President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Florida

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Florida to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Debby beginning Aug. 1 and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.

Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support, will be provided at 75% federal funding for Alachua, Baker, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Franklin, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and Wakulla counties.

Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75% federal funding for Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, DeSoto, Escambia, Flagler, Gadsden, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Polk, Santa Rosa, Seminole, St. Johns, Volusia, Walton and Washington counties.

­­John E. Brogan has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

mashana.davis Sun, 08/04/2024 - 15:16

Federal Disaster Assistance Approaching $1 Million in First 10 Days

Cape Girardeau, MO – In the first 10 days since President Biden authorized federal disaster assistance for the state of Missouri, FEMA already has approved $903,720 dollars for 158 eligible individuals and households affected by May 19-27 storms. 

This money is in the form of grants that can help pay for eligible, disaster-related costs associated with a temporary place to stay, minimal home repairs and/or other serious needs not covered by insurance or other programs.  The grants also can fund the costs of features that can help disabled persons repair or improve accessibility to their houses.  

The federal assistance is available for eligible individuals, households and self-employed business owners in 10 Missouri counties: Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas. 

Individual Assistance grants do not have to repaid if they are spent for the purpose(s) FEMA intends. Survivors should save receipts for costs associated with these grants for at least three years in case of a random audit. 

Here are other recovery milestones in the disaster operation’s first 10 days:  

214 housing inspections have been completed for those who reported storm damage to their primary residences.  The inspections are a next step once a survivor registers with FEMA to help determine the level of damage and if/how individual and household grants can help.

While FEMA funds can be used for many essential recovery needs, they generally will not pay for all disaster-related expenses a survivor incurs.  Many other government and voluntary agencies have resources that can help with those costs too.

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Sikeston at the YMCA located at 511 Taylor St.  The center’s hours are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon.-Fri., and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and closed on Sundays.  More centers are being planned to service the other disaster-designated counties and will be announced in the coming days and weeks. 

A DRC is a one-stop shop for disaster survivors to: 

• Talk face-to-face with recovery specialists to ask questions related to their recovery   
• Check on the status of their FEMA case
• Get help with applying for a low-interest disaster loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Learn about other available recovery resources. 

These services are FREE.  For those who have low-vision or are deaf/hard of hearing, there are assistance devices at the DRCs to help with accessing resources or filing a FEMA application. 

Survivors are encouraged to apply with FEMA before coming to a DRC to make your trip there the most efficient.  But individuals who are having difficulty applying can go to a DRC and get help with filing their initial application. 

There are three ways to apply for FEMA: 

• Online at disasterassistance.gov
• Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) 
• Download the FEMA App and apply on a mobile device 
• Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 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 Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams have been canvassing storm-damaged areas talking with survivors, helping them to register for FEMA on mobile devices, answering questions about disaster assistance and providing information on other resources. 

To date, the teams have visited 2,232 households and another 144 community locations. DSA team members will always carry an official federal ID.  It is not required that you share personal information with these team members.  Their visits are a courtesy to survivors.  If you suspect someone might not be who they say they are, contact local law enforcement. 

Survivors do not have to wait for a team to visit their house to apply.  FEMA encourages anyone impacted by the May 19-27 storms to apply directly as soon as possible to start the process. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Business Recovery Center in Sikeston at Southeast Missouri State University so that impacted individuals, households and businesses can meet face-to-face with SBA specialists to discuss possible low-interest disaster loans.  

The center is open Mon-Thurs 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and, beginning Aug. 16, on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.  The center is located on the Sikeston Regional Campus, Room 114, 2401 N. Main St., Sikeston. 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been authorized for persons in the 10 Missouri counties whose employment was lost or interrupted due to May 19-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. 

DUA provides unemployment benefits and re-employment assistance services for up to 35 weeks for survivors who are not eligible for regular state unemployment insurance. For more information about DUA eligibility and/or to file a claim, go online to uinteract.labor.mo.gov. For assistance with filing a claim, call your Regional Claims Center (see below) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Regional Claims Centers

Jefferson City……………………573-751-9040

Kansas City………………………816-889-3101

St. Louis …………………………314-340-4950

Springfield ………………………417-895-6851

Outside Local Calling Area ……..800-320-2519

For more disaster-related information, visit the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency online at www.sema.dps.mo.gov or FEMA at www.fema.gov and www.fema.gov/disaster/4803. 

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. 

Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Office of Civil Rights if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination.  FEMA’s Office of Civil Rights can be contacted at FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available. 

thomas.wise Sat, 08/03/2024 - 13:49

FEMA Urges Residents and Visitors to Prepare Ahead of Potential Tropical Depression Expected this Weekend

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is monitoring closely a potential tropical depression over the Straits of Florida or eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula. A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for the Florida Keys and for the west coast of the Florida peninsula.

This system has a high chance of further development. The National Hurricane Center predicts this system is likely to bring flash flooding to areas across Florida through the weekend. As the system moves north, it may bring flooding and other hazardous conditions to portions of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Residents in the path of the storm should expect heavy rainfall over the weekend and into next week.

FEMA is ready to respond and to meet any needs the state may have with personnel already in Florida supporting areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that impacted the area in May. A FEMA distribution center located in Atlanta is fully stocked and ready to mobilize commodities if requested to support state response efforts. FEMA Region 4's Incident Management Assistance Team will arrive at the Florida emergency operations center in Tallahassee on Saturday.

FEMA encourages individuals in potentially affected areas to pay close attention to weather forecasts, heed the advice of local officials and follow these tips to stay safe during flooding:

• Be prepared for the hazards the storm may bring. This storm may bring rainfall, coastal and flash flooding and wind far from the center track of the storm along the coast of Florida. As the storm travels inland, it may bring heavy rainfall to areas in Florida and along the southeast coast from Georgia to North Carolina into next week.
• Have a plan. Know how you will keep yourself, your family and your pets safe if flooding is forecast for your area. Make sure you consider your family’s unique needs, including anyone who needs medicine or medical equipment. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if you aren’t together when flooding starts. Visit.Ready.gov or Listo.gov for more information on how to stay safe before, during and after floods.
• Stay safe during flooding. Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Remember, just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water and never drive around barricades, local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Be in the know to evacuate safely. Evacuate immediately, if told to do so. To plan for evacuation, it’s important to know your risks, know what to bring, know when and where to go and know trusted information sources.
• Keep important documents safe. Having your financial and medical records and important contact information will be crucial to help you start the recovery process quickly. Keep important documents in a waterproof container on a high shelf or upper level of your home. Create password-protected digital copies and move valuables to higher levels.

