FEMA Expands Efforts to Reach Every Affected Community

WASHINGTON -- More than $168 million in federal disaster assistance has gone to Hurricane Ian survivors. FEMA and its state partners are opening more Disaster Recovery Centers, while hundreds of Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) specialists are going door-to-door to help survivors sign up for assistance in affected communities.

How FEMA is helping Floridians:

• Twenty counties are now eligible for individual assistance. Yesterday, FEMA approved the addition of Palm Beach County. Homeowners and renters in Palm Beach County who were affected by Hurricane Ian may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
• FEMA opened Disaster Recovery Centers in Orange and Osceola counties. Along with DSA specialists going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods, there are now seven centers operating across the state. Disaster Recovery Centers are in Charlotte, Collier, Orange, Osceola and Sarasota counties, with two centers operating in Lee County. More centers are planned to open over the next few days. Centers are accessible offices staffed by state, federal and volunteer organizations that let everyone access recovery information. 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 Shelter 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.
• More than 700 FEMA inspectors are in the field going to homes of survivors who registered for federal disaster assistance. To date, they have performed over 16,000 inspections.
• FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is issuing advance payments to help Floridians jumpstart their recovery. To date, FEMA has paid more than $17 million to Florida policyholders.
• 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 if it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians should 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.
• Thousands of federal staff are supporting Ian response efforts. This includes more than 1,800 staff from other federal agencies. More than 1,800 emergency management personnel from 26 states were deployed to Florida through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
• Yesterday, Operation Blue Roof completed its first roof installation. 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 now 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 policy 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 suffered 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 approved Critical Needs Assistance for disaster survivors with immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling. Immediate or critical needs are life-saving and life-sustaining items. This assistance is a one-time payment of $700 per household.
• 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.

mashana.davis Sun, 10/09/2022 - 15:04

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Orange, Osceola Counties

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

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. 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.

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) 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.

New Disaster Recovery Centers

All centers are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

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.

ORANGE COUNTY

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

OSCEOLA COUNTY

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

Other Disaster Recovery Centers

All centers are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Home Depot, 12621 S McCall Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33981

COLLIER COUNTY

Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Drive, Naples, 34109

LEE COUNTY

Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919

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

SARASOTA COUNTY

Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port, FL 34289

 

For more information about Hurricane Ian recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4673 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

mayshaunt.gary Sun, 10/09/2022 - 13:53

FEMA Provides More than $150 Million to Hurricane Ian Survivors, Supports Temporary Roof Repairs

WASHINGTON -- Hundreds of FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams continue going door-to-door to help survivors with their unique needs, and to date, FEMA has awarded over $150 million in assistance to survivors.

FEMA also continues to open more Disaster Recovery Centers across the impacted areas, with additional centers opening today in Collier and Charlotte counties. There are now a total of five Disaster Recovery Centers being operated in Lee, Sarasota, Collier and Charlotte counties, and more are planned to open over the next few days.

Additionally, FEMA and the state of Florida have recently activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, providing eligible survivors who have applied for disaster assistance with TSA to shelter in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA.

Meanwhile, our federal partners continue to support the whole-of-government effort to help Floridians recover. In particular, today the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began its first installation project as a part of Operation Blue Roof, providing impacted survivors in eligible counties with temporary roof repair. USACE has been tasked by FEMA to assist eligible homeowners with temporary roof repairs. More information about Operation Blue Roof can be found here.

 FT. MYERS, Fla. -- A FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team member provides registration services for Hurricane Ian survivors at the Disaster Resource Center located at the Lakes Regional Library. (FEMA Photo by Lameen Witter)

FT. MYERS, Fla. -- A FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team member provides registration services for Hurricane Ian survivors at the Disaster Resource Center located at the Lakes Regional Library. (FEMA Photo by Lameen Witter)

FT. MYERS, Fla. -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers install coverings on roofs, as part of the Operation Blue Roof program, to assist Hurricane Ian survivors. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission that provides homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. (FEMA Photo by Lameen Witter)

FT. MYERS, Fla. -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers install coverings on roofs, as part of the Operation Blue Roof program, to assist Hurricane Ian survivors. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission that provides homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. (FEMA Photo by Lameen Witter)

20 Counties Eligible for Individual Assistance

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has declared that survivors in 20 Florida counties are eligible for Individual Assistance to help their recovery.

