FEMA Awards Over $4 Million to Mass Department of Transportation for COVID-19 Precautions

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for the cost of disinfecting its facilities to continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $4,057,253 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the department for the cost of providing electrostatic sprayers to perform facility disinfection at 25 locations between March 2020 and December 2021.

MassDOT also contracted for facility disinfection at all 25 locations, as well as the installation of plexiglass shields to prevent the spread of the virus.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 05/18/2023 - 19:18

FEMA Awards Over $5.2 Million to Mass Department of Education for COVID-19 Test Kits

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $5.2 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the state education department for the cost of providing test kits to students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic to help keeps schools open.

The $5,239,327 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the cost of purchasing and distributing 154,532 at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests to education facilities across the commonwealth between December 2021 and July 2022.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 05/18/2023 - 19:17

FEMA Awards Over $20 Million to UMass Memorial Health Care for COVID-19 Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $20 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. for the cost of steps taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $20,378,541in Public Assistance grants will reimburse the health care system in central Massachusetts – headquartered in Worcester and affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School – for various costs incurred dealing with the pandemic between March 2020 and January 2022 including:

• $1,075,700 to hire temporary staff to provide medical treatment patients, professional food services to provided meals; professional plumbing and HVAC services services to provide heat and air filtration the new COVID 19 units; translation services; cleaning services; and security services at system hospital locations and COVID 19 testing tents.

• $2,994,020 to pay 731 existing staff for 92,360 hours of additional work time providing medical treatment and patient care for COVID 19 patients at the Health Alliance (HA), Marlborough Hospital (MH), Medical Group (MG), Parent (UMMHC) and UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMMMC) locations.

• $1,716,779 for the purchase and distribution of supplies and commodities including 5 CC sterile and disposable syringes, heavy duty breathing tubes, HEPA filters used in ventilation machines, respirator oxygen tubes, and personal protective equipment such as nitrile gloves, surgical masks, and gowns.

• $6,513,473 to pay 2,394 staff members for 119,043 overtime hours worked.

• $8,078,569 to contract for medical staff to treat COVID-19 patients, as well as for expanding or repurposing existing facilities, providing testing tents, personal protective equipment storage, technical assistance, security services and facility disinfection.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 05/18/2023 - 19:16

FEMA Public Assistance Funding Authorized for Communities to Restore Permanent Infrastructure

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee’s major disaster declaration for the March 31 to April 1 storms and tornadoes now authorizes additional funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance program to pay for eligible permanent work to restore community infrastructure.

Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, McNairy, Tipton and Wayne counties are now approved for reimbursement costs for eligible permanent work under Public Assistance categories C through G. Under the April 7 major disaster declaration, those eight counties along with Macon and Rutherford counties were initially authorized for debris removal (Category A) and emergency protective work (Category B).  

Three counties – Giles, Johnson and Morgan – were added to the disaster declaration and are authorized to seek Public Assistance funding for eligible emergency work as well as five categories of eligible permanent work.

The Public Assistance program is FEMA’s largest grant program. It provides funding to assist states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments and certain types of private nonprofits as they respond to and recover from presidentially declared major disasters or emergencies.  

Because it is a cost-sharing program, FEMA reimburses applicants at least 75% of the eligible costs. The remaining 25% represents nonfederal funds. In Tennessee, the federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and private nonprofit organizations that incurred the costs.

FEMA processes Public Assistance grant funding according to the type of work the applicant undertakes. Eligible work must be a result of the declared incident, be located in the designated area, be the legal responsibility of the applicant, and be undertaken at a reasonable cost.

For the 11 counties designated under the disaster declaration, Cannon, Giles, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Johnson, Lewis, McNairy, Morgan, Tipton and Wayne, the deadline to submit a Request for Public Assistance is Friday, June 16.

Eligible work is classified into the following categories:

Emergency Work

• Category A: Debris removal
• Category B: Emergency protective measures

Permanent Work

• Category C: Roads and bridges
• Category D: Water control facilities
• Category E: Public buildings and contents
• Category F: Public utilities
• Category G: Parks, recreational and other facilities

For the latest information on Tennessee’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4701. You may also follow TN.gov/TEMA; Twitter.com/TEMA, Facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

sandra.habib Thu, 05/18/2023 - 19:12

FEMA Awards Over $30 Million to UMass Memorial Health Care for COVID-19 Temporary Hospital Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $30 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. for the cost of setting up and running a temporary hospital facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $30,585,674 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the health care system in central Massachusetts – headquartered in Worcester and affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School – for the cost of converting the DCU Convention Center in Worcester into a temporary hospital and operating it.

