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30-Day Snapshot: FEMA and SBA Assistance Tops $25 Million for Kentucky Storm, Tornado Survivors
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Just 30 days after President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for the Commonwealth of Kentucky following the Dec. 10 tornadoes and flooding, more than $25 million in federal assistance has been provided by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support disaster recovery here.
“FEMA and our federal partners are working closely with the commonwealth to provide help to thousands of storm survivors as quickly as possible,” said John Brogan, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the Kentucky disaster recovery operation. “Federal assistance is just one part of the whole community effort to support Kentucky’s recovery from last month’s storms and tornadoes.”
As of Jan. 12, 2022, Kentucky’s recovery assistance includes:
More than $9.6 million in Individual and Households Program (IHP) grants awarded to eligible homeowners and renters in 16 Kentucky counties. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage, including:
- More than $6.9 million in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
- More than $2.7 million in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs—such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses.
More than $15.5 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations to repair, rebuild or replace disaster-damaged physical property and to cover economic injury from the December storms and tornadoes.
The 16 counties designated for Individual Assistance in this disaster are: Barren, Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor, and Warren.
The commonwealth and FEMA have staffed and operated 18 Disaster Recovery Centers in 14 counties which provide one-on-one assistance to survivors. The centers have tallied more than 2,200 visits by survivors. In addition, a FEMA Mobile Registration Center is open Marshall County.
- FEMA response staff was on site at the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center within hours of the storm. To date more than 500 FEMA personnel have deployed to the operation to execute disaster assistance and recovery programs in partnership with the Kentucky.
- In the early days of response FEMA deployed Urban Search and Rescue teams to assist in life saving actions. Other specialized teams were deployed to work on power restoration and debris assessment.
- FEMA has sent Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams to storm-impacted neighborhoods in every designated county. These teams travel door-to-door in hard-hit neighborhoods helping survivors apply for assistance. DSA teams work with commonwealth and local emergency managers to identify and conduct targeted outreach to underserved communities, visit homes, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to help residents register for assistance, identify, and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, commonwealth, and voluntary agencies for additional support.
- These teams provide information on resources available from federal and state governments, nonprofit organizations, and the faith-based community to help address immediate needs.
- To date, DSA personnel have visited more than 5,400 homes and more than 300 businesses; they have interacted with more than 6,000 survivors and have registered more than 1,500 households for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.
- FEMA is working to remove barriers to assistance, ensuring all survivors have equal access to disaster aid and resources.
- No one’s background or primary language is a barrier to receiving FEMA financial assistance. FEMA offers help in 75 languages available through our call centers to assist caseworkers and processing staff to provide customer service to non-English speaking applicants. Live operators are available by phone.
- FEMA is providing timely translation of information and resources into Spanish and multiple other languages identified in Kentucky.
Public Assistance
FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses counties, the Commonwealth, tribes, and certain nonprofits for eligible costs of disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures and repair and replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, such as roads, bridges, public utilities, including water treatment and electrical plants, government buildings and parks.
Also:
- FEMA mission assigned the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to manage debris removal in Graves County. The Corps has deployed 175 personnel. USACE estimates that more than 80,000 cubic yards of debris have been removed from roads in Graves County.
- President Biden approved an increase in the federal cost share for tornado-related debris removal in Kentucky from 75% to 100% for a period of 30 days in the first 120 days following the Dec. 12, 2021 declaration. The commonwealth will determine which 30-day window will best suit the needs. Twenty-three counties Kentucky Counties are now eligible funding under this program.
For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.
scott.reuter Thu, 01/13/2022 - 13:25Washington Disaster Survivors Can Apply for FEMA Assistance
LACEY, WA. – Residents of Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom counties and members of the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe or the Quileute Tribe who were affected by the Nov. 13-15, 2021 floods and mudslides can apply to FEMA for help with temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs or other essential disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance.
Residents in the designated counties and tribes can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
What FEMA will need from applicants
During the application process, FEMA personnel will ask for:
A current phone number where you can be contacted.
Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
Your Social Security Number.
A general list of damage and losses.
Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
If insured, your policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits. Applicants are required to provide FEMA with information about insurance coverage and settlements before FEMA can consider eligibility for assistance.
Disability or accessibility needs
In the application process, please pay special attention to question number 24 about people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. Answer "yes" to this question if you have a disability, accessibility need or another health or medical condition.
This is the best way to note any additional disability-related losses and/or needs such as medical support assistance, durable medical equipment repairs, or replacement of assistive technology that was lost or damaged as a result of the disaster. Examples include wheelchair, scooter, walker, CPAP machine, hearing aids, eyeglasses, screen reader. This question will also help applicants identify other services for which they may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
FEMA teams will assist survivors
FEMA will have Disaster Survivor Assistance teams (DSA) in affected areas helping with applications for FEMA assistance and providing information about other resources. DSA team members carry photo identification and never charge for assistance. These teams can help survivors apply for federal assistance, check the status of applications and provide information about resources.
The teams will operate at fixed locations such as community centers, libraries, covered parking lots, etc. The teams will follow CDC safety guidelines for COVID-19 including social distancing and use of protective equipment. Locations will be determined by local officials and will be in the most heavily impacted areas.
DSA teams will also work virtually with organizations that have the capability to electronically distribute disaster-related information to survivors, through faith-based and community organizations, private sector and public libraries.
Home inspections
If you report that you cannot, or may not be able to, safely live in your home, FEMA may need to perform an inspection of the damaged dwelling. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA will conduct exterior inspections. An interior inspection is not mandatory but if the owner and the inspector agree, an interior inspection may be conducted. If the applicant has technology that can assist in the viewing of damage inside the home, such as FaceTime or Zoom, the applicant may walk through the dwelling and demonstrate the damage without the inspector entering the dwelling.
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is March 7, 2022.
For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.
For more information about Washington flood and mudslide recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4635. Follow the FEMA Region 10 Twitter account at https://twitter.com/femaregion10.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
mary.j.edmon Thu, 01/13/2022 - 00:48Use Disaster Funds as Intended to Ensure Continued Eligibility
DENVER – State and federal disaster assistance is bringing needed financial help to homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered damage or loss as a result of the Marshall Fire. Emergency management officials encourage those who have applied for assistance and received assistance to use disaster funds for their intended purpose to ensure continued eligibility for assistance.
Funds are available through grants for housing and other needs and through low-interest federal loans for repair or replacement of primary homes, personal property and business recovery.
As part of their award, individuals will receive a letter stating what their disaster assistance is for, whether that is repairs to a specific part of the home, replacement of personal property, or rental assistance to find temporary housing while the home is being repaired or rebuilt.
Rental assistance is initially made available in the amount of one or two months’ rent. If residents are unable to return to their home for a longer period, as may be the case for many individuals and families impacted by the Marshall Fire, they may be eligible for continued rental assistance, but must contact FEMA and provide documentation of how the initial aid was used. Rental assistance funds cannot be used for other disaster related needs.
If individuals have any questions about rental assistance or any other FEMA assistance they have received they may call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) anytime from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mountain Time seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Or individuals can visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center co-located with the Boulder County Disaster Assistance Center at the following address:
1755 S. Public Road, Lafayette, Colorado.
Here are tips to help applicants get the most out of disaster recovery assistance funds:
- Keep all receipts for disaster related expenses.
- Don’t use disaster recovery payments to pay household bills.
- Don’t use disaster recovery payments to make purchases unrelated to needs created by the disaster.
In addition to the grants available through FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers federal low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofits organizations, homeowners and renters.
FEMA’s grants for disaster-related medical and dental expenses, funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who are referred to SBA must complete the loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
Completing an SBA loan application does not commit applicants to take the loan if it is offered but applying for the loan is an important part of the federal financial disaster assistance process and will help ensure individuals can receive all the aid they are eligible for.
