nervous system and how it works, the INB looks for ways to prevent and treat different conditions that affect people. This includes studies on addiction, the impact of the variables on the environment and their effect on the nervous system, as well as the development of treatments.

The three-story INB historic building located in the heart of Old San Juan attracts renowned researchers such as Dr. Guillermo A. Yudowski. Yudowski’s research, who has participated in studies in Sweden, Israel and the state of Massachusetts, seeks to understand neuropsychiatric disorders and why they develop.

Following an allocation of $6.2 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the organization will be able to restore its facilities to continue developing research projects –that inform residents about the causes of certain mental health or neurologic conditions– as well as clinical treatments that support a better quality of life.

Dr. Ilka C. Ríos Reyes, Dean of the Medical Sciences Campus, stated “we’re very pleased with this allocation of funds from FEMA to mitigate the considerable damage suffered at the INB building as a result of Hurricane María. These economic resources are of vital importance for the continuation of the scientific work being carried out at this important research center. It is also important for the completion of ongoing projects, the implementation of others and, above all, for the strengthening of infrastructure and resistance to future high-impact atmospheric phenomena”.

Another aspect of the INB is that it provides the means to sustain and develop research projects while it serves to educate and train the new generation of Puerto Rican scientists. Dr. María A. Sosa Lloréns belongs to a group of about 30 researchers from the Medical Sciences Campus that are in charge of generating new knowledge that results in advances for the biomedical sciences.

Likewise, the Institute contributes to the island’s public health through its research findings. In addition to working on studies on the neurological bases of addiction to alcohol and other drugs, the Institute's findings are applied in the development of clinical treatments for mental health or neurological conditions. According to Sosa Lloréns, nearly 17 percent of adults have some form of dependency or addiction. Learning about the cells that are affected with an addiction clears the way for the development of medicines to help regulate that addiction and prevent the dangerous behaviors that they cause.

The facilities employ about 50 people, including researchers, laboratory technicians, animal health technicians, as well as administrative and maintenance staff. During the past five years, about nine postdoctoral students, 15 graduate students and an annual average of 35 undergraduate students have been trained at the Institute. Also, during this period, the Institute of Neurobiology has been active in around 15 research projects involving the collaboration of local and international neuroscientists.

The funds allocated by FEMA to the institute will be used to restore the facilities and that they’re ready to function as they did prior to Hurricane María. The work includes the removal and replacement of doors, electrical and lighting systems, fans, the electrical substation and generator, air conditioners, exhaust fans, among other work.

Likewise, the project includes about $305,000 in hazard mitigation funds to prevent similar damage in the event of future atmospheric events: bars for air conditioners, reinforced doors and windows to prevent leaks, and surge protectors to protect electrical equipment from future outages.

For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane María, please visit fema.gov/es/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow our social media pages at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 05/05/2022 - 12:20

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for New Mexico

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New Mexico to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires and straight-line winds beginning on April 5 and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Colfax, Lincoln, Mora, San Miguel and Valencia counties

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.

Federal funding also is available to state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support in Colfax, Lincoln, Mora, San Miguel and Valencia counties.

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

Sandra I. Eslinger has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 05/05/2022 - 02:50

FEMA Administrator Meets with European Crisis Management Community in Brussels

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell discussed the importance of disaster resilient communities with European crisis management leaders in Brussels last week.

Partnerships with the international disaster community provide vital learning opportunities. By sharing lessons learned, all parties are better able to posture themselves for future events, thereby protecting their citizens and infrastructure. Resilience techniques are particularly important points of collaboration since their real-world efficacy can be compared, tested and reinforced.

“If the past two years of the pandemic have taught us anything, it’s that we’re all in this together,” Criswell said while speaking at the Network of Directors-General of the European Crisis Center. “The partnerships we are forging in this room today are part of our strong global crisis management system. Together, we build the resilience of our nations by recognizing the interdependencies that exist between us.”

