Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Closing in Fairfield County

HARTFORD, Conn. – Two Disaster Recovery Centers will be closing this week in Fairfield County. While these sites will be closing help is still available, FEMA specialists are still just a phone call or mouse click away.

Two DRCs in Fairfield County will permanently close Friday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.

• Darien: Noroton Heights Fire Dept. 209 Noroton Ave., Darien, CT 06820
• Greenwich: Glenville Fire Station, 266 Glenville Rd., Greenwich, CT 06831

Face-to-face assistance is still available at Harry Bennett Branch of the Ferguson Library, 115 Vine Rd., Stamford, CT 06905 until further notice.

Survivors can also find their nearest DRC online at fema.gov/drc, or text DRC to 43362. Standard message and data rates apply.

Help is Still Available

Disaster survivors can still access disaster information and assistance the following ways: online at DisasterAssistance.gov; by calling 800-621-3362; (TTY:800-462-7585); or download the FEMA app available for smart phones. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week. 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.

adrien.urbani Wed, 12/08/2021 - 19:33

FEMA, SBA Applications Deadline Looms

PEARL, Miss. – Mississippi homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofits in Amite, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson counties who had property damage or other uninsured losses caused by Hurricane Ida have less than two weeks left to apply for federal disaster assistance.

The deadline is Dec. 22.

If you live in one of the eight counties included in the Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance, you can apply for help, update your contact information, ask questions about a letter from FEMA, get information about FEMA home inspections, or learn how to appeal a FEMA decision by:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are on duty seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST.

You should have the following information available to apply:

• Address of the primary dwelling where damage occurred;
• Your current mailing address, telephone number and Social Security number;
• Your insurance information;
• Total annual household annual income;
• Routing and account numbers for checking or savings accounts for direct deposit; and
• A description of disaster damage and losses.

Applicants should mention any access or functional needs they may have when applying. FEMA can provide American Sign Language and multiple language interpreters, real-time captioning and information in alternate formats such as Braille, large-print, audio and electronic versions. The agency also provides free services to help survivors communicate with its staff and understand FEMA programs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and private nonprofits, including houses of worship, to repair/replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets.

Apply for an SBA loan online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or call SBA at (800) 659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. That deadline is Dec. 22 as well.

For the latest on the recovery effort following Hurricane Ida, please visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4626. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion4 and www.facebook.com/fema.

ricardo.zuniga Wed, 12/08/2021 - 19:28

FEMA Awards $3.9 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $3,904,527 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for administrative costs and emergency response following Hurricane Irma in 2017. ­

The FEMA Public Assistance program grants include:   

• Florida Department of Corrections: $1,458,569 for the administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other expenses after the storm.

• The City of Delray Beach: $1,395,121 for emergency protective measures it implemented to protect life and property, including emergency sewage pumping due to power outages, emergency medical care and support, safety inspections at city properties, sandbagging at the police station and the purchase of generators.

• Volusia County: $1,050,837 for the administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other expenses after the storm

The program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with subrecipients such as local and county governments.

                                                                      ###

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

Nadine.Jones Wed, 12/08/2021 - 17:44

How to Reduce Disaster Damage to Homes in the Future

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Many Tennesseans are in the process of repairing and rebuilding from damage caused by Aug. 21 storms and flooding. FEMA mitigation experts encourage residents in the areas affected by the disaster to make some fairly simple changes to their homes to reduce damage from future severe storms.

"It is safer, cheaper, and ultimately much easier to limit future destruction than to repair it afterward," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Myra. Shird. "And, the rebuilding phase of a disaster is the ideal time to consider ways to strengthen your home to protect people and property.”

Some techniques require licensed building professionals for design and installation. Others can be implemented by do-it-yourself methods and don’t require permits. Homeowners are advised to check with their local building officials about their plans before undertaking any improvements.

Protect against flood damage

Contact local emergency management officials to find out what kind of floodplain your property may be located in to make changes that reduce a flood’s ability to damage a home.

• When building new construction, it is important to have the structure properly anchored to the foundation to prevent the home from being swept away.
• Raise Electrical Boxes, Major Appliances, and HVAC components at least one-foot above the 100-year flood level.
  • Circuit Breaker Boxes - Short circuits in flooded systems pose a significant fire danger. The likelihood of a flooded electrical system can be reduced by raising all electrical components.
  • Appliances - Washers and dryers can be elevated with pressure-treated lumber, or moved to a higher floor; and
  • HVAC - Exterior HVAC equipment should be elevated by a professional contractor.