DSA teams travel door-to-door and to public locations in communities where survivors are located, such as shelters, food and water distribution sites and open grocery stores, providing additional information on how to access and apply for disaster assistance. They can also help survivors who may face barriers accessing assistance programs and resources to support their recovery.

Survivors should know that DSA staff typically wear FEMA attire, will always have FEMA photo identification and will never charge for assistance.

DSA specialists can help with:

• Submitting applications for federal assistance.
• Checking the status of an application already in the system or making minor changes to their applications.
• Providing civil rights and disability integration information to survivors who have difficulty accessing the application process in order to ensure equal access to FEMA programs.

Also, there are several Mobile Registration Intake Centers (MRICs) in the area. These locations will have DSA teams onsite assisting with applications, inquiries, updates and referrals.

Residents in the designated counties can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center or apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA mobile app.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, go to FEMA Accessible: How to Register with Disaster Survivor Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest on Hurricane Ian recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4673 and floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

amy.ashbridge Sat, 10/08/2022 - 20:32

FEMA Establishes Disaster Hotline for Alaska Survivors

FEMA has established a new Alaska-specific Disaster Assistance Hotline for 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.

Those affected by the storms can apply for FEMA disaster assistance in the following ways:

• Call 1-866-342-1699, the Anchorage-based FEMA hotline will be operable from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.on Sunday, Oct. 9 and Oct. 16
• Dial 711 for TTY users. For TTY users with an out-of-state area code, dial 1-800-770-8973 for Alaska Relay.
• Go online at disasterassistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA app.

The hotline will provide survivors with shorter wait times and be staffed by case workers who can register survivors for FEMA assistance as well as answer any follow-up questions.

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 Sat, 10/08/2022 - 18:45

FEMA Provides More than $150 Million to Hurricane Ian Survivors, Continues Outreach Efforts

More than $150 million in federal disaster assistance has gone to Hurricane Ian survivors since the federal disaster declaration. Assistance helps them with temporary housing, essential home repairs and other uninsured and underinsured disaster-related losses so they can jumpstart their recovery. Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams continue to go door-to-door to meet people where they are and help survivors with their unique needs. 

How FEMA is Helping Floridians

• FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors from counties hardest hit by Hurricane Ian. Yesterday, FEMA and the state of Florida activated the Transitional Shelter Assistance Program, providing eligible support for survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. FEMA makes these payments directly to participating hotel and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors.
• Hundreds of Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida to help survivors apply for assistance. Teams are in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.
• FEMA and its state partners are now operating five Disaster Recovery Centers across the state. Centers are open in Collier, Charlotte and Sarasota counties, with two centers operating in Lee county. More centers are planned to open over the next few days. Centers are accessible offices staffed by state, federal and volunteer organizations that let everyone access recovery information. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
• Over 700 FEMA inspectors are in the field going to homes of survivors who registered for federal disaster assistance. To date, they have performed over 14,000 inspections.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is issuing advance payments. To date, Florida policyholders have received more than $5.9 million to help Floridians jumpstart their recoveries.
• 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 if it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians should 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.
• More than 4,400 federal staff are supporting Ian response efforts. This includes more than 1,500 staff from other federal agencies. More than 1,800 emergency management personnel from 26 states were deployed to Florida through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
• Operation Blue Roof is a free service to homeowners and is currently operating in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. The first completed roof installation is expected today. 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 now 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 policy 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 suffered flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days.  
• FEMA approved Critical Needs Assistance for disaster survivors with immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling. Immediate or critical needs are life-saving and life-sustaining items. This assistance is a one-time payment of $700 per household.
• 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, 10/08/2022 - 16:41

Palm Beach County Eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance

TALLAHASSEE – Homeowners and renters in Palm Beach County who were affected by Hurricane Ian may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

There are three ways to apply:

1. DisasterAssistance.gov
2. Download the FEMA App for mobile devices
3. Call toll-free 800-621-3362. The line is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. Help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

Applicants will need to provide the following information: 

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

If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses.

