Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Revised preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the City of Houma and unincorporated areas of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.

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 Terrebonne Parish serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and setting rates for flood insurance. 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, 10/08/2021 - 18:36

Determined Ineligible for FEMA Disaster Assistance? You can Appeal the Decision

Harrisburg, PA. – You’ve been waiting for a letter from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) telling you how much your disaster assistance will be, and it says you are ineligible. What next?

You have the right to appeal the decision within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. It may only be a minor glitch that needs to be fixed, maybe a signature is missing, or a document needs to be supplied. Read the determination letter carefully. The letter will give you the reason for the decision and recommend actions that may change the decision.

Appeal a FEMA Decision

The appeal must be filed in the form of a letter, signed by the applicant, within 60 days of the date on FEMA’s decision letter. You need to clearly state why you disagree with the decision and supply the documents which support your explanation. Include any requested information with your letter. Be sure to include the following:

• Applicant’s full name, current address, and phone number
• Address of the applicant’s pre-disaster primary residence (damaged property)
• Applicant’s registration number (on every page)
• FEMA disaster declaration number –4618-DR-PA (on every page)
• Applicant’s signature and the date
• Reason for appeal (Ownership, Occupancy, home repair amount)
• Supporting documentation

If the person writing the appeal letter is not the applicant or a member of the applicant’s household, a statement signed by the applicant must be included granting the writer authorization to act on your behalf.

Your appeal letter is not enough to get FEMA to reconsider its decision. You need evidence in your appeal to support what you are claiming. When you submit your appeal, it is important to include the documents or information FEMA requests. Here’s what to include with your letter:

• Insurance letters: Documents from your insurance company that show your policy coverage and/or settlement is not enough to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay, or replace certain contents. FEMA is unable to duplicate benefits. However, those who may be underinsured may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.
• Proof of occupancy: The following documents may provide proof of occupancy: Utility bill, driver’s license, lease or bank statement, local school documents (public or private), motor vehicle registrations, court documents and additional forms of documentation, including letters from employers, federal or state benefit providers and social service organizations (such as community assistance programs and non-profits.). Other such proof of occupancy could include: A signed statement from a commercial or mobile home park owner and/or self-certification for mobile homes and travel trailers. Any of the above can be used to prove the damaged property was your primary residence. All bills and/or statements must be dated within 3 months of the disaster.
• Proof of ownership: Mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed, receipts for major repairs or improvements, or a mobile home park letter or a court document. FEMA will accept a public official’s letter, and allow survivors with heirship properties, mobile homes, or travel trailers, who do not have the traditional documentation of ownership verification, to self-certify ownership. If your documents were lost or destroyed, click on https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents for information on how to replace them.

You have 60 days from the date on your FEMA determination letter for FEMA to receive your appeal of the first decision. Sign and date your appeal, include the supporting documents and remember to include your nine-digit FEMA application number and disaster number (DR-4618-PA) on every page.

• There are three ways to submit your appeal: mail, fax, or upload to Disaster Assistance.gov
• Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• Fax: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA (Please ensure all faxes include the cover sheet provided with your FEMA decision letter).
• Upload documents to your DisasterAssistance.gov account.

To set up a FEMA online account or to upload documents online, go to www.disasterassistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions

Your appeal may also be submitted at a Disaster Recovery Center or Document Drop-off Center where staff are also available to assist you with ensuring all necessary documents are included. Individuals can find their nearest recovery or document drop-off center by visiting https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

What's Next?

You’ve written your appeal and sent it to FEMA within 60 days after you received their determination letter. You may receive a call or letter from FEMA asking for more information, or FEMA may schedule another inspection of your primary home. Whichever the case, once you’ve sent FEMA an appeal, you can expect a decision letter within 90 days after FEMA receives it.

For more information about FEMA’s support to Pennsylvania’s recovery, visit. www.fema.gov/disaster/4618

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

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

amanda.hancher Fri, 10/08/2021 - 17:12

Deadline Extended for FEMA Public Assistance Requests Deadline Extended for FEMA Public Assistance Requests

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. – Local governments, houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations in Avery, Buncombe. Haywood, Madison, Transylvania, Yancy and Watauga counties have until Oct. 22, 2021 to submit requests for FEMA Public Assistance.

FEMA extended the deadline from Oct. 7 at the request of the state of North Carolina.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure.  Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance, including organizations that fed or sheltered survivors after the storm.

The deadline to apply for FEMA Public Assistance in Ashe, Graham, Jackson and Mitchell counties is Oct. 31.

