All Alabamians Have Equal Access to FEMA Recovery Programs

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – To help communities recover from Hurricane Zeta, FEMA is working with state agencies and volunteer organizations to make sure survivors with disabilities and those with access and functional needs have equal access to disaster assistance programs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 33.2 percent of Alabama adults age 18 and over have some type of disability. Across the state and throughout the United States, FEMA provides accommodations at each step in the disaster recovery process.

FEMA is committed to providing assistance to everyone in the communities affected by the storm. Assistance may take the form of a grant that does not have to be repaid or it may be through connections or referrals with FEMA’s state and local partners.

Be assured: all affected residents in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties can get answers to their questions and help from FEMA with applications for disaster assistance.

FEMA can provide interpreters, real-time captioning and information in alternate formats such as Braille, large-print, audio and electronic versions. The agency also provides free services to help people communicate with its staff and understand FEMA programs.  Among the aids are:

• Information available in accessible electronic formats on FEMA’s website and social media
• Qualified American Sign Language interpreters
• Qualified multilingual interpreters
• Information written in multiple languages

Newspapers, radio, television, social media, local officials and private sector partners help to spread important recovery information.

The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Monday, Feb. 8. There are several ways to apply:

• Download FEMA’s mobile app to a smartphone or tablet
• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

• Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. If you need accommodations for language or disability, let the Helpline specialists know.

• People who are deaf or hard of hearing may review the video, Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance.

Before the next storm, the deaf or hard of hearing community can also review “Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs,” a FEMA video presented in English and sign language. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLLMDOScE4g.

For more information about Hurricane Zeta recovery in Alabama, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4573 and www.facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Fri, 01/15/2021 - 08:31

Hope for Fishing Villages on the Island

FEMA approves $1.8 million for repairs to the villages in Guayama, Maunabo, Mayagüez and San Juan

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — At about 4 a.m. Christopher McGrath, a commercial fisherman from San Juan, begins to prepare his boat to go out to sea to find fresh fish. That hard work goes on for long hours until the sun goes down, where he then distributes the day’s catch to restaurants and to the public.

Like him, nearly a thousand fishermen live this daily scenario on the coasts of Puerto Rico. For many, the work is more difficult and demanding after Hurricane María destroyed many of their boats, work equipment and even the wharfs where they docked. This is why a $1.8 million allocation from FEMA to the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture represents a boost for the island's fishermen, since it will improve the safety and environment of their places of work.

“Our goal with these obligations is to help the sector recover, allowing it to continue to support the communities and their families. Fishing is a vital link in the food supply chain on the island and the improvements that will be made will provide an opportunity to take advantage of the resources of our coasts”, said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado.

Four fishing villages where 96 fishermen work will be repaired and rebuilt thanks to these federal funds: La Coal Fishing Village in Old San Juan, with an obligation of about $696,000; Maunabo Fishing Village, located near the historic Punta Tuna lighthouse, with about $347,000; El Maní Fishing Village in Mayagüez, with about $393,000; and Guayama Fishing Village with about $383,000. Of those funds, about $174,000 will go towards the strengthening of the facilities in order to reduce damage to the structures in the event of future disasters.

According to data from the Puerto Rico Planning Board, in 2018 local fisheries contributed about $300,000 to the island’s economy. In terms of local fish production, in 2017 a little over 15,700 quintals of fish and about 8,600 quintals of seafood were reported. National statistics show that commercial activities that depend on the ocean, such as fishing, finance 7 percent of total employment in Puerto Rico, three times as much as the 2 percent average for the continental United States.

“With this obligation from FEMA, aimed for the recovery and reactivation of the fishing villages, we will mitigate one of the sectors that was most affected by past atmospheric events,” said the designated Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture, Ramón González Beiró. “Through these grants the fishing villages facilities will improve, which is an essential tool for the operation and marketing of the products from our fishermen.”

