Survivors can visit Westwego Disaster Recovery Center until Dec. 29

BATON ROUGE, La. – Survivors have a few more days to visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Alario Center in Westwego. The center will close permanently at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 29. Prior to its final closure, the center will close for the holidays from Dec. 23 to 26. It reopens for its final three days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 27.

FEMA specialists will be available to work with survivors until the center closes.

Although the center in Westwego is closing, residents of all parishes affected by Hurricane Ida may continue to visit any open center. To locate a center, check the FEMA app, visit www.FEMA.gov/DRC, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for employees, volunteers and survivors. 

kwei.nwaogu Thu, 12/23/2021 - 15:22

Alabama Disaster Survivors Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

ATLANTA – Residents of Jefferson and Shelby counties in Alabama who were affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred Oct. 6-7, 2021, may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

President Joseph Biden approved a major disaster declaration on Dec. 21. Residents in the designated counties can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. When you apply, you will need to provide:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security Number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

 

If you have homeowners or renter’s insurance, you must also file a claim with your insurance company. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. You will need to provide your insurance claim information to FEMA to determine eligibility for federal assistance.

Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, along with other programs to assist those recovering from the storms.

For more information about Alabama disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4632. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion4.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 12/22/2021 - 15:50

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to supplement the tribe’s efforts in the areas affected by wildfires from July 12 to Aug. 8, 2021.

Federal funding is available to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and certain private nonprofit organizations organized or doing business under tribal law on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by wildfires on Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation land.

The federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

Thomas J. Dargan has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the tribe and warranted by the results of further assessments.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 12/22/2021 - 14:49

As Federal Assistance Tops $34 million, Local, State and Federal Agencies Still Committed to Connecticut Recovery

HARTFORD, Conn. – More than three-months after remnants of Hurricane Ida ripped through Connecticut communities, more than $34 million in direct federal assistance has been disbursed to help individuals, households and businesses on their road to recovery. State, federal, volunteer, local and community partners remain committed to Connecticut disaster survivors with damage and losses from the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

By the Numbers

To date, FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program has provided nearly $6.4 million in federal grants. This amount includes more than $6 million in individual assistance for temporary housing and rental and home repair or replacement and $341,547 in other needs assistance (ONA) which can help pay for disaster damaged personal property, transportation, and moving and storage expenses.

In addition, the U.S Small Business Administration has approved nearly $9.4 million in SBA disaster loans to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from remnants of Hurricane Ida.

The National Flood Insurance Program has also paid nearly $18.8 million to policy holders. The program allows property owners in communities that participate in NFIP to purchase flood insurance administered by the federal government.

Federal, State, Community Resources Still Available

FEMA along with the State of Connecticut and their local and federal partners continue to provide resources and help to Connecticut residents affected September’s storm.

Stay in Touch with FEMA — If you registered for disaster assistance it’s important that you stay in touch. Missing or incomplete information can delay disaster assistance.

If you need help with an existing application, visit DisasterAssistance.gov; download the FEMA app; or call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines are currently operating 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.  Multilingual operators are available. Callers should refer to their nine-digit registration number, which can be found on all communications from FEMA. Below is a list of resources to help survivors keep

File an Appeal with FEMA — If you are found to be ineligible for disaster assistance, or you feel the award amount is insufficient, you have the right to an appeal. Carefully read your determination letter to understand why the decision was made and how you can receive the assistance you need. For more information, you may contact the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).

Follow Up on U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance Loans — If you applied for an SBA loan after the disaster declaration and want to follow up or have any questions about your loan, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800- 659-2955, or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339. To apply visit SBA’s website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/.

Disaster Legal Services—For information and referrals to Connecticut attorneys providing free and reduced fee legal services to individuals affected by a disaster. Call 800-453-3320 or apply online at https://apply.slsct.org/.

