Take Charge of Your Family’s Safety This Hurricane Season

BATON ROUGE, La. – The days are long, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean are warming, and hurricane season is here once again. Just hearing this news could bring about significant stress, especially if you’ve been through a previous disaster. To combat stress, take action now. Each positive action you take can help you feel better and more in control.

Look for steps you and your family can take to prepare ahead of time for any disaster-related needs. It’s time to make a plan today.

Federal Coordinating Officer John Long leads the FEMA effort helping Louisianans to recover from a very active two-year period of hurricanes and other natural disasters. He urges families to be prepared for the 2022 hurricane season. He advises, “It is up to each family to plan what they will do if there is a threat of severe weather. FEMA will work with you to recover, but you determine your family’s safety by the work you do to prepare ahead of time.”

Communications

Your family may not be together when a storm strikes, so you need to know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if you are separated. Write down your contacts and plans. You can download the Family Emergency Communication Plan Fillable Card at https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2019-06/family_commfillable_cards.pdf. Print a copy for each member of the family. Make sure everyone in the family has copies and keeps them in a safe place, like in a backpack, wallet, or taped in a notebook. Also put those plans in your cell phones.

Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. If you have pets or service animals, think about animal-friendly locations. Consider places in your house, in your neighborhood, and outside of your city or town so you are prepared for any situation. Hold regular household meetings to review and practice your plan.

Supplies

Being prepared for an emergency isn't just about staying safe during a storm or a disaster. It's also about how to stay comfortable, clean, fed, and healthy afterwards. If the power goes out, you may not be able to go to the store or the bank. Being prepared means having your own food, water, cash, and other supplies to last for at least three days, and possibly longer if you are in a remote or hard-to-reach area.

Make a kit

Remember that your kit will depend on your own needs. Include clothing, toiletries, and medications. Once you have the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors. You can download and print emergency checklists for parents and kids at https://www.ready.gov/kids/family-emergency-planning/build-a-kit.

Financial Plans

It is a challenge to rebuild your life after a destructive storm or other emergency. Having access to personal financial, insurance, medical and other records is critical for starting the recovery process quickly and efficiently.

• Gather financial and critical personal, household, and medical information.
• Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATMs and credit cards may not work during and after a storm when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel, or food.
• Obtain homeowners or renters insurance, health insurance, and possibly life insurance, if you do not have them. Review your policy to make sure the amount and types of coverage you have meets the requirements for all possible hazards (https://www.ready.gov/be-informed). Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (www.floodsmart.gov).
• For more helpful insurance and financial preparedness tips, download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit at https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_emergency-financial-first-aid-toolkit.pdf

Resources

Louisianans can find much more information about planning for the next hurricane, flood, or other natural disaster –by visiting https://www.ready.gov/.

For the latest information on Hurricane Ida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

kirsten.chambers Wed, 06/01/2022 - 14:39

It Only Takes One: Get Ready for Hurricane Season Today

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Today, with the start of 2022 hurricane season, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages Puerto Rico residents to get their families and property ready. To be proactive and take preparedness steps right away, that will enhance all response process that may undertake these severe weather events.

“Living in the Caribbean area, we have learned that it only takes one to pose a great threat to our lives and irreparably damage our properties. To get ready for the hurricane season should be a planned exercise and second nature for every one of us,” said Orlando Olivera, FEMA’s Caribbean Area Office Coordinator. “It is not just major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) that we need to worry about, but as we saw in February, any kind of severe weather events can also cause significant damage.”

Knowing your risk, getting prepared, and staying informed are just a few steps you can take to get ready for hurricane season.

Know Your Risk: To search for general information about risks in your area, visit www.ready.gov. Check out NOAA’s historical hurricane tracks tool for additional hurricane information.

Get Prepared: Act now, do not wait until the last minute to stock on groceries and supplies. Make sure you have family evacuation and communications plans, update your emergency supply kit, and evaluate your flood insurance needs.

