Federal Support for Hurricane Ian Recovery Climbs Past $1.2 Billion, FEMA Provides Over $581 Million in Individual Assistance to Jumpstart Survivor Recovery

WASHINGTON -- More than $1.2 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments has been provided to the state of Florida and households to help survivors jumpstart their recovery after Hurricane Ian. FEMA has provided $581 million to households and $314 million to the state for emergency response. The U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $196 million in disaster loans, while the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $147 million in claims.

How FEMA is helping Floridians:

• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25 through Oct. 23. Policyholders whose renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days.  For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for Individual Assistance.
• FEMA is meeting survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have interacted with more than 46,900 survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance.
• Survivors can visit one of 17 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Lee (2 locations), Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. More centers are planned to open in the coming days. Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help survivors communicate in the language with which they feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
• FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors. FEMA and the state of Florida activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program, which allows FEMA to make payments directly to participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,923 households with 4,912 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 140,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $196 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee and Seminole counties.
• As of Oct. 22, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 42,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $147 million to policyholders, including $103 million in advance payments.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of whether it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof has installed 7,370 roofs. This is a free service provided to homeowners and is currently operating in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can sign up at BlueRoof.us or call toll-free at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide. 

amy.ashbridge Sat, 10/22/2022 - 15:19

FEMA Provides More than $3.2 million to Alaska Communities Affected by September West Coast Storms

Nearly a month after a federal disaster declaration was made for the severe storm, flooding and landslides that occurred in Western Alaska from Sept. 15 – 20, more than $3 million in federal disaster assistance has been awarded to survivors. Those in the designated Regional Educational Attendance Areas (REAAs) of Bering Strait, Kashunamiut, Lower Kuskokwim and Lower Yukon are eligible to apply for FEMA assistance until Nov. 22.

As of Oct. 21, FEMA has received a total of 773 applications.

• More than $1.1 million has been disbursed for housing assistance, which may include rental expenses, basic home repairs, or other essential disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance.
• More than $2.1 million has been disbursed for Other Needs Assistance, which can include coverage for damaged personal property, such as household appliances, furniture and, in Alaska, subsistence equipment and tools, such as fishing equipment, cold weather gear, ATVs, boats, outboard motors, smoke house and snow mobiles. 

FEMA is including a shipping supplement of $1,300 to help cover the additional cost of transporting repair materials and supplies for eligible survivors. So far, a total of $143,236 has been provided to 104 households. Applicants should keep track of their shipping receipts. If they have additional shipping expenses for repair materials over $1,300, they are encouraged to submit receipts to FEMA for potential reimbursement. Survivors who have questions about their eligibility for the additional shipping cost can contact FEMA for more information.

FEMA has established an Alaska-specific disaster hotline staffed in Anchorage to process applications and answer questions. The number is 1-866-342-1699. Beginning Monday, Oct. 24, hours of operation will be 9. a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and closed on Sundays (current hours are 10 AM – 8 PM Monday through Saturday.) TTY users dial 711 or, TTY users with an out-of-state area code, dial 800-770-8973 for Alaska relay service. Applications can also be submitted at www.disasterassistance.gov or via the FEMA app.

The State of Alaska also provides disaster assistance that is separate from FEMA’s. In order to receive potential aid from the state, survivors must register with FEMA. If you are found ineligible for FEMA assistance, you may qualify for assistance through the State of Alaska. For example, FEMA may be able to cover damaged subsistence equipment

and tools while the state may pay for the damaged structure. If you don’t submit both applications, it is possible no assistance will be available to you.

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance from the State of Alaska by calling 1-844-445-7131 or going online at  ready.alaska.gov/IA. The deadline for apply to the state is Nov. 17, 2022.

Some applicants may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to apply for a disaster loan. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources.