For a list of local and community organizations available to provide disaster recovery resources in Connecticut visit https://go.usa.gov/xetGd

adrien.urbani Wed, 12/22/2021 - 14:39

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Alabama

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Alabama to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from October 6-7, 2021.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Jefferson and Shelby counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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

Alan Jarvis has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362. If you use a relay service, such as a videophone, InnoCaption, or CapTel, give FEMA the number for that service.

mashana.davis Tue, 12/21/2021 - 23:58

Waiting for Answers on your FEMA Application? Follow up with FEMA

BATON ROUGE, La.— If you have not yet received a payment or followed up on your determination letter from FEMA, you can do something to move the process along: call us, visit us online or use the FEMA app – just don’t wait. FEMA may be able to help!

First, read your FEMA determination letter carefully. It tells you FEMA’s original decision and tells you what actions might be needed to change that decision.

One obstacle may be your homeowner or renters’ insurance documentation. After Hurricane Ida, insurance settlements have taken longer than usual to process. FEMA cannot complete your application until a copy of the insurance settlement is in your file. Once you receive the information from your agent, be sure to give a copy to FEMA.

Another problem may be documents that you are having trouble finding. If you are having a problem proving where you lived when the hurricane struck or proving you owned the damaged property, let FEMA know. We have specialists who can advise where to get the paperwork you need. Many forms of proof are accepted that you may not have even thought of.

If you are claiming assistance for non-housing aid FEMA gives under its Other Needs Assistance (ONA) Program for things such as funeral assistance, medical and dental assistance, childcare assistance, moving and storage assistance, you simply need to provide receipts for these items.

For loss of personal property, transportation (your car, motorcycle, etc.) or funding for group flood insurance, there is an additional step having to do with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If FEMA does not refer you to the SBA program for a low-interest disaster loan or you fill out the paperwork for a loan but are denied, then you may qualify for these types of additional Other Needs assistance and you will again need to provide receipts. If you qualify for an SBA loan, but choose not to accept one, ONA may not be available.

If you want to know your options or have questions about your application, FEMA staff are available to assist – you can call the FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362) or visit one of the open disaster recovery centers in Louisiana to speak face-to-face with a FEMA representative. Find your nearest center by visiting www.fema.gov/DRC.

You can reach FEMA in several ways:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Calling the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available; or
• Downloading the FEMA app.

kiarash.ghiam Tue, 12/21/2021 - 19:01

FEMA Working Through the Holiday Season for Hurricane Ida Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – Home for the holidays has a much greater meaning for those affected by Hurricane Ida. FEMA will be working through the holiday season to continue recovery efforts, including helping eligible survivors into homes.

“We are working with a keen sense of urgency,” said Federal Coordinating Officer John Long. “We know that being in your home, albeit a temporary one, makes all the difference after a disaster, especially during the holidays.”

Each housing program is unique, and every application is evaluated individually for eligibility. FEMA determines if applicants are eligible and then survivors are matched with the best available housing solution to meet their individual needs.

FEMA is making progress. The direct, short-term, housing assistance team continues to rollout manufactured housing units and travel trailers. As of Dec. 17, 233 units have been “licensed in,” which means families have been given the keys and taken possession of their temporary home and survivors will continued to be licensed-in throughout the holidays.

More than 816,000 Louisianans have been approved for federal assistance. To date, more than $1 billion has been put in the hands of survivors. More than 614,000 households have received more than $807,000 in Critical Needs Assistance. In addition, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has paid $585 million in 14,359 claims have been submitted. Individuals have also been approved for more than $1.2 billion in home loan assistance through the Small Business Administration. 

FEMA is also working hard to find financial help for survivors who don’t qualify for federal assistance. Using an automation calling center, FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) team contacted survivors generating more than $6 million in insurance (coverage) funds to survivors.

Additionally, survivors can meet face-to-face with mitigation experts for rebuilding and repairing advice at big box stores from Dec. 27 – 30 and Jan. 3. Those experts will also be available at FEMA DRCs as long as they remain open.

You may also call 833-FEMA-4-US or 833-336-2487 to speak to a mitigation specialist.  You can email a specialist at FEMA-LAMit@fema.dhs.gov. Visit a mitigation web link to find repairing, retrofitting, and rebuilding information at https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lamit, https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-es-mit for Spanish, or https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-vie-mit for Vietnamese.

