Work with FEMA to Help Tennessee Recover from Helene

FEMA is hiring! Join the team that helps people in need before, during and after disasters.

FEMA is seeking liaisons, site inspectors, environmental specialists, geospatial information analysts, media relations specialists and more to help Tennessee residents recover from Tropical Storm Helene. Jobs are available in Knoxville and Nashville, and candidates with diverse experiences are encouraged to apply.

These temporary positions start as 120-day appointments, which may be extended based on the needs of the recovery mission.

To apply for a position or see a list of open positions, visit this link: USAJOBS - Search; go to USAJobs.gov, type “FEMA” and “local hire” in the keywords section and “Tennessee” for location; or hold your phone’s camera up to this QR code:

All positions will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date or when 100 applications are received.

For tips, including how to prepare your resume and navigate the website, visit USAJOBS Help Center - Application Process.

Hiring locally helps build FEMA’s disaster recovery workforce. Many career FEMA employees began as local hires.

All applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, and possess a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma. Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes fingerprinting and a credit check. Employees are also required to participate in direct deposit or electronic funds transfer for salary payment. If you are found qualified, you may be called for an interview.

kwei.nwaogu Thu, 10/24/2024 - 20:14

FEMA Administrator Meets Officials and Survivors in South Carolina and Checks on Helene Recovery Efforts as Assistance to Survivors Surpasses $1 Billion

WASHINGTON – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell traveled to South Carolina to meet with local and state officials today and check-in on long-term recovery efforts. She surveyed areas affected by Hurricane Helene in Aiken, South Carolina.  

Criswell, who is directing the federal response to Helene, visited a Disaster Recovery Center in Aiken and met with survivors. There are nearly 60 centers open across states affected by Helene and Milton where survivors can speak with representatives from states, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration that can assist them with their recovery.  Survivors can find their closest center at FEMA.gov/DRC. 

So far, FEMA has approved more than $1 billion in assistance for individuals and families affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton to help pay for housing repairs, personal property replacement, and other recovery efforts. Over 5,000 FEMA personnel are supporting communities across the Southeast where they’re coordinating with local officials, conducting damage assessments and helping individuals apply for disaster assistance programs.

Additionally, 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
• Calling 800-621-3362, Staffed daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. local time
• Using the FEMA App
• 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 impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

AUGUSTA, Georgia - FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell talks with a hurricane survivor during her visit to the impacted area to learn more about the ongoing recovery efforts. (Photo credit: FEMA) AUGUSTA, Georgia - FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell visits a Disaster Recovery Center where staff are helping survivors jumpstart their recovery following Hurricane Helene. (Photo credit: FEMA) PUNTA GORDA, Florida - FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Team members conduct outreach in affected communities to inform survivors about local and FEMA resources for their recovery. (Photo Credit: FEMA) CALDWELL COUNTY, North Carolina - FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are in North Carolina visiting areas affected by Helene to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance. (Photo Credit: FEMA) JONESBOROUGH, Tennessee - FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams assist survivors of Helene in their recovery efforts at Fender's Farm. (Photo Credit: FEMA) ORANGE COUNTY, Florida - Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams register survivors for disaster assistance at the Bithlo Community Center following Hurricane Milton. (Photo Credit: FEMA) 

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

annie.bond Thu, 10/24/2024 - 19:57

Damaged Vehicle Assistance Available for South Carolinians After Hurricane Helene

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, some South Carolinians are grappling with storm-damaged vehicles. If your insurance doesn’t cover all of your storm-related vehicle damage, FEMA may be able to provide financial assistance to help fill the gap.

The first step is to file a claim with your insurance company if you have a comprehensive policy. This type of policy usually covers storm-related damage to a vehicle. Apply with FEMA even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

To be eligible for FEMA assistance, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• The vehicle was damaged during Hurricane Helene within the disaster-designated area, which includes 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.
• The applicant can provide proof of ownership of the vehicle with valid registration and title.
• The vehicle was in compliance with South Carolina’s registration and insurance requirements at the time of the disaster.
• The applicant has no other usable vehicle.

Applicants with more than one storm-damaged vehicle, must write a statement explaining why the household needs more than one working vehicle. The statement should include the number of vehicles and an insurance settlement or statement for each vehicle.

