باقي أسبوعان لتقديم طلب الحصول على مساعدات FEMA

ديترويت - سكان جنوب شرق ميشيغان لن يتم إغفالهم. احصل على المساعدة التي تحتاجها.

 

الموعد النهائي لتقديم طلب الحصول على مساعدة FEMA هو يوم الجمعة، 12 نوفمبر 2021، لسكان مقاطعات أوكلاند وماكومب وواشتناو وواين الذين عانوا من أضرار أو خسائر من العواصف والفيضانات والأعاصير الشديدة التي وقعت في 25-26 يونيو.

 

تم تصنيف مقاطعات واشتناو وواين مؤهلة لبرنامج FEMA للمساعدة الفردية بموجب إعلان الكوارث الكبرى الذي وقعه الرئيس جو بايدن في 15 يوليو. وقد تمت إضافة مقاطعات أوكلاند وماكومب إلى الإعلان باعتبارها مؤهلة لبرنامج FEMA  للمساعدة الفردية بموجب إعلان الكوارث الكبرى المعدل في 24 سبتمبر.

 

قد تتضمن مساعدات FEMA منحًا للإسكان المؤقت وإصلاحات المنزل الطارئة لجعل منزلك آمنًا وسهل الوصول إليه ومؤمنًا. FEMA لا تقبل ازدواجية مدفوعات التأمين. إذا كان لديك بوليصة تأمين خاصة بمالكي المنازل، تقدم بمطالباتك التأمينية قبل التقدم بطلب إلىFEMA . إذا كنت مؤمنًا جزئيًا، فقد تتلقى المساعدة بعد تسوية مطالبات تأمينك طالما تقدمت بطلب بحلول الموعد النهائي.

 

حتى ولو قمت بإبلاغ وكالة أو منظمة أخرى عن الضرر الذي لحق بك، فلا يزال يتعين عليك التقدم بطلب إلى FEMA إذا كنت تريد الحصول على المنح الفيدرالية الخاصة بالكوارث وقروض الكوارث منخفضة الفائدة المقدمة من إدارة الأعمال الصغيرة الأمريكية (SBA).

 

لتقديم طلب الحصول على المساعدة:

• قم بزيارة DisasterAssistance.gov. يجب إكمال الطلبات عبر الإنترنت في موعد أقصاه منتصف ليل 12 نوفمبر بالتوقيت الشرقي.

• اتصل على 800-621-3362 (جهاز اتصال نصي TTY 7585-462-800) العاملون يتحدثون عدة لغات والمكالمات يتم الرد عليها من الساعة 7 صباحًا حتى

الساعة 11 مساءً بالتوقيت الشرقي، سبعة أيام في الأسبوع.

• استخدم تطبيق FEMA.

لمزيد من المعلومات حول تعافي ميشيغان، تفضل بزيارة fema.gov/disaster/4607. الموعد النهائي للأفراد لتقديم طلب للحصول على المساعدة في حالات الكوارث هو 12 نوفمبر 2021.

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 مساعدات التعافي من الكوارث تقدم بدون تمييز على أساس العرق أو الدين أو الأصل القومي أو الجنس أو العمر أو الإعاقة أو إتقان للغة الإنجليزية أو الوضع الاقتصادي.  ستكون التسهيلات المعقولة، بما في ذلك خدمات الترجمة ومترجمي لغة الإشارة الأمريكية عبر خدمة ترحيل الفيديو، متاحة لضمان التواصل الفعال مع المتقدمين ذوي المعرفة المحدودة باللغة الإنجليزية وأصحاب الإعاقات والوصول والاحتياجات الوظيفية. إذا تعرضت أنت أو أي شخص تعرفه للتمييز، فاتصل بـ FEMA على الرقم المجاني 3362-621-800 (بما في ذلك 711 أو ترحيل فيديو). إذا كنت أصم أو تعاني من ضعف في السمع أو لديك إعاقة في النطق وتستخدم هاتفًا نصيًا، فاتصل على 7585-462-800.

إن مهمة FEMA هي مساعدة الناس قبل وأثناء وبعد الكوارث.

troy.christensen Mon, 11/01/2021 - 14:52

Quedan dos semanas para solicitar asistencia de FEMA

Detroit — Los residentes en el sudeste de Michigan, no se den por perdidos. Obtenga la ayuda que necesita.