For George Thomas, tugboat captain and vice president of La Coal Fishing Village in Old San Juan established 45 years ago, everything seemed like a war zone after the hurricane. The experience was similar in the Guayama Fishing Village. As shared by Miguel Ortiz, president of this village established in 2001 and also president of the Commercial Fishermen Federation of Puerto Rico, they lost all kinds of equipment and gave away 1,200 pounds of fish to the community so it would not go to waste due to lack of power. “It has been quite an uphill battle to get back to normal. Right now, we are operating at 35 or 40 percent capacity,” added Ortiz.

Ortiz also indicated that before Maria there were some 44 fishing villages, of which today there are approximately 20 operating at a full or part time capacity. He explained that prior to the hurricane the kiosk in the Guayama Fishing Village could generate about $70,000 a year, while it is currently generating a little over half that amount. The expectation is that these funds will help increase the fishing activity in order to generate capital once again.

“This federal obligation represents an important support for the fishing sector of the island, which has great development potential, not only in financial growth but also on the sustainable food industry,” said executive director of COR3, engineer Manuel Laboy Rivera. “This sector has a great impact on local businesses and restaurants, as well as in the tourism industry and our communities. We thank FEMA for their constant assistance in the process of the reconstruction of Puerto Rico.”  

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

 

 

frances.acevedo-pico Fri, 01/15/2021 - 07:15

NR 002

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you are a renter in Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard or Terrebonne parish and sustained damage or losses from Hurricane Zeta, you may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. 

These six parishes were named in a disaster declaration signed by President Trump Jan. 12. If the house or apartment you are renting is your primary residence and is in one of these parishes, you should register with FEMA to apply for grants to help with disaster-related expenses, such as:

• Renting a different dwelling when the formerly occupied one is unsafe to live in due to the hurricane;
• Hurricane-related medical and dental expenses;
• Increased cost of child-care expenses;
• Moving and storage fees;
• Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the hurricane, such as appliances and furniture, textbooks and computers used by students, and work equipment or tools used by independent contractors;
• Repair or replacement of hurricane-damaged vehicles;
• Hurricane-related funeral and burial expenses, and
• Other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Rental grants may be used for security deposits, rent and the cost of essential utilities—such as gas or water. The grants may not be used to pay for separate cable or Internet bills. The grants are not loans and don’t have to be repaid. They are not taxable income and won’t affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or other public assistance programs.

If you have renter’s insurance, you should call your insurance agent to start the claims process before you contact FEMA.

There are three ways to apply for federal disaster assistance:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Use the FEMA mobile app, or
• Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Registration deadline is March 15, 2021.       

Renters who face eviction or have been evicted from their storm-damaged apartment complex—whether their unit had damage or not—may be eligible for disaster assistance. Renters who have already registered for federal assistance and were evicted after they registered due to damage to other parts of their complex should call the FEMA Helpline.

Renters may also qualify for long-term, low-interest loans of up to $40,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans may be used to cover the cost of repairing or replacing essential hurricane-damaged personal property.

For information, visit SBA.gov/disaster, call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. To apply for an SBA loan, visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Renters who are deaf or hard of hearing may view an informational video with American Sign Language at youtube.com/watch?v=yAHSPK_K7tg. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should alert FEMA as to the specific number assigned to that service.

For the latest information on Hurricane Zeta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4577. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

scott.reuter Thu, 01/14/2021 - 18:12

FEMA Supporting Government Partners Across DC Region in Preparation for 59th Presidential Inauguration

WASHINGTON --  FEMA is actively coordinating with our state, local and federal partners in support of the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

During this historic event, public safety remains FEMA’s highest priority. In light of recent events and the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage anyone planning to be in the Washington D.C., metro area to follow the guidance of local officials, adhere to public health precautions and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. Experiencing the inauguration from your home by watching on television or online remains your best option to view this event.

