Plan Ahead Before Going Home

SALEM, Ore. – As evacuation levels change, people affected by the fires are eager to know when it is safe to go home. As conditions may be unknown in an area, it is important that residents follow the advice of local authorities to learn when it is safe to return. Residents should also check road closures and conditions to know the safest way to travel. Check roads by visiting Oregon Dept. of Transportation’s TripCheck.com.

Once local authorities have given the all-clear to re-enter properties, homeowners should take steps to protect themselves and others, when cleaning up after a wildfire. Many dangers may remain, such as ash and fire debris, which can be toxic.

Staying safe around ashes:

• If you see ash or a layer of dust, keep children away until it has been cleaned.
• Cloth face coverings, paper masks or bandanas are not effective at filtering out fine airborne ash, dust or asbestos fibers. N95 or KN95 respirators, if properly fit, tested and worn, can offer protection from airborne particles.
• Avoid activities that could stir up ash and make it airborne again, like using a leaf blower, dry sweeping, or vacuuming without a HEPA filter.
• Use rubber gloves when cleaning up ash. Wash any ash off of your body or clothing right away.
• To clean up ash outdoors: Gently dampen the ash – do not use a pressure washer, which will generate dust before it wets things down. Then use a vacuum with a high efficiency HEPA filter if you have one. If you don't have a HEPA-equipped vacuum, gently sweep or scoop up the ash.
• To clean up ash indoors: Use a damp cloth to clean surfaces, a wet mop on floors. Do not use a vacuum to clean up ash unless it has a high efficiency HEPA filter.
• Turn on an air purifier or ventilation system with a HEPA filter, if you have one, to help remove particles from indoor air.
• Find more safety tips on the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality website.

Making your yard safe:

• Extinguish hot embers. Check for them in yard debris, rain gutters or crawl spaces, on the roof, and under overhangs and decks.
• Clear away debris. Move it away from the house to the edge of your home.
• Check the electric meter. If there is visible damage, don’t turn the breaker on. Call your utility company.
• Stay clear of electrical wires on the ground. Report them to your utility company.
• Check the gas meter, gas lines or propane tank. If there is visible damage or if you smell gas, call your local utility or propane company.

Before entering structures: If you have safety concerns, have a qualified building inspector or structural engineer inspect your structures. Don’t enter if you smell gas. Turn off the power before you inspect your structure. Use a flashlight, but turn it on outside because the flashlight battery may produce a spark that can cause a fire.

Entering your structures safely:

• Check for immediate dangers. This includes remaining fire and fire damage, and wild or domestic animals that may have taken refuge.
• Check the attic. Embers may have entered through vents.
• Keep appliances turned off until you have determined the electric meter and electrical lines are undamaged.
• Discard food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot.
• Don’t drink or use water from the faucet until emergency officials say it’s okay. Water systems may become polluted if there is post-fire flooding.
• Take safety precautions for utilities:
  • Electric – If you turn on the breaker and still have no power, contact your utility company.
  • Propane tank or  system – Turn off the valves and call your propane supplier to inspect the system.
  • Heating oil tank system – Call your supplier to inspect it before you use it.
  • Solar electrical system – Have it inspected by a licensed technician to verify the solar panels and wiring are safe.

Documenting Damage and contacting your insurance company. Call your insurance agent. Make a list of the damage and document it with photos and videos. Keep all receipts for repair and cleaning costs.

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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 800-621-FEMA (3362)  711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.

hannah.weinstein Wed, 09/23/2020 - 13:48

State and Federal Funds Approved for Waubay Flood Mitigation Project

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – FEMA has awarded a $1.66 million grant to the City of Waubay, South Dakota for home acquisitions. The grant will fund the purchase of ten properties that have been impacted by repetitive flooding caused by closed-basin lakes in Day County. This project will allow property owners to relocate away from the flood hazard and prevent future damage.

The project will include the purchase of each structure, demolition and returning the property to green space in perpetuity. These lots will be owned by the City of Waubay. The $1.66 million from FEMA represents a 75 percent cost-share of the project, which totals roughly $2.21 million. The State of South Dakota will contribute more than $221,000 with the local community responsible for the remaining costs.

“Acquisition projects like this allow property owners in high-risk areas a chance to relocate, permanently eliminating future flood losses.” Said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Jon Huss.

Funding for this grant is provided through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which is designed to assist states, U.S. territories, federally-recognized tribes, and local communities in increasing their understanding and taking proactive action to help people reduce their losses from natural hazards. The goal is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on federal funding in future disasters.

The HMGP program is funded through a percentage of overall federal disaster response and recovery costs, ranging from 15 to 20 percent. South Dakota recently had an enhanced statewide hazard mitigation plan approved. This makes the state eligible for the maximum of 20 percent toward the program.

“Completing our enhanced mitigation plan demonstrated the commitment South Dakota has to minimizing the impact of future disasters,” said Tina Titze, State Coordinating Officer and the director of the state Office of Emergency Management. “The additional federal funding is helping to complete projects like this in Waubay and others around the state.”

Additional information about HMGP can be found at www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program. 

Brian.Hvinden Wed, 09/23/2020 - 13:05

Federal Aid for Utah Quake Tops $2 Million  

SALT LAKE CITY – Six months after the Magna Earthquake shook Salt Lake and Davis counties, federal agencies have provided more than $2.2 million in loans and grants to help Utahns recover from the March 18 disaster and its aftershocks.

FEMA has approved more than $664,000 through its Individuals & Households Program (IHP), the majority of which is going to housing assistance to help homeowners impacted by the quake make repairs or find a temporary place to live.

In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $1.6 million in low-interest disaster loans for Utah businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

To date, more than 1,180 Utah residents have registered for federal assistance and FEMA housing inspectors have completed more than 520 virtual inspections of homes damaged by the quake and aftershocks.

For more information about fixing damages, rebuilding, and preparing for the next earthquake, email FEMA-R8-HMhelp@fema.dhs.gov.

For more information on Utah’s recovery from the Magna Quake, visit, www.fema.gov/disaster/4548, or https://earthquakes.utah.gov/magna-quake/. 

 

Brian.Hvinden Tue, 09/22/2020 - 17:32

Photos of Whole-of-Government Sally, Wildfires Response

WASHINGTON — FEMA continues close coordination with state, tribal and local governments for disaster response across the country, as the agency's administrator, Pete Gaynor, visited states impacted by recent fire and hurricane damage. President Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Alabama and emergency declarations for Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi to provide federal assistance and coordinate disaster relief efforts across the Gulf Coast. Major disaster declarations were also declared for California and Oregon wildfire response. FEMA teams and disaster recovery resources are on the ground assisting with state recovery efforts. Residents in affected states should continue paying attention to their local emergency managers for safety instructions.