To demonstrate this commitment to this international collaboration, Criswell signed a Protocol of Cooperation with the Belgian National Crisis Centre. The protocol formalizes bilateral crisis management cooperation between FEMA and the Centre.  

During her trip, Criswell also met with the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, the European Commission’s department for overseas humanitarian aid and civil protection. There she discussed crisis response efforts with her European counterparts.  She also toured their response center, finding similarities between it and the FEMA National Response Coordination Center.

Administrator Criswell also met with leadership at the U.S. Mission to North Atlantic Treaty Organization and NATO’s Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana.  Their discussions focused on the evolving nature of resilience and the importance of FEMA’s crisis management expertise to advancing shared priorities.

You can read Administrator Criswell’s full remarks to the Network of Directors-General of the European Crisis Center and her remarks on approaches to crisis management on FEMA.gov.

BRUSSELS -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is welcomed to Brussels by the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Michael Adler. (Photo by FEMA photographer)

BRUSSELS -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell (center left) speaks with North Atlantic Treaty Organization Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana (across from Criswell) on the evolving nature of resilience with European crisis management counterparts. (Photo by NATO photographer)

BRUSSELS -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell provides a keynote address at the Network of Directors-General of the European Crisis Centre. Her remarks focused on resilience, international collaboration and strengthening industry. (Photo by FEMA photographer)

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 05/04/2022 - 21:49

FEMA Provides $23.8M to Wisconsin Department of Administration

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that $23,800,232.83 in federal funding has been made available to the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of April 4, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Wisconsin DOA for costs to provide clinical care for COVID-19 patients at the alternate care facility that was located at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an important resource for state, tribal, territorial and local governments and eligible private non-profits to cover eligible COVID-19 expenses,” said Tom Sivak, regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This facility was critical in ensuring the state had the necessary resources in place to relieve pressure on their hospital systems during the early days of the COVID-19 response.” 

“We appreciate the support from our federal partners at FEMA throughout the pandemic,” said Wisconsin Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge. “As part of the team that helped stand up the alternate care facility at State Fair Park, this facility was essential in supporting our hospitals and health systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for this funding through FEMA’s public assistance program, as the facility allowed our hospitals to focus on treating those with the most severe cases of COVID-19 to help save lives.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the support we received from FEMA to be able to stand up the alternative care facility, in order to provide flexible and quality care for patients and expand service capacity during a critical time in our state pandemic response,” said DOA Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld. “The close collaboration among state, local and federal government partners also helped set the stage for a successful recovery in Wisconsin.”  

FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. 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 Wed, 05/04/2022 - 14:08

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the State of Delaware

PHILADELPHIA – The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise for Delaware communities around the Salem – Hope Creek Generating Station. The exercise will occur during the week of May 9, 2022 to assess the ability of the State of Delaware 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 Delaware.”

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 May 13, 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/1611707475

Passcode: 187700  

 

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.

 

###

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 Wed, 05/04/2022 - 12:51

ICYMI: FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks Visits New Mexico Emergency Management and Tribal Leaders

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks traveled to New Mexico to connect with state and tribal leaders and discuss agency partnerships on preparedness, mitigation and response efforts as the region experiences continued increases in major wildfires.  

Hooks met with tribes and the state’s emergency management leaders to discuss the ongoing response to wildfires and other ongoing recovery projects in the state.

“I enjoyed discussing FEMA’s support and ongoing partnership opportunities with state and tribal leaders” said Hooks. “Wildfire mitigation, as well as preparedness and readiness efforts were priority topics, along with how FEMA can continue to better support underserved communities across both the state and the nation.”

Hooks met with Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Diego Arecon about the four declared Fire Management Assistance Grants in the state. A prolonged drought across the Western U.S. has raised the risk of wildfires in the region. The Southwest Coordination Center reported New Mexico wildfires had burned over 173,000 acres this year alone, a figure that is greater than seven of the last eight years.         