• Anchor fuel tanks - When floodwaters move an unanchored tank, the supply line may tear. Additionally, filling and ventilation tubes need to be above flood level so that water cannot get inside the tank. Anchor inside and outside tanks with properly sized ground anchors.

For safety's sake, consult local officials and building professionals about the best methods for anchoring fuel tanks.

• Install sewer backflow valves - Flooding can cause sewer lines to back up into houses through drainpipes. Backflow valves are designed to block drainpipes temporarily and prevent flow into the house. Have a licensed plumber or contractor install the valves.  
• Buy Flood Insurance: Understanding your flood risk allows you to make informed decisions about protecting your family and property. Flood damage is not usually covered in homeowner multi-peril insurance policies. The most common way to insure against flood damage to your home and contents is with a separate flood insurance policy. You can learn more about flood insurance coverage and costs at https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program.

Reinforce Vulnerable Areas to Minimize Wind Damage

High winds are looking for cracks to penetrate a home, because once high winds get in even through what may seem to be small openings, they can do tremendous damage. Here are tips from FEMA experts on methods to limit high wind’s ability to trespass into a home.

• Strengthen Entry Doors and Windows - Install storm shutters over all exposed windows and glass surfaces. If replacing an entry door, use an approved, impact-tested door and install a dead bolt lock long enough to penetrate the 2X4 framing of the door. Also ensure the strike plate is installed with screws long enough to penetrate the door frame.
• Fortify garage doors – Once wind gets through a garage door it can do tremendous damage to the whole house. A garage door can be reinforced by adding braces across the back of the door and by strengthening the glider wheel tracks. Modifications should usually be made by a garage door expert. Consider purchasing a garage door built to withstand high winds.
• Brace Gable End Walls - Anchor and brace the bottom of the gable end's triangular wall to the ceiling joists or ceiling framing. Strengthen the gable end wall studs and brace the top of the gable end wall by tying it to the rafters or tops of the trusses.
• Keep Outdoor Gear from Becoming Windborne Missiles - Securely anchor all storage sheds and other outbuildings, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors. Bolt outdoor furniture and barbecue grills to decks or patios, attach them to ground anchors with cables or chains. Secure trash cans with cables or chains attached to ground anchors or to wood posts firmly embedded in the ground.
• Trees and Landscaping Tips – It is estimated that three-quarters of the damage done by trees in high winds could be avoided if trees had been properly cared for starting with planting. Plant trees at the correct depth by making sure the roots are at the soil surface. Trees planted too deep could snap off at the stem-girdled point during forceful winds. Avoid wounding trees by banging them with a lawn mower or cutting them with a weed trimmer. Wounds lead to decay, a condition that leads to storm-damaged trees. Prune trees to correct defects such as multiple leaders and weak branch attachments.

There is much more to know about strengthening a home and many resources on the FEMA.gov and Ready.gov websites. The fact sheet, Mitigation for Homeowners (fema.gov).

For more information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit www.tn.gov/tema.html and www.fema.gov/disaster/4609. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.

felicia.jordan Wed, 12/08/2021 - 16:08

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell Statement On Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks Confirmation

WASHINGTON -- Erik Hooks admirably served the state of North Carolina as its head of Public Safety during a most challenging period, through natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, and I look forward to welcoming him to FEMA. I am thrilled to have him join the agency’s leadership team, as I am confident he will greatly contribute to our mission of helping communities before, during and after disasters. His experience and background will build on our efforts to infuse equity across our agency, advance our nation’s emergency management and readiness and address the growing threat of climate change. Mr. Hooks is a proven leader with a long and distinguished career and offers an invaluable perspective to FEMA’s work.

zella.campbell Tue, 12/07/2021 - 23:32

FEMA, Ad Council Release New PSAs in Collaboration with Sony Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife'

WASHINGTON -- FEMA’s Ready Campaign and the Ad Council joined with Sony Pictures and their new film, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” to promote the critical message of emergency preparedness.

“We recently launched this new partnership to help remind communities whether it’s a ghost encounter or a natural disaster, it helps to be prepared,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Make sure you're ready for emergencies, from specters to wildfires, by visiting Ready.gov/Plan.”