 

La fecha límite para solicitar la asistencia de FEMA es el viernes, 12 de noviembre de 2021, para los residentes en los condados Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw y Wayne que sufrieron daños o pérdidas por las tormentas, inundaciones y tornados ocurridos del 25 al 26 de junio.

 

Los condados Washtenaw y Wayne fueron designados elegibles para el Programa de Asistencia Individual de FEMA bajo la Declaración de Desastre Mayor firmada por el presidente Joe Biden el 15 de julio. Los condados Oakland y Macomb se agregaron a la declaración como elegibles para el Programa de Asistencia Individual de FEMA bajo la Declaración de Desastre Mayor enmendada el 24 de septiembre.

 

La asistencia de FEMA puede incluir subvenciones para alojamiento temporal y reparaciones de emergencia a la vivienda para que sea segura y accesible. FEMA no puede duplicar los pagos del seguro. Si tiene una póliza de seguro de vivienda, presente su reclamación de seguro antes de solicitar a FEMA. Si tiene seguro insuficiente, puede recibir ayuda después de que se hayan resuelto sus reclamaciones de seguro, siempre que presente la solicitud antes de la fecha límite.

 

Incluso si informó su daño a otra agencia u organización, debe presentar una solicitud ante FEMA si desea que se le considere para subvenciones federales por desastre y préstamos por desastre a bajo interés de la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa.

 

Para solicitar ayuda:

• Visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es. Las solicitudes en línea deben completarse antes de la medianoche, hora del este, del 12 de noviembre.

• Llame al 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Los operadores son multilingües y las llamadas se atienden de 7:00 a.m. a 11:00 p.m. hora del este, los siete días de la semana.
• Utilice la Aplicación móvil de FEMA.

 

Para más información sobre la recuperación en Michigan, visite fema.gov/es/disaster/4607. El plazo para que las personas soliciten la asistencia por desastre finaliza el 12 de noviembre de 2021.

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La asistencia por desastre está disponible sin importar la raza, color, religión, origen nacional, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio limitado del inglés o situación económica. Se ofrecerán acomodos razonables, incluida la traducción y los intérpretes de lenguaje de señas americano a través del servicio de retransmisión por video, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes que tengan un dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades de acceso y funcionales. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido discriminado, llame a la línea gratuita de FEMA al 800-621-3362 (incluidos los usuarios del 711 o servicio de retransmisión por video). Si usted es una persona sorda, con dificultades auditivas o tiene alguna discapacidad del habla y usa el servicio de TTY, llame al 800-462-7585.

troy.christensen Mon, 11/01/2021 - 14:50

FEMA Approves $1.1 Million Grant for Panama City Beach Utility Mitigation Project

PENSACOLA, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,102,418 for the city of Panama City Beach to study a proposal to convert existing overhead utility and communication lines to underground facilities along Front Beach Road between Lullwater Drive and Crane Street. FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will fund the study, which will include surveying, engineering, design, planning and the bidding for the suggested work.

Once approved, the project would include the planned removal of sections of the existing roadway or sidewalk, the digging of an underground trench, installation of the electrical and communication lines, restoring the local power connections and re-installing the roadway and sidewalk.

When completed, the project will provide long-term protection for the underground lines and, in turn, the community from the direct impact of severe storm events, including flooding.

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 Mon, 11/01/2021 - 13:22

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Connecticut

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Connecticut to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida during the period of Sept. 1-2, 2021.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Fairfield and New London counties, including the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Nation.

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

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

Robert V. Fogel has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Fogel said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

You can apply for disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800.621.3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as a videophone, InnoCaption, or CapTel, give FEMA the number for that service.

luther.wills-dudich Sat, 10/30/2021 - 21:39

Free Crisis Counseling Available to Middle Tennessee Storm Survivors

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In the weeks and months after disaster strikes, the path to recovery can pose many uncertainties and cause stress and anxiety. FEMA approved more than $116 thousand in grant funding to the state of Tennessee for crisis counseling services to help residents struggling with the aftermath of the August storms and flooding in Middle Tennessee.

Those in the designated counties of Dickson, Hickman, Houston and Humphreys can reach out to Centerstone, a nonprofit organization at 888-460-4351. They can provide short-term supportive counseling as well as referrals for long-term counseling and other recovery resources, such as food banks, housing and legal services.