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

For more information about Hurricane Ian recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4673 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

mayshaunt.gary Sat, 10/08/2022 - 16:39

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Charlotte, Collier Counties

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

New Disaster Recovery Centers  CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Home Depot, 12621 S McCall Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33981

COLLIER COUNTY

Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Drive, Naples, 34109

 

All centers are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

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.

Other Centers LEE COUNTY

Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919

LEE COUNTY

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

SARASOTA COUNTY

Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port, FL 34289

 

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 from 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 the 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) 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.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: How to Register with Disaster Survivor Assistance - YouTube.

For more information about Hurricane Ian recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4673 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

mayshaunt.gary Sat, 10/08/2022 - 16:30

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Cabo Rojo, Camuy, Cidra, Lajas, Lares, Rincón and Salinas

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are now open in Cabo Rojo, Camuy, Cidra, Lajas, Lares, Rincón and Salinas. 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.

All 15 FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will remain open throughout the weekend and will be open on Monday, October 11, the federal observance of the Columbus Day holiday.

“The fastest way to register for FEMA assistance is by downloading the FEMA application on your smartphone, home computer or tablet or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov. You do not have to visit a DRC,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper. “However, we understand that some people may prefer in-person support and our doors will always be open to them.”

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 centers in Cabo Rojo, Camuy, Cidra, Lajas, Lares, Rincón and Salinas are located at:

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

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

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

• Cancha Juan E. Lluch, PR 315 km 0.9, Lajas, PR 0667

• Centro de Entrenamiento y Formación del Volleyball David Cuevas, Carr. 111, Ave. Los Patriotas, Barrio Pueblo, Lares, PR 00669

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

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

Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A FEMA Hazard Mitigation Community Education Outreach Specialist will be on site to assist survivors in preparing for future incidents.

DRCs are also open in Caguas, Mayagüez, Cayey, Vega Baja, Ponce, Barranquitas, Río Grande and Santa Isabel seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The locations are:

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

• Cancha de Baloncesto Bo. Colombia, 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 de Usos 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

To find a DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: Fema.gov/drc.

You may also register for assistance with FEMA through your smart phone, home computer or by phone. The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

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

• By phone 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 Sat, 10/08/2022 - 12:29

FEMA Continues Contacting Survivors Impacted by Hurricane Ian, Opens Additional Disaster Recovery Centers

WASHINGTON -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) specialists are working in communities hard-hit by Hurricane Ian to help disaster survivors apply for assistance and to provide critical information about resources.

In addition to the Disaster Recovery Centers in Lee and Sarasota counties, FEMA and its state partners opened additional centers today in Collier and Charlotte counties, and more are planned to open over the next few days. Additionally, hundreds of Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) specialists have been going door-to-door in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. 

As of today, over 320,000 households have registered for assistance and FEMA has awarded over $90 million in federal disaster assistance to Hurricane Ian survivors since the federal disaster declaration. Today, FEMA and the state of Florida activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, providing eligible survivors who have applied for disaster assistance with TSA to shelter in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA.

FEMA Personnel Helps Survivor Register for Assistance (Photo by FEMA Photographer)

FEMA Personnel Help Survivors Register for Assistance (Photo by FEMA Photographer)

FEMA Personnel Speaks with Survivor About Recovery Assistance (Photo by FEMA Photographer)

President Biden has declared that survivors in 19 Florida counties are eligible for Individual Assistance to help their recovery.

DSA teams travel door-to-door and to public locations in communities where survivors are located, such as shelters, food and water distribution sites and open grocery stores, providing additional information on how to access and apply for disaster assistance. They can also help survivors who may face barriers accessing assistance programs and resources to support their recovery. 

Survivors should know that DSA staff typically wear FEMA attire, will always have FEMA photo identification and will never charge for assistance.

DSA specialists can help with:

• Submitting applications for federal assistance.
• Checking the status of an application already in the system or making minor changes to their applications.
• Providing civil rights and disability integration information to survivors who have difficulty accessing the application process in order to ensure equal access to FEMA programs.

Also, there are several Mobile Registration Intake Centers (MRICs) in the area. These locations will have DSA teams onsite assisting with applications, inquiries, updates and referrals. 

