FEMA, Ad Council Release New PSAs in Collaboration with Sony Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife'

WASHINGTON -- FEMA’s Ready Campaign and the Ad Council joined with Sony Pictures and their new film, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” to promote the critical message of emergency preparedness.

“We recently launched this new partnership to help remind communities whether it’s a ghost encounter or a natural disaster, it helps to be prepared,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Make sure you're ready for emergencies, from specters to wildfires, by visiting Ready.gov/Plan.”

In “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. In celebration of the film’s theatrical release on Nov. 18, Sony Pictures developed public service advertisements (PSAs) with film footage for the Ready Campaign.

The PSA video and promotional posters feature the film’s cast in key movie scenes depicting what families should do now to prepare for disasters with the theme, “Ghosts don’t plan ahead, but you can. Make your emergency plan.”

Beginning this month, the TV PSAs will air in donated media throughout the country. Networks can download advertisements from the Ad Council’s website. The PSA video is also available to view on https://www.ready.gov/videos. As part of the promotion, @Readygov twitter account and the Ready Facebook page will be using the PSAs to encourage the public to get prepared for emergencies.

FEMA’s Ready Campaign launched in 2003 as a national public service campaign to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Ready, and its Spanish language version Listo, ask individuals to Make a Plan that includes:

1. Signing up for local weather and emergency alerts
2. Knowing your evacuation routes
3. Deciding on a safe emergency meeting location

The new PSAs are an extension of FEMA and the Ad Council’s partnership, which has helped to generate more than 100 million unique visitors to the campaign’s website Ready.gov and Listo.gov since its launch in 2003.

For more information on what to do before, during or after emergencies, visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 12/07/2021 - 20:09

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance State by State Breakdown

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided over $1.47 billion to nearly 226,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

Eligibility determinations are not driven by state/location; instead, they are based on when the applicant submits all required documentation.

“Applications” in the below chart reflect the number of individuals who called to begin the assistance process.

Please find state-specific information below:

State/Territory

Applications

Amount Approved

Number of Awards

ALABAMA

8,683

$35,021,902

5,117

ALASKA

261

$727,623

137

AMERICAN SAMOA

Less than 10

$22,968

Less than 10

ARIZONA

5,831

$18,595,839

3,680

ARKANSAS

3,843

$15,666,242

2,475

CALIFORNIA

32,592

$141,590,588

21,907

COLORADO

2,901

$9,782,077

1,739

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

Less than 10

$10,894

Less than 10

CONNECTICUT

3,538

$18,558,653

2,698

DELAWARE

1,010

$4,497,483

715

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

596

$2,585,026

376

FLORIDA

25,424

$83,986,665

14,912

GEORGIA

14,791

$59,707,678

8,653

GUAM

24

$79,952

11

HAWAII

457

$1,348,459

236

IDAHO

1,098

$3,222,349

562

ILLINOIS

13,304

$63,574,009

9,317

INDIANA

6,286

$27,419,062

3,939

IOWA

2,910

$14,904,137

2,078

KANSAS

2,869

$12,740,495

1,958

KENTUCKY

5,792

$22,529,992

3,135

LOUISIANA

6,816

$29,759,432

4,338

MAINE

508

$1,704,297

311

MARYLAND

6,110

$29,042,677

4,324

MASSACHUSETTS

6,021

$30,405,464

4,388

MICHIGAN

11,014

$46,338,708

7,623

MINNESOTA

3,314

$16,281,076

2,394

MISSISSIPPI

5,757

$23,806,988

3,525

MISSOURI

6,725

$27,587,860

4,384

MONTANA

813

$2,294,995

447

NEBRASKA

1,440

$7,225,921

1,036

NEVADA

3,107

$10,128,431

1,840

NEW HAMPSHIRE

757

$3,345,241

546

NEW JERSEY

12,477

$61,666,779

8,977

NEW MEXICO

1,896

$6,180,728

1,199

NEW YORK

27,236

$131,234,179

19,142

NORTH CAROLINA

11,455

$49,256,871

7,476

NORTH DAKOTA

797

$4,436,916

600

OHIO

12,495

$52,290,676

8,093

OKLAHOMA

5,385

$20,996,013

3,290

OREGON

1,469

$3,853,211

770

PENNSYLVANIA

14,809

$68,207,284

10,384

PUERTO RICO

1,554

$3,360,433

907

RHODE ISLAND

1,210

$6,147,586

900

SOUTH CAROLINA

8,015

$33,109,830

4,797

SOUTH DAKOTA

809

$4,280,344

588

TENNESSEE

9,944

$39,426,007

5,702

TEXAS

33,850

$141,429,983

21,701

U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

46

$180,364

28

UTAH

1,507

$6,688,732

951

VERMONT

162

$704,283

123

VIRGINIA

7,625

$32,118,955

4,853

WASHINGTON

2,745

$8,638,505

1,563

WEST VIRGINIA

2,237

$8,215,763

1,212

WISCONSIN

5,180

$23,341,488

3,585

WYOMING

467

$1,574,622

277

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. EST today.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. Please note, phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Applicants who use a relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to them for that service so that agency representatives are able to contact them.

Additional information about COVID-19 funeral assistance, including frequently asked questions, is available on FEMA.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 12/06/2021 - 21:08

FEMA Recovery Center Opens in Stamford

Hartford, Conn.– A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Stamford (Fairfield County) opens at 8 a.m. Dec. 7, to help Connecticut residents affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.  

Representatives from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available at the center to help survivors apply for disaster assistance, explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about FEMA letters and the appeals process and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

The DRC is located at: Harry Bennett Branch of the Ferguson Library, 115 Vine Rd., Stamford, CT 06905.        

• Hours for the Stamford location are: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and Closed Sunday.

DRCs are accessible for individuals with disabilities and have on-site communication accessibility tools like amplified listening devices and Video Remote Interpreting. Additional accommodations can be made upon arrival. ASL interpreters and multilingual services will be available upon request.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. In addition to visiting a DRC, Connecticut residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov; via the FEMA app; or by calling the Disaster Assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, 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. The deadline to apply for federal assistance is Dec. 29.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration: Social Security number; address of the damaged primary residence; insurance coverage information; current telephone number and mailing address; and bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

To help alleviate the risk of COVID-19 being spread through person-to-person contact, wearing a mask or face covering is required to gain entry. Hand sanitizer is available to survivors and staff.

Workstations are spaced six feet apart to provide an extra level of protection for survivors and staff.

FEMA ensures that common areas are cleaned regularly, and workstations are sanitized after each visitor.

Individuals in Fairfield, New Haven and New London Counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance. FEMA is working with state officials to open further centers throughout declared counties.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover

adrien.urbani Mon, 12/06/2021 - 20:36

One Week Left to Register for FEMA Assistance

HARRISBURG, PA – Homeowners and renters who have uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from the Remnants of Hurricane Ida in Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and York counties have only one week left to apply for disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Dec. 10.

There are several ways to register:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.  
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).  
• Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), also available at Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Assistance from FEMA may include funds for:

• Temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs
• Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges
• Disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care and other miscellaneous items.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration:

• Social Security number
• Address of the damaged primary residence
• Insurance coverage information
• Current telephone number and mailing address
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

Survivors should keep their contact information updated with FEMA because they may need to reach them to perform a home inspection or get additional information. For faster reimbursement, FEMA encourages survivors to request direct deposits of disaster assistance to their financial institution. Survivors should let FEMA know as soon as possible of any changes to their mailing or banking information.

Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

For updates on the Pennsylvania response and recovery, follow the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on Twitter twitter.com/PEMAHQ and Facebook https://m.facebook.com/PEMAHQ/. Additional information is available at fema.gov/disaster/4618.

valerie.amato Fri, 12/03/2021 - 20:13

Connecticut Hurricane Ida – Federal Aid Tops $26 Million, Survivors Still Have Time to Apply with FEMA

HARTFORD, Conn. – With less than one month remaining for Connecticut disaster survivors to apply for federal assistance, more than $26.2 million in federal grants, loans and flood insurance program claims has been approved for residents and businesses to help them recover from damage and losses caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida.

Fairfield, New Haven and New London county homeowners and renters affected by Ida are eligible to apply with FEMA.

