Housing Found – Montpelier Group Site No Longer Needed

FEMA and the state of Vermont have found housing for everyone who was eligible for a planned manufactured housing community in Montpelier. As a result, that site is no longer needed.

FEMA and the state of Vermont are working together to find appropriate housing for those whose homes were most impacted by July’s floods. FEMA does this through two programs:

• The Individuals and Households program, which provides grants for home repair or replacement and rental assistance to cover temporary housing; and
• Direct Housing, in which FEMA provides temporary housing.

Three forms of Direct Housing have been approved for Vermont:

• Available rental units, which FEMA leases for survivors through a program called Direct Lease; 
• Multifamily Lease and Repair, which allows FEMA to repair multifamily properties for lease to program participants; and
• Manufactured Housing Units, which FEMA places on private sites, existing commercial parks or a FEMA-built group site.

As of December 15, FEMA has approved $22.8 million for Vermonters through Housing Assistance, including $3.7 million in rental assistance for 1,595 households. At the same time, about 22 eligible families are interested in Direct Housing.

To fill this need, FEMA has brought several units into Direct Lease, and found private and commercial sites suitable to place mobile housing units. Survivors will be able to move into these types of housing much earlier, without having to wait for the infrastructure that constructing a group site would require.

As such, we will not be moving forward with the Montpelier group site. Instead, we will house survivors through the direct lease program, and by placing mobile housing units on commercial and private sites. We continue to be grateful for the partnership with the state of Vermont and communities like Montpelier that are willing to partner with FEMA to provide interim housing to those most impacted by July’s floods.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

adrien.urbani Mon, 12/18/2023 - 22:29

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Davidson County

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and FEMA have opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Davidson County to help people affected by the Dec. 9 tornadoes.

Center location:

Nashville Public Library, 610 Gallatin Pike S., Madison 37115, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 

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

Storm survivors in Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery and Sumner counties may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.

In addition to visiting a center, homeowners and renters can apply by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app or calling 800-621-3362. The phone line is open daily, and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

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

For information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, fema.gov/disaster/4751.Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Mon, 12/18/2023 - 19:07

SBA to Open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center Dec. 19 in Kahului

HONOLULU – The U.S. Small Business Administration will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at noon Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the Kahului Public Library to help residents and business owners who were impacted by the August wildfires on Maui apply for disaster loans. 

The center’s location and regular operating hours are as follows:

Kahului Public Library

Administration Building

90 School St.

Kahului, HI 96732

Tuesdays: noon to 7 p.m.

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fridays: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Both the library and the Disaster Loan Outreach Center are closed on Sundays and Mondays as well as on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The center is also closed Saturday, Dec. 23 and Saturday, Dec. 30.

The Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be staffed with representatives from the SBA, which provides low-interest disaster loans to uninsured or underinsured homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes. FEMA specialists will also be available to answer FEMA-related questions.

The SBA disaster loans cover losses from the wildfires that are not fully covered by insurance or other sources. For instance, loans may be used to rebuild homes; replace personal property, including cars; and cover business-related losses such as stores and tour boats.

SBA also has economic injury disaster loans to help businesses with working capital, even if there was no physical damage to the buildings or inventory. SBA cannot offer a loan when another source – insurance or crowdfunding, for instance – has provided financial assistance for the same disaster-related need. 

Even though the federal deadline to apply for wildfire damage or losses has passed, Hawaiʻi residents and businesses have been granted a 45-day grace period, until Thursday, Jan. 25, to submit SBA loan applications for physical property damage caused by the wildfires. During the grace period, the SBA will not require a written or verbal explanation or any documentation from survivors for late applications.

Those approved for a disaster loan from the SBA have up to one year from the date of their first disbursement to begin making payments. The interest is zero percent during this deferment period. Interest begins accruing when the payment becomes due. There is no prepayment penalty, and borrowers can begin making loan payments during the deferment period.

Survivors may apply for SBA disaster loans online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download loan applications at https://www.sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires. 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, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The last day for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private nonprofit organizations to apply for an SBA economic injury disaster loan is Friday,May 10, 2024.