Residents in the designated counties can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center or apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA mobile app. 

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, go to FEMA Accessible: How to Register with Disaster Survivor Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest on Hurricane Ian recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4673 and floridadisaster.org/info. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

mashana.davis Sat, 10/08/2022 - 01:34

Many Hurricane Ian Survivors Eligible for Transitional Sheltering

WASHINGTON -- The state of Florida and FEMA have activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Survivors from these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to shelter in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA. They may be eligible for TSA if they cannot return to their home and their housing needs cannot be met by insurance, shelters or rental assistance provided by FEMA or another agency (federal, state or nonprofit).

Survivors will be notified of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected when they applied for assistance.

Under the TSA program, FEMA pays the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. Survivors are responsible for all other costs, including laundry, room service, parking, telephone, food, transportation and other services.

Continued eligibility is determined on an individual basis. When eligibility ends, survivors will be notified by FEMA seven days prior to checkout date.

TSA is limited to participating lodging properties in Florida, Alabama and Georgia.

TSA does not count toward an applicant’s maximum amount of assistance available under the Individuals and Households Program (IHP).

Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362, or using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

mashana.davis Sat, 10/08/2022 - 00:13

FEMA Expands Footprint in Florida Communities, Provides More Funding for Survivors

WASHINGTON -- More than $90 million in federal disaster assistance has gone to Hurricane Ian survivors since the federal disaster declaration. Assistance helps them with temporary housing, essential home repairs and other uninsured and underinsured disaster-related losses so they can jumpstart their recovery. 

How FEMA is Helping Floridians

• FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors from counties hardest hit by Hurricane Ian. FEMA approved Florida’s request for Transitional Sheltering Assistance for survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. FEMA makes these payments directly to participating hotel and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors.
• Hundreds of Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida to help survivors apply for assistance. Teams are in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.
• Earlier this week, FEMA and its state partners began operating three Disaster Recovery Centers across the state. Two more centers will open today. FEMA and its state partners opened two centers in Lee County and one in Sarasota County. Additional centers will open today in Collier and Charlotte counties, and more are planned to open over the next few days. Centers are accessible offices staffed by state, federal and volunteer organizations that let everyone access recovery information. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
•  Over 700 FEMA inspectors are in the field going to homes of survivors who registered for federal disaster assistance. To date, they have performed over 11,000 inspections.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is issuing advance payments. To date, Florida policyholders have received more than $5.9 million to help Floridians jumpstart their recoveries.
• 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 if it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians should 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.
• More than 4,400 federal staff are supporting Ian response efforts. This includes more than 1,500 staff from other federal agencies. More than 1,800 emergency management personnel from 26 states were deployed to Florida through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
• Operation Blue Roof is a free service to homeowners and is currently operating in Charlotte, Collier, 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. Eastern Time.
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders, who had flood damage from the hurricane, now 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 policy 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 suffered flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days.  
• FEMA approved Critical Needs Assistance for disaster survivors with immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling. Immediate or critical needs are life- saving and life-sustaining items. This assistance is a one-time payment of $700 per household.
• 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, 10/07/2022 - 18:41

Hurricane Ian Survivors May be Eligible for Transitional Sheltering

TALLAHASSEE – The state of Florida and FEMA have activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Survivors from these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to shelter in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA. They may be eligible for TSA if they cannot return to their home and their housing needs cannot be met by insurance, shelters or rental assistance provided by FEMA or another agency (federal, state or nonprofit).

Survivors will be notified of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected when they applied for assistance.

Under the TSA program, FEMA pays the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. Survivors are responsible for all other costs, including laundry, room service, parking, telephone, food, transportation and other services.

Continued eligibility is determined on an individual basis. When eligibility ends, Survivors will be notified by FEMA seven days prior to checkout date.

TSA is limited to participating lodging properties in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.

TSA does not count toward an applicant’s maximum amount of assistance available under the Individuals and Households Program (IHP).

Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362, or using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit  floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 10/07/2022 - 17:51

FEMA Canvassing SW Florida Communities Hit by Ian, Registering Survivors for Assistance

WASHINGTON -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) specialists are working in communities hard-hit by Hurricane Ian to help disaster survivors apply for assistance and to provide critical information about resources.