• Know your zone. Evacuations are more common than people realize. Learn your community’s evacuation routes and shelters, know exactly where to go. Remember: if a hurricane threatens your community and local officials say it's time to evacuate, don't hesitate -- go early.
• Complete a family communication plan. Plan how you will reunite your family and loved ones and anticipate where you will go for different situations. Get together with your family and agree on the ways to contact one another in an emergency, identify meeting locations, and make a Family Emergency Communication Plan.
• Download the FEMA app. The FEMA App includes disaster resources, weather alerts, safety tips, and push notifications to alert people to prepare their homes and families. The app also provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
• Check your insurance coverage. Not all hurricane-related losses are covered under traditional policies. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage or losses from flooding. Review your policy and contact your agent to ensure that you’re adequately covered and be aware of any changes. If you’re not insured against flood, talk to your agent, or visit www.floodsmart.gov. Renter’s insurance policies are also available and should be considered as a way of protecting your belongings.

Stay Informed: Identify reliable sources of information before a hurricane event. Sign up for alerts from your local emergency management office so notifications, including evacuation orders, go directly to your phone and email. Monitor local news for hurricane watches and warnings in your area and follow directions of local officials. Make sure you have a battery-operated or hand-crank radio available should the power go out.

Additional information is available at www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.fema.gov which offer tools and resources to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency events.

Follow FEMA on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, and www.twitter.com/FEMAregion2.

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yuisa.rios Wed, 06/01/2022 - 12:19

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of West Virginia

PHILADELPHIA – The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise for communities around the Beaver Valley Power Station. The exercise will occur during the week of June 6, 2022, to assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of West Virginia to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of West Virginia.”

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 10:00 a.m. on June 10, 2022. The meeting will be conducted in a virtual format via Zoom. Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the NRC. Access to the public meeting is provided below:

Join ZoomGov Meeting https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1618585674

Meeting ID: 161 858 5674

Passcode: 934625

One tap mobile +1-669-254-5252, 161-858-5674

 

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:

MaryAnn Tierney

Regional Administrator

FEMA Region III

615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

 

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.

Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.

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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, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

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

charles.elison Wed, 06/01/2022 - 11:41

Kewaunee County Residents Invited to Attend Virtual Flood Map Information Open House

CHICAGO – Representatives from FEMA and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will host a virtual Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Kewaunee County on June 7 and 9, 2022, from 5 – 7 p.m. CT. The open house will give residents the chance to review preliminary versions of a recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1%-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within areas of the county and offer information that public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain.

Experts at the virtual open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process. Residents can meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.

Once effective, the maps will inform flood insurance rates and local floodplain management rules adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events. 

WHAT:              Kewaunee County virtual Flood Map Information Open House   

WHEN:             June 7, 2022, 5-7 p.m. CT                          June 9, 2022, 5-7 p.m. CT

WHERE:           Visit www.zoom.com and enter the following:                          Meeting ID: 160 488 7386, Passcode: KCOH2022

You may also join the meeting by calling 551-285-1373 and entering the meeting ID and passcode shown above. Long-distance charges may apply.               

Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/.

If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an email to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

 

# # #

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

troy.christensen Tue, 05/31/2022 - 18:28

FEMA Rental Assistance May Help Renters and Homeowners Who Need a Place to Stay

SANTA FE, N.M. – For New Mexico renters and homeowners who cannot live in their homes because of damage due to the wildfires, FEMA rental assistance may help. The initial rental award is for two months and may be reviewed for further assistance.

FEMA rental assistance is a temporary grant to residents to pay for somewhere to live while they repair or rebuild their home. For renters, it may provide a solution while their lodging is under repair or while they look for a new place to rent.

Options include renting an apartment, home or travel trailer that can keep residents near their jobs, schools, homes and places of worship.

Funds can be used for security deposits, rent and the cost of essential utilities such as electricity, gas and water. They may not be used to pay for cable or Internet.

Residents who live in Colfax, Lincoln, Mora, San Miguel or Valencia counties, follow these steps if your home is not safe, sanitary and livable and you need a place to stay:

• File a claim with your insurance company. Your homeowners or renters’ insurance company will provide a settlement document that you will need to provide to FEMA. It may take time to get this document, so file your claim as soon as possible. Also, check with your insurance agent to see if your policy covers additional living expenses (ALE). ALE may pay for relocating to a temporary residence.
• Apply for FEMA assistance right away. If you have insurance, tell FEMA and submit your settlement documents for review once you receive them. FEMA cannot determine your final eligibility status until this information is complete. If your policy does not include ALE, or if you use up this coverage and you still cannot live in your home, you may be eligible for rental assistance from FEMA. You can apply by going online to disasterassistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA app or by calling the Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

A FEMA inspector may contact you to make an appointment to assess the damage on the outside of the home and to record your information of any damage inside. Inspectors may look through windows to see visible damage but will not go inside.