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. 

scott.reuter Mon, 12/18/2023 - 18:06

Coping With Holiday Stress After a Disaster

Holidays can bring back memories of happier times that are no longer possible after a natural disaster. If you are feeling anxious, lonely or uncertain about the future, you are not alone. You can reach out for help. The holidays may bring increased stress as traditional celebrations will look different due to the hurricanes, this may be an especially difficult time.

According to the Mayo Clinic, stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. A small amount of stress can be good, motivating you to perform well. But many challenges daily, such as sitting in traffic, meeting deadlines and paying bills, can push you beyond your ability to cope. For more information click on: Stress management basics.

Disasters can especially leave children feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. Whether a child has personally experienced the hurricane damage, has seen the event on television, or has heard it discussed by adults, it is important for parents and teachers to be informed and ready to help if reactions to stress begin to occur. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include:

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness, pessimism and hopelessness
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

2-1-1 Helpline

Floridians experiencing stress due to the disaster may call the state call center (352) 332-4636 or text your zip code to 898-211 for support. 

2-1-1 is the special abbreviated telephone number reserved as an easy-to-remember number meant to provide information and referrals to health, human, and social service organizations.

In addition to guiding callers to crisis counselors, dialing 2-1-1 also provides individuals and families in need with information about where to find social services such as supplemental food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options, services for veterans, and healthcare information.

The call centers are also designed to assist those who do not speak English, those with limited reading skills, and those who are new to their communities. The United Way operates or funds 70 percent of 2-1-1 centers.

The National Disaster Distress Helpline

The National Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH), funded by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), also provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Support is available to all residents of the U.S. experiencing stress or mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster through the National Disaster Distress Helpline (call or text 1-800-985-5990; for Spanish, press "2"). The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days week.

Callers can connect with DDH hotline counselors in 100+ additional languages via third-party interpretation services. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use the text option. To connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language, click the "ASL Now" button from the SAMHSA website (below) or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. ASL Support is available 24/7. For more information, please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/

Other Coping Resources

• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, text-based mental health support and crisis intervention. Visit www.crisistextline.org or Text HOME to 741741.
• American Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center: Call 833-492-0094.
• Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline: Call 800-962-2873.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
• National Sexual Assault Helpline: Call 800-656-HOPE.

For the latest information on Florida's recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at  FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) and at facebook.com/fema.

thomas.wise Mon, 12/18/2023 - 15:50

Skateboarding and Soccer Receive Backing from FEMA

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Two sports whose popularity among young people are unquestionable — skateboarding and soccer — received a boost from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), following a multimillion-dollar approval of funds to repair facilities dedicated to these sports. 

FEMA allocated nearly $6.4 million to repair the Bayamón Soccer Complex I and II and the Edwin Caraballo Soccer Park in Gurabo. It also approved nearly $2 million for the Parque del Niño and Skate Park in Cidra, and the Municipal Skate Park in Rincón. 

“Investing in sports facilities such as these has a broad social benefit because, in addition to providing young people with adequate infrastructure to practice and develop in sports, it contributes to family unity, the development of skills and values, and the well-being of communities,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero. 

Skateboarding has evolved rapidly since its beginnings in the 1950s in California. “It used to be a community. It’s always been said that skateboarding is artistic and not a sport. But now that it has become an Olympic sport, it is called a sport,” said Orlando Ramos, president of the Puerto Rico Skateboarding Federation.

Skateboarding professionals competed for the first time in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Puerto Rico was represented by Manny Santiago in the Street event and Steven Piñeiro represented the island in the Park event, which is performed on a track with slopes and complicated curves.

In order to support the development of more children and young people in this sport, FEMA obligated over $1 million to repair the Cidra skateboard park, which faced erosion and landslide problems during Hurricane María. The project includes installing a retaining wall and geotextile membranes to help prevent future erosion and funds for hazard mitigation measures.

The agency also allocated nearly $850,000 to repair Rincón's municipal skateboard park. “Since it is the only indoor skate park, young people prefer it,” said Mirta Carrero, project engineer for the municipality of Rincón. “They have adequate facilities at no cost and everyone participates on equal terms, regardless of whether they are experts or amateurs.”