How To Apply for FEMA Assistance

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Use the FEMA App.
• Call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. Click here to find centers that are open in South Carolina.  To find locations of all other centers, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362.

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.

kwei.nwaogu Thu, 10/24/2024 - 18:47

Free Disaster Legal Services Available for Georgians

ATLANTA – Free legal counseling, assistance and/or referrals are available for Georgia residents in designated counties as they recover from Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby, damage Aug. 4–20, 2024. People do not need to apply for FEMA Assistance to receive Disaster Legal Services. 

Georgia residents can use this service to receive confidential, free legal assistance due to the disasters, but do not have the means to secure adequate legal services. Services typically provided include:

• Assistance with securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster survivors
• Assistance with life, medical, and property insurance claims
• Help with home repair contracts and contractors
• Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems
• Assistance in consumer-protection matters, remedies, and procedures
• Replacement of identify and other important legal documents destroyed in either of the disasters
• Counseling on landlord-tenant problems

Individuals who are interested in receiving this legal assistance can call the toll-free legal hotline at 1-866-584-8027 or 404-527-8793. The hotline accepts calls 24-hours a day, however, people may be prompted to leave a message and a specialist will contact them as soon as possible. When calling, people need to identify which storm caused damage to their home or personal property, what storm-related issue they need legal assistance with and the county where the storm-damaged property is located.

Disaster Legal Services are available to eligible homeowners and renters whose primary residence is in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne and Wheeler counties.

The service is a partnership between the American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division, Georgia Team Ready, the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia and FEMA. Disaster Legal Services attorneys are not FEMA employees. They are volunteers who provide survivors with legal counseling, advice, and, when appropriate, legal representation in non-fee-generating cases that are not against the federal government. 

More information about legal assistance for Georgia disaster survivors is available online at the Georgia Legal Aid website.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4821 and fema.gov/georgia/helene.   Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

larissa.hale Thu, 10/24/2024 - 18:35

Stay in Touch with FEMA After You Apply for Assistance

Des Moines, Iowa – Iowans who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance after the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding on June 16 through July 23, 2024 are encouraged to stay in touch with FEMA to resolve issues, provide updates on their applications or submit new information.  

If you change your address, phone number or banking information, notify FEMA. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in receiving assistance.

Reasons to contact FEMA:

• Update your insurance information.
• Receive information on the home inspection process.
• Find out if FEMA needs more information about your claim.
• Update FEMA on your housing situation.
• Learn how to appeal an ineligibility determination.
• Get answers to other questions about an application.

Ways to Update Your Information with FEMA

• Update your information or provide missing information online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also download the FEMA Mobile App to your phone and keep track of information there.
  • Visit any State of Iowa Long-term Recovery Center: 

Pottawattamie County*

Pottawattamie County Emergency Operations Center

205 S. Main St.

Council Bluffs, IA  51503

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday

Closed Saturday and Sundays

*In-person FEMA assistance by appointment only. 

To schedule an appointment, contact a Disaster Case Advocate

Clay County

Spencer City Hall

101 W. Fifth St.

Spencer, IA 51301

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday

Closed Saturday and Sundays

 

Sioux County

Rock Valley Shelter House

1013 13th Ave.

 Rock Valley, IA 51247

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday

Closed Saturday and Sundays

• 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.

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. For Spanish, press 2. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. 

April.Bennett Thu, 10/24/2024 - 17:52

FEMA Supporting Helene Survivors with Temporary Sheltering and Housing Solutions

RALEIGH, N.C. — FEMA and the state of North Carolina are working to ensure that survivors of Tropical Storm Helene are in safe, functional housing as the holiday season nears. Reimbursement for out-of-pocket hotel costs, financial assistance towards rent and home repair and FEMA-provided temporary hotel or motel stays are currently being provided to eligible households. 

Additionally, at the request of the state of North Carolina, FEMA is providing Direct Temporary Housing Assistance to survivors displaced by Tropical Storm Helene. Qualifying households are eligible for temporary housing in 25 counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gatson, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance may be provided in three forms:

• Direct Lease - FEMA may lease existing, ready-to-occupy residential properties for use as temporary housing.
• Multifamily Lease and Repair - FEMA funds the repair or improvement of existing vacant multi-family rental properties that eligible applicants can use for temporary housing.
• Transportable Temporary Housing - A travel trailer or Manufactured Housing Unit (MHU) that FEMA may place on a private site or in a commercial park.

