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. 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 to Alabama 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 $1.9 million in mission assignments and is processing 47 active resource requests in support of Oregon. Two Incident Management Assistance Teams have been deployed to Oregon to support state operations 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 two Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) units are 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 Salem, Oregon.
• 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 and Lane counties 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.

luther.wills-dudich Sat, 09/19/2020 - 12:33

Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Cameron Parish

BATON ROUGE, La.  – A drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center will open in Cameron Parish Saturday, Sept. 19, to help Hurricane Laura survivors.

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

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

The center operates 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 center is located at:

Cameron Parish

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Center

1428 Highway 27

Bell City, LA 70630

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 private nonprofit organizations: 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 - 07:06

FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center Hours Change in Sonoma County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center serving wildfire survivors in Sonoma County will operate 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday starting Sept. 21.

The center, which was previously open Sundays as well, is located at the Sonoma County Office of Education, 5340 Skylane Blvd. Santa Rosa CA 95403. .

The Mobile Registration Intake Center 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.

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

• online at 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. Pacific. The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.

U.S. Small Business Administration assistance

The U.S. Small Business Administration 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

###

bree-constance… Fri, 09/18/2020 - 21:12

Disaster Recovery Center in Cedar Rapids to Close September 26

Help is still available for derecho survivors

DES MOINES, Iowa – A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will close in Linn County on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.  However, help for survivors of the August derecho is just a phone call, a mouse click or a tap on the FEMA app away.

Survivors do not have to visit a DRC to register or submit documents to FEMA. 

Applicants may register in the following ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App for smartphones.
• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Documents also may be submitted in any of the following ways:

• Mail to FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055. 
• Fax to 800-827-8112.
• Submit them via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account,  visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.

The DRC is located at:

The parking lot between Cedar Rapids Kernels Stadium and Kingston Stadium

950 Rockford Rd. SW

Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

(Enter the parking lot from the corner of Veterans Memorial Drive and Kurt Warner Way).

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time

Closed Sundays

Survivors in Benton, Boone, Cedar, Jasper, Linn, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama counties have until October 19 to register for disaster assistance.

thomas.wise Fri, 09/18/2020 - 17:15

Photos of Whole-of-Government Sally, Wildfires Response

WASHINGTON — FEMA continues close coordination with our state, tribal and local governments for disaster response across the country. President Trump approved emergency declarations for Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi to provide federal assistance for Hurricane Sally and for California and Oregon to support 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.

Search and Rescue Team on Duty in Oregon

MARION COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 16, 2020) – A search and rescue team from Massachusetts Task Force 1 searches homes in Marion County, Oregon, in response to the wildfires.

FEMA photo by Dominick Del Vecchio

Washington State Search & Rescue Team Scours Homes, Autos

BLUE RIVER, Ore. (Sept. 15, 2020) – Keith Davis searches homes with his canine, Asher, in Blue River, Oregon. They are part of Washington Task Force 1. The Holiday Farm Fire destroyed businesses, homes and vehicles in Blue River.

FEMA photo by David Yost

FEMA Leadership Team Coordinates Sally Response in the Gulf 

GULF SHORES, Ala. (Sept. 17, 2020) – FEMA’s Operations Section Chief for Incident Management Assistance Team 2 Steven Hynes (left), Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer Fred Choi (center) and Federal Coordinating Officer Allan Jarvis meet to discuss assessment and recovery strategy post Hurricane Sally landfall.

FEMA photo by Alexis Hall

FEMA Leaders Coordinate Hurricane Response with Alabama Emergency Management

GULF SHORES, Ala. (Sept. 17, 2020) – Federal Coordinating Officer Allan Jarvis (far left), Deputy FCO Fred Choi (center, left), and State Coordinating Officer for Response Eric Jones (center, right) discuss strategy and recovery efforts for Hurricane Sally with an Alabama Emergency Management representative at the agency.  

FEMA photo by Alexis Hall

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 09/18/2020 - 12:27

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available Following Hurricane Laura

BATON ROUGE, La. – Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to certain workers who lost income as a direct result of Hurricane Laura in Louisiana.

The purpose of DUA is to help workers whose primary incomes are lost or interrupted by a federally declared disaster. It differs from regular state unemployment insurance because it also provides benefits to people who are self-employed, farmers, loggers and employees who work on commission.

DUA benefits apply to weeks of unemployment beginning Aug. 23, 2020 up to Feb. 27, 2021 if the individual’s unemployment continues to be a direct result of the disaster.

Affected workers in the 21 parishes designated for disaster assistance in Louisiana must first apply for regular unemployment insurance. The parishes are Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Caddo, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, La Salle, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, St. Landry, Union, Vermilion, Vernon and Winn.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission notifies claimants if they are eligible to file for disaster unemployment assistance.

Applicants can apply by visiting www.laworks.net, the Helping Individuals Reach Employment portal.

Claimants may also file by telephone by calling the Benefits Analysis Team at 866-783-5567 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Applicants in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vernon parishes must apply for disaster unemployment assistance by Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Applicants in Acadia, Grant, Jackson, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Vermillion and Winn parishes must complete applications by Friday, Oct. 2.