Hooks also met with tribal leaders from Santa Clara Pueblo, Santa Domingo Pueblo and Pueblo of Santa Ana and visited ongoing FEMA mitigation projects with the leaders that are meant to tackle flood control and wildfire prevention. FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks traveled to New Mexico to connect with state and tribal leaders and discuss agency partnerships on preparedness, mitigation and response efforts as the region experiences continued increases in major wildfires.  

Hooks met with tribes and the state’s emergency management leaders to discuss the ongoing response to wildfires and other ongoing recovery projects in the state. “I enjoyed discussing FEMA’s support and ongoing partnership opportunities with state and tribal leaders,” said Hooks. “Wildfire mitigation, as well as preparedness and readiness efforts were priority topics, along with how FEMA can continue to better support underserved communities across both the state and the nation.” Hooks met with State Director of Emergency Management, Diego Arecon about the four declared Fire Management Assistance Grants in the state. A prolonged drought across the Western U.S. has raised the risk of wildfires in the region. The Southwest Coordination Center reported New Mexico wildfires had burned over 173,000 acres this year alone, a figure that is greater than seven of the last eight years.         

Hooks also met with tribal leaders from Santa Clara Pueblo, Santa Domingo Pueblo and Pueblo of Santa Ana and visited ongoing FEMA mitigation projects with the leaders that are meant to tackle flood control and wildfire prevention.  

SANTA CLARA PUEBLO, N.M. -- FEMA staff and Santa Clara Pueblo tribal members in the Santa Clara Canyon during FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks recent visit to New Mexico. The team visited a hazard mitigation project that took a naturalistic approach to flood mitigation. (Front row from left) James Baca of the Santa Clara Pueblo, SCP Gov. J. Michael Chavarria, FEMA Deputy Administrator Hooks, Paula Gutierrez (FEMA), and Garrett Altmann and Daniel Tafoya from Santa Clara Pueblo. (Back row from left) Santa Clara Pueblo's Donald Suazo, Jude Chavarria and Tribal Sheriff Joseph Gutierrez (FEMA photo by Charles Shaw)

 

SANTA CLARA PUEBLO, N.M. -- FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks (center) surveys the Santa Clara Canyon with Santa Clara Pueblo Gov. J. Michael Chavarria (far left), Garrett Altmann (2nd from right) and FEMA’s Sash Goswami. (FEMA photo by Charles Shaw)

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 05/03/2022 - 19:01

Hurricane Preparedness Week Heralds Call to Review Your Plan, Stay Vigilant and Be Informed

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands –- Today is an excellent day to begin preparing yourself and your family for the upcoming Atlantic storm season. During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, assess your personal risk, practice your family's emergency communications plan, begin replenishing your emergency kit, and examine your insurance plans.

The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, but do not wait until shop shelves run out of supplies, food, and water, lines form at gas stations, and ATMs run out of cash when a storm forms in the Atlantic to update your emergency plans.

The time to prepare is now under blue skies.

FEMA and its partners in the U.S. Virgin Islands are set to test their capabilities to respond to storms and will conduct a series of response exercises this spring and through the summer. “We focus year-round on preparing for storms and are ready for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season. The territory will have FEMA’s support if it requests federal resources for preparedness and response,” said Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office Coordinator Mark A. Walters. “We are asking Virgin Islanders to take a vigilant stance to prepare their families, communities and businesses for hurricane season. It takes only one storm to cause a disaster,” said Walters.

"By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state, and local government agencies, and with the private sector, VITEMA ensures the territory’s ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and building the capacity to recover,” said Daryl Jaschen, Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.

“Emergency management is a shared responsibility: government cannot effectively build resilience to disasters by itself. Individuals, families, and communities must work to mitigate risks, prepare themselves and their communities for disasters, build local partnerships that will help government agencies respond to, and care for those impacted by disasters," said Jaschen.

There are steps you can take right now to ensure you and your family are better prepared in the event of an emergencies.

• Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan. Discuss the Virgin Islands Department of Health's recent COVID-19 recommendations and how it may affect your hurricane preparations. Remember to bring a plan to the office, the kids' day care, and everywhere else you go.
• Identify any additional help needed in an emergency if you or anybody in your home is senior or has a disability, access, or functional requirement. The V.I. Department of Human Services’ Elder, Dependent Adult, and Disabled Persons Disaster Registry is open to Virgin Islanders aged 60 and over, as well as those with disabilities.
  • To register, call 340-774-0930 ext. 4018 on St. Thomas, 340-776-6334 on St. John and 340-773-6630 on St. Croix. You can download and fill out a registry form at www.dhs.gov.vi  .
• Have several ways to receive alerts. Sign up for Alert VI to receive emergency notifications in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Download the FEMA app on your smartphone and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Check the settings on your mobile phones to make sure you can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts, which require no sign-up.
  • Have an emergency charging option for your phone and other devices.
• Protect your home against storms. Declutter drains and gutters, consider hurricane shutters and leave room in your home to bring in outside furniture during a storm.
• Learn your evacuation routes, practice with household, pets, and identify where you will stay during a hurricane. Follow the instructions from territorial agencies who will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.
• Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents like ID are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password protected digital space. You may need your documents to apply for and receive assistance after a disaster.
• Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies, masks, pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. After a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks.
  • Replenish supplies in your emergency kit and replace expired items as needed.

Visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes or www.ready.gov/es/huracanes for more information on how to prepare for hurricanes, stay safe during a hurricane and returning home after a hurricane. Review Hurricane Preparedness Week’s themes, such as how to get an insurance checkup and how to strengthen your home, at www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness , and follow www.vitema.vi.gov for information on local events and community readiness.

Graphic gina.callaghan Tue, 05/03/2022 - 17:39

FEMA Provides Funds for Eisenhower Junior High Repairs

DENVER – FEMA has approved more than $630,000 in funding to the Granite School District for work completed at Eisenhower Junior High to repair damages that occurred during the Magna Earthquake, and to mitigate against future damage. The assistance was made available as part of the major disaster declaration made by President Trump in July 2020 to support Utah’s recovery.

The project includes repairs to the school to address earthquake damage and includes additional structural improvements that will make the building more resistant to a future quake. The mitigation work included stabilization of the roof structure by adding new steel bracing. In addition, new steel connections and a concrete roof beam were installed along the west wall of the gymnasium and east wall of the auditorium; this strengthened the connections linking the roof, wall, and foundation. Carbon fiber rods were also installed to stabilize the brick walls during earthquake shaking.

The funding comes from FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which provides aid to repair or replace damaged public infrastructure or for emergency actions taken to protect property or support public safety.  There is normally a 75 percent federal cost share, but the recently passed federal budget bill included a provision to increase the cost share to 90 percent for major disaster declarations made in 2020 and 2021. The remaining costs are the responsibility of the state and the local applicant receiving the funds.

The Eisenhower School project benefitted from a provision of the program that allows for the funding of additional mitigation work in certain cases.  This project was eligible for the mitigation funds because it was proven to be cost effective over the life of the project.  The mitigation funds amounted to more than $540,000.

To date, FEMA has provided more than $4.6 million to Utah households and communities for the Magna Earthquake recovery. Learn more about the disaster response and recovery efforts at www.fema.gov/disaster/4548.

Brian.Hvinden Tue, 05/03/2022 - 16:31

Building Safety Month: Take Action to Protect Your Home

CHICAGO – May is Building Safety Month, and this year’s campaign, “Safety for All: Building Codes in Action,” raises awareness about the importance of building codes to ensure safety in the spaces in which we live, work and learn.

 “Resilient communities require a commitment to strong building standards,” said Tom Sivak, regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “We can all do our part. Start by verifying your local government has adopted up-to-date building safety codes and get proper permits before beginning any home repair or improvement projects.”