FEMA Administrator Sees Mitigation Results Firsthand in Alabama

GULF SHORES, Ala. (Sept. 20, 2020) – FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor (3rd from left) sees first-hand the mitigation efforts that the Lodge at Gulf State Park took that prevented any structural damage from Hurricane Sally. The hotel was rebuilt using mitigation measures to help withstand future storms, after being totally destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

FEMA photo by Robert Kaufmann

Line Crews Work to Restore Power in Alabama

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (Sept. 18, 2020) -- Crews deliver replacement power poles to Baldwin County, Alabama. Restoring power following Hurricane Sally is a critical priority and one of the first steps in community recovery.   

   FEMA photo by Alexis Hall

Line Crews Work to Restore Power in Alabama

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (Sept. 18, 2020) -- Crews replace a power pole in Baldwin County, Alabama, following Hurricane Sally. Restoring electricity to homes and businesses is a critical priority and one of the first steps in community recovery.

FEMA photo by Alexis Hall

Supplies are Loaded at FEMA Distribution Center for Transport to Florida

ATLANTA (Sept. 19, 2020) – Tarps are loaded onto trucks at FEMA’s Distribution Center in Atlanta for transportation to Florida. These tarps will help Hurricane Sally survivors protect their homes.

FEMA photo Crystal Paulk-Buchanan

Search and Rescue Teams Scour Fire-Damaged Areas for Survivors

PHOENIX, Ore. (Sept. 19, 2020) -- A blend of FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams from all over the United States complete searches of an area damaged by the Almeda Fire. Historic wildfires have left many people in Oregon homeless, with some still missing.

FEMA photo by David Yost

Search and Rescue Teams Scour Fire-Damaged Areas for Survivors

PHOENIX, Ore. (Sept. 19, 2020) -- Nyx, a search and rescue canine working with a handler from a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team from Colorado, rests after searching through damage caused by the Almeda Fire. Historic wildfires have left many people in Oregon homeless, with some still missing.

FEMA photo by David Yost

Historic Wildfires Leave Destruction in their Wake

PHOENIX, Ore. (Sept. 19, 2020) -- Damage caused by the Almeda Fire has displaced people in Jackson County, located in southern Oregon. Historic wildfires have left many people in Oregon homeless, with some still missing.

FEMA photos by David Yost

Historic Wildfires Leave Destruction in their Wake

PHOENIX, Ore. (Sept. 19, 2020) -- Damage caused by the Almeda Fire has displaced people in Jackson County, located in southern Oregon. Historic wildfires have left many people in Oregon homeless, with some still missing.

FEMA photos by David Yost

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 09/22/2020 - 14:33

Louisiana Renters Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Renters whose home or property was damaged by Hurricane Laura can apply for federal disaster assistance.

Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing if a renter or homeowner is unable to return to a disaster-damaged home. The initial rental grant is for a 60-day period and can be reviewed for further assistance.

The deadline to register for FEMA help is Oct. 27, 2020.

Renters as well as homeowners may qualify for grants for essential personal property and other disaster-related expenses as well. These may include repairing or replacing:

• Furniture, appliances, clothing, schoolbooks and supplies.
• Occupational tools and other job-related equipment required by an employer as a condition of employment.
• Primary vehicles.
• Medical and dental bills.

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov and enter your address to find out if your parish is declared for Individual Assistance.

To register for help:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
• Visit disasterassistance.gov/.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App.

Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

Survivors who have questions about the status of their federal disaster assistance applications or how to appeal determination letters may call the FEMA Helpline. They can also check the status of their disaster assistance applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Part of the FEMA disaster assistance registration process includes providing a call-back phone number for FEMA to contact you to set up a remote home inspection for damage caused by the disaster and other Helpline information. It is strongly recommended if you use a relay service, such as your videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel to provide your specific number assigned to that service to FEMA. It is important that FEMA can contact you, and you should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

 

christopher.teed Tue, 09/22/2020 - 13:34

Flood Insurance Policies Purchased After Hurricane Irma Expiring This Year

ATLANTA - Following the devastating disasters and hurricane season of 2017, FEMA purchased three-year flood insurance policies for thousands of disaster survivors whose homes were flooded. Those policies are set to expire this year, and survivors need to purchase a new flood insurance policy, or obtain other flood insurance, in order to remain eligible for future

FEMA assistance.

Part of the eligibility of receiving financial assistance after a flood is that a homeowner or renter must obtain and maintain flood insurance to ensure that there is no lapse in coverage. If a property affected by a flood is sold, the new owners are required to have flood insurance for the property as well.

Participants must purchase a flood insurance policy or they will be ineligible to receive most forms of assistance in subsequent disasters.

In Georgia there are 67 policies expiring this year from Hurricane Irma.

Flood Insurance Can Be Key to Recovery Flood insurance policies are crucial to recover quickly following a flood event as homeowners and renters’ policies do not typically cover flood damage.

Additionally, flood insurance will pay claims regardless of whether there is a major disaster declaration. Flood insurance claims can be paid for such events as flash flooding, storm sewer backup, river overflow, storm surge, mudslides or tropical systems.

Since its inception in 1968, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $69 billion in flood claims to help survivors rebuild their lives following flood events.

• To find an insurance carrier or agent, visit FloodSmart.gov, or call FEMA NFIP Direct toll-free, (800) 638-6620, option 2.
• For more information about the National Flood Insurance Program and or insurance, call the National Flood Insurance General Call Center at 800-427-4661.
• If you have questions about your Group Flood Insurance Policy, call the National Flood Insurance Direct Call Center at 800-638-6620.

                                                                            ###

                                     FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

neily.chapman Tue, 09/22/2020 - 12:25

Flood Insurance Policies Purchased After Hurricane Irma Expiring This Year

ATLANTA - Following the devastating disasters and hurricane season of 2017, FEMA purchased three-year flood insurance policies for thousands of disaster survivors whose homes were flooded. Those policies are set to expire this year, and survivors need to purchase a new flood insurance policy, or obtain other flood insurance, in order to remain eligible for future FEMA assistance.

Part of the eligibility of receiving financial assistance after a flood is that a homeowner or renter must obtain and maintain flood insurance to ensure that there is no lapse in coverage. If a property affected by a flood is sold, the new owners are required to have flood insurance for the property as well.