FEMA works closely with our federal, state and local partners and synchronizes federal interagency coordination to prepare for and respond to all hazards in the National Capital Region, enhancing homeland security and emergency management operations. FEMA has provided planning, training and exercise support to our federal, state and local partners to promote an enhanced preparedness posture over the past several months leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

The Department of Homeland Security designated the Presidential Inauguration as a recurring National Special Security Event (NSSE). Events may be designated NSSEs when they warrant the full protection, incident management and counterterrorism capabilities of the federal government. On Jan. 12, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Pete Gaynor extended the period of the NSSE to begin a week in advance of the Inauguration and run from Jan. 13 – Jan. 21. The Acting Secretary determined the extended NSSE period was necessary to provide for a unified command and control and ensure the safety and security of this special event.

Due to the complex and sensitive nature of this event, different federal agencies are designated to lead certain efforts.

• When an event is designated a NSSE, the U.S. Secret Service assumes its mandated role as the lead federal agency for security planning and response.
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the lead federal agency for incident investigation.
• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for incident management.
• FEMA is the lead federal agency for consequence management in situations where a disaster or hazardous event exceeds local response capabilities. The mission of consequence management is to manage emergency response activities in order to ensure a quick and coordinated response to protect public health and safety, restore essential services, and provide emergency relief to all those affected by the consequences of a natural, man-made, or act-of-terrorism incident.

The preparation for any NSSE is a cooperative effort. FEMA has been fully engaged with our federal, state and local authorities before this event, and will remain so during and after the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

President Donald Trump approved the District of Columbia’s request for an Emergency Declaration on Jan. 11. This action allows FEMA to surge public safety resources and response teams to the District of Columbia in preparation for the inauguration. FEMA response teams are already in position at key locations throughout the National Capital Region and are prepared to support our public safety partners in any potential situations that may arise. Additionally, FEMA is deploying a national Incident Management Assistance Team to the area to support the agency's full-time staff who regularly coordinate, exercise and train with first responders and emergency managers in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

While FEMA does not operate in any law enforcement capacity, we are actively coordinating with our federal, state and local partners to ensure public safety throughout the 59th Presidential Inauguration. Our mission remains the same – helping people before, during and after disasters.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 01/14/2021 - 10:46

Louisiana Residents Affected by Hurricane Zeta Can Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Homeowners and renters who suffered damage from Hurricane Zeta in Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and Terrebonne parishes should register with FEMA and apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the hurricane.

These parishes were designated eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program under the Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Trump for damage and losses suffered from Hurricane Zeta between Oct. 26 and 29, 2020.

If you have not yet done so, contact your homeowners insurance company immediately to file your storm-damage claims and document the damage with photos. You do not have to wait until your insurance company makes a decision to take the next steps. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin. The deadline to register for assistance for Hurricane Zeta is March 15, 2021.

Register with FEMA by:

• Going online at disasterassistance.gov;
• Downloading the FEMA app; or
• Calling the helpline: 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

If you have previously applied for FEMA assistance for hurricanes Laura and Delta, you will have to register again for Hurricane Zeta assistance. If you registered in anticipation of the declaration of Hurricane Zeta, your registration will be processed.

You will need to have the following available when you register:

• 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; and
• If insured, the insurance policy number or your insurance agent and company.

Disaster assistance may provide temporary help and a place to stay while you build your own recovery plan. Although the federal government cannot make you whole, it may be able to help your recovery move forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance, or those who may be underinsured, may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost disaster loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover from the effects of the disaster.

U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans are available for:

• Businesses of any size and nonprofits for up to $2 million for property damage.
• For small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most nonprofits: up to $2 million for working capital needs even if they had no property damage, with a $2 million maximum loan for any combination of property damage and working-capital needs.
• For homeowners: up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence.
• For homeowners and renters: up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles.

Businesses and residents can apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.   

Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

The following parishes are approved by FEMA for Public Assistance:

• Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and St. Charles Parishes for Public Assistance for debris removal.
• Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana Parishes for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

scott.reuter Wed, 01/13/2021 - 17:48

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Connecticut

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Connecticut to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Isaias on Aug. 4, 2020.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland and Windham counties and the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe and Mohegan Tribe of Indians.