Keep your receipts for three years to show how you spent FEMA grants. If grant money is not used as outlined in the letter, you may have to repay FEMA and could lose eligibility for further federal assistance.

Rental assistance extensions may be granted for three-month periods up to a maximum of 18 months from the date of the FEMA disaster declaration if you continue to have a need for assistance and meet eligibility criteria. FEMA is prohibited from duplicating benefits provided by other sources for the same loss. While FEMA grants do not have to be paid back, if you receive assistance from another source for the same need you may be required to repay FEMA.

To address many of the common myths and rumors during the New Mexico wildfires, FEMA activated a rumor/myth webpage on the disaster homepage. Visit the FAQ/Rumor page at fema.gov/nm-rumors.

For the latest information on the wildfires, visit fema.gov/disaster/4652 Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

thomas.wise Thu, 05/26/2022 - 17:21

Cataño and Vega Baja Disaster Recovery Centers closing permanently on May 28

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Disaster Recovery Centers in Vega Baja and Cataño are scheduled to close permanently on Saturday, May 28, but disaster assistance is still available. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

Survivors of the affected municipalities of Cataño, Dorado, Toa Baja, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja can continue to visit temporary centers open in nearby municipalities.

The temporary centers are located at:

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Disaster Recovery Centers in Vega Baja and Cataño are scheduled to close permanently on Saturday, May 28, but disaster assistance is still available. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

Survivors of the affected municipalities of Cataño, Dorado, Toa Baja, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja can continue to visit temporary centers open in nearby municipalities.

The temporary centers are located at:

Pabellón Comercial Rafael Hernández Colón

Junta de Inscripción Permanente de Candelaria

Calle Méndez Vigo #349

RR-865

(in front of Residencial El Dorado), Dorado

Barrio Candelaria, Toa Baja

Regular hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

FEMA will continue to support survivors with several options to apply for disaster assistance. You can also apply with FEMA through your smart phone, home computer or by phone. The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By phone at 800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. Those who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week
• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

To get additional information or find the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: Fema.gov/drc.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from the February floods, visit Fema.gov/disaster/4649. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Follow the FEMA Region 2 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/FEMAregion2.

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yuisa.rios Thu, 05/26/2022 - 12:31

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Kansas to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms and straight-line winds from March 17-22, 2022.

Federal funding is available to the state, eligible local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities in Barton, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Ellis, Ford, Graham, Gray, Hodgeman, Kiowa, Lane, Meade, Ness, Pawnee, Phillips, Rooks, Rush, Stafford, Trego and Wallace counties.

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

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

zella.campbell Wed, 05/25/2022 - 23:02

Riverside County Earns 20% Flood Insurance Discount

OAKLAND, Calif. – Unincorporated Riverside County residents and businesses will now be eligible for an additional five percent discount—up from 15 to 20 percent—on their flood insurance premiums thanks to local mitigation efforts.

The county’s new Community Rating System (CRS) Class 6 level, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), rewards policyholders with 20 percent discounts on residential and nonresidential structures in identified flood zones. After April 1, current and new policyholders will save about $150 on their annual flood insurance premiums, about $40 more than Class 7 discounts. With over 1,900 policies in Riverside County, more than $290,000 per year will now be saved.

Chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors Jeff Hewitt remarked “I’m proud of the collaboration between County Building and Safety, the Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and the Coachella Valley Water District to bring these savings to our residents. We are continually raising our game and it is great to see it recognized.”

“We applaud Riverside County,” said FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton. “Because of the commitment of elected officials and the county’s floodplain manager, two benefits are realized. First is the long-term benefit of reducing future flood losses. Second is the annual financial savings to residents through lower insurance premiums.”

Activities that help communities raise their CRS standing include public outreach programs, higher mapping and regulation standards, and flood mitigation initiatives that help save lives and protect property from flooding.

Fenton added, “Getting flood insurance is the smart thing to do, because just an inch of water in your home can cost $25,000 to fix. Homeowners’ and renters’ policies do not cover floods, so flood insurance can help protect you from a potential financial disaster.”

NFIP policies are available through private insurance companies and agents, with a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect.

For information about floods, flood insurance and your own flood risk, visit floodsmart.gov.