Participants must purchase a flood insurance policy or they will be ineligible to receive most forms of assistance in subsequent disasters.

In Florida there are more than 2,500 policies expiring this year from Hurricane Irma.

Flood Insurance Can Be Key to Recovery Flood insurance policies are crucial to recover quickly following a flood event as homeowners and renters’ policies do not typically cover flood damage.

Additionally, flood insurance will pay claims regardless of whether there is a major disaster declaration. Flood insurance claims can be paid for such events as flash flooding, storm sewer backup, river overflow, storm surge, mudslides or tropical systems.

Since its inception in 1968, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $69 billion in flood claims to help survivors rebuild their lives following flood events.

• To find an insurance carrier or agent, visit FloodSmart.gov, or call FEMA NFIP Direct toll-free, (800) 638-6620, option 2.
• For more information about the National Flood Insurance Program and or insurance, call the National Flood Insurance General Call Center at 800-427-4661.
• If you have questions about your Group Flood Insurance Policy, call the National Flood Insurance Direct Call Center at 800-638-6620.

                                                                         ###

                                 FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

neily.chapman Tue, 09/22/2020 - 12:19

FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center Opens Tuesday in Oroville

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center serving wildfire survivors in Butte County will open Sept. 22.

The center will be hosted at the Tractor Supply Company store, 2000 Feather River Blvd., Oroville CA 95965, across the street from the LAC (Local Assistance Center), and is part of ongoing response and recovery mission for FEMA and the State of California to support wildfire survivors affected by the August/September fire siege. It is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sundays.

Survivors can also register with FEMA for federal aid in one of three ways:

• Online at www.disasterassistance.gov;
• By downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet;
• Or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PDT. The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.

 

U.S. Small Business Administration assistance

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has established a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center that is open to help homeowners and renters. Customer service representatives are available daily to assist business owners and individuals answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete an electronic loan application.

Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Mondays – Sundays

5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific

FOCWAssistance@sba.gov

800-659-2955

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bree-constance… Tue, 09/22/2020 - 12:04

FEMA Response Update: Hurricane Teddy, Tropical Storm Beta, Hurricane Sally and Western Wildfires

WASHINGTON - FEMA continues to support our federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners by mobilizing teams and supplies to support a state-managed, locally executed response to Tropical Storm Beta in the Gulf of Mexico, impacts from Hurricane Teddy as it moves north along the East Coast, response efforts to Hurricane Sally in the Gulf Coast and the wildfires in the West. Tropical Storm Beta made landfall last night just north of Port O’Connor, Texas, and is expected to stall inland today then begin to move slowly along the coast of Texas through Wednesday with expected isolated storm totals up to 20 inches. Meanwhile, Hurricane Teddy is centered off the northeastern U.S. coast, and is expected to transition to a powerful post-tropical cyclone as it moves near or over portions of Atlantic Canada late today through Thursday.

FEMA urges anyone in the forecast path of the storms to monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and heed local evacuation orders.

Tropical Storm Beta is forecast to bring additional rainfall of 6 to 12 inches with isolated storm totals up to 20 inches expected. Significant flash and urban flooding is occurring and will continue today, we urge everyone to stay focused on safety and encourage to practice the following:

• Do not return until local officials tell you it is safe to do so. If you have been ordered to shelter in place, please do so until advised it is safe.
• Don’t drive or walk through flood waters. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water, and other hidden hazards. 
• Stay off roads so that emergency workers can get through.
• Check on your neighbors. You may be the help they need right now.
• Property and business owners and renters and with a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for property in communities where the general condition of flooding in the area exists or officials have issued evacuation orders can take protective action to minimize flood damage and losses to their buildings and personal property before a flood occurs under the “flood loss avoidance” provision.
  • ​These actions may include sandbags (including the sand to fill them), backfill to create temporary levees, water pumps, plastic sheeting and lumber used in connection with any of these items and the cost of labor.

Response efforts continue along the Gulf Coast, as President Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Alabama to provide assistance to the state and survivors of Hurricane Sally. Damage assessments and restoration efforts continue with the federal government fully postured to support state requests for assistance as required, FEMA continues to support the states impacted by Hurricane Sally with commodities, which are available to each affected state based on need and requests to FEMA for assistance.

• Over 4 million liters of bottled water
• 3.2 million meals
• 289,000 blankets
• 117,000 tarps
• 52,500 blue roof sheeting
• 6,500 cots
• 23 generators

FEMA has two Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) deployed in response to Hurricane Sally. One team is deployed to Alabama and one to Florida. FEMA also deployed three Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles, one to Alabama and two are in Florida to provide emergency communication capabilities for federal resources, if needed.

As of today, 87 FEMA responders have been deployed in support of Hurricane Sally.

• National Guard Bureau teams, including search and rescue and logistics operators, are staged throughout the affected areas.
• Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers from the Department of Defense are deployed in support of Florida.

President Trump approved Emergency Declarations for Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi to provide federal assistance and coordinate all disaster relief efforts in response to Hurricane Sally across the Gulf Coast.

Although Sally has moved offshore, there are still risks in areas impacted by the storm. Anyone in the forecast path of the storm should monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and follow evacuation orders from local officials.

• State and local officials will have the most up-to-date information on evacuation orders and shelter locations.
• Alabama residents should call or text 2-1-1 for evacuation, sheltering and resources for immediate needs.
• The American Red Cross (ARC) is prepared to shelter and support families. For assistance, call 3-1-1 or visit the ARC website.
• Individuals in Alabama and Mississippi impacted by Sally may register for the American Red Cross Safe and Well program at safeandwell.communityos.org.
• Use extreme caution when operating heavy machinery, generators or while removing debris. Never use generatwww.ors indoors and keep them away from windows, doors and vents.
• If you have been evacuated do not return home until local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
• Don’t drive or walk through flood waters. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water and other hidden hazards.
• Stay off roads so that emergency workers are able to get through.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots when walking on, or near, debris. Wear long sleeves and gloves when handling debris.
• When clearing debris from a property, make sure you know the location of all utilities, both underground and overhead to prevent personal injury. Do not place items in front of, around or on top of buried and above ground utilities.
• Use caution around any buried utilities. Cutting vital communications assets such as fiber optic lines can cause a loss of cellular networks, including cell phone service or access to the internet. Residents in Alabama and Florida should call 8-1-1 before digging so utilities can be marked in advance.
• Response is a whole community effort; if it’s safe to do so, check on your neighbors. You may be the help they need right now.
• Remember to stay safe, whether you’re a responder or survivor. Wear a mask in public settings especially when social distancing is not possible, and follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• FEMA will conduct remote home inspections to expedite the delivery of recovery assistance to applicants based on their eligibility due to COVID-19 and the need to protect the safety and health of all Americans.