Between April 2020 and October 2021, UMass Memorial Health Care set up and operated a complete hospital at the DCU Center to handle the overflow of patients caused by the pandemic.

That included purchasing medical supplies and equipment including infusion pumps, compression systems, hospital beds, oxygen concentrator, feeding pumps, x-ray accessories, utility carts, blanket warming cabinet, aspirators, humidifiers, access control readers, liquid oxygen, ultrasound machine, fax machines, nurse call systems, ambulance cots, defibrillators, convection steamers, and monitors.

The hospital also contracted for 1,943 medical staff consisting of registered nurses, certified nurse assistants, patient care technicians, respiratory care practitioners, registered respiratory therapists, and pharmacy technicians, all of whom worked a combined 144,932 hours.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 05/18/2023 - 19:12

FEMA Awards Vermont Nearly $3 Million For COVID Emergency Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $3 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse the costs of providing wraparound services for testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $2,936,510 Public Assistance grant to the Vermont Agency of Human Services for contracting with CIC Health for various services to support COVID-19 testing around the state between February and July 2022.

Those services included facility rent/lease costs; postage and delivery of the test vials and specimens; tech equipment to set up testing sites; cleaning services and cleaning supplies for the test sites; materials and supplies used at test sites; and contractor labor costs associated with running test sites.

The testing occurred at community-based testing sites for the general public; state buildings and state public facilities; correctional facilities; public and non-profit schools; non-profit long-term care facilities; and public and non-profit summer camps.

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

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. So far, FEMA has provided over $481 million in grants to Vermont to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 05/18/2023 - 19:11

FEMA Awards Vermont Nearly $1.4 Million For COVID Protective Gear Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.4 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse the costs of providing personal protective equipment for public safety personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,378,197 Public Assistance grant to the Vermont Department of Public Safety will reimburse it for purchasing and distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) to its staff around the state between March 2020 and June 2022.

The department provided personal protective equipment such as masks, gowns, face shields, N95 ventilators, fit test solution, cleaning/sanitizing supplies and refrigerators, and contracted to provide food for the state’s emergency operations center (EOC).

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

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. So far, FEMA has provided over $481 million in grants to Vermont to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 05/18/2023 - 19:10

Two Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Mono County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes in Mono County, where residents who were affected by the February/March severe storms and flooding can get information on disaster assistance.

Those affected by the disaster can meet with recovery specialists in person if they need help applying for FEMA assistance. They can also get answers to questions or follow up on their applications. Recovery specialists can also provide information on any rental assistance available or fax any requested documents to a FEMA processing center. They can also scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.

Specialists at the centers can also direct you to operators who can communicate in Spanish and many other languages by request. The centers also offer printed material in multiple languages.

Disaster Recovery Centers are barrier-free and provide equal access to all visitors. If you use American Sign Language or assistive technology, and if you need accommodations to communicate, please notify FEMA staff at the center immediately.

Residents don’t have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. They can apply to FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. (Helpline operators are available from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PDT daily.)  If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance. To locate a Disaster Recovery Center in your area, go to DRCLocator.

Mono County

Bridgeport Memorial Hall
73 North School Street
Bridgeport, CA  93517
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Closed Sundays

Mammoth Lakes Civic Center
1290 Tavern Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm Closed Sunday

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available at the recovery centers to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans. These loans are offered to homeowners and renters, business owners and private nonprofits.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation specialists can share home-improvement tips and techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4699. You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES,  facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 05/18/2023 - 15:48

Deadline Extended for Private Nonprofits, including Houses of Worship, to apply for Disaster Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship and other faith-based organizations, now have until June 16 to apply for FEMA assistance to help recover from damage in the California counties affected by the severe winter storms. flooding, landslides and mudslides that began on Feb. 21.

These affected areas include the following 23 counties: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Del Norte, Fresno, Glenn, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc, Monterey, San Benito. San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Sierra, Trinity, Tulare and Tuolumne.

Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be used to reimburse state and local governments and certain nonprofits for the cost of emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoring disaster-damaged roads, bridges and public facilities. For more information on disaster assistance available to nonprofits, potential applicants can join a live FEMA webinar on Monday, May 15 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. PDT. FEMA subject matter experts and representatives from other agencies will be providing an overview of assistance programs and be available to answer any questions. To join: https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1602012511 (Meeting ID: 160 201 2511/Passcode: 4699).