Direct temporary housing solutions are tailored to meet each households’ individual needs and will take time. This assistance is not intended as an immediate solution for a survivor's shorter-term housing needs. Additionally, not everyone impacted by the disaster will be eligible for direct housing. 

For survivors who need immediate shelter, financial assistance is available, including temporary lodging reimbursement, FEMA-provided hotel or motel stays or help with rent. These options remain FEMA’s primary means of helping survivors.

Survivors who have applied with FEMA for assistance do not need to reapply to be eligible for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance. FEMA will contact households who may qualify after receiving their application for disaster assistance. 

If a survivor has not yet applied with FEMA, they can do so by going to DisasterAssistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is 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. 

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

erika.suzuki Thu, 10/24/2024 - 16:27

Houses of Worship May be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

RALEIGH, N.C. - Qualifying private nonprofit houses of worship in North Carolina may be eligible for FEMA grants to cover expenses related to Tropical Storm Helene. Grants through FEMA’s Public Assistance program may cover costs to repair or replace facilities damaged during the storm. 

FEMA defines religious facilities as a church, synagogue, mosque, temple or any other house of worship, regardless of the religious character of the facility. No religious facility or house of worship may be excluded from this definition because organization leadership or membership are limited to persons who share a religious faith or practice.

Help with repairs and replacement costs may be available to houses of worship in eligible counties and Tribal Nations in North Carolina. To be an eligible applicant, the house of worship facility must:

• Be owned or operated by a private nonprofit organization;
• Be open to the public;
• Have been damaged by tropical storm Helene;
• Have either not received funding or received insufficient funding after applying for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan to repair or replace a facility; and
• The application must include state and/or U.S. Internal Revenue Service documentation of tax-exempt status, pre-disaster charter and other documentation.

SBA can loan up to $2 million to qualified houses of worship to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future.

Religious organizations that provide a “critical service” do not have to go through the SBA process.

Nonprofit organizations that run medical and educational facilities are considered “critical services.” This category of nonprofit can work with FEMA on a potential grant without applying to SBA first. However, this only applies to facilities providing “critical services.” Houses of worship must still apply for an SBA loan for damaged facilities providing “noncritical services.”

The deadline to apply for physical property damage is Nov. 27, 2024. The deadline to submit economic injury applications is June 30, 2025. Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. 

All applicants – even if they are waiting for an SBA loan decision – are encouraged to make a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) as soon as possible by contacting their local emergency management office. Some activities regarding emergency work that was performed in preparation or response to the storm may be eligible without an SBA decision or while pending an SBA decision. 

Other Resources:

• Video: FEMA Public Assistance for Houses of Worship
• FEMA Fact Sheet: Public Assistance: Private Nonprofit Eligibility Factsheet
• FEMA Fact Sheet: Mitigate Disaster Damage with FEMA Public Assistance

erika.suzuki Thu, 10/24/2024 - 15:56

Disaster Recovery Centers to Close in Ascension, Assumption Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La. –Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) serving Louisiana survivors of Hurricane Francine in Gonzales and Napoleonville will close at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25.

• The Gonzales center (Ascension Parish) is located at Lamar Dixon Expo Center, 9039 St. Landry Road, Gonzales, LA 70737.
• The Napoleonville center (Assumption Parish) is located at Assumption High School, North Building, 4880 Hwy 308, Napoleonville, LA 70390.

Additional locations in Lafourche, Jefferson, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes are open. To find the DRC nearest to you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Residents in all nine parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. 

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).

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 Thu, 10/24/2024 - 15:35

West Virginians Have One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

  Oct. 24, 2024
DR-4787-WV NR-014
FEMA News Desk: 215-931-5597
FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

News release

West Virginians Have One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Residents in Boone, Hancock, Kanawha, Marshall, Ohio, Roane, Wetzel and Wood counties have one week left to apply for FEMA Assistance for damages sustained during the severe storm of April 11-12, 2024. The deadline to apply is SATURDAY, NOV. 2.

FEMA assistance for individuals and families affected by the flooding can cover home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Residents may apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Nov. 2 is also the deadline to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan. Residents can do so—and get more information –online at sba.gov/disaster.  They can also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page,www.fema.gov/disaster/4787 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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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).

issa.mansaray Thu, 10/24/2024 - 15:15

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Spartanburg County

A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Spartanburg County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.  