The repairs include repairs to the building's structure: roof, bleachers and lighting, including the air conditioning system, which has already been repaired. “What I enjoy the most is that I can practice even if it's raining and they have a diversity of ramps to do different tricks,” said Manuel A. Rivera, a student from Añasco and a visitor to the Rincón park. “It is important to take care of it so that many young people like me have a safe place to practice, attend events and competitions and develop in the sport.”

Moreover, FEMA allocated nearly $4 million to repair the Bayamón Soccer Complex I and II, located near the Alturas de Flamboyán community in this municipality. It also allocated over $2.6 million for improvements to the Edwin Caraballo Soccer Stadium in Parcelas Nuevas, Gurabo.

Bayamón is one of the most active towns in the sport of soccer, said Iván Rivera, president of the Puerto Rican Soccer Federation (FPF, in Spanish). Among its most important parks are the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, where the National Soccer Team has played against renowned European and Latin American clubs, and the Bayamón Soccer Complex I and II.

“The Metropolitan Regional Association League, as well as the Puerto Rico Youth League, both male and female, play in the Bayamón parks, The Eastern Regional Association League games are played in the Gurabo parks,” Rivera said. 

Repairs to the Soccer Complex I in Bayamón have already been completed. The second phase at Complex II includes replacing part of the sports equipment — the net system and artificial turf — and improving the sidewalks and photovoltaic systems; this includes lighting, solar panels and batteries.

“Preserving soccer parks is one of the main factors to guarantee the development of soccer in the country. It is not only important to preserve them, but to invest in building new parks for soccer practice and competitions, with the corresponding access for the FPF,” said Rivera. 

On the other hand, repairs to the Edwin Caraballo Soccer Stadium in Gurabo include constructing a new building in accordance with current construction standards, installing artificial turf and repairing the infrastructure and surroundings of the park, including the parking area.

For his part, the executive director of the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency of (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, said that “currently, over 950 recreational and sports facilities are being rebuilt in Puerto Rico, with an approximate investment of $356 million in FEMA funds. These projects are developed based on the need expressed by COR3 subrecipients. The investment in these facilities will continue to drive socioeconomic development in the communities.”

To date, FEMA has allocated over $1.3 billion for repairs to sports and recreational facilities in Puerto Rico.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

BAYAMÓN SOCCER COMPLEX I AND II, PUERTO RICO

Bayamón, Puerto Rico (January 13, 2023) – FEMA allocated nearly $4 million to repair the Bayamón Soccer Complex I and II, located near the Alturas de Flamboyán community in this municipality. Photo FEMA/Alvin Báez Hernández

BAYAMÓN SOCCER COMPLEX I AND II, PUERTO RICO

Bayamón, Puerto Rico (January 13, 2023) – Repairs to the Soccer Complex I in Bayamón have already been completed. The second phase at Complex II includes replacing part of the sports equipment — the net system and artificial turf — and improving the sidewalks and photovoltaic systems; this includes lighting, solar panels and batteries. Photo FEMA/Alvin Baez Hernandez

MUNICIPAL SKATE PARK, RINCÓN, PUERTO RICO

Rincón, Puerto Rico (December 13, 2023) – FEMA allocated nearly $850,000 to repair Rincón's municipal skateboard park. The repairs include repairs to the building's structure: roof, bleachers and lighting, including the air conditioning system. Photo FEMA/Zorymar Quiñones

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 12/18/2023 - 12:07

More FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open the Week of Dec. 18; Holiday Closures for All Centers

CHICAGO –Three more temporary FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will open the week of Dec. 18 to help Cook County disaster survivors kickstart their recovery after the Sept. 17-18 severe storms and flooding. The centers will open in Harvey, South Holland and South Shore (see below for addresses and hours).

Additionally, all Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday Dec. 23-25 and Dec. 30–Jan. 1. 

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, and learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA’s DRC Locator. 