As of Dec. 2, FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program has provided more than $4.7 million in federal grants. This amount includes more than $4.4 million in individual assistance for temporary housing and rental and home repair or replacement and $240,645 in other needs assistance (ONA) which can help pay for disaster damaged personal property, transportation, and moving and storage expenses.

Those who have uninsured or underinsured losses can apply with FEMA in one of three ways: online at disasterassistance.gov, via the FEMA app, or call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, 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. Multilingual operators are available.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Next to insurance, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are the primary source of funds for Connecticut disaster survivors to make property repairs and replace personal property destroyed by Hurricane Ida.

As of Dec. 2, More than $5.9 million in SBA disaster loans have been approved to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from remnants of Hurricane Ida.

For more information, or to apply for a loan contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

The NFIP provides flood insurance to property owners, renters and businesses to help them recover faster when floodwaters recede.

As of Nov. 30, NFIP has approved 658 flood insurance claims, and has paid more than $15.6 million to policy holders. The program allows property owners in communities that participate in NFIP to purchase flood insurance administered by the federal government.

Connecticut residents and businesses can purchase flood insurance, by calling their insurance company or insurance agent, the same person who provides their home or auto insurance. Insurance providers can also be found online at FloodSmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider or by calling the NFIP at 877-336-2627.

adrien.urbani Fri, 12/03/2021 - 17:44

FEMA Registration Deadline Extended to Jan. 5; FEMA Centers in Essex and Union Counties to Remain Open

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey residents will have more time to register for assistance and visit FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers. The deadline for New Jersey homeowners and renters to apply for FEMA individual assistance for damage and losses from the remnants of Hurricane Ida has been extended to Jan. 5, 2022.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Essex and Union counties will remain open until further notice. It was previously announced that the centers would permanently close Dec. 4.

The extension provides more time for survivors living in counties designated for individual assistance including: Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Disaster Recovery Center locations

Essex County: Kmart (Co-located with a Vaccination Center) 235 Prospect Ave., #9413, West Orange, N.J., 07052.

Union County: O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Community Center, 618 Salem Ave., Elizabeth, N.J., 07208.

Hours at both centers are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Register for FEMA Assistance

Survivors can also apply for disaster assistance in the following ways:

• The most convenient is by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) or apply via the FEMA app. The toll-free telephone lines are operating from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET, 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. Multilingual operators are available.
• Visit a DRC nearest you.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4614. Follow the FEMA Region 2 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMAregion2. 

amir.nijem Fri, 12/03/2021 - 15:08

Continued Rental Assistance

Harrisburg, PA – Survivors of Hurricane Ida who live in designated counties in Pennsylvania and received initial rental assistance from FEMA may be eligible for continued rental assistance.

To be eligible to apply, survivors must meet the following conditions:

• They were awarded initial rental assistance and used it as intended. The initial award covered two months.  
• They are unable to return to their pre-disaster residence because it is uninhabitable, cannot be accessed or is not available due to Hurricane Ida.  
• They cannot pay for housing without assistance.  
• They are not receiving temporary housing help from any other source.  
• They are developing a longer-term or permanent housing plan or can demonstrate progress toward one.

Survivors applying for continued assistance must complete an Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance. To request this form, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

• Applicants should submit the following documents with the completed application: Pre- and post-disaster income for household members 18 and older.  
• Proof of pre-disaster housing costs (copy of lease and utility bills, renter’s insurance, mortgage statements, real estate taxes, home insurance, etc.)  
• Proof of post-disaster housing costs (copy of current lease or rental agreement signed by the applicant and the landlord).

The application form and supporting documents should be returned to FEMA in one of the following ways:

• Upload them to your disaster account at DisasterAssistance.gov.  
• Mail them to FEMA, PO Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.  
• Fax them to 800-827-8112.

FEMA will evaluate the request to determine if the applicant is eligible. It is important for applicants to keep FEMA updated with their contact information and housing status.

valerie.amato Thu, 12/02/2021 - 20:20

Survivors in New Haven County Can Now Apply for FEMA Assistance

Hartford, Conn.– At the request of the State of Connecticut, FEMA has designated New Haven County for Individual Assistance. The county will now join the previously designated counties of Fairfield and New London.

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for disaster related home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover from remnants of Hurricane Ida.