Federal disaster assistance is available to renters, homeowners and businesses in Boulder County, Colorado.
anthony.mayne Wed, 01/12/2022 - 21:59
Se han aprobado más de $100 millones en subvenciones de FEMA para los habitantes de Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania – Tan solo cuatro meses después de que el presidente Biden aprobara la declaración de desastre mayor para ocho condados de Pennsylvania, FEMA ha proporcionado más de $100 millones a los propietarios de vivienda e inquilinos afectados por los remanentes del huracán Ida.
FEMA ha proporcionado $74.7 millones para asistencia de vivienda además de $25.6 millones para asistencia de otro tipo de necesidades.
Además, la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa ha proporcionado más de $47 millones en préstamos a 1,028 familias y 73 negocios.
El Programa del Seguro Nacional de Inundación también ha pagado $80.2 millones a 1,465 reclamantes.
Esto suma un total de más de $227 millones en asistencia federal que llegó directamente a las manos de los sobrevivientes en los condados Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia y York para ayudarles a iniciar su camino hacia la recuperación y volver a tener una sensación de normalidad.
Es probable que estas cifras aumenten a medida que FEMA siga procesando las inscripciones recibidas antes de la fecha límite del 10 de enero de 2022.
FEMA desea recordar a la población que la asistencia por desastre no es un sustituto del seguro y no puede compensar todas las pérdidas causadas por un desastre. Esta asistencia está destinada a satisfacer las necesidades básicas y a complementar los esfuerzos de recuperación del desastre.
Para obtener información actualizada sobre la respuesta y la recuperación en Pennsylvania, siga a la Agencia de Manejo de Emergencias de Pennsylvania en Twitter twitter.com/PEMAHQ y Facebook https://m.facebook.com/PEMAHQ/. Hay información adicional disponible en fema.gov/es/disaster/4618.
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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres. La jurisdicción de la Región 3 de FEMA incluye Delaware, el Distrito de Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia y West Virginia.
Síganos en Twitter en twitter.com/femaregion3 y en LinkedIn en linkedin.com/company/femaregion3
amanda.hancher Tue, 01/11/2022 - 19:36FEMA Provides $15.3M to University Hospitals for COVID-19 Response Costs
CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) announced today that $15,375,666 in federal funding has been made available to University Hospitals Health Systems for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of March 31, 2020.
This funding will reimburse University Hospitals for costs to provide overtime labor, facility disinfection, personal protective equipment, COVID-19 testing and therapeutics, medical equipment, supplies and security.
“FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an important resource for state and local governments, jurisdictions, and eligible private non-profits to cover eligible COVID-19 expenses,” said Moises Dugan, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant has helped ensure necessary medical services and equipment are available to fight this virus and protect the lives of Ohioans.”
“I would like to thank FEMA Region 5 for its continued funding support to not only University Hospitals Health Systems in Cleveland, but to the entire state of Ohio,” said Ohio EMA Executive Director Sima Merick. “FEMA’s ongoing support ensures that Ohio hospitals can continue to operate in this COVID environment, and provide medical services to Ohioans, efficiently and effectively.”
FEMA provides a 100% federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to state and local governments, jurisdictions, and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property. To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
troy.christensen Tue, 01/11/2022 - 19:22President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Missouri
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Missouri to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes on Dec. 10, 2021.
Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes in Bollinger, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, Pemiscot, Reynolds and Wayne counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
DuWayne Tewes has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.
mayshaunt.gary Tue, 01/11/2022 - 18:30FEMA Publishes More Data on New Flood Insurance Rating Methodology
WASHINGTON -- FEMA is releasing additional data on the agency’s new equitable flood insurance rate pricing methods.
Site visitors can view data that compares rate changes from the new rating methodology -- also called Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action -- to the legacy rating system in place since the 1970s. FEMA created Risk Rating 2.0 so flood insurance rates are actuarily sound, equitable, easier to understand and better reflect an individual property’s flood risk.
To view the comparison data, visit www.fema.gov/flood-insurance/risk-rating/profiles.
"The comparison data debunks a huge myth held by many critics of the new methodology that under the old system, flood insurance rates were not subject to regular annual increases," said David Maurstad, senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program. “The truth is rates have gone up every year for all policyholders and would continue to do so if no action is taken."