Temporary Disaster Recovery Centers will open in the following locations:

South Holland             
South Holland Public Works ​
155 W. 162nd​ St.
South Holland, IL 60473
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily*
Opens Monday, Dec. 18
*Closed temporarily Saturday, Sunday and Monday Dec. 23-25
Closes permanently Friday, Dec. 29

South Shore                
Chicago Public Library - South Shore Branch ​
2505 E. 73rd St.
Chicago, IL 60649
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily**
Opens Tuesday, Dec. 19
**Closed temporarily Saturday, Sunday and Monday Dec. 23-25
Closes permanently Friday, Dec. 29

Harvey             
Thornton Township High School, District 205 
Building T107 
249 E. 151st St.
Harvey, IL 60426
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily***
Opens Thursday, Dec. 21 
***Closed temporarily Saturday, Sunday and Monday Dec. 23-25
Closes permanently Friday, Dec. 29

Assistance and translated materials are available in languages other than English, including American sign language. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. 

You don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is January 19, 2024.     
  
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

larissa.hale Sat, 12/16/2023 - 21:39

Más Centros de Recuperación por Desastre de FEMA inician operaciones durante la semana del 18 de diciembre y se anuncia cierre temporal de todos los centros durante los días festivos

CHICAGO – Tres Centros de Recuperación por Desastre temporales más de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) abrirán la semana del 18 de diciembre para ayudar a los sobrevivientes del desastre ocurrido en el Condado Cook a iniciar su recuperación tras las severas tormentas e inundaciones del 17 y 18 de septiembre. Los centros estarán ubicados en Harvey, South Holland y South Shore (direcciones y horarios a continuación).

Además, todos los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre estarán cerrados desde el sábado 23 hasta el lunes 25 de diciembre y desde el sábado 30 de diciembre hasta el lunes 1 de enero.

Especialistas de FEMA y de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) estarán presentes en el centro para ayudar a los sobrevivientes a solicitar asistencia federal por desastre, cargar documentos, informarse sobre cómo hacer su propiedad más resistente a los desastres. Para encontrar el centro más cercano, visite la página de FEMA Localizador de DRC.

Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre temporales estarán ubicados en:

South Holland             
South Holland Public Works ​
155 W. 162nd​ St.
South Holland, IL 60473
Horario: todos los días de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m.*
Inicia operaciones el lunes 18 de diciembre
*Cierra temporalmente el sábado 23, domingo 24 y lunes 25 de diciembre
Cierra permanentemente el viernes 29 de diciembre

South Shore                
Chicago Public Library - South Shore Branch ​
2505 E. 73rd St.
Chicago, IL 60649
Horario: todos los días de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m.*
Inicia operaciones el martes 19 de diciembre
*Cierra temporalmente el sábado 23, domingo 24 y lunes 25 de diciembre
Cierra permanentemente el viernes 29 de diciembre

Harvey             
Thornton Township High School, District 205 
Building T107 
249 E. 151st St.
Harvey, IL 60426
Horario: todos los días de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m.*
Inicia operaciones el jueves 21 de diciembre
*Cierra temporalmente el sábado 23, domingo 24 y lunes 25 de diciembre
Cierra permanentemente el viernes 29 de diciembre

En estos centros se ofrece asistencia en otros idiomas distintos del inglés, incluido el Lenguaje de Señas Americano, y materiales traducidos. Las ubicaciones de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre se eligen por su accesibilidad, con el objetivo de llegar al mayor número de personas posible. 

No es necesario visitar un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre para solicitar asistencia de FEMA. Para solicitar la asistencia sin visitar un centro, llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362, visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es, o descargue la aplicación móvil de FEMA. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión como el servicio de retransmisión por video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés), el servicio telefónico subtitulado u otros, deberá facilitar a FEMA el número de dicho servicio cuando solicite asistencia.

Para más información sobre las operaciones de recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4749. La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia de FEMA es el 19 de enero de 2024.

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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin discriminación por motivos de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del idioma inglés o situación económica. Se brindará acomodo razonable, incluyendo traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de Vídeo, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido víctima de discriminación, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Si utiliza un Servicio de Retransmisión de vídeo, servicio de teléfono subtitulado u otro, brinde a FEMA su número asignado para ese servicio. 

larissa.hale Sáb, 16/12/2023 - 21:23

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Disaster survivors should be aware that con-artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after a disaster. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

If a FEMA Inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The Helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application. 