Help is Still Available! Apply with FEMA Today

The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

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

Disaster survivors can also access disaster information and assistance the following ways: by calling 800-621-3362; (TTY:800-462-7585); or download the FEMA app available for smart phones. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, 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. Multilingual operators are available.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance with FEMA is Dec. 29.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/02/2021 - 18:50

FEMA is Hiring - Join Hurricane Ida Recovery Team

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has an immediate need to employ residents of Louisiana as temporary local hires to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts. Local hire employees are local residents who aid in the recovery of the community and help their fellow citizens in the recovery process. Apply for this exciting opportunity!

Do you like working outside ensuring materials get to where they are needed? Do you like to make sure work projects are being completed to specifications? Maybe you prefer inside administrative work to ensure residents are being helped. There are various jobs available to aid with community recovery needs, mostly in Baton Rouge, that may match your skill set.

Search through current FEMA positions on USAJobs.gov (updated daily).

Most temporary local hires are employed through a streamlined hiring process. A local hire’s term of employment is 120 days, though it may be extended in 120-day increments. Visit the link above for additional information, including job responsibilities and compensation.

FEMA is an equal opportunity employer. Salaries are comparable to local pay rates.

Conditions of Employment:

• You must be a U.S. citizen to be considered for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after Dec. 31, 1959.
• Review job announcements for additional conditions of employment.

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

kiarash.ghiam Thu, 12/02/2021 - 15:05

FEMA Assistance to Revitalize Plazas in Puerto Rico

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Luquillo, Fajardo and Naguabo are the most recent municipalities to join the over 67 recreational plazas that will be transformed with $9.7 million. This approval of federal funds by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be used to repair damage caused by Hurricane María and will include hazard mitigation measures for future disasters.

Some of the town squares include the Luquillo Market Plaza, the Fajardo Market Plaza and the Naguabo Recreational Plaza. The reconstruction projects approved by FEMA include the protection and improvement of environmental, historic and cultural resources, where the Agency's Environmental and Historic Preservation Division is involved.

According to FEMA's Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator in Puerto Rico, José G. Baquero, Puerto Rico’s recovery process impacts several sectors, including the recreational facilities and the ones that promote the municipalities’ economic, historic and cultural development.

"The plazas are places for gathering and transit. They also promote the economic activity of small businesses, where historic buildings of great cultural value are still preserved. All these qualities make their recovery one of our priorities," added Baquero.

For local entrepreneurs like Linette Reyes López, who has been selling commercial pool maintenance products at the Luquillo Market Plaza since 2016, these funds represent an economic rebound and better quality for their products and services.

Reyes stated that these funds will benefit the local merchants and customers who visit the plaza. "The improvements will impact my business in a positive way. These are necessary repairs so that all areas of the building can operate at their best and be of great benefit to merchants and customers," explained Reyes.

Meanwhile, the Fajardo Market Plaza has already begun its remodeling. The historic structure’s design maintained its façade that dates to the 20th Century. FEMA allocated nearly $98,000 for improvements that will rehabilitate the space to its pre-disaster conditions.

The market trader José Manuel Ríos has been selling fruits and vegetables in this plaza for 28 years. This businessowner contributes directly to the local harvest, as he works with local farmers to offer a variety of fresh produce.

"The plaza had to close due to the devastation caused by Hurricane María. We hope that with these renovations we can expand the business and capture a new audience. Our interest is also to teach young people about harvesting," he said.

Likewise, the Naguabo Recreational Plaza, the second largest plaza in Puerto Rico, will receive nearly $48,000 to restore its facilities to their pre-hurricane design, function and capacity. Surrounded by lush trees, this colorful plaza features five water fountains and several historical monuments including the town's first Catholic Church and the statue of one of Puerto Rico's first comedians, Ramón Rivero (Diplo).

Meanwhile, at Ponce’s historic Isabel II Merchant Plaza, they will be able to replace the roof’s panels, air conditioners, glass, columns, theater seats, elevators and more, thanks to an allocation of $1.3 million.