If your property has been flooded due to Hurricane Sally or Tropical Storm Beta, call your insurance agent or company to file a claim. Be sure to ask about advance payments. FEMA has nearly $7 billion available to pay flood claims. The agency also has the authority to borrow another $10 billion for claims if necessary.

• Have the name of your insurance company, your policy number and a telephone number or email address where you can be reached when you place your call.
• If you need help finding your insurance agent, carrier or policy number, call the Flood Insurance call center at 877-336-2627.
• Insurance agents and claims adjusters will work closely with you on your claim. With a remote adjustment, it may take several hours or more to document damage. During that time, you'll work with your adjuster to take high-quality photos and detailed measurements.
• You should also discuss with your adjuster what your policy covers, ask any questions you may have about the claims process and determine your next steps.
• For additional information, visit floodsmart.gov/start.

WILDFIRES IN THE WEST

FEMA has the following commodities staged near the areas of impact for wildfires in the West. These commodities are available to each affected state, based on need and requests to FEMA for assistance.

• 227,000 liters of bottled water
• 208,896 meals
• 54,735 blankets
• 6,092 cots
• Hygiene kits, commonly used shelter items and 27 generators are also staged at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington.

FEMA has obligated more than $18 million in mission assignments and is processing 61 active resource requests in support of Oregon and California. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are on the ground in California supporting survivor registrations and inquiries. Two Incident Management Assistance Teams have been deployed to Oregon and one team is deployed to California to support state operations.

As of today, 496 FEMA responders have been deployed in support of western wildfires.

• FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) specialists will be in each Oregon Individual Assistance declared county by Sept. 23.
• Three Mobile Communication Vehicles (MCVs) have been requested to support field operations. 
• FEMA Disability Integration and Civil Rights staff are collaborating to ensure DSA and MCV operations are accessible.
• Housing inspectors and quality control inspectors are completing inspections in all eight Oregon Individual Assistance declared counties.
• A Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Incident Management Team is operational in on alert.
• Health and Human Services Mortuary Affairs are deployed to Oregon to provide technical assistance.
• Two Health and Human Services Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams assessment team deployed to provide forensic assessment and support for US&R in Jackson county in Oregon. 
• Department of Agriculture (USDA) subject matter expertise, including sourcing available animal response equipment, deployment of one animal care and two (virtual) food and nutrition service subject matter experts to support pet and feeding operations, and deployment of one Veterinary Services IMT Incident Commander to support Oregon Department of Agriculture’s animal and agricultural response coordination. 
• Civil Air Patrol is capturing aerial imagery today for infrastructure sorties, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is processing current collected imagery.

President Trump approved Major Disaster Declarations for California and Oregon to provide federal assistance and coordinate all disaster relief efforts in response to ongoing wildfires throughout the Western U.S. Registration is open for those affected by wildfires in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion counties in Oregon. Apply by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA app.

• Do not wait for a disaster recovery center or other fixed location to register for assistance.
• Save your receipts and take photos before you begin the clean-up process. Documentation of losses will help FEMA process your claim.
• Disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Public safety is the No.1 priority: residents in at-risk areas should follow local officials’ instructions and be ready to take action.

• If you are in a safe place, you can help by staying home and off the road. Due to changes to the landscape, even areas that are not traditionally flood prone are at risk of flash flooding and becoming unsafe,
• If you are in an evacuation zone, heed warnings, and follow local official recommendations without delay.
• Stay informed by calling 2-1-1 or 866-698-6155. You can also text your zip code to 898211 (TXT211). You can also visit wildfire.oregon.gov for the latest information and resources available to those affected by wildfires.
• Know your evacuation levels! Level 1 - Be Ready. Level 2 - Be Set. Level 3 - Leave Immediately. DO NOT return the fire area until officials give the OK.
• For a list of temporary shelters, see the Red Cross Oregon website.
• If you are affected by the Oregon wildfires, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss homeowner insurance policies and wildfire coverage.  The Oregon Insurance Commission has insurance resources available online.
• Please register for the Red Cross Safe and Well program at safeandwell.communityos.org.
• Visit ORVOAD.org to find out how to help Oregonians and donate to response organizations.
• Amid wildfire, smoke and erratic weather, the COVID-19 pandemic is still rampant. Face coverings are required in all parts of the state and Oregonians are reminded to maintain social distancing, and wash hands frequently. 
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. Call SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to speak to a trained crisis counselor.

 For additional preparedness information on all types of disasters, visit Ready.gov and download the FEMA app.

zella.campbell Tue, 09/22/2020 - 11:23

41 Municipalities Among the Recipients of $91.4 million in FEMA Grants

Obligations include over $461,000 for the Punta Mulas Lighthouse and community center in Vieques

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – FEMA and the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, or COR3, announced the obligation of over $91.4 million in additional funds for 135 projects related to the recovery and reconstruction of Puerto Rico after Hurricane María. These grants were obligated during the week of September 11-17.

Among the most recent allocations is about $461,000 for repairs to the historic Punta Mulas Lighthouse built in 1895 and its community center, located on the north coast of Vieques. Formerly the house of a French bullfighter, this cultural landmark served as the municipality’s first museum in the 90s. Today, it is a tourist attraction where the beautiful views of the island of Puerto Rico can be enjoyed.

“Within our urban area, [the lighthouse] is one of the top three places most visited by tourists. The Punta Mula community center was the main community center for all Viequenses. For us as a municipality it is an additional source of income, since both the center and the surrounding green areas are rented out,” said Vieques Mayor Víctor Emeric Catarineau.

Meanwhile, over $678,000 was approved for the municipality of Coamo to repave several roads in the Barrio Santa Catalina. These five streets allow around 125 families to reach their homes.

“The Municipality of Coamo will be working with the auction and contracting to expedite it as much as possible. These projects come to solve access and road safety problems for the residents of the mentioned areas,” said Coamo’s Mayor, Juan Carlos "Tato" Garcia Padilla.

On the other hand, just over $218,000 was obligated for the municipality of Hormigueros to repair five recreational facilities. Among these is the municipal greenhouse where more than 2,000 pounds of green peppers are grown each month and sold to local businesses, which also generates 5 direct employments. In addition, the Mirador Torre Vista a la Bahía located in the Hoya Grande Sector, with a view to the bay of Mayagüez, is also part of this list. Likewise, the Paseo de la Abolición, the municipality’s passive playground and the municipal pools and gazebos, which have a capacity for 50 people, will be repaired.