Disasters in the Midwest range from floods to severe storms, tornadoes and even earthquakes. Taking steps to reinforce your home can be essential to reducing the risks of damage those disasters could cause: 

1. Elevate and anchor utilities. Elevate and anchor your critical utilities, including electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems to reduce the risk of flood waters damaging them.
2. Waterproof your basement. Install a water alarm and maintain a working sump pump to protect your basement. Install a battery-operated backup pump in case of power failure. Consider also installing a back-flow valve, to push the flow of water & sewer backup away from your property.
3. Secure outdoor items. Secure lawn furniture and any other loose outdoor items that may become windborne and cause injury or damage during high-wind events.
4. Protect windows during high-wind events. Storm shutters prevent windows from breaking when there is windborne debris. You can also add shatter-resistant film or stormproof high-impact glass to reduce the risks of glass breaking.
5. Fortify your roof. Re-adhere any loose shingles and consider impact-resistant shingles when installing a roof. Install roof strappings to anchor the roof framing to the wall framings so the wind can’t lift your roof off your house.
6. Take advantage of insurance incentives. Many insurance policies offer financial incentives for risk reduction measures. For example, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) pays up to $1,000 each for loss avoidance measures and property moved to safety. Call your insurance agent for more information about benefits that may be available to you.

For more information about Building Safety Month or ways to increase awareness about building safety visit 2022 Building Safety Month - ICC (iccsafe.org). Learn even more about how to prepare before a disaster strikes, by visiting www.Ready.gov.

# # #

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

troy.christensen Tue, 05/03/2022 - 14:23

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance State-by-State Breakdown

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided over $2.3 billion to more than 351,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020. This assistance helped pay for the funerals of more than 369,000 people who died from COVID-19.

FEMA’s COVID-19 funeral assistance reached its one-year anniversary recently and has some notable achievements. The funeral assistance webpage, COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov, has had over 8.2 million views and has been translated into 13 languages. Informational graphics were translated into 29 languages. Thousands of letters, personal calls and auto-caller communications have been made to assist applicants. The average award is approximately $6,500, and the eligibility rate is nearly 97%.  

Eligibility determinations are based on when the applicant submits all required documentation. The determinations are not driven by state/locations.

“Applications” in the chart below reflect the number of individuals who called to begin the assistance process.

Please find state-specific information below:

State / Territory

Applications

Amount Approved

Number of Awards

Alabama

11,340

$54,507,202.97

7,991

Alaska

444

$1,352,830.38

268

American Samoa

17

$33,801.77

Less than 10

Arizona

8,878

$29,563,514.85

5,967

Arkansas

5,299

$22,891,367.97

3,623

California

41,882

$188,215,608.58

29,321

Colorado

4,783

$17,523,024.89

3,201

Connecticut

4,815

$24,337,419.97

3,554

Delaware

1,528

$6,625,685.43

1,050

District Of Columbia

756

$3,372,868.41

501

Florida

33,147

$136,211,653.29

24,183

Georgia

20,182

$98,345,548.56

14,287

Guam

31

$135,055.19

19

Hawaii

687

$2,341,509.50

407

Idaho

1,792

$6,587,621.47

1,172

Illinois

19,624

$96,136,153.91

14,015

Indiana

10,321

$49,097,175.58

7,055

Iowa

4,236

$21,177,533.50

2,962

Kansas

4,504

$20,547,283.39

3,171

Kentucky

9,123

$45,628,516.57

6,317

Louisiana

8,462

$40,083,277.89

5,817

Maine

1,059

$3,370,311.93

626

Maryland

8,573

$41,135,067.29

6,123

Massachusetts

9,157

$43,144,865.47

6,269

Michigan

17,642

$76,766,420.10

12,468

Minnesota

5,347

$25,379,238.82

3,713

Mississippi

7,496

$33,553,702.17

4,965

Missouri

10,164

$45,629,008.34

7,284

Montana

1,260

$4,487,641.63

891

Nebraska

2,247

$10,535,851.17

1,528

Nevada

4,374

$15,293,360.32

2,826

New Hampshire

1,302

$5,304,945.80

882

New Jersey

16,156

$82,010,382.00

11,898

New Mexico

3,166

$10,443,924.71

1,975

New York

35,201

$179,287,766.47

26,156

North Carolina

16,680

$79,249,600.94

12,117

North Dakota

1,138

$6,136,738.88

826

Northern Mariana Islands

31

$59,378.99

10

Ohio

21,560

$101,251,456.74

15,619

Oklahoma

7,848

$34,870,244.51

5,521

Oregon

2,405

$6,764,504.24

1,465

Pennsylvania

23,362

$113,187,003.99

17,153

Puerto Rico

2,199

$5,218,317.01

1,371

Rhode Island

1,637

$8,037,094.60

1,176

South Carolina

11,186

$53,721,711.89

7,927

South Dakota

1,115

$5,667,989.74

788

Tennessee

14,129

$67,666,788.01

9,976

Texas

45,287

$217,042,015.21

33,387

U.S. Virgin Islands

77

$319,671.06

51

Utah

2,329

$10,734,214.70

1,564

Vermont

274

$1,113,255.96

199

Virginia

11,529

$53,216,320.79

8,033

Washington

4,304

$14,505,646.10

2,685

West Virginia

3,796

$17,411,878.35

2,549

Wisconsin

8,292

$38,113,075.40

5,754

Wyoming

776

$2,923,341.45

532

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. EDT Monday, May 2, 2022.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. Please note, phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Applicants who use a relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to them for that service so that agency representatives are able to contact them.

Additional information about COVID-19 funeral assistance, including frequently asked questions, is available on FEMA.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 05/02/2022 - 21:06

FEMA Holds Comprehensive Exercise on Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake and Tsunami Response Plan

BOTHELL, Wash.  -  From May 3-5, FEMA Region 10 will host Cascadia Rising 2022: Rehearsal of Concept (ROC), a three-day discussion-based exercise at the Pierce County Readiness Center in Camp Murray, Washington, to evaluate FEMA’s coordinated response plan to a massive Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) earthquake and resulting tsunami. Participants will include emergency management representatives from the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, tribal partners, FEMA, U.S. Department of Defense, American Red Cross, and Emergency Management British Columbia.

Over the three-day exercise, federal, state, and tribal partners will walk through the FEMA Region 10 CSZ Earthquake and Tsunami Response Plan using a large 35’x26’ map to display impacted areas and demonstrate resource allocation, staging, and movement in response to a CSZ event. These discussions will include questions around operational activities, logistics, resource management, and communications for response operations.

“We know it’s only a matter of time before the big one strikes. This exercise helps us coordinate directly with our local and regional partners to build a culture of preparedness across the region. The physical devastation will be significant, and the humanitarian impacts will be felt far beyond the earthquake zone,” stated FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn. “Now is the time to come together, question, and challenge our plan so that when one of the biggest natural disasters to strike our nation takes place, we are ready to act.”

This exercise builds on the Cascadia Rising 2016 Exercise and forms part of FEMA’s National Level Exercise 2022 which examines the ability of all levels of government, private industry, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to respond to and recover from a large rupture of the CSZ through a series of webinars, seminars, workshops, and exercises being held throughout the year.

Over 1,800 federal, tribal, state, local, private sector, NGOs, and scientific community partners were involved in the CSZ planning effort. The lessons learned from this ROC Exercise will be incorporated into both an updated CSZ Response Plan and into FEMA’s response operational procedures.

To learn more about the Cascadia Subduction Zone visit the USGS.

A portion of the map that will be used to show areas affected by a CSZ earthquake with markers indicating resource movement. 

mary.j.edmon Mon, 05/02/2022 - 18:56

Preble County Residents Invited to Attend Virtual Flood Map Information Open House

CHICAGO – Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Virtual Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Preble County, Ohio, on May 10, 2022, from 5 – 7 p.m. The open house will give residents the chance to review preliminary versions of a recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

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

Experts at the virtual open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process in Preble 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:              Preble County virtual Flood Map Information Open House

WHEN:             May 10, 2022, 5–7 p.m. ET

WHERE:           Visit www.zoom.com and enter the following meeting ID and passcode. This requires registering for a free Zoom account or clicking the following link:                            https://stantec.zoom.us/j/93202813542?pwd=MzVJZTRSSFE2OEVwRTNGQXAyVEw1UT09                           Meeting ID: 932 0281 3542, Passcode: preble

You may also call into the meeting using one of the following telephone numbers and entering the meeting ID and passcode shown above. Long-distance charges may apply.