To learn the status of your application, residents of all parishes affected by Hurricane Ida can talk with FEMA specialists at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) Monday - Friday. For locations and hours of operation check the FEMA app or visit www.FEMA.gov/DRC. All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for employees, volunteers and survivors. 

Applicants can also call the FEMA Helpline from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m., seven days a week at 800-621-3362. Holliday hours for the Helpline will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 24 – 25 and Dec. 31 - Jan. 1.

All DRCs will be closed from Dec. 24 – Dec. 26 and again the following week from Dec. 31 – Jan. 2. However, survivors can check the status of their application 24/7 online at disasterassistance.gov

kiarash.ghiam Tue, 12/21/2021 - 17:30

Disaster Recovery Centers to Close for the Holidays

BATON ROUGE, La. – All Disaster Recovery Centers in Louisiana will be closed Dec. 24 – 26 and close again the following week Dec. 31 - Jan. 2 for the holidays.

The Alario Center in Westwego has a different schedule. It will be closed Dec. 23 – 26. It will open again Dec. 27 before closing permanently at 4 p.m. on Dec. 29.

For hours and other details, check the FEMA app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person) or visit the FEMA DRC Locator for a complete list of DRCs currently open in Louisiana. All centers will follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks will be required by both FEMA specialists and survivors. 

kiarash.ghiam Mon, 12/20/2021 - 20:00

FEMA Opens Two More Mobile Registration Centers

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Two FEMA additional mobile registration centers are now open in Hickman and Munfordville to help tornado survivors apply for federal assistance. The mobile unit in Dawson Springs has moved to a new location.

The new mobile centers are at these locations:

• Fulton County:
  • Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, 1702 Moscow Ave., Hickman, KY 42050
• Hart County:
  • Floral Hall, Hart County Fairgrounds, 2184 S. Dixie Hwy., Munfordville, KY 42765

 

Other FEMA mobile centers are at these locations:

• Caldwell County:
  • Butler Gymnasium, 600 W. Main St., Princeton, KY 42445

• Graves County:

• The old Walmart location, Mayfield Plaza, 1102 Paris Rd., Mayfield, KY 42066

• Hopkins County (new location):
  • Dawson Springs Library, 103 W. Ramsey St, Dawson Springs, KY 42408
• Marshall County:
  • Joe Creason Community Center, 1600 Park Ave., Benton, KY 42025
• Muhlenberg County:
  • Neal’s Chapel General Baptist Church, State Route 81, Sacramento, KY 42372

Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

FEMA personnel at the centers can help residents who were affected by the Dec. 10 severe storms and tornadoes apply for federal assistance.

There are three other ways to apply if you are unable to visit one of the centers: You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. When you apply, you will need to provide:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security Number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
• If applicants are unable to locate important documentation, FEMA will work with them to identify other ways to verify.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

The deadline for applications is Feb. 11, 2022.

FEMA financial assistance may include money for uninsured losses such as temporary housing, basic home repair or other disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses.

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

neily.chapman Mon, 12/20/2021 - 17:07

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Hopkins, Warren Counties

FRANKFORT, Ky – Two Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in Hopkins and Warren counties in addition to mobile centers in seven other locations in areas affected by the Dec. 10 tornadoes.

The Disaster Recovery Centers, operated by the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and FEMA, offer in-person support to survivors in Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor and Warren counties.

FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs, how to apply to FEMA, and help connect survivors with resources for their recovery needs.

Additional Disaster Recovery Centers will open across the Kentucky disaster area in the coming days.

Disaster Recovery Center Locations

HOPKINS COUNTY

Central High School, 6625 Hopkinsville Road, Madisonville KY 42431

 

WARREN COUNTY

Former Sears location at Greenwood Mall, 2625 Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104

 

Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. CST Sunday, until further notice. Both recovery centers will be closed Christmas Day.

In addition to FEMA personnel, representatives from the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance, the Kentucky Department of Insurance and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available at the recovery centers to assist survivors.

