New Mexicans who applied for federal disaster assistance from FEMA following the Oct. 19-20 storm and flooding in Chaves County will receive a decision letter from FEMA by mail or email.  

The decision letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter very carefully. The letter will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.

If you disagree with the initial decision or the amount of assistance approved, you can appeal FEMA’s decision. FEMA may request additional documentation to support your assistance and continue processing your registration. Examples of additional documentation may include: 

• Proof of insurance coverage 
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider 
• Proof of identity 
• Proof of occupancy  
• Proof of ownership 
• Proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster 

If you have questions about the letter, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to find out what information FEMA needs. FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance. FEMA assistance only provides funds for temporary lodging, basic home repairs or other disaster-related expenses. 

The decision letter from FEMA will provide information on the types of documents or information that FEMA needs. It will also include an optional appeal form that you can use. Your appeal must be submitted within 60 days of the date of your decision letter.

You can submit your appeal and supporting documentation:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, where you can create an account and upload documents.
• In-person at a Disaster Recovery Center in the Roswell Mall in Roswell. 
• By mail:
  FEMA Individuals & Households Program
  National Processing Service Center
  P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• By fax:
  (800) 827-8112
  Attention: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program

For an American Sign Language video about the FEMA decision letter visit, FEMA Accessible: Understanding Your Letter - YouTube.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Cocke and Hamblen counties will end operations at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday, Dec. 4. For those who were affected by Tropical Storm Helene, help is still available by phone, online or in-person at any other Disaster Recovery Center.

The centers that plan to close are located at:

• Cocke County: Cocke County Recreation Department, 466 Learning Road/Learning Way, Newport, TN 37821 (A new location will be announced later.)
• Hamblen County: Utility Commission Conference and Training Center, 441 Main Street, Morristown, TN 37814

Even after the recovery centers close, help from FEMA is just a phone call away. Survivors can get answers from trained specialists at the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time and specialists speak many languages.

Those who need continuing rental assistance can also reach out to FEMA Helpline specialists. It is also important to stay in touch with FEMA if you change your address or phone number, even if only temporarily. Missing or wrong information could delay your assistance.

You can also update FEMA about changes to your personal information by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. You may click on the green ‘Check Status’ button to create an online account. Use the same email you provided when you applied for assistance. If you applied online or used the FEMA app, you already have a disaster assistance account.

If you haven’t yet applied for FEMA disaster assistance, you have until Tuesday, Jan. 7, to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline. You may also apply at any Disaster Recovery Center. 

To watch an accessible video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com).

Below is a list of the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers that remain open in Eastern Tennessee:

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday

• Carter County: Betsytowne Shopping Center, 1745 Highway 19 E., Elizabethton, TN 37643
• Greene County: Greene County Courthouse/Annex 204 N. Cutler St., Greeneville, TN 37745
• Johnson County: Tennessee National Guard Armory, 1923 S. Shady St., Mountain City, TN 37683
• Unicoi County: National Guard Armory/Unicoi Emergency Operations Center, 615 South Main Ave., Erwin, TN 37650
• Washington County: Cherry Grove Baptist Church, 104 Cherry Grove Rd., Jonesborough, TN  37659

LAHAINA – Ane and Lafaele Folaumoeloa are ready to take the next step in a journey to recovery that began after the Lahaina wildfires destroyed their home and all their possessions.

The couple and their three children – a boy, aged 11, a girl also 11, and their 5-year-old sister – are among the first survivors scheduled to move into FEMA’s Kilohana Group Housing site.

Kilohana will become a temporary haven for up to 167 individuals and families – a Lahaina location where wildfire survivors can plan for the future. 

The family’s new modular unit will come with three bedrooms and basic furnishings. For the first time in more than a year, they will have a kitchen. 

Ane says she’s grateful. The help they received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross, gave the family a temporary refuge in Lahaina, close to their former home. Now, they are ready to move ahead.