Other Important Tips:

• Flooding can affect power systems, as utility companies may shut down portion of the electrical grid. If the power goes out, use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for emergency lighting. NEVER use candles during a blackout or power outage due to extreme risk of fire.
• Use generators safely – always use them outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages. Make sure to keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding.

Learn more ways to stay safe before, during and after flooding at Ready.gov/floods and Inundaciones | Ready.gov.

mashana.davis Fri, 08/02/2024 - 22:17

FEMA Serious Needs Assistance: New Benefit for Kentuckians Affected by May 21-27 Severe Weather

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA has recently implemented significant updates to its Individual Assistance program. Serious Needs Assistance is one of new benefits in the updates. For those who were impacted by the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, the deadline to apply for Serious Needs Assistance is Aug. 22. 

Serious Needs Assistance is a one-time payment per household. Immediate or serious needs assistance may provide lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation. 

You may be eligible for Serious Needs Assistance if:

• You complete a FEMA application.
• FEMA can confirm your identity.
• The home where you live most of the year is in a declared disaster area.
• FEMA confirms the disaster damage from an inspection or documents you send.
• You tell FEMA you are displaced, need shelter or have other emergency costs due to the disaster on your application; and
• You apply for FEMA assistance while Serious Needs Assistance is available.

There are several ways to apply: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to midnight local time every day, or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

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. More information can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

For an accessible video about Serious Needs Assistance, visit Serious Needs Assistance (youtube.com).

For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4804. Follow FEMA on X, formerly called Twitter, at X.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Fri, 08/02/2024 - 20:45

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Brazoria, Liberty Counties Aug. 3

AUSTIN -- FEMA is opening Disaster Recovery Centers in Brazoria and Liberty counties Aug. 3 to provide one-on-one help to Texans affected by Hurricane Beryl. 

Center locations:

Brazoria County

Tom Reid Library

3522 Liberty Dr.

Pearland, TX 77581

Liberty County 

Cleveland Civic Center 

210 Peach Ave.

Cleveland, TX 77327

The centers operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday, closed Sunday. Any center can help with both Hurricane Beryl and the April 26-June 5 storms and flooding. To find the center location nearest you go to fema.gov/drc.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

Residents in Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jasper, Jackson, Jefferson, Liberty, Orange, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker and Wharton counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.

To shorten wait times at Disaster Recovery Centers, Texans are encouraged to apply to FEMA online, by phone or using the FEMA App before going to a center for follow-up help. To apply, homeowners and renters can:

• Go online to disasterassistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA App  for mobile devices
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 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.
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center.

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

For more information about Texas disaster recovery, visit: fema.gov/disaster/4798. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at  x.com/FEMARegion6 and on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

alexa.brown Fri, 08/02/2024 - 19:34

Partnerships are Nurtured to Protect a Culture Steeped in Tradition

LAHAINA, Hawaiʻi – Each day, work crews clearing debris from the burned areas greet the rising and setting sun in prayer.

In their dusty, steel-toed boots and neon vests, these men and women form a circle, their rhythmic clapping a signal of their physical, emotional and spiritual connection to each other and the land they labor over. They believe the blessing, or pule, keeps them safe from the dangers they navigate daily.

In Lahaina, cultural ceremonies are as commonplace in safety protocols as donning protective gear or hazmat equipment. 

Since August 2023, federal disaster workers called to Maui as part of the massive response mission to help the thousands of families who lost their loved ones and homes have been introduced to a different way of conducting business. A way that is more considerate of the multicultural communities they serve.

The respect for culture in this federal disaster response began with the first presidential visit to Maui last Aug. 21. Native Hawaiian cultural leaders chose one of the most sacred sites in all of Hawaiʻi for the historic meeting and tribute to their ancestors and their rich traditions and values.

Mokuʻula, whose roots date back to the sixteenth century, is that place. An acre of land, it sits on the eastern side of Lahaina off Front Street and the bustling commercial district that existed before the fires. It is the cultural center of Maui and ancestral home to the island’s legendary chiefs. Mokuʻula is revered by Native Hawaiians nostalgic for the return of the spring-fed canals and underground streams that carved a path from the mountains to the ocean, irrigating surrounding taro patches and breadfruit trees. 

Lahaina of those days was blessed with abundance, so much water that early Europeans christened the town the Venice of the Pacific. Mokuʻula is part of the collective Hawaiian memory and the power it evokes, said Summer Sylva, a federal appointee to the Maui disaster operation whose deep Native Hawaiian roots inform FEMA policies and its decisions. 

Just five days after the wildfires raced across Lahaina, cultural practitioners began a 10-day vigil – largely out of public view – to mourn those who perished and to cleanse and ready the land for restoring life, health, and abundance. The Hawaiian moon calendar dictated the timing of the ceremony, and traditional chants were invoked at the request of mourning families.

The vigil set the stage for thousands of federal workers to receive and understand the teachings of Hawaiʻi’s culture keepers.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency was first to arrive, and brought in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Small Business Administration, to name a few, and their formidable resources. The response operation was buoyed by the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, both of which managed the feeding and sheltering of thousands of survivors and their pets.

With agencies and charitable organizations looking to the State of Hawaiʻi, Maui County and cultural advisors to guide decisions on policy, communication and relationship building, partnerships grew. And Hawaiʻi’s federal visitors began to gain a deeper understanding of how services, funding and economic opportunities would be delivered to a community that was hurting. 

“I appreciate FEMA, the government, wanting to hear … and make some significant decisions to be on Maui in a different way,” said Momi Awo, a retired social worker and cultural practitioner of hoʻoponopono, a healing ritual of reconciliation and forgiveness.

“Recognizing the importance of the cultural practices and belief system, the power of healing and being willing to trust the culture here to help people through such a difficult time – it’s made a difference.”

With the guidance of respected community leaders, FEMA supported and helped to staff a community mobile unit stationed just yards from the entrance to the Lahaina Civic Center gymnasium, where county, state, federal and community organizations offered information and advice about available assistance. 

