FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Laurens County

ATLANTA – FEMA opened an additional Disaster Recovery Center in Laurens County to provide one-on-one help for Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene. The center is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Center location: 

Laurens County

Old West Laurens Middle School

338 West Laurens School Road

Dublin, GA 31021

Additional centers are open in Appling, Chatham, Coffee, Liberty, Lowndes, McDuffie, Richmond, Toombs and Washington counties. Additionally, Mobile Disaster Assistance Centers are open in Berrien, Telfair and Ware counties for a limited time. Mobile centers give survivors another option to get help with their application and find other resources.

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

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

Liberty County

Miller Park/HQ Fire Station 

6944 E. Oglethorpe Highway, Midway, GA 31320

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

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

 

FEMA Mobile Registration Center location and hours

Berrien County 

Carrie Dorsey Library

315 W. Marion Ave., Nashville, GA 31639

Wednesday, Oct. 30, through Friday, Nov. 1 

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

 

Telfair County

Piggly Wiggly Parking Lot 

48 East Oak Street, McRae-Helena, GA 31055 

Monday, Oct. 28 through Saturday, Nov. 2 

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ware County 

Courthouse Annex 

305 Oak Street, Waycross, Georgia, 31501

Monday, Oct. 28 through Saturday, Nov. 2 

8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    

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 Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.

larissa.hale Wed, 10/30/2024 - 18:31

FEMA Officials Meet Local Officials as Helene, Milton Recovery Progresses

WASHINGTON – More than a month after Helene made landfall, FEMA officials remain on the ground coordinating with local officials in affected states to help guide their recovery.   

Visits included Victoria Salinas, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator, meeting with officials over several days in North Carolina and Florida. There Salinas and other FEMA officials discussed how the communities were progressing in their recovery and surveyed the effectiveness of modern building codes in minimizing storm-related damage.

FEMA has approved more than $1.3 billion in direct assistance to Hurricanes Helene and Milton survivors. These funds help survivors with housing repairs, personal property replacement and other essential recovery efforts. Additionally, over $1.1 billion has been approved for debris removal and emergency protective measures, which are necessary to save lives, protect public health and prevent further damage to public and private property. 

More than 1,400 FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team members are in affected neighborhoods across affected states helping survivors apply for assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. 

Also, FEMA now has 76 Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the hurricane affected communities. Center locations can be found at FEMA.gov/DRC. Centers can provide survivors in-person help with their applications and answer questions they have about available resources to help with their recovery.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Operation Blue Roof which is a free service to homeowners for 25 counties in Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton. Residents can sign-up at www.blueroof.gov or by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258).  The sign-up period deadline is Nov. 5.

FEMA encourages Helene and Milton survivors to apply for disaster assistance online as this remains the quickest way to start your recovery. Individuals can apply for federal assistance by: 

• Applying online at disasterassistance.gov
• Using the FEMA App
• Calling 800-621-3362, Staffed daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. local time
• Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center to talk with FEMA and state agency officials and apply for assistance

President Joseph R. Biden has approved major disaster declarations in six states--Florida, Georgia North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia--affected by Helene. He has also approved a major disaster declaration for Florida following Hurricane Milton.

These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across states affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

SWANNANOA, North Carolina – FEMA sets up a mobile Disaster Recovery Center in an affected North Carolina community. Helene survivors in Swannanoa and nearby areas can visit this center to apply for federal disaster assistance and ask questions about available state and federal resources for their recovery.  SAVANNAH, Georgia - FEMA staff and FEMA Corps members help survivors of Hurricane Helene at the Disaster Recovery Center in Savannah. CORTEZ, Florida – Victoria Salinas, FEMA Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator, and other FEMA personnel join Manatee County officials in the Hunters Point Neighborhood in Cortez. There they spoke with an owner of a property development to talk about how building codes helped the community following the recent hurricanes.  COLLETSVILLE, North Carolina - Victoria Salinas, FEMA Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator, surveys the flood damage from Wilson Creek along Brown Mountain Road with members of the Collettsville Fire Department. Salinas also talked with the owners of the Brown Mountain Resort as they shared their story of surviving the flood from Hurricane Helene. 

FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Toolkit provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. In addition, FEMA has set up a rumor control web page to reduce confusion about its role in the Helene and Milton response and recovery. 

annie.bond Wed, 10/30/2024 - 17:58

Have Questions? Answers May Be Available at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA remains in Louisiana to assist survivors recovering from Hurricane Francine. 

Three Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open to support survivors from Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes. FEMA employees are on-hand to answer questions and assist with applications. Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Louisiana and nonprofit and nongovernmental partners are also available to assist survivors as they navigate their recovery. 

The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).

DRCs are open at the following locations: 

St. Mary Parish

Morgan City Municipal Auditorium
728 Myrtle St.
Morgan City, LA 70380

Terrebonne Parish

Terrebonne Parish Library

151 Library Drive

Houma, LA 70360

These centers operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No appointment is necessary. 

Lafourche Parish

Lafourche Parish Emergency Operations Center

4876 Hwy. 1

Raceland, LA 70394

This center will close Nov. 1. It is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• The centers 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.
• Real-time captioning as well as information in Braille, large-print, audio and electronic versions are available.
• The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.
  • Specialists at the centers can also direct you to operators who can communicate in languages other than English and printed material in multiple languages.
  • Specialists can help you update your FEMA applications and learn about state and community programs and other available assistance. They can clarify information you have received from FEMA or other agencies; they can explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters; and they can fax your requested documents to a FEMA processing center and scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.

You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.

Additional options when applying include:

• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. 
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
• To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6.

alexa.brown Wed, 10/30/2024 - 15:43

Deadline Extended for FEMA Public Assistance Requests

RALEIGH, N.C. - Local governments, houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have until Jan 7, 2025, to submit Requests for Public Assistance (RPA) from FEMA. The RPA is the first step for public and private nonprofit organizations to apply for federal disaster assistance.

FEMA extended the deadline at the request of the state of North Carolina.

The designated counties and tribe were a part of the major disaster declaration after Tropical Storm Helene, which included FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. This program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. These funds support the removal of debris, costs of emergency protective measures and restoration of public facilities, helping disaster survivors resume life in their communities.

Eligible applicants can apply for assistance through the state of North Carolina. For more information on submitting a Request for Public Assistance, applicants should contact North Carolina Emergency Management, or email pahotline@ncdps.gov.

erika.suzuki Wed, 10/30/2024 - 14:39

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in McCormick County

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

McCormick County Library 
201 Railroad Ave. 
McCormick, SC 29835

Open Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, 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 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. 

gerard.hammink Wed, 10/30/2024 - 14:08

FEMA Reminds Louisiana Residents to Maintain Flood Insurance Coverage

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA is reminding flood survivors who received a temporary Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) of the need to purchase an individual flood insurance policy. The three-year GFIP expired Monday, October 28, so policyholders must plan now to switch to a standard flood insurance policy to ensure continuous flood insurance coverage.

It’s important that GFIP holders purchase a new flood insurance policy when the GFIP expires, to not only be covered in the event of flood damage, but to remain compliant with the obligation to get and keep flood insurance as a condition of past FEMA disaster assistance. To learn more about the requirement, visit https://agents.floodsmart.gov/disaster-assistance-flood-insurance-requirement.

Following Hurricane Ida, FEMA purchased over 500 GFIPs for eligible disaster survivors whose homes were flooded. This helped those survivors meet the obtain and maintain flood insurance requirement for households that receive FEMA flood disaster assistance when their home is in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). 

Part of the eligibility requirement for receiving future federal financial assistance after a flood is that household get and keep flood insurance. For homeowners: Even if the property is transferred or sold, the requirement stays with the address, so the new owners are required to have flood insurance as well. For renters: They need to get and keep flood insurance as long as they remain at the rental address. Those that don’t buy a flood insurance policy will likely not receive federal disaster assistance for home repairs or personal property replacement if they experience another federally declared flood event.

Steps to Take Now

Purchase an individual flood insurance policy through a local insurance agent or from the NFIP Direct at NFIP Direct - Sign In before your GFIP expires. GFIPs are not renewable. However, policyholders have a 30-day renewal grace period offered through standard NFIP flood insurance policies. This means that even though a GFIP expires on October 28, 2024, policyholders have 30 days to pay in full for a standard NFIP policy without experiencing a lapse in coverage. For example, if they purchase a standard NFIP policy before the 30-day window ends on November 26, 2024, the effective date for their new policy would be October 28, 2024. They would not have to wait the typical 30 days for a new policy to go into effect and could be covered for any flood losses during that time. Don’t delay.