Their ordeal began Aug. 8, 2023, the day of the wildfires. Fierce winds left them without power or cell service. The couple and their three children decided to leave their Lahaina rental on Komo Mai Street to do some shopping in Kahului. But on the return drive, a barricade stopped them from entering Lahaina at Hokokio Place. They had to turn back to Kahului.

“We couldn’t see anything,” recalled Lafaele. “The smoke started to come up top of the sky, over the whole of Lahaina.”

By then, thousands of Lahaina residents were evacuating. Traffic was bumper to bumper. When the family reached Kahului, they searched for a hotel room but could not find one. They sheltered at an uncle’s home, thinking they would return to Lahaina the next day. 

But at 3 a.m., Ane said she received a text message from her landlord, a firefighter who had stayed behind. It read: “Don’t go home. There is nothing there. All Lahaina down.”

A few days later, the family moved closer to their previous home. They went to the Papakea Resort in Kaʻanapali, a hotel taking in survivors and later participating in the emergency shelter program managed by the state and the American Red Cross. 

After the Red Cross program ended, FEMA moved the family into a nearby hotel, the Royal Lahaina, as part of its Direct Federal Assistance sheltering program. 

Although they were relieved to have the continued shelter and proximity to the children’s school, the Sacred Heart temporary school, Ane’s children longed for a place where they could ride their bikes again. Their mother looks forward to having a stove so she can prepare the family’s favorite dish, corned beef 
lau lau.

Kilohana is designed to give them space to get back to normal while they find their permanent home.

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires. 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Residents who were affected by the August 5-6 flooding that occurred in the City and Borough of Juneau have until Monday, December 16, to apply for FEMA housing and other needs assistance, and FEMA Disaster Unemployment Assistance, administered through the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and the U.S. Department of Labor.

This deadline is for residents who may need assistance with: 

• Funds for home repairs 
• Temporary rental assistance 
• Damaged vehicles and essential personal property 
• Loss of subsistence items 
• Medical and dental expenses caused by the disaster
• Lost work if self-employed, or otherwise unable to receive regular unemployment assistance.

If you were affected by the flooding, you should apply as soon as possible. FEMA assistance is unable to duplicate benefits offered through insurance, state programs, or other programs. However, if your losses or damage go beyond disaster assistance available from other sources – or include items or categories not covered by other assistance – you may be eligible for additional funds from FEMA. Even if you have already registered for the State of Alaska's disaster assistance program, you must also register with FEMA to determine if you may be eligible to receive additional funds through FEMA, as well as additional funds from the state. 

As of December 3, 2024, the disaster recovery center had 369 visits. FEMA has approved over $2.86 million for 190 households affected by the Mendenhall Glacier Flooding disaster. 

Ways to apply:

• Visit the Disaster Recovery Center, which is also set to close December 16:
  Mendenhall Valley Public Library 
  3025 Dimond Park Loop
  Juneau, AK 99801
  
  Hours:
  10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
  10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday
   
• Call the FEMA Alaska Call Center at 866-342-1699 between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. AKT, Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. AKT, Saturday. 
   
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
   
• Download the FEMA App.
   
• Self-employed persons and those not qualifying for regular unemployment insurance benefits who were unable to perform services due to the disaster may also apply for DUA benefits by calling 907-269-4700 or visit the Juneau Job Center located at 10002 Glacier Highway, Suite 100, Juneau, AK 99801.

If a reasonable accommodation – such as language translation or interpretation, mobility assistance, or sign language interpretation is needed – email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also notify FEMA staff through the FEMA Alaska Call Center.

The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers long-term disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, as well as homeowners and renters to pay for repair or replacement costs not fully compensated by insurance or other assistance. For more information, go to: SBA.gov/disaster or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

To watch a video about how to apply, featuring American Sign Language, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com).

For the latest information about Alaska’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4836. 

CHICAGO — FEMA and Chippewa County officials invite residents to join the Open House in Sault Ste. Marie on Tuesday, December 10 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM ET to learn about flood risk and flood insurance after the release of preliminary flood maps.

Homeowners, renters and business owners in Chippewa County are encouraged to attend and meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about the mapping process, their specific flood risk and ways to help prevent flood loss. Residents can view and download preliminary versions of the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) here.