Some survivors preferred the smaller, quieter setting of an office trailer over the cavernous and more intimidating gymnasium. The familiar presence of Hawaiian service providers alongside FEMA staff made it easier to complete applications, ask questions and receive disaster support services in private.

“FEMA’s willingness to serve differently” transformed its reputation among locals as an “obscure, giant federal bureaucracy” into a community partner, said Awo’s husband, Randy Awo, a Hawaiian Homes Maui Commissioner, and co-founder of Kākoʻo Leialiʻi, the community-developed mobile alternative to the Disaster Recovery Center.

That simple, yet significant, gesture not only gave survivors a more intimate space and refuge to learn about disaster recovery, it built a bridge between Western practices and Native Hawaiians’ cultural way of doing things.

“We continue to rely on and coordinate with our partners, and weʻre proud to say our partner list has ballooned over time,” said FEMA’s Regional Administrator Robert Fenton, who leads the agency’s response and recovery operations. “We augment each other’s efforts and we fill in each other’s gaps.”

FEMA created a Cultural Protocol Task Force, with Sylva as its lead. Cultural awareness trainings became mandatory for deployed FEMA staff.

Early in the response, FEMA learned that generations of families in Hawaiʻi live under one roof and several unrelated people may reside in a single-family home. To address those unique cultural circumstances, the agency adjusted some program requirements to allow multigenerational families to apply individually for assistance.

Blessing ceremonies are now part of the cultural protocol. They are held before federal offices open. They were held when the Army Corps of Engineers completed the temporary campus for the King Kamehameha III Elementary School that was destroyed in the wildfires. They were held before ground was broken at the Kilohana group housing site that is preparing to welcome 169 families.

Many paths exist for diverse, community voices to reach the ears of the disaster’s leaders.

“Hawaiians don’t always have a voice in what happens on their lands or to their people,” said Mehanaokala Hind, cultural advisor to the Army Corps of Engineers. “This time, they were given a voice to say what was important to them.”

shannon.carley Fri, 08/02/2024 - 19:30

Hope Lives as Lahaina Heals and Plans the Next Steps

LAHAINA, Hawaiʻi – For longtime Lahaina resident Kim Ball, the sound of construction echoing along Komo Mai Street is a welcome harbinger of renewal.

Already, the foundation of his new home is emerging from the outlines of the one destroyed by wildfires last August. Standing on his property, Ball can also see the work beginning on his neighbor’s house. Down the hill, another new home is further along. Its roof is already in place.

Ball, who owns Hi-Tech Surf Sports on Maui, is among the first Lahaina homeowners to start rebuilding. He received a permit from Maui County in 15 days. To speed up the work, he made no changes to the original blueprints for the house he had built only five years before the wildfires. It’s the same 2,300-square-foot, two-story structure surrounded by stone walls.

“I want to see it done in my lifetime,” said Ball, who is 71.

A year after wildfires raced across Lahaina, local, state and federal officials working with community groups have also accelerated their timetable, working with urgency to help survivors heal and restore their community.

“In September, we had predicted two to three years before we could issue even the first building permit,” said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, noting the debris cleanup program is months ahead of schedule. 

By July 31, more than 319,000 tons of fire debris was cleared from Lahaina alone, and nearly 34 tons of asbestos was shipped off island for disposal. Maui County was proud to say it had issued permits for 47 homes.

Inside the closed perimeter of the area burned by the wildfires, progress is visible. 

A patchwork of cleared lots covered with gravel is emerging from a landscape previously dominated by ash and rubble. The gravel itself is recycled concrete, harvested from broken driveways, foundations and walls, and signifies the lots are ready for rebuilding. 

Beyond one of the many checkpoints limiting entry to Lahaina, the destroyed sections of the once lively commercial center remain eerily silent, awaiting the community’s plans for its future revival. 

The Day That Changed Lahaina

The magnitude of the disaster hit the morning after Tuesday, Aug. 8, when the winds died down and smoke cleared enough to see the extent of the damage. Later, it was revealed that Lahaina lost 102 lives, with two others still missing. More than 2,200 structures had burned, including 26 homes in the Upcountry town of Kula.

Local and state officials knew immediately that they would need federal help, and Gov. Josh Green requested a major disaster declaration. On Aug. 10, six hours after the governor submitted his request, President Biden approved the declaration that directed federal agencies to respond.

Of paramount concern was that Lahaina survivors have a roof over their heads. With funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the state established an emergency sheltering program and contracted with the American Red Cross to operate it.

The Red Cross moved 7,796 displaced wildfire survivors into hotels. It took only 13 days. The governor described this effort as the biggest accomplishment in the first days after the disaster.

“Moving the entire town into hotels was just something to behold,” Green said. “And I'm grateful to everyone.”

The sheltering program brought a measure of stability to survivors still shaken by their escape from the wildfires. Among them was Kenderson Smith, a Pohnpeian landscape worker, who recalled the stress of leading his family to safety.

With thick, black smoke surrounding his home on Waineʻe Street, he loaded 12 of his family members, including his wife, into their pickup and drove them to the parking lot of the Maui Medical Group nearby. Then he returned on foot to his home to rescue his cousin, who was in the yard trying to fight the flames with a garden hose. 

Smith recalled their exit – a slow, halting drive first through heavy smoke, then clogged traffic to Wailuku, where relatives took them in. But there was little room there; the Wailuku house was already occupied by a large family. 

Like many other displaced residents, they managed for a while, then spent a few nights in a short-term rental unit before moving again, this time into the Red Cross sheltering program.

“We felt such a sense of relief,” Smith’s wife, Selina Albert, said through an interpreter.

Cleaning Up and Starting Over

Faced with the responsibility of clearing debris and restoring Lahaina’s infrastructure, FEMA brought in other federal agencies, tapping into their resources to help state and local officials move toward recovery. By the end of July, more than $1.3 billion had been obligated in direct federal assistance funding for their work.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency performed the initial stage of the cleanup by removing lithium batteries, large household appliances and other hazardous material.

With the immediate hazards and fire-damaged material removed, residents were allowed to visit their properties – to grieve and recover what they could, including family heirlooms and cultural artifacts. 

Kim Ball remembers, with tears in his eyes, his first visit last November. Nothing was left but a dishwasher and broken dishes. The fires destroyed his two other family homes as well.