• For more information regarding GFIPs and purchasing a Standard Flood Insurance Policy, call the NFIP Direct at 800-638-6620 and select option number 2.
• Call the FEMA Disaster Assistance line at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to verify how much assistance you previously received. By law, you must purchase at least as much flood insurance coverage as the amount of federal home repair and personal property assistance you received for flood damages. Consider purchasing more coverage than required, as flood insurance claims can be made at any time.

FEMA sends GFIP certificate holders a welcome packet when they first receive the policy, annual reminders, a reminder letter 45 days before the GFIP expires, as well as a final expiration notice.

Flooding is the nation’s most common and costly natural disaster.  Flood insurance policies are crucial to recover quickly following a flood event as homeowners and renters’ policies do not typically cover flood damage. Visit FloodSmart.gov to learn more.

Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 and on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

alexa.brown Wed, 10/30/2024 - 01:20

FEMA Continues Recovery Efforts Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, over $1.2 Billion in Direct Assistance to Survivors

Federal, state and local partners remain throughout the Southeast to help survivors affected by recent storms

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration has approved more than $1.2 billion in direct assistance to Hurricanes Helene and Milton survivors. These funds help survivors with housing repairs, personal property replacement and other essential recovery efforts. Additionally, over $1.1 billion has been approved for debris removal and emergency protective measures, which are necessary to save lives, protect public health and prevent further damage to public and private property.

Today, Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks is in North Carolina meeting with state and local officials and supporting federal response efforts. FEMA personnel remain on the ground in communities across the Southeast conducting damage assessments, coordinating with local officials, and helping individuals apply for disaster assistance programs. More than 1,400 FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team members are in affected neighborhoods helping survivors apply for assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.

Applying for assistance is a critical first step towards recovery. Disaster survivors in certain areas of Georgia, Florida (Helene), Florida (Milton), North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. Federal assistance for individuals may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies. 

Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Applicants may be eligible for Transitional Sheltering Assistance, which provides survivors with a safe, temporary place to stay, like a hotel or motel, until they can find a short or longer-term housing solution. To date, more than 23,000 households have checked into FEMA provided hotels.

Individuals affected by the hurricanes are encouraged to apply as soon as they are able to by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, which is the fastest way to get an application started. Individuals can also apply using the FEMA App, calling 1-800-621-3362 or in person at a local Disaster Recovery Center. 

Disaster Recovery Centers can provide survivors in-person help with their applications. FEMA now has 75 Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the hurricane affected communities. Center locations can be found at FEMA.gov/DRC. FEMA also has Disaster Survivor Assistance team members in the field supporting survivors and helping them with the application process. 

Support for North Carolina

FEMA has approved over $185 million for over 116,000 households and other types of assistance. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $189 million for debris removal and reimbursement of emergency protective measures for the state.

More than 6,300 households have checked into FEMA-funded hotels and lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. 

There are 411 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also 21 Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Asheville (Mobile), Bakersville, Boone, Brevard, Bryson City, Burnsville, Charlotte, Conover, Fairview, Hendersonville, Jefferson, Lake Lure, Lenoir, Marion, Marshall, Morganton, Newland, Old Fort, Sparta, Sylva, and Waynesville where survivors can speak directly with FEMA and state personnel for assistance with their recovery. To find the nearest center, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.

Support for Florida  

In response to Helene, FEMA has approved over $413 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 125,000 households. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $335 million in Public Assistance for debris removal and emergency work. In response to Milton, FEMA has approved over $252 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 174,000 households. Additionally, FEMA has approved more than $631 million in Public Assistance for debris removal and emergency work.

More than 13,200 households have checked into FEMA-funded hotels and lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.  

There are 486 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities to provide support. There are also 20 Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Bartow, Branford, Brooksville, Carrabelle (Mobile), Dale City (Mobile), Fort Pierce, Homosassa, Lake City, Largo, Live Oak, Madison, Old Town, Orlando, Palmetto (Mobile), Perry (2), Punta Gorda (Mobile), Sarasota, Stuart and Vero Beach supporting survivors from Debby, Helene and Milton where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

Residents in need of information or resources should call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions.  