"The side-by-side comparisons show some policyholders now will experience decreases under year one of Risk Rating 2.0 while a majority of remaining policyholders will see premium increases mostly on par with what they already pay."
The new methodology now considers the cost to rebuild, a foundational aspect that ensures rates are equitable for all policyholders. Under the old system, policyholders with lower to moderate value homes with less flood risk subsidized the premiums of policyholders with higher valued homes and higher risk. Adding the cost to rebuild levels the playing field as all premiums now equitably reflect a single property’s unique flood risk.
Another key change implemented with the new methodology is the fact that once a premium reaches its full risk rate, increases stop. Under the old system, increases would continue indefinitely year after year for all policyholders.
FEMA has taken a phased approach to the implementation of the NFIP’s new pricing plan. Phase 1 was initiated on Oct. 1, 2021 with existing policyholders allowed to take advantage of decreases on their policy renewal date and with the selling of new policies.
For phase 2, all remaining policies renewing on April 1 and continuing through March 31, 2023 will be subject to the new rating methodology.
To date, the NFIP has sold approximately 75,296 new contracts and policies since Risk Rating 2.0 was implemented on Oct. 1.
Potential and existing policy holders can learn their specific rates with a call to their insurance company or agent.
mayshaunt.gary Tue, 01/11/2022 - 18:30FEMA Provides $44.9M to Michigan for COVID-19 Response
CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division announced today that $44,934,145 in federal funding has been made available to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of March 27, 2020.
This funding will reimburse MDHHS for eligible reimbursable costs related to providing COVID-19 testing and reporting statewide from July 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021. Approximately $8.1 million of the grant covered COVID-19 testing and reporting for residents at the MDHHS long-term care facilities, and $36.8 million covered COVID-19 testing and reporting for inmates, prison staff and visitors at the Michigan Department of Corrections facilities.
“FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an important resource for state and local governments, jurisdictions, and eligible private non-profits to cover eligible COVID-19 expenses,” said Moises Dugan, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “The state’s actions protected the health and safety of Michigan residents and helped reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
“COVID-19 has not only taken a physical and mental toll on Michiganders, it has cost the state millions of dollars as we work to ensure everyone’s health and safety,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This federal assistance is a big step toward helping our state agencies recoup some of those costs. I am grateful to our federal partners for this assistance and will continue to look for opportunities to support our state’s response.”
“We are grateful to our federal partners for this funding which will help the State of Michigan address the cost of this pandemic and the efforts of MDHHS to keep Michiganders safe and healthy,” said Col. Joe Gasper, state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and director of the Michigan State Police. “Our state agencies have worked around the clock to protect the well-being of all Michigan residents, and their work is not done yet. We will continue to support them in those efforts and thank them for their dedication.”
FEMA provides a 100% federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for these two projects, one totaling $8,150,845 and the other for $36,783,300.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to state and local governments, jurisdictions, and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property. To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
troy.christensen Tue, 01/11/2022 - 14:20Repair and Rebuilding Advice Available to Kentucky Survivors
FRANKFORT, Ky – Disaster survivors from Graves and Spencer counties who are rebuilding and repairing their homes after the Dec. 10 tornadoes and severe storms, can visit Lowe’s or Home Depot stores to get free hazard mitigation advice from FEMA mitigation representatives.
FEMA Mitigation Specialists will be available to answer questions and offer home improvement tips along with proven methods to prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also offer tips and techniques on rebuilding hazard-resistant homes.
The Mitigation Specialists will be available at the following locations and times:
Lowe's 1208C Paris Road Mayfield, KY 42066
Home Depot # 2318 2233 Gary Farms Blvd Bowling Green, KY 42104
Lowe's 150 American Lane Bowling Green, KY 42104
All locations will be open on Tuesday, Jan. 11 through Saturday, Jan. 29 from 7 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. (Saturday to Sunday). Closed on Wednesdays.
For information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.
scott.reuter Tue, 01/11/2022 - 13:45Disaster Recovery Centers and Mobile Recovery Center to Delay Opening to 9 a.m. CST Jan. 10
FRANKFORT, Ky – Disaster Recovery Centers and the Mobile Registration Center will delay their opening Jan. 10 to 9:00 a.m. CST due to inclement weather.
