FEMA Awards State Of Rhode Island More Than $3 Million For Temporary COVID Hospitals

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state for the costs of setting up temporary hospital facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,076,350 Public Assistance grant will go to the Rhode Island Department of Administration for contracting to set up and operate three alternative hospital sites totaling nearly 1,400 hospital beds to provide medical treatment to COVID-19 patients between July and October 2021.

The three sites – the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, the former Citizens Bank Call Center in Cranston, and the former Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Quonset – cared for approximately 4,300 patients.

The state contracted for security, cleaning, waste removal, utilities; transportation of equipment and furniture, and decommissioning costs.

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

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

These grants brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $475 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Sat, 07/02/2022 - 00:22

FEMA Awards State Of Rhode Island Nearly $7.7 Million For COVID Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $7.7 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state health department for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $7,666,294 Public Assistance grant will go to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for contracting with laboratory partners ACCU Reference Medical Lab, Dominion Diagnostics and East Side Clinical Laboratory to complete a total of 81,632 COVID-19 tests during July 2021.

RIDOH also provided medical supplies which were used at the Rhode Island State Health Laboratory, mobile test sites, and the community-based testing sites. Supplies included laboratory supplies, testing supplies, testing kits, and specimen collection materials.

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

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

These grants brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $475 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Sat, 07/02/2022 - 00:21

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.3 Million to Central Maine Medical Center for COVID Staffing Expenses

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.3 million to the Central Maine Medical Center to reimburse the cost of contracting for temporary staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,267,123 Public Assistance grant will go to the 250-bed, level 2 trauma center in Lewiston to cover the cost of 57 additional temporary medical staff working 6,929 hours between Februay 2021 and February 2022.

Central Maine Medical Center was able to set up universal screening measures for staff and visitors to check for COVID-19 symptoms, as well as care for those patients who had COVID-19.

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $137 million in Public Assistance grants to Maine to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

 

adrien.urbani Sat, 07/02/2022 - 00:20

FEMA Awards More Than $3.7 Million to State of Maine for COVID Sheltering Expenses

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3.7 million to the State of Maine to reimburse the cost of using hotel rooms to isolate vulnerable homeless shelter populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,705,896 Public Assistance grant will go to the Maine Department for Health and Human Services to cover the cost of providing hotel rooms as non-congregate shelter to populations who needed to be isolated from general shelter populations between October 2020 and May 2021.

Approximately 1,022 individuals and 163 families were housed in hotels including brands such as Howard Johnson, Comfort Inn, and Motel 6 as part of the effort to protect persons in congregate shelter facilities from infection.

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

So far, FEMA has provided almost $138 million in Public Assistance grants to Maine to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

 

adrien.urbani Sat, 07/02/2022 - 00:16

FEMA Awards State of Rhode Island More Than $1 Million for COVID Tech Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state health department for the costs of implementing technology needed to detect and track infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,065,634 Public Assistance grant will go to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for contracting to put in place technological tools to help protect the public between March and December 2021.

Some of the measures supported by this technology included testing, case investigation, outbreak response, quarantine and isolation, and public communications.

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

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

These grants brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $477 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Sat, 07/02/2022 - 00:15

Remembering Hurricane Agnes on the 50th Anniversary

PHILADELPHIA – In June 1972, Hurricane Agnes caused widespread damage across the eastern United States. Five decades later, FEMA Region 3 and our partners are remembering this significant storm through an interagency website, videos, webinars, and other products and events. We welcome you to use these resources to help tell the story of Agnes and encourage everyone to take steps now to be prepared for future storms.

Resources for Hurricane Agnes 50th Anniversary of Hurricane Agnes: Learn from the Past and Prepare for the Future Website

State-led flood risk management teams, known as the Silver Jackets, of Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia collaborated with partners including FEMA Region 3 to create this interactive and comprehensive website. It contains details about the impact of Hurricane Agnes, information about how emergency response has evolved in the past 50 years, actions people can take to be prepared for hurricanes and flooding, and information about flood mitigation efforts in the northeast since Agnes, including an interactive map showing the storm track of Agnes and the location and type of various mitigation projects.