Support for South Carolina

FEMA has approved over $196 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 198,000 households. 

More than 3,400 households have checked into FEMA-funded hotels and lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.

There are 155 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also nine Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Abbeville, Anderson, Columbia, Edgefield, Graniteville, Greenville, Greenwood, Spartanburg and Winnsboro where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

Residents with questions on Helene can call the state’s toll-free hotline, open 24 hours a day, at 1-866-246-0133. Residents who are dependent on medical equipment at home and who are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. Call the state’s Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for more information. 

Support for Georgia

FEMA has approved over $190 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 160,000 households.

There are 267 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also 12 Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Augusta, Baxley, Douglas, Lyons, McRae–Helena (Mobile), Midway, Ocilla (Mobile), Sandersville, Savannah, Thompson, Valdosta and Waycross (Mobile) where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene. 

Support for Virginia  

To date, FEMA has approved over $8 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 2,700 households.

There are about 79 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are also eight Disaster Recovery Centers open in Christiansburg, Damascus, Dublin, Independence, Marion, Pembroke, Tazewell and Wytheville where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at: Recover – Hurricane Helene | VDEM (vaemergency.gov).

Support for Tennessee 

FEMA has approved more than $15.9 million in housing and other types of assistance for more than 4,700 households. 

There are more than 58 Disaster Survivor Assistance members in communities providing support. There are now five Disaster Recovery Center open in Elizabeth, Erwin, Greenville, Morristown and Newport where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

Counties continue to establish donation centers. For the evolving list, visit TEMA’s website.

amy.ashbridge Tue, 10/29/2024 - 21:15

FEMA Posts Public Notice for Tennessee Counties Affected by Helene

A public notice has been posted that describes FEMA’s proposed funding for Tropical Storm Helene work projects that may adversely affect historic properties, floodplains or wetlands, or may result in continuing vulnerability of these areas to flood damage.

By law, FEMA is required to announce its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities under its Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program after the Oct. 2 major disaster declaration for Tropical Storm Helene.

The public notice is posted on FEMA’s disaster web page at DR-4832-TN Public Notice 004 | FEMA.gov and on the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s website at FEMA-4832 Public Notice. 

The major disaster declaration authorizes FEMA to provide financial assistance and direct services to individuals and households affected by the Sept. 26-30 storms in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties.

The declaration also authorizes FEMA to provide, under its Public Assistance program, reimbursement or direct federal assistance for emergency and permanent work to eligible state and local agencies and certain private nonprofits. Counties authorized under the Public Assistance program are: Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington counties.

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

For more information about these actions or a specific project, write to FEMA Region 4, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, GA 30341-4112. You may also email FEMA-R4EHP@fema.dhs.gov. Include in the email subject line, “DR-4832-TN EHAD.” Comments should be sent in writing within 30 days of the date of the public notice.

kwei.nwaogu Tue, 10/29/2024 - 19:44

Georgia Farmers, Ranch Hands May be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

ATLANTA – Georgia farmers and ranch hands whose tools or equipment were damaged by Hurricane Helene or Tropical Storm Debby, damage Aug. 4--20, 2024, may be eligible for disaster assistance. FEMA assistance is available to replace disaster-damaged essential tools, supplies, equipment and items required for employment or for self-employment.

Coverage for Tools and Equipment

Family-owned farms typically have a variety of equipment needed to conduct business. These include, but are not limited to, tractors, plows, seeders or planters, harvesters, sprayers, hay balers and utility vehicles. These items are all potentially eligible for FEMA disaster assistance if the applicant can show that they were damaged by the disaster, the applicant does not have another working item that can meet this need, and the loss of the item was not covered by insurance. Crops and livestock are not “tools and equipment” because they are the products of a farming operation, whereas tools and equipment are the means of production.

Ranch hands may be eligible for assistance to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment not covered by insurance when they can show these items are required by their employer.

Assistance is based on a need to replace disaster-damaged essential tools, supplies, equipment, items required by an employer as a condition of employment or required for education. This includes disaster-damaged tools and equipment, or other items required for a specific trade or profession that are not provided or supplied by the employer, including a computer.