In “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. In celebration of the film’s theatrical release on Nov. 18, Sony Pictures developed public service advertisements (PSAs) with film footage for the Ready Campaign.

The PSA video and promotional posters feature the film’s cast in key movie scenes depicting what families should do now to prepare for disasters with the theme, “Ghosts don’t plan ahead, but you can. Make your emergency plan.”

Beginning this month, the TV PSAs will air in donated media throughout the country. Networks can download advertisements from the Ad Council’s website. The PSA video is also available to view on https://www.ready.gov/videos. As part of the promotion, @Readygov twitter account and the Ready Facebook page will be using the PSAs to encourage the public to get prepared for emergencies.

FEMA’s Ready Campaign launched in 2003 as a national public service campaign to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Ready, and its Spanish language version Listo, ask individuals to Make a Plan that includes:

1. Signing up for local weather and emergency alerts
2. Knowing your evacuation routes
3. Deciding on a safe emergency meeting location

The new PSAs are an extension of FEMA and the Ad Council’s partnership, which has helped to generate more than 100 million unique visitors to the campaign’s website Ready.gov and Listo.gov since its launch in 2003.

For more information on what to do before, during or after emergencies, visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 12/07/2021 - 20:09

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance State by State Breakdown

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided over $1.47 billion to nearly 226,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

Eligibility determinations are not driven by state/location; instead, they are based on when the applicant submits all required documentation.

“Applications” in the below chart 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

8,683

$35,021,902

5,117

ALASKA

261

$727,623

137

AMERICAN SAMOA

Less than 10

$22,968

Less than 10

ARIZONA

5,831

$18,595,839

3,680

ARKANSAS

3,843

$15,666,242

2,475

CALIFORNIA

32,592

$141,590,588

21,907

COLORADO

2,901

$9,782,077

1,739

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

Less than 10

$10,894

Less than 10

CONNECTICUT

3,538

$18,558,653

2,698

DELAWARE

1,010

$4,497,483

715

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

596

$2,585,026

376

FLORIDA

25,424

$83,986,665

14,912

GEORGIA

14,791

$59,707,678

8,653

GUAM

24

$79,952

11

HAWAII

457

$1,348,459

236

IDAHO

1,098

$3,222,349

562

ILLINOIS

13,304

$63,574,009

9,317

INDIANA

6,286

$27,419,062

3,939

IOWA

2,910

$14,904,137

2,078

KANSAS

2,869

$12,740,495

1,958

KENTUCKY

5,792

$22,529,992

3,135

LOUISIANA

6,816

$29,759,432

4,338

MAINE

508

$1,704,297

311

MARYLAND

6,110

$29,042,677

4,324

MASSACHUSETTS

6,021

$30,405,464

4,388

MICHIGAN

11,014

$46,338,708

7,623

MINNESOTA

3,314

$16,281,076

2,394

MISSISSIPPI

5,757

$23,806,988

3,525

MISSOURI

6,725

$27,587,860

4,384

MONTANA

813

$2,294,995

447

NEBRASKA

1,440

$7,225,921

1,036

NEVADA

3,107

$10,128,431

1,840

NEW HAMPSHIRE

757

$3,345,241

546

NEW JERSEY

12,477

$61,666,779

8,977

NEW MEXICO

1,896

$6,180,728

1,199

NEW YORK

27,236

$131,234,179

19,142

NORTH CAROLINA

11,455

$49,256,871

7,476

NORTH DAKOTA

797

$4,436,916

600

OHIO

12,495

$52,290,676

8,093

OKLAHOMA

5,385

$20,996,013

3,290

OREGON

1,469

$3,853,211

770

PENNSYLVANIA

14,809

$68,207,284

10,384

PUERTO RICO

1,554

$3,360,433

907

RHODE ISLAND

1,210

$6,147,586

900

SOUTH CAROLINA

8,015

$33,109,830

4,797

SOUTH DAKOTA

809

$4,280,344

588

TENNESSEE

9,944

$39,426,007

5,702

TEXAS

33,850

$141,429,983

21,701

U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

46

$180,364

28

UTAH

1,507

$6,688,732

951

VERMONT

162

$704,283

123

VIRGINIA

7,625

$32,118,955

4,853

WASHINGTON

2,745

$8,638,505

1,563

WEST VIRGINIA

2,237

$8,215,763

1,212

WISCONSIN

5,180

$23,341,488

3,585

WYOMING

467

$1,574,622

277

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. EST today.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, 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, 12/06/2021 - 21:08

FEMA Recovery Center Opens in Stamford

Hartford, Conn.– A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Stamford (Fairfield County) opens at 8 a.m. Dec. 7, to help Connecticut residents affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.  