Other resources for those in crisis include:

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a 24/7, year-round, confidential, multi-lingual crisis counseling and emotional support resource for survivors, responders, and anyone in the U.S./territories struggling with distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Individuals can call or text 800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish) to connect with a trained mental health professional. ASL users can also call 800-985-5990 through their videophone to connect with trained DDH counselors fluent in ASL or access the “ASL Now” option via the DDH website at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

The Tennessee Statewide Crisis Phone Line. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 1-855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471) to speak with a caring, trained mental health professional, 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week, You can also text TN to 741741.

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 Fri, 10/29/2021 - 19:29

Two Weeks Remain to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Detroit— Residents of Southeast Michigan, don’t get overlooked. Get the help you need.

 

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, for residents of Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties who experienced damage or losses from the June 25-26 severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes.

 

Washtenaw and Wayne counties were designated eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program under the Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Joe Biden on July 15. Oakland and Macomb counties were added to the declaration as eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program under the amended Major Disaster Declaration on Sept. 24.

 

FEMA assistance may include grants for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. If you have a homeowners insurance policy, file your insurance claim before applying to FEMA. If you are underinsured, you may receive assistance after your insurance claims have been settled, as long as you apply by the deadline.

 

Even if you reported your damage to another agency or organization, you should still apply with FEMA if you want to be considered for federal disaster grants and U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans.

 

To apply for assistance:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov. Online applications must be completed no later than midnight EDT on Nov. 12.

• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Operators are multilingual and calls are answered 7 a.m. to

11 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.

• Use the FEMA App.

 

For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4607. The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Nov. 12, 2021.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service, will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

troy.christensen Fri, 10/29/2021 - 18:15

Preliminary Flood Maps for Guadalupe County, Texas Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the cities of New Braunfels and Seguin, and unincorporated areas of Guadalupe County, Texas.

Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.

For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Guadalupe County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.

FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

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

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

Carmen.Castro Fri, 10/29/2021 - 16:40

Preliminary Flood Maps for Gonzales County, Texas Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the City of Gonzales and unincorporated areas of Gonzales County, Texas.

Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.

For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Gonzales County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.

FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

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

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

Carmen.Castro Fri, 10/29/2021 - 16:21

Preliminary Flood Maps for Comal County, Texas Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the City of New Braunfels and unincorporated areas of Comal County, Texas.

Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.

For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Comal County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.

FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

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

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

Carmen.Castro Fri, 10/29/2021 - 16:16

Get Home Repair Advice Nov. 1-6 at Lowe’s in Queens

NEW YORK – As the people of New York repair and rebuild their homes, FEMA has teamed with Lowe’s home-improvement store in Queens to provide free information and tips on how to make homes damaged by natural disasters stronger and safer.

FEMA specialists will be available at the location listed below to answer questions and offer tips and techniques for building hazard-resistant homes to help prevent or reduce damage from disasters. Most information is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation advisors are available Monday, Nov. 1 to Saturday, Nov. 6:

Lowe’s

253-01 Rockaway Blvd.

Rosedale, NY 11422

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Free reference booklets with information about protecting a home from flood damage will also be available to survivors. More information about protecting property can be found at fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management.

For the latest on New York’s Hurricane Ida recovery efforts, visit fema.gov/disaster/4615. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion2 and facebook.com/fema.

thomas.wise Fri, 10/29/2021 - 13:16

60 Days Since Ida, Louisiana Recovery Continues to be Whole Community Effort

BATON ROUGE, La. –  It’s been 60 days since Hurricane Ida made landfall. The first months of disaster recovery are often intense, stressful, and sometimes chaotic. That has not slowed down the effort to assist those affected by Ida. Efforts to rebuild and come back from such devastation come from the whole community; one agency cannot do it alone. Through the utilization of state and local resources, volunteer agencies, as well as federal partners, Louisianians have been able to continue to return to some form of normalcy.

Houma, LA. – Mother and son at a Disaster Recovery Center, where survivors affected by Hurricane Ida can get help with their disaster assistance applications, upload documents and get questions answered. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also on hand to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters.  Photo by Julie Joseph, FEMA.

 

Montegut, LA – Members of a FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crew walk door to door (or boat to boat) to help residents apply for assistance after Hurricane Ida.  Photo by Julie Joseph, FEMA.

 

Thibodaux, LA -- FEMA mitigation specialists give tips to Hurricane Ida survivors on how to rebuild and protect their homes from future disaster-related damage. Photo by Julie Joseph, FEMA.

 

Hahnville, LA – Members from Team Rubicon Disaster Response Team assess damage caused by Hurricane Ida. Photo by Julie Joseph, FEMA.