Many of these items have substantial costs, but it is important to remember that assistance for uninsured or underinsured occupational tools is limited to the maximum amount of Other Needs Assistance an applicant may receive. Additional assistance to help meet these needs may also be available from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency offers Livestock Assistance, Farm Loans and help for farmland damage and crop losses. Visit Disaster Assistance Programs (usda.gov) to learn more.

How To Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance

• Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. To find your nearest Disaster Recovery Center, visit fema.gov/drc.
• Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download and use the FEMA app.

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

To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.

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 Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.

larissa.hale Tue, 10/29/2024 - 17:38

FEMA is Hiring Georgians to Assist with Hurricane Helene Recovery

ATLANTA – FEMA is currently hiring locals to ensure Georgia’s recovery is led by the people who know the area best. If you live in Georgia and want to help your community recover after Hurricane Helene, FEMA encourages you to apply for a temporary or permanent local hire position. 

The agency is hiring for positions in a variety of fields, including emergency management, logistics management, information technology, grants management and more to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts. These positions are normally for 120 days but may be extended based on agency needs. 

How to Apply

• Visit USAJobs.gov to see all open positions. Type keywords “FEMA, Local Hire” and enter your location as “Georgia”.  
• Click “Apply Online” and follow instructions in the “How to Apply” section of the job opportunity announcement.
• You will need to submit the documents and information outlined on the page.

Questions?

If you have questions, please email them to fema-careers@fema.dhs.gov or visit fema.gov/careers for more information.

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 Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.

larissa.hale Tue, 10/29/2024 - 16:01

FEMA is Hiring Community Liaisons in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. - FEMA is hiring Community Liaisons to support local communities affected by Tropical Storm Helene in North Carolina. FEMA Community Liaisons will work with storm-affected communities and serve as a community link between FEMA, state, and federal partners. 

In this position, FEMA Community Liaisons will work with other FEMA staff to support communities in navigating federal programs, identifying and reporting potential barriers and gaps in recovery needs and determining the best approaches to meet those needs. 

These positions are for Cadre of On-Call Response/Recovery Employees (CORE). CORE employees are full-time employees hired to directly support response and recovery efforts related to disasters. These positions will be hired into temporary two-year, excepted service appointments, which may be renewed based on workload, funding and supervisory approval. Benefits include health insurance, vacation time, sick leave and up to 11 paid annual holidays. 

Applications are being accepted online. To see all open positions and to apply, visit usajobs.gov. More information about FEMA’s hiring process can be found on FEMA.gov/careers.

All applicants must be U.S. citizens and 18 years of age or older. Additional requirements vary by position type.

erika.suzuki Tue, 10/29/2024 - 15:37

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the U.S. Virgin Islands

WASHINGTON– FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Ernesto on Aug. 13-16, 2024.

Federal funding is available to territory and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Ernesto on the islands of St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas and Water Island.  

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

Lai Sun Yee has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Designations may be made at a later date if requested by the territory and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. 

amy.ashbridge Tue, 10/29/2024 - 15:10

Time Is Running Out!

Harrisburg, Penn -- If you haven’t applied for federal disaster assistance from FEMA, time is running out. 

The deadline for applications is November 12. If you live in Lycoming, Potter, Tioga or Union County and suffered loss of personal property or damage to your home due to Tropical Storm Debby on Aug. 9 -10, 2024, you should apply as soon as possible. 

There are four ways to apply.  You can:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download the FEMA App
• Visit the remaining Disaster Recovery Center at 
  • Tioga County: Valley Christian Church, 146 Maple Street, Westfield, PA 16950 
    • Normal Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday thru Saturday
    • Election Day, Nov. 5: Temporarily Closed for the Day
    • Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11: Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November 12 will be here before you know it. Don’t delay! Register today

For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Pennsylvania, visit fema.gov/disaster/4815

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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 x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

erika.osullivan Tue, 10/29/2024 - 14:05

Taylor County Disaster Recovery Center Reopens in New Location

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The Disaster Recovery Center in Taylor County is open in a new location to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricane Helene and Debby. Survivors of Hurricane Milton can also be served by the center.