Homeowners and renters should submit an SBA disaster loan application even if they are not sure they will need or want a loan. If SBA cannot approve your application, in most cases SBA will refer you to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for possible additional assistance. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA loan but failure to return the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela. Paper applications may be requested by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (dial 711 for TTY) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. The deadline to apply is Nov. 22, 2022

For more information about FEMA’s support to Alaska’s severe storms, flooding and landslide recovery, visit the FEMA Disaster Site. Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

thomas.wise Fri, 10/21/2022 - 20:30

Kentuckians Still Have One Week to Apply for FEMA Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky homeowners and renters who suffered damage to their property from the severe July 2022 floods still have time for federal disaster assistance.

Survivors in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties have until 11:59 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28, 2022 to apply.

Survivors can apply the following ways:

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find an open recovery center visit fema.gov/drc
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as a video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service
• Apply online by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is non-taxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

If you have been asked to complete a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration, please complete it as soon as possible. If SBA does not offer you a low interest loan, you may be eligible for additional FEMA grant assistance to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, cover storage expenses, or meet other disaster-related needs.

Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA website at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants can visit a disaster recovery center, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. If you are deaf, need hearing assistance of, or need speech assistance,, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

For official information on the Kentucky flooding recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Fri, 10/21/2022 - 19:45

Federal Support for Hurricane Ian Recovery Surpasses $1.1 Billion, FEMA Provides Over $564 Million in Individual Assistance to Jumpstart Survivor Recovery

WASHINGTON -- More than $1.1 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments has been provided to the state of Florida and survivors recovering from Hurricane Ian.

FEMA has provided $564 million to households and $314 million to the state for emergency response, while the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $170 million in disaster loans, and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $113 million in claims.

How FEMA is helping Floridians:

• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, through Oct. 23. Policyholders whose renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days.  For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for Individual Assistance.
• FEMA is meeting survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have interacted with more than 40,000 survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance.
• Survivors can visit one of 17 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Lee (2 locations), Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. More centers are planned to open in the coming days. Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help survivors communicate in the language with which they feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
• FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors. FEMA and the state of Florida activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program, which allows FEMA to make payments directly to participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors. As of today, the program is providing housing for over 1,800 households with more than 4,600 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 131,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $170 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee and Seminole counties.
• As of Oct. 21, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 41,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $113 million to policyholders, including $80 million in advance payments.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of whether it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof has installed 7,195 roofs. This is a free service provided to homeowners and is currently operating in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can sign up at BlueRoof.us or call toll-free at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide. 

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 10/21/2022 - 16:05

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Brevard, Okeechobee Counties

TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida and FEMA have opened two additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Brevard and Okeechobee counties.

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 and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.

New Disaster Recovery Centers BREVARD COUNTY

Cuyler Park Community Center, 2329 Harry T. Moore Ave., Mims, FL 32754

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY

Okeechobee County Library, 206 SW 16th St., Okeechobee, FL 34974

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Other Disaster Recovery Centers

Other centers are operating in the following locations, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week unless otherwise noted.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Tringali Rec Center, 3450 N Access Rd., Englewood, FL  34224

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

COLLIER COUNTY

Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Naples, FL 34109

DESOTO COUNTY

DeSoto Library: 125 N Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia, Fl 34266

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

HARDEE COUNTY

Wauchula Civic Center, 515 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, FL 33873

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

Highlands County Extension Office, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 33875

LAKE COUNTY

First Baptist Church of Astor Lake County, 24731 Ann St., Astor, FL 32102

LEE COUNTY

Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33919

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Fort Myers DMS Building, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ORANGE COUNTY

Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Hart Memorial Central Library, 211 E. Dakin Ave., Kissimmee, FL 34741

POLK COUNTY

W.H. Stuart Center, 1702 S. Holland Pkwy., Bartow, FL 33830

SARASOTA COUNTY

Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career La., North Port, FL 34289

SEMINOLE COUNTY

Seminole State College - Barbara Miller Automotive Center, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Wind Mitigation Building, 3111 Agricultural Center Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32092