In addition to the Disaster Recovery Centers in Lee and Sarasota counties, Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams went door-to-door today in Collier, Hardee, Hillsborough, Polk and Seminole counties.

Overall, nearly 300 DSA specialists are active in Florida helping survivors apply for assistance and have been covering ground in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. These teams have helped nearly 250,000 survivors apply for assistance.

FEMA Personnel Helps Survivor Register for Assistance (Photo by FEMA Photographer)

FEMA Personnel Help Survivors Register for Assistance (Photo by FEMA Photographer)

FEMA Personnel Speaks with Survivor About Recovery Assistance (Photo by FEMA Photographer)

 

President Biden has declared that survivors in 19 Florida counties are eligible for Individual Assistance to help their recovery.

DSA teams travel door-to-door and to public locations in communities where survivors are located, such as shelters, food and water distribution sites and open grocery stores, providing additional information on how to access and apply for disaster assistance. They can also help survivors who may face barriers accessing assistance programs and resources to support their recovery.

Survivors should know that DSA staff typically wear FEMA attire, will always have FEMA photo identification and will never charge for assistance.

DSA specialists can help with:

• Submitting applications for federal assistance.
• Checking the status of an application already in the system or making minor changes to their applications.
• Providing civil rights and disability integration information to survivors who have difficulty accessing the application process in order to ensure equal access to FEMA programs.

Also, there are several Mobile Registration Intake Centers (MRICs) in the area. These locations will have DSA teams onsite assisting with applications, inquiries, updates and referrals.

Residents in the designated counties can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center or apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA mobile app.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, go to FEMA Accessible: How to Register with Disaster Survivor Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest on Hurricane Ian recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4673 and floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

zella.campbell Fri, 10/07/2022 - 00:11

Disaster Recovery Center in Hazelwood to Close Next Week and Reopens as Disaster Loan Outreach Center.

A Disaster Recovery Center in St. Louis County will close on Wednesday, October 12 at 6 p.m. It will reopen as a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) on Thursday, October 13 at 9 a.m.

Hazelwood Civic Center

8969 Dunn Road

Hazelwood, MO 63042

DLOCs will have customer service representatives available to meet with businesses and residents from St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County, who were affected by the flooding and severe storms that occurred July 25–July 28, 2022. SBA representatives will answer questions, explain their disaster loan program and close customers’ approved disaster loans on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary.

Other Disaster Loan Outreach Centers are located at:

O’Fallon Municipal Center

Southeast Entrance

100 N Main St.

O’Fallon, MO 63366

Salvation Army Temple Center

(Near the corner of Arsenal and California)

2740 Arsenal St

St. Louis, MO 63118      

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.– 6 p.m.

Three Disaster Recovery Centers remain open to assist survivors directly affected by the July 25-28 flooding and severe storms:  

ST. LOUIS CITY

Ranken Technical College

Mary Ann Lee Technology Center

1313 N. Newstead Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63113

(Near the corner of Newstead and Page)

ST. LOUIS COUNTY

Urban League Empowerment Center

9420 W. Florissant Ave.

Ferguson, MO 63136

University City Recreation Division

Centennial Commons

7210 Olive Blvd.

University City, MO 63130

Recovery center hours are:

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.– 6 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

At the recovery centers, specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are providing information on available services, explaining assistance programs and helping survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

• The FEMA application deadline is November 7.
• Apply with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362).
• If you need help applying, FEMA can assist you at a Disaster Recovery Center.
• No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Walk-ins are welcome.
• People directly affected by flooding in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County may visit any recovery center for one-on-one help.

For updates, follow us on Twitter @MOSEMA and @FEMARegion7.

Get the latest information at Recovery.MO.gov and FEMA.gov/disaster/4665.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.           

tiana.suber Thu, 10/06/2022 - 22:41

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Open on Columbus Day

FRANKFORT, Ky. – All Disaster Recovery Centers and Multi-Agency Resource Centers will be operating under their regular hours on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 10.