For more information, contact North Carolina Emergency Management, email public.assistance@ncdps.gov or visit NC DPS: Public Assistance.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617 and ncdps.gov/TSFred. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

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

brianasummer.fenton Fri, 10/08/2021 - 15:06

FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers opening to help Pennsylvanians

HARRISBURG, Pa. – FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MDRCs) will open over the coming week to help residents of Montgomery County whose homes or personal property were impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. These temporary Centers will be staffed with FEMA personnel and representatives of other federal and state agencies to assist with registration and answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

These are the scheduled locations for the MDRCs:

• Hampton Inn & Suites 100 Cresson Blvd. Phoenixville, Pa. Hours of operation: Friday, Oct. 8: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Hyatt Place 440 American Ave. King of Prussia, Pa. Hours of operation: Monday, Oct. 11, and Tuesday, Oct. 12: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Marriott Collegeville 600 Campus Dr. Collegeville, Pa. Hours of operation: Wednesday, Oct. 13, and Thursday, Oct. 14: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

In addition to the MDRCs, if you have not already applied for help, you can do so at any one of the fixed locations:

• Montgomery County Community College, Health Sciences Gym, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell
• Chadds Ford Township Office, 10 Ring Road, Chadds Ford
• Ashbridge Square Shopping Center, 945 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown
• Manchester Township Municipal Building, 3200 Farmtrail Rd, York
• Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, 7219 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia

Hours of operation for these DRCs are:

Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (These sites will be closed for Columbus Day, Oct. 11)

Saturday – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

NOTE: The Chadds Ford DRC will close permanently at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9

• Calvary Church, 820 Souderton Rd., Souderton

Hours of operation:

Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: Closed

Monday: 1 - 4:30 p.m. (This site will be closed for Columbus Day, Oct. 11)

Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Please have the following information available to register:

• Name and SSN of the primary applicant
• Name and SSN of secondary/co-applicant (encouraged but not required).
• Current and pre-disaster address
• Names of all occupants of the pre-disaster household
• Current contact information
• Types of insurance held by the household.
• Household pre-disaster annual gross income
• Losses caused by the disaster.
• Banking information for direct deposit of financial assistance, if requested

Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is not required.

To register with FEMA:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) or require accommodations while visiting a center, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 24 hours.
  • Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.
• 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.

The registration deadline for FEMA Disaster Assistance in Pennsylvania is November 10, 2021.

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.

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

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

amanda.hancher Fri, 10/08/2021 - 14:37

If Insurance Doesn’t Cover Your Loss, Other Sources Can Help

NEW YORK – Many New Yorkers who suffered losses from Hurricane Ida are covered by their insurance. But even the best coverage may not satisfy every need, which is why state, federal and nonprofit programs are available.

FEMA may send you a letter saying you are not eligible for federal disaster assistance or requesting additional information.

FEMA provides assistance to applicants for their uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs. Applicants are required to inform FEMA of all insurance coverage that may be available to them including flood, homeowners, vehicle, mobile home, medical, burial, etc.

Insured applicants must provide documentation that identifies their insurance settlements or benefits before FEMA will consider their eligibility for categories of assistance that may be covered by private insurance.

Reasons you may receive FEMA determination letter include:

• Occupancy has not been verified;
• Ownership of the damaged property has not been verified;
• Proof of identity has not been verified;
• FEMA did not receive insurance settlement documents.

You should read the letter carefully so you can provide the information or documents FEMA is requesting.

If you have any questions about the letter or about FEMA’s decision, have your FEMA registration number available when you call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (711/VRS). Lines are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week, and operators can connect you to a specialist who speaks your language. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Under federal law, FEMA cannot duplicate payments to individuals or households for losses covered by insurance.

If you are insured, you should contact your insurance company to file a claim right away and ask for documents that inform about your insurance coverage, benefits, and settlements, documents detailing exactly what is covered and is paid under your claim. Then mail the information to FEMA, Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055, or fax it to 800-827-8112. Include your FEMA registration number on all the documents.

You can appeal any decision within 60 days from the date of FEMA’s decision letter. Guidelines for appeals can be found in that FEMA letter.

You are strongly encouraged to return a completed U.S. Small Business Administration loan application if you received one. This is a necessary step to be considered for some other forms of disaster assistance. You may submit your SBA application at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 for more information. You may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center. Find one at DRC Locator (fema.gov).

The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Sunday, Dec. 5.

For information on the flood insurance requirements for recipients of federal disaster assistance, visit https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/FloodInsuranceRequirements-080119.pdf. For additional online resources as well as FEMA downloadable pamphlets, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and click “Information.”

For referrals to agencies that support community-specific needs, visit https://www.211nys.org/contact-us or call 211. For New York City residents, call 311.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration activated its Disaster Distress helpline. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 at 800-985-5990 for disaster survivors who are experiencing emotional distress. American Sign Language users can contact the helpline via videophone at 800-985-5990, or by selecting the “ASL Now” option on the right side of the webpage at Disaster Distress Helpline-ASL Now.

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

thomas.wise Thu, 10/07/2021 - 18:50

One Month Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance One Month Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. – One month after the federal disaster declaration for Tropical Storm Fred, $10.3 million in federal funds has been provided to North Carolinians to aid in their recovery. Survivors who still need to apply for FEMA assistance have until Nov. 8, 2021 to do so.

