Federal Assistance Tops $22 Million in Fires, Flooding Recovery

It has been 90 days since President Biden declared a major disaster for the state of New Mexico following the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding June 17 through Aug. 20, 2024. To date, more than $22 million in federal assistance has been approved for New Mexican families affected by the disaster.

FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) have approved grants, loans and insurance settlements for recovering homeowners, renters and businesses in Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba and San Juan counties and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. This assistance helps pay for eligible losses and disaster-related damage repair and replacement of homes and personal property, temporary housing, cleaning and sanitizing, moving and storage, childcare, medical and dental expenses and other needs of New Mexicans affected by the fires and flooding.

“We are working closely with our federal, state and local stakeholders to help those that need assistance to recover from fires and flooding,” said Federal Coordinating Officer James McPherson.

As of Sept. 19, FEMA Individual Assistance totaled more than $6.68 million in grants to eligible homeowners and renters, including:

• More than $3.99 million in housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.  
• More than $2.69 million grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious disaster-related needs, such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses. 
• The first household licensed in for Direct Housing took place on Sept. 9, with seven households currently occupying a temporary travel trailer, 14 more households are in the process of being housed.

The deadline to apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance is Oct. 19, 2024.

Public Assistance  

FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program for the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding reimburses the state, counties, local governments, tribes, and certain private nonprofits (including houses of worship) for eligible costs of disaster-related debris removal and emergency protective measures. PA is available, on a cost -sharing basis, in all five designated areas: Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba and San Juan counties and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. 

• Under the direction of the state, private contractors have removed 146,000 cubic yards of debris from impacted areas. This is the equivalent of 14,000 dump trucks lined up end-to-end, stretching 38 miles - the distance between Ruidoso and Tularosa, NM. 

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, to date, has settled claims for homeowners and businesses totaling more than $1.74 million.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $13.62 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations. Of that amount, more than $11.5 million was approved for homeowners and renters; the rest is approved for businesses.

Applicants may apply at https://lending.sba.gov. Business owners also may apply in-person by visiting SBA Business Recovery Center at the Ruidoso Public Library. The deadline to apply to SBA for property damage is Oct. 19, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is March 20, 2025. 

How to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance 

The first step for individuals and households to receive assistance is to apply to FEMA for federal assistance. There are no costs involved to apply for or receive FEMA assistance. There are four ways to apply: 

• Go online to disasterassistance.gov/  
• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products  
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. MT. 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. 
• Visit the Disaster Recovery Center operated by the state of New Mexico and FEMA at the Horton Complex, 237 Service Road, Ruidoso, NM. Hours are., Monday through Friday. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. 

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, visit youtube.com/watch= WZGpWI2RCNw. 

The deadline to apply to FEMA federal disaster assistance is Oct. 19, 2024.  

For more information about FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, visit  www.fema.gov/assistance/individual. 

angela.ambroise Fri, 09/20/2024 - 16:14

Monday Is Last Day To Apply for FEMA Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Monday, Sept. 23 is the last day for Kentuckians who were impacted by the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides to apply with FEMA. Survivors have until 11:59 p.m. ET, Monday to apply for FEMA assistance.

How To Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance

• 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.

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 on Kentucky’s recovery from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, as well as news releases, fact sheets and other helpful documents in multiple languages, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4804. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema. 

To view information about how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in American Sign Language with captioning and a voiceover, please check the YouTube link.

sandra.habib Fri, 09/20/2024 - 15:47

30 Days Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Vermonters affected by severe storm, flooding, landslides and mudslides from July 9-11, 2024, have until October 21, 2024 to apply for FEMA assistance.

This October 21 deadline is for residents of Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans, and Washington counties.

If you were affected by the severe weather, you should apply as soon as possible. FEMA may be able to help with temporary housing, home repairs, privately-owned roads and bridges, and other disaster-related needs – and the faster you apply, the sooner you can get aid.

There are four ways to apply:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. 
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
• Download the FEMA’s Mobile App.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. For location and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.