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Volusia County Health Department, 1845 Holsonback Dr., Daytona Beach, FL 32117

 

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day 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 the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help you communicate in the language with which you feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer questions about federal assistance. DSA teams 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.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 10/21/2022 - 14:24

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Ciales and Loíza

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are now open in Ciales and Loíza. The joint DRCs, a partnership between the municipality, the Government of Puerto Rico and FEMA will help Hurricane Fiona survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand at the DRC to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, businesses, private nonprofits and renters, and provide information about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

Services are provided in English and Spanish. If you need a reasonable accommodation or a sign language interpreter to communicate with FEMA, please send an email to FEMA-PRaccesible@fema.dhs.gov. You can also call 1-833-285-7448, press 2 for Spanish.

The additional centers are located at:

• Casa Alcaldía (Parking), Calle Espíritu Santo, Loíza, PR 00729

• Policía Municipal de Ciales (back of building), Carr. 149 Km 12.9, Ciales, PR 00638 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless otherwise stated.

All DRCs have Hazard Mitigation Community Education Outreach Specialists on site to support and provide guidance to visiting survivors.

To find the DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: DRC Locator.

Additional DRC locations in Puerto Rico are:

• Centro de Bellas Artes de Caguas, Calle Padial, Esquina Calle Ruiz Belvis, Caguas, PR 00725

• Cancha de Baloncesto Reinaldo Lugo, Calle Desengaño, Barrio Colombia, Mayagüez, PR 00680

• Estadio Pedro Montañez, Carretera Núm. 14, Km 69.7, Calle Matías Soto, Barriada San Cristóbal, Cayey, PR 00736

• Centro Comunal Los Naranjos, Comunidad Los Naranjos, Calle 2, Barrio Cabo Caribe, Vega Baja, PR 00693

• Centro Servicios Múltiples Francisco “Pancho” Robledo, Ave. Padre Severo Ferrer Santa Isabel, PR 00757

• Polideportivo Francisco “Frankie” Colón Alers, Ave. Los Caobos Final, Ponce, PR 00716

• Centro de Recepciones y Bellas Artes, Sala de Recepción, Ramal 152, Ave. José Zayas Green, Barrio Barrancas, Barranquitas, PR 00794

• Cancha de Balonmano Néstor Milete Echevarría, Carr. 3, Río Grande, PR 00745

• Centro de Convenciones de Cabo Rojo Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances y Alacán, PR-100, Cabo Rojo, PR 00623

• Centro Comunal Justo Concepción, Carr. 486, Km 2.2, Barrio Zanjas, Camuy, PR 00627

• Cancha Juanito Cabello, Calle Ramón Baldorioty de Castro, PR-173, Cidra, PR 00739

• Centro de Entrenamiento y Formación del Volleyball David Cuevas, Carr. 111, Ave. Los Patriotas, Barrio Pueblo, Lares, PR 00669 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Cancha Juan E. Lluch, PR 315 km 0.9, Lajas, PR 00667

• Centro Bellas Artes Ceferino Caro Ramos, Calle Unión, Rincón, PR 00677

• Biblioteca Municipal de Salinas, Calle Dr. Santos P. Amadeo, Casco Urbano, Salinas, PR 00751

• Casa Alcaldía (1er Piso), Calle Georgetti #35, Barceloneta, PR 00617

• Centro de Recepciones Luis Ángel Ortiz Hernández, Ave. Luis Muñoz Marín, PR-155, Orocovis, PR 00720

• Centro de Usos Múltiples Néstor Vázquez, Terminal de Carros Públicos, 38 Calle Terminal, Patillas, PR 00723

• Coliseo Roberto Clemente Walker, Ave. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, San Juan, PR 00920

• Estadio Municipal Mario “Ñato” Ramírez, Ave. Blvd Jimmy Negrón Palma Real, Yauco, PR 00698

• Centro Comunal Eugenio Walker, Calle 10, Monte Verde, Barrio San Isidro, Canóvanas, PR 00729