WHAT:           Chippewa County—Flood Map Open House

WHEN:          Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 3:30 – 5:30 PM ET

WHERE:        Bayliss Public Library, 541 Library Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Once in effect, the maps will inform flood insurance rates and local floodplain management rules adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA urges public officials to use the maps to help plan and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future extreme weather events.

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 Open House questions, reach out to fema-r5-map@fema.dhs.gov. For media questions, reach out to the FEMA Region 5 News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

ATLANTA – FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Columbia County to provide one-on-one help for Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene. 

The center is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, at this location: 

Columbia County

Columbia County Emergency Management Agency

650 Ronald Reagan Drive

Evans, GA 30809

Additional centers are open in the following counties:

Open Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 6 p.m.

Appling County

Appling County Agricultural Center
2761 Blackshear Highway

Baxley, GA 31513

Bryan County

Jacob Grant Teen Center

185 Ball Park Road

Richmond Hill, GA 31324 

(Closing permanently on Dec. 4)

Butts County

Butts Park & Recreation Building

(Ernest Biles Youth Center)

576 Ernest Biles Drive 

Jackson, GA 30233 (closing permanently 12/13) 

Chatham County

Savannah Technical College

Student Enrichment Center Building

5717 White Bluff Road 

Savannah, GA 31405

Coffee County

The Atrium 
114 N. Peterson Avenue 

Douglas, GA 31533

Emanuel County

Southeastern Technical College 

Special Programs Building

346 Kite Road, Building 1

Swainsboro, GA 30401

Jefferson County

National Guard Bid-EOC

1841 Hwy. 24 West

Louisville, GA 30434

Laurens County

Old West Laurens Middle School

338 West Laurens School Road 

Dublin, GA 31021

Lincoln County

Lincoln County Recreation Department

Walter T. Norman Gym

1962 Rowland-York Drive

Lincolnton, GA 30817

Lowndes County

City of Valdosta

4434 North Forrest Street Extension

Valdosta, GA 31605

McDuffie County

Thomson Depot            

111 Railroad Street 

Thomson, GA 30824

Richmond County

Hub for Community Innovation

631 Chafee Avenue 

Augusta, GA 30904

Screven County

Screven County Library

106 Community Drive

Sylvania, GA 30467

Tift County

Tift County Swimming Pool

202 Baldwin Drive

Tifton, GA 31794

Toombs County

Georgia Department of Human Services 

162 Oxley Drive

Lyons, GA 30436 

Washington County

Sandersville School Building Authority

514 North Harris Street

Sandersville, GA 31082

Wilkes County

Washington Fire Department (Training Room)

212 E. Court St. 

Washington, GA 30673

FEMA Mobile Registration Center location and hours

Berrien County

Carrie Dorsey Perry Memorial Library

315 W. Marion Ave., Nashville, GA 31639

Monday, Dec. 2 -- Wednesday, Dec. 4

8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Burke County

Burke County Public Library

130 GA-24 South, Waynesboro, GA 30830

Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Dec. 7

8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Clinch County

Clinch County Elementary School

575 Wood Lake Drive, Homerville, GA 31634

Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Dec. 7

8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dodge County

Public Safety Building

440 Legion Drive, Eastman, GA 31023

Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Dec. 7

8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To find center locations in the state, visit FEMA’s Hurricane Helene Georgia Page, FEMA’s DRC Locator or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

Homeowners and renters in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the State of Georgia and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.

If you are in an affected county, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages.

Disaster Assistance Teams are also on the ground in affected counties going door-to-door to help survivors register for assistance.

Survivors can also apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the free FEMA App or by calling 1-800-621-3362 any day of the week.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - FEMA has approved an additional $114 million to reimburse Florida communities for debris removal after Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. 