Private nonprofits that provide critical services, such as hospitals and other medical treatment facilities and utilities can apply directly to FEMA. Other examples of critical services include water, sewer and electrical systems; private schools that provide elementary or secondary education or institutions of higher education.

Private nonprofits that provide non-critical, essential social services, such as houses of worship, senior citizen and community centers must wait to see if they are eligible for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration before receiving FEMA grants. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits from other agencies or organizations. If applicants are denied a loan or it does not cover the cost of all repairs, FEMA may provide funding to cover what SBA does not.

Other examples of non-critical, essential services include educational enrichment activities, custodial and day care services, disability residential services, assisted living and low-income housing, homeless shelters and rehabilitation services and performing and community arts centers.

SBA can provide as much as $2 million in loans for damaged real estate and the replacement of property. The interest rate is 2.375 percent with terms up to 30 years.

The deadline to apply to SBA for property damage is June 5, 2023. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Jan. 3, 2024.

All applicants are encouraged to make a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) as soon as possible by contacting their local emergency management office. If applicants need to apply to SBA, they should do so at the same time that they make a Request for Public Assistance from FEMA. To file a Request for Public Assistance or for more information, email: DisasterRecovery@CalOES.CA.gov

More information on assistance for Houses of Worship is also available at What Houses of Worship Need to Know About the FEMA Disaster Aid Process Flyer | FEMA.gov.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4699.  You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES, facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 05/18/2023 - 15:33

One Week Left for Mississippi Storm Survivors to Apply for Federal Support

MADISON, Miss. – Mississippi homeowners and renters who sustained damage to their primary property from the March 24-25 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes have one week left to apply for federal assistance. The deadline is 11:59 p.m., Central Time, May 25, 2023.

FEMA assistance for individuals affected by the March storms may cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is non-taxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, or other benefits.

Homeowners and renters in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola, and Sharkey counties can apply for assistance the following ways:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline is open and help is available from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Time daily in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find a center close to you, go online to: fema.gov/drc.
• Download the free FEMA mobile app for smartphones.

Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

Disaster Loans Application Deadline

The May 25 deadline also applies to applications for low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repair or rebuilding efforts and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained from the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to https://youtu.be/LU7wzRjByhI

For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and www.fema.gov/disaster/4697. On Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4).

sandra.habib Thu, 05/18/2023 - 12:25

Hours to Change at Disaster Recovery Centers

OKLAHOMA CITY – FEMA and the State of Oklahoma Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in McClain and Pottawatomie counties will begin new hours of operation on Thursday, May 18. Both locations will now be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sunday.

The centers assist survivors affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred April 19-20.

Survivors can meet face to face with specialists from FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and state and local agencies to have their questions about disaster assistance answered. They may also upload any documents needed for their applications at the centers.

The new operating hours for the centers in McClain and Pottawatomie counties include:

Pottawatomie County

130 N Louisa Ave.

Shawnee, OK 74801

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday.

McClain County

Cole Community Center

26887 Main Street

Blanchard, OK 73010

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday.

The hours remain the same for the DRC in Cleveland County:

Cleveland County

12 Corners Baptist Church

15601 E Etowah Road

Noble, OK 73068

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday

Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed Sunday

When visiting a DRC, Oklahoma residents can get additional help with the following:

• Apply for assistance.
• Learn the status of your FEMA application and get information on how to appeal your status if needed.
• Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
• Get answers to questions or update information in your FEMA application.
• Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
• Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance loan programs.

No appointments are necessary.

You do not have to visit a disaster recovery center to apply for assistance. The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov.

If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

alexa.brown Wed, 05/17/2023 - 18:16

Tornadoes Can Touch Down at Any Time; Being Prepared is Vital

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The deadly tornadoes that marched across Middle Tennessee earlier this year are a reminder that these violently rotating columns of air can touch down any place, at any time. Preparing for them is vital to keeping your family safe.

Tennessee sees a disproportionately high number of twisters each year compared to other parts of the United States. In 2021, Middle Tennessee saw 46 of the 67 tornadoes that struck the state. Historically, the most tornadoes occur between March and May and again between mid-October and November.

The Enhanced Fujita Scale, or EF Scale, is used to assign a tornado a “rating” based on estimated wind speeds and related damage. An EF-0 tornado has an estimated 65 to 85 mph winds. Wind estimates of an EF-5 tornado are over 200 mph.