The DRC is a federal facility and under COVID-19 protocols a face mask is required. If you do not have a mask, one can be provided. 

Mobile Registration Center Locations

In addition to the newly opened Disaster Recovery Centers, seven Mobile Registration Centers are open to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and provide information about resources for survivors. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except for Christmas Day. For an updated list of locations, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630.

You do not need to visit a center to apply with FEMA

If you are unable to visit one of the centers, there are other ways to apply: You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

 When you apply, you will need to provide:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security Number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

The deadline to apply for federal assistance is Feb. 11, 2022.

For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

            

neily.chapman Mon, 12/20/2021 - 16:21

It’s Important to Submit an SBA Loan Application

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Survivors of severe storms and tornadoes in Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor and Warren counties who apply for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with information on how to apply for a disaster loan. It’s important to submit the loan application as soon as possible.

If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA loan but failure to return the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance.

SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. SBA offers long-term, low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

SBA disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources. Survivors should not wait for an insurance settlement before submitting an SBA loan application. They may discover they were underinsured for the deductible, labor and materials required to repair or replace their home.

You may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. Paper applications may be requested by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 TTY) or by emailing to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. There is no cost to apply for an SBA disaster loan.

Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $40,000 to replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

SBA makes Physical Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to qualified businesses or private nonprofit organizations. These loan proceeds may be used for the repair or replacement of real property, machinery, equipment, fixtures, inventory or leasehold improvements. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Feb. 10, 2022.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses and most nonprofit organizations in Caldwell, Fulton, Graves, Hopkins, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Taylor and Warren counties and in these adjacent counties: Adair, Allen, Barren, Butler, Calloway, Carlisle, Casey, Christian, Crittenden, Edmonson, Green, Hickman, Larue, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Marion, McCracken, McLean, Ohio, Simpson, Todd, Trigg and Webster in Kentucky; Mississippi and New Madrid in Missouri; and Henry, Lake, Obion and Weakley in Tennessee. The filing deadline to return applications for economic injury damage is Sept. 12, 2022.

For an American Sign Language (ASL) video, go online to Reasons to Apply for an SBA Loan.

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at https://twitter.com/femaregion4

scott.reuter Sat, 12/18/2021 - 17:10

Kentucky Renters Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Renters in Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor and Warren counties whose homes and property were damaged by severe storms and tornadoes Dec. 10, 2021 may apply for federal assistance.

FEMA Individual Assistance is available to renters, including students, as well as homeowners. Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing. The initial rental grant is for a one- or two-month period and can be reviewed for further assistance. The deadline to apply is Feb. 11, 2022.

Renters may also qualify for a grant under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for uninsured essential personal property losses and other disaster-related expenses, including:

▪ Replacement or repair of necessary personal property such as furniture, appliances, clothing, textbooks or school supplies.

▪ Replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment required by the self-employed.

▪ Primary vehicles.

▪ Uninsured or out-of-pocket medical; dental; childcare; moving and storage expenses.

Survivors in Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor and Warren counties can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources.

Learn more at fema.gov 2 Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ or by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877- 8339 TTY) or by emailing to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 depending on their losses. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Feb. 10, 2022.

This FEMA video explains in American Sign Language (ASL) how renters may be able to get federal help after a disaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=yAHSPK_K7tg&feature=youtu.be.

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at https://twitter.com/femaregion4.

scott.reuter Sat, 12/18/2021 - 01:20

FEMA, USDA and DOI Jointly Establish New Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of the Interior (DOI) and FEMA today announced the establishment of a Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission. Establishing this commission fulfills a key provision of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and represents a critical step in combating the nation’s wildfire crisis and improving resilience in America’s landscapes.

The commission is tasked with recommending federal policies and strategies to more effectively prevent, mitigate, suppress and manage wildland fires, including rehabilitating land affected from wildland fires. It will include representation from federal, state, tribal, county and municipal governments as well as non-governmental stakeholders from private industry. Through a coordinated effort, the commission will deliver a report to Congress with practical policy recommendations one year from the first meeting. In addition, the commission will outline a strategy to cost effectively meet aerial firefighting equipment needs through 2030.  