• Coliseo Municipal Samuel “Sammy” Rodríguez, PR-174, Km 22.8, Barrio Mula, Aguas Buenas, PR 00725

• Coliseo Manuel G. “Petaca” Iguina Reyes, PR-129, Km 2.4, Ave. Industrial, Barrio Hato Abajo, Arecibo, PR 00612

• Centro Comunal Medina, Urb. Medina, Calle #1, B-20, Isabela, PR 00662

• Coliseo Arquelio Torres Ramírez, Atléticos de San German, Ave. Universidad Interamericana, Carr. 102 Km 33.1, San Germán, PR 00683

• Centro Comunal Martorell, Parcelas Martorell Calle #2, Yabucoa, PR 00767

• Terminal de Carros Públicos 33-35, Calle Anexo Baldorioty, Utuado, PR 00641 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Centro de Servicios Integrados Núm. 4 (La Antigua Escuela), Calle Rafael Janer, Maricao, PR 00606 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Centro de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento (CDT), PR-198 Km 22.6 Int., Zona Industrial, Las Piedras, PR 00771

• Centro Comunal de Toa Alta Heights, Calle 19, Toa Alta, PR 00953

• Universidad Ana G. Méndez, 2 Calle Romero Barceló #10, Jayuya, PR 00664 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Complejo Deportivo Llaneros, Calle José de Diego, Levittown, Toa Baja, PR 00949

• Estacionamiento Alcaldía de Guánica Provisional, Carr. 333 Km 0.3, Guánica, PR 00653

• Estadio Municipal Cristóbal “Cagüitas” Colón, 3 Calle B, San Lorenzo, PR 00754

• Complejo Deportivo Villalba, Calle Albizu Campos, Villalba, PR 00766

You may also register for assistance with FEMA or check status of your case through your smart phone, home computer or by phone.

The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

• If you need help registering for assistance, you may also visit any open DRC or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

kimberly.keblish Fri, 10/21/2022 - 13:14

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Federal Cost Share for Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the Government of Puerto Rico to supplement territorial and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Fiona from Sept. 17-21, 2022.

The President authorized for the federal cost share for emergency protective measures to be increased to from 75% to 100% of total eligible costs for the first 30 days of the incident period. The President also authorizes 100% federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, extending from 30 to 60 days from the start of the incident period.

In the major disaster declaration issued for the Government of Puerto Rico, federal funding was made available for Public Assistance, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and Individual and Households Program for total eligible costs.         

amy.ashbridge Thu, 10/20/2022 - 21:54

FEMA Updates Operating Hours for the Alaska Disaster Assistance Hotline

FEMA has updated the operating hours for the Alaska-specific Disaster Assistance Hotline. Residents in the Regional Educational Attendance Areas of Bering Strait, Kashunamiut, Lower Kuskokwim and Lower Yukon who experienced damage or loss from September’s severe storm, flooding and landslides can call the hotline to apply for FEMA assistance or receive help with an application.

Starting Monday, Oct. 24, the Anchorage-based FEMA hotline will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and will be closed on Sundays.

Applicants can apply for FEMA disaster assistance by:

• Calling 1-866-342-1699 for the FEMA Alaska-specific disaster hotline. For TTY users, dial 711. For TTY users with an out-of-state area code, dial 1-800-770-8973 for Alaska Relay.
• Going online to disasterassistance.gov.
• Downloading and applying through the FEMA mobile app.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Nov. 22, 2022.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program may include grants for temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs, or other essential disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance. In Alaska, subsistence items lost or damaged from the September storms may be eligible for assistance.  

The State of Alaska also has an Individual Assistance program, which has a separate application process from FEMA’s. It is important that survivors apply for both FEMA and the State of Alaska’s disaster assistance programs.

If you are found ineligible for federal assistance, you may still qualify for assistance through the State of Alaska, but if you do not submit both applications it is possible that no assistance will be available to you.