Agnes50 Mitigation: Controlling the Flood Since Hurricane Agnes Video

1972: The world of flood control and mitigation changed when Hurricane Agnes devastated many communities in the mid-Atlantic with her floodwaters. Those charged with fighting floods have used a variety of mitigation methods and policy to keep rising waters at bay, and this documentary short gives a brief introduction and local area perspective.

Learn From the Past Working Hurricane Agnes Video

1972: The world of flood control and mitigation changed when Hurricane Agnes devastated many communities in the mid-Atlantic with her floodwaters. Those charged with fighting floods have used a variety of mitigation methods and policy to keep rising waters at bay, and this documentary short gives a brief introduction and local area perspective.

Dave DeCosmo saw firsthand what the damage of a hurricane can do to the flow of information and how important it is to make sure people get truthful, timely updates during and after a storm. Listen to his incredible, moving story as Dave recounts his experiences during Hurricane Agnes in locations he hasn't visited since she blew through the mid-Atlantic states 50 years ago. This Atlantic hurricane season, we are encouraging everyone to learn more about their flood risk and take actions NOW to be prepared. Even decades later, the stories of Agnes still resonate and can help us be better prepared for the threats of the future. With climate change, extreme rainfall and flooding events are becoming more common, and lessons learned after storms like Agnes will be even more valuable.

Surviving Hurricane Agnes - 50th Anniversary Video

Deb Kennedy lived through Hurricane Agnes in 1972. Her family didn't evacuate in time. She shares her harrowing story, commemorating the 50th anniversary of a storm that brought destruction to the mid-Atlantic and in part, led to the creation of FEMA several years later.

Episode 93: Remembering Hurricane Agnes on the 50th Anniversary of the Storm Podcast Episode

On this episode, FEMA remembers Hurricane Agnes on the 50th Anniversary of the storm by looking back at the impacts to the Mid-Atlantic and looking ahead to predicting the future effects of hurricanes in the region. We discuss how Hurricane Agnes shaped the field of emergency management and the how emergency managers today are still using lessons that were learned from the storm.

Flood Mitigation Then & Now: 50 Years of Reducing Flood Risk Since Agnes Webinar Recording

Mitigation works. Agnes was a devastating flood but projects in place at the time of the storm significantly reduced its impact. US Army Corps Baltimore District estimates projects in its region prevented $480 million in damage. Since Agnes, federal state and local governments have invested even more to reduce the harm of future floods but the nature of mitigation is changing. During this webinar, panelists discussed the history of mitigation at the time of Agnes, what we’ve done since the storm, and how mitigation programs are evolving to overcome increasing challenges.  

Agnes at 50: Learn from the Past. Prepare for the Future Webinar Recording

It’s been half a century since Hurricane Agnes caused widespread devastation in our region but there are still many lessons to be learned from the impacts of the storm and the emergency response. During this webinar, panelist David DeCosmo, a former WYOU news broadcaster who was appointed to be the Luzerne County Civil Defense Public Information Officer during the storm, described his experience working as part of the response efforts and communicating with the public. FEMA Region 3 Hurricane Program Manager Mike Bilder accompanied David to provide insight into the immediate impacts of Agnes and how this storm compares to others we have experienced more recently.

 

We all have a role to play as we prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, and reflecting on Agnes now will help us be more prepared for the future. Visit Hurricanes | Ready.gov and Floods | Ready.gov to learn more about your risk and act today.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 07/01/2022 - 16:45

FEMA Awards Funds for Spring Creek and Chateau Wildfire Response

DENVER – FEMA has awarded $2.3 million to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (CDFPC) to cover costs of fighting the Spring Creek and Chateau wildfires that impacted portions of Colorado in late June of 2018. The funds are provided by FEMA’s Public Assistance program under Fire Management Assistance declarations for Colorado issued on June 28 and 30, 2018, in response to the wildfires.

• The Spring Creek wildfire began in Costilla and Huerfano counties on June 27, 2018. The fire burned 108,000 acres and destroyed 140 buildings.  The FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Spring Creek wildfire reimburses CDFPC $1.02 million in costs incurred to fight the wildfire including the cost of firefighters, EMTs, communications technicians, firefighting equipment, and helicopters.
• The Chateau wildfire began on June 29, 2018, in Teller County burning over 1,400 acres and destroying eight homes.  FEMA awarded CDFPC $1.3 million in Fire Management Assistance Grant funds to cover the cost of fire suppression activities including the cost of providing firefighting personnel, air tankers, helicopters, and equipment.