Find locations for open Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) online at www.fema.gov/drc or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. On your smart phone, open the FEMA App, click on “Talk to FEMA in person.”
The following recovery centers will open at 9 a.m. CST.:
WARREN COUNTY DRC
Former Sears location at Greenwood Mall, 2625 Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104
CALDWELL COUNTY DRC
Butler Gymnasium, 600 W. Main St., Princeton, KY 42445
MUHLENBERG COUNTY DRC
Neal’s Chapel General Baptist Church, State Route 81, Sacramento, KY 42372
GRAVES COUNTY DRC
Graves County Public Library, 601 N. 17th St., Mayfield, KY 42066
TAYLOR COUNTY DRC
Old Firehouse, 1563 Greenburg Road, Campbellsville, KY 42718
MARION COUNTY DRC (9 a.m. EST)
223 N. Spalding Ave., Lebanon, KY 40033
HOPKINS COUNTY DRC
Community Center, 108 W. Keigan St., Dawson Springs, KY 42408
HOPKINS COUNTY DRC
Mike’s Old Pharmacy, 104 S. Lee Trover Todd Jr. Hwy., Earlington, KY 42410
The following registration center will reopen at 9 a.m. Jan. 10:
Marshall County MRIC
Old Marshall County Library, 1003 Poplar St., Benton, KY 42025
For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.
scott.reuter Mon, 01/10/2022 - 03:34FEMA Cost Share Adjustment Grants More Flexibility for Kentucky Emergency Work and Debris Removal
WASHINGTON-- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. amended federal emergency aid available for emergency work and debris removal for the Commonwealth as a result of severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding and tornadoes from Dec. 10-11, 2021.
Under the major disaster declaration issued for Kentucky, President Biden previously authorized a 100% federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, for a period of 30 days from the start of the incident period.
Under the President's order, federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, is 100% of the total eligible costs for a 30-day period of the commonwealth’s choosing within the first 120 days of the declaration.
amy.ashbridge Sun, 01/09/2022 - 01:18Disaster Recovery Centers and Mobile Recovery Centers Reopen
FRANKFORT, Ky – The Commonwealth of Kentucky and FEMA have deemed it safe to reopen some Disaster Recovery Centers and Mobile Registration Centers after two days of severe weather.
Find locations for open Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) online at www.fema.gov/drc or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. On your smart phone, open the FEMA App, click on “Talk to FEMA in person.”
The following recovery centers will open at noon, Saturday, Jan. 8:
WARREN COUNTY DRC
Former Sears location at Greenwood Mall, 2625 Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104
CALDWELL COUNTY DRC
Butler Gymnasium, 600 W. Main St., Princeton, KY 42445
GRAVES COUNTY DRC
Graves County Public Library, 601 N. 17th St., Mayfield, KY 42066
LOGAN COUNTY DRC
Logan County Extension Services, 255 John Paul Road, Russellville, KY 42276
BARREN COUNTY DRC
Cave City Police Department, 103 Duke St., Cave City, KY 42127
MARION COUNTY DRC
223 N. Spalding Ave., Lebanon, KY 40033
HOPKINS COUNTY DRC
Community Center, 108 W. Keigan St., Dawson Springs, KY 42408
HOPKINS COUNTY DRC
Mike’s Old Pharmacy, 104 S. Lee Trover Todd Jr. Hwy., Earlington, KY 42410
The following Mobile Registration Center will reopen at noon, Saturday, Jan. 8:
Marshall County MRIC
Old Marshall County Library, 1003 Poplar St., Benton, KY 42025
For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.
scott.reuter Sat, 01/08/2022 - 03:50Federal Support in New York Continues Four Months After Ida
NEW YORK – It has been four months since the remnants of Hurricane Ida impacted homes, businesses and infrastructure across New York state. To date, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Flood Insurance Program has disbursed nearly half a billion dollars to help New Yorkers recover and rebuild.