If the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch, it means be prepared. Hail and damaging wind threats are expected and multiple tornadoes could spin up. Tornado warnings, usually issued for an hour or less, mean take cover. Sustained winds could equal or exceed 58 mph, which the National Weather Service says could cause loose objects to become dangerous projectiles and could also uproot diseased trees.

But that’s no reason to let weather predictions leave you feeling stressed. It’s also a good reason to be prepared year-round.

Know your area’s tornado risk, know the signs that conditions are right for a tornado, and practice your emergency plan for your family and pets. In other words, know whether to shelter in place or go to your identified safe place, which could mean leaving town or deciding to stay with friends or family.

Before a tornado touches down, it’s a good idea to invest in a NOAA Weather Radio. A public service offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, weather information is broadcast directly and continuously from the nearest National Weather Service office.

Some communities use the Emergency Alert System, a national public warning system, to deliver warnings of imminent threats to specific areas. A severe weather threat such as a tornado warning can be sent by state and local public safety officials. If your community has sirens, become familiar with the warning tone.

If you don’t have a safe room you can access in an emergency, the next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room or basement on the lowest level of your home, or the windowless room of a sturdy building. Prepare for your emergency stay by packing supplies you need. Click Build A Kit | Ready.gov for an emergency supply list. 

Once inside your safe place, protect yourself by covering your head and neck with your arms or a helmet and cocooning yourself with blankets. If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, do not try to outrun the twister. Take the same precautions: Cover your head.

Simply put, preparing for severe weather means knowing what to do.

For the latest information on Tennessee’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4701. You may also follow TN.gov/TEMA; Twitter.com/TEMA, Facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

sandra.habib Wed, 05/17/2023 - 15:08

Renters in Broward County Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Renters in Broward County whose homes and property were damaged by the April 12–14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding can apply for federal disaster assistance.

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

Renters may also qualify for assistance under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for uninsured essential personal property losses and other disaster-related expenses. These may include:

• 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 of the severe storms and flooding who apply for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for 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 do not have to accept the loan but failure to return the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration, FEMA’s federal partner in disaster recovery, may also be able to help. Businesses, nonprofit organizations and homeowners may be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan to repair or replace land improvements not covered by insurance. These improvements include: a private road or bridge necessary to access the property (i.e., primary residence), repair retaining walls, etc.

Businesses can apply directly on SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. Homeowners and renters should first register with FEMA. To obtain more information, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659- 2955. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services, or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Renters in Broward County can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362.  The helpline is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance

For information on Florida’s recovery, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4709. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Wed, 05/17/2023 - 14:05

We Are FEMA’s USVI Team

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – The recovery from the 2017 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, is progressing and FEMA is still here assisting the Territory with the efforts. During the next several weeks, FEMA will be posting the “We Are FEMA USVI” series on their FEMA U.S. Virgin Islands Facebook page. The posts will highlight programs/groups, staff and recovery projects in the territory.

“This series is an opportunity for the USVI community to learn more about what we do,” said Kristen A. Hodge, FEMA’s USVI Recovery Director. “There is so much more to FEMA that people may not know.  Our USVI Facebook page will highlight information about the various programs that are working behind the scenes to continue helping with the recovery in the USVI,” Hodge added.

While many may know about our Individual Assistance or Public Assistance programs, there are other programs within FEMA that assist in the recovery. Interagency Recovery Coordination is a FEMA program that works with local agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, houses of worship and other federal agencies to look for funding resources for projects that are not eligible for FEMA programs. Disability Integration ensures that FEMA funded projects are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The DI team also works to provide recovery information to the disability and access and functional needs community in collaboration with the USVI Office of Territorial ADA Coordinator.

Our FEMA USVI St. Croix and St. Thomas recovery office could not operate without their Safety, Security, Logistics, and Information Technology teams. Learn how these internal programs provide services to the FEMA staff so we can better serve the community and the recovery. Planning is vital to keeping the records and providing reports. Finance and Administration incorporates Human Resources and Contracting.

Environmental and Historic Preservation is FEMA’s program that monitors the impact recovery projects have on the environment and helps preserve the history of the projects and the surrounding areas where the project is being repaired or constructed. Hazard Mitigation’s role is to work with the Territory to find ways or take action to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from hazards and their effects.