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

 

adrien.urbani Fri, 09/20/2024 - 13:16

More than $15M and Other Resources Supporting Minnesota Recovery

ST. PAUL –Minnesota residents have already been approved for more than $15 million in federal assistance to recover from the summer storms and flooding, including over $11.3 million in FEMA grants and more than $4.8 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

While federal financial assistance continues to be approved, FEMA, the state of Minnesota, and many other partners are helping in even more ways too, meeting survivors where they are to support their road to recovery.

Additional Recovery Resources Available

• Free Legal Help Hotline Now Available. Minnesota disaster survivors can be connected to free legal services by calling 1-877-MY-MN-LAW (1-877-696-6529) and leaving a message. Include your name, phone number and county of residence, so Minnesota lawyers can return your calls as soon as possible.  Learn more by visiting Minnesota Severe Storms and Flooding - LSC Disaster Website : LSC Disaster Website (ladrc.org).
• Minnesota Department of Revenue Disaster Tax Relief. Taxpayers in the federally declared counties who were affected by the recent severe storms and flooding will get extra time to file Minnesota returns and pay Minnesota taxes. Learn more by visiting Disaster Relief | Minnesota Department of Revenue (state.mn.us). 
• Other State Financial Resources. Financial disaster recovery resources may be available for individuals as well as veterans and farmers through state assistance programs. Visit Disaster Recovery - Disaster Recovery and Assistance (mn.gov) for more information. 

Prioritizing an Accessible Recovery 

• FEMA Speaks Your Language. In addition to posting translated materials into languages such as Spanish, Somali and Hmong on the disaster webpage, FEMA provides American Sign Language (ASL) and language interpreter services on FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use Video Relay Services (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages. FEMA also offers interpreting services during home inspections, at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and during visits with FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team members.
• FEMA in the Community. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have already visited more than 45,000 homes, more than 1,600 businesses and over 1,700 other locations and public spaces in affected communities to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance, get their FEMA questions answered and identify additional resources to support their recovery. These teams continue to focus their efforts in high impact areas, ensuring Minnesotans can access the recovery help they need. In addition, nine Disaster Recovery Centers have been opened across the state since early August, serving more than 1,400 individuals with one-on-one support. 

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Minnesota, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4797 or Disaster Recovery - Disaster Recovery and Assistance (mn.gov).   

kimberly.keblish Thu, 09/19/2024 - 20:26

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisianans should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after Hurricane Francine. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

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

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

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

Scams

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams, housing inspectors and other officials are working in areas impacted by the hurricane. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. They don’t represent FEMA.

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

How to Report Fraud

If you believe you are the victim of fraud or a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department or contact the Office of the Louisiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-351-4889.

If you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at:  StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.

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

To view an accessible video about fraud, visit: FEMA Accessible: Fraud FEMA (youtube.com).

For the latest information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and facebook.com/femaregion6.

alexa.brown Thu, 09/19/2024 - 19:49

Disaster Recovery Center in Taylor County to Close Sept. 20

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The Disaster Recovery Center in Taylor County will close permanently at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20.

Center location:

Taylor County
Loughridge Park
1100 W. Hampton Springs Ave.
Perry, FL 32347
Open 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday-Friday

For other Disaster Recovery Center locations, go online to fema.gov/drc.

For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

kirsten.chambers Thu, 09/19/2024 - 19:26

FEMA Announces $25 Million to Help New York and Puerto Rico Communities Address Impacts from Growing Flooding Threats

NEW YORK - As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce flooding impacts, FEMA announced that New York is eligible for up to $20 million and Puerto Rico is eligible for $5 million in funding to reduce flood risks. The funding is available through the Fiscal Year 2024 Swift Current funding opportunity, totaling $300 million, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

“Swift Current, a Flood Mitigation Assistance initiative, allows FEMA to expedite funding to help communities build resilience against future flooding events,” said Region 2 Administrator David Warrington. “As storms continue to intensify across the United States, accelerating flood mitigation dollars is critical to supporting disaster survivors after an event and better preparing communities for future events.” 

Dedicated funding is distributed on a rolling basis to state, local, territorial and Tribal governments for projects after presidentially declared flood events. Eligible projects include property acquisition, demolition, elevation and relocation for buildings insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Visit FEMA.gov for a full list of FY24 Swift Current activations.