If you do wish to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the Helpline will assist you in creating a new application.

Scams

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas impacted by the Dec. 9, 2023, severe storms and tornadoes. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. 

Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. 

Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. FEMA inspectors will have your FEMA application number.

Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department. Consumers may also file a fraud complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office here: File a Complaint (tn.gov).

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving FEMA’s disaster relief operations, you can report this to FEMA or DHS. You may request confidentiality or register your complaint anonymously at:

• FEMA Fraud Branch, email: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.
• DHS Office of Inspector General, online through their allegation form (Recommended), call: (866) 720-5721, fax: (202) 254-4297, or write to: DHS Office of Inspector General / MAIL STOP 0305, Attn: Office of Investigations – Hotline, 245 Murray Lane SW, Washington, DC 20528-0305.

If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov. 

sandra.habib Sat, 12/16/2023 - 13:25

FEMA Teams Working in Tennessee

ATLANTA – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are going door-to-door in Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery and Sumner County neighborhoods to help individuals apply for FEMA assistance.

Using mobile technology, personnel can help survivors apply for assistance, update a FEMA application, and answer questions about federal assistance. 

Team members wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service. If you suspect fraud or fraudulent activity, call your local police or sheriff’s office or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

It is not necessary to wait to apply for assistance. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

For information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, fema.gov/disaster/4751. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Sat, 12/16/2023 - 13:20

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Severe Storms

ATLANTA –Tennessee homeowners and renters in Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery and Sumner counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by the severe storms on Dec. 9, 2023, may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

FEMA may be able to help with temporary lodging, basic home repair costs or other disaster-caused needs.

There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

When you apply for assistance, please have the following information ready:
▪ A current phone number where you can be contacted.
▪ Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
▪ Your Social Security Number.
▪ A general list of damage and losses.
▪ Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
▪ If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

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

Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

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

sandra.habib Sat, 12/16/2023 - 13:15

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Rockingham County, New Hampshire

Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review by residents and business owners in affected communities in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. 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. Before the maps become final, community stakeholders can raise questions or concerns about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment periods.

The 90-day appeal and comment periods will begin on or around December 19, 2023. The affected communities in Rockingham County, New Hampshire are listed in the Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations Notice in the Federal Register.

Residents may submit an appeal if they think 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, contact 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 FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed at the following websites:

• FEMA Map Service Center 
• Preliminary Map Products Download Page 
• Flood Map Changes Viewer 

For more information about the flood maps, please contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

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.

adrien.urbani Fri, 12/15/2023 - 19:04

6 Months After June Storms, $6 Million and Counting in Support

MADISON, Miss. Six months after the June 14-19 severe storms and tornadoes in Mississippi, federal support is assisting homeowners, renters, businesses and local governments with recovery. More than $6 million in federal support has been approved by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters and businesses. In addition, FEMA is working in the affected communities to provide Public Assistance grants to local governments.

Assistance for Individuals and Households

• As of Dec. 11, more than $3 million in FEMA grants have been approved for renters and homeowners in Jackson and Jasper counties. 
• More than $2.5 million in Housing Assistance that helps pay for uninsured home repairs, home replacement and rental assistance for short-term lodging.
• More than $433,000 in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for uninsured personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs.
• FEMA’s Call Out/Enhanced Applicant Services team identified and contacted survivors who were challenged by the application and appeals process. Team members completed more than 900 interviews with applicants, resulting in grants that they might not have gotten otherwise.

Disaster Loans from the SBA

As of Dec. 10, the SBA has approved more than $3.8 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners and businesses. These flexible loans can help supplement insurance settlements and FEMA grants.

• More than $3.4 million in home loans.
• More than $367,000 in business loans.

Public Assistance

As of Dec. 11, more than $690,000 has been approved for six projects, with more than $1.7 million for nine projects pending approval. 