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

robert.barker Tue, 05/24/2022 - 16:10

FEMA Distributes Over $1 Million in Individual Assistance

San Juan, Puerto Rico - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded more than $1 million in disaster assistance for survivors of the severe storm, floods and landslides that occurred on February 4 – 6, 2022.

Disaster Assistance grants distributed to survivors include over $507,500 in Housing Assistance to repair damaged homes and nearly $496,000 in Other Needs Assistance, which covers personal property damaged during the disaster.

FEMA assistance for individuals and families affected by the severe storm, floods and landslides can help with rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. Both homeowners and renters may be eligible for assistance. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is May 31.

Survivors from the affected municipalities of Cataño, Dorado, Toa Baja, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja are eligible to apply for disaster assistance. To get additional information, find the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: Fema.gov/drc.

The temporary centers are located at:

Pabellón Comercial Rafael Hernández Colón

 

Calle Méndez Vigo #349

(in front of Residencial El Dorado), Dorado

Junta de Inscripción Permanente de Candelaria

RR-865

Barrio Candelaria, Toa Baja

Centro de Usos Múltiples

Carr. PR-5, Km 2.6

Sector Juana Matos, Cataño

Centro Comunal Los Naranjos

Barrio Cabo Caribe Comunidad Los Naranjos,

Parcela 119-A Vega Baja

Regular hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By phone at 800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. Those who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week
• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from the February floods, visit Fema.gov/disaster/4649. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Follow the FEMA Region 2 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/FEMAregion2.

frances.acevedo-pico Tue, 05/24/2022 - 13:54

Union County Residents Invited to Attend Virtual Flood Map Information Open House

CHICAGO – Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Virtual Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Union County, Ohio, on June 1, 2022, from 5 – 7 p.m. ET. The open house will give residents the chance to review preliminary versions of a recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).

The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1-percent-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within areas of the county, and offer information that public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain.

Experts at the virtual open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process in Union County. The newly prepared preliminary floodplain maps can also be reviewed at the meeting.

Once the maps become effective, they will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events.

WHAT:              Union County virtual Flood Map Information Open House 

WHEN:             June 1, 2022, 5–7 p.m. ET

WHERE:           Visit www.zoom.com and enter the following meeting ID and passcode. This requires registering for a free Zoom                           account or clicking the following link:                           https://stantec.zoom.us/j/94912145193?pwd=amZpSnN2VkdybHNKZGtsOUM1M3FvZz09                           Meeting ID: 949 1214 5193, Passcode: Union

You may also call into the meeting using one of the following telephone numbers and entering the meeting ID and passcode shown above. Long-distance charges may apply.

                          (301) 715 8592                           (312) 626 6799                           (646) 876 9923

Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an e-mail to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

# # #

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

troy.christensen Tue, 05/24/2022 - 13:51

Collaborative Effort Paves Path to Replace Magens Bay Bathhouse

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – A $3.4 million project to replace Bathhouse Building No. 1 at Magens Bay Park on the north end of St. Thomas has been approved thanks to collaboration between the territory, Magens Bay Authority, and FEMA. In September 2017, winds and wind-driven debris from hurricanes Irma and Maria damaged the one-story bathhouse at the beach, which is nestled between two emerald-green peninsulas.

Only three walls of the bathhouse survived the two Category 5 hurricanes. Only the facility's cistern remains today after the building was demolished.

FEMA's Public Assistance and Environmental and Historic Preservation teams collaborated with the territory and the Magens Bay Authority on a scope of work agreement to replace Bathhouse No. 1. A final site inspection of the bathhouse revealed a septic system and a large concrete slab, necessitating revisions of the original detailed drawings and dimensions to the scope of work.

“The collaborative effort of the Magens Bay Authority, the territory, FEMA, and its federal partners to approve the bathhouse replacement project exemplifies the ongoing work to recover from the 2017 hurricanes. We are honored to be a part of this project and eagerly await the opening of the new bathhouse,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Recovery Director Kristen Hodge. 

“The Board of Directors and management of the Magens Bay Authority thanks all the participants for their technical assistance on this project. It remains the Authority’s intent to remove what is remaining of Bathhouse Building No. 1 and rebuild a facility that more closely resembles the Authority’s other bathhouse facility at Smith Bay Park on St. Thomas,” said Magens Bay Authority. 