The Disaster Recovery Centers in Breathitt, Letcher, Perry and Pike counties are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

• Breathitt County: Breathitt County Library – 1024 College Ave, Jackson, KY 41339
• Letcher County: Letcher County Recreation Center – 1505 Jenkins Rd., Whitesburg, KY 41858
• Perry County: Hazard Community College –1 Community College Dr., Hazard, KY 41701
• Pike County: Dorton Community Center –112 Dorton Hill Rd., Pikeville, KY 41501

The Disaster Recovery Center in Knott County is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

• Knott County: Knott County Sportsplex - 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831

The Multi-Agency Resource Center in Clay County is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Clay County: Clay County Community Center – 311 Highway 638, Manchester, KY 40962

The Multi-Agency Resource Center in Floyd County is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

• Floyd County: Christian Appalachian Project Foley Community Center 6134 KY-80, Martin, KY 41649

Survivors in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties can go to any center to get help applying for FEMA assistance.

FEMA representatives will be at the centers to help with applications for federal assistance and provide information about other disaster recovery resources.

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

In addition to FEMA personnel, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and agencies from the commonwealth will be available at the recovery centers to assist survivors.

It is not necessary to go to a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in the designated counties can call 800-621-FEMA (3362), go online to disasterassistance.gov or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

sandra.habib Thu, 10/06/2022 - 17:42

Hazard Mitigation Marks Course to Strengthen Resilience

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – Before the water began to recede and the winds grew silent in 2017, one phrase stood out above the rest to symbolize recovery – “VI Strong.” This expression not only reflects the spirit of Virgin Islanders but also captures the recovery efforts over the past five years. Building “VI Strong” means using resources to not only rebuild what was lost but building back stronger and more resilient to protect against future disasters.

Coordination between FEMA and the territory, including the Office of Disaster Recovery and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, has led to the formation of many recovery and resilience projects. Projects include strengthening the power grid, and hardening homes and critical infrastructure.

Wind retrofit projects are a major area of focus. FEMA and the territory continue to work together to minimize future damage. A wind retrofit includes specific renovations of a facility’s roof, windows, and doors to increase their ability to withstand hurricane force winds.

On St. Thomas, at the University of the Virgin Islands Orville E. Kean Campus, a $4.1 million wind retrofit project is in design specifically for student residential halls and the Ralph M. Paiewonsky Library. The retrofits of the buildings on the campus seek to reduce damage in future wind events and allow for the better protection of students, faculty and staff.  

Throughout the territory, FEMA is also supporting wind retrofits in numeral housing communities. “We have large housing projects which will provide wind retrofit to various public housing complexes, 44 residential buildings and a community center,” said FEMA USVI Joint Recovery Office Hazard Mitigation Deputy Branch Director Sandra Lashley. “We also have school safe room projects on St. Thomas, including the Charlotte Amalie High School, which is going to have a reconstructed sports arena to meet saferoom standards. That saferoom will provide space for 1,475 residents. We also have several drainage and generator projects, as well as additional wind retrofit projects for the island.” On St. John, the St. John Community Foundation Residential Wind Retrofit project proposes to harden 97 residences on the island to withstand at least a 100-year wind event. This $7 million project includes structural rebuilding or tie-downs of the roofs of residential homes. Other measures may include strengthening vents, soffits, and overhangs at gable end walls; protecting building openings from wind borne debris; bracing gable end walls and strengthening the connections of attached structures.  

“This wind retrofit project on St. John is a successful project that we can already see making a difference,” said Lashley.

The St. John Community Center safe room and building retrofit is a relatively new project that will reconstruct or retrofit the Center into a two-story facility and will incorporate a community safe room. A safe room is a hardened structure specifically designed to meet the FEMA criteria and provide 72 hour near-absolute protection in extreme wind events, including tornadoes and hurricanes.

Other projects on St. John include undergrounding of utility lines, the replacement of wooden utility poles with composite poles, a solar wind farm and various drainage projects.

On St. Croix, a $129.7 million project will construct a 20-megawatt solar generation photovoltaic plant and a 20-megawatt battery energy storage system providing renewable energy to the territory while increasing the reliability of the power grid. This effort will provide parts of St. Croix with power during extreme weather events.