Center location:

Taylor County
20116 Keaton Beach Road
Perry, FL 32348
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday

Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. If you choose to apply by phone, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters. 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, 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.

kirsten.chambers Tue, 10/29/2024 - 11:44

FEMA Opening Disaster Recovery Center in Juneau

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center on Wednesday, October 30 in Juneau, Alaska to provide one-on-one assistance for people affected by the August 5-6 Juneau Mendenhall glacier flooding.

Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain disaster assistance programs, help people complete or check the status of applications for federal assistance, and get information on additional resources offered by the State of Alaska.

Disaster Recovery Center Location: 

Mendenhall Valley Public Library 
3025 Diamond Park Loop
Juneau, AK 99801

Hours of Operation 
8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday-Sunday

Location closed November 4-6 for election activities

How to Apply for Disaster Assistance

Residents can apply for disaster assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center, or in the following ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov for English, or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
• Use the FEMA mobile app in English or Spanish.
• Call the Alaska Call Center at 866-342-1699 between 7 a.m.-4 p.m. AKT, Monday through Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. AKT, Saturday. Multilingual operators are available. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.

For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI

Disaster Recovery Centers are physically accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistive and adaptive technology such as assistive listening devices, resources for low vision, and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448.

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on X and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

mary.j.edmon Tue, 10/29/2024 - 02:04

FEMA Issues Public Notice for Tropical Cyclone Eight, North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – A public notice has been posted describing available FEMA assistance and proposed FEMA-funded actions, including activities that may affect historic properties, threatened and endangered species, critical habitats, wetlands and floodplains in North Carolina. 

FEMA is required by law to provide public notice of its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities via the Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs following the major disaster declaration for Tropical Cyclone Eight. 

The public notice is posted on FEMA’s disaster web page at fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/4837-dr-nc-public-notice-001.

This may be the only public notice. Interested persons may obtain information about these actions or a specific project by writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 4, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-4112, or by email to FEMA-R4EHP@fema.dhs.gov. Please include in the subject line of the email, “DR-4837-nc EHAD.” Comments should be sent in writing within 30 days of the date of this notice.

barbara.murien… Mon, 10/28/2024 - 21:03

Non-Profit Organizations Benefit from FEMA Funds

Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO ― The Support and Therapy Center of the Puerto Rico Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association is one of the non-profit organizations that recently received funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair its infrastructure after Hurricane María and to continue offering its services for the development of its participants.

The organization, which focuses on promoting the functioning, independence and integration of people with developmental disabilities, also offers services in social work, physical and occupational therapy, and assistance with the purchase of orthopedic equipment.

“The social and health needs of our island are different and precise. We have the great talent and dedication of communities that are ready to meet these needs and FEMA remains committed to assisting in the recovery of these organizations,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José Baquero. 

The Support and Therapy Center serves over 200 people. It also offers educational workshops on the management and prevention of births with neural tube defects and supports families during and after a pregnancy with a neural tube defect diagnosis. 

The Association’s director, Isolina Laboy Arroyo, said that they recently discharged a 3-year-old participant, who “lives a full life, participates in extracurricular activities such as gymnastics and is a girl who enjoys having reached her full potential thanks to early intervention.” 

The organization offered direct services to the mother during her pregnancy and after a surgery to treat the infant’s spina bifida from the womb. After birth, the entity offered direct occupational and physical therapy services to the girl from 5 months to 2 years old.

Laboy Arroyo stated that “over the years, this organization has been able to fulfill its mission of offering direct services to participants to promote the functioning, independence and integration in the community of people with developmental disabilities. This entity has played an important role in being able to provide patients with the opportunity to become as independent as possible within the limits that their condition allows.”

The Association has about $35,000 from the agency to replace the roof waterproofing system, the air conditioners, floor mats for therapy rooms and some office equipment, among others. Mitigation funds within this allocation will anchor the water cistern tank and improve the facilities’ infrastructure against infiltration. 

On the other hand, FEMA also obligated funds for Bill’s Kitchen, an entity that has been providing food security along with nutritional counseling for 31 years.

Bill’s Kitchen was born in memory of a young architect named Bill, who died of AIDS in Seattle in 1992. His mother Sara Metcalf, who lived in Puerto Rico, decided to help people on the island living with this condition by providing food to everyone who needed it, replicating several service programs in New York, Seattle, San Francisco and Washington, DC. Today, Bill’s Kitchen serves more than 30 towns in the northeastern area of the island: they serve about 1,175 people a year, distribute over 11,000 bags of food for two weeks, and coordinate thousands of clinical and support services for their participants.