“Magens Bay Park, with its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters of Magens Bay, and 319-acre watershed, attracts 300,000 visitors each year, enhancing the beauty of the Virgin Islands,” said Magens Bay Authority.

According to the Magens Bay Authority, a new facility will be constructed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), International Building (IBC) and territorial codes. Plans for the new elevated structure are designed to meet ADA and flood-plain requirements with a ramp and sidewalk to meet requirements.

The federal share for the bathhouse project is $3 million and the non-federal share is $342,690.

As of May 23, 2022, FEMA has obligated $4.1 billion toward infrastructure repairs in the U.S. Virgin Islands since the September 2017 hurricanes. This includes $1.8 billion for emergency projects and $1.75 billion toward permanent work through the Public Assistance Program.

delia.husband Mon, 05/23/2022 - 20:48

FEMA Advances Equity, Provides Direct Support to Underserved Communities to Invest in Resilience

Agency Announces First Selections Awarded for Two Mitigation Grant Programs  WASHINGTON -- FEMA is expediting mitigation grant selections and assistance to help states, local communities, tribes and territories enhance disaster resiliency sooner.

The awards totaling $91.2 million are the first round of selected projects for the fiscal year 2021 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant programs. FEMA is announcing these first-round selections earlier than last year to better assist communities across the nation to build resilience.

States, local communities, tribes and territories may use this grant for mitigation planning, adoption and enforcement of building codes and standards, project scoping and small-scale mitigation projects.

FEMA is also announcing selections of 20 diverse communities, tribes and territories set to receive non-financial direct technical assistance to help build community-wide resilience. In this assistance, FEMA provides free support for mitigation projects and application-specific needs to underserved communities that may encounter barriers when trying to access Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.

“We are excited about this opportunity to provide support at the earliest stages to communities, which may not have the capacity to start the application process on their own,” said FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks. “FEMA looks forward to working with these communities to find solutions to make them more resilient and reduce the impacts of climate change.”

These selections will help FEMA set a baseline to achieving the goals of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which prioritizes delivering at least 40% of the overall benefits of federal investments to disadvantaged communities.

FEMA will make the second round of project selections later this summer. The announcement will include more complex projects like those from BRIC’s national competition and Flood Mitigation Assistance community-wide flood mitigation projects.  

These are the first selections of $1.16 billion in the FMA and BRIC funding that FEMA announced in August. The programs provide funds to states, local communities, tribes and territories for eligible mitigation and planning activities. They strengthen our nation’s ability to build a culture of preparedness and promote and sustain a prepared nation.

The first round of selections may be viewed on FEMA.gov.

Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

For the first round, FEMA has selected 316 subapplications for further review totaling $65.7 million across each state and territory, including 55 tribes. Most of the selections are for capability and capacity building projects specifically for project scoping, planning, partnerships and building codes.

Examples of a wide variety of subapplication selections include relocating 10 homes in the Native Village of Napakiak in Alaska, project scoping a bridge in Biloxi, Mississippi and completing a flood study of the Lower Brandywine River and developing a mitigation strategy for future flooding in Delaware.

Resilient Infrastructure and Communties Direct Technical Assistance

FEMA selected 20 communities to receive non-financial Direct Technical Assistance. This helps communities submit high-quality grant applications to reduce disaster damage, carry out risk-reduction projects and sustain successful mitigation programs.

FEMA  Region

State

Jurisdiction

Request

1

Maine

Town of Tremont

Assistance with identifying potential projects to help the town address sea level rise on the island.

1

Rhode Island

Woonsocket

Assistance with addressing inland flooding through project scoping, which will aim to protect the lives, property, critical facilities and infrastructure, and resources of Woonsocket.

2

New Jersey

Borough of Oceanport

Assistance to conduct specific hazard mitigation activities to mitigate future storm surges.

2

New York

City of Jamestown

Assistance to develop a holistic and equitable climate action plan and project scoping to address flooding in the community.

2

Puerto Rico

Municipality of Canóvanas

Assistance with identifying viable mitigation measures to protect this flood prone community.

3

Maryland

City of Crisfield

Assistance with addressing the city’s coastal flooding and storm surge challenges.

3

Pennsylvania

City of Philadelphia

Assistance with addressing the flooding hazards caused by sea level rise.