 

Reserve, LA – Volunteers put together hot lunches at the Tchoupitoulas Chapel to feed those affected by Hurricane Ida. Photo by Keith Jones, FEMA.

 

Houma, LA – Members of a FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crew walk door to door to help residents of Houma apply for assistance after Hurricane Ida.  Photo by Julie Joseph, FEMA.

 

Carmen.Castro Thu, 10/28/2021 - 21:47

Federal Disaster Assistance in Louisiana Exceeds $2 Billion Two Months after Hurricane Ida

BATON ROUGE, La. – Since Hurricane Ida barreled across Southeast Louisiana two months ago, leaving dozens of parishes with severe damage and losses, disaster survivors have received more than $889 million in federal grants and been approved for more than $816 million in low-interest loans to enhance their recovery. Another $297 million has been paid to survivors in National Flood Insurance Program claims.

Survivors – and their communities – continue to clean up, begin to repair or rebuild their homes with future disasters in mind, and support their neighbors. The response by the state of Louisiana, FEMA and local and nonprofit partners has helped to put Louisiana on the road to recovery, and survivors can be sure FEMA and its partners will continue to work together to help those affected by Ida rebuild their lives and communities. The deadline to apply with FEMA for assistance has been extended to Nov. 29, 2021.

As of Oct. 28, total federal disaster assistance includes:

More than $889 million in total financial help and direct services to those who have necessary eligible expenses following the disaster and are unable to meet those needs through insurance or other means.

$492 million of that amount includes housing assistance to help homeowners repair or replace residential property damage from the disaster and/or for a safe place to stay while they recover.

$396 million is for Other Needs Assistance to cover necessary, disaster-related expenses such as medical bills, cleaning, repair or replacement of essential household items or vehicles and other non-housing needs.

More than $816 million approved in U.S. Small Business Administration loans, with more than $782 million for homeowners and renters and more than $34 million for businesses to repair, rebuild and replace damaged property and contents and for economic injury.

More than $297 million in claims paid to more than 4,500 National Flood Insurance policyholders.

Federal housing assistance is providing:

Rental assistance for more than 179,000 homeowners and renters.

Direct Temporary Housing assistance for 10 of the most impacted parishes, making available several housing solutions for Louisiana survivors.

As FEMA’s direct temporary housing gains momentum, the state is assisting survivors in the most heavily impacted parishes who have immediate sheltering needs. Survivors interested in the state-run Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program can visit idashelteringla.com or call 844-268-0301 to register.

In another milestone, contractors for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have installed 33,200 "blue roofs" in the storm-affected area, enabling survivors to live in their own homes while they make repairs.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers have received nearly 33,269 visitors seeking disaster assistance or information, while Disaster Survivor Assistance outreach teams have visited 143,544 homes, made 27,812 referrals to various community resources and helped 15,254 individuals apply with FEMA.

The fastest ways to apply for FEMA assistance remain applying online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Phone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

SBA representatives are also available at disaster recovery centers, and businesses and residents can also visit Disaster assistance (sba.gov), call SBA’s customer service center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information to apply.

If you have questions about how to repair and rebuild safer and stronger, FEMA’s mitigation specialists can help. To learn more call 833-FEMA-4-US to speak with a Mitigation Specialist or visit https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lamit, for Spanish https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-es-mit, for Vietnamese https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-vie-mit.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

kwei.nwaogu Thu, 10/28/2021 - 21:33

Two Weeks Left to Register for FEMA Assistance

HARRISBURG, PA – Homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained 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 two weeks left to apply for disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Nov. 10, 2021, and the deadline to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan is Nov. 9, 2021.

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; and 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.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. The easiest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors who may need to request an accommodation or have additional questions can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT, seven days a week. Help is available in most languages.

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.

The primary source of federal funding for long-term disaster recovery not covered by insurance is the Small Business Administration. SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome an economic injury. 

Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan of up to $200,000 for their primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding and homeowners and renters with up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster. Businesses and nonprofit organizations may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million for physical damage and working capital needs to stay in business.

For information on the SBA process, visit DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing can call 800-877-8339.

Survivors should update 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 Thu, 10/28/2021 - 21:12

FEMA Extends Application Period for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funds

About $4 billion is available to Puerto Rico under FEMA’s HMGP program and other funding sources

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted the Government of Puerto Rico’s request to extend the application period for funds under the Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, known as HMGP, through April 30, 2022. These funds help reduce the risk of loss of life and property from future disasters.