Lastly, federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Robert V. Fogel has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations for the affected area. Additional designations may be made later if warranted by further damage assessments.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 01/13/2021 - 14:05

Hurricane Zeta Survivors: Be Alert to Fraud

BILOXI, Miss. – After a disaster, fraud can be a problem.

Sometimes, survivors who try to register with FEMA discover that someone has already registered using their name. Scammers may contact survivors who have not registered with FEMA and try to extract money or information. In these cases, it is likely the survivor’s personal data has been compromised.

FEMA reminds survivors:

• FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) never charge for registration, home inspections, grants, disaster-loan applications or anything else.
• If you have registered and want to verify any correspondence you received from FEMA, call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
• If you suspect fraud, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office at 601-359-3680 or report it your local police department.

FEMA also recommends you monitor your credit report for any accounts or changes you do not recognize. If you discover someone is using your information, you will need to take additional steps, including filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission through its website: IdentityTheft.gov.

For an accessible video on fraud, go online to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=EVqS709Gj_U&feature=youtu.be

For more information about Hurricane Zeta recovery in Mississippi, visit the FEMA disaster webpage at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4576 or the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency webpage at https://www.msema.org/zeta/.

felicia.jordan Wed, 01/13/2021 - 12:15

FEMA Provides $1.9 to Allina Health Systems

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Minnesota Department of Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management division (DPS-HSEM) announced today that $1,906,728 in federal funding has been made available to Allina Health System for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of April 7, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Allina Health System for costs to purchase and distribute personal protective equipment, ventilators and medical supplies to eliminate the immediate threat to life, public health and safety during the COVID-19 response.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is an important resource for communities affected by COVID-19,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant funding has helped ensure the availability of critical medical supplies and services in Minnesota to combat this virus.”

“Supporting Minnesota’s medical facilities and staff as they care for our family, friends, and neighbors is a priority for us,” said Joe Kelly, DPS-HSEM director. “FEMA’s Public Assistance grant funding allows us to acquire the tools and resources they need to save countless lives and protect many others.”

FEMA provides a 75 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. The eligible cost for this project is $2,542,304. The remaining 25 percent, or $635,576, will be paid by Allina Health System.

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

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

troy.christensen Wed, 01/13/2021 - 09:59

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Georgia

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, FEMA announced federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Georgia to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Zeta on Oct. 29, 2020.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Zeta in Banks, Carroll, Cherokee, Dawson, Douglas, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Lumpkin, Paulding, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White counties.

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

Leda Khoury has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if warranted by the results of damage assessments

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 01/13/2021 - 09:44

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Utah

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Utah to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by straight-line winds Sept. 7 – 8, 2020.

The President's action makes federal funding available to the state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by straight line winds in Davis, Morgan, Salt Lake and Weber counties.

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

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

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 01/13/2021 - 09:22

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Louisiana

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Louisiana to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Zeta from Oct. 26-29, 2020.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and Terrebonne parishes. 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 Hurricane Zeta.

Federal funding is available to the state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal in Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. Charles parishes.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes.

Lastly, federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

John E. Long has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations for the affected area. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

Individuals 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 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 01/12/2021 - 19:26

FEMA Issues $1.2M Installment to California for Earthquake Protection

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released an additional installment of $1.2 million to the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) for its Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program. The grant will subsidize a project of the California Residential Mitigation Program, a joint powers authority of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the CEA, for earthquake retrofits on 391 at-risk homes likely to shake from their foundations in the event of an earthquake.

EBB addresses two seismic vulnerabilities found in many older homes that may have short, wood-framed cripple walls under the first floor. The retrofit bolts the house to the foundation, and if short, wood-framed walls are present under the first floor, the retrofit braces those walls with plywood to reinforce and help prevent the house from collapsing or sliding off its foundation during a quake.