The FEMA grants represent the 75 percent federal cost share made available under the Fire Management Assistance Grant declarations.

For more information on FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grants, visit  https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details.  Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

# # #

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

Follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion8

jamie.casterton Tue, 06/28/2022 - 20:03

FEMA and Audacy’s WWL Radio Unveil New Emergency Broadcast Studio

NEW ORLEANS -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with Audacy, today announced it has completed an important emergency radio broadcast facility modernization project at Audacy’s WWL AM/FM in New Orleans to improve critical alert and warning capabilities when disasters threaten public safety.

The WWL facility serves as a Primary Entry Point (PEP) station, the only one in Louisiana, for FEMA’s National Public Warning System (NPWS), maintained under FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), and provides critical information to the public before, during and after incidents and disasters.

Under the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act enacted in 2015, Congress required FEMA to upgrade PEP stations across the country to ensure continuity of terrestrial broadcast services under all hazards. PEP stations are specially designated NPWS broadcast stations that serve as the primary intake source of initial broadcasts for a national alert. FEMA equips these stations, which are operated by local station personnel, with backup communications equipment and power generators that enable them to continue broadcasting information to the public during and after an emergency, including conveying official alerts to communities regionally and nationwide. These free-standing emergency studios, located at the radio transmitter sites, are specially designed and hardened to withstand various natural disasters and acts of terrorism. Currently, there are 77 PEP stations that reach more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, helping ensure that the President can alert and warn the public under all conditions.

WWL is one of 15 PEP stations around the country to complete the all-hazards upgrade. The modernization to the emergency studio includes increased sheltering capabilities, expanded broadcast capacity, and sustainable power generation for all types of hazardous events, increasing WWL’s resiliency to continue broadcasting during emergencies. 

“In coordination with our partners at Audacy, we’ve strengthened WWL’s ability to communicate critical safety information to the public when they need it,” FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks said. “When other communication methods are degraded during an emergency, a battery-powered or car radio can still receive a signal. FEMA is proud of our longstanding partnership with broadcasters across the nation, who share our mission of helping people before, during and after disasters.”

“WWL has served the people of New Orleans in critical moments for over 100 years, and this new facility speaks volumes to the significance of our station throughout the region,” said Kevin Cassidy, Senior Vice President, Audacy New Orleans. “This facility provides yet another lifeline for the community, and we’re proud to have teamed up with FEMA to ensure our community is informed in the event of a disaster.”

For more information about IPAWS or the PEP modernization effort, go to FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/broadcasters-wireless. To learn more about Audacy’s WWL, visit https://www.audacy.com/wwl.

Carmen.Castro Tue, 06/28/2022 - 19:07

FEMA Announces 2022 Youth Preparedness Council

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced the 2022-2023 Youth Preparedness Council members today.

FEMA selected 15 new members to join 10 returning council members. Members were selected based on their dedication to public service, community involvement and potential to increase levels of community resilience throughout the country.

This year, FEMA celebrates the council’s 10th anniversary. FEMA created the council in 2012 to bring together diverse young leaders interested in strengthening disaster preparedness across the nation and within their communities.

“Today, we welcome and celebrate the new Youth Preparedness Council members, who represent the next generation of emergency managers,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “This culturally diverse, creative and dedicated group of young leaders will build upon the significant contributions made by past council members over the last decade, helping to make their communities more resilient to disasters.”

Youth Preparedness Council Members The New 2022 Council Members

Sophie Fares of California

Lauren Coval of Colorado

Taylor Worbington of Florida

Vaishnavi Kumbala of Louisiana

Navin Ramesh of Massachusetts

Theo Illarionov of Massachusetts

Janice Saji of Michigan

Aarushi Bute of Missouri

Meher Harjani of New Jersey

Amanda Cisse of New York

Kemi Heyward-Rotimi of North Carolina

Neha Srinivasan of Oregon

Ryan Liu of Texas

Layla Ibrahim of Virginia

Katie Clark of Washington

The Returning Council Members

Isaac Doll of Colorado

Aubrey Dockins of Florida

Miles Butler of Idaho

Beitris Boyreau-Millar of Maryland

Ranjana Ramesh of Massachusetts

Alexia Nastasia of Missouri

Mirika Jambudi of New Jersey

Megan Cameron of New York

Amira Seay of Texas

Shivani Jayaprakasam of Washington

The council demonstrates FEMA’s commitment to promote and sustain a prepared nation. The council provides an avenue to engage young people by considering their perspectives, feedback and opinions. Council members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to provide input on strategies, initiatives and projects.