This includes: 

• $1,345,305 for Manatee County 
• $6,529,810 for the city of Madeira Beach 
• $4,581,559 for Charlotte County 
• $2,868,489 for Highlands County 
• $7,717,350 for city of Sarasota
• $10,817,250 for Polk County 
• $80,676,180 for Hillsborough County 

To date, FEMA Public Assistance has provided $927.6 million for Hurricane Milton, $378.3 million for Hurricane Helene and $102.4 million for Hurricane Debby. The money reimburses the state, local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures and debris removal. 

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Office of Civil Rights if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Office of Civil

Rights can be contacted at FEMA-OCR@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.

PHILADELPHIA – As the holiday season approaches and winter takes hold, it’s important to be prepared for extreme cold and unpredictable weather. FEMA Region 3 is encouraging individuals and communities to embrace winter weather safety with the same care and attention they give to their seasonal celebrations.

The winter holidays bring joy and togetherness, but preparing for them can also present unique challenges, from icy roads to severe cold spells. “I encourage everyone to incorporate preparedness steps into the planning you are already doing for the holidays,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Personally, as I shop for my holiday groceries and gifts this year, I will be adding snacks, a lantern, and batteries to my list so my family is more prepared if we lose power in a storm.”

To help ensure a safe and memorable holiday season, here are key steps you can take to stay winter-ready and protect yourself, your family, and your home from the elements.

1. Know Your Risk: Know the winter weather risks in your area. Pay attention to weather reports and storm warnings to prevent cold weather casualties and to stop the spread of illnesses like hypothermia, frostbite, flu & COVID-19.
2. Create a Winter Emergency Kit: Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and on the go. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.
3. Develop an Emergency Plan: Establish a clear and concise communications plan with your loved ones so you know how to get in touch in an emergency. Before a winter storm or drop in temperatures, check in on your neighbors and friends, especially older adults or others who may have unique needs, to help them prepare. 
4. Pay Attention and Stay Informed: Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. 
5. Prepare Your Home: Winterize your home by insulating pipes, sealing drafts, and checking heating systems. Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, and winter is when most home fires occur. Ensure that heating sources are in good working condition. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Taking these precautions can prevent emergencies and ensure a warm and safe living environment.
6. Prepare to Travel Safe: If you must travel in bad weather, exercise extra caution on the road. Slowing down and stopping on icy surfaces takes more time, so extend your following distance to 5-6 seconds instead of the usual 3-4. Always carry a winter emergency kit in your vehicle and stay informed about current road conditions.

As you're preparing this winter, follow along with FEMA’s #WinterReady campaign and FEMA Region 3 on X, LinkedIn, and Nextdoor, as we share more preparedness tips and resources.

Whether you’re on the road, at home by the fire, or gathered with family and friends, it’s never a bad time to receive more preparedness tips on how to stay safe. Tune into the first episode of the Preparedness in Your Pocket podcast, hosted by the Maryland Emergency Preparedness Network and featuring a guest from FEMA Region 3. With winter weather rolling into our region, it couldn't be a better time to talk about the importance of weather alerts. In this episode, you’ll learn about how respond to different alerts, why they matter, how you can customize alerts for your needs, and practical tips and resources that you can use to stay informed throughout the season.

This podcast is currently available on Spotify and YouTube and will be soon made available on all streaming platforms.

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

 Follow us on “X” at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

COLUMBIA, S.C. – If you sustained an injury or illness due to Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for medical/dental assistance from FEMA. 

Medical/dental assistance can help cover uninsured expenses for medical care related to the disaster-caused injury or illness. This funding can also be used to help replace medical/dental equipment, breastfeeding equipment or prescribed medicine damaged or lost due to Hurricane Helene. 

In addition to medical/dental assistance, FEMA offers several other types of assistance for which you may be eligible. To find out what assistance you qualify for, submit your application for disaster assistance. Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation who were affected by Hurricane Helene are eligible to apply. 

1. You can apply in several ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• In person at any Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, visit fema.gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”).
• On your phone using the FEMA mobile app.
• By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 

For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.

FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 

With annual childcare expenses comparable to a year’s rent in parts of Tennessee, FEMA may be able to help with those costs.

Families that were affected by Tropical Storm Helene and have children under age 13 may be eligible for childcare assistance through FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program.  