• Survivors can apply for state assistance online at ready.alaska.gov/IA or by calling 844-445-7131. The deadline to apply for State of Alaska assistance is Nov. 17, 2022.

Some applicants may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to apply for a disaster loan. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources. Homeowners and renters should submit an SBA disaster loan application even if they are not sure they will need or want a loan.

Applicants may apply in the following ways:

• Go online at: https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/
• Call 1-(800) 659-2955, for TTY users please dial 711.
• Email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

For more information about FEMA’s support to Alaska’s severe storms, flooding and landslide recovery, visit the FEMA Disaster Site. Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

thomas.wise Thu, 10/20/2022 - 18:45

Federal Support Tops $1 Billion to Help Floridians Recover from Hurricane Ian

WASHINGTON -- More than $1 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments has been provided to the state of Florida and Floridians to help jumpstart their recovery from Hurricane Ian.

FEMA has provided more than $545 million to households and $302 million to the state for emergency response and recovery. The U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $130 million in disaster loans, while the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $98 million in claims.

How FEMA is helping Floridians:

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for Individual Assistance.
• FEMA is meeting survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have interacted with more than 40,000 survivors in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.
• Survivors can visit one of 15 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Lee (2 locations), Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. More centers are planned to open in the coming days. Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help survivors communicate in the language with which they feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
• FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors. FEMA and the state of Florida activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program, which allows FEMA to make payments directly to participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,733 households with 4,416 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 117,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $130 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee and Seminole counties.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 40,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $98 million to policyholders, including $71 million in advance payments.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of whether it was successful in preventing flood damage.

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling 800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof has installed 5,834 roofs. This is a free service provided to homeowners and is currently operating in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can sign up at BlueRoof.us or call toll-free at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, through Oct. 23. Policyholders whose renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days.   For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide. 

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/20/2022 - 16:10

FEMA Awards More Than $7 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $7 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $7,029,907 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the agency for contracting with Fallon Ambulance Company to provide 24,421 COVID tests between September 2020 and December 2021 at group homes it operated across the commonwealth, as well as the cost of obtaining and transporting specimens from individuals at these sites between April and August 2020.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services 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 $1.3 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:31

FEMA Awards Nearly $2 Million to Assumption University for COVID-19 Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $2 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts reimburse Assumption University for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,951,800 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private Catholic university in Worcester for contracting to provide 78,072 COVID tests to students, faculty and staff between June 2020 and August 2021.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.3 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:30

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.7 Million to Mount Holyoke College for COVID-19 Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.7 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Mount Holyoke College for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,655,075 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private liberal arts women's college in South Hadley for contracting to provide 117,925 COVID tests to students, faculty and staff between July 2020 and December 2021.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.3 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:28

FEMA Awards More Than $2 Million to Berklee College of Music for COVID-19 Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $2 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Berklee College of Music for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $2,026,245 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private music and performing arts college in Boston for contracting to provide 121,120 COVID tests for students, faculty and staff between June and December 2021.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.3 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:26

FEMA Awards More Than $26 Million to Massachusetts for Covid-19 Pandemic Administrative Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $26 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for some of the administrative costs incurred responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will receive a total of $26,077,698 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse the cost of administering grants FEMA provided to the commonwealth for such expenses as testing, sheltering and providing meals to vulnerable populations.

The administrative costs are calculated as a percentage of the grants provided.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.3 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:25

FEMA Awards State of Rhode Island Nearly $1.8 Million for COVID Data Analytics

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.8 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state for the costs of hiring data analytics experts to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,792,312 FEMA Public Assistance grant will go to the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health & Human Services for contracting with Freedman HealthCase, HCH Enterprises, and ONPOINT for data analytics services between March and December 2020.