Help for survivors in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania includes grants from FEMA, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and claims payments from the National Flood Insurance Program.

As of Oct. 6, FEMA has approved $2.39 million in FEMA Individual Assistance for homeowners and renters. That includes $2.07 million for housing assistance and $321,344 for other disaster-related needs.

SBA has approved $774,100 for homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the disaster.

The National Flood Insurance Program has paid $7.4 million in claims by policyholders.

Since the major disaster declaration Sept. 8, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have canvassed neighborhoods and interacted with 1,551 individuals to help them apply for assistance and to provide referrals to other resources.

“Much work still lies ahead for Western North Carolina, and we want to help all North Carolinians recover quickly and rebuild in a more resilient manner,” said N.C. Emergency Management Director William Ray. “Every impacted resident should make sure they apply with both FEMA and the SBA in order to access available assistance that they need.”

“We are working with the state and the communities to provide all the assistance we can,” said Federal Coordinating Officer John Boyle. “We’ll be here as long as necessary to get the job done.”

Registration is free. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use 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. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

FEMA is working with state and local authorities on requests for Public Assistance grants for emergency response and restoration of damaged public facilities in Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Madison, Mitchell, Transylvania, Yancey and Watauga counties.

For more information about  Tropical Storm Fred recovery in North Carolina, visit fema.gov/disaster/4617 and ncdps.gov/TSFred. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

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

brianasummer.fenton Thu, 10/07/2021 - 17:20

FEMA Awards City of Rockledge $1.76 Million for Emergency Generators and Wind Protection

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,765,125 for the City of Rockledge to provide emergency backup power and protection from 160 mph winds during future storms for two fire stations.

Funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was approved in response to a proposal by the city after Hurricane Dorian in 2019. The grant will help pay for the purchase and installation of two emergency generators, one at Fire Station 35 at 1800 Rockledge Blvd. and the other at Fire Station 37 at 3500 Murrell Road. The bay doors, windows and all other openings will be upgraded with impact resistant products and the roofs will be strengthened to meet current code requirements.

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 Dorian 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.

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

Nadine.Jones Thu, 10/07/2021 - 13:00

ليس من السابق لأوانه فحص أنظمة التدفئة في منزلك

ديترويت -  مع انخفاض درجات الحرارة في الأشهر المقبلة، ستصبح المدفأة أهم جهاز في منزلك.  تقترح FEMA على سكان مقاطعات ماكومب وأوكلاند ووشتناو وواين  الذين تعرضوا لأضرار من جراء العواصف والفيضانات الشديدة في شهر يونيو  بأن يتأكدوا من أن أنظمة التدفئة وسخانات المياه في بيوتهم تعمل بشكل جيد قبل وصول الطقس البارد. 

 

قد يتعرض سكان ميشيغان للخطر بسبب المدافئ والأجهزة الكهربائية الأخرى المتضررة من الفيضانات. إذا وصلت مياه الفيضانات إلى أنظمة التدفئة في منزلك، فيجب عليك إخضاعها للفحص من قبل أفراد صيانة ذوي خبرة للتأكد من سلامة التشغيل.

 

قام سكوت بورغيس، موظف FEMA للتنسيق الفيدرالي لعملية التعافي من الكوارث في ميشيغان  بتذكير مالكي المنازل في ميشيغان بأن منح FEMA قد تكون متاحة للمساعدة في إصلاح الأفران التالفة أو سخانات المياه واستبدال تلك التي دمرتها مياه الفيضانات.

 

قال بيرجس: "قم بتشغيل التدفئة الآن للتأكد من عدم وجود تسرب أو عطل في المنفاخ." "إذا كانت هناك مشكلة، فاتصل بفني مرخص لفحصها. إذا كنت بحاجة إلى إصلاح أو استبدال الجهاز، فقد تتمكن FEMA من المساعدة ".

 

يجب على مالكي المنازل الذين يتلقون منحة FEMA للإصلاحات ويكتشفون لاحقًا أن المدفأة أو سخان المياه يحتاج إلى استبدال أن يتبعوا إجراءاتFEMA  للاستئناف للحصول على أموال منحة إضافية. أمام مالكي المنازل 60 يومًا للاستئناف ويجب عليهم تقديم خطاب مع تقدير بواسطة مقاول معتمد لاستبدال المدفأة أو سخان المياه. لمعرفة المزيد حول عملية استئنافFEMA ، قم بزيارةfema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/appeals.

 

يجب على الناجين من الكوارث الذين لم يتقدموا بعد للحصول على مساعدة FEMA الاتصال على3362-621-800. إذا كنت تستخدم خدمة ترحيل، مثل خدمة ترحيل الفيديو (VRS) أو خدمة الهاتف المكتوبة أو غيرها، فامنح FEMA رقم تلك الخدمة. الأرقام المجانية متاحة من الساعة 7 صباحاً حتى 11 مساءً بالتوقيت الشرقي، 7 أيام في الأسبوع. يمكنك أيضًا التقديم على الإنترنت DisasterAssistance.gov أو من خلال  تطبيقFEMA . أثناء عملية تقديم الطلب، تأكد من الإبلاغ عن أي تلف في المدفأة أو سخان المياه أو أي أجهزة كهربائية أخرى كنتيجة للعواصف والفيضانات.