For his part, the first municipal executive indicated that all these projects are important for the development of the municipality and these assignments speed up the reconstruction process. “I am very happy that the agricultural greenhouse has received an obligation since it is a novel project where we demonstrate that it is possible to export and consume by producing locally,” added the mayor of Hormigueros, Pedro Juan García.

A part of these funds will be used to prevent future damage as mitigation measures. In Coamo, about $55,000 will be used to install an asphalt reinforcement system on all impacted roads. In Vieques, about $17,000 will be used to upgrade the Punta Mulas Lighthouse with metal exterior panels and the replacement of 1,800 square feet of asphalt roofing and for the community center to provide an anchorage system to resist wind pressure, among other measures. Meanwhile, in Hormigueros, roofing at Mirador Torre Vista a la Bahía will be reinforced.

The most recent approved grants are broken down as follows:

• Nearly $37 million for road and bridge repairs;
• Over $25.7 million for administrative expenses of municipalities and government agencies;
• Over $11.2 million for repairs to parks and recreational facilities;
• Over $8.5 million for emergency protective measures;
• Over $6.9 million for repairs to public buildings and equipment;
• Over $678,000 for debris removal; and
• Over $105,000 for utilities.

FEMA works with COR3 through the federal agency's Public Assistance program to obligate recovery funds to private nonprofit organizations, municipalities and agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico for expenses related to Hurricanes Irma and María. To date, over $7.3 billion has been awarded to Puerto Rico as part of FEMA's Public Assistance program.

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

For more details on the 135 most recent projects, click here. 

VIEQUES, Puerto Rico (September 18, 2020) – Among the most recent allocations is about $461,000 for repairs to the historic Punta Mulas Lighthouse built in 1895 and its community center, located on the north coast of Vieques. 

frances.acevedo-pico Tue, 09/22/2020 - 07:46

Seismic Retrofits Pay Off For Murray Schools

SALT LAKE CITY – “Earthquakes happen when they wanna happen,” says Doug Perry, public information officer for the Murray School District. “Unfortunately, the Magna Quake [March 18] happened in the middle of a pandemic. Not having to worry about our school buildings ─ that they survived and performed well ─ was a huge relief for our district.”

That’s because the Murray School District decided nearly a decade ago to mitigate against future earthquakes and other natural disasters by undertaking a multiyear retrofit program that brought all of its campuses up to current earthquake safety standards.

To some observers it seemed like an unnecessary move. Considerable time had passed since the last significant earthquake along the Wasatch Front and some people felt the threat was low.

However, that didn’t stop Murray School District from conducting a detailed risk assessment of its campuses as a part of a comprehensive capital planning effort in 2011.

“Seismic hazards, given that the schools that needed retrofits were constructed from the 1950s through the 1970s, came to the top of the list as the primary source of risk to the students and employees,” says John Masek, a licensed structural engineer who served as project manager for the Murray retrofits.

Rather than replace the older schools with brand new buildings, the district decided that retrofitting would be far more cost effective.

“Many professional journal articles and news articles have been published on the potential cost advantages of mitigating in advance ─ versus letting facilities be damaged during seismic events and then repairing them, if possible,” adds Masek.

“There’s often a large benefit–cost ratio to mitigating. In other words, it’s often much more cost effective to retrofit before an earthquake than repair or replace buildings after an earthquake damages them. Furthermore, and more importantly, seismic retrofitting helps to protect the lives of students and facility in the facilities.”

The long-term plan that emerged from the risk assessment determined that Riverview Junior High School was the first priority for seismic hazard mitigation.

Following severe flooding across the state, a major disaster declaration was declared in August of 2011, making FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds available to Utah communities. Murray School District successfully applied for available HMGP funds through the state and was granted $910,516 for the seismic retrofit of Riverview.

In 2013, Utah lawmakers approved a public-school seismic study requiring all districts that requested bond funding to perform structural seismic investigations on buildings constructed before 1975. That same year, Murray prepared a Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan making the district eligible to apply for annual pre-disaster mitigation (PDM) funds.

The district secured two FEMA grants totaling $1,984,301 to perform seismic retrofits on four elementary schools in the district (McMillian, Parkside, Horizon and Viewmont.

These FEMA funds supplemented a larger effort by the district to retrofit all ten Murray campuses utilizing $4 million dollars of local bond funds.

The major thrust of the retrofit effort was establishing good exterior roof-to-wall connections on buildings with masonry walls. Meanwhile, some interior walls were braced to mitigate against possible collapse in an earthquake and there was some additional work related to vertical elements and structures.

The various life-safety retrofits were completed on all school buildings prior to the Magna Quake of March 2020. Murray School District reported damage to only one of its retrofitted campuses, a nonstructural footlong crack at Horizon Elementary. 

Had more serious damage occurred, a single new building could cost close to $40 million to construct and the life safety of almost 6,500 students throughout the district might have been at risk.

“It’s nice to see that there was virtually no damage to Murray School District structures,” says Masek. “However, several other buildings that were not part of the Murray School District ─ but were of a similar age, use, and in areas of similar ground shaking intensity ─ were damaged during the Magna Quake. I was pleased to hear that the Murray School District retrofits performed well.”

Murray’s multiyear mitigation project was successful because the district started with local planning/prioritization and raised local funds while also leveraging two federal grant programs over several years.

“The cool thing about Murray is the plan execution,” says Masek. “I’ve been involved in many mitigation plans over the years, and this was one of the best in terms of writing the plan and then executing the plan in less than five years. It’s really unusual to be able to do that. It was good work on the part of the district.”

“We’re always interested in putting together plans that will help mitigate risk and protect our students, staff and everyone in the community,” adds Perry. “Retrofitting and preparing ourselves for earthquakes is prudent. It’s simply something we should do, and we can rest easier at night knowing that we’ve done it.”

For more information on local earthquake risk and preparedness visit:  https://earthquakes.utah.gov/.

Brian.Hvinden Mon, 09/21/2020 - 18:08

FEMA Awards $5.3 Million for Hurricane Dorian Recovery in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $5,302,190 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for the costs of recovery from Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

The FEMA Public Assistance grants include:

• Brevard County: $3,288,570 for beach renourishment, including the installations of 86,479 cubic yards of engineered beach sand and 439,000 native dune plants washed away by the storm.
• Florida Division of Emergency Management: $2,013,620 for management costs as a result of the storm.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients like local and county governments.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 09/21/2020 - 14:23

FEMA Awards $39.1 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $39,118,539 for the State of Florida to reimburse the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and other applicants for the costs of response and recovery following Hurricane Irma.