For his part, the Executive Director for the Central Office for the Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), the engineer Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, stated that COR3 will continue collaborating with technical matters related to the development of these projects. “Through this reconstruction process, the merchant and recreation plazas’ structures are strengthened and modernized to give resiliency to these important and necessary spaces to local merchants, consumers and those citizens attracted by the cultural daily tasks,” added Laboy Rivera.

For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane María, please visit fema.gov/es/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow our social media pages at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr

 

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 12/02/2021 - 11:12

FEMA Recovery Center Opens Tomorrow in Darien

Hartford, Conn.– A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Darien (Fairfield County) will open at 8 a.m. Dec. 2, to help Connecticut residents affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.  

Representatives from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available at the center to help survivors apply for disaster assistance, explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about FEMA letters and the appeals process and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

The DRC is located at: Noroton Heights Fire Dept. 209 Noroton Ave., Darien, CT 06820

• Hours for the Darien location are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and Closed Sunday.

DRCs are accessible for individuals with disabilities and have on-site communication accessibility tools like amplified listening devices and Video Remote Interpreting. Additional accommodations can be made upon arrival. ASL interpreters and multilingual services will be available upon request.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. In addition to visiting a DRC, Connecticut residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov; via the FEMA app; or by calling the Disaster Assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, 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. The deadline to apply for federal assistance is Dec. 29.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration: Social Security number; address of the damaged primary residence; insurance coverage information; current telephone number and mailing address; and bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

To help alleviate the risk of COVID-19 being spread through person-to-person contact, wearing a mask or face covering is required to gain entry. Hand sanitizer is available to survivors and staff.

Workstations are spaced six feet apart to provide an extra level of protection for survivors and staff.

FEMA ensures that common areas are cleaned regularly, and workstations are sanitized after each visitor.

Individuals in Fairfield and New London Counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance. FEMA is working with state officials to open further centers throughout declared counties.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover from the effects of the event.

adrien.urbani Wed, 12/01/2021 - 19:50

FEMA Approves $1.6 Million Grant for City of Marianna

PENSACOLA, Fla. — FEMA has approved a hazard mitigation grant of $1,612,448 for the city of Marianna to protect its Public Works building by reducing potential wind damage and ensuring the facility is operational during future power outages.

Funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was approved in response to a proposal by the city after Hurricane Michael in 2018. The city will provide wind protection for the building by retrofitting the existing roof, replacing all building openings with impact resistant hurricane products, reinforcing metal siding and installing an enclosure around fuel tanks.

The grant will also be used to purchase and install a permanent generator to keep the building operational during future power outages. The generator will include an automatic transfer switch – which allows for continuous delivery of power from either an electric company or a generator – and will be protected from flooding and wind up to 133 mph.

The HMGP is an important source of federal disaster assistance. Program funding may become available after the president declares a major disaster, with a goal of strengthening communities by improving buildings and critical infrastructure. A 2018 report by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that one dollar spent on hazard mitigation saves more than six dollars of recovery and rebuilding costs.

Generally, the HMGP may provide a state, tribe or territory with additional grants up to 15 percent of the total disaster grants awarded by FEMA for a federally declared disaster. States such as Florida that meet advanced mitigation planning criteria may qualify for a higher percentage.

Florida has a FEMA-approved Enhanced Mitigation Plan, making the state eligible for HMGP funding not to exceed 20 percent of the estimated total amount of grant money spent by FEMA in the Hurricane Michael disaster. From this amount, the HMGP reimburses the state up to 75 percent of eligible costs for hazard mitigation projects. The remaining amount comes from other sources such as state and local assets and a combination of cash and in-kind sources.

Kimberly.Kipp Wed, 12/01/2021 - 19:41

Three Months Since Ida, Over $2.5 Billion in Federal Assistance for Louisianans

BATON ROUGE, La. – It’s been three months since Hurricane Ida made landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana as the fifth-strongest hurricane to ever strike the U.S. As Louisianans rebuild, over $2.5 billion in federal grants, loans and flood insurance payments support their ongoing recovery.