 

للمزيد من المعلومات عن تعافي ميشيغان، يرجى زيارة  fema.gov/disaster/4607. آخر موعد للتقديم 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.  سيتم توفير تسهيلات معقولة تشمل الترجمة ومترجمي لغة الإشارة الأمريكية عبر خدمة ترحيل الفيديو لضمان التواصل الفعال مع المتقدمين ذوي الكفاءة المحدودة في اللغة الإنجليزية والإعاقات 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.

مهمة FEMA هي مساعدة الناس قبل، خلال، وبعد الكوارث.

troy.christensen Thu, 10/07/2021 - 13:00

No es demasiado pronto para revisar los sistemas de calefacción de su vivienda

Detroit. A medida que las temperaturas bajen en los próximos meses, su calefacción se convertirá en el aparato más importante de su vivienda. FEMA sugiere a los residentes de los condados de Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw y Wayne  que sufrieron daños por las graves tormentas e inundaciones de junio asegurarse de que sus sistemas de calefacción y calentadores de agua están en buenas condiciones de funcionamiento antes de la llegada del clima frío.

 

Los residentes de Michigan pueden estar en riesgo de que sus sistemas de calefacción y otros aparatos eléctricos estén dañados como consecuencia de las inundaciones. Si las aguas de la inundación llegaron hasta los sistemas de calefacción de su vivienda, debería hacer que personal experto en reparaciones compruebe la seguridad del funcionamiento de estos.

 

Scott Burgess, coordinador federal de FEMA para las operaciones de recuperación de desastres de Michigan, les recuerda a los propietarios de viviendas de Michigan que pueden estar disponibles las subvenciones de FEMA para ayudar a reparar las calderas o los calentadores de agua dañados y reemplazar los equipos destruidos por las aguas de las inundaciones.

 

"Encienda la calefacción ahora para comprobar que no hay ninguna fuga y que el soplador sí funciona", dijo Burgess. "Si detecta algún problema, llame a un profesional autorizado para que inspeccione el sistema. Si necesita reparar o sustituir el equipo, FEMA podría ayudarle".

 

Los propietarios de viviendas que reciban una subvención de FEMA para reparaciones y más tarde descubren que su caldera o el calentador de agua tiene que ser reemplazado, deben utilizar el proceso de apelación de FEMA para obtener fondos de subvención adicionales. Los propietarios disponen de 60 días para apelar y deben presentar una carta con un presupuesto verificado de un contratista para la sustitución de la caldera o el calentador de agua. Para obtener más información sobre el proceso de apelación de FEMA, visite fema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/appeals.

 

Los sobrevivientes del desastre que aún no han solicitado la asistencia de FEMA deben llamar al 800-621-3362. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), el servicio telefónico subtitulado u otros, proporciónele a FEMA el número de ese servicio. Las líneas con números de teléfono gratuitos están abiertas de las 7 a. m. a las 11 p. m., hora del este, los siete días de la semana. Además, puede solicitar la asistencia por internet en DisasterAssistance.gov o por medio de la aplicación de FEMA. Durante el proceso de solicitud, asegúrese de reportar cualquier daño en su caldera, calentador de agua u otros aparatos eléctricos como consecuencia de las tormentas e inundaciones.

 

Para obtener más información sobre la recuperación de Michigan, visite fema.gov/disaster/4607. La fecha límite para presentar la solicitud es el 12 de noviembre de 2021.  

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La asistencia en caso de desastre está disponible sin importar la raza, color, religión, origen nacional, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio limitado del inglés o situación económica. Se dispondrá de acomodos razonables, incluida la traducción y los intérpretes de lenguaje de signos americana a través del servicio de retransmisión de video, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con un dominio limitado del inglés, con discapacidades y con necesidades funcionales y de acceso. 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 es una persona sorda, con problemas auditivos o tiene una discapacidad del habla y utiliza un TTY, llame al 800-462-7585.

La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

troy.christensen Thu, 10/07/2021 - 12:58

Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs and FEMA Partner to Support Hispanic/Latinx Communities

BOTHELL, Wash. – The Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs (CHA) and FEMA are partnering to expand access to the FEMA Funeral Assistance Program for Hispanic/Latinx communities in Washington. This collaboration is an opportunity for FEMA to work with the Commission to engage with, inform, and reach Hispanic/Latinx community members who have lost a loved one to COVID-19.

“The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have—and continue to be—devastating,” says Vince Maykovich, Acting FEMA Region 10 Administrator. “By partnering with CHA, we want to build relationships with Hispanic/Latinx communities in Washington and raise awareness about how to register and participate in FEMA’s Funeral Assistance program.”