Freedman HealthCase provided project management, technical expertise, and staffing to the integrated data engineering and analytics team. HCH Enterprises staffed the dashboard team, including data intake, database administration, ETL, dashboard development, and oversight. ONPOINT provided the data integration and advanced data modeling/architecture support for the All-Payer Claims Database and the Ecosystem, a comprehensive statewide integrated data system for COVID information.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health & Human Services 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.

This grant brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to more than $562 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:23

FEMA Awards More Than $3.4 Million to Fairfield University for Covid Testing Expenses

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3.4 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse Fairfield University for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The private Jesuit university in Fairfield will receive a total of $3,415,616 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse it for the costs of providing approximately 95,557 tests for students, faculty and staff between July 2020 and July 2021.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $543 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:19

FEMA Awards More Than $15 Million to Connecticut for Covid-19 Pandemic Administrative Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $15 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse it for some of the administrative costs incurred responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (CTDESPP) will recive a total of $15,152,179 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse the cost of administering grants FEMA provided to the state for such expenses as testing, sheltering and providing meals to vulnerable populations.

The administrative costs are calculated as a percentage of the grants provided.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection 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 $543 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:16

FEMA Participates in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill, Encourages Participation Nationwide

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA will participate in the Great ShakeOut, the world’s largest earthquake drill. 

The ShakeOut takes place at 10:20 a.m. (local time) on Thursday, Oct. 20. Participation in the drill is just one of the many ways FEMA helps create a prepared and resilient nation. FEMA encourages everyone in America to join the agency’s workforce and millions of others around the world as they practice earthquake safety.

Participants in homes, schools and organizations across the world will partake in the yearly earthquake drill. During this time, you should DROP to the ground, take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table and HOLD ON as if there was a major earthquake occurring.

Earthquakes can strike anywhere, at any time. That’s why it is always recommended that you know what to do even if you believe your area may not be at risk.

Ground shaking during an earthquake is seldom the cause of injury. Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by collapsing walls and roofs, flying glass and falling objects. 

During an earthquake, immediately moving to a safe place can save lives, so your safe place should be within a few steps to avoid injury from flying debris. Identify safe places such as under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall in your home, office or school so when the shaking starts you can respond quickly.

Before an earthquake, take these actions to prepare your home and family:

• Visit ready.gov/plan to make a plan for your family, work or school.
• Update and organize your emergency supply kit. Visit ready.gov/kit to learn more.
• Conduct an Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt for unsecured items that could fall in the event of an earthquake.
• Register and participate in the ShakeOut to prepare yourself and your environment in the event of an earthquake.

You can help spread earthquake safety awareness by sharing your ShakeOut through our digital platforms. Take a photo and tag @FEMA using hashtags: #ShakeOut and #EarthquakeSafety.

To learn more about ShakeOut, visit the website. You can also text “shakeout” to 43362 and be added to the FEMA app distro list for earthquake preparedness tips and safety info.  

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/20/2022 - 13:39

FEMA is Reaching Out to Survivors

San Juan, Puerto Rico — FEMA is connecting with Puerto Rico survivors in many ways to ensure they have the help they need throughout the federal disaster assistance process.

• FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance crews (DSA) continue to canvas remote, rural areas to assist those survivors who need extra help completing or updating their FEMA application. To-date, DSA crews have already helped more than 17,000 Puerto Rico residents.

• In mountainous areas where internet and electric power was disrupted, FEMA telecommunications specialists set up Wi-Fi hot spots using mobile satellite systems, to ensure these survivors can register and get online to check the status of their application.

• FEMA and the Government of Puerto Rico have opened 35 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) across the island, with more centers opening in other locations soon. Recovery centers provide a place where you can walk in, speak to FEMA specialists in Spanish or English, upload documents and complete your application. FEMA specialists can also help with appeals and guide you to other forms of recovery assistance. Find your nearest DRC at www.FEMA.gov/DRC.

• After you apply, you may receive a follow-up call from FEMA. These calls may come from area codes that are unknown or outside of Puerto Rico. FEMA routinely conducts call outs when there are concerns with your application, or we need more information to process your case. If you receive an email or text from FEMA, be sure to respond to avoid delays in your recovery process.