With the permission of homeowners, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers removed the remaining debris and tested the soil at no cost to property owners. Once that important step was completed, lots were ready for development.

That work is steadily progressing, with 1,357 lots cleared as of July 31. 

The Army Corps of Engineers was given other tasks, including installing a temporary school for up to 600 children. It was finished in just 95 days. USACE is also preparing FEMA’s Kilohana temporary group housing site, with the work expected to be completed by October.

The U.S. Coast Guard, which was called in to clear Lahaina’s harbor, removed 98 damaged vessels, more than 10,000 gallons of petroleum and nearly 25,000 pounds of hazardous material from the harbor. USACE also removed more than 3,000 fire-damaged cars from the burned area.

The Environmental Protection Agency worked with Maui County Department of Water Supply to evaluate drinking water quality and ensure safe drinking water was available when Lahaina residents returned to their homes.

“We've had an unbelievable team of federal responders responding to this fire, working across all different levels of government and private sector nonprofits to help those in the community,” said Bob Fenton, FEMA’s regional administrator who is leading the agency’s response and recovery efforts.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which provides funding to help communities faced with major disasters, also plays a significant role in rebuilding damaged infrastructure and covering emergency costs. The program adopted an expedited process for approving funding for proposed restoration projects.

Among the projects, the program approved $45 million for the reconstruction of the King Kamehameha III Elementary School. Another $35 million was approved to help the State of Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority fund reconstruction of three buildings and a community center at Piʻilani Elderly Homes as well as all nine buildings at the David Malo Circle housing complex.

Another $10 million in Public Assistance funding was approved for reconstruction of the Lahaina Public Library. 

Responding to Every Need

When FEMA specialists and other federal officials arrived in Hawaiʻi, they had to earn the trust of Maui residents. Rumors were rampant. Some in the community feared the federal government would take their land. Others believed disaster workers would harm cultural artifacts and sacred sites. 

To help overcome distrust, federal government agencies collaborated with state and local officials as well as with community organizations and cultural practitioners. The result: Trusted leaders were invited to help open and ready disaster recovery centers, offices and construction projects for Maui’s healing and recovery. They trained thousands of federal workers in cultural protocols – helping them understand cultural considerations unique to Maui.

“One of the key things here is everything we’ve done has been in partnership,” Fenton said.

The Army Corps of Engineers brought in cultural monitors and archaeologists, experts who watched each step of the way as workers cleared properties. Also observing were cultural advisors, people with a deep understanding of cultural practices.

Before and after work each day, the workers rebuilding Lahaina gather for “pule,” a blessing. “Pule is how we begin to heal fully,” said cultural practitioner Mehanaokala Hind. “It’s heavy, you know, in these spaces.”

FEMA tapped local and state organizations to provide an array of free social services, among them crisis counseling, behavioral health teams, veterans’ services and disaster legal service organizations. 

Interpreters were available for 12 spoken languages and American Sign Language. Onsite language interpreters were stationed at disaster recovery centers to help survivors with applications and other essential information. 

They interpreted in many languages, including Chuukese, Hawaiian, Ilocano, Kosraean, Marshallese, Pohnpeian, Portuguese, Samoan, Spanish, Tagalog, Tongan and Vietnamese.

Four of these language experts were wildfire survivors themselves. They had lost everything in the fires and understood what others were going through. Interpreters were stationed at the Lahaina Civic Center gymnasium, where people could get assistance from disaster workers and assemble for cultural ceremonies or community meetings. 

Out of Hotels and Into Temporary Housing

One of FEMA’s major challenges was moving wildfire survivors out of hotels and into temporary housing, where families could have a kitchen and more bedrooms.

FEMA offered two options. 

The Rental Assistance program provides grant funding for eligible applicants. Under this program, tenants found their own rentals, which could be on Maui, the other Hawaiian islands or any other U.S.-governed location, and FEMA would pay the survivor a sum toward the rent. 

In contrast, under the Direct Lease program, FEMA leased rental units for survivors, and paid rent to the landlords through a property management company.

State and local officials worked with federal officials to move the Direct Lease program along. FEMA held Industry Day events to encourage property owners to participate in the program. Maui County offered to exempt owners of short-term vacation rentals from property taxes as long as they housed wildfire survivors. 

By July 31, some 1,199 households had been handed keys to their new temporary housing. Wildfire survivors said these homes gave them a chance to get back to normal. 

Each household was matched with temporary housing, including accessible units, based on its individual needs.

FEMA was able to lease two houses for Kenderson Smith’s large family – 15 members in all including 10 children, one of them a newborn. The families originally came to Maui from Pohnpei, a Pacific island in the Federated States of Micronesia. 

Before the fires, they had lived together in a single large home on Waineʻe Street. Their current temporary homes in the town of Makawao are just a few blocks apart.

“Our house burned down, and we thought we wouldn’t have a place to live,” Selina Albert said. “The help that we received from FEMA was really good.”

FEMA also found suitable homes for people with unique considerations. That was the case for Molimoli and Elone Toa, an elderly Tongan couple who lost the apartment they shared with extended family. Both had medical issues and dietary requirements.

While they appreciated help from the emergency sheltering program, they frequently had to change hotels. That ended when FEMA’s Direct Lease program found them a two-bedroom apartment in Kihei. 

Molimoli especially appreciates having a kitchen again. It means she won’t have to prepare meals for herself and Elone in a park. It also means she can look forward to the day when she can cook for her three adult sons and their families when they come home to visit.

Her eyes light up when she talks about preparing their favorite Tongan dishes, laulau and lu sipi. 

Recovery on the Horizon

The debris removal and repairs to infrastructure are setting the stage for Lahaina to rise again, lot by lot and project by project.

“With the help of so many federal agencies, we have been able to accelerate some of the progress that’s happening,” the mayor said.

Funding will be available for many of those who plan to rebuild. As of July 31, the U.S. Small Business Administration had approved more than $394 million in low-interest disaster loans for fire-damaged homes and businesses as well as companies outside the impacted zone that suffered financial losses.

Community groups, local and state planners are already discussing the bigger picture, the Lahaina they would like to see blossom in coming years. 

“There is great solidarity among the people of Hawaiʻi to rebuild and to focus a little bit more on our local needs rather than some of the economic activity that was coming from the mainland,” the governor said.

Various ideas are under discussion – a historic district along Front Street, a park where the former Lahaina Public Library stood, a community plan for construction of affordable housing. 