To date, over $1 billion has been approved to help increase the island’s resiliency through mitigation work. These mitigation proposals include $5.5 million to the Puerto Rico Permit Management Office to review and adopt updated building codes in Puerto Rico. Another $28.6 million was granted to the Puerto Rico Planning Board for the first phase of a project that aims to increase staffing and resources to enforce building code compliance.

Other projects like sewer, drainage and pump station improvements in the municipality of Loiza will be made possible with HMGP funds.

“We are committed to working closely with the Government of Puerto Rico as the island’s historic recovery continues. FEMA recognizes the local government’s efforts to move these projects forward and the challenges faced because of the pandemic. Understanding the complexity of this disaster our goal is to continue to provide support so that the island can leverage this unique opportunity to build back stronger,” said the FEMA Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator in Puerto Rico, José G. Baquero.

FEMA staff will provide technical assistance to the Government of Puerto Rico to help maximize the availability of HMGP funds, as needed. This includes assisting with project applications, cost shares and other requirements to access these funds.

This is the fourth extension to the HMGP application period, and FEMA reserves two additional options to extend the deadline through Oct. 31, 2022. These additional extensions are contingent upon the achievement of specific milestones by the Government of Puerto Rico, including progress reports and detailed lists of priority projects.

Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of COR3, noted that "this deadline extension will allow us additional time to maximize the available federal funds and to work and submit more robust project proposals, including projects related to power generation that depend on a technical study currently being led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). We remain steadfast in our commitment to submit all work proposals in accordance with federal and local regulations in order to allocate these funds in compliance with Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi's public policy.

Puerto Rico has access to a total of $4 billion in mitigation funds, $3 billion of which correspond to  FEMA HMGP funds and $1 billion from local funding. All HMGP funds are obligated to the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency, which is responsible for ensuring that all reimbursements meet the statutory, regulatory and programmatic requirements established by FEMA.

To access more information on the recovery of Puerto Rico from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 10/28/2021 - 17:15

Learn Disaster Risk Reduction Tips at Menards in Warren

Detroit – As southeast Michigan survivors clean and repair damage to their homes caused by the severe storms and flooding that occurred June 25-26, 2021, FEMA has teamed up with the Menards home improvement store in Warren, Michigan to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes and businesses stronger and safer. 

 

The FEMA Hazard Mitigation team will be at: 

 

Menards 

32501 Van Dyke Ave. 

Warren, Michigan 48093 

Oct. 29 to Nov. 9 

Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

 

However, on Tuesday, Nov. 9, the last day of the event, the time will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Most of the information and the free publications provided are geared to do-it-yourself work and general contractors. Recovery topics covered include clean-up tips, flood insurance, elevating utilities and rebuilding flooded homes. 

 

Due to COVID-19, FEMA staff will practice social distancing and wear face masks while at the stores. 

 

FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialists are also on hand at Disaster Recovery Centers to answer questions and offer floodproofing information, home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. 

 

For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4607. FEMA assistance is currently available to residents in Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Nov. 12, 2021. 

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service, will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585. 

 

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

troy.christensen Thu, 10/28/2021 - 16:52

FEMA Announces Initial Initiatives to Advance Climate Change Resilience

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA announced two key initiatives to advance climate change adaptation and promote disaster risk reduction and community resilience nationwide. The two initiatives are a Climate Adaptation Enterprise Steering Group and the stakeholder engagement process established to help develop the agency’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. These actions are the critical first steps in FEMA’s efforts to address the climate crisis. 

“Climate change is the crisis of this generation. Combating it, requires mitigating future risks and reducing impacts,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “In partnership with federal science agencies, we are analyzing how climate change will increase the frequency and severity across all hazards, and what next steps are necessary to protect communities nationwide. FEMA is also advancing sustainability through our facilities, operations, and programs, including lowering emissions and promoting nature-based solutions.”

Communities across the country continue to witness the devastating and increasing impacts of hurricanes, floods, wildfires, droughts and other weather events. The increase and severity of disasters burden on our emergency management partners and disproportionately impact historically undeserved communities.  FEMA is working across the agency and with partners to identify a path forward.

The Climate Adaption Enterprise Steering Group is focused on developing a unified agency approach to address the impacts of climate change across all agency programs and operations. The steering group is co-chaired by leadership from FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery, Office of Resilience and FEMA Regions.