The FEMA Public Assistance grants include:

• City of Lakeland: $1,133,077 for the costs of labor, equipment, materials and contracts for the city’s fire, police, public works, parks and recreation, telecommunications and water utilities departments, as well as for Lakeland Linder Regional Airport.
• FDOT: $1,696,899 for debris removal in Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties. Crews removed 13,940 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 139 tons of construction and demolition debris, 242 hazardous leaning trees and 4,335 hanging limbs.
• FDOT: $4,946,968 for debris removal in Polk, Highlands, Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry, DeSoto, Hardee, Charlotte, Lee, Manatee, Sarasota and Collier counties. Crews removed 47,175 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 872 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, 10,135 hazardous leaning trees and 571 hanging limbs.
• FDOT: $19,461,694 for debris removal in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Crews removed 361,406 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 157,746 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, 1,094 large appliances,1,775 hazardous leaning trees and 1,941 hanging limbs.
• FDOT: $7,720,125 for debris removal in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.  Crews removed 131,396 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 94,000 cubic yards of other debris, 359 hazardous leaning trees and 571 hanging limbs.
• Miami-Dade County: $2,318,790 for repairs to the Venetian and Rickenbacker Causeways. Expenses included repair of roof tiles and pedestrian/bicycle railings, replacement of shoreline protection and administrative costs.
• Polk County: $1,840,986 for administrative costs of tracking and accounting for 90 recovery projects after the storm.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients like local and county governments.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 09/21/2020 - 14:15

Photos of Whole-of-Government Sally, Wildfire Response

WASHINGTON — FEMA continues close coordination with state, tribal and local governments for disaster response across the country. FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor has visited states impacted by recent fire and hurricane damage. President Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Alabama and emergency declarations for Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi to provide federal assistance and coordinate disaster relief efforts across the Gulf Coast. Major disaster declarations were also declared for California and Oregon wildfire response. FEMA teams and disaster recovery resources are on the ground assisting with state recovery efforts. Residents in affected states should continue paying attention to their local emergency managers for safety instructions and opportunities for assistance.

Federal, Local Leaders Discuss Hurricane Sally Impacts

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Sept. 19, 2020) -- Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (left), FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor, and FEMA Region 4 Administrator Gracia Szczech speak with Florida and Escambia County officials about damage caused by Hurricane Sally.  

FEMA photo by Noah Golding

Power Crews Stage Equipment for Power Restoration

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Sept. 18, 2020) -- Power crews stage equipment as they work to repair damaged power lines and restore electricity to the area.

FEMA photo Noah Golding

Crews Work to Repair Powerlines, Clear Debris

MARION COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 18, 2020) -- Crews work to clear the road and restore power along U.S. Highway 22.

FEMA photo by Dominick Del Vecchio

Crews Work to Repair Powerlines, Clear Debris

MARION COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 18, 2020) -- Crews work to clear the road and restore power along U.S. Highway 22.

FEMA photo by Dominick Del Vecchio

Crews Work to Repair Powerlines, Clear Debris

ASHLAND, Ore. (Sept. 17, 2020) -- A FEMA Mobile Emergency Response Support technician works on an antenna tower trailer that was set up to support urban search and rescue operations.

FEMA photo by Jason Oud

 

Emergency Response Support Units are Supporting Search, Rescue Operations

LANE COUNTY, Ore. (Sep. 18, 2020) -- A FEMA Incident Response Vehicle provides communication support for urban search and rescue efforts from a burned-out orchard in the hills east of Springfield, Oregon.

FEMA photos by Don Sheppard

 

Historic Wildfires Leave Destruction in their Wake

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 18, 2020) -- Historic wildfires have left homes and neighborhoods destroyed in Lincoln County, Oregon. Most of the county, known as a coastal vacation spot, was placed under evacuation orders as a result of the Echo Mountain Complex Fire.

FEMA photos by David Yost

 

Historic Wildfires Leave Destruction in their Wake

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 18, 2020) -- Historic wildfires have left homes and neighborhoods destroyed in Lincoln County, Oregon. Most of the county, known as a coastal vacation spot, was placed under evacuation orders as a result of the Echo Mountain Complex Fire.

FEMA photos by David Yost

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 09/21/2020 - 13:39

FEMA Publishes Annual Preparedness Survey: Trends Show Americans Becoming Better Prepared

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has published its disaster preparedness survey, and the trends show Americans are becoming better prepared. The annual survey assesses how the culture of disaster preparedness and resilience has changed since 2007, and the 2020 survey results suggest that the public is experiencing a wave of culture change in disaster preparedness.

“The actions that people take to prepare for disasters serve as indicators for overall disaster preparedness,” said Aaron Levy, FEMA’s Acting Director of the Individual and Community Preparedness. “The survey provides valuable information that can be used by individuals, communities and all levels of government to prepare for and become more resilient to disasters.”

The 2020 results also show that 68% of those surveyed have taken three or more basic actions to prepare, which is a 6% increase over last year’s estimate. For example:

• 81% have gathered supplies.
• 65% have sought preparedness information.
• 48% have created emergency plans.

The survey also assesses financial preparedness and suggests 68% of adults have set aside some money for an emergency. Of respondents, 77% reported having homeowners or renters insurance policies, while 22% had flood insurance.

Specifically, the public has continued building a strong intention to prepare for disasters, yet there remains a critical need to turn it into action, which has only increased by 2% since 2013.  

More than 5,000 adults were surveyed in both English and Spanish. The survey is a nationally representative sample that also includes hazard-specific samples for tornado, flood, hurricane, wildfire, earthquake and urban events. The survey tracks progress in personal disaster preparedness through examination of the American public's preparedness actions, attitudes, perceptions and motivations.

Based on these results, FEMA and its partners will continue connecting individuals, organizations and communities with messaging, research and tools to build and sustain capabilities to prepare for any disaster or emergency.

The survey is the only disaster preparedness survey administered by the federal government.

FEMA hosted a webinar on Sept. 10, to present national level findings and will hosting a webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 23, to report hazard-specific findings.

For more information on preparedness research, please visit: https://www.ready.gov/preparedness-research.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 09/21/2020 - 10:25

Hurricane Sally Survivors in Baldwin, Mobile, and Escambia Counties Can Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

CLANTON, Ala. – Homeowners and renters who suffered damage from Hurricane Sally in Baldwin, Mobile, and Escambia counties, should apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from Hurricane Sally.