“We want to work with the community to ensure that we support them and their vision for long-term recovery,” FEMA’s Fenton said. “A lot of our programs are focused on building back stronger, more resilient and better.”

Kim Ball is hopeful that Lahaina will rebound. He raised his three sons in Lahaina, went to the same Baptist church and coached wrestling here for 40 years. Hope and love for Lahaina are what drives him.

“There’s no other place like Lahaina. I just love the whole ambience,” he said. “The core of our town loves Lahaina so I think the future is bright for Lahaina.”

shannon.carley Fri, 08/02/2024 - 19:28

Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Pays Over One Billion Dollars to Claimants, Commits to Building Upon Momentum

SANTA FE, N.M. – The FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office (“Claims Office”) has reached a significant milestone, disbursing over one billion dollars to claimants affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding. To date, the Claims Office has disbursed more than $1 billion to claimants who have filed Notices of Loss, marking a critical step forward in the recovery of Las Vegas, Mora and San Miguel County communities.

“Our community has shown remarkable resilience throughout this challenging journey,” said Jay Mitchell, Director of Operations for the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office. “This milestone is a testament to the determination, patience, and partnership of our claimants who have used their voices to help us identify critical improvements to the claims process. We know this milestone belongs to the community.”

The Claims Office has intensified its efforts to expedite payments and streamline processes, ensuring claimants receive the maximum compensation allowable under the law as swiftly and seamlessly as possible. Recent improvements include increased staffing, extended office hours, and enhanced tools such as standard rate calculators and documentation checklists to simplify the claims process and minimize delays.

In recent weeks, the Claims Office has processed several municipal claims, with additional claims either at or approaching the payment stage. These payments benefit entire counties, underscoring the broader impact of these efforts on community-wide recovery.

The Claims Office also continues to prioritize complex claims, such as total loss claims, which involve entire households devastated by the disaster. While these cases require meticulous attention and may take longer to process, efforts are ongoing to continue accelerating these payments without comprising accuracy or fairness.  

“We recognize the trust placed in us by our claimants, and we are grateful for their collaboration and feedback which have been invaluable in refining our processes,” noted Mitchell. “Their participation in Claims Office events like Total Loss Claims Workshops, Kitchen Table Connects, and Resource Fairs has strengthened our partnership, informed our continuous improvement initiatives, and ultimately has sped up the payment process.”

Looking ahead, the Claims Office remains committed to building upon this momentum to ensure every eligible claimant receives the support they need. Efforts to remove barriers and enhance communication will remain a top priority as the Claims Office strives to meet community members where they are and deliver the compensation they both need and deserve.

“While we acknowledge this milestone, we recognize there is more work ahead,” added Mitchell. “Our commitment remains steadfast to provide comprehensive resources and support beyond financial assistance to help our community recover, rebuild and thrive. We would like to urge anyone who experienced damages from the fire to submit a Notice of Loss to begin the claims process. It is imperative to take this step before November 14, 2024.”  

Anyone impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding is encouraged to start a claim if they have not already. Questions and concerns can be addressed by calling your claim Navigator or the Claims Office Helpline at 505-995-7133. Per the Hermit's Peak Fire Assistance Act, the deadline to submit a Notice of Loss is November 14, 2024. Compensation through the Claims Office is not taxable income and will not impact eligibility for other federal benefits including social security or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Contact a tax professional for tax-related questions.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. At the time of publication, the FEMA Claims Office has paid more than $1 billion to claimants. 

For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice.

erika.suzuki Fri, 08/02/2024 - 16:52

More Disaster Survivors May Get Free Legal Aid from American Bar Association

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Free legal assistance is now available for more disaster survivors in Kentucky. 

Disaster survivors in Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Christian, Clay, Greenup, Hopkins, Knox, Logan, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren and Whitley counties who were affected by the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides throughout Kentucky may benefit from the FEMA-funded legal assistance by calling the hotline at 859-993-0300. 

Previously, this free legal service was available for eligible survivors in Boyd, Carter, Fayette, Greenup, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Mason, Oldham, Union and Whitley counties who were affected by the April 2 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides. They can still call the same hotline number for this free service.

Kentuckians who need help can call the hotline 8:30 a.m. -- noon; 1:00 -- 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If after business hours, survivors can leave a message and calls may be returned on the next business day. The hotline is available to connect survivors to free legal services in qualifying counties who cannot afford an attorney.

Legal assistance may be able to help survivors in the following ways: 

• FEMA and SBA financial benefits;
• Home repair contracts and property insurance claims;
• Re-doing wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster;
• Price gouging, scams or identity theft;
• Landlord or tenant problems, or threats of foreclosure; and
• Disability-related access to federal, state and local disaster programs.

While the organization can help survivors with many services, it does not provide support with writing FEMA appeal letters.

The Disaster Legal Services (DLS) program works with state and local partners to provide free legal help for low-income disaster survivors. The service is a partnership between the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, FEMA, and various organizations and volunteer attorneys. 

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, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4804. Follow FEMA on X, formerly called Twitter, at x.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Fri, 08/02/2024 - 13:57

FEMA Urges Preparedness ahead of Peak Hurricane Season

PHILADELPHIA – As we enter peak hurricane season, FEMA Region 3 leaders are urging residents, no matter where you live, to keep an eye on the forecast. Late summer into early fall is typically the most active period of the Atlantic hurricane season and if you haven’t prepared your family and your home, now is the time.

In May, the National Weather Service (NWS) released its annual hurricane season outlook. NWS’s 2024 outlook is the most aggressive forecast on record. We have seen three named storms so far this year, including Hurricane Beryl. Beryl set records as the first-ever Category 4 hurricane in June and, once it strengthened in early July, the earliest Category 5 storm. 

We have seen a lull in tropical activity in July, which is typical. But the risk of tropical storms is far from over, particularly as we are approaching the height of hurricane season. Our region has seen significant impacts from tropical cyclones in the second half of hurricane season, including Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011, Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, Hurricane Isaias in August 2020 and Hurricane Ida in September 2021. 

 “The July lull in hurricane activity can create a false sense of calm for what may lay ahead,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney “Do not be complacent. Now is the time to prepare for hurricanes and their impacts, whether you live in a coastal or inland community.”