FEMA is developing its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan through input from internal and external stakeholders. Following the recent Biden Administration Executive Orders on climate change, equity and environmental justice, FEMA will work with partners to increase climate literacy among emergency managers, build climate resilient communities and empower risk-informed decision making, all with a whole-of-community approach.

“As our nation confronts the impacts of climate change, the challenge is clear. It is imperative that we invest in building a more resilient nation. Our programs and policies must protect communities and the economy from the worst impacts of climate-related disasters before they occur,” Administrator Criswell added.

Increasing Additional Resilience Measures

FEMA continues to develop bold new initiatives to respond to the nation’s climate crisis through its existing authorities and responsibilities, including:

• Developing FEMA’s National Risk Index, which utilizes sea level rise data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide an easy-to-use tool for identifying locations most at risk for 18 natural hazards.   
• Funding opportunities to prepare communities for climate-related extreme weather events through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs. Those grants include $1 billion for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, as well as $160 million for the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program.  
• Expanding funding to advance mitigation. In total, more than $5 billion in is available to states and communities as FEMA also announced $3.46 billion in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds were authorized for all 59 Coronavirus 2019 major disaster declarations to invest in mitigation planning and projects that reduce risks from natural disasters.  
• Implementing the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard for all federal investments to improve the resilience of communities. FEMA issued an interim policy for requirements involving structures, partially implementing the standard.  
• Funding mitigation through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. This program is designed to assist homeowners to help them rebuild their disaster damaged homes and make them stronger and more resilience for the next disaster.     
• Fixing inequities in flood insurance pricing and prepare for climate-related flooding, by updating the National Flood Insurance Program's pricing methodology through an initiative called Risk Rating 2.0 – Equity in Action.  
• Soliciting public comments through a Request for Information from communities, organizations and individuals about their concerns and recommendations to address environmental justice concerns. The period for comment closed on July 21 and the agency is processing the input received to provide responses, as well as consider the comments as part of developing the Strategic Plan.    
• Advancing efforts to encourage the adoption of building codes through a tool kit and a Building Codes Executive Committee and Working Group. The new group aims to develop and implement an agency-wide strategy to integrate hazard resistant standards within nationwide building codes in conjunction with the American Society of Civil Engineers.  
• Hosting the sixth annual forum on climate action throughout the month of October in partnership with the Resilient Nation Partnership Network Forum and NASA. Attendees heard from a variety of speakers, including FEMA Administrator Criswell and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson as well as the White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, on strategies to build cross-sector, cross-government Alliances for Climate Action.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 10/28/2021 - 15:59

FEMA Provides $5.9M to Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that $5,920,539 in federal funding has been made available to Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) for costs related to the state’s response to severe weather and flooding under the October 18, 2018, federal disaster declaration.

Severe storms with heavy and wind-driven rain caused flood damage to the GHC-SCW’s Sauk Trails Clinic building. FEMA grant funding will reimburse GHC-SCW for costs to replace damaged contents, restore the building to pre-disaster design, function, and capacity and construct a new single-story wing. The grant also includes costs to elevate electrical and elevator panels and other mechanicals to the first floor and floodproof the first-floor conduit and air openings.       

“FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an important resource for state and local governments, jurisdictions, and eligible private non-profits after a disaster,” said Moises Dugan, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant funding will not only reimburse Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin for the costs to repair their building, but it will fund efforts to help protect it from future disaster-related damage.”

“Part of recovering from disasters also means ensuring critical infrastructure is protected from similar threats in the future,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Acting Administrator Greg Engle. “We are thankful to FEMA for their assistance in helping to restore a valuable community resource and making it more resilient.”

FEMA provides a 75% federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. The eligible cost for this project is $7,894,052. The remaining 25% will be paid by WEM and GHC-SCW.

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

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

troy.christensen Thu, 10/28/2021 - 15:33

Federal and Territorial Partnership Continues Focus on Repairs to Energy and Communications Infrastructure in U.S. Virgin Islands

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – FEMA continues to coordinate resources with the U.S. Virgin Islands to strengthen the territory’s power grid and make its communications infrastructure more resilient. This month, approximately $21 million has been approved through the Public Assistance Program for permanent repairs to St. John’s power grid, St. Croix’s internet infrastructure and the emergency operations center on St. Thomas.