FEMA will distribute funding on a rolling basis as eligible applicants submit applications until the total available funding amount of $300 million is exhausted. These are the first activations for this funding cycle which closes in late-May 2025. 

This is the third round of Swift Current funding. Visit FEMA.gov for more information. 

Swift Current is designed to get funding distributed as soon as possible after a declared flood-related disaster to help communities implement resilience activities to reduce their flood risk. This funding will support National Flood Insurance Program policyholders who have experienced repetitive or substantial flood-damage to eligible buildings. New York and Puerto Rico had a presidentially declared major disaster related to flooding since June 2024. 

FEMA continues to help build local capacity to withstand future events. The announcement aligns with the FEMA 2024 Year of Resilience theme to build local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards.

Swift Current provides more equitable access to mitigation grants by increasing the federal cost share for eligible applicants above the standard 75% cost share up to 100% to support disadvantaged communities that often face challenges meeting their non-federal match. 

As flood declarations occur through May 2025, FEMA will work with states, territories, the District of Columbia and Tribal Nations to explore their participation during the Fiscal Year 2024 application period. Potential applicants who have questions may contact their FEMA regional office, while interested subapplicants should contact their state or territory hazard mitigation officer. 

 

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

kate.macedo Thu, 09/19/2024 - 18:20

Duplication of Benefits: What it Means

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – When determining the amount of federal disaster assistance provided by FEMA to applicants affected by this summer’s severe storms and flooding, part of FEMA’s process is to verify there is no “duplication of benefits”.

By law, FEMA cannot provide financial assistance when any other source, such as insurance, charities, or crowdfunding, has provided assistance for the same disaster-caused need or when that funding is available from another source.

Note: If the crowdfunding campaign is for general disaster recovery and not for a specific item FEMA provided, then it is not considered a duplication.

Example of a duplication of benefits: FEMA cannot pay for home repairs if a homeowner already is receiving sufficient funds from their insurance company for the same repairs.

FEMA assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by this summer’s severe storms and flooding. Grants from FEMA are intended to meet basic needs and supplement an applicant’s disaster recovery needs.

Insured applicants must provide documentation to FEMA that identifies their insurance settlements or benefits before FEMA will consider their eligibility for some programs that may be covered by insurance.

FEMA may provide money to help meet an applicant’s immediate needs when their insurance benefits are delayed for 30 days or more through no fault of their own.

Applicants who have received FEMA funds are urged to keep receipts of their disaster spending for three years to document that the money was used to meet disaster-related needs. If a recipient receives an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, they must reimburse FEMA. Applicants’ cases may be reviewed to confirm money was spent properly.

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FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. 
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @femaregion8

tiana.suber Thu, 09/19/2024 - 17:30

FEMA Continues Collaboration with Territorial and Federal Partners to Strengthen Recovery from 2017 Hurricanes

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – Seven years have passed since hurricanes Irma and Maria impacted the U.S. Virgin Islands, and FEMA remains steadfast in its commitment to provide financial assistance to the territory as it continues the rebuilding process. Long-term recovery requires continued coordination and collaboration among multiple federal and territorial partners. FEMA’s partnerships with the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) aim to ensure support for the whole community with an emphasis on building back in a more resilient manner, thanks in part to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA) which allows FEMA to fund non-disaster damages, restoring the facility to industry standards.

“FEMA continues to leverage resources in support of the Territory's mission to strengthen infrastructure as long-term recovery efforts from the 2017 hurricanes continue. Our partnerships with the Office of the Governor, the Office of Disaster Recovery, and VITEMA pave a path toward making critical facilities better able to withstand the effects of future storms,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Recovery Director Kristen Hodge.

As of September 1, $11.9 billion has been obligated for 1,539 projects through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, including funding for emergency protective measures, permanent work, and management costs. Emergency work includes debris removal and emergency power restoration; permanent work comprises repair or replacement of damaged facilities, while management costs help the Territory and applicants manage and administer their PA grants/subgrants. 

Public Assistance funding has been obligated toward key areas including:

• $1.68 billion for energy, $988 million for housing, $3.94 billion for education, and $2.84 billion for health and medical facilities.