When water comes down hard and fast, good drainage can make the difference between complete isolation and access to life saving food and water during a crisis. There are several drainage projects in the works including Gallows Bay, La Reine Intersection and Estate Paradise Drainage. The Gallows Bay Drainage seeks to eliminate flooding and prevent additional damage to the road and sewage system that results from current flooding. The La Reine Intersection Drainage includes construction of a retention pond above the La Reine Intersection which will alleviate the recurring flooding of the intersection, and surrounding homes and businesses. The Estate Paradise Drainage improves and redirects the drainage of flood waters to reduce damages and prevent undue burdens on the residents of the area.

Recently, the territory broke ground for the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion housing community, which includes $25.3 million in funding for a wind retrofit project. Hodge Pavilion comprises 20 residential buildings, an office building and a community center. This facility will be renovated with hurricane wind resistant windows and doors and provide continuous load protection by strapping the roof down to the foundation. Other projects include wind retrofit for a number of properties, generator projects for various facilities, critical services facilities, as well as emergency safe rooms for first responders.

Two major safe room projects currently in the design phase are located at Central High School and Arthur Richards School. These projects will harden the reconstructed gymnasiums to meet safe room standards. The safe rooms can provide space for 938 residents at Central High School and 690 residents at the Arthur Richards School.

The VITEMA St. Croix Emergency Operations Center is also included as a $22.5 million wind retrofit and saferoom project.

On Water Island, there is a Water Island Firehouse Wind Retrofit project.

“It’s a wind retrofit project for a volunteer firehouse, which is also the main government building on Water Island and the center of communication for critical services,” said Lashley. “This project has nearly $34,000 for a wind retrofit.”

Rebuilding is more than restoring infrastructure back to pre-disaster conditions, it is laying the foundation for a more resilient Virgin Islands. Through mitigation initiatives, together, FEMA and the territory can lessen the impact of future disasters. FEMA is committed to ensuring all Virgin Islanders are “VI Strong.”

gina.callaghan Thu, 10/06/2022 - 17:26

FEMA Provides More Resources, Funding for Florida’s Recovery

WASHINGTON -- Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. granted an additional 30 days of 100% federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective actions, ensuring the first 60 days of response and recovery are all federally funded. Starting today, FEMA will have three Disaster Recovery Centers available for Florida residents. 

How FEMA is Helping Floridians

• FEMA will begin directly paying hotel and motel costs to house survivors from the hardest hit counties. FEMA approved Florida’s request for Transitional Sheltering Assistance. Survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Osceola and Sarasota counties can participate.  FEMA directly pays hotel costs at participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors.
• Nearly 300 Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida to help survivors apply for assistance. The teams are in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. These teams have helped nearly 250,000 survivors apply for assistance.
• FEMA and state partners are continuing to open Disaster Recovery Centers across the state. FEMA and its state partners opened a center in Lee County, and two more centers will be opening in Ft. Myers and North Port. Additional centers will open in the weeks to come. Centers are accessible offices staffed by state, federal and volunteer organizations that let everyone access recovery information. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
  • Lee County Disaster Recovery Center, Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program is issuing advance payments. To date, Florida policyholders have received $3.5 million to help Floridians jumpstart their recoveries.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians should file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and select “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visit a local CareerSource Career Center, or call  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• FEMA’s feeding partners have served 1 million meals to survivors. FEMA’s partners, including the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Operation BBQ, and the Southern Baptist Church, have field kitchens and canteens in the hardest hit counties that are operational. More sites are coming.
• More than 4,700 people and 200 pets have been rescued by federal, state and local teams. Visit missing.fl.gov if you or someone you know needs assistance or a safety check. Safe and found persons can be reported safe at safe.fl.gov. Rescue efforts and power restoration, with a focus on hospitals, healthcare facilities and barrier island communities continue to be top priorities.
• More than 2,800 FEMA staff are supporting Ian response efforts. More than 1,300 other federal staff are assisting with the Ian response. More than 1,800 emergency management personnel from 26 states were deployed to Florida through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane now 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 policy 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 suffered flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days.  
• FEMA approved Critical Needs Assistance for disaster survivors who have immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling. Immediate or critical needs are life- saving and life-sustaining items. This assistance is a one-time payment of $700 per household.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/06/2022 - 17:11

NFIP Begins Issuing Advance Payments to Policyholders After Hurricane Ian

Grace Period Extended for those Needing to Renew NFIP Flood Insurance Policies

WASHINGTON -- A week after widespread flooding in Florida from Hurricane Ian, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program policyholders are beginning to receive funds to help jumpstart their recovery. To date, FEMA has provided $3.5 million in advance payments to policyholders who have started the claim process.