29 counties and one tribal nation were approved for Public Assistance: 

• Adams 
• Amite 
• Attala 
• Claiborne 
• Copiah 
• Covington 
• Franklin 
• Greene 
• Holmes 
• Humphreys 
• Itawamba 
• Jackson 
• Jasper 
• Jefferson 
• Jefferson Davis 
• Jones 
• Lawrence 
• Leake 
• Madison 
• Mississippi Choctaw Indian Reservation
• Neshoba 
• Newton 
• Perry 
• Rankin 
• Scott 
• Simpson 
• Smith 
• Warren 
• Wayne 
• Yazoo

 

FEMA’s Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program that aids state, local, tribal and territorial governments, and certain types of nonprofit organizations impacted by declared disasters. FEMA works with local and state officials to provide reimbursement for eligible work including debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to infrastructure and other structures.

For the latest information on recovery from the June tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4727.

 

melanie.barker Fri, 12/15/2023 - 18:10

Preliminary Flood Maps for Allen Parish, Louisiana, Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of Village of Reeves and unincorporated areas of Allen Parish, Louisiana.

Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.

For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Allen Parish serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.

FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

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 floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

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 floodsmart.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 12/15/2023 - 17:27

FEMA Awards Over $1.1 Million to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital for COVID Response Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital for the cost of steps taken to protect patients, staff and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,118,066 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School in Boston for the cost of purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other materials between March and August 2020.

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital purchased N95 respirators, medical gloves, surgical masks, medical gowns, coveralls, face shields, plexiglass and ventilators, as well as contracting for physician services for training, administrative duties, and non-billable patient care.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing 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 $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Fri, 12/15/2023 - 15:45

FEMA Awards Nearly $3.2 Million to Boston Public Health Commission for COVID Testing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $3.2 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Boston Public Health Commission for the cost of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,189,657 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Boston Public Health Commission for the cost of contracting for mobile COVID-19 testing units between July 2022 and May 2023.

That included setting up local testing sites, test registration, interpreter services, educational resources and performing 19,484 COVID-19 PCR tests and providing test results. 

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Boston Public Health Commission with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing 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 $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Fri, 12/15/2023 - 15:43

FEMA Working Through the Holiday Season for Hurricane Idalia Survivors

Home for the holidays has a much greater meaning for those affected by Hurricane Idalia. For this reason, FEMA will continue to work through the holiday season to support eligible survivors in their process to identify potential short-term, long-term, and permanent housing solutions.

Because each survivor’s situation is unique, FEMA evaluates each application individually and helps eligible survivors identify the best available housing solution to meet their individual needs.

FEMA continues to make progress. The direct housing team continues to rollout manufactured housing units and travel trailers. Many units have been “licensed in,” which means families have been given the keys and taken possession of their long-term temporary home, and survivors will continue to be licensed-in throughout the holidays.

Applicants should stay in touch with FEMA to ensure the disaster assistance process stays on track. Missing or incorrect information could result in delays in receiving assistance. Applicants can update contact information, report additional home damage or a delay in insurance claims in the following ways:

• Call toll-free 800-621-3362, the telephone line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages.
  • An updated holiday schedule for the help line will be announced when it is available.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or;
• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
• If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

thomas.wise Fri, 12/15/2023 - 15:15

Centro de Recuperación por Desastre en Dolton se traslada a un lugar más amplio en el antiguo gimnasio Melanie Fitness Center

CHICAGO – El Centro de Recuperación por Desastre de FEMA en el Dolton Park District Main Field House se traslada a una ubicación fija más grande en el antiguo Melanie Fitness Center para ayudar a los residentes a iniciar su recuperación tras las tormentas e inundaciones ocurridas el 17 y 18 de septiembre.  

El centro ubicado en el Dolton Park District Main Field House cerrará a las 5 p.m. del sábado 16 de diciembre para permitir la mudanza. La nueva ubicación en el antiguo Melanie Fitness Center iniciará operaciones el lunes 18 de diciembre a las 8 a.m.

Este nuevo centro en Dolton ofrecerá a los solicitantes más espacio y una ubicación más prolongada en su comunidad para garantizar que reciban en persona la asistencia para la recuperación que necesitan en las próximas semanas. Especialistas de FEMA y de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) estarán presentes en el centro para ayudar a los sobrevivientes a solicitar asistencia federal por desastre, cargar documentos, informarse sobre cómo hacer su propiedad más resistente a los desastres y obtener respuesta a sus preguntas en persona.