1. Hazard Mitigation (406) proposals applied to Public Assistance projects include culvert upsizing, composite poles, electrical undergrounding, and applying upgrades to roads near waterways to make them less susceptible to flooding and erosion. These measures are intended to directly reduce the potential of future, similar disaster damage to the eligible facility. 

• $1.07 billion in Hazard Mitigation funds (406) has been approved for eligible projects including roads and bridges, buildings and equipment, parks, and recreation facilities, as well at protective measures for utilities. 

The BBA allows FEMA to provide PA Section 428 assistance to restore industry standards to disaster-damaged facilities or systems that provide critical services regardless of the pre-disaster condition. This authority was issued exclusively to the USVI and Puerto Rico following the 2017 major disaster declarations from Irma and Maria. In the USVI, 81 projects have been found eligible for BBA funding, allowing permanent facilities such as potable and wastewater systems, schools, hospitals, and clinics to be repaired or replaced to current industry standards.

1. FEMA's 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to the USVI to develop mitigation plans to reduce future disaster losses in our communities. An example of this grant program is to fund projects to include resilience measures such as safe rooms to be used as community shelters during wind-driven events.

• To date, $199.4 million has been obligated through the 404 HMGP program for projects including solar micro-grids, drainage/culvert improvements, retrofitting or hardening of structures as well as erosion stabilization efforts across the territory.

1. FEMA’s Interagency Recovery Coordination (IRC) team supports the territory by coordinating with nine other federal agencies that address unmet needs of the USVI and local businesses. Coordination workgroups include health, housing, economic recovery, natural and cultural resources, transportation, utilities, and philanthropy coordination. IRC continues to collaborate with federal and local transportation and utility agencies on several projects. 

• The nine other federal agencies have obligated more than $2.3 billion to the territory to support recovery.

1. IRC was also instrumental in coordinating the Insular Areas Act (IAA) Technical Assistance in early 2024. This technical assistance provided project and construction management services through staff augmentation, project management and project-specific technical services for the territory. In addition, the support provides recommendations for tools, solutions, and strategies to streamline processes to help advance disaster recovery in the USVI.

According to Office of Disaster Recovery Director, Adrienne Williams-Octalien, “So far, the Territory has completed 990 emergency and permanent repair projects, expending over $3.5 billion to recovery from the devastating 2017 hurricane season. As reconstruction efforts continue, there are approximately 400 projects in various stages of the construction phase. ODR is working closely with local and federal partners as it continues its mission to build a resilient Virgin Islands.”

“The recovery and rebuilding of the U.S. Virgin Islands after the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria is steadily progressing, thanks to the unwavering commitment and partnership of FEMA and our federal and territorial agencies. Together, we are not only restoring critical infrastructure but making it more resilient to withstand future challenges. As we continue moving forward, these efforts are a testament to the strength and determination of our people and our collective resolve to build a stronger, safer future for the territory,” said Governor Albert Bryan Jr.

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

gina.callaghan Thu, 09/19/2024 - 16:59

FEMA Enhanced Customer Service Strives to Leave No One Behind

FRANKFORT, Ky. — FEMA is providing enhanced customer service in Kentucky to help all survivors of the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides receive much-needed assistance. The FEMA team calls at-risk survivors directly to provide personalized assistance with the FEMA application process.

Calls from FEMA

Kentuckians who have applied for FEMA assistance, may receive a call, text or email from the customer service team. A call from FEMA may come from an unknown number, but applicants are encouraged to answer these calls. Beware of fraud calls — only FEMA knows an applicant’s nine-digit application number. FEMA representatives can provide this number to verify it is a legit FEMA call. 

The first calls applicants receive after applying for assistance are from home inspectors. The inspectors call applicants a maximum of three times to set up appointments. When applicants do not answer these calls, they will miss this important step in the assistance process. If applicants are still waiting for an inspection, they should call the FEMA helpline to make an appointment.

Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available daily, 7 a.m.-midnight ET. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

Personalized Assistance

Disasters can be traumatic for everyone, but issues can be more serious for some older adults or people with disabilities. Whether the problem is a lack of digital access, an inability to respond, or simply a reluctance to do so, these applicants may benefit by a boost from the FEMA’s enhanced customer service team.