Spartanburg County
Spartanburg Emergency Management
175 Community College Drive
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Open Oct. 24-Nov. 6, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.  

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

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

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

The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or 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. 

kwei.nwaogu Thu, 10/24/2024 - 11:58

DeSoto County Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Homeowners and renters in DeSoto County who had uninsured or underinsured damage or loss caused by Hurricane Helene can apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, essential personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. DeSoto County along with Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Franklin, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and Wakulla counties are authorized for FEMA Individual 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.

What You’ll Need When You Apply

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

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

If you had damage from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for both disasters and provide the dates of your damage for each.

brindisi.chan Thu, 10/24/2024 - 01:20

Asheville Disaster Recovery Center Moving; Temporary Centers Available to Help

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville will be closing 7 p.m., Oct. 24 to allow the school to open and students to resume learning. A new fixed site in Buncombe County will be announced soon.

In addition to a fixed site, Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (M-DRCs) are opening with the first on Oct. 24 to provide in-person support. M-DRCs can be found at the following locations and operational hours:

Swannanoa Fire Rescue - Bee Tree Fire Sub Station

510 Bee Tree Rd. 
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Open: Oct. 24 – 27, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. 

Buncombe County Sports Park (Parking Lot)

58 Apac Dr. 
Asheville, NC 28806
Open: Oct. 28 – 31, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

A Disaster Recovery Center 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. 

Centers are already open across areas affected by Helene. To find those center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a zip code to 43362. You can visit any open center. 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.

krystin.ventura Wed, 10/23/2024 - 23:06

Clean and Sanitize Assistance Available in South Carolina After Hurricane Helene

If your home was damaged due to Hurricane Helene but you can still live in it safely, you may qualify for Clean and Sanitize Assistance from FEMA. Eligible applicants may receive up to $300 to help with cleanup efforts, even if the work is already completed.

You may qualify if:

• The impacted home was a primary residence located in an area designated for Individual Assistance. This includes 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.
• If you own your home and a FEMA inspection determines it was damaged by the disaster, but the home is still habitable.
• If you are a renter and the inspector notes that you can live on the property, but cleanup is needed or has already been done.
• The damage is not covered by your insurance.
• If you have already cleaned your home, you have saved your receipts from any supplies, materials or paid help.

If you have not applied for FEMA assistance yet, there is still time to submit your application. You can apply in several ways:

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

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

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 10/23/2024 - 21:45

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Oconee County

A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Oconee County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.  

Oconee County
Bountyland Education Campus
100 Vocational Drive
Seneca, SC 29672
Open Oct. 23-25, 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. 

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 10/23/2024 - 21:18

Application for FEMA Assistance Required for a Home Inspection

FEMA personnel are conducting home inspections in areas affected by Tropical Storm Helene to help determine whether the residences are safe, sanitary and livable. 

FEMA will not conduct a home inspection at any home where occupants have not applied for assistance.

However, due to the volume of registrations, FEMA is working with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and officials in the impacted counties to call or text those who have applied to schedule an appointment.

If you applied for FEMA assistance and received a letter from FEMA stating you were found Ineligible due to “No Contact,” call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to update/confirm your contact information and schedule your inspection. 

If a FEMA inspector shows up unannounced, he/she will have photo identification to show you. For security reasons, federal identification may not be photographed. A FEMA inspector will never ask for, or accept, money. Their service is free. 

A typical home inspection takes about 45 minutes to complete. After the inspection, applicants should allow seven to 10 days for processing. If you have questions about the status of your application, you can call the FEMA Helpline.

Inspectors do not make decisions on eligibility for assistance. Information gathered during the inspection is among the criteria FEMA uses to determine if applicants are eligible for federal assistance. 

The inspectors consider:

• The structural soundness of the home, both inside and outside.
• Whether the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer/septic systems are all in working order.
• Whether the home is safe to live in and can be entered and exited safely.

The deadline to apply for federal assistance is Monday, Dec. 2.

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

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

You may also apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. To learn more or to apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. Email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information or to have a loan application mailed to you.

To learn more about FEMA home inspections and how to identify an inspector, visit FEMA Home Inspections.

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 10/23/2024 - 21:00

Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Chatham County

ATLANTA -- FEMA opened an additional Disaster Recovery Center in Chatham 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. 