“We facilitate access to information and resources to the Hispanic/Latinx communities across the state of Washington. This means that we advise, lead, and help make sure that information is delivered in a digestible, culturally relevant way. We hope to aid in raising awareness about this valuable and important program in our community. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the Hispanic/Latinx community in our state, and we hope this information encourages our community to apply to this program and help ease the financial aspects of placing a loved one to rest,” says María Sigüenza, Executive Director of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

If you incurred COVID-19-related funeral, burial, or cremation expenses on or after January 20, 2020, FEMA may be able to help you with some of those costs. To apply, call FEMA at 844-684-6333. The helpline is open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT. Multilingual services are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. You must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien to apply. However, there is no eligibility requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien. A funeral assistance video describing eligibility is available in English and Spanish, view and share today.

For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program visit FEMA.gov.

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

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

mary.j.edmon Wed, 10/06/2021 - 18:55

It’s Not Too Early to Check Your Home’s Heating Systems

Detroit – As temperatures drop in the coming months, your furnace will become the most important appliance in your home. FEMA suggests residents of Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties who suffered damage from June’s severe storms and flooding make sure their heating systems and water heaters are in good working condition before the cold weather arrives.

 

Michigan residents may be at risk for flood-damaged furnaces and other electrical appliances. If the floodwaters reached your home heating systems, you should have them checked for operating safety by experienced repair personnel.

 

Scott Burgess, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the Michigan disaster recovery operation, reminded Michigan homeowners that FEMA grants may be available to help repair damaged furnaces or water heaters and replace those destroyed by floodwaters.

 

“Turn on your heat now to check that there isn’t a leak, or the blower isn’t working,” Burgess said. “If there is a problem, call a licensed professional to have it inspected. If you need to repair or replace the appliance, FEMA may be able to help.”

 

Homeowners who receive a FEMA grant for repairs and later discover their furnace or water heater needs replacing must use the FEMA appeal process for additional grant funds. Homeowners have 60 days to appeal and must submit a letter with a verified contractor’s estimate for replacement of the furnace or water heater. To learn more about FEMA’s appeal process, visit fema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/appeals.

 

Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week. You can also apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App. During the application process, make sure to report any damage to your furnace, water heater or other electrical appliances as a result of the storms and flooding.

 

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

                                                                                     ###

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 Wed, 10/06/2021 - 18:45

FEMA Issues Public Notice for North Carolina FEMA Issues Public Notice for North Carolina

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. – A public notice has been posted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and North Carolina Emergency Management websites describing available FEMA assistance and proposed FEMA-funded actions, including activities that may affect historic properties, threatened and endangered species, critical habitat, or wetlands and floodplains in North Carolina.

FEMA is required by law to provide public notice of its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities via the agency’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs.

The public notice addresses FEMA’s intention to reimburse eligible applicants for costs to repair or replace facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Fred in the following North Carolina counties: Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Madison, Mitchell, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey counties.

The public notice is posted at : https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/dr-4617-nc-fema-issues-public-notice and https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/past-disasters/tropical-storm-fred-western-nc/public-notices

This may be the only public notice given regarding these FEMA actions. Questions should be directed to kristin.morris@fema.dhs.gov or to FEMA Region IV EHP, c/o Kristin Morris, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, GA 30341-4112, within 15 days of the date of this notice.

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

brianasummer.fenton Wed, 10/06/2021 - 13:07

سيتم افتتاح مركز تعافي من الكوارث في ساوثفيلد، ميشيغان (مقاطعة أوكلاند)

ديترويت -  سيتم افتتاح مركز تعافي من الكوارث في ساوثفيلد يوم الأربعاء 6 أكتوبر لمساعدة المستأجرين وأصحاب المنازل وأصحاب الأعمال الذين تأثروا بالعواصف والفيضانات الشديدة في الفترة 25-26 يونيو.  

 

 ستتواجد المركز في الأماكن التالية:  

 

 مركز ساوثفيلد   (مجمع مباني مكتب المدينة)

26000 Evergreen Rd. 

Southfield, MI 48076 

(يقع في مبنى باركس آند ريكريشن مقابل قاعة المدينة. كلا المرفقين في نفس المبنى)

 

 ستكون ساعات العمل من 9 صباحًا حتى 7 مساءً، بالتوقيت الشرقي، من الاثنين إلى السبت.  سيتم إغلاق المركز يومي الأحد، 10 أكتوبر، والاثنين، يوم كولومبوس، 11 أكتوبر.

 

يتوفر في مركز التعافي من الكوارث ممثلون منFEMA ، إدارة الأعمال الصغيرة الأمريكية، شرطة ولاية ميشيغان، قسم إدارة الطوارئ والأمن الداخلي، ووكالات أخرى تابعة للولاية ليشرحوا برامج المساعدة في حالات الكوارث والإجابة على الأسئلة المتعلقة بالمراسلات المكتوبة وتقديم مطبوعات حول الإصلاحات وإعادة البناء لجعل المنازل أكثر مقاومة للكوارث.   