FEMA’s programs work in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, Office of Disaster Recovery, VITEMA’s Mitigation and Public Assistance programs, and other governmental agencies in the USVI.

Visit the FEMA U.S. Virgin Islands Facebook page for more in-depth information on the programs, meet the staff, and learn about recovery projects.

gina.callaghan Tue, 05/16/2023 - 15:58

New Virtual Reality Experience Tests Users’ Fire Safety Skills

WASHINGTON -- In partnership with Meta, FEMA’s Ready Campaign, the Ad Council and the U.S. Fire Administration co-launched a new virtual reality experience promoting fire safety awareness.

In “The Escape Plan,” users must work through various obstacles to make a timely escape from an apartment building fire. The free virtual reality experience lets users practice their fire escape skills on their own time and in a safe, controlled environment and can be used with virtual reality equipment. At the end of the experience, users can create their own fire escape plan and visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov in Spanish language to further prepare for home fires and other hazards.

While virtual reality equipment is recommended, but not required, a desktop version of “The Escape Plan” allows users to participate in the experience and practice fire safety anywhere there is internet connectivity.

“From our user-friendly FEMA App that provides real-time weather alerts and helps people prepare for common hazards, to the use of geospatial tools to identify the hardest hit communities following a disaster, FEMA continues to use every tool at our disposal to help people before, during and after disaster,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We are excited to partner with Meta and the Ad Council on this new virtual reality tool and we are eager to further leverage technology to protect people and save lives.”

“You don’t have much time to act in the event of a fire,” said Michelle Hillman, Ad Council Chief Campaign Development Officer. “Being able to practice a fire safety and evacuation plan before the emergency arises will reduce the chance of panic and ultimately save lives.”

“At Meta we are building for the next generation of the internet, which is why our partnership with FEMA and the Ad Council to develop immersive experiences in Virtual and Augmented Reality like the Escape Plan is so important,” said Caitlin Ryan, VP Creative Shop EMEA – Meta. “In VR, mistakes can be made without real-world consequences, ensuring individuals can safely learn and are better prepared, ready to act quickly in a real emergency. The VR version of this product creates the sensation of being present in a virtual three-dimensional environment, allowing you to experience and learn what you need to do to escape a home fire. While the Escape Plan is a virtual experience, the impact will be real.”

Virtual reality is emerging as an effective way to augment professional and personal emergency training and can have advantages over large-scale training programs that take extensive time and resources. Experiences can be developed to simulate an environment, whether the setting be in an office, emergency room or in your own home, rather than placing the trainee in the potential path of harm. 

“Proven technology like automatic fire sprinklers, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors save the lives of civilians every day, and the U.S. Fire Administration has long advocated for the use of immersive learning tools to protect our nation’s fire fighters and increase public safety education,” said U.S. Administrator Moore-Merrell. “It is our hope that ‘The Escape Plan’ and other technological advancements will protect even more people and help us to further address America’s persistent fire problem.”

“The Escape Plan” joins a suite of digital tools leveraged by FEMA to help people before, during and after disasters. Last year, the Ready Campaign launched an easy-to-use digital form to help individuals and families create an emergency plan on their phone or laptop. The form can be saved onto any device and emailed to other members of their family and is available in both English and Spanish languages. And just last year, FEMA updated its mobile app to give users increased personalization options and help them take charge of disasters. The new app is more accessible, with increased functionality and innovative features to help people prepare for, protect against and recover from disasters.

To create your family’s emergency plan, or to learn more about disaster preparedness and home fire escape plans, visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 05/16/2023 - 15:51

Crisis Counseling Available to California Residents Affected by Recent Storms and Flooding

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Crisis-counseling services are available to Californians affected by the severe storms and flooding that took place in February and March in Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne counties.

Survivors can call 800-985-5990, a disaster helpline sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The helpline is free and immediately connects callers to trained and caring professionals from the nearest crisis counseling center in a nationwide network of centers. 

Helpline staff members provide confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services. Spanish-speakers can press “2” for bilingual support. Callers can also connect with counselors in more than 100 other languages via third-party interpretation services by indicating their preferred language to the responding counselor. A videophone option with direct crisis counseling and support for deaf or hard-of-hearing American Sign Language users is also available. 