4

Alabama

City of Birmingham

Assistance with grants management assistance and project scoping activities to support the city’s drainage systems.

4

Kentucky

Robertson County

Assistance with conducting project scoping activities to address challenges with landslides.

5

Michigan

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Assistance with developing an improved risk assessment and green infrastructure design criteria that meet multiple goals for hazard mitigation, cultural preservation, and protection of critical infrastructure and ecosystems.

5

Minnesota

Red Lake Nation

Assistance with grants management training to develop projects needed after the town of Red Lake was hit by two EF1 tornadoes in 2021.

6

Arkansas

Crawford County

Assistance with identifying sustainable, cost effective, nature-based solutions to protect against future flooding, and match the mitigation solution with appropriate funding.

6

Louisiana

St. John the Baptist Parish

Assistance with project prioritization to address the significant flood risk the parish faces.

7

Iowa

City of Cherokee

Assistance to implement nature-based solutions and develop a local mitigation partnership network.

7

Kansas

City of Manhattan

Assistance with conceptualizing projects to reduce flooding through focused regenerative agriculture.

8

Montana

Chippewa Cree Tribe

Assistance with a solar array project to connect to a micro-grid which will supply power to multiple buildings.

9

California

City of Modesto

Assistance with performing benefit-cost analyses for mitigation projects related to the Tuolumne River floodway.

9

California

Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians

Assistance with updating the tribe’s hazard mitigation plan, assessing mitigation and risk reduction needs and developing an economic resilience planning process.

10

Alaska

Native Village of Ouzinkie

Assistance with conceptualizing a tsunami shelter project.

10

Oregon

Town of Butte Falls

Assistance with conceptualizing projects intended to improve water and wastewater resilience as well as develop capacity for building planning.

Flood Mitigation Assistance

For the first round, FEMA has selected 22 subapplications for further review totaling $25.5 million across five states. The majority of the selections are to elevate repetitively flood-damaged buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program that will benefit socially vulnerable households.

Other subapplications for further review included capacity and capability building activities such as project scoping, planning and technical assistance.

Examples of subapplication projects selected include elevating more than 70 buildings in Ascension, New Iberia, Rapides and St. Tammany parishes in Louisiana and project scoping a housing complex in the Bronx, New York that has been vulnerable to flooding.

As FEMA is reviewing the second round of selections to be announced this summer, there will be a greater focus and priority on socially vulnerable communities.

FEMA remains committed to investing in mitigation. Important elements of our grant programs are aligned to build a culture of preparedness and promote and sustain a prepared nation by reducing disaster losses and protecting life and property from disaster damage. 

For more information, visit the Hazard Mitigation Assistance webpage.

 

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 05/23/2022 - 20:33

Spend Your FEMA Grant Wisely and Only on Disaster-Related Expenses

SANTA FE, N.M. – As New Mexico residents affected by the wildfires begin receiving their FEMA disaster funds, it is important to use the money for specified disaster-related expenses.

FEMA helps applicants keep their spending on track by sending a determination letter stating what the funds are for and listing the ways the money can be used. Disaster grants are not for regular living expenses.

Some examples of approved expenses include:

• Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems)
• Rental assistance for rent and/or deposit
• Repair or replacement of an essential vehicle
• Medical or dental care for an uninsured injury caused by the disaster
• Necessary educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies)
• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster
• Replacement of essential personal property such as appliances or beds from an occupied bedroom
• Increased childcare expenses

It’s important to read the determination letter carefully. Disaster funding may be subject to audits. Keep all receipts for at least three years. If grant payments are spent on anything other than its intended purpose, applicants may be denied disaster assistance in the future. In some cases, FEMA will ask that the money be returned.

In addition, it’s important for applicants to make sure that FEMA has their most up-to-date contact information, including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, applicants may miss letters or phone calls about their application for assistance or payment status.

To address many of the common myths and rumors during the New Mexico wildfires, FEMA activated a rumor/myth webpage on the disaster homepage. Visit the FAQ/Rumor page at fema.gov/nm-rumors.

For any questions, call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Carmen.Castro Fri, 05/20/2022 - 21:54

FEMA Provides $7.6 Million for Colorado COVID-19 Treatments

DENVER – FEMA has approved an additional $7.6 million in Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020. FEMA has now approved more than $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grant funds to Colorado for the COVID-19 response.