 

1} قبل زيارة مركز التعافي، يجب على الناجين التسجيل للحصول على المساعدة الفيدرالية بإحدى الطرق التالية: 

• عن طريق الإنترنت DisasterAssistance.gov; 
• باستخدام تطبيقFEMA ؛ أو 
•  عن طريق الاتصال بالرقم 3362-621-800 (بما في ذلك 711 وخدمة ترحيل فيديو). مستخدمي الهاتف النصي يمكنهم الاتصال على 800-462-7585. الأرقام المجانية متاحة من الساعة 7 صباحًا حتى الساعة 11 مساءً بالتوقيت الشرقي، سبعة أيام في الأسبوع. يتوفر موظفون متعددي اللغات.  

 

 يمكن لأي شخص يحتاج إلى تسهيلات معقولة (ترجمة لغة الإشارة للغة العربية، طريقة برايل، الحروف الكبيرة، وما إلى ذلك) الاتصال على الرقم 3362-621-800 لطلب المساعدة مسبقًا أو طلب المساعدة من فريق التعافي في المركز.  

 

تبقى المساعدة الوجاهية المقدمة من ممثلي FEMA متاحة في مراكز التعافي من الكوارث الواقعة في جنوب شرق ميشيغان. يمكن للأفراد زيارة أي مركز مفتوح للحصول على المساعدة التي يحتاجونها ضمن عملية المساعدة الفيدرالية.  

 

للعثور على الموقع وساعات العمل لأقرب مركز إليك، يرجى زيارة صفحة محدد مواقع مراكز التعافي على fema.gov/DRCLocator.

 للمزيد من المعلومات عن تعافي ميشيغان، يرجى زيارة fema.gov/disaster/4607. مساعدات FEMA متاحة حاليًا للمقيمين في مقاطعتي واشتناو و وايني، والآن في أوكلاند و ناكومب. الموعد النهائي للأفراد لتقديم الطلبات للحصول على المساعدة في حالات الكوارث هو 12 نوفمبر 2021.

 

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troy.christensen Wed, 10/06/2021 - 12:47

El Centro de Recuperación de Desastres abre sus puertas en Southfield, Michigan (Condado de Oakland)

Detroit. Un Centro de Recuperación de Desastres abrirá sus puertas en Southfield el miércoles 6 de octubre, para ayudar a inquilinos, propietarios de viviendas y propietarios de negocios afectados por las graves tormentas e inundaciones del 25 y 26 de junio.    

 

El Centro estará ubicado en la siguiente dirección: 

 

Southfield Center (City Office Buildings Complex)

26000 Evergreen Rd. 

Southfield, MI 48076 

(Ubicado en el edificio de Parques y Recreación frente al Ayuntamiento) Ambas instalaciones están en el mismo edificio.

 

El horario de atención será de 9 a. m. a 7 p. m. hora del este, de lunes a sábado. El Centro estará cerrado el domingo 10 de octubre y el día de la Hispanidad (Columbus Day), 11 de octubre.

 

En el Centro de Recuperación de Desastres, los representantes de FEMA, la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA), la Policía del estado de Michigan, la División de Gestión de Emergencias y Seguridad Nacional y otras agencias estatales están disponibles para explicar los programas de asistencia en caso de desastre, responder a las preguntas sobre la correspondencia escrita y proporcionar información sobre reparaciones y reconstrucción para que las viviendas sean más resistentes a los desastres.  

 

Antes de acudir a un centro de recuperación, los sobrevivientes deben inscribirse para recibir asistencia federal de una de las siguientes maneras: 

• Por internet en DisasterAssistance.gov; 
• Utilizando la aplicación de FEMA; o en 
• Llamando al 800-621-3362 (incluido el 711 o la retransmisión de video). Los usuarios de TTY deben llamar al 800-462-7585. Los números de teléfono gratuitos están disponibles de 7 a. m. a las 11 p. m., hora del este, los siete días de la semana. Hay operadores multilingües disponibles. 

 

Las personas que necesite una adaptación razonable (interpretación de lenguaje de señas o ASL, Braille, letra grande, etc.) puede llamar al 800-621-3362 para solicitar asistencia anticipadamente o pedir ayuda al personal del Centro de recuperación. 

 

La asistencia en persona de los representantes de FEMA sigue disponible en los Centros de Recuperación de Desastres ubicados en el sureste de Michigan. Las personas pueden visitar cualquier centro abierto para obtener la ayuda que necesitan con el proceso de asistencia federal.

 

Para encontrar la ubicación y el horario de atención del centro más cercano a usted, visite la página del localizador de DRC de FEMA en fema.gov/DRCLocator.

Para obtener más información sobre la recuperación de Michigan, visite fema.gov/disaster/4607. La asistencia de FEMA está actualmente disponible para los residentes de los condados de Washtenaw y Wayne, y ahora también en Oakland y Macomb. El plazo para que las personas soliciten la ayuda por desastre finaliza el 12 de noviembre de 2021.