                        (301) 715 8592                         (312) 626 6799                         (646) 876 9923

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 e-mail 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.

# # #

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

troy.christensen Mon, 05/02/2022 - 16:12

FEMA Distributes More Than $677,000 in Disaster Assistance for Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslide Survivors

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has distributed more than $677,000 in disaster assistance to help survivors affected by the severe storm, flooding, and landslides that occurred Feb. 4 - 6, 2022.

Nearly $329,000 has been distributed to individuals for housing assistance to cover expenses related to home repair and rehabilitation. In addition, more than $348,000 has been distributed for other needs assistance. Housing Assistance (HA) and Other Needs Assistance (ONA) are part of FEMA’s Individual Household Program.

ONA is available for necessary expenses and serious needs directly caused by the disaster, including: child-care expenses, medical and dental expenses, damages to essential household items (room furnishings, appliances); clothing; tools (specialized or protective clothing and equipment) required for your job; necessary educational materials (computers, schoolbooks, supplies), clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, dehumidifier), damage to an essential vehicle, moving and storage of essential household goods to prevent further damage, and returning property to the applicant’s primary residence.

Survivors from the affected municipalities of Cataño, Dorado, Toa Baja, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja are eligible to apply for disaster assistance. To get additional information, find the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: fema.gov/drc.

You may also apply with FEMA through your smart phone, home computer or by phone. The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By phone at 800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. Those who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week
• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from the February floods, visit fema.gov/disaster/4649. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Follow the FEMA Region 2 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/FEMAregion2.

 

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 05/02/2022 - 15:15

Disaster Recovery Centers Are Changing Operating Hours

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are changing operating hours beginning Sunday May 1, 2022. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) currently has five  DRCs open  to help survivors affected by the severe storm, flooding, and landslides that occurred Feb. 4 - 6, 2022.

DRCs at Cataño, Dorado, Toa Baja, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week.

Pabellón Comercial Rafael Hernández Colón

Calle Méndez Vigo #349

(in front of Residencial El Dorado), Dorado

Centro Comunal Los Naranjos

Barrio Cabo Caribe

Comunidad Los Naranjos

Parcela 119-A, Vega Baja

Centro de Usos Múltiples - Luis Muñoz Marín

PR-647 Km 12.5,

Barrio Bajuras, Sector Machuchal, Vega Alta

Junta de Inscripción Permanente de Candelaria

RR-865

Barrio Candelaria, Toa Baja

Centro de Usos Múltiples

Carr. PR-5, Km 2.6

Sector Juana Matos, Cataño

 

Survivors from the affected municipalities can continue to visit DRCs during these hours and talk to FEMA specialist to apply for assistance, follow up or update their applications. Residents may also apply with FEMA through their smart phone, home computer or by phone. The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By phone at 800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. Those who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week
• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

To get additional information, find the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: fema.gov/drc. For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from the February floods, visit fema.gov/disaster/4649. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Follow the FEMA Region 2 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/FEMAregion2.

frances.acevedo-pico Fri, 04/29/2022 - 20:11

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Fairfax County, VA

PHILADELPHIA - FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Fairfax County, Virginia. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around April 22, 2022. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting Mr. Dipmani Kumar at Dipmani.Kumar@fairfaxcounty.gov. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/09vTC4.

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Fairfax County, VA Flood Mapping Milestones

• April 6, 2020 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
• April 30, 2021 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
• August 5, 2021 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
• April 22, 2022 –Appeal Period starts.
• May 2023 — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

###

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 Fri, 04/29/2022 - 17:17

FEMA Awards Nearly $2.2 Million To Maine Medical Center For Covid Testing Expenses

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $2.2 million to the State of Maine to reimburse Maine Medical Center in Portland for the cost of testing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $2,171,014 Public Assistance grant will go to cover the cost of screening and providing COVID-19 tests for staff between May 2020 and October 2021. The 637-licensed-bed teaching hospital and flagship facility for MaineHealth contracted to set up a web-based program with a COVID-19 screening questionnaire which required employees to complete and pass to be permitted to enter any facility for the day.