Stay Informed

NWS is expected to release their mid-season outlook in the coming days. As we approach the peak of hurricane season, you can stay informed by having multiple ways to receive alerts and warnings. 

Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts and safety tips. Available in English and Spanish, this app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, disaster survival tips and weather alerts.

Sign up for community alerts in your area. To ensure you can receive life-saving alerts on your smartphone, make sure the “Government Alerts” or “Emergency Alert Messages” option is turned-on in your phone settings.

Finally, know your personal risk. If you live near the coast or a tidal area, you are potentially at risk of storm surge and fierce winds during a hurricane. Many states have “Know Your Zone” websites that can help you easily identify if your home is in an evacuation zone. But hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Here are some online tools to help you find out how tropical cyclones can impact your area. 

During an emergency, follow instructions from local officials. If you are told to shelter in place or evacuate, do so without delay.

Plan Now 

You don’t have to live in a coastal community to experience hurricane flooding. Every area of our region is at risk of catastrophic impacts from tropical cyclones. Preparing now can save lives.

It only takes one storm to change your life and your community. Recent stories, such as Hurricane Ida, prove that both the coastline and inland regions are vulnerable to tropical storms. Anywhere it rains, it can flood. No matter where you live, work, or travel you should take steps to prepare.

Visit www.Ready.gov/hurricanes (or www.Listo.gov for Spanish speakers) and understand what you can do for your family, friends and community. The following are a selection of actions everyone can take now to prepare:

1. Know your evacuation route: Follow the directions from local officials for community evacuation. If you’re evacuating by car, find and use the official evacuation routes, many of which are marked by posted evacuation route signs. If you need to relocate, identify a safe place away from home where you could go. Plan to leave early to avoid major traffic delays. Remember: “When storm surge is on the way, evacuate today!”
2. Gather supplies: Have enough food, water and other supplies for every member of your family to last several days. Consider the unique needs of your family, such as formula for infants, medication for seniors or supplies for pets.  
3. Make an emergency plan: Individuals, families, and businesses should take steps to know their risk and prepare for dangerous weather. Know where you’ll go during a weather emergency and how to communicate with family and friends. Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan. Don’t forget a plan for the office, daycare center, school and any other locations you frequent. 
4. Help your neighborhood and community: Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others. Consider participating in Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) or other mutual aid groups.
5. Build Resiliency

2024 is FEMA’s Year of Resilience and August is National Resilience Month, a chance for us to celebrate and share the actions towns and cities have taken to safeguard their communities from future threats. 

FEMA has invested in mitigation projects across Region 3 including home elevations in Hampton, Virginia, a floodwall project at the DC Water Wastewater Treatment Plant, a shoreline stabilization project in King George, Virginia and landslide remediation efforts in Pittsburgh, PA. These projects are a great example of different ways FEMA funding can be used to increase resiliency against different threats. 

While FEMA is investing in community projects, there are steps you can take at home to make your property more resilient when it comes to hurricane flooding. Just one inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to your home. Make sure that you are protected with flood insurance, even if you are a renter.

You can take action today. Clear away debris outside of your home and secure outdoor items or store them indoors. Keep drains, gutters, and downspouts clear of debris. Trim large trees and shrubs away from the house. Move outdoor furniture and other movable items indoors. Anchor mailboxes, fences, and heavy objects securely to the ground.

Taking steps to prepare your family and your home today can ensure you’re ready for what hurricane season may bring in the next few months. 

On August 5, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 3 will host a media tour of the Regional Response Coordination Center led by Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney to highlight the importance of preparedness ahead of the peak of hurricane season.

To attend our media tour, virtually or in person, reach out to the FEMA R3 News Desk at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov. 

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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.

 

                                                                                                      

 

 

 

amanda.hancher Fri, 08/02/2024 - 13:35

One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

MADISON, Miss. – Homeowners and renters in Hancock, Hinds, Humphreys, Madison, Neshoba and Scott counties who were affected by the April 8-11, 2024, severe storms have one week left to apply for assistance. 

Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance the following ways:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time in most languages. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download the FEMA mobile app  

FEMA assistance may cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is non-taxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, or other benefits. 

Survivors have until August 9, 2024, to apply for assistance. 

For the latest information on recovery from the April tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4790. On X/Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4@femaregion4.

Gaynell.Tinsey Fri, 08/02/2024 - 13:17

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Colorado’s Quarry Fire

DENVER – FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Quarry Fire burning in Jefferson County, Colorado near the community of Ken Caryl and Littleton.

FEMA Region 8 Deputy Administrator Katherine Fox approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request this afternoon and determining that the fire threatened such destruction that it would constitute a major disaster.

“Approving an FMAG is a powerful reminder we are all connected in the effort to protect our communities,” said Fox.  “This assistance will help ensure that the communities battling the Quarry Fire have the resources they need to battle this fire and protect lives and property.”

At the time of the request, the Quarry Fire was threatening more than 750 homes and other structures in the area. The fire started July 31, 2024, and has burned more than 418 acres.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies. 

With the FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.

For more information on FMAGs, visit  https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.

anthony.mayne Fri, 08/02/2024 - 00:38

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Pottawattamie County

FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Pottawattamie County on Monday, August 5 to provide one-on-one help for people affected by recent flooding and severe storms.

Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

 

Pottawattamie County

Veterans Affairs Building

623 6th Ave.

Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Opens Monday, Aug. 5 from 1–6 p.m.

Then open daily from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. 

Closed on Sundays

 

FEMA can provide money to eligible homeowners and renters for help with serious needs, paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs, rental assistance and other needs not covered by insurance.

Designated counties are Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Cedar, Cherokee, Clarke, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Harrison, Humboldt, Jasper, Lyon, Mills, Montgomery, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Union and Woodbury.
To save time, please apply with FEMA online or by phone before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

How to Apply with FEMA

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Download and use 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).

thomas.wise Thu, 08/01/2024 - 22:42

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Pinal County

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for Pinal County, Arizona and the City of Apache Junction, Arizona. The maps identify revised flood hazards along Monument Canyon Wash, Palm Wash, Siphon Draw, Weeks Wash, all other Zone ABLE streams. 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 new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from August 1 to October 30, 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 Pinal 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 Mike Goodman at Pinal County at (480) 982-0659 or (mike.goodman@pinal.gov).