Representatives from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available at the center to help survivors apply for disaster assistance, explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about FEMA letters and the appeals process and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

The DRC is located at: Harry Bennett Branch of the Ferguson Library, 115 Vine Rd., Stamford, CT 06905.        

• Hours for the Stamford location are: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and Closed Sunday.

DRCs are accessible for individuals with disabilities and have on-site communication accessibility tools like amplified listening devices and Video Remote Interpreting. Additional accommodations can be made upon arrival. ASL interpreters and multilingual services will be available upon request.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. In addition to visiting a DRC, Connecticut residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov; via the FEMA app; or by calling the Disaster Assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. The deadline to apply for federal assistance is Dec. 29.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration: Social Security number; address of the damaged primary residence; insurance coverage information; current telephone number and mailing address; and bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

To help alleviate the risk of COVID-19 being spread through person-to-person contact, wearing a mask or face covering is required to gain entry. Hand sanitizer is available to survivors and staff.

Workstations are spaced six feet apart to provide an extra level of protection for survivors and staff.

FEMA ensures that common areas are cleaned regularly, and workstations are sanitized after each visitor.

Individuals in Fairfield, New Haven and New London Counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance. FEMA is working with state officials to open further centers throughout declared counties.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover

adrien.urbani Mon, 12/06/2021 - 20:36

One Week Left to Register for FEMA Assistance

HARRISBURG, PA – Homeowners and renters who have uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from the Remnants of Hurricane Ida in Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and York counties have only one week left to apply for disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Dec. 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.

Assistance from FEMA may include 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
• 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.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration:

• 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 keep their contact information updated with FEMA because they may need to reach them to perform a home inspection or get additional information. For faster reimbursement, 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, 12/03/2021 - 20:13

Connecticut Hurricane Ida – Federal Aid Tops $26 Million, Survivors Still Have Time to Apply with FEMA

HARTFORD, Conn. – With less than one month remaining for Connecticut disaster survivors to apply for federal assistance, more than $26.2 million in federal grants, loans and flood insurance program claims has been approved for residents and businesses to help them recover from damage and losses caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida.

Fairfield, New Haven and New London county homeowners and renters affected by Ida are eligible to apply with FEMA.

As of Dec. 2, FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program has provided more than $4.7 million in federal grants. This amount includes more than $4.4 million in individual assistance for temporary housing and rental and home repair or replacement and $240,645 in other needs assistance (ONA) which can help pay for disaster damaged personal property, transportation, and moving and storage expenses.

Those who have uninsured or underinsured losses can apply with FEMA in one of three ways: online at disasterassistance.gov, via the FEMA app, or call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week. 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.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Next to insurance, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are the primary source of funds for Connecticut disaster survivors to make property repairs and replace personal property destroyed by Hurricane Ida.

As of Dec. 2, More than $5.9 million in SBA disaster loans have been approved to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from remnants of Hurricane Ida.

For more information, or to apply for a loan contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

The NFIP provides flood insurance to property owners, renters and businesses to help them recover faster when floodwaters recede.

As of Nov. 30, NFIP has approved 658 flood insurance claims, and has paid more than $15.6 million to policy holders. The program allows property owners in communities that participate in NFIP to purchase flood insurance administered by the federal government.

Connecticut residents and businesses can purchase flood insurance, by calling their insurance company or insurance agent, the same person who provides their home or auto insurance. Insurance providers can also be found online at FloodSmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider or by calling the NFIP at 877-336-2627.

adrien.urbani Fri, 12/03/2021 - 17:44

FEMA Registration Deadline Extended to Jan. 5; FEMA Centers in Essex and Union Counties to Remain Open

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey residents will have more time to register for assistance and visit FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers. The deadline for New Jersey homeowners and renters to apply for FEMA individual assistance for damage and losses from the remnants of Hurricane Ida has been extended to Jan. 5, 2022.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Essex and Union counties will remain open until further notice. It was previously announced that the centers would permanently close Dec. 4.