The commission's work will build on existing interagency federal efforts, such as the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and the White House Wildfire Resilience Interagency Working Group and will continue to pursue a whole-of-government approach to wildfire risk reduction and resilience.

“The effects of a changing climate are all around us.  Americans, especially those in rural communities in the West, are experiencing a growing number of bigger, hotter and more destructive wildfires that threaten people, livelihoods and our natural resources. The commission will bring together a diverse group of leaders to help tackle this crisis and inform our collective ability to improve the health and resilience of our forests and communities,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

“We have a historic opportunity to take action on forest restoration, hazardous fuels management and post-wildfire restoration activities, and better address the needs of federal wildland firefighters,” said Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. “The commission established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide valuable insight into ways we can better prepare communities and ecosystems against the threat of wildland fire across our nation's public and tribal lands.” 

“This commission represents a unified effort across the federal government to answer a call that is quickly growing louder; we must protect our wildlands from the ravaging impacts of climate change,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “In coordination with our partners at USDA and DOI, FEMA is committed to doing our part to help build readiness and resilience in communities who are at risk from wildfires.”

“Climate change and increasing development in the wildland urban interface are rapidly changing the complexity and response challenges for the fire service.   It is time for us all to recognize that wildland fire is not just a forest or rural problem any longer.  Urban and suburban fire departments that had no part in wildland firefighting 30 years ago are now heavily engaged in wildland fire prevention, mitigation and response.  The wildland urban interface is now the frontier for wildland fire,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore Merrell. “This commission will pull together our partners and stakeholders to focus on community risk reduction, enhanced prevention efforts and overall response and mitigation capacity that matches the wildfire risks within the nation’s wildland urban interface.”

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for a dramatic increase in the scale and pace of wildfire mitigation, restoration and post-fire recovery work,” said Mike Zupko, Executive Director of the Wildland Fire Leadership Council. “Success can only be accomplished through dedicated partnerships and collaboration. The Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission will advance our collective ability to combat the nation’s wildfire crisis and accelerate implementation of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests unprecedented funding in America’s natural infrastructure. The joint Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission will support the implementation of effective wildfire risk reduction, community risk reduction and resilience strategies to combat the wildfire crisis, recovering and protecting our nation’s forests, landscapes and surrounding communities.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 12/17/2021 - 20:41

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Elko County, including Elko, Carlin and Wells

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for parts of Elko County. The maps identify revised flood hazards along the Humboldt River; East Adobe, Charlie and Harper Creeks; and the Woodland Drain and its tributaries. These new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Dec. 22 to Mar. 21, 2022. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA, Elko County and the cities of Elko, Carlin and Wells worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

For more information, contact Elko County at (775) 738-6816 or pfitzgerald@elkocountynv.net. Other community information is available for the cities of Elko at (775) 777-7214 or bthibault@elkocitynv.gov, Carlin at (775) 754-6515 or permits@carlin.com, and Wells at (775) 752-3355) or citymanager@cityofwells.com.

###

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

robert.barker Fri, 12/17/2021 - 19:22

Beware of Scam and Fraud This Holiday Season

BATON ROUGE, La. – Don’t let a fraud or scam steal the joy of the holiday season from you. Be aware that con artists and criminals may try to steal money or personal information from you through fraud, scams or identity theft. Some may even pose as federal disaster workers.

If a person approaches you as a FEMA employee, always ask to see their badge. All FEMA representatives carry an identification badge with a photograph. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity.

FEMA representatives do not ask for money from disaster survivors, or for payment for any services. They do not ask for information during unsolicited telephone calls or through email. FEMA will not contact you unless you have called FEMA first or applied for assistance.

FEMA representatives will ask for social security and bank account numbers when you apply for assistance and may ask for it again after you apply. Be cautious when giving this information to others who ask for it. Scam artists may pose as government officials, aid workers, or insurance company employees.