 

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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, 08/01/2024 - 21:46

FEMA Resolves Several Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Lawsuits, Establishes Processes that Benefit Third-Party Represented Claimants

SANTA FE, N.M. — FEMA’s Claims Office recently resolved seven lawsuits pending in federal court arising from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The settlements benefit claimants by expanding guidance on FEMA’s communications with individuals represented by lawyers, establishing a cooperative process to streamline the review of lawyer-provided documentation, and allowing claims payments to be made into Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) held by claimants’ attorneys. The settlement terms apply only to claimants represented by counsel in the settled cases but can apply to any claimant whose attorney reviews and agrees to them. 

“We have followed these court cases closely and believe their joint resolution benefit claimants represented by third parties,” said Jay Mitchell, Director of Operations of the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office. “The resolution of these lawsuits allows the Claims Office to more efficiently process claims and speed up claimants’ post-fire recovery.”

The settlement provides for more efficient processing of third-party represented claims. Among other things, it changes the documentation submission timeline, whereby lawyers agree to submit organized and complete documentation to the Claims Office no later than 60 days after a claim is filed. This will accelerate the claims process for claimants represented by an attorney. 

The settlement also provides that FEMA can continue communicating with third-party represented claimants using the Claims Office’s “Intent to Proceed Without Counsel” form after attempting to reach claimant's counsel. This provides claimants the opportunity to quickly receive updates on their claims.

“We support any resolution that enhances the claimant experience, improves the speed of payments, and increases transparency into our operations and the claims process,” said Mitchell, “Our staff will continue working closely with third-party representation, meeting with law firms both in group settings and one-on-one, to ensure compensable claims are processed for payment in an expedient manner. The improving and positive relationship we maintain with attorneys plays a crucial role in enabling our mission and ensuring claimants receive timely and fair compensation. We will continue to prioritize strategic and operational improvements so that claimants receive the support they need to file a claim by the November 14 deadline.”

FEMA is represented in the seven lawsuits by Samantha Kelly, Roberto Ortega, and Nicholas Sydow of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico. The United States Attorney’s Office continues to represent FEMA and other Federal Agencies in other litigation related to the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez said, “Our number one goal is to ensure the fair, consistent, and timely handling of claims, as well as the expeditious dispersal of compensation to those impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire. The speedy and amicable resolution of these claims helps to ensure that FEMA can meet the needs of New Mexicans through an equitable implementation of Congress’ directives in the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act.”

As of Aug. 1, the Claims Office has paid 318 third-party represented claims totaling $162.9 million. Currently, there are 1,071 third-party represented claims totaling $91.2 million awaiting claimant response. 

Anyone impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding is encouraged to start a claim with the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office if they haven’t already. Per the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act, the deadline to submit a Notice of Loss is November 14, 2024. 

Claims Office compensation is not taxable. Receiving payment from the Claims Office will not impact eligibility for government assistance programs. Contact a tax professional for specific tax-related questions. Questions and concerns can also be addressed by calling your claim Navigator or the Claims Office Helpline at 505-995-7133.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. At the time of publication, the FEMA Claims Office has paid $996.6 million to claimants. 

For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice.  

amy.ashbridge Thu, 08/01/2024 - 21:16

2024 Wildfire Preparedness

DENVER – Colorado, Wyoming and several other states are currently fighting multiple fires that are prompting evacuations, causing power outages, and impacting air quality with heavy smoke. FEMA Region 8 has approved federal assistance to battle five fires across Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. In addition to supporting these firefighting efforts, we encourage personal preparedness for those who may be impacted by wildfire activity. 

“This is an important time to be thinking about personal preparedness,” said FEMA Region 8 Deputy Regional Administrator Katherine Fox. “I live in a county that is currently fighting a fire and so I’m getting their emergency alerts. I know first-hand what a stressful time this is. Having a plan and a few essential items ready is helpful to me personally.”  

For those living in the communities under the threat of wildfires, consider these preparedness steps from Ready.gov: 

• Sign up for your local emergency alerts from your local public safety officials.
• Develop a plan to meet the specific needs your household may face during a disaster or an evacuation.  
• Put together an emergency kit that can support you and your family for several days. This may contain important personal documents, clothes, medications, your cell phone and charger, other essentials, and comfort items.
• Plan for and prepare your pets and other large animals for disasters and potential evacuations. 
• Understand the way out. Know the evacuation routes from your home and community and think ahead to where you and your family can temporarily relocate. 
• Download the FEMA App to receive real-time weather and emergency alerts, send notifications to loved ones, locate emergency shelters in your area, get preparedness strategies and more.

Smoke from the wildfires have impacted the air quality in the region. Limit your time outside, monitor the local news and visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow page to get updated air quality information and for more tips to protect your family. 

Visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires for more information on how to make you and your family more prepared for the wildfires you may face where you live and work. 

anthony.mayne Thu, 08/01/2024 - 20:25

Greenfield Disaster Recovery Center Moving

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Adair County is relocating from the Elementary School to City Hall. The center will provide one-on-one help for people affected by recent flooding and severe storms.

Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

Nodaway Valley 

Elementary School

324 N.W. Second St.

Greenfield. IA 50849

Open 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Closing Saturday, August 3

Greenfield City Hall

202 S. 1st St.

Greenfield, IA 50849

Opening Monday, Aug. 5 from 1–6 p.m.

Then open daily from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

.

FEMA can provide money to eligible homeowners and renters for help with serious needs, paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs, rental assistance and other needs not covered by insurance.

To save time, please apply with FEMA online or by phone before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

How to Apply with FEMA

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Download and use 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).

thomas.wise Thu, 08/01/2024 - 19:39

Dunbar Disaster Recovery Center closed temporarily Saturday

Media Advisory

Dunbar Disaster Recovery Center closed temporarily Saturday

CHARLESTON, W.Va.– The following state-federal Disaster Recovery Center will be closed temporarily Saturday, Aug. 3, due to a previously scheduled event at the location. It will resume normal operations Monday, Aug. 5.

The center is located at:

Kanawha County

Dunbar Recreation Center

2601 Fairlawn Ave.

Dunbar, WV 25064

Normal hours of operation:

Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

West Virginia residents affected by severe storms April 11-12 can visit a Disaster Recovery Center to get help registering for FEMA disaster assistance. To locate one, check the FEMA app or visit DRC Locator (fema.gov). The FEMA registration deadline for the April 11-12 storm is Sept. 3, 2024.