 

###

 

La asistencia en caso de desastre está disponible sin importar la raza, color, religión, origen nacional, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio limitado del inglés o situación económica. Se dispondrá de acomodos razonables, incluida la traducción y los intérpretes de lenguaje de señas americano a través del servicio de retransmisión de video, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con un dominio limitado del inglés, con discapacidades y con necesidades funcionales y de acceso. 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 es una persona sorda, con problemas auditivos o tiene una discapacidad del habla y utiliza un TTY, llame al 800-462-7585. 

 

La misión de FEMA es ayudar a la personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.  

troy.christensen Wed, 10/06/2021 - 12:45

DRC Opens in Union County

TRENTON, N.J. – A Disaster Recovery Center opened today, Oct. 5, in Union County to help residents in New Jersey affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.  

Representatives from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available at the center to explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about written correspondence and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

The DRC is located at:

Cranford Community Center,

220 Walnut Ave.

Cranford, N.J., 07016

Hours:  

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Closed

To help alleviate the risk of COVID-19 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 Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance. To find a DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: fema.gov/drc. 

Survivors can ask questions or seek further information in person at the DRC, in addition to online or by phone. Survivors can visit any of the DRC locations and find their closest location through the FEMA App.  To download the FEMA App please visit the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

If you have homeowners or renter’s 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.

The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting disasterassistance.gov.

If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate are currently operating 24 hours per day, 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.

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

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

amir.nijem Wed, 10/06/2021 - 12:31

FEMA Funds Help Address Short Columns in Schools in the South

The funding is from the Agency’s section 406 Hazard Mitigation funds

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Some 157 schools affected by the 2020 earthquakes are eligible to mitigate seismic hazards caused by the structural condition known as short column with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Agency allocated $136.5 million under Section 406 Hazard Mitigation to perform work that combines structural reinforcement and shear walls to reduce the impact in case of a seismic event.

These mitigation efforts are aimed at increasing the capacity of the facilities to resist lateral movements that typically result from earthquakes and put life and property at risk. The measures will also help reduce the time it takes for schools to return to normal operations after an earthquake.

“Education is a pillar of society. It is of great satisfaction that in FEMA we can contribute to teaching in safe and resilient schools. Without a doubt, it is an essential part of the commitment that we have with the recovery of Puerto Rico, not only from María, but also from the earthquakes that caused so much damage,” said the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator in Puerto Rico, José G. Baquero.

On the other hand, the Puerto Rico Department of Education was awarded over $108 million by FEMA for 99 permanent construction projects in the municipalities affected by last year's series of earthquakes.

Among the schools in the island's public system with million-dollar obligations is the Blanca Malaret Elementary School in Sabana Grande with $1.9 million. "Our enrollment is 558 students and repairs are about to be completed," confirmed the school's Director, Miguel A. Ramírez Morales. The space also serves as a shelter because of its solar panels and generator.

Similarly, in Utuado, the Bernardo González Colón and Dr. Efraín González Tejera schools serve as shelters in case of emergencies. Both received allocations of nearly $1.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The former, which has an enrollment of 346 students, can shelter about 100 people in case of emergency, while the latter, with an enrollment of 137 students, can accommodate about 60 people.

Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3), said "the reconstruction of schools affected by last year's earthquakes is one of our priorities. Weekly meetings are held to complete the formulation of the projects and only 59 school projects have yet to receive obligations from FEMA's Public Assistance Program. At the same time, we have issued approximately $680,000 in disbursements for the architecture and engineering (A&E) phase of 21 reconstruction projects at campuses located in the southern zone. Governor Pedro Pierluisi's commitment is clear, and we continue to work as a team to ensure that these projects are carried out for the safety of our school communities.”.

To learn more about Puerto Rico's recovery from the earthquakes visit  fema.gov/disaster/4473.

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 10/06/2021 - 11:50

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Southfield, Michigan (Oakland County)

Detroit – A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Southfield on Wednesday, Oct. 6, to help renters, homeowners and business owners affected by the June 25 – 26 severe storms and flooding.    

 

The center will be in the following location: 

 

Southfield Center (City Office Buildings Complex)

26000 Evergreen Rd. 

Southfield, MI 48076 

(Located in the Parks and Recreation building across from City Hall. Both facilities are in the same building)

 

Hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Saturday. The center will be closed Sunday, Oct. 10 and Monday, Columbus Day, Oct. 11.

 

At the Disaster Recovery Center, representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, and other state agencies are available to explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about written correspondence and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.  

 

Before visiting a recovery center, survivors should register for federal assistance one of the following ways: 

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov; 
• Using the FEMA App; or 
• Calling 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). TTY users can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available. 

 

Anyone requiring a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille, Large print, etc.) may call 800-621-3362 to request assistance in advance or ask the recovery staff at the center for assistance. 