The territory’s plans to install emergency generators off Cruz Bay and Coral Bay on St. John will be supported through $16.8 million from FEMA. Funding for these additional hazard mitigation measures will help make St. John’s electrical distribution systems and infrastructure more resilient and continues FEMA’s commitment to support plans to rebuild the island’s grid.

The $16.8 million for the installation of the generators increases FEMA’s investment toward permanent repairs to St. John’s power grid to $198.4 million. Approximately 90% of the island’s overhead power distribution was damaged during hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. Mitigation measures include the installation of composite power poles and buying of electrical lines to make St. John’s grid more resilient against future storms.   

Collaboration between FEMA and the territory is focusing on making internet service more resilient for Virgin Islanders as well. FEMA is providing $3.1 million for permanent repairs to St. Croix’s fiber-optics cable infrastructure backbone and fiber access points. Destruction from the 2017 hurricanes led to the loss of 95% of aerial fiber access across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The partnership between FEMA and the U.S. Virgin Islands will assist the territory to prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters. Coordination between FEMA and the territory has led to an award of $1.2 million for the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency to conduct permanent repairs to its emergency operations center on St. Thomas.

The rains and winds from Irma and Maria damaged the operation center’s 911 call center, media/communication conference rooms, computer and data server rooms, and a high security data center that services Department of Homeland Security law enforcement and national security.

The operations center project includes mitigation measures of $193,460 for numerous work which includes:

• rainwater control of the building’s front entrance,
• reinforce the gutter system to prevent uplift of roofing metal,
• provide for stronger air conditioning support braces,
• provide rain diverting berm along the building sides,
•  strengthen foundation to prevent further wall cracking,
• and provide improved waterproofing along roofing caps.

FEMA will continue to work with its territorial partners to develop further recovery projects to repair critical services such as energy and communications in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

gina.callaghan Wed, 10/27/2021 - 23:30

FEMA Extends Deadline to Apply for Hurricane Ida Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Survivors of Hurricane Ida now have until Nov. 29 to apply for individual assistance with FEMA.

At the request of Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, FEMA has extended the application deadline for survivors in 25 parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.

FEMA assistance for individuals and families affected by Hurricane Ida can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

The fastest way to apply for FEMA assistance is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Phone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Individuals can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply and meet with FEMA specialists in person. To locate a center, check the FEMA app or visit FEMA.gov/DRC.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s deadline to apply for an SBA disaster loan has also been extended to Nov. 29. SBA representatives are available at disaster recovery centers, and businesses and residents can also visit www.SBA.gov/disaster, call SBA’s customer service center at 800-877-8339 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information or to apply.

For the latest information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

kiarash.ghiam Wed, 10/27/2021 - 21:16

FEMA Deadline has Passed but Help is Still Available

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance for the August storms and flooding has passed, but FEMA continues working with our state and local partners to help survivors and communities recover. 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.

Survivors 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. Those who have had damage and still have not applied due to extenuating circumstances can call the Helpline to see if it’s still possible to register.

As of Oct. 25, 2021:

• More than $6.7 million in FEMA assistance has been distributed to 2,499 households. Of that: over $5 million was awarded for housing assistance and $1.7 million for other needs, which includes personal property.     
• SBA has approved over $8.1 million in low-interest disaster loans for 119 homeowners and $1.2 million for 10 businesses.

Homeowners, renters and businesses who have applied for a low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration can follow-up with questions at SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) email: DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Other Disaster Assistance Still Available

Legal Services: Residents with legal issues due to the storms, including landlord-tenant issues or insurance issues, may call 844-HELP4TN (844-435-7486) or ask questions online at https://tn.freelegalanswers.org/. Additionally, survivors can access information about their rights and resources, including links to upcoming legal clinics, and local resources at https://www.help4tn.org/

• Mental Health services: Survivors in need of crisis counseling may receive assistance by contacting the following organizations:
  • Tennessee Statewide Crisis Phone line at 855-274-7471 or Text TN to 741741, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • The Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 or Text TalkWithUs to 6674
  • Centerstone Behavioral Health at 800-681-7444
  •  For more information visit: Middle Tennessee Flooding Recovery (tn.gov)  
• Voluntary Organizations: Survivors who need donated furniture, clothing or other resources can reach out to:
  • Voluntary Resource Center
  • 515 W Maine ST, Waverly, TN
  • Or call 931-888-8011
  • The center is open Monday-Saturday from 8 am t0 4:30 pm  

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, 10/27/2021 - 19:49