EBB is a code-compliant retrofit that lessens the potential for damage and may allow families to remain in their homes after earthquakes. Each EBB recipient receives a grant of up to $3,000 to bring their home up to seismic code compliance.

FEMA’s $1.2 million release from its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), in combination with the applicant’s $812,000, marks the latest installment of the $33.3 million project. The remaining $7.1 million will be released incrementally throughout the life of the grant, as applications are approved, to retrofit a total of 6,667 homes.

FEMA’s HMGP helps states, territories, federally-recognized tribes, local communities and certain private, non-profit organizations become more resilient to potential infrastructure damage and reduce future disaster costs. Over the past 31 years, FEMA has invested more than $1.4 billion to reduce disaster risk in California.

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

robert.barker Tue, 01/12/2021 - 15:54

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Somervell County, Texas

DENTON, Texas – New preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review by residents and business owners in Somervell County, Texas. Officials encourage property owners 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 period for the maps.

New flood hazard information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been generated in coordination with community, state and agency officials. Significant community review has already taken place.  

Appeals/Comments may be submitted through March 18, 2021:

City of Glen Rose; and the unincorporated areas of Somervell County

Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect. An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.

If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA. 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.

Kurt.Pickering Tue, 01/12/2021 - 14:17

Preliminary Flood Maps for Portions of Washington County, Arkansas are Ready for Public Viewing

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in the cities of Elm Springs, Elkins, Farmington, Fayetteville, Greenland, Johnson, Springdale, West Fork, Tontitown, Winslow, Lincoln, Prairie Grove, Goshen; and unincorporated areas of Washington County, Arkansas. Officials encourage property owners to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

For this physical map revision, the FIRMs for Washington County 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. 

“Flooding is not restricted to coastal communities; where it can rain, it can flood,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “More than 25 percent of flood damage occurs outside the Special Flood Hazard Area, yet most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. Obtaining flood insurance is one of the smartest ways for individuals or businesses to protect themselves.”

To review the preliminary flood maps, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA. 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 The 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.

Kurt.Pickering Tue, 01/12/2021 - 14:10

FEMA Remains in Louisiana to Help Hurricane Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – It will take several years for Louisiana to recover from the 2020 hurricane season, a process that remains in action on many fronts.

FEMA, along with its federal and Louisiana state partners, remains committed to respond to the long-term needs of survivors and help them rebuild stronger, more resilient homes and communities.

By Jan. 6, over $900 million has been put into the hands of Louisiana survivors. FEMA still has almost 900 agency staff members remaining in the state to work on these disasters and is hiring and training local residents to continue the work.

Survivors who received a determination letter saying their application was ineligible may believe that the decision is incorrect or that their situation has changed. Survivors can speak with FEMA specialists to learn about the appeals process, discuss documentation requirements and get assistance with writing an appeal letter. Contact FEMA:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) TTY 800-462-7585.

Specialists from FEMA Individual Assistance continue to work updating and completing applications and appeals from households that were affected by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. You can update your contact information or insurance settlement by using the contact information above.

Direct Temporary Housing assistance is provided only to residents in parishes where housing is not readily available. Direct Temporary Housing assistance is available to Hurricane Laura survivors in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jefferson Davis, Rapides and Vernon parishes, and for Hurricane Delta residents in Acadia, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Rapides, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion parishes.

FEMA determines whether applicants are eligible for Direct Temporary Housing and pairs them with the best available housing solution to meet their household needs. No additional registration is required. The deadline for referrals is Jan. 31.

There are many other FEMA programs that are not as visible to individual survivors.

Specialists with FEMA assist communities as Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs). They serve as the central coordination point between local, state, tribal, territorial and federal governments and volunteer, faith-based and community organizations – including coordination for volunteers and donations. VALs play a vital role in FEMA’s mission and are often called upon to be FEMA’s bridge to the community.