FEMA has also taken steps to ease burdens on its policyholders as they begin to clean up and repair, including allowing some who need to renew policies to take advantage of flood insurance benefits.

“We know that rebuilding after a flood can be difficult,” said David Maurstad, Deputy Associate Administrator for Resilience and senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program. “We want to remove as many obstacles as possible and ease our customers’ burden to help them recover more quickly. Regardless of how much flooding your home experienced, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program stands ready to assist its policyholders.”

More Time for Policyholders

There are NFIP policies in Florida where the renewal date has passed, but you may be able to take steps that will reinstate your policy and receive coverage for flood damage from Hurricane Ian. Policyholders based in Florida who had flood damage from the hurricane now have a 90-day grace period to renew their policies.

The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, 2022, through and including Oct. 23, 2022.  Policyholders whose NFIP policy renewal date is within this range should contact their agent or insurance company.

Additionally, the NFIP has extended the proof of loss requirement for policyholders who suffered flood damage from Hurricane Ian from the standard 60 days to 365 days from the date of loss.

The NFIP also authorized its Write Your Own insurance company partners and the NFIP Direct to pay claims based on the adjuster’s report, without requiring policyholders to sign a proof of loss. When a policyholder seeks additional payment for any reason, they may still submit a signed proof of loss to the insurer. Policyholders can submit a signed proof of loss later if they need to request an additional payment or if they disagree with the adjuster’s report.

Payments

In the Hurricane Ian affected states, as of Oct. 4, 2022, FEMA has received more than 25,000 NFIP claims and has pushed out over $3.5 million in advance payments for many of these policyholders. Policyholders affected by Hurricane Ian can now receive between $5,000 and $20,000 with documentation prior to an inspection by an adjuster. Policyholders are encouraged to talk with their insurer about how to receive an advance payment to help jumpstart their recovery.  

“The NFIP is committed to processing claims quickly and fairly,” said Maurstad. “We remain in close coordination with our Write Your Own insurance companies, the NFIP Direct and the state insurance commissioners’ offices to ensure that policyholders are paid every dollar owed for covered flood loss.”

Anyone affected by Hurricane Ian who has an NFIP flood insurance policy and has suffered flood damage should begin filing their claim now. Evacuated policyholders can still start their claim and provide specifics later, once local officials say it’s safe to return home.

Policyholders can start their claim by contacting their flood insurance agent or company. Those who don’t know who their insurance agent or company is may call 877-336-2627.

To learn more about how to file a flood insurance claim visit floodsmart.gov or view this video. 

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/06/2022 - 14:25

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Continue Registrations at Intake Center in Seminole County, Fla.

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams helped Hurricane Ian survivors at a “one day only” registration intake center at the Rural Heritage Center in Geneva, Florida, Seminole County today, as assistance teams continue to go door to door to meet people where they are and help survivors with their unique needs. Mobile Registration Intake Centers are opening throughout the state. Survivors can visit these sites for help applying for assistance.  

Disaster Recovery Centers are also opening. Yesterday, FEMA along with state partners, opened a disaster recovery center in Lee County. Centers are accessible offices staffed by state, federal and volunteer organizations that let everyone access recovery information. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/06/2022 - 12:55

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Florida Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Florida by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures undertaken in the state of Florida as a result of Hurricane Ian beginning Sept. 23, 2022 and continuing.

The President extended the time period for 100% federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under public assistance, for an additional 30-day period.  This extends the initial federal funding at 100% authorized on Sept. 29, 2022 for total eligible costs, including direct federal assistance under public assistance, for a period of 60 days from the start of the incident period.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 10/05/2022 - 22:30