This year, each council member, all eighth through 12th graders, will participate in the Youth Preparedness Council summit held virtually in late July. During this annual event, members will participate in online preparedness activities, learn from senior leaders in national preparedness and engage with FEMA community preparedness staff who offer support and mentorship throughout their term.

To learn more about FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council, visit: fema.gov/ypc 

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 06/28/2022 - 14:42

FEMA Awards Over $4 Million to Emerson College for COVID-19 Testing

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $4 million to Emerson College to reimburse the college for the cost of testing students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $4,026,775 in Public Assistance grants will reimburse the private liberal arts college in Boston for the cost of diagnostic testing between January and November 2021.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Emerson College with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education in combating the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 06/28/2022 - 00:09

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.3 Million to Westfield State University for COVID-19 Testing

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.3 million to Westfield State University to reimburse the college for the cost of contracting to test students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,269,231 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the public university in Westfield for the cost of diagnostic testing between February 2021 and June 2021.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Westfield State University with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education in combating the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 06/28/2022 - 00:07

FEMA Awards Almost $6.4 Million To Connecticut For COVID Test Kits

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $6.4 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse the state for purchasing and distributing test kits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $6,374,700 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) will reimburse it for purchasing and distributing approximately 637,470 COVID-19 Antigen test kits between January and March 2022.

DAS and the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) set up five distribution centers around the state for municipalities, state employees, private non-profit providers, and residents of state-run or state-funded congregate housing, day programs, at-home services, nursing homes, early childhood providers, and vulnerable populations to pick up their assigned allotment of test kits.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $416 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

 

adrien.urbani Tue, 06/28/2022 - 00:05

FEMA Awards Over $6.6 Million to Worcester Polytechnic Institute for COVID-19 Testing

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $6.6 million to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute to reimburse the university for the cost of contracting to test students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $6,665,844 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private science and engineering university in Worcester for the cost of diagnostic testing between July 2020 and January 2021.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute set out to test all students and college employees so that those infected with COVID-19 could be removed quickly from campus and interactive activities, thus preventing outbreaks. Approximately 265,945 diagnostic COVID-19 tests were performed at a cost of $25 per test.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Worcester Polytechnic Institute with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education in combating the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 06/28/2022 - 00:03

FEMA Awards Nearly $4.8 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Operating Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $4.8 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for the costs associated with caring for youths in its custody during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $4,788,225 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families for the costs associated with operating safely during the pandemic between July 2020 and July 2021.

The department temporarily closed its congregate care facilities, and contracted with several vendors to provide safety units, with single bedrooms and site care service placement for youths who tested positive or were presumed positive for the COVID-19 virus:

• The Justice Resource Institute, Inc. - $1,827,258;
• The Stetson School, Inc. - $628,202;
• The Home for Little Wanderers, Inc. - $1,756,428; and
• Centerboard, Inc. - $370,499

The Department of Children and Families also contracted with U.S. Security Associates, Inc. for $205,837 to provide security services at these locations.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

 

adrien.urbani Mon, 06/27/2022 - 23:58

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends New Mexico Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. amended disaster assistance available to the state of New Mexico as a result of wildfires and straight-line winds beginning on April 5 and continuing.

Under the President's order today, the federal share for Public Assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will include 100% of the total eligible costs for a 90-day period from the date of declaration. Emergency Protective measures can provide funding for emergency work, including procuring equipment and supplies for responders, supporting evacuation requirements such as traffic control and sheltering residents, pre-positioning resources to support the response, and establishing field camps and meals for responders.

In the President’s original major disaster declaration issued for New Mexico on May 4, federal funding was made available at 75% the total eligible costs.        

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 06/27/2022 - 19:11

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Clear Fire in Alaska

BOTHELL, Wash.  -  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Clear Fire burning in Yukon/Koyukuk Census Area/Denali Borough, Alaska. 