FEMA also provides funding to Cal Hope, which offers crisis counseling services to residents after a federal declaration. For more information and referral services call 833-317-4673 or go to www.calhope.org. Cal Hope is part of the California Mental Health Services Authority through a partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services and local mental health providers and partners.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4699.  You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES, facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 05/15/2023 - 22:43

Disaster Legal Services Available to California Residents After the Recent Storms and Flooding

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Homeowners and renters in disaster-designated counties affected by the recent severe winter storms and flooding may now have access to free legal advice for disaster-related legal issues. Residents can call a Disaster Legal Service hotline at 888-382-3406 or go to http://freelegalanswers.org.

Callers may be asked to leave a message and a specialist will get back to them as soon as possible. Callers should identify their storm-related issue and the county where their storm-damaged property is located.

Some of the issues the legal service can provide help with include:

• Insurance claims for medical bills, loss of property, and loss of life.
• New wills, powers of attorney, and other legal papers lost during the disaster.
• Home repair contracts and contractors.
• Problems with landlords.
• Proof of home ownership.
• FEMA appeals.

The hotline is run by the Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative, a coalition of nonprofits, legal aid organizations, government entities and law firms in California working together to offer free legal services to communities in the aftermath of natural disasters.

FEMA provides funding to the collaborative but the attorneys are not FEMA employees. The services they provide are confidential and they do not share information with FEMA.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4699. You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES, facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 05/15/2023 - 22:33

30 Days Left to Register with FEMA for Disaster Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Survivors with losses caused by the severe storms, floods, landslides and mudslides that began Feb. 21 have less than 30 days to register for federal disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for assistance is Monday, June 5.

Disaster assistance is available to eligible individuals and households in the disaster-designated counties of Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne.

FEMA assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for:

• Temporary housing for those displaced from their disaster-damaged primary homes.
• Essential repairs to owner-occupied primary homes including structural components such as foundation, exterior walls and roof, and interior areas such as ceiling and floors.
• Replacement of personal property including specialized tools for employment, household items, appliances and vehicle repair or replacement.
• Other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance including medical, dental, moving and child-care expenses and funeral and transportation expenses.

Flood survivors should register for assistance even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

Applying for disaster assistance is a two-step process that ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans. First, register with FEMA. Then complete and return the SBA loan application, if referred to SBA.

 Survivors with losses from the February and March storms may apply for federal assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA mobile app. Applicants can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4699. You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES,  facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 05/15/2023 - 22:18

Additional Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Stops in Broward County

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will be making several stops in Broward County to meet survivors of the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

The Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will be at the following locations:

Through Monday, May 15:

• Orangebrook Golf & Country Club - Parking Lot, 400 Entrada Drive in Hollywood
• St. George Community Park, 3501 NW 8th Street in Lauderhill

Wednesday, May 17 through Saturday, May 20:

• Dania Beach Library/City Hall, 100 W Dania Beach Blvd. in Dania Beach
• Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale

Additional stops will be announced as they are confirmed.

The hours for all stops will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There is also a fixed center at Hortt Park, 1700 SW 14TH Court in Fort Lauderdale

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.

In addition to visiting a center, you can apply by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app  or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET every day. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms.

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing communities affected by the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and to answer questions about federal assistance. DSA crews wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For more information about recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4709 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

bree-constance… Mon, 05/15/2023 - 18:04

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Cleveland County

OKLAHOMA CITY – FEMA and the State of Oklahoma will open a joint Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Cleveland County on Saturday, May 13 to help survivors affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred April 19-20.

The new center joins DRCs previously opened in Pottawatomie and McClain counties.

Survivors can meet face to face with specialists from FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and state and local agencies to have their questions about disaster assistance answered. They may also upload any documents needed for their applications at the centers.

The DRC in Noble will open at 8:30 a.m.

Cleveland County
12 Corners Baptist Church
15601 E Etowah Road
Noble, OK 73068
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday.
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed Sunday.

 

DRCs remain open in Pottawatomie and McClain counties:

Pottawatomie County
130 N Louisa Ave.
Shawnee, OK 74801
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week

McClain County
Cole Community Center
26887 Main Street
Blanchard, OK 73010
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., seven days a week.

When visiting a DRC, Oklahoma residents can get additional help with the following:

• Apply for assistance.
• Learn the status of your FEMA application and get information on how to appeal your status if needed.
• Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
• Get answers to questions or update information in your FEMA application.
• Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
• Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance loan programs.

No appointments are necessary.

FEMA also has teams canvassing in the most heavily impacted areas as determined by local officials.

You do not have to visit a disaster recovery center to apply for assistance. The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov.

If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4706. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 05/12/2023 - 20:42