Bill’s Kitchen Executive Director Sandra Torres Rivera explained that its participants also have services in place to ensure they maintain their treatments for HIV and other chronic health conditions.

“Our nutritional services program complements the provision of food, offering food security to the medical and nutritional counseling, to give the participant the tools to combat not only hunger, but also prevailing health conditions on the island such as diabetes, hypertension and gastrointestinal problems. Through the Intégrate Program we offer medical transportation, oral health and visual health services, which include the purchase of eyeglasses, laboratories and emergency assistance, among other services that our participants cannot access through their health insurance coverage,” said Torres Rivera.

This organization received about $470,000 for its infrastructure. The work includes the replacement of equipment, such as the mezzanine and kitchen air conditioners. More than $78,000 of the funds were destined to mitigation measures aimed at ensuring proper drainage and preventing infiltration to the roof and interior of the facilities.

For his part, the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, said that “our work team assists non-profit organizations such as Bill’s Kitchen, an entity that is currently in the construction acquisition phase to make way for the reconstruction of the facilities where they offer services aimed at a population in need. Puerto Rico has thousands of non-profit entities like this one, which have the commendable work of supporting and contributing to the quality of life of our citizens. At COR3 we will continue to guide them in the process so that they can complete their works.”

To date, FEMA has allocated over $34.2 billion for more than 11,000 projects to address Puerto Rico’s recovery following Hurricane María. A total of over $1.4 billion are destined exclusively to support the recovery of 1,105 non-profit projects across the island.

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.

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 10/28/2024 - 12:04

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Swain County

RALEIGH, N.C. -  A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open Monday, Oct. 28 in Bryson City (Swain County) to assist North Carolina survivors who experienced loss from Tropical Storm Helene.  

The Swain County DRC is located at:  

Swain County Technology and Training Center (Swain County Training Center)

45 East Ridge Drive

Bryson, NC 28713

Open: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday

A DRC is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and much more.  

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

To find additional DRC locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a zip code to 43362. Additional recovery centers will open soon. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.   

Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed.  

It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 

erika.suzuki Sun, 10/27/2024 - 18:00

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Catawba County

RALEIGH, N.C. -  A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open Monday, Oct. 28 in Conover (Catawba County) to assist North Carolina survivors who experienced loss from Tropical Storm Helene.  

The Catawba County DRC is located at:  

Conover Fire Department Station 3 (Fire Station 3)

1776 Village Square NW

Conover, NC 28613

Open: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday

A DRC is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and much more.  

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

To find additional DRC locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a zip code to 43362. Additional recovery centers will open soon. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.   

Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed.  

It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 

erika.suzuki Sun, 10/27/2024 - 17:54

FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Visiting Several Georgia Towns

ATLANTA – FEMA is opening three Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers in Irwin, Telfair and Ware counties. These centers give survivors another option to learn about the types of assistance available, get help applying for federal assistance, receive updates on their applications and learn about the appeals process. 

The centers will be open on the following dates in three locations:

Irwin County 
Sunday, Oct. 27 through Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ocilla Community House

711 S. Irwin Avenue, Ocilla, Georgia 31774 

Ware County 
Saturday, Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 27 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 28 through Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Courthouse Annex 

305 Oak Street, Waycross, Georgia, 31501

Telfair County
Saturday, Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 27 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 28 through Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Piggly Wiggly Parking Lot 

48 East Oak Street, McRae-Helena, Georgia 31055

Survivors may also visit any of the fixed site Disaster Recovery Centers in the state:

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

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

Liberty County

Miller Park/HQ Fire Station 

6944 E. Oglethorpe Highway, Midway, GA 31320

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

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

 

Temporary FEMA Center location and hours

Valdosta

2108 E. Hill Avenue, Building D

Valdosta, GA 31601

Saturday, Oct. 26: 

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

In addition to visiting a center, people can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the FEMA App or by calling 800-621-3362. 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. 

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, visit Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance. 

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 Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.

larissa.hale Sun, 10/27/2024 - 16:45