The extension provides more time for survivors living in counties designated for individual assistance including: Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Disaster Recovery Center locations

Essex County: Kmart (Co-located with a Vaccination Center) 235 Prospect Ave., #9413, West Orange, N.J., 07052.

Union County: O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Community Center, 618 Salem Ave., Elizabeth, N.J., 07208.

Hours at both centers are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Register for FEMA Assistance

Survivors can also apply for disaster assistance in the following ways:

• The most convenient is by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) or apply via the FEMA app. The toll-free telephone lines are operating from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET, seven days a week. 
• 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.
• Visit a DRC nearest you.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4614. Follow the FEMA Region 2 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMAregion2. 

amir.nijem Fri, 12/03/2021 - 15:08

Continued Rental Assistance

Harrisburg, PA – Survivors of Hurricane Ida who live in designated counties in Pennsylvania and received initial rental assistance from FEMA may be eligible for continued rental assistance.

To be eligible to apply, survivors must meet the following conditions:

• They were awarded initial rental assistance and used it as intended. The initial award covered two months.  
• They are unable to return to their pre-disaster residence because it is uninhabitable, cannot be accessed or is not available due to Hurricane Ida.  
• They cannot pay for housing without assistance.  
• They are not receiving temporary housing help from any other source.  
• They are developing a longer-term or permanent housing plan or can demonstrate progress toward one.

Survivors applying for continued assistance must complete an Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance. To request this form, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

• Applicants should submit the following documents with the completed application: Pre- and post-disaster income for household members 18 and older.  
• Proof of pre-disaster housing costs (copy of lease and utility bills, renter’s insurance, mortgage statements, real estate taxes, home insurance, etc.)  
• Proof of post-disaster housing costs (copy of current lease or rental agreement signed by the applicant and the landlord).

The application form and supporting documents should be returned to FEMA in one of the following ways:

• Upload them to your disaster account at DisasterAssistance.gov.  
• Mail them to FEMA, PO Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.  
• Fax them to 800-827-8112.

FEMA will evaluate the request to determine if the applicant is eligible. It is important for applicants to keep FEMA updated with their contact information and housing status.

valerie.amato Thu, 12/02/2021 - 20:20

Survivors in New Haven County Can Now Apply for FEMA Assistance

Hartford, Conn.– At the request of the State of Connecticut, FEMA has designated New Haven County for Individual Assistance. The county will now join the previously designated counties of Fairfield and New London.

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for disaster related home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover from remnants of Hurricane Ida.

Help is Still Available! Apply with FEMA Today

The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

•     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, if available
•     A general list of damage and losses
•     If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

Disaster survivors can also access disaster information and assistance the following ways: by calling 800-621-3362; (TTY:800-462-7585); or download the FEMA app available for smart phones. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week. 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.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance with FEMA is Dec. 29.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/02/2021 - 18:50

FEMA is Hiring - Join Hurricane Ida Recovery Team

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has an immediate need to employ residents of Louisiana as temporary local hires to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts. Local hire employees are local residents who aid in the recovery of the community and help their fellow citizens in the recovery process. Apply for this exciting opportunity!

Do you like working outside ensuring materials get to where they are needed? Do you like to make sure work projects are being completed to specifications? Maybe you prefer inside administrative work to ensure residents are being helped. There are various jobs available to aid with community recovery needs, mostly in Baton Rouge, that may match your skill set.

Search through current FEMA positions on USAJobs.gov (updated daily).

Most temporary local hires are employed through a streamlined hiring process. A local hire’s term of employment is 120 days, though it may be extended in 120-day increments. Visit the link above for additional information, including job responsibilities and compensation.

FEMA is an equal opportunity employer. Salaries are comparable to local pay rates.

Conditions of Employment:

• You must be a U.S. citizen to be considered for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after Dec. 31, 1959.
• Review job announcements for additional conditions of employment.

To see other FEMA career postings, visit fema.gov/careers.

kiarash.ghiam Thu, 12/02/2021 - 15:05

FEMA Assistance to Revitalize Plazas in Puerto Rico

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Luquillo, Fajardo and Naguabo are the most recent municipalities to join the over 67 recreational plazas that will be transformed with $9.7 million. This approval of federal funds by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be used to repair damage caused by Hurricane María and will include hazard mitigation measures for future disasters.