Childcare assistance is limited to $200 per week per child for up to eight weeks. Households with children up to age 21 who have a disability and need help with daily activities may also be eligible for disaster-related expenses. Families must demonstrate that the storm increased their financial burden because of lost income, or that their childcare center was damaged or closed after the disaster.

If a child is a member of multiple households, FEMA will award childcare assistance to the primary custodial parent or guardian responsible for childcare costs.

Storm survivors in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties may apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Jan. 7. 

To apply, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service. Specialists speak many languages. You can also get answers to your questions at any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.

To watch an accessible video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com).

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The State of Florida, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and FEMA are coordinating one-day Farm Recovery Centers in Hamilton, Hendry, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Polk and Suwannee counties. These events have been organized to provide support for farmers affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. The Farm Recovery Centers will help Florida’s agriculture and aquaculture producers learn about disaster recovery assistance available after the hurricanes. 

USDA, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rural Development, FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration, Florida Commerce and other agencies will be onsite to answer questions about grants, loans and other resources available to support farm recovery.  

The centers will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

• Hamilton County on Dec. 3: The Ernest Courtoy Civic Center, 1129 NW 4th Street in Jasper
• Suwannee County on Dec. 5: UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension Building, 1302 11th Street SW in Live Oak
• Lafayette County on Dec. 5: Mayo Community Center, 150 NW Community Circle in Mayo
• Levy County on Dec. 6: Levy County Government Center Cafeteria, 310 School Street in Bronson
• Polk County on Dec. 9: W.H. Stuart Center, 1710 U.S. — 17S in Bartow 
• Hendry County on Dec. 10: UF/IFAS Hendry County Extension Building, 1085 Pratt Boulevard in LaBelle
• Lee County on Dec. 11: North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 N. Recreation Park Way in N. Ft. Myers
• Madison County on Dec. 13: UF/IFAS Madison County Extension Building, 184 NW College Loop in Madison

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

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

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Office of Civil Rights if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Office of Civil Rights can be contacted at FEMA-OCR@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – FEMA’s Individual Assistance program and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan program are the federal government’s two primary sources of financial assistance to help individuals and households recover and rebuild from a major disaster. In many cases, homeowners and renters find that they need assistance from both programs to support their recovery.

Disaster survivors in need of an SBA loan for personal belongings, residential property damage, and business damage and disruption should not wait to apply. 

The SBA continues accepting new applications and preparing borrowers to receive their disaster loan offers as soon as Congress allocates funding. The SBA continues loan processing operations including supporting current borrowers and new applicants.

Provided Congress makes funds available, SBA can make disaster loans up to $500,000 to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses may be eligible for loans up to $2 million for both physical damage and economic injury from business disruption.

Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for nonprofit organizations, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters, without credit elsewhere, and terms are up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement, and monthly payments begin 12 months from the date of the initial disbursement.  Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – If you were affected by Hurricane Helene and have an active insurance policy, state and FEMA officials urge South Carolinians to check with their insurance company and FEMA to start their road to recovery.

“We know that some survivors of Hurricane Helene are concerned about the impact filing a claim may have on increasing their premiums,” said Director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance, Michael Wise. “We urge people affected by Hurricane Helene to talk with their agent or company representative to understand their deductible and associated out of pocket expenses to determine whether it makes sense to file a claim.  In many instances, damages may fall below the policy deductible or otherwise not be covered by the policy.  We encourage insurance companies to provide documentation necessary for consumers to file for assistance for uncovered losses with FEMA to help them and their households recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene.”

Survivors are urged to apply because they may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance for basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses. While they do not have to file an insurance claim before applying for FEMA disaster assistance, survivors will be required to provide FEMA with documentation regarding their insurance settlement or denial of coverage before being considered for certain types of assistance. Also, if survivors’ insurance benefits are delayed, FEMA can provide assistance to meet their immediate needs.  

1. Survivors can apply in several ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. This is the quickest way to apply.
• In person at any Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, visit fema.gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”).
• On their phone using the FEMA mobile app.
• By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 

While FEMA assistance can only cover uninsured and underinsured losses, the assistance may help provide additional coverage for losses caused by Hurricane Helene.