“We stand alongside our state, local, community and other federal partners to continue a robust recovery effort,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Lai Sun Yee. “In addition to funding, FEMA mobilized more than 40 disaster recovery centers, visited nearly 99,000 homes and interacted with at least 42,000 survivors through its Disaster Survivor Assistance teams.”
Nearly 40,000 New Yorkers from the Bronx, Brooklyn (Kings County), Queens, Staten Island (Richmond County), Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties have been approved for FEMA disaster assistance since the Sept. 5 major disaster declaration. Orange County was added to the declaration on Dec. 1.
As of Jan. 5. FEMA approved $191.1 million for housing and other essential storm-related needs under the Individual Assistance program. This amount includes $171.9 million approved for temporary housing, rental assistance, home repair and replacement for eligible survivors and $19.2 million approved for other needs assistance which can help eligible survivors pay for medical and dental expenses, childcare, and other disaster-related necessary expenses.
The Small Business Administration has approved 4,010 home and business loans for a total of more than $196.5 million to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from remnants of Hurricane Ida. SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. These low-interest loans are not just for businesses. Homeowners, renters and certain nonprofits impacted by Ida may also apply. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $110.1 million to New York policyholders and closed 3,032 claims for flood damage caused by the storm.
Residents of Orange County who suffered damage or losses from remnants of Hurricane Ida, have until Monday, Jan. 31 to apply for disaster assistance with FEMA.
The application period for residents of the Bronx, Brooklyn (Kings County), Queens, Staten Island (Richmond County), Dutchess, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties ended on Jan. 4. However, individuals from these nine counties have a 60-day grace period to submit a late application. For a late application, the applicant must submit a letter to FEMA that explains the extenuating circumstances that prevented them from applying within the application period.
To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
Applying for an SBA loan assures that all available disaster assistance options remain open to you. If you are not eligible for an SBA loan, this may open the door to additional assistance from FEMA.
Applicants may apply online using SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800-877-8339. For more information, email DisasterCustomerService@SBA.gov.
zella.campbell Fri, 01/07/2022 - 22:58Disaster Recovery Progress in Jefferson and Shelby Counties
CLANTON, Ala. – On Dec. 21, 2021 President Biden issued a federal disaster declaration for Jefferson and Shelby Counties following the severe storms and flooding that occurred Oct. 6-7, 2021. Since then, local, state, and federal partners have been hard at work making sure disaster survivors get the assistance they need.
Since the federal disaster declaration for Oct. 6-7 severe storms and flooding, Jefferson and Shelby County residents have received more than $9,736,248 in federal funds as of Jan. 7, 2022.
Individual Assistance in Jefferson and Shelby Counties:213 homeowners and renters have been approved for $1,124,514.42 in federal grants through FEMA’s Individual and Households Program. This includes:
- $1,035,582.79 in Housing Assistance grants for home repair, home replacement, and or rental/assistance.
- $88,931.63 in Other Needs Assistance grants to replace essential household items and for other critical disaster-related costs.
- 85 homeowners and renters have been approved for rental assistance.
- 417 home inspections issued; 355 completed.
- NFIP has paid $8,167,334 to policyholders who filed claims in Jefferson and Shelby Counties.
- 10 households have been approved for $24,000 for a Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) where FEMA pays the cost of the GFIP directly to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
- 10 residents have been approved for $420,400 in low-interest loans through the SBA disaster home loan program.
- SBA is operating a Business Recovery Center (BRC) at the Hoover Recreation Center:
- Address: 600 Municipal Drive, Hoover, AL 35216.
- Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CST, closed Saturday and Sunday.
- The BRC can assist businesses of all sizes, non-profits, and homeowners or renters with their SBA application.
Residents of Jefferson and Shelby counties in Alabama who were affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred Oct. 6-7, 2021, may apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline to register is Feb. 21, 2022.
Residents in the designated counties can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 – 6 a.m. to midnight Central Time, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. When you apply, you will need to provide:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted.
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
- Your Social Security Number.
- A general list of damage and losses.
- Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
- If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
For more information about Alabama disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4632. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion4.
neily.chapman Fri, 01/07/2022 - 22:05Time is Running Out to Register for FEMA Assistance
HARRISBURG, Pa. – There are just a few days left for homeowners and renters to apply for disaster assistance. Those who sustained uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from the remnants of Hurricane Ida living in Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and York counties are encouraged to apply.
The deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Monday, Jan. 10. There are several ways to register:- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).
- Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), also available at Google Play or the Apple App Store.
- Funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs
- Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges
- Funds for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care and other miscellaneous items
- Social Security number
- Address of the damaged primary residence
- Insurance coverage information
- Current telephone number and mailing address
- Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds
Survivors should update their contact information as soon as possible because FEMA may need to reach them to perform a home inspection or get additional information. FEMA encourages survivors to request direct deposits of disaster assistance to their financial institution. Survivors should let FEMA know as soon as possible of any changes to their mailing or banking information.
Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.
For updates on the Pennsylvania response and recovery, follow the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on Twitter twitter.com/PEMAHQ and Facebook https://m.facebook.com/PEMAHQ/. Additional information is available at fema.gov/disaster/4618.
valerie.amato Fri, 01/07/2022 - 17:26Two Disaster Recovery Centers to Change Saturday Hours of Operation
Survivors can get help with their disaster assistance applications, upload documents and have their questions about federal disaster assistance answered at the centers.
The two centers are located at: Edward Dufresne Community Center (Parking lot)274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway Luling, LA 70070
Hours of operation Mon. – Fri.: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Sunday
Montegut Recreation Center (Gravel next to baseball field)106 Dolphin St. (Southwest corner of Cross St. and Dolphin St.) Montegut, LA 70377
Hours of operation Mon. – Fri.: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Sunday
For a list of all DRCs currently open in Louisiana and other details, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Or check the FEMA app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person). All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for employees, volunteers and survivors.
kwei.nwaogu Fri, 01/07/2022 - 16:39UPDATE: All Disaster Recovery Centers and Mobile Registration Centers to remain Closed Friday Jan. 7 Due to Severe Weather
FRANKFORT, Ky – Due to the severe winter weather threat in the region, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and FEMA have determined that all Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed Thursday, Jan. 6, and Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.
The weather threat is expected to affect the area until Friday, Jan. 7.
The Recovery Centers will be reopened when it is safe to do so.
For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.
scott.reuter Fri, 01/07/2022 - 13:23FEMA, Territorial Partnership Paves Path to Rebuild Arthur Richards School
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – Hurricane Maria’s winds and rains left Arthur Richards Junior High School in ruins in September 2017. FEMA and the Territory made it a priority to assess damage to the school’s six buildings and grounds, collaborate to build out temporary modular classrooms for students and ultimately replace the school.
FEMA approved replacement of Arthur Richards in 2020 and demolition of the Frederiksted school began in 2020 as well. Plans to replace Arthur Richards have hit another milestone in the new year with FEMA’s approval of a $242.5 million project to rebuild the school.
The federal and territorial partnership to replace Arthur Richards spotlights FEMA’s mission to support the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education’s plans to repair and rebuild public schools damaged from hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017.
“Collaboration and diligence between FEMA and the Territory has laid the foundation for a new Arthur Richards Junior High School. We stand firm in our commitment to help the U.S. Virgin Islands repair and rebuild schools that will provide a safe and modern environment for the Territory’s children. Building schools smarter and stronger will ensure children return to classrooms quicker after future storms,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Recovery Director Kristen Hodge.
FEMA has awarded $209.2 million through its Public Assistance program toward the Territory’s plan to rebuild Arthur Richards. Insurance proceeds will cover $10 million and a non-federal cost share of 10% will cover remaining costs for the project to replace Arthur Richards. The replacement of Arthur Richards is authorized as a Public Assistance Alternative Procedures project and clears a path for the Territory to rebuild the school at the site of the Evelyn Williams School in Mount Pleasant on St. Croix.