This team is tasked with revisiting cases and locating applicants who are challenged with navigating the application and appeals process. The team proactively identifies survivors who reported on their application that they had hearing and vision problems, mobility difficulties, mental or emotional distress.

FEMA’s enhanced customer service team ensures that all survivors, particularly those with additional needs, receive the assistance they need to rebuild and recover. The team also follows up to learn about additional disability-related needs, such as medical support assistance, medical equipment repairs, or replacement of assistive technology lost or damaged during the severe storms. In some cases, nonprofit organizations are involved to address survivors' needs, ensuring comprehensive support.

For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, as well as news releases, fact sheets and other helpful documents in multiple languages, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4804. Follow FEMA at x.com/femaregion4and facebook.com/fema. 

To view information about how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in American Sign Language with captioning and a voiceover, please check the YouTube link.

sandra.habib Thu, 09/19/2024 - 15:32

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Santa Barbara County

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for Santa Barbara County, and the Cities of Santa Barbara, Solvang, Buellton, and Carpinteria, California. The maps identify revised flood hazards along multiple flooding sources. The new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from September 19 to December 18, 2024. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

 Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA and Santa Barbara County worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

For more information, contact Santa Barbara County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, at (805) 568-3440 (main line) or fccontact@countyofsb.org.

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

brandi.richard… Thu, 09/19/2024 - 14:03

Hurricane Ian: Two Years into Recovery

Two years after Hurricane Ian, federal support tops $10.2 billion for households, businesses, communities and flood insurance policy holders. Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa, Florida, Sept. 28, 2022, as a Category 4 storm. According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Ian was the costliest cyclone in Florida records and the third costliest in the United States. FEMA continues to work with the State of Florida, other federal agencies, local governments, private sector and voluntary organizations on recovery from the storm.

1. FEMA Assistance

• $1.15 billion for 387,139 households for home repairs, lodging expenses, rental assistance and other needs. 
• $2.3 billion to reimburse state, local and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations for costs of emergency response, debris removal and repair or replacement of infrastructure.
  • $1.4 billion for emergency response
  • $701 million for debris removal
  • $101 million for permanent work
• $25 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds to help communities rebuild in a way that reduces loss from future disasters.
• To support individuals and households, FEMA operated 57 Disaster Recovery Centers and specialists visited 354,600 homes to help Floridians apply for assistance.

1. National Flood Insurance Program

• $4.67 billion paid to approximately 47,000 policyholders to restore homes and businesses.

1. U.S. Small Business Administration

• 25,400 applicants approved for $2.1 billion in low-interest disaster loans.
  • $1.6 billion in loans to 22,600 households
  • $498 million in loans to 2,800 businesses and private nonprofit organizations

vernice.casey Thu, 09/19/2024 - 13:40

Disaster Recovery Center in Muhlenberg Closing Friday

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Muhlenberg County will end operations this week. Help is still available online or by phone. 

The following Disaster Recovery Center will close at 5 p.m. Sept. 20:

• Muhlenberg County (DRC): Muhlenberg County Training Center, 61 Career Way, Central City, KY 42330. Working hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., CT, Wednesday through Thursday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., CT, Friday. 

Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance or Check the Status of an Application

• 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. 

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Sept. 23.

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 on Kentucky’s recovery from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, as well as news releases, fact sheets and other helpful documents in multiple languages, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4804. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4and at facebook.com/fema.

To view information about how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in American Sign Language with captioning and a voiceover, please check the YouTube link.

sandra.habib Wed, 09/18/2024 - 19:32

FEMA is Assisting Louisiana Residents Where They Are

BATON ROUGE, La. – Recovering after Hurricane Francine may be difficult and overwhelming. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are meeting Louisiana residents where they are to help them apply for FEMA assistance and to assist them on their road to recovery.

To ensure Louisianians can apply for assistance, FEMA sends Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams into disaster-affected neighborhoods, often going door-to-door to help residents.