Employees who failed the screening questionnaire were then directed to get a COVID-19 test. The grant also covers the cost of testing 22,267 employees who failed screening protocols at Maine Medical Center’s hospitals, primary care clinics, and ancillary service offices.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Maine Medical Center with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

So far, FEMA has provided more than $116 million in Public Assistance grants to Maine to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. To learn more about the COVID-19 response in Maine, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4522.

adrien.urbani Wed, 04/27/2022 - 14:45

FEMA Awards More Than $3.3 Million To Connecticut For Covid Testing Expenses

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3.3 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse the state for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,312,499 FEMA’s Public Assistance grant to the Connecticut Office of State Comptroller will reimburse it for testing a variety of vulnerable populations for COVID-19, including students at the Connecticut state universities, between April and June 2021.

The office contracted with SEMA4 Genomics and Griffin Hospital to provide 34,279 tests, and outbreak testing was conducted as needed.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Connecticut with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided almost $396 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. To learn more about the COVID-19 response in Connecticut, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4500.

adrien.urbani Wed, 04/27/2022 - 14:43

FEMA Awards Almost $61.4 Million To Connecticut For Covid Personal Protective Equipment

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $61.4 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse the state for purchasing, storing and distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $61,376,306 FEMA’s Public Assistance grant to the Connecticut Department of Corrections will reimburse it for operating a system of warehouses and distribution centers around the state between March and September 2020 and purchasing large quantities of PPE.

The department contracted to lease two warehouse facilities and set up eight points of distribution in five regions across the state, and to purchase more than 96 million various PPE items including goggles, masks, face shields, respirators, gowns, gloves, and shoe coverings.

It also contracted for warehouse support in the form of staffing, warehouse equipment, material management, and tracking services to distribute PPE to other state entities, agencies, towns, and to those most vulnerable but unable to get the items themselves.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Connecticut with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided almost $396 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. To learn more about the COVID-19 response in Connecticut, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4500.

adrien.urbani Wed, 04/27/2022 - 14:40

FEMA Awards More Than $7.3 Million To Yale New Haven Hospital For Covid Meals Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $7.3 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse the Yale New Haven Hospital for the additional costs of preparing and distributing meals to patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The private, not-for-profit 1,541-bed teaching hospital with multiple campuses is a subsidiary of Yale New Haven Health Services Corporation, and will recive a total of $7,344,662 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse the hospital for the additional cost of providing meals between January 2020 and December 2021.

Morrison Food Service, with whom the hospital had a pre-existing contract to stock, prepare, and distribute food at their facilities, pivoted their service to COVID patient meal preparation and distribution, cleaning of high-touch services in the meal preparation areas, and purchasing of disposable materials (e.g. paper-plates/Styrofoam containers/plastic silverware) for COVID patient meal delivery.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Connecticut with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided almost $396 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. To learn more about the COVID-19 response in Connecticut, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4500.

 

adrien.urbani Wed, 04/27/2022 - 14:38

FEMA Awards Nearly $2.2 Million To Boston Public Health Commission For Covid-19 Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $2.2 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Boston Public Health Commission for the cost of testing residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $2,181,415 Public Assistance grant will go to the Boston Public Health Commission for contracting with five health centers to provide community-based coronavirus testing between September and December 2020.

As of August 20, 2020 the city had reported over 15,000 confirmed cases and 746 deaths due to COVID-19, and the commission had to continue its regular operations in addition to conducting 53,373 tests in order to reduce the spread of the virus.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $947 million in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. To learn more about the COVID-19 response in Massachusetts, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4496

 

adrien.urbani Wed, 04/27/2022 - 14:29