“The Office of Disaster Recovery thanks FEMA for this obligation which will set the standard for new school construction in the Territory in accordance with the Department of Education’s Facilities Master Plan. This was a monumental joint effort which has provided funding for the first new school reconstruction as we work to modernize schools across the Territory,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien.
As of January 5, 2022, FEMA has obligated a combined $444 million for emergency and permanent repairs to U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education facilities damaged during the 2017 Category 5 hurricanes.
The Territory began the demolition of Arthur Richards Junior High School on St. Croix in 2020. FEMA has approved a $242.5 million project to replace the school, which was damaged during Hurricane Maria in September 2017. Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery.
gina.callaghan Fri, 01/07/2022 - 12:50FEMA Announces Reinsurance Program to Manage Future Flood Risk in 2022
WASHINGTON -- FEMA has announced its 2022 traditional reinsurance placement for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), continuing its risk management practice against catastrophic flood losses.
The agency has transferred an additional $1.064 billion of the NFIP’s financial risk to the private reinsurance market. This annual reinsurance agreement is effective throughout the calendar year with 28 private reinsurance companies.
The 2022 reinsurance placement covers portions of NFIP losses above $4 billion arising from a single flooding event. FEMA paid a total premium of $171.9 million for the coverage.
The agreement is structured to cover:
- 4.163% of losses between $4 billion and $6 billion.
- 26.565% of losses between $6 billion and $8 billion.
- 22.453% of losses between $8 billion and $10 billion.
“FEMA remains committed to reinsurance as a risk transfer measure to ensure the NFIP has the capacity to pay claims, especially now with the growing intensity and frequency of weather patterns brought on by climate change,” said David Maurstad, FEMA’s senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program. “Our No. 1 job is to provide policyholders peace of mind in knowing that the NFIP will be there when they need it most.”
Reinsurance is a financial risk management tool used by private insurance companies and public entities to protect themselves from large financial losses. If a qualifying catastrophic flood event occurs, reinsurance companies cover a portion of the NFIP’s losses to enhance FEMA’s ability to pay flood insurance claims without borrowing from the U.S. Treasury.
Combined with the three capital markets reinsurance placements in 2019-21, FEMA has transferred $2.3 billion of the NFIP’s flood risk to the private sector.
If a named storm flood event is large enough to trigger all reinsurance agreements, FEMA will receive qualifying payments. For named storms resulting in NFIP claims exceeding $10 billion, FEMA will receive the full $2.3 billion of reinsurance coverage from the private markets.
FEMA contracted with Guy Carpenter and Company, a subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, to provide broker services to assist in securing the reinsurance placement.
FEMA received authority to secure reinsurance through the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014. FEMA’s 2022 reinsurance placement builds upon its previous reinsurance placements as further development toward a stronger financial framework.
For more information, visit the NFIP Reinsurance Program webpage on FEMA.gov.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 01/06/2022 - 21:44FEMA Deadline has Passed but Help is Still Available; Federal Funding Tops $711.7 Million
TRENTON, N.J. – FEMA encourages applicants to keep in touch to track their case. Residents who believe the assistance they received for repairs is not enough are encouraged to contact FEMA to submit an appeal. Survivors may be asked to submit repair estimates, receipts or other documentation that explains their case. Survivors should also notify the agency of additional damage discovered to their home since their inspection. They should also update mailing or email addresses or phone numbers and the status of their insurance settlements.
Applicants in Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union or Warren counties can contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585 or go online at DisasterAssistance.gov to keep FEMA updated or for follow-up questions.
The toll-free telephone lines are currently operating 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available.
Federal Funding Tops $711.7 MillionFour months since President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in New Jersey, more than $711.7 million in federal funds have been provided to New Jersey residents to aid in their recovery. The breakdown of funds is as follows:
- More than $215.6 million in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
- More than $230.1 million in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and business owners.
- Nearly $266 million paid to National Flood Insurance Program policyholders statewide.
Homeowners, renters and businesses who have applied for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration can follow-up with questions at SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or email disastercustomerservice@SBA.gov.
For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4614. Follow the FEMA Region 2 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMAregion2.
amir.nijem Thu, 01/06/2022 - 18:12Pages