Survivors do not need to have insurance to qualify for FEMA assistance and should not wait to submit their FEMA application. Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation who were affected by Hurricane Helene are eligible to apply for FEMA assistance.

For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.

FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open in McCormick County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.  

McCormick County Library 
201 Railroad Ave. 
McCormick, SC 29835

Open Dec. 2-6, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.

Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other South Carolina counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in South Carolina. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. 

To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. 

Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.

The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.

FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3.9 million in Public Assistance funding to the State of Vermont to reimburse the town of Hardwick to repair infrastructure and other damages caused by the July 2023 storms and flooding. That represents 90 percent of $4.4 million for the total cost of town projects. The state and local government are responsible for the remaining 10 percent.

Included in that funding is a grant of $2,661,300 to cover the cost of permanent repairs to the Main Street retaining wall. Another $961,952 will go toward road and bridge projects. The rest of the funding is allotted for water treatment facility repairs, debris removal and emergency protective measures.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the town of Hardwick with these costs,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Will Roy. “Reimbursing state and local governments – as well as eligible non-profits – for the costs incurred due to this disaster is an important part of the state’s recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. So far, FEMA has provided more than $119 million in grants to Vermont to reimburse eligible applicants for expenses related to the July 2023 storms and flooding.

ATLANTA – FEMA is opening an additional Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Berrien County and closing a Center in Bryan County.

Berrien County mobile recovery center’s hours and location are:

8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2, through Wednesday, Dec. 4 

Carrie Dorsey Perry Memorial Library

315 W. Marion Ave., Nashville, GA 31639

The Bryan County Center will be closing permanently at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4

Jacob Grant Teen Center

185 Ball Park Road

Richmond Hill, GA 31324

To find center locations in the state, visit FEMA’s Hurricane Helene Georgia Page, FEMA’s DRC Locator or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

If you are in an affected county, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

ATLANTA -- If you are making repairs to your home after Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, you can get tips from FEMA to make your home safer and stronger.

FEMA Mitigation Specialists will be available to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips along with proven methods to prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also offer tips and techniques on rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. 

Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster. The FEMA specialists will be available during the dates and times listed at:

Home Depot

499 Bobby Jones Expy., Ste B

Augusta, GA 30907

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2, through Friday, Dec. 6. 

For the latest information about Georgia's recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - In the aftermath of Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, Floridians can benefit from free advice from FEMA experts on how to rebuild stronger and safer. FEMA mitigation specialists will be in Citrus County to offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters.

The FEMA specialists will be available at the following locations between Dec. 2 through Dec. 7:

The Home Depot
70 N. Suncoast Blvd
Crystal River, FL 34429

• 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday, December 2 – 6
• 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, December 7

Homeowners and renters impacted by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance before the January 7 deadline.

The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Office of Civil Rights if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Office of Civil

Rights can be contacted at FEMA-OCR@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.

Just 30 days after President Joe Biden declared a Severe Storm and Flooding disaster in Chaves County, more than $12 million in FEMA disaster assistance has been approved, going directly into the pockets of hundreds of eligible New Mexicans. To date, over 2,200 residents have applied to FEMA for federal financial assistance.

Record rainfall and flooding hit the towns of Hagerman, Hope, Midway and Roswell on Oct. 19-20, damaging nearly 1,000 homes and about 100 businesses in Roswell alone. Two people lost their lives in the severe storm, and hundreds were rescued from the flood waters. 

In Chaves County, FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program has approved $12 million for individuals and households, including: 
 

• $6 million for Housing Assistance (HA). 
• $6 million for Other Needs Assistance (ONA), which helps to replace essential household items and help pay for other critical disaster-related needs, such as moving and storage, childcare, funerals, medical and dental care. 

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), operated by the State of New Mexico and FEMA, at the Roswell Mall in Roswell, provides one-on-one, face-to-face help to individuals and households impacted by the storm and flooding. The DRC has been visited by more than 900 affected New Mexicans. 