Major Accomplishments

• Over $2.5 billion in federal assistance has been provided to survivors to date, including:
  • $1.1 billion in low-interest Small Business Administration loans for families and businesses.
  • $580 million in housing assistance for homeowners and renters.
  • $441 million for other needs assistance, including medical bills, vehicle replacement, and cleaning.
  • $513 million in National Flood Insurance Program claims.
  • $2.7 million for Disaster Unemployment Insurance claims.
• 25 Disaster Recovery Centers established across Louisiana, 8 of which are still open, operating, and available to assist survivors.
  • Over 552,000 Louisianans have been approved for individual assistance, while FEMA staff have knocked on 186,000 doors in disaster-affected parishes.
• At the peak, 22,183 survivors were temporarily sheltered in hotels and other transitional lodging.
• FEMA Mitigation Specialists have offered free rebuilding and repair advice to over 14,608 survivors.
• 152,142 survivors received expedited rental assistance for utility outages, inaccessible or damaged dwellings.
  • 96,941 were lower income applicants who would have otherwise received delayed assistance or no assistance at all.
• $27.8 million in public assistance grants currently obligated for local governments and nonprofits.
• 33,625 “Blue Roofs” installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, allowing survivors to live safely in their damaged residences while making permanent repairs.
  • USACE, in cooperation with the FEMA and the state of Louisiana, launched a pilot program to explore temporary roofing options for homes that were otherwise ineligible for Blue Roofs.
    • The program, called Roof Wrap, focused on using shrink wrap materials that are installed under the roof via furring strips, then heated to shrink the material and create a water-tight seal.

sandra.habib Wed, 12/01/2021 - 17:50

2021 Hurricane Season Over, FEMA Administrator Still Urges Year-Round Preparedness Efforts

WASHINGTON -- Today marks the official end to the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which produced 21 named storms, making it the third-most active Atlantic hurricane season on record. The severe impacts from climate change are lasting longer and stretching beyond traditional seasons. This means community preparedness efforts must be a year-round endeavor.

The 2020 FEMA National Household Survey found that only 48% of American households have disaster preparedness plans. This statistic underscores a common belief by many -- that their families and homes are immune from the impacts of a disaster, and so they fail to make plans until it is too late. However, the fact is that every community, every neighborhood, is vulnerable to experiencing severe weather. So ultimately, how well you prepare for a disaster today can significantly influence your ability to recover tomorrow. 

“This past year, I traveled around the country and observed flooded streets and extensive debris in places like LaFourche, Terrebonne and St. Charles parishes, listened to heartbreaking stories of families who lost everything to wildfires and saw the remnants of homes torn apart by tornadoes that touched down in New Jersey as Hurricane Ida approached,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “I was pained to see the devastation, and it strengthened my resolve that emergency preparedness cannot only be seasonal and must be a year-round activity.”

Individuals can take steps today to bolster their preparedness efforts by visiting Ready.gov and following simple recommendations such as:

• Make a Plan –Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
• Know Your Evacuation Route – Get accustomed to alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
• Follow Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) –These are short emergency messages from alerting authorities delivered to your mobile device. Check your mobile device settings to ensure that you are receiving emergency alert messages.

Individual preparedness is only one part of being ready for a disaster. FEMA will continue partnering with communities and state agencies to support mitigation activities and to ensure communities are strengthened to better withstand future catastrophic weather events. We will also continue to partner with local communities to set up shelters; broadcast communications that account for individuals who are blind, deaf, or hard of hearing; translate emergency lifesaving information into languages that are accessible by all Americans; and provide individual and public assistance to those who need help after a disaster.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/30/2021 - 22:13

FEMA Announces New NAC Membership

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today the appointment of 12 members to the agency's National Advisory Council.

These 12 members will serve multi-year terms beginning Dec. 1 and will guide future recommendations centered around equity, climate change and readiness. NAC members are comprised of a geographically diverse and substantive cross-section of 35 officials, emergency managers and emergency responders from different levels of government and the private sector.

Collectively, these members advise the Administrator on all aspects of emergency management to ensure input from and coordination with state, local and tribal governments and the private sector on federal plans, programs and strategies for all hazards.  Due to previous changes in the council’s charter, this will also be the first time the NAC has a climate specialist member.