Through its Public Assistance program, FEMA and Public Assistance experts in Louisiana are working long-term helping organizations to rebuild infrastructure that was damaged in the hurricanes. There are 381 approved Requests for Public Assistance (RPA) for Hurricane Laura and 186 for Hurricane Delta as of Jan. 11. The Request for Public Assistance (RPA) deadline for Hurricane Laura was Dec. 31; the RPA deadline for Hurricane Delta has been extended to Jan. 15.

FEMA specialists are standing by Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to talk to you about repairing/rebuilding safer and stronger. Please call them at 833-336-2487.

Visit this web page for publications you can use as guides for your recovery: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lamit/ or https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-es-mit/ for Spanish.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

scott.reuter Tue, 01/12/2021 - 10:11

President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Declaration for the District of Columbia

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the District of Columbia to supplement the District’s response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from the 59th Presidential Inauguration from January 11 to January 24, 2021.

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the District of Columbia.

FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 100 percent federal funding. 

Thomas J. Fargione has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations for the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the District of Columbia and warranted by the results of further evaluation.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 01/11/2021 - 20:46

FEMA Led Historic Pandemic Response, Supported Record Number of Disasters in 2020

WASHINGTON – The year 2020 presented unprecedented challenges to FEMA. The agency led its first ever operational response to a nationwide pandemic and responded to a record amount of disasters, including devastating wildfires in the West and the most active Atlantic hurricane season in history.

For the first time in the agency’s history, FEMA responded to simultaneous disasters in Washington, D.C., five territories and all 50 states. During one of the most demanding disaster years the country has yet faced, FEMA was there to provide assistance as the agency’s staff answered the call to help people before, during and after these events.

2020 FEMA Highlights by the Numbers

• 230 presidentially declared emergencies and major disasters, passing the previous high of 128 declarations in 2011.
• 78 Fire Management Assistance Grant declarations to assist governments in fighting wildfires.
• $568.9 million in grants to disaster survivors for immediate needs after disasters.
• $19.7 billion in grants to help rebuild communities after disasters.
• $927 million in mitigation grants to help communities reduce the impacts of future disasters.
• $830 million in flood insurance payments to policy holders.
• $1.8 billion in 2020 DHS preparedness grants to help communities prepare for disasters.
• $700 million in grants to hire and equip our nation’s firefighters.
• Over 11,000 alerts sent over FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.

Support to Puerto Rico

• FEMA responded and provided support to Puerto Rico for the largest series of earthquakes to hit the island in 100 years. More than 1,200 FEMA employees supported the earthquake response.
• FEMA provided more than $71 million in grants to earthquake survivors and more than $242 million in grants to local governments for the island’s response and recovery from the earthquakes.
• In addition to earthquake recovery, FEMA awarded the agency’s largest infrastructure project grants in history to assist with Puerto Rico’s ongoing recovery from hurricanes Irma and Maria.
  • More than $11.6 billion in grants to the island to rebuild its electric grid and education facilities.
  • $3.7 billion in grants to help rebuild the island’s public water and sewer facilities starting this year.