Baldwin, Mobile, and Escambia counties were designated eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program under the Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Trump on Sept. 20, 2020, for damage and losses from Hurricane Sally that occurred beginning on Sept. 14, 2020.

If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately, before applying for federal assistance. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin. 

You can register for FEMA disaster assistance online by visiting  DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Multi-lingual operators are available. Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

You will need to have the following 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 damages and losses; and
• If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name.

If you cannot return to your home, or you are unable to live in your home, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, or call 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY) to determine what federal, state, local, or voluntary agency assistance may be available to you. 

If you can return to your home and it is safe, has working power, water, and sewer or septic service, visit DisasterAssistance.gov to determine if state, voluntary and local organizations in your community can address any unmet needs.

“We are very grateful to our federal partners for offering needed assistance to Alabamians during this difficult time,” said Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director, Brian Hastings. “Many people have been impacted by Hurricane Sally, and we are working closely with local and federal partners to meet the needs of everyone affected.”

Disaster assistance may provide temporary help and a place to stay while you build your own recovery plan. Although the federal government cannot make you whole, it may be able to help your recovery move forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance, or those who may be underinsured, may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

“We’re working closely with Alabama EMA and voluntary agencies to get survivors the help they need,” said Allan Jarvis, FEMA’s chief coordinating official in Alabama.

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and that do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

If referred, applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov or by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Baldwin, Mobile and Escambia counties and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians were also designated for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program to reimburse the state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures.

                                                                     ###

 

neily.chapman Mon, 09/21/2020 - 09:38

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Alabama

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Alabama to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Sally from Sept. 14, and continuing.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties.  Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to the state, eligible tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

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

Allan Jarvis has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.

luther.wills-dudich Sun, 09/20/2020 - 14:45

FEMA Response Update: Sally and Western Wildfires

WASHINGTON - FEMA continues to support states impacted by Hurricane Sally with personnel and commodities in and near the areas of impact. There are three joint Preliminary Damage Assessment teams in Alabama, which are expected to complete assessments today, six distribution points operating in Alabama and seven in Florida distributing commodities such as water, ice, tarps and meals. FEMA is deploying 40 trucks of water and 45 trucks of food to the Florida Panhandle. Additionally, nearly 30 emergency generators have been delivered to Florida to use at critical care facilities, such as hospitals and long-term care facilities that lost power, and 4,000 tarps have been delivered to Alabama.

FEMA has the following commodities staged near the areas of impact for Hurricane Sally, which are available to each affected state based on need and requests to FEMA for assistance.

• Over 4 million liters of bottled water
• 3.2 million meals
• 289,000 blankets
• 117,000 tarps
• 52,500 blue roof sheeting
• 6,500 cots
• 23 generators

FEMA has two Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) deployed in response to Hurricane Sally. One team is deployed to Alabama and one to Florida. FEMA also deployed two Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles, one to Alabama and one to Florida to provide emergency communication capabilities for federal resources, if needed.

As of today, 376 FEMA responders have been deployed in support of Hurricane Sally.

• National Guard Bureau teams, including search and rescue and logistics operators, are staged throughout the affected areas.
• Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers from the Department of Defense are deployed in support of Florida.

President Trump approved Emergency Declarations for Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi to provide federal assistance and coordinate all disaster relief efforts in response to Hurricane Sally across the Gulf Coast.

Although Sally has moved offshore, there are still risks in areas impacted by the storm. Anyone in the forecast path of the storm should monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and follow evacuation orders from local officials.

• State and local officials will have the most up-to-date information on evacuation orders and shelter locations.
• Alabama residents should call or text 2-1-1 for evacuation, sheltering and resources for immediate needs.
• The American Red Cross (ARC) is prepared to shelter and support families. For assistance, call 3-1-1 or visit the ARC website.
• Individuals in Alabama and Mississippi impacted by Sally may register for the American Red Cross Safe and Well program at safeandwell.communityos.org.
• Use extreme caution when operating heavy machinery, generators or while removing debris. Never use generators indoors and keep them away from windows, doors and vents.
• If you have been evacuated do not return home until local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
• Don’t drive or walk through flood waters. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water and other hidden hazards.
• Stay off roads so that emergency workers are able to get through.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots when walking on, or near, debris. Wear long sleeves and gloves when handling debris.
• When clearing debris from a property, make sure you know the location of all utilities, both underground and overhead to prevent personal injury. Do not place items in front of, around or on top of buried and above ground utilities.
• Use caution around any buried utilities. Cutting vital communications assets such as fiber optic lines can cause a loss of cellular networks, including cell phone service or access to the internet. Residents in Alabama and Florida should call 8-1-1 before digging so utilities can be marked in advance.
• Response is a whole community effort; if it’s safe to do so, check on your neighbors. You may be the help they need right now.
• Remember to stay safe, whether you’re a responder or survivor. Wear a mask in public settings especially when social distancing is not possible, and follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• FEMA will conduct remote home inspections to expedite the delivery of recovery assistance to applicants based on their eligibility due to COVID-19 and the need to protect the safety and health of all Americans.

If your property has been flooded due to Sally, call your insurance agent or company to file a claim. Be sure to ask about advance payments. FEMA has nearly $7 billion available to pay flood claims. The agency also has the authority to borrow another $10 billion for claims if necessary.

• Have the name of your insurance company, your policy number and a telephone number or email address where you can be reached when you place your call.
• If you need help finding your insurance agent, carrier or policy number, call the Flood Insurance call center at 877-336-2627.
• Insurance agents and claims adjusters will work closely with you on your claim. With a remote adjustment, it may take several hours or more to document damage. During that time, you'll work with your adjuster to take high-quality photos and detailed measurements.
• You should also discuss with your adjuster what your policy covers, ask any questions you may have about the claims process and determine your next steps.
• For additional information, visit floodsmart.gov/start.

WILDFIRES IN THE WEST

FEMA has the following commodities staged near the areas of impact for wildfires in the West. These commodities are available to each affected state, based on need and requests to FEMA for assistance.

• 227,000 liters of bottled water
• 208,896 meals
• 54,735 blankets
• 6,092 cots
• Hygiene kits, commonly used shelter items and 27 generators are also staged at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington.

FEMA has obligated more than $18 million in mission assignments and is processing 61 active resource requests in support of Oregon and California. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are on the ground in California supporting survivor registrations and inquiries. Two Incident Management Assistance Teams have been deployed to Oregon and one team is deployed to California to support state operations. FEMA has also deployed Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams along with other specialized teams from federal partners to provide support, and one Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) unit is deployed to Oregon, providing communications support for command and control of federal resources in support of the Incident Support and US&R Teams.