El nuevo centro en Dolton estará ubicado en: 

Dolton             
Antiguo Melanie Fitness Center
14900 Greenwood Rd.
Dolton, IL 60419
Día de apertura: lunes 18 de diciembre
Horario: lunes a sábado de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. (el centro estará cerrado durante los días festivos del 23 al 25 de diciembre y del 30 de diciembre al 1 de enero)

En estos centros se ofrece asistencia en otros idiomas distintos del inglés, incluido el Lenguaje de Señas Americano y materiales traducidos. Las ubicaciones de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre se eligen por su accesibilidad, con el objetivo de llegar al mayor número de personas posible. En todos los centros hay estacionamientos accesibles. 

Ya están abiertos varios centros de recuperación. Para encontrar el centro más cercano, visite la página de FEMA Localizador de DRC. 

No es necesario visitar un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre para solicitar asistencia de FEMA. Para solicitar la asistencia sin visitar un centro, llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362, visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es, o descargue la aplicación móvil de FEMA. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión como el servicio de retransmisión por video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés), el servicio telefónico subtitulado u otros, deberá facilitar a FEMA el número de dicho servicio cuando solicite asistencia.

Para obtener más información sobre la operación de recuperación del desastre en Illinois, visite www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4749. La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia de FEMA es el 19 de enero de 2024.     
 
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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin importar la raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés ni la situación económica. Acomodos razonables, incluso traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano mediante servicio de retransmisión de video, estarán disponibles para garantizar una comunicación efectiva con los solicitantes que no tengan un buen dominio del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido objeto de discriminación, llame a la línea libre de cargos de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Si usted usa un sistema de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión por vídeo (VRS), servicio telefónico con subtítulos u otros servicios, debe proveerle a FEMA el número para ese servicio.

larissa.hale Jue, 14/12/2023 - 23:45

Dolton Disaster Recovery Center Moves to Larger Location at Former Melanie Fitness Center

CHICAGO –The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in the Dolton Park District Main Field House is moving to a larger, fixed location at the Former Melanie Fitness Center to help residents kickstart their recovery after the September 17 - 18 storms and flooding.  

The center in the Dolton Park District Main Field House will close at 5 p.m. Saturday, December 16 to allow for the move. The new location at the Former Melanie Fitness Center will open at 8 a.m. Monday, December 18. 

This new Dolton center will offer applicants more space and a longer-term site in their community to ensure they receive the in-person recovery support they need in the weeks ahead. Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be there to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant and get their questions answered in person.

Details for the new Dolton center are as follows: 

Dolton             
Former Melanie Fitness Center
14900 Greenwood Rd.
Dolton, IL 60419
Opening day: Monday, Dec. 18 
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Saturday (closed Dec. 23 – 25 and Dec. 30 – Jan. 1 for the holidays)

Assistance in languages other than English, including American Sign Language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. 

Additional recovery centers will be opening soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA’s DRC Locator. 

You don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749. The deadline to register with FEMA is January 19, 2024.     
 
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

larissa.hale Thu, 12/14/2023 - 23:16

FEMA Awards Over $5.5 Million to Cambridge Health Alliance for COVID Staffing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $5.5 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Cambridge Health Alliance and Cambridge Public Health Commission for the cost of contracting for additional staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $5,540,343 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Cambridge Health Alliance for the cost of contracting for temporary staff to respond to the surge in patents caused by pandemic between April and June 2021.

During that time the Cambridge Health Alliance, a health network affiliated with Harvard Medical School and serving the communities north of Boston, increased staffing by contracting with several companies for additional staff in inpatient units, intensive care units, emergency departments, respiratory clinic, COVID testing facilities, pharmacy, and laboratory.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Cambridge Health Alliance with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing 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 $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/14/2023 - 15:33

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

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Tennessee to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and tornadoes on Dec. 9, 2023.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery and Sumner counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding also is available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance in Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery and Sumner counties.

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

Yolanda J. Jackson 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 requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 12/13/2023 - 23:23