FEMA awarded the grant funds to reimburse the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for the cost of providing mobile monoclonal antibody treatments in the ongoing battle against COVID-19.  The grant covers the cost of additional clinical staffing to conduct the treatments at four facilities, and the cost to distribute monoclonal antibody therapy supplies to approved providers, including contractors, local public health agencies, urgent care centers, pharmacies, and clinics throughout the state. The FEMA grant covers work conducted by CDPHE from October 26, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow state and local governments to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, tribal and local officials work to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

Brian.Hvinden Wed, 05/18/2022 - 20:25

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

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review in Ellis County, Texas. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment periods.

Appeals and comments may be submitted from May 18, 2022 through Aug. 16, 2022:

• Appeals and comments for cities of Oak Leaf, Red Oak and Waxahachie; and the unincorporated areas of Ellis County
• Comments only for the City of Palmer

Appeals and comments may be submitted from May 19, 2022 through Aug. 17, 2022:

• Appeals and comments for cities of Cedar Hill, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Midlothian, Ovilla, Pecan Hill and Venus
• Comments only for the City of Glenn Heights

Appeals and comments may be submitted from May 22, 2022 through Aug. 20, 2022:

• Appeals and comments for the City of Ennis
• Comments only for the City of Garrett

Residents may submit an appeal if they consider modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information — such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary — they can submit a written comment.

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

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Kurt.Pickering Wed, 05/18/2022 - 20:19

FEMA Approves Another $7.3 Million for COVID-19 Testing in Utah

DENVER – FEMA has approved $7.3 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Utah. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 4, 2020. FEMA has provided more than $274 million for the Utah COVID-19 response to date with this additional funding.

• FEMA awarded $4.55 million to the Utah Department of Health to reimburse them for the cost of purchasing 605,365 COVID-19 rapid-test kits and distributing them to 213 locations across the state.  Recipients of the test kits included the Utah state lab, local health departments, mobile testing units, long-term care facilities and school districts who provided sample test collection.  The award covers test kits purchased between August 12 and December 27, 2021.
• In addition, FEMA awarded $2.74 million in Public Assistance funds to Salt Lake County to provide COVID-19 community testing centers in the county from December 28, 2020, to May 15, 2021.  The grant covers the cost of additional staff for medical, logistical and security support along with tents, generators, heating, lighting and tarps to set up drive-through test centers at temporary sites and the personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies necessary to keep staff and the general public safe.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work to assist their communities during the ongoing response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

Brian.Hvinden Wed, 05/18/2022 - 20:00

Proposed Larimer County Flood Maps Reflect Changes to Local Flood Risk

DENVER – Updates to Larimer County, Colorado’s flood insurance rate maps are nearing completion. The new maps will provide Larimer County with more accurate flood risk information that can help local officials and residents make informed decisions about reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance.

The mapping project is a joint effort between Larimer County, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and FEMA. It is part of a nationwide effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce those risks.

Officials encourage residents and business owners to review the proposed flood insurance rate maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements, and any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Before the new flood insurance rate maps become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period during which local residents and business owners can provide additional data for consideration before the maps are final. This appeal period starts on May 18, 2022, and ends on August 16, 2022. Appeal packages should address scientific or technical mistakes in the maps, and must include supporting data or engineering documentation.

For further details on this process, visit https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp. To view preliminary mapping, visit the Colorado Hazard Mapping Website (https://coloradohazardmapping.com), or contact your local floodplain administrator. Preliminary mapping also may be viewed on FEMA’s Map Service Center (https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/).

# # #

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jamie.casterton Tue, 05/17/2022 - 22:25

Proposed Wheatland County Flood Maps Reflect Changes to Local Flood Risk

DENVER – Updates to Wheatland County, Montana’s flood insurance rate maps are nearing completion. The new maps will provide portions of the Musselshell River and Antelope Creek in Wheatland County with more accurate flood risk information that can help local officials and residents make informed decisions about reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance.

The mapping project was initiated in 2014 and is a joint effort between counties and towns along the Musselshell River, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and FEMA. It is part of a nationwide effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risk and support actions to address and reduce that risk.

In Wheatland County, the project involved flood study work on 37 miles of the Musselshell River from the Golden Valley County boundary to approximately five miles west of Harlowton, and three miles of Antelope Creek. New and updated flood insurance rate maps were produced, indicating areas at risk of flooding in a one-percent annual chance flood event. The new floodplain maps will be used to replace existing floodplain maps from 1981 and portions of the Musselshell River around Shawmut that currently have no existing floodplain maps. 