Some of the town squares include the Luquillo Market Plaza, the Fajardo Market Plaza and the Naguabo Recreational Plaza. The reconstruction projects approved by FEMA include the protection and improvement of environmental, historic and cultural resources, where the Agency's Environmental and Historic Preservation Division is involved.

According to FEMA's Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator in Puerto Rico, José G. Baquero, Puerto Rico’s recovery process impacts several sectors, including the recreational facilities and the ones that promote the municipalities’ economic, historic and cultural development.

"The plazas are places for gathering and transit. They also promote the economic activity of small businesses, where historic buildings of great cultural value are still preserved. All these qualities make their recovery one of our priorities," added Baquero.

For local entrepreneurs like Linette Reyes López, who has been selling commercial pool maintenance products at the Luquillo Market Plaza since 2016, these funds represent an economic rebound and better quality for their products and services.

Reyes stated that these funds will benefit the local merchants and customers who visit the plaza. "The improvements will impact my business in a positive way. These are necessary repairs so that all areas of the building can operate at their best and be of great benefit to merchants and customers," explained Reyes.

Meanwhile, the Fajardo Market Plaza has already begun its remodeling. The historic structure’s design maintained its façade that dates to the 20th Century. FEMA allocated nearly $98,000 for improvements that will rehabilitate the space to its pre-disaster conditions.

The market trader José Manuel Ríos has been selling fruits and vegetables in this plaza for 28 years. This businessowner contributes directly to the local harvest, as he works with local farmers to offer a variety of fresh produce.

"The plaza had to close due to the devastation caused by Hurricane María. We hope that with these renovations we can expand the business and capture a new audience. Our interest is also to teach young people about harvesting," he said.

Likewise, the Naguabo Recreational Plaza, the second largest plaza in Puerto Rico, will receive nearly $48,000 to restore its facilities to their pre-hurricane design, function and capacity. Surrounded by lush trees, this colorful plaza features five water fountains and several historical monuments including the town's first Catholic Church and the statue of one of Puerto Rico's first comedians, Ramón Rivero (Diplo).

Meanwhile, at Ponce’s historic Isabel II Merchant Plaza, they will be able to replace the roof’s panels, air conditioners, glass, columns, theater seats, elevators and more, thanks to an allocation of $1.3 million.

For his part, the Executive Director for the Central Office for the Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), the engineer Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, stated that COR3 will continue collaborating with technical matters related to the development of these projects. “Through this reconstruction process, the merchant and recreation plazas’ structures are strengthened and modernized to give resiliency to these important and necessary spaces to local merchants, consumers and those citizens attracted by the cultural daily tasks,” added Laboy Rivera.

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, 12/02/2021 - 11:12

FEMA Recovery Center Opens Tomorrow in Darien

Hartford, Conn.– A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Darien (Fairfield County) will open at 8 a.m. Dec. 2, to help Connecticut residents affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.  

Representatives from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available at the center to help survivors apply for disaster assistance, explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about FEMA letters and the appeals process and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

The DRC is located at: Noroton Heights Fire Dept. 209 Noroton Ave., Darien, CT 06820

• Hours for the Darien location are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and Closed Sunday.

DRCs are accessible for individuals with disabilities and have on-site communication accessibility tools like amplified listening devices and Video Remote Interpreting. Additional accommodations can be made upon arrival. ASL interpreters and multilingual services will be available upon request.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. In addition to visiting a DRC, Connecticut residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov; via the FEMA app; or by calling the Disaster Assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. The deadline to apply for federal assistance is Dec. 29.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration: Social Security number; address of the damaged primary residence; insurance coverage information; current telephone number and mailing address; and bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

To help alleviate the risk of COVID-19 being spread through person-to-person contact, wearing a mask or face covering is required to gain entry. Hand sanitizer is available to survivors and staff.

Workstations are spaced six feet apart to provide an extra level of protection for survivors and staff.

FEMA ensures that common areas are cleaned regularly, and workstations are sanitized after each visitor.

Individuals in Fairfield and New London Counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance. FEMA is working with state officials to open further centers throughout declared counties.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover from the effects of the event.

adrien.urbani Wed, 12/01/2021 - 19:50

FEMA Approves $1.6 Million Grant for City of Marianna

PENSACOLA, Fla. — FEMA has approved a hazard mitigation grant of $1,612,448 for the city of Marianna to protect its Public Works building by reducing potential wind damage and ensuring the facility is operational during future power outages.

Funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was approved in response to a proposal by the city after Hurricane Michael in 2018. The city will provide wind protection for the building by retrofitting the existing roof, replacing all building openings with impact resistant hurricane products, reinforcing metal siding and installing an enclosure around fuel tanks.

The grant will also be used to purchase and install a permanent generator to keep the building operational during future power outages. The generator will include an automatic transfer switch – which allows for continuous delivery of power from either an electric company or a generator – and will be protected from flooding and wind up to 133 mph.

The HMGP is an important source of federal disaster assistance. Program funding may become available after the president declares a major disaster, with a goal of strengthening communities by improving buildings and critical infrastructure. A 2018 report by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that one dollar spent on hazard mitigation saves more than six dollars of recovery and rebuilding costs.

Generally, the HMGP may provide a state, tribe or territory with additional grants up to 15 percent of the total disaster grants awarded by FEMA for a federally declared disaster. States such as Florida that meet advanced mitigation planning criteria may qualify for a higher percentage.

Florida has a FEMA-approved Enhanced Mitigation Plan, making the state eligible for HMGP funding not to exceed 20 percent of the estimated total amount of grant money spent by FEMA in the Hurricane Michael disaster. From this amount, the HMGP reimburses the state up to 75 percent of eligible costs for hazard mitigation projects. The remaining amount comes from other sources such as state and local assets and a combination of cash and in-kind sources.

Kimberly.Kipp Wed, 12/01/2021 - 19:41

Three Months Since Ida, Over $2.5 Billion in Federal Assistance for Louisianans

BATON ROUGE, La. – It’s been three months since Hurricane Ida made landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana as the fifth-strongest hurricane to ever strike the U.S. As Louisianans rebuild, over $2.5 billion in federal grants, loans and flood insurance payments support their ongoing recovery.

Major Accomplishments

• Over $2.5 billion in federal assistance has been provided to survivors to date, including:
  • $1.1 billion in low-interest Small Business Administration loans for families and businesses.
  • $580 million in housing assistance for homeowners and renters.
  • $441 million for other needs assistance, including medical bills, vehicle replacement, and cleaning.
  • $513 million in National Flood Insurance Program claims.
  • $2.7 million for Disaster Unemployment Insurance claims.
• 25 Disaster Recovery Centers established across Louisiana, 8 of which are still open, operating, and available to assist survivors.
  • Over 552,000 Louisianans have been approved for individual assistance, while FEMA staff have knocked on 186,000 doors in disaster-affected parishes.
• At the peak, 22,183 survivors were temporarily sheltered in hotels and other transitional lodging.
• FEMA Mitigation Specialists have offered free rebuilding and repair advice to over 14,608 survivors.
• 152,142 survivors received expedited rental assistance for utility outages, inaccessible or damaged dwellings.
  • 96,941 were lower income applicants who would have otherwise received delayed assistance or no assistance at all.
• $27.8 million in public assistance grants currently obligated for local governments and nonprofits.
• 33,625 “Blue Roofs” installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, allowing survivors to live safely in their damaged residences while making permanent repairs.
  • USACE, in cooperation with the FEMA and the state of Louisiana, launched a pilot program to explore temporary roofing options for homes that were otherwise ineligible for Blue Roofs.
    • The program, called Roof Wrap, focused on using shrink wrap materials that are installed under the roof via furring strips, then heated to shrink the material and create a water-tight seal.

sandra.habib Wed, 12/01/2021 - 17:50

2021 Hurricane Season Over, FEMA Administrator Still Urges Year-Round Preparedness Efforts

WASHINGTON -- Today marks the official end to the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which produced 21 named storms, making it the third-most active Atlantic hurricane season on record. The severe impacts from climate change are lasting longer and stretching beyond traditional seasons. This means community preparedness efforts must be a year-round endeavor.

The 2020 FEMA National Household Survey found that only 48% of American households have disaster preparedness plans. This statistic underscores a common belief by many -- that their families and homes are immune from the impacts of a disaster, and so they fail to make plans until it is too late. However, the fact is that every community, every neighborhood, is vulnerable to experiencing severe weather. So ultimately, how well you prepare for a disaster today can significantly influence your ability to recover tomorrow. 