Other types of fraud which you may experience after a disaster:

• Phony property inspections or inspectors: FEMA inspectors will never ask for your registration number. No government disaster assistance official will call you to ask for your financial account information. If you doubt a FEMA representative is legitimate, hang up and call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to report the incident.
• Phony building contractors: FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. A FEMA housing inspector’s job is to verify damage. Always hire a reputable engineer, architect or building official to inspect your home. An unethical contractor may create damage to get work.

To report scams, fraud and identity-theft contact: FEMA’s toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721; the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Section, P.O. Box 94005, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9005, fax: 225-326-6499; Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors at https://arlspublic.lslbc.louisiana.gov/Home/Index; or local law enforcement agencies.

kwei.nwaogu Fri, 12/17/2021 - 15:47

Houma and Garyville Disaster Recovery Centers Closing Permanently Dec. 22

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Disaster Recovery Centers located in Houma and Garyville are scheduled to close permanently on Wednesday, Dec. 22.

Residents of all parishes affected by Hurricane Ida can continue to visit a number of other centers open in Louisiana. To locate a center, check the FEMA app or visit www.FEMA.gov/DRC. All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for employees, volunteers and survivors. 

Survivors can meet face to face with FEMA specialists at the following centers until they close permanently Dec. 22:

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center

346 Civic Center Blvd.

Houma, LA 70360

• Closing at 6 p.m.

Garyville Library (parking lot)

111 Historic Front St.

Garyville, LA 70051

• Closing at 5 p.m.

kwei.nwaogu Fri, 12/17/2021 - 14:52

Six More Kentucky Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Six additional counties are now eligible for FEMA assistance after the Dec. 10, 2021 storms and tornadoes.

Individuals and households in the following counties can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, which may include temporary housing assistance, basic home repairs and certain other uninsured disaster-related needs: Christian, Hart, Hickman, Logan, Lyon and Ohio.

These counties join Caldwell, Fulton, Graves, Hopkins, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Taylor and Warren counties, which were previously approved for Individual Assistance.

Residents in the designated counties can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. When you apply, you will need to provide:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security Number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

Christian, Hart, Hickman, Logan, Lyon and Ohio counties also are added to the major disaster declaration for FEMA Public Assistance, which provides reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of eligible emergency protective measures and debris removal

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at https://twitter.com/femaregion4.

neily.chapman Fri, 12/17/2021 - 00:28

Equity Drives FEMA Response and Recovery Efforts in Tornado-Damaged Areas in Kentucky

WASHINGTON -- FEMA continues working with federal, commonwealth, local as well as non-governmental agencies to support needs of survivors affected by the recent tornado outbreak in Kentucky.

The agency is working to remove barriers to assistance, ensuring all survivors have equal access to disaster aid and resources.

“Disasters affect individuals and communities differently,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We’ve committed ourselves to putting people first by improving response operations and implementing new program initiatives that reduce barriers to access and deliver equitable outcomes for all survivors. We must continue to work across government and reach communities where they are to ensure survivors have the resources they need to recover."

FEMA recently announced a series of amendments to its Individual Assistance program to reduce access barriers experienced by underserved populations and provide greater flexibility to survivors. These reforms include:

• FEMA is now providing financial assistance to applicants for the cost of real property needs (limited to wheelchair ramp, grab bars and a paved path) due to a disaster-caused disability, when these items were not present in the home before the disaster.
• Financial assistance may be available to applicants with disaster damage that did not cause their home to be unlivable to clean and sanitize their home to prevent additional losses and protect the health and safety of the household.
• FEMA is also providing financial assistance to repair real property components impacted by disaster-caused mold growth.
• FEMA and SBA recently launched a pilot program to lower the income threshold for some types of FEMA assistance, enabling eligible low-income applicants to receive assistance earlier in their recovery process.

“We at FEMA have leaned forward with Kentucky and continue to do so, recognizing that there are a lot of critical needs that need to be met,” said Marcus Coleman, who leads faith-based and neighborhood partners for FEMA. “We're going to make sure that we have the right partners and plans in place to help support what we know to be a very long recovery. This neighbor-to-neighbor response is a critically important component to starting the recovery process.”