As of today, 493 FEMA responders have been deployed in support of western wildfires.

• FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) specialists will be in each Oregon Individual Assistance declared county by Sept. 23.
• Three Mobile Communication Vehicles (MCVs) have been requested to support field operations. 
• FEMA Disability Integration and Civil Rights staff are collaborating to ensure DSA and MCV operations are accessible.
• Housing inspectors and quality control inspectors are completing inspections in all eight Oregon Individual Assistance declared counties.
• A Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Incident Management Team is operational in on alert.
• Health and Human Services Mortuary Affairs are deployed to Oregon to provide technical assistance.
• Two Health and Human Services Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams assessment team deployed to provide forensic assessment and support for US&R in Jackson county in Oregon. 
• Department of Agriculture (USDA) subject matter expertise, including sourcing available animal response equipment, deployment of one animal care and two (virtual) food and nutrition service subject matter experts to support pet and feeding operations, and deployment of one Veterinary Services IMT Incident Commander to support Oregon Department of Agriculture’s animal and agricultural response coordination. 

President Trump approved Major Disaster Declarations for California and Oregon to provide federal assistance and coordinate all disaster relief efforts in response to ongoing wildfires throughout the Western U.S. Registration is open for those affected by wildfires in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion counties in Oregon. Apply by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA app.

• Do not wait for a disaster recovery center or other fixed location to register for assistance.
• Save your receipts and take photos before you begin the clean-up process. Documentation of losses will help FEMA process your claim.
• Disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Public safety is the No.1 priority: residents in at-risk areas should follow local officials’ instructions and be ready to take action.

• If you are in a safe place, you can help by staying home and off the road. Due to changes to the landscape, even areas that are not traditionally flood prone are at risk of flash flooding and becoming unsafe,
• If you are in an evacuation zone, heed warnings, and follow local official recommendations without delay.
• Stay informed by calling 2-1-1 or 866-698-6155. You can also text your zip code to 898211 (TXT211). You can also visit wildfire.oregon.gov for the latest information and resources available to those affected by wildfires.
• Know your evacuation levels! Level 1 - Be Ready. Level 2 - Be Set. Level 3 - Leave Immediately. DO NOT return the fire area until officials give the OK.
• For a list of temporary shelters, see the Red Cross Oregon website.
• If you are affected by the Oregon wildfires, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss homeowner insurance policies and wildfire coverage.  The Oregon Insurance Commission has insurance resources available online.
• Please register for the Red Cross Safe and Well program at safeandwell.communityos.org.
• Visit ORVOAD.org to find out how to help Oregonians and donate to response organizations.
• Amid wildfire, smoke and erratic weather, the COVID-19 pandemic is still rampant. Face coverings are required in all parts of the state and Oregonians are reminded to maintain social distancing, and wash hands frequently. 
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. Call SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to speak to a trained crisis counselor.

 For additional preparedness information on all types of disasters, visit Ready.gov and download the FEMA app.

 

zella.campbell Sun, 09/20/2020 - 11:01

Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Rapides and Winn Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La.  – Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Rapides and Winn parishes Tuesday, Sept. 22, to help Hurricane Laura survivors.

Different from the standard in-person facility, the new centers are an easy and COVID-safe way for Hurricane Laura survivors to have documents scanned into their case file.

Each drive-thru is staffed with FEMA personnel who are available to scan documents, assist with registration and answer questions about disaster-assistance programs.

The centers operate under strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure visitors are safe. Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service. Survivors remain in their cars. A specialist wearing a face mask will receive documents through the window and return them.

No appointments are necessary. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

The drive-thru centers are located at:

Rapides Parish                                                         Winn Parish

Rapides Parish Coliseum                                          Winn Parish Library

5600 Coliseum Blvd.                                                 200 North Saint John St.

Alexandria, LA 71303                                                Winnfield, LA 71483

Additional centers are already open in Louisiana. Survivors may visit any open center. To locate the closest center, call the FEMA Helpline, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator or download the FEMA Mobile App at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app.

Survivors do not need to visit a drive-thru center to apply or update their application. To ask individual questions or submit information:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.
• Visit disasterassistance.gov/.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app.
• Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Hurricane Laura Disaster Loans

For businesses of any size and nonprofits: up to $2 million for property damage. For small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, most private nonprofits: up to $2 million for disaster working capital needs even if they had no property damage. There is a $2 million maximum business loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs.

For homeowners up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. For homeowners and renters up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles.

Businesses and residents can apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. For questions and assistance completing an SBA application call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.   

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

christopher.teed Sat, 09/19/2020 - 15:42

Photos of Whole-of-Government Sally, Wildfires Response

WASHINGTON — FEMA continues close coordination with our state, tribal and local governments for disaster responses across the country. President Trump approved emergency declarations for Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi to provide federal assistance for Hurricane Sally and major disaster declarations for California and Oregon to support wildfire response.  FEMA teams and disaster recovery resources are on the ground to support Hurricane Sally and the wildfires, assisting with state recovery efforts. Residents in affected states should continue paying close attention to their local emergency managers for safety instructions.

Wildfire Response Leaders Discuss Conditions on the Ground

LANE COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 17, 2020) -- Director of Northwest Policy, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Edward McGlone (left); District 5, East Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch; and Region 10 Regional Administrator Michael O’Hare discuss conditions in the fire affected areas.

 FEMA photo by Rob McCulloch

 

Wildfire Response Leaders Review Map of Inside Fire Zone

LANE COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 17, 2020) -- Region 10 Regional Administrator Michael O’Hare (left); Oregon Department of Forestry District Forester Chris Cline (center); Congressional District 4 District Director Dan Whelen, and District 5, East Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch, review a map of conditions inside the Holiday Fire Zone.

FEMA photo by Rob McCulloch

 

Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Swift Water Team Conducts Secondary Search and Rescue Missions

SEMINOLE, Ala. (Sept. 17, 2020) -- The Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Fire and Rescue Swift Water Team performs secondary search and rescue missions on the Styx River in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally.

FEMA photo by Alexis Hall

 

Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Swift Water Team Conducts Secondary Search and Rescue Missions

SEMINOLE, Ala. (Sept. 17, 2020) -- The Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Fire and Rescue Swift Water Team performs secondary search and rescue missions on the Styx River in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally.

FEMA photo by Alexis Hall

luther.wills-dudich Sat, 09/19/2020 - 13:30