DSA teams are currently visiting neighborhoods in Ascension, Assumption, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes but will be visiting other disaster-affected parishes. The FEMA staff may help Louisiana residents apply for federal assistance, identify potential needs and help make connections with local, state, federal and voluntary agencies. 

These teams are easily recognizable by their official photo identification (ID). If you meet people offering assistance, first ask to see their ID before giving them your personal information. They may have FEMA clothing, but that can be easily imitated. 

The FEMA teams can help Louisiana residents in several ways including:

• Checking the status of an application already in the system and making minor changes to applications.
• Providing registration assistance.
• Identifying organizations providing disaster-related services and/or resources to the public for immediate and long-term recovery.
• Gathering situational awareness about impacts to communities.
• Providing civil rights and disability integration assistance information to ensure equal access.

Louisianians can apply to FEMA in several ways: 

• Going online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices.
• Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the 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 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and facebook.com/femaregion6.

alexa.brown Wed, 09/18/2024 - 19:02

Disaster Recovery Centers in Pottawattamie and Woodbury Counties to Close Permanently September 21

 

DES MOINES, Iowa — Disaster Recovery Centers in Pottawattamie and Woodbury Counties will close permanently Saturday, September 21 at 6 p.m.

 

They are located at:

Pottawattamie County

Charles Lakin Human Services Campus

(North Parking Lot)

815 N 16th St,

Council Bluffs, IA 51501

 

Woodbury County

Morningside Lutheran Church

700 S Martha St.

Sioux City, IA 51106

 

 

If you want to check on your application status or need to register for Disaster Assistance; you may do so in one of the following ways:

 

§  Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov

§  Calling FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)

§  Downloading and using the FEMA app

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 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. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

martyce.allenjr Wed, 09/18/2024 - 18:54

FEMA To Hold 4 More Public Events To Assist Applicants

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky homeowners and renters are invited to meet with FEMA in person. Kentuckians can talk with FEMA experts to ask questions and learn everything they want to know about FEMA assistance. 

FEMA, other federal agencies and local resources will provide one-on-one assistance. Disaster survivors and anyone interested in learning about federal assistance are welcome to visit these public events.

Applicants who want to understand their FEMA letter, to receive help with applications and appeals, and to learn about contract estimations, repairs and new builds are encouraged to get their questions answered at one of the four events.

Pennyrile Area Development Center 300 Hammond Drive, Hopkinsville, KY 42240

Sept. 20, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. CT and Sept. 21, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. CT

Flatwoods Senior Center 2513 Reed St., Flatwoods, KY 41139

Sept. 27, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. ET and Sept. 28, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET

Dunn Missionary Baptist Church 4855 Charleston Road, Dawson Springs, KY 42408

Oct. 4, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. CT and Oct. 5, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. CT

Muhlenberg County Training Center 61 Career Way, Central City, KY 42330

Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. CT and Oct. 12, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. CT

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

Apply for FEMA Assistance

Survivors can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app to apply. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

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 on Kentucky’s recovery from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, as well as news releases, fact sheets and other helpful documents in multiple languages, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4804. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

To view information about how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in American Sign Language with captioning and a voiceover, please check the YouTube link.

sandra.habib Wed, 09/18/2024 - 18:41

Disaster Assistance for Pennsylvania Survivors of Tropical Storm Debby Tops $1 Million

HARRISBURG, Pa. – More than $1 million has been approved for homeowners and renters in Pennsylvania after Tropical Storm Debby from August 9-10, 2024. 

“This milestone highlights the hard work of partners at the local, county, state and federal levels,” said Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield. “We will continue helping individuals get this critical assistance as they continue on their journey of recovery after this devastating flooding.”

 

 

Since the disaster declaration was approved on September 11, FEMA teams have been working hard to reach survivors where they are. “FEMA is committed to communities impacted by Tropical Storm Debby,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Mark O’Hanlon. “I am grateful to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for their continued partnership in our mission to help survivors on their road to recovery.”

Federal disaster assistance is available to residents of four counties: Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Union. Survivors can apply for assistance is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).

Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance can apply at a Disaster Recovery Center, apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App on your phone, or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

Survivors do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register with FEMA. If it is not possible to visit a DRC, call 800-621- FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

If you have received a letter from FEMA about your application status, visit a DRC to learn more about next steps. DRC staff can help you submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process your application and answer any questions you may have.

 

 

 

Disaster Survivor Assistance teams speaking with a disaster survivor in Tioga County (Photo: Nicholas Monteleone / FEMA) 

 

For more information on Pennsylvania’s disaster recovery, visit the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Facebook page, fema.gov/disaster/4815 and 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).

amanda.hancher Wed, 09/18/2024 - 16:36

Seven Year After María, FEMA Remains Focused on a Recovery that Mitigates Future Hazards

Strategies include a vision of reconstruction with nature-based solutions

Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO ― The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared 2024 as the Year of Resilience to address the need to translate disaster recovery into actions that take into account the effects of climate change.

Seven years after Hurricane María, Puerto Rico has nearly $34 billion in funding from the agency for over 11,000 projects. Of all those projects, 87 percent already have hazard mitigation measures that will specifically help infrastructure throughout the island sustain and reduce damage in the face of future weather events. 

“A large part of the projects that define and guide Puerto Rico’s recovery have already nearly $3.4 billion earmarked exclusively for mitigation. In addition to addressing the risks of future damage, we are also addressing a reconstruction that harmonizes human-made structures with the natural environment that surrounds them,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José Baquero. 

Four examples of these works include road infrastructure projects in the municipalities of Peñuelas, San Lorenzo, Yabucoa and Naranjito, which have over $2.2 million for their work.

There is a project in Peñuelas that will soon be published for bidding and that has about $881,000 from FEMA for the reconstruction of municipal roads in the communities of Hacienda Loyola and La Colacha in the Barreal neighborhood. 

As part of the nature-based solutions to mitigate hazards on these roads, infiltration trenches will be installed to allow rainwater to filter into the soil. These trenches help reduce the rate of water discharge to prevent erosion and landslides. To control erosion, geotextile fabric will also be installed. This is a material made of soil that helps with drainage. It also allows plants to take root and strengthens the soil against future rains and runoff. 

Meanwhile, in the Quebrada Arenas sector of the municipality of San Lorenzo, road repairs are already completed after an allocation of over $854,000. Geotextile fabric was also installed over the embankment to address erosion in this work. Additionally, live stakes and cuttings — or deep-rooted grass — were installed, which are carefully selected for their root development and how they stabilize the soil in the long term.

San Lorenzo’s Recovery Office director, Héctor Román, explained that the geography of Quebrada Arenas is characterized by its steep terrain, which requires that the more than 100 families in the area have safe infrastructure to move about their daily tasks. Román said that the use of cuttings and live stakes allows for greater water drainage when it rains without the soil losing sturdiness; and that this has created a sense of security for residents.

Diversifying the variety of species of cutting helps preserve genetic diversity and increase the ecosystem’s resistance to pests and diseases. This is one of many eco-sustainable recommendations that FEMA’s Puerto Rico office has worked with experts and nonprofit organizations to develop into three nature-based solution guides. The guides offer ecological alternatives specific to Puerto Rico and focus on three types of needs: shoreline and dune stabilization and restoration, streambank stabilization, and stormwater management.

“The infrastructure issue and being able to leave and return to their homes safely is something that Quebrada Arenas residents take into account in their daily lives. The municipality is therefore using FEMA funds to repair the infrastructure and improve the quality of life of the neighborhood’s residents,” the municipal official said.

In Yabucoa and with an allocation of about $280,000, the bridge on highway PR-90 was restored. The asphalt, guardrails, embankment and concrete gutters were repaired here, among other work.

As part of the nature-based solutions for mitigation in this project, the pavement was reinforced with geotextile fabric to prevent erosion and a jute mesh was applied. Jute is a plant fiber extracted from the stem and bark of a plant. This material allows time for plants to take root in the soil; live stakes and bunchgrass, known for the firmness and depth of their roots and how they help improve soil and water quality, are used here.

Finally, in Naranjito and with an obligation of over $227,000, a section of the PR-825 was reconstructed in the Los Espinell sector of the Achiote neighborhood. The embankment was also repaired here.