Whole-of-America COVID-19 Response

• For the first time in history, the President issued a nationwide emergency declaration, resulting in major disaster declarations for COVID-19 in all 50 states, five territories and Washington, D.C. The number of disaster declarations between March and April 2020 was nearly twice as many as occurred during any other two-month period over the last 20 years.
  • FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) was activated for a record 314 days in 2020, with 300 of those days and more than 5,300 staff deployed to support those response operations during the pandemic response. The previous record was in 2017 when the NRCC was activated for 78 days.
  • 2020 marked the first time in FEMA’s history the agency led an operational response to a pandemic.
• FEMA served as a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
• During the response, FEMA created Project Airbridge to expedite the transport of critical supplies from the global market to domestic supply chains.
  • From March 29, 2020 through June 30, 2020, 249 Project Airbridge flights transported more than 1.1 billion pieces of medical supplies to the United States.
• As of Jan. 1, 2021, FEMA, the Department of Health and Human Services and the private sector coordinated delivery of or are currently shipping:
  • 41 billion gloves.
  • 1.7 billion surgical/procedural masks.
  • 422 million N95 respirators.
  • 786 million coveralls/gowns.
  • 91 million eye and face shields.
• Additionally, the agency-coordinated efforts included distributing PPE care packages to 15,400 nursing homes across the country.
• In partnership with the Department of Labor, FEMA provided $42.5 billion in financial assistance through Lost Wages Assistance grants to assist Americans who were unemployed as a result of the pandemic.
• FEMA obligated more than $3.25 billion in support of the Department of Defense through Title 32, with the largest and longest sustained use of National Guard forces in support of Stafford Act declarations.
  • At the peak, more than 40,000 guardsmen were supporting the COVID-19 response operation in 51 states and territories under FEMA’s Mission Assignment to DoD.
  • Additionally, FEMA mission assigned Department of Defense to assist with medical personnel support, including more than 5,300 personnel to assist overwhelmed hospitals and staff at alternate care facilities.
• FEMA and HHS also deployed 40 federal medical stations kits and mission assigned the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct 38 alternate care facilities to assist with overwhelmed health care systems, resulting in more than 22,000 hospital beds added across the nation.
• 2020 marked the first operational use of the Defense Production Act‘s Title VII Voluntary Agreement. This is only the second time the voluntary agreement was implemented since 1950; however, it was never operationalized before this pandemic response.

Hurricane Season

• FEMA responded to the most active Atlantic hurricane season in history. More than 5,000 FEMA employees deployed to support both Atlantic and Pacific hurricane responses in 2020.
• 2020 saw 30 record named storms, with the previous record of 27 named storms in the 2005 hurricane season.
  • Twelve of these storms made landfall in the U.S., surpassing the 1916 record of nine storms making landfall in the U.S.
  • September 2020 set a record with 10 named storm formations. On Sept. 18, three Atlantic storms formed within six hours, which previously occurred only one other time in 1893.
• Five of the named storms made landfall in Louisiana.
  • As of Jan. 4, 2021, FEMA has provided over $245 million in grants and $1.2 million in flood policy payments to survivors in Louisiana.
  • FEMA also provided more than $2.3 million in grants to governments and nonprofits to assist with response efforts and rebuild infrastructure.

Wildfires

• FEMA responded to the most active West Coast wildfire season on record. More than 1,200 employees deployed to support the response to western wildfires.
  • These included the largest wildfire in Colorado’s recorded history, the Cameron Peak fire, and five of the 10 largest fires in California’s history.
• FEMA processed three major declarations due to wildfires.

FEMA rose to meet new challenges during this historic year. The agency’s close collaboration with federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners made it possible to serve millions of Americans in their time of need through locally executed, state managed and federally supported disaster response. As we begin a new year, each family and individual should take disaster and emergency preparedness seriously. Visit Ready.gov today and make a plan for what you and your family can do to stay safe during a disaster.

zella.campbell Mon, 01/11/2021 - 16:02

FEMA Reaches Out to People with Disabilities, Access and Functional Need

FEMA is committed to helping all Louisiana residents who were affected by Hurricanes Laura and Delta. That includes anyone requiring specialized assistance. FEMA’s guidance is intended to ensure that individuals who have access and functional needs receive lawful and equal assistance before, during, and after a disaster or public health emergency.

Simply put, people with access and functional needs includes individuals who need assistance due to any condition (temporary or permanent) that limits their ability to act. To have access and functional needs does not require that the individual have any kind of diagnosis or specific evaluation.

Individuals having access and functional needs may include, but are not limited to, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and populations having limited English proficiency, limited access to transportation, and/or limited access to financial resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the emergency.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 32.3% of adults in Louisiana have some type of disability. Across the state and throughout the country, FEMA provides accommodations at each step in the recovery process.

Newspapers, radio, television, social media, flyers, local officials, and private sector partners help to spread important recovery information in multiple languages.