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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, 08/01/2024 - 18:44

Senior Living Homes Will Be Repaired with an Allocation of Over $1.3 Million From FEMA

The works will help bring services to more than 300 seniors

Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO ― Over $1.3 million in funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were allocated to repair three senior living homes in the municipalities of Dorado, Ponce and Culebra. These projects, like similar ones, are focused on providing adequate and safe places for Puerto Rico's elderly population.

These three centers will benefit around 300 senior citizens. According to the 2023 census, the population over 65 years of age in Puerto Rico is around 771,000 people. 

“The elderly are especially vulnerable in times of disaster. For FEMA, it is vital to help them have care facilities and places of recreation that offer the appropriate conditions for their health and safety. The repairs to these three centers not only benefit these seniors, but also their respective families. This is all part of our commitment to the comprehensive recovery of Puerto Rico,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

One of the homes that has already completed its repairs is the La Nueva Aurora, Carmen Josefina “Cambu” López Rijos Senior Center in Dorado, with an allocation of over $779,200. The center serves 120 participants aged 60 or older and other 130 people, including regular participants and others to whom food service is provided at home. Voltage regulators were repaired here, lighting fixtures, metal roofs of the gazebos, water tank, exhaust fans and air conditioners were replaced. Furthermore, the mold situation in the bathroom ceilings was remediated and doors, windows and security cameras were replaced, among other things.

According to the center's director and social worker María Brito, the place has an arts and crafts room, an interior patio, a terrace, a dining room, a kitchen and a food pantry. La Nueva Aurora provides entertainment spaces for participants, as well as breakfast, snacks and lunch. They have 30 employees and provide social work, nursing, recreation, housekeeper and transportation services, among others. 

“There are educational talks, health clinics, crafts, and they have spaces to rest and enjoy themselves, play dominoes, bingo and a walking trail. This is a complete program full of love, and the services are free, since the center operates with combined funds from the Office of the Ombudsman for The Elderly and the municipality of Dorado,” said Brito.

As part of the hazard mitigation measures, a sealant was applied to roofs and walls to prevent water infiltration, storm drains were installed, wooden doors were replaced with aluminum ones, and gazebos were equipped with ties to withstand high winds, among others. This was accomplished with a budget of over $219,000 earmarked for these purposes.

“All damage was repaired, and the participants are happy. This is their second home; they see that it’s beautiful and that is good for them because they take good care of the center. Thanks to these repairs, enrollment has increased and there is a better quality of life, as well as a lot of socializing. These services are important for the elderly population because they help them discover their interests and continue being useful and skillful,” added Brito.

Participants agree with her, such as José Enrique Maisonet, known as “Cachachán,” who enjoys painting and the arts and crafts workshops; and Carmen del Pilar Abreu Motta, who said that her son takes her in the mornings and the center provides transportation to return home in the afternoons. Both said they were happy with how they are treated and with the activities provided.

Furthermore, the Ernestina Rodríguez Senior Home in Ponce has just begun reconstruction work. This home built in 1892 serves 40 seniors and serves as a shelter for the community in case of emergencies. The allocation of nearly $489,000 will help seal the roof and replace air conditioners, a masonry wall, light fixtures, doors, two freezers and ice storage, in addition to repairing a generator, among other work. With over $79,000 for mitigation measures, an additional treatment will be given to the roof to protect it against impact of debris and anchors will be added to the gazebo’s roof and the roof.

Likewise, in the island municipality of Culebra, the Marcelina Díaz Pellot Senior Center received an allocation of over $69,000 to repair the facilities where they provide day care to about 20 seniors each month. Among the services they offer are breakfast, snacks and lunch, as well as activities such as reading, exercise, arts and crafts, board games and trips to the beach. They also organize activities with other centers, and they accompany participants on their errands. 

With the funds allocated by FEMA, the air conditioning compressor, the steel posts and the electrical meter panels were replaced. The roof was waterproofed as part of the mitigation measures for which nearly $10,000 were allocated.

To date, FEMA has obligated nearly $34 billion for over 11,000 recovery projects in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane María. 

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.

LA NUEVA AURORA, CARMEN JOSEFINA “CAMBU” LÓPEZ RIJOS SENIOR CENTER, DORADO, PR

Dorado, Puerto Rico (July 24, 2024) - Over $1.3 million in funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were allocated to repair three senior living homes in the municipalities of Dorado, Ponce and Culebra. One of the homes that has already completed its repairs is the La Nueva Aurora, Carmen Josefina “Cambu” López Rijos Senior Center in Dorado, with an allocation of over $779,200. Voltage regulators were repaired here, lighting fixtures, metal roofs of the gazebos, water tank, exhaust fans and air conditioners were replaced. Photo FEMA/Lorraine Valle

ERNESTINA RODRÍGUEZ SENIOR HOME, PONCE, PR

Ponce, Puerto Rico (July 26, 2024) – The Ernestina Rodríguez Senior Home in Ponce has just begun reconstruction work. The allocation of nearly $489,000 by FEMA will help seal the roof and replace air conditioners, a masonry wall, light fixtures, doors, two freezers and ice storage, in addition to repairing a generator, among other work. With over $79,000 for mitigation measures, an additional treatment will be given to the roof to protect it against impact of debris and anchors will be added to the gazebo’s roof and the roof. This home built in 1892 serves 40 seniors and serves as a shelter for the community in case of emergencies. Photo FEMA/Carmen Edith Torres

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 08/01/2024 - 17:17

Apply for FEMA Assistance by August 14

OKLAHOMA CITY –  Oklahomans affected by the May 19-28 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding have until August 14 to apply for FEMA assistance.

This deadline is for residents of Blaine, Caddo, Custer, Delaware, Jackson, Mayes, Muskogee and Rogers counties.

If you were affected by the storms, you should apply as soon as possible. FEMA may be able to help with rent, home repairs and other disaster-related needs.

There are four ways to apply:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
• Download the FEMA App.
• Visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Rogers County Health Department:
  2664 N. Highway 88
  Claremore, OK 74017
  Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday.

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

For the latest information about Oklahoma’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4791. Follow FEMA Region 6 on X at x.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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

martyce.allenjr Thu, 08/01/2024 - 15:47