“I am honored to welcome the newly appointed and re-appointed FEMA National Advisory Council members. NAC members are significant contributors to advancing FEMA’s mission and provide unique, survivor-centric perspectives from across government and community,” said Administrator Criswell.  “We are proud to share that the NAC is not only welcoming a climate specialist in 2021, but for the first time in the council’s history, a dedicated climate-focused position will be offered during the 2022 application period. This new position serves as an excellent opportunity for our nation’s most innovative and forward-thinking leaders in the climate space to step forward and pursue a chance to influence the way we build resilience across communities nationwide. I look forward to the energy and great efforts the council will undoubtedly bring forth and congratulate the new and re-appointed members on this achievement.”

Of the 12 members selected, 10 are new appointments and two are reappointments. The 12 members appointed or reappointed in 2021 are: 

• Kathy Baughman McLeod, Senior Vice President, Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center at the Atlantic Council, Arlington, Virginia. McLeod will serve as the NAC’s first ever climate specialist.
• Jody Ferguson, Director, Pierce County Office of Emergency Management, Tacoma, Washington.   
• Tim Gleason, City Manager, Bloomington, Illinois.  
• Jim Gore, County Supervisor, Sonoma County, California. 
• Tonya Graham, City Councilor, Ashland, Oregon.   
• Brian Hastings, Director, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Clanton, Alabama.   
• Ramesh Kolluru, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development, University of Louisiana at Lafayette.   
• Ryan Lanclos, Director, Public Safety Solutions and Disasters, Esri; Conroe, Texas.
• Kelly McKinney, Assistant Vice President, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York.
• Paula Pagniez, Director, Climate and Resilience Hub, Willis Towers Watson, New York, New York.
• Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Office of Emergency Management Director, Boise, Idaho.
• Brian Strong, Chief Resilience Officer, San Francisco, California.

Additionally, eight NAC members conclude their terms of appointment today. Those members include:

• Rich Baich, AIG, Charlotte, North Carolina.
• Steve Birnbaum, Resudox Solutions, LLC, Arlington, Virginia.
• Dante Disparte, Risk Cooperative, Washington, D.C.
• Charley English, American Red Cross, Fairfax, Virginia.
• Deanna Dahl-Grove, Pediatric Emergency Medicine UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital of Cleveland, Ohio.
• Lori Hodges, Larimer County Emergency Management, Colorado.
• Jackie Lindsey, Santa Fe County Fire Department, New Mexico.
• Kevin Staley, Charlotte Mecklenburg Office of Emergency Management, Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Administrator Criswell will make an additional NAC membership announcement for a second climate specialist in 2022.

For additional information on the council, visit FEMA.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/30/2021 - 21:53

Less than One Week Left to Register for New Jersey Ida Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. – Less than one week remains for New Jersey homeowners and renters who had property damage or loss caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida from Sept. 1–3, 2021, to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 6, 2021.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

If you live in Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union or Warren counties, you can register for disaster assistance, update your contact information, ask questions about a letter from FEMA, get information about FEMA home inspections, or learn how to appeal a FEMA decision by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Downloading the FEMA app; or
• Calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines are currently operating 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. 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.

You should have the following information available when you are ready to register:

• Address of the damaged primary dwelling
• Current mailing address, telephone number and Social Security number
• Your insurance information
• Total household annual income
• Routing and account numbers for checking or savings accounts for direct deposit; and
• A description of disaster damage and losses

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4614. Follow the FEMA Region 2 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMAregion2.

amir.nijem Tue, 11/30/2021 - 17:37

FEMA Releases Interactive Online IPAWS Toolkit

WASHINGTON -- FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate released an interactive, web-based version of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Program Planning Toolkit today. Building on the success of the five-resource toolkit released in late 2020, the new free online tool will assist new and existing alerting authorities across the country to create and support an effective program for alerts, warnings and notifications. An effective alerting plan helps communities because authorities can reach the public quickly during an emergency, when minutes matter and can save lives.

IPAWS is FEMA’s national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through mobile phones using Wireless Emergency Alerts, to radio and television via the Emergency Alert System and on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Radio. More than 1,600 state, local, tribal and territorial authorities are able to send alerts over IPAWS.

FEMA and DHS worked to identify gaps in existing IPAWS alerting resources available to alerting authorities. A result of that partnership is the toolkit’s enhancement into a new step-by-step resource that includes:

• An alerting plan template creator that allows authorities to create a comprehensive alerting plan, including basic information and staffing plans, before a crisis, an alert message template creator that walks a user through the research-based recommended format.
• Frequently asked questions, fact sheets and additional resources shared by public safety agencies that will assist users with creating their own plans.