• FEMA inspectors will typically schedule an inspection after you apply for assistance. Inspectors try a minimum of three times to contact applicants, calling at different times on different days and visiting residences if necessary. If you are unable to meet with the inspector, you must call FEMA to schedule the appointment.

• FEMA may also send you a letter by mail or an email notification to check your status or correspondence in DisasterAssistance.gov or FEMA app. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds if you were approved for a FEMA grant.

FEMA also remains committed to meeting language needs for all Puerto Rico residents. Many FEMA employees are bilingual and can assist you in your primary language. Multilingual operators are also available when registering for federal disaster assistance or seeking help with a FEMA application by calling 1-800-621-3362 (voice711/VRS-Video Relay Service).

If you need a reasonable accommodation or a sign language interpreter to communicate with FEMA, please send an email to FEMA-PRaccesible@fema.dhs.gov. You can also call 1-833-285-7448, press 2 for Spanish.

Or, if you are in a DRC, you can:

• Use Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) with a sign language interpreter via an iPad available at the DRC;

• Arrange for an in-person sign language interpreter by contacting the DRC; and

• Use the assistive devices available at the DRCs.

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Fiona, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4671. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico page, Twitter @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol.

kimberly.keblish Thu, 10/20/2022 - 12:43

Annual “Great ShakeOut” Earthquake Drill Set for October 20th

PHILADELPHIA – The annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill will take place October 20, 2022 across the United States and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 3 wants to encourage the Whole Community to participate and learn the simple, but critical, safety steps to preparing for and staying safe during an earthquake. The Great ShakeOut is the largest earthquake drill worldwide and over 40 million people are already registered to practice their earthquake safety plans.

We encourage everyone to Drop, Cover, and Hold On with us on October 20, 2022.

Worldwide there is an average of one damaging earthquake almost every third day. In the United States, earthquakes are normally thought of as a west coast hazard, but they can happen anywhere, such as the Mid-Atlantic 2011 earthquake. The severity of the 2011 earthquake brought about two Presidentially Declared Disasters that were awarded to both the Commonwealth of Virginia and Washington, DC totaling more than $47 million in Public Assistance and almost $17 million in Individual Assistance Funding Obligations combined.

“Damaging earthquakes can occur at any time– where we work, live or travel,” stated FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “We are once again excited to participate in the annual Great ShakeOut drill with our state, local, and community partners not only in our region, but across the world. This is an excellent opportunity to practice and prepare for earthquakes, a hazard that can impact millions of people at a moment’s notice.”

To help people to prepare and participate, FEMA Region 3 produced a white board video highlighting the steps to practice for the Great ShakeOut. The Great ShakeOut also produces additional videos that address how to protect yourself from earthquakes in a number of scenarios – whether an earthquake strikes while you are in your home, car, bed or elsewhere.

We also encourage you to join us in tweeting your ShakeOut photo of your drill, using the hashtag #ShakeOut.

During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” For most people, in most situations, the recommended earthquake safety action is to:

• DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees;
• COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand, as you crawl for shelter under a nearby table or desk;
• HOLD ON to your shelter with one hand until shaking stops (remain on your knees and covering your head and neck with your other arm and hand).

The Great ShakeOut is free and open to the public. Participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and many other groups. To take part in the ShakeOut, register to participate at www.shakeout.org. Once registered, you’ll receive regular information on how to plan your drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.

Hundreds of thousands of people will participate in this event in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, joining Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills occurring throughout the nation and in several countries.

The Great ShakeOut is nationally sponsored by the United States Geological Survey, FEMA, and the National Science Foundation and is supported by dozens of other partners. The Great ShakeOut is coordinated globally by the Southern California Earthquake Center.

For more information, please visit www.shakeout.org. For additional earthquake information, please visit https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes.

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

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

amanda.hancher Wed, 10/19/2022 - 21:13