Chatham County

Savannah Technical College
Student Enrichment Center Building
5717 White Bluff Road
Savannah, GA 31405

Additional centers are open in Appling, Coffee, Liberty, Lowndes, McDuffie, Richmond, Toombs and Washington counties: 

Appling County

Appling County Agricultural Center
2761 Blackshear Highway, Baxley, GA 31513

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

Thompson 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

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

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

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

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

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4830. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

larissa.hale Wed, 10/23/2024 - 18:49

Verifying Your Identity for FEMA Assistance

Raleigh, N.C. – North Carolinians do not need identification to start the application process for FEMA assistance, however, FEMA may need proof of identity, residence and other documentation before assistance can be paid. 

If FEMA is unable to verify your identity during the application process, you will be required to submit one of the following supporting documents:

• Documentation from the Social Security Administration, or other federal entity, containing full or last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN);
• Social Security card if sent with federal or state-issued identification;
• Employer’s payroll document containing full or last four digits of your SSN;
• Military identification;
• Marriage license to confirm proof of maiden name;
• U.S. passport.

On a case-by-case basis FEMA may allow applicants residing in U.S. territories to submit specific identity verification documents, such as voter registration cards, etc.

Additionally, if you applied for assistance on behalf of a U.S. minor (child) citizen for your household, you must send FEMA the following:

• Any of the documents listed above, if in the child’s name, or the child’s birth certificate AND a copy of the child’s Social Security card or documentation from the Social Security Administration, or other federal entity, containing the full or last four digits of the child's SSN.

Have you lost your North Carolina driver license or ID card in the storm? If so, you may apply for a replacement at any driver license office. Standard licenses may also be replaced online at ncdot.gov. If there is a change of address, you have 30 days to update your address on the credential.

barbara.murien… Wed, 10/23/2024 - 16:24

Franklin County Mobile Disaster Recovery Center to Relocate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The Mobile Disaster Recovery Center at the Alligator Point Fire Department in Franklin County will close at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The center will reopen in a new location and an announcement will be made.

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 Wed, 10/23/2024 - 16:19

FEMA is Hiring for the Pennsylvania Disaster Recovery Team

Harrisburg, Penn. – Are you interested in helping your neighbors and community recover from Tropical Storm Debby that affected Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Union counties? FEMA has an immediate need to employ local residents as temporary local hires to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts as part of the disaster recovery team. 

For its offices in Harrisburg, FEMA is looking to hire one Creative Specialist, two Voluntary Agency Liaison Specialists, one External Affairs Specialist, one Media Relations Specialist, and one Intergovernmental Affairs/Congressional Affairs Specialist.  Visit the links for additional information, including job responsibilities and compensation:

External Affairs Specialisthttps://www.usajobs.gov/job/814972000 Deadline: 10/28/2024Creative Specialisthttps://www.usajobs.gov/job/815253400 Deadline: 10/29/2024Voluntary Agency Liaison Specialists (2 positions)https://www.usajobs.gov/job/814973900  Deadline: 10/27/2024Media Relations Specialisthttps://www.usajobs.gov/job/815055700   Deadline: 10/28/2024Intergovernmental Affairs/Congressional Affairs Specialisthttps://www.usajobs.gov/job/814971600Deadline: 10/28/2024

The announcements will close at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the noted deadline dates, or when 100 applications are received for each specialty.  

Most temporary local hires are employed through a streamlined hiring process. A local hire’s term of employment is up to 120 days, though it may be extended in 120-day increments. Salaries are comparable to local pay rates.

FEMA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to ensuring that its workforce reflect the diversity of the nation. 

Conditions of Employment:

• You must be a U.S. citizen to be considered for these positions.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after Dec. 31, 1959.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be a high school graduate or hold a GED.
• Review the Additional Information section for additional key requirements.

To see other FEMA career postings, visit fema.gov/careers.

The deadline to register with FEMA for disaster assistance is November 12, 2024. 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 Wed, 10/23/2024 - 15:46

Disaster Recovery Center to Close in St. James Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. –The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) serving Louisiana survivors of Hurricane Francine in Convent will close 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24.

• The center (St. James Parish) is located at Convent Community Center, 5775 Hwy 44, Convent, LA 70723.

Additional locations in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes are open. To find the DRC nearest to you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

The centers operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 

Residents in all nine parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. 

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).

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, 10/23/2024 - 14:40