To view a short video explaining the accommodations FEMA can provide, go to: FEMA Accessible: Answering Yes to the Disability Question When Registering for Assistance - YouTube.

If a person did not apply for assistance and can provide a valid reason for the delay, or if they live in Allen or Iberia Parish where registration is still open until Feb. 21, they may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Those who have already put in an application can update their information to request assistance to meet their needs. Contact FEMA by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Downloading the FEMA app
• Calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585

Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should alert FEMA as to the specific number assigned to that service.

If you receive a letter that says your application was denied, read the letter carefully to find out why. It may simply be that your information was not complete. A short captioned video can explain the process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5RgXQytqVg&list=PL720Kw_OojlJCg2nvX7uU18QQsi16LaFp###.

1. 1. 1. you feel the decision was wrong, you can appeal in writing. For information on where to send the appeal, or for assistance, call the FEMA Helpline number 800-62 1-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Lawyers at the Louisiana Hurricane Delta Disaster Legal Hotline, 1-866-418-8315, can help you write the appeal if you need help and cannot afford a lawyer.

It is important to prepare before the next disaster strikes. Visit Ready.gov for ideas on how your household can make a plan.

Before the next storm, the hard of hearing, deaf, and persons with a sensory disability can review “Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs,” a FEMA video presented in English and sign language. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLLMDOScE4g.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

scott.reuter Mon, 01/11/2021 - 14:42

FEMA Awards Key West Utility Board $1.32 Million for Hurricane Irma Expenses

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,328,579 for the State of Florida to help the Key West Utility Board defray the cost of emergency response after Hurricane Irma in 2017.

FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the city for emergency measures taken to protect life and property, including lodging and meals for work crews who assisted in power restoration.

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

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

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

barbara.murien… Mon, 01/11/2021 - 09:26

What to Expect after Applying with FEMA

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Residents affected by Hurricane Zeta in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties may want to know what comes next after applying for FEMA assistance.

Residents who haven’t applied yet should first file a claim with their insurance company, if they are insured. Then apply with FEMA by downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Operators can also answer questions about applications already submitted. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

After applying, here are a few reminders:

Clean up. Don’t wait to start cleaning up. Be sure to photograph or video the damage and keep all receipts and contractors’ estimates for repair work. 

Home Inspections. If you applied to FEMA and said you are unable to live in your home because of disaster damage caused by Hurricane Zeta, FEMA may contact you to set up a remote home inspection. FEMA will ask about the type and extent of damage and may arrange to inspect the damage remotely, by phone or using a video-conferencing service.

Remote inspections provide a new way of evaluating damage. It is comparable to traditional, in-person inspections and speeds delivery of recovery assistance to survivors.

FEMA may also assign an inspector to meet you outside your home, with social distancing, to view exterior damage. If you need accommodations for language or disability, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) and let the specialists know your needs.

Residents with minimal damage who can live in their homes will not automatically be scheduled for a home inspection when applying for FEMA assistance. Instead, you will receive a FEMA letter asking that you call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. During this call, you may request an inspection if you find significant disaster-caused damage to your home.

A FEMA determination letter, sent by regular mail or email typically within 10 days after the inspection, will include the eligibility decision and an explanation for it. For those who are eligible for assistance, the letter states the dollar amount of the grant and how the money must be used. If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, the letter explains how to appeal the decision.

It is important to read the determination letter carefully. FEMA may request additional information or documentation from an applicant—such as an insurance settlement decision.

Owners and renters whose homes are insured for damage need to submit documentation to FEMA to show their coverage is not enough to meet their disaster-related needs. You can also submit insurance documentation to FEMA if you have run out of the Additional Living Expenses your insurance company provided. FEMA cannot pay for damage covered by insurance or duplicate benefits from another source.

If you still have questions, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). You can also find details about the FEMA inspection process by visiting www.fema.gov/what-happens-inspection. The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Monday, Feb. 8.

For more information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4573 and Facebook: www.facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Mon, 01/11/2021 - 08:30