The nature-based solution highlighted for this project is the replacement of standard gabion walls with green gabions. These walls are made with stones; topsoil is added to fill the empty spaces and everything is covered with a coconut fiber blanket. The top of the wall is left open to make room for vegetation, such as grass and vetiver, which will protect the soil from erosion.

Meanwhile, the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency, (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, said that “Hurricane María was an event that not only transformed Puerto Rico, but also changed the way the Government and the people prepare for this type of disaster. Given the magnitude of this event, COR3 designed and implemented innovative, unprecedented measures, which received FEMA’s endorsement to address the hurricanes and earthquakes reconstruction process. COR3, which originated as a FEMA requirement, has a comprehensive mission as a liaison agency between municipalities, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. We remain committed to advancing reconstruction in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.”

You can access the video through the following link: Recovery Seven Years After Hurricane Maria.

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 Wed, 09/18/2024 - 16:14

Preliminary Flood Maps for Morris County, Texas, Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in all communities and incorporated areas of Morris County, Texas.

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

This is Morris County’s first complete set of digital FIRMs. These maps serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Community leaders and residents can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards, development and flood insurance that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flood event.

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

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

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv 
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal
• The Base Level Engineering-to-FIRM Viewer at https://webapps.usgs.gov/fema/ble_firm

For more information about the flood maps:

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

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

alexa.brown Wed, 09/18/2024 - 15:52

One Month After Vermont Disaster Declaration Over $4 Million Approved for Survivors

From July 9-11, 2024, seven counties in Vermont were hit with severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides. One month later, local, state, and federal support is continuing to help Vermonters move forward in their recovery including funds for home repair, emergency lodging, transportation, and other needs.

On August 20, 2024, President Joseph Biden declared a Major Disaster for the state of Vermont making federal funding available to affected individuals in Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans, and Washington counties. Within hours of the declaration, FEMA representatives were interacting with survivors to answer questions and help residents apply for disaster assistance.  

Federal funding was also made available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington counties for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. 

Since the President’s declaration, families, businesses, and communities continue to rebuild with the help of federal assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). FEMA home inspectors have completed 1,245 inspections, moving applicants through their program eligibility review process. So far, $4,656,478.22 has been approved for Individual Assistance for more than 1,458 households. 

Of the total awarded, FEMA has approved $2,701,000.26 to help homeowners and renters with temporary housing and home repairs, including $787,044 to help more than 413 households repair their privately-owned access roads, driveways, or bridges that were damaged by the disaster. FEMA has also provided $1,955,477.96 to help Vermonters replace personal property and with storm-related necessities like childcare, storage, disaster medical and dental expenses, and other disaster-related items, including over $1.7 million in new flexible funding benefits. Flexible funding, introduced under recent reforms to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, will help survivors pay for essential items like food and baby formula, as well as provide displacement assistance to help with immediate housing needs.

Across the state, SBA has approved over $448,900 in loans to both businesses and homeowners since the start of the declaration. 

“We work with our state and local partners to ensure everyone who is eligible for FEMA assistance receives it in the most equitable manner,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Will Roy. “I thank Governor Phil Scott and Vermont Emergency Management for being excellent partners throughout this process and the FEMA employees deployed to Vermont who are selflessly carrying out our agency’s mission of helping people before, during, and after disasters.” 

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists have reached out to over 12,333 survivors to provide information about registering and have visited over 419 community locations including faith-based organizations and 914 private sector businesses. 

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) have seen 755 individuals and have taken 360 registrations. DRCs are a great opportunity for individuals to meet with FEMA specialists for in-person one-on-one support. Five DRCs – in Barre, Hinesburg, Island Pond, Lyndonville, and Waterbury – are currently open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

You do not need an appointment to visit a DRC.

FEMA specialists and representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which can provide low-interest disaster loans to survivors, will be on hand to discuss available assistance. 

Those affected by the disaster do not have to visit a DRC in order to apply. Survivors can also register in one of the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The FEMA website is accessible and includes language translation options. 
• By phone at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
• Download FEMA’s Mobile App. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 1-833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).

adrien.urbani Wed, 09/18/2024 - 14:00