The new toolkit was produced based on recent innovative changes to technology and was derived from the collection of successful practices and lessons learned from hundreds of data points, including more than 200 emergency managers, public information officers, alerting originators and experts, as well as administrators.

The new toolkit will assist public safety agencies in developing comprehensive alerting plans that minimize alerting delay challenges; plan for future alerts, warnings and notifications enhancements; facilitate interoperability across different technologies; and improve information sharing among emergency management and public safety officials.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/30/2021 - 17:15

FEMA Assistance for Furnaces, Wells and Septic Systems

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – With winter approaching, residents in Middle Tennessee who applied to FEMA for the severe storms and flooding on Aug. 21 may be just noticing disaster damage to their furnaces and water heaters. Others may have noticed additional damage to wells and septic systems. Survivors who missed damage to these systems after the disaster, may follow up with FEMA to learn whether they may be eligible for reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing these items.

To be considered for this reimbursement residents must have already registered with FEMA by the Oct. 25 deadline. Survivors must then file an appeal and provide estimates or receipts from a licensed contractor. If your insurance covered repair of the utilities, by law FEMA cannot duplicate benefits.

FEMA may also provide reimbursement for mitigation measures to keep furnaces and water heaters safe, sanitary and functional in the future. These measures are limited to components that were damaged by the disaster and functioning before it occurred.

Mitigation measures include elevating a furnace or water heater above the floor to help reduce the likelihood of future flood damage. FEMA recommends elevating a furnace or water heater on a framed platform. For more information on techniques for elevating a furnace or water heater, refer to chapter nine in FEMA’s Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting 3rd Edition (2014).

Before elevating a furnace or water heater, homeowners should check their local utility company and building codes to find out whether any requirements might limit elevation.

Those who have questions about eligibility for these repairs and filing an appeal can call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585

 For more information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit www.tn.gov/tema.html and www.fema.gov/disaster/4609. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.

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

felicia.jordan Tue, 11/30/2021 - 16:28

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Cut Off and Montegut

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in Cut Off and Montegut to help survivors affected by Hurricane Ida. Survivors can get help with their disaster assistance applications, upload documents and have their questions about federal disaster assistance answered at the centers.

All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for employees, volunteers and survivors. 

Survivors can meet face to face with FEMA specialists at the following locations:

DRCs Opening Nov. 30 Tarpon Heights Shopping Center

Galliano Government Complex (parking lot)

16245 East Main Street

Cut Off, LA 70345

• Hours: 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Montegut Recreation Center       

107 Recreation Drive (southwest corner of Cross & Dolphin Streets)

Montegut, LA 70377

• Hours: 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday

 

For other details, check the FEMA app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person) or visit the FEMA.gov/DRC for a complete list of DRCs currently open in Louisiana.

kiarash.ghiam Tue, 11/30/2021 - 15:01

New Associate Administrator Joins FEMA Leadership Team

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell swore in Anne Bink today as the agency’s Associate Administrator of the Office of Response and Recovery.

Bink was appointed by President Biden earlier this year. In her new position, she will oversee the areas of response, recovery, logistics and field operations.

“I’m excited and humbled to lead and work alongside a group of dedicated and talented emergency managers,” said Bink. “FEMA, along with our federal, state and local partners, continues working in challenging times, as preparing for and responding to severe weather is a year-round exercise. I am committed to working alongside the administrator, our FEMA team and partners in helping people before, during and after disasters.”

Prior to joining FEMA, Bink served as the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner for Disaster Recovery. In that role, she oversaw a portfolio of over $20 billion in active disasters. She also oversaw the development of major resiliency projects, including the Bay Park Conveyance Project and the Suffolk County Coastal Resiliency Initiative, which will reduce nitrogen along Long Island’s shoreline and protect against storm surge in extreme weather events.

Bink also served in various leadership roles within the New York State Division of the Budget, where she developed and negotiated key budget initiatives and policies, including an expansion of pre-kindergarten programs and a paid family leave program.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 11/29/2021 - 23:16