 

In-person assistance from FEMA representatives remains available at Disaster Recovery Centers located in southeast Michigan. Individuals can visit any open center to get the help they need with the federal assistance process.

 

      To find the location and operational hours of the nearest center to you, visit FEMA’s DRC locator page at fema.gov/DRCLocator.

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

 

###

 

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 Tue, 10/05/2021 - 20:05

One Month After Ida: Federal Funding Tops $175 Million for New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. – One month after the federal disaster declaration for the remnants of Hurricane Ida, more than $175.8 million in federal funds have been provided to New Jersey to aid in their recovery.

Funds include grants from FEMA, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration and claims payments from the National Flood Insurance Program:

• More than $88.5 million in federal grants approved for homeowners and renters.
• More than $53.1 million in SBA low-interest disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and business owners.
• More than $34.1 million paid to NFIP policyholders statewide.

“This is an impressive milestone to reach in such a short period of time,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Patrick Cornbill. “This money goes directly into the hands of survivors and allows them to start on the road to recovery, while helping them achieve their long-term goals and begin to return to a sense of normalcy. We couldn’t have done it without our state and federal partners here on the ground.”             

Assistance Helps Communities Recover

• As of Oct. 5, FEMA has approved more than $88.5 million for 18,932 families in New Jersey. This included:
  • More than $82.5 million in Housing Assistance grants for repairs to primary residences or for rental of temporary housing.
  • More than $6 million for grants to repair or replace damaged personal property or to pay for disaster-related necessary expenses and other serious needs. 
• FEMA completed damage inspections of 30,956 homes, which is part of the process of determining whether applicants are eligible for assistance.
• Individuals in Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance. To find a DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: fema.gov/drc.
• FEMA has operated 12 Disaster Recovery Centers—one in each of the counties designated—for Individual Assistance and had a total of 4,144 visitors to date.
  • At the DRCs, survivors can speak to representatives from FEMA’s Individuals and Households program, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation program, and SBA loan programs, to get answers to questions about written correspondence. Literature is available on repairs and rebuilding to make homes disaster resistant.
• Seventeen FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams conducted outreach in the 12 counties, assisting survivors with registering for FEMA assistance, checking the status of applications and identifying  potential needs.
• NJ 211 plays an essential role in emergency response and recovery in New Jersey. Visit www.nj211.org/tropical-storm-ida to find out about all the available resources.
• Individuals who lost their jobs directly due to the disaster and work or live in one of the declared counties may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Benefits. The DUA program is a part of the federal disaster assistance process but is administered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL). For more information or to apply visit go.usa.gov/xMmad.
• If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed due to the recent weather emergencies, please call NJ Mental Health Cares Helpline at 866-202-4357 (TTY: 877-294-4356) for emotional support, guidance, and mental health referrals as needed.
• All FEMA disaster messaging has been provided in 10 languages identified as prevalent in New Jersey: Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Gujarati, Polish, Italian, Tagalog, Haitian Creole and Arabic, in addition to English and American Sign Language. Bilingual speakers have been available for public meetings.
• The toll-free disaster assistance helpline, 800-621-3362 is also supported by specialists in these 10 languages and additional languages, and live translation services are available to all applicants who call FEMA.
• There are three ways survivors can apply for disaster assistance:
  • 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 currently operating 24 hours per day, 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 is Nov. 4, 2021.

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

amir.nijem Tue, 10/05/2021 - 17:04

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to Close in Warren County; Remaining DRCs Will Reduce Hours of Operation

Trenton, N.J. – As survivors move through the recovery process, help is just a phone call, a mouse click or a tap on the FEMA app away. The Disaster Recovery Center in Warren County will close permanently on Friday, Oct. 8 at 5 p.m.

The Warren County DRC is located at Franklin Township Municipal Building, 2093 Route 57, Broadway, NJ 08808.

Beginning today, Oct. 4, DRCs will reduce their weekday hours and close at 5 p.m.

Additionally, beginning Oct. 10, all DRCs will be closed on Sundays.  

While this site will be closing, face-to-face assistance is still available.  Survivors can find their nearest DRC online at fema.gov/drc, or text DRC and their current ZIP Code 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. Disaster survivors who are deaf, have a speech or hearing disability and use TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone lines are currently operating 24 hours per day, 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 is Nov. 4, 2021.

amir.nijem Tue, 10/05/2021 - 13:01

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight South Dakota’s Auburn Fire

DENVER – This evening, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Auburn Fire burning in Pennington county, on the north side of Rapid City.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Tammy Littrell approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request late this afternoon and determining that the fire threatened such destruction that it would constitute a major disaster.

At the time of the request, the Auburn Fire was threatening 500 homes and approximately 1,000 people were under mandatory evacuations. The fire started today and has burned more than 250 acres.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

With the FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.

For more information on FMAGs, visit  https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.

Brian.Hvinden Mon, 10/04/2021 - 23:52