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are going door-to-door in hard-hit neighborhoods helping survivors apply for assistance. These teams are working with commonwealth and local emergency managers to identify and conduct targeted outreach to underserved communities. These teams provide information on aid and resources available from federal and state governments, nonprofit organizations and the faith community to help address immediate needs.

No one’s background or primary language is a barrier to receiving FEMA financial assistance. FEMA offers help in 75 languages available through our call centers to assist caseworkers and processing staff to provide customer service to non-English speaking applicants.

FEMA is providing timely translation of information and resources into Spanish and other languages identified in Kentucky. Disaster assistance information is available in Arabic, Chinese, German, Korean, Serbo-Croatian and Vietnamese. Translation services for additional languages are also available as requested and needed. 

“We provide translation services to make sure that the assistance that's available is available in Spanish and in bilingual formats in multiple languages, based on the assessments of the county,” said Coleman. “In addition, we are supporting many of our faith-based and community-based partners … who are going to continue to be tremendous assets to engage these communities. We're also bringing in personnel who have some experience working directly with Hispanic and Latino communities and making sure that we are using data to inform our outreach in a way that honors and respects this community.”

If your full-time home was damaged by the recent storms and tornadoes and not in a safe, sanitary and functioning condition you may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. If you apply with FEMA for disaster assistance and have insurance, you must also file a claim with your insurance company.

FEMA disaster assistance is not the same as insurance. It cannot make you whole, but it can offer a helping hand. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for assistance. FEMA assistance may include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

The fastest way for survivors to begin their application is to visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Other resources are available at FEMA.gov.

amy.ashbridge Thu, 12/16/2021 - 19:52

What to Expect After Applying for FEMA Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. – If you live in Caldwell, Fulton, Graves, Hopkins, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Taylor or Warren counties and were affected by the Dec. 10 storms and tornadoes, FEMA may be able to help with temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs or other essential disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance. 

Residents in the designated counties can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

FEMA will have Disaster Survivor Assistance teams (DSA) in affected areas going door to door helping with applications for FEMA assistance and providing information about other resources. DSA team members carry photo identification and never charge for assistance.

These teams can:

• Help survivors apply for federal assistance.
• Check the status of an application already in the system or make minor changes to applications.
• Provide civil rights and disability integration assistance information to ensure equal access to FEMA programs. 

During the application process, FEMA personnel will ask for:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security Number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

Applicants are required to inform FEMA of all insurance coverage that may be available to them to meet their disaster- caused needs. 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. If applicants are unable to locate important documentation, FEMA will work with them to identify other ways to verify.

Home inspections

If you report that you cannot, or may not be able to, safely live in your home, FEMA may need to perform an inspection of the damaged dwelling. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA will conduct exterior inspections until further notice. All inspections will be done in-person without entering your residence. Inspectors will maintain social distance, visually assess the exterior of the residence, and verbally confirm interior damage over the phone or during the initial in-person inspection.

FEMA will contact you to meet at the address where the damage was reported. You or your designated co-applicant identified on your registration will need to meet with an inspector and provide a photo ID. The meeting will take place outside with the inspector following CDC social distancing guidelines. If you or your co-applicant are unable to meet with an inspector, a third party can be designated in writing.

Exterior inspections provide FEMA with a way to assess damages while complying with social distancing requirements.

For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow the FEMA Region 4 Twitter account at https://twitter.com/femaregion4.

neily.chapman Thu, 12/16/2021 - 15:11

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after disaster. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

If a FEMA Inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance, but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.

If you do wish to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the Helpline will assist you in creating a new application.

Scams

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials are working in areas impacted by the storms. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment.

Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. FEMA representatives will have a photo-ID badge and your FEMA application number.

Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department, or contact the Office of the Attorney General at 502-696-5389. To file a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report (kentucky.gov).

If you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.

If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov.

neily.chapman Wed, 12/15/2021 - 23:25