The remainder of Wheatland County’s 1981 floodplain maps were not updated as part of the project.  

Updated flood insurance rate maps for Golden Valley County went into effect in 2021, and in Musselshell, Rosebud, and Petroleum Counties in 2019. 

Officials encourage residents and business owners to review the proposed maps to learn about the flood threat in their area, and potential future flood insurance purchase requirements.

Once preliminary maps are released, there is a 90-day appeal period during which community members can provide additional data for consideration before the maps are final. This appeal period ends on July 13, 2022. Appeal packages should address scientific or technical mistakes in the maps and must include supporting data or engineering documentation.

The proposed maps can be viewed online at http://www.floodplain.mt.gov/musselshell and at the county and city offices. 

If you have technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, you may be able to appeal the flood risk information on the proposed maps during the 90-day appeal period. For further details on this process, visit http://www.floodplain.mt.gov/musselshell or contact Page Dringman, Wheatland County Floodplain Administrator at 406-932-5470, or Tiffany Lyden, DNRC Floodplain Outreach Specialist at 406-444-0599.  

# # #

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

Follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion8

jamie.casterton Tue, 05/17/2022 - 19:16

FEMA and AmeriCorps Celebrate 10th Anniversary of FEMA Corps, Renew Program for Five More Years National service and emergency management agencies renew specialty National Civilian Community Corps program inter-agency reimbursable work agreement

WASHINGTON -- FEMA and AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, celebrated the 10th anniversary of FEMA Corps and a five-year renewal of the inter-agency reimbursable work agreement during an event at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C. today.

The five-year AmeriCorps and FEMA inter-agency agreement prioritizes three focus areas that join both agencies’ strategic goals. The shared goals are:

• To support FEMA’s disaster response, recovery, readiness, preparedness and mitigation efforts with trained National Service Members seeking to serve disaster survivors and gain experience in the field of emergency management.
• To develop and train future leaders in emergency management to serve with federal, state and local agencies, and non-governmental organization partners. 
• To promote and support the development of leaders and strengthening of communities through the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) National Service model.

“FEMA Corps is a whole-government approach to disaster response and a shining example of what national service can accomplish amid emergencies,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “Thanks to the dedication of individuals who have served with FEMA Corps, we have provided important support to disaster survivors and communities during natural disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“For the past 10 years, FEMA Corps members have played a vital role in helping communities across the nation recover from historic floods, destructive wildfires and unprecedented pandemics. Their dedication to helping people is admirable and we are fortunate to have them as a part of our FEMA family,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “I am so grateful for their dedication to public service and for our decade-long partnership with AmeriCorps to help train the next generation of emergency managers.”

During the celebration, AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell held a ceremonial signing of the new agreement, gave remarks and participated in a panel discussion with current members and graduates of the FEMA Corps program.

FEMA Corps is a unique, team-based service program that provides 18‐24‐year‐old participants the opportunity to serve communities impacted by disaster, while gaining professional development experience with intense training through the AmeriCorps NCCC program. Members are responsible for completing Corps Training Institute, earning 1,700 service hours, participating in physical training and contributing to various team activities.

Since 2000, AmeriCorps NCCC teams have assisted 20.6 million people in disaster areas, recruited or coordinated nearly 940,000 volunteers, assisted more than 33,000 veterans, served 6.1 million meals, protected more than 1.6 million acres of land through firefighting and fire management, and more.

Learn more about the AmeriCorps and FEMA partnership and service opportunities with FEMA Corps.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 05/16/2022 - 21:22

FEMA Awards State Of Rhode Island More Than $43 Million For COVID Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $43 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state health department for the costs providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $43,089,992 in Public Assistance grants will go to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for setting up a network of community-based testing sites and collaborating with both private and public laboratory partners to complete a total of 413,175 COVID-19 tests between January and September 2021.

Some of the funding will also reimburse the cost of setting up and operating monoclonal antibody (mAb) infusion sites for individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 and met the treatment criteria.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Rhode Island 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.

These grants brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $458 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. To learn more about the COVID-19 response in Rhode Island, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4505

adrien.urbani Mon, 05/16/2022 - 21:11