Public Assistance is FEMA’s largest assistance program, accounting for about half of all disaster grant dollars. It is a cost-sharing program, available to state, tribal, county and local governments, as well as private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship. FEMA pays no less than 75% of project costs, to include infrastructure repair for cities, counties, tribes and municipalities that experienced damage as a result of the Oct. 19-20 storm. 

Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are on the ground in Chaves County walking through affected neighborhoods, door-to-door in addition to supporting IA registration events small groups of survivors in nearby facilities. 

DSA personnel have visited nearly 8,200 impacted homes, interacted with nearly 1,900 individual survivors and helped over 170 individuals and households submit applications to FEMA for federal disaster assistance.  

The mission of FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons is to establish, foster, and maintain relationships among government, voluntary, faith-based, and community partners. Through these relationships, the VALs support the delivery of inclusive and equitable services and empower and strengthen capabilities of communities to address disaster-caused unmet needs. 

During the last 30 days:

• The American Red Cross managed two shelters and sheltered 17 New Mexicans and distributed 1,297 meals and 3,262 snacks to those affected. ARC also distributed 6,465 clean up kits and other emergency supply items to 1,357 households and distributed direct financial assistance to 993 households. 
• The Salvation Army distributed more than $12,000 in gift cards to survivors, distributed 12,386 drinks and hot/cold meals, assisted 6,331 individuals through its Disaster Social Services Program, and distributed 515 immediate relief and cleanup supplies to impacted communities. A total of 208 volunteers also contributed 644 volunteer hours. 
• Southern Baptists Disaster Relief from four states and Team Rubicon assisted more than 100 households with flood muck/gut, clean up, and mold remediation. 
• The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico has distributed $15,000 to support local initiatives that went towards those directly affected by the flooding in Chaves County
• Roadrunner Food Bank distributed more than five pallets of dry goods and five pallets of bottled water to American Red Cross and other agencies to support feeding efforts. 
• A Multi-Agency Donations Warehouse was operated in the City of Roswell that contained 1,026 pallets, cases, and boxes of immediate relief supplies, food, water, and blankets. All these items were distributed to affected New Mexicans and local/regional Non-Government Organizations and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs).
• The VALs have engaged with more than 60 VOADs, non-profits, government, faith-and community-based organizations to identify survivor resources, unmet needs, and provide critical information on FEMA and its programs. The VALs are also coordinating with local stakeholders to develop a Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) for their community which will assist individuals and households with disaster related unmet needs. 

Atlanta – Even if you already started repairing or replacing items damaged or destroyed during Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, FEMA may be able to reimburse you for these expenses. Be sure to save your receipts. 

Survivors in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes counties who had homes or personal property damaged or destroyed may be eligible for FEMA assistance.

FEMA will only approve home repairs that are necessary to restore the home to a habitable 

condition. The types of repairs that may be eligible for assistance will vary depending upon the nature of the disaster.

FEMA assistance to repair and replace personal property falls within the following categories: 

• Appliances: Includes standard household appliances, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc.
• Clothing: Essential clothing needed due to overall loss, damage, or contamination.
• Room furnishings: Standard furnishings found in a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room.
• Essential Tools: Tools and equipment required by an employer as a condition of employment and items required as a condition of an applicant’s or household member’s education.
• Accessible Items: FEMA also provides assistance for damaged personal property items required for qualified applicants with disabilities.
• Applicants must meet the following conditions to receive Personal Property Assistance: 
  • The item needs to be repaired or replaced due to disaster damage.
  • The occupants of the household have an unmet disaster-related need for the damaged item. FEMA may not provide assistance if the applicant can meet that need with another similar item in their possession or available to the household.
  • The item was owned and being used by occupants of the household.
    • FEMA does not provide assistance for furnishings and/or appliances provided by a landlord.
    • Items used by guests and relatives who were not members of the pre-disaster household are not eligible for assistance.

There are four ways to apply for FEMA disaster assistance: call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Help on the phone line is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline for applications is Jan. 7, 2025.

To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/Georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.