“This past year, I traveled around the country and observed flooded streets and extensive debris in places like LaFourche, Terrebonne and St. Charles parishes, listened to heartbreaking stories of families who lost everything to wildfires and saw the remnants of homes torn apart by tornadoes that touched down in New Jersey as Hurricane Ida approached,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “I was pained to see the devastation, and it strengthened my resolve that emergency preparedness cannot only be seasonal and must be a year-round activity.”

Individuals can take steps today to bolster their preparedness efforts by visiting Ready.gov and following simple recommendations such as:

• Make a Plan –Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
• Know Your Evacuation Route – Get accustomed to alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
• Follow Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) –These are short emergency messages from alerting authorities delivered to your mobile device. Check your mobile device settings to ensure that you are receiving emergency alert messages.

Individual preparedness is only one part of being ready for a disaster. FEMA will continue partnering with communities and state agencies to support mitigation activities and to ensure communities are strengthened to better withstand future catastrophic weather events. We will also continue to partner with local communities to set up shelters; broadcast communications that account for individuals who are blind, deaf, or hard of hearing; translate emergency lifesaving information into languages that are accessible by all Americans; and provide individual and public assistance to those who need help after a disaster.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/30/2021 - 22:13

FEMA Announces New NAC Membership

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today the appointment of 12 members to the agency's National Advisory Council.

These 12 members will serve multi-year terms beginning Dec. 1 and will guide future recommendations centered around equity, climate change and readiness. NAC members are comprised of a geographically diverse and substantive cross-section of 35 officials, emergency managers and emergency responders from different levels of government and the private sector.

Collectively, these members advise the Administrator on all aspects of emergency management to ensure input from and coordination with state, local and tribal governments and the private sector on federal plans, programs and strategies for all hazards.  Due to previous changes in the council’s charter, this will also be the first time the NAC has a climate specialist member.

“I am honored to welcome the newly appointed and re-appointed FEMA National Advisory Council members. NAC members are significant contributors to advancing FEMA’s mission and provide unique, survivor-centric perspectives from across government and community,” said Administrator Criswell.  “We are proud to share that the NAC is not only welcoming a climate specialist in 2021, but for the first time in the council’s history, a dedicated climate-focused position will be offered during the 2022 application period. This new position serves as an excellent opportunity for our nation’s most innovative and forward-thinking leaders in the climate space to step forward and pursue a chance to influence the way we build resilience across communities nationwide. I look forward to the energy and great efforts the council will undoubtedly bring forth and congratulate the new and re-appointed members on this achievement.”

Of the 12 members selected, 10 are new appointments and two are reappointments. The 12 members appointed or reappointed in 2021 are: 

• Kathy Baughman McLeod, Senior Vice President, Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center at the Atlantic Council, Arlington, Virginia. McLeod will serve as the NAC’s first ever climate specialist.
• Jody Ferguson, Director, Pierce County Office of Emergency Management, Tacoma, Washington.   
• Tim Gleason, City Manager, Bloomington, Illinois.  
• Jim Gore, County Supervisor, Sonoma County, California. 
• Tonya Graham, City Councilor, Ashland, Oregon.   
• Brian Hastings, Director, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Clanton, Alabama.   
• Ramesh Kolluru, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development, University of Louisiana at Lafayette.   
• Ryan Lanclos, Director, Public Safety Solutions and Disasters, Esri; Conroe, Texas.
• Kelly McKinney, Assistant Vice President, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York.
• Paula Pagniez, Director, Climate and Resilience Hub, Willis Towers Watson, New York, New York.
• Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Office of Emergency Management Director, Boise, Idaho.
• Brian Strong, Chief Resilience Officer, San Francisco, California.

Additionally, eight NAC members conclude their terms of appointment today. Those members include:

• Rich Baich, AIG, Charlotte, North Carolina.
• Steve Birnbaum, Resudox Solutions, LLC, Arlington, Virginia.
• Dante Disparte, Risk Cooperative, Washington, D.C.
• Charley English, American Red Cross, Fairfax, Virginia.
• Deanna Dahl-Grove, Pediatric Emergency Medicine UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital of Cleveland, Ohio.
• Lori Hodges, Larimer County Emergency Management, Colorado.
• Jackie Lindsey, Santa Fe County Fire Department, New Mexico.
• Kevin Staley, Charlotte Mecklenburg Office of Emergency Management, Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Administrator Criswell will make an additional NAC membership announcement for a second climate specialist in 2022.

For additional information on the council, visit FEMA.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/30/2021 - 21:53