The state of Alaska’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Saturday, June. 25, 2022, at 11:17 p.m. PT. He determined that the Clear Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the first FMAG declared in 2022 to help fight Alaska wildfires. 

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Kobe Ag, Quota, and Anderson subdivisions. The fire also threatened Clear Space Force Radar Station, Golden Valley Electric Cooperative transmission lines, communication towers, the Alaska Highway, the Alaska Railroad, and several tribal allotments in the area. 

FMAGs 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. This 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. 

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $786,552 will be available to Alaska through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.  

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 06/27/2022 - 18:15

FEMA Awards Over $1.4 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Sheltering Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for the costs associated with the sheltering of homeless persons who contracted the coronavirus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,421,062 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services for the costs associated with the sheltering of COVID-positive populations between April 2020 and July 2021.

The agency, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health and Broad Institutes (MIT & Harvard), set up five isolation and recovery sites to help COVID-positive homeless individuals safely isolate and recover.

To run these isolation & recovery sites, the agency contracted with Commonwealth Care Alliance, Behavior Health Network, Eliot Community Human Services, Inc, and North Suffolk Mental Health Association, which provided support staff and counselors to assist with the daily management, behavioral health triage, training, and support for non-congregate sheltering of COVID-positive homeless individuals.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 06/27/2022 - 17:07

FEMA Awards Vermont Nearly $1.5 Million For COVID Emergency Meals Program

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.5 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse the costs of providing emergency meals for residents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,497,525 Public Assistance grant will go to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development for providing meal preparation and delivery service to high-risk populations under the the state’s emergency feeding program “Vermont Everyone Eats” between February and March 2022.

During that time the agency entered into an agreement with Southeastern Vermont Community Action, Inc. (SEVCA), which established and coordinated with state-wide subcontractors (Hubs) that oversaw restaurant engagement, production, and distribution of 119,802 meals to high-risk individuals and those individuals 65 and overmeals experiencing food insecurity.

The program launched in August 2020 with $5 million from the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund and has continued with additional funding through FEMA.

“FEMA is pleased to support Vermont’s innovative approach to assisting its most vulnerable populations,” said FEMA Region I Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “By involving the private sector in the preparation and distribution of meals, both those faced with food insecurity and those who work at restaurants are helped.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. So far, FEMA has provided more than $359 million in grants to Vermont to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 06/27/2022 - 16:40

FEMA Awards Over $1.4 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Sheltering Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for the costs associated with the sheltering of high-risk homeless populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,434,451 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for the costs associated with the sheltering of high-risk homeless populations between November 2020 and May 2021.

Contract services were used to open and operate a temporary shelter at the Health and Wellness Center in Boston which required interior facility disinfection, hiring security, and the purchase and distribution of food, water and ice.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 06/27/2022 - 16:35

Stay in Touch with FEMA to Help Speed Your Recovery

FRANKFORT, Ky. – As homeowners and renters recover from the tornadoes, particularly after you have applied for FEMA assistance, your circumstances may have changed.

You may have a new address or phone number. Your insurance claims may have been settled. You may need more help with essential needs but aren’t sure where to turn.

These are just some of the reasons it’s important to stay in touch with FEMA. FEMA may need to contact you, and missing or wrong information could delay the delivery of assistance.

Survivors of the Dec. 10-11 tornadoes can contact FEMA to update your applications, get the status of your case or ask questions about the disaster assistance process. You’re encouraged to update FEMA with your contact information, including any email changes, as soon as possible and as often as necessary.

FEMA also can refer you to available services like crisis counseling, disaster legal assistance or non-profit programs that offer additional resources for your remaining needs.

Notify FEMA when your insurance claim is settled. FEMA’s Individual Assistance program may cover damage that your insurance does not.

Here’s how to stay in touch with FEMA:

• Create an online account at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you already have one, you can log in and update your status or upload your documents.

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.  
• You can fax FEMA at 800-827-8112 and provide a copy of your insurance settlement and your appeal letter. You may also submit documents to this address:

FEMA National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

When contacting FEMA, keep handy the nine-digit number assigned to you when you applied.

For information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

                                                                                   ###

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

johanna.strickland Mon, 06/27/2022 - 13:09