Applicants in Morehouse and Union parishes must apply for disaster unemployment assistance by Monday, Oct. 12.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is also accepting applications for DUA from applicants in Caddo, La Salle and St. Landry parishes until Wednesday, Oct. 14.

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 Fri, 09/18/2020 - 11:47

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. Commodities are available to each affected state based on need and requests to FEMA for assistance. Shuttle drivers and trailers are onsite where these commodities are staged, ready to move assets to fulfill state requests.

• 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 six Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) deployed in response to Hurricane Sally. Four teams are deployed to Louisiana, one to Alabama and one team is onsite in Florida. An additional IMAT is onsite at Mississippi’s Emergency Operations Center redeployed to Florida’s Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee yesterday. FEMA also deployed Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles to Alabama, Florida and Mississippi to provide emergency communication capabilities for federal resources, if needed. Additionally, a FEMA liaison officer is in place at the Florida Emergency Operations Center. As of today, 372 FEMA responders have been deployed in support of Hurricane Sally:

• Three National Guard Bureau teams are staged in Alabama.
• In Mississippi, 60 people, 12 tactical vehicles, and six support Humvees are staged for high water rescue and recovery operations.
• Three Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are available in Louisiana, and federal and state Ambulance Surge Units are on standby.
• Two Urban Search and Rescue teams are staged in Hammond, Louisiana pending further coordination in repositioning with Region 4. Urban Search and Rescue team Tennessee Task Force One is staged in Meridian, Mississippi.
• Personnel from the federal government, including the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, DHS Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have been mission assigned to provide support to impacted states and tribes, as needed.
• Department of Health and Human Services medical teams, incident management teams and logistics support are deployed to Jackson, Mississippi.
• 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. FEMA has nearly $7 billion available to pay flood claims and the authority to borrow another $10 billion for claims if necessary. Even after the storm has passed, we still ask everyone to stay focused on safety and encourage to practice the following:

• 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.

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 $1.2 million in mission assignments and is processing 46 active resource requests in support of Oregon. Two Incident Management Assistance Teams are deployed to Oregon to support state operations, 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. Two Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) units are deployed to Oregon, providing communications support for command and control of federal resources in support of the IST and US&R Teams. As of today, 478 FEMA responders have been deployed in support of western wildfires.

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. These declarations authorize FEMA to provide assistance, including direct federal assistance for emergency protective measures for:

• Eight counties in Oregon are approved for Individual Assistance.
• Twenty counties in Oregon are approved for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Hazard mitigation is approved statewide.
• Nine counties are approved for debris removal and 11 counties are approved for emergency protective measures.
• Nine counties in California are approved for Individual Assistance.
• Six counties in California are now eligible for permanent work assistance, including repairs done to roads, bridges, public buildings and utilities, water control facilities, and at parks or other recreational facilities
• Eight counties in California are approved for debris removal.
• Ten counties in California are approved for emergency protective measures.

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

• An Oregon Wildfire Resource Website has been created to help Oregonians stay informed at wildfire.oregon.gov.
• Know your evacuation levels! Level 1 - Be Ready. Level 2 - Be Set. Level 3 - Leave Immediately. DO NOT return to the fire area until officials give the OK.
• If you are in an evacuation zone, heed warnings and follow local official recommendations without delay.
• Local evacuation information can be found on the OEM Wildfire dashboard. Information is ever-changing, so continue to check back for updated content.
• Check with your county office of emergency management to sign up for local emergency alerts.
• If you are in a safe place, you can help by staying home and off the road.
• The American Red Cross is operating several Temporary Evacuation Points where evacuees can go for information and assistance. Locations change with the need. Community members who need assistance can contact 2-1-1.
• 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.
• Register for the Red Cross Safe and Well program at safeandwell.communityos.org.
• Oregonians and others asking how to help, you can donate to response organizations. Visit ORVOAD.org.
• 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.

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

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 09/18/2020 - 10:36

FEMA Issues $2.7M Installment to California for Earthquake Protection

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released an additional $2.7 million installment to the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) for its Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program. The grant will subsidize a project of the California Residential Mitigation Program, a joint powers authority of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the CEA, for earthquake retrofits on 532 at-risk homes likely to shake from their foundations in the event of an earthquake.

EBB addresses two seismic vulnerabilities found in many older homes that may have short, wood-framed cripple walls under the first floor. The retrofit bolts the house to the foundation, and if short, wood-framed walls are present under the first floor, the retrofit braces those walls with plywood to reinforce and help prevent the house from collapsing or sliding off its foundation during a quake.

EBB is a code-compliant retrofit that lessens the potential for damage and may allow families to remain in their homes after earthquakes. Each EBB recipient receives a grant of up to $3,000 to bring their home up to seismic code compliance.

FEMA’s $2.7 million release from its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), in combination with the applicant’s $1.6 million, marks the latest installment of the $33.3 million project. The remaining $11.7 million will be released incrementally throughout the life of the grant, as applications are approved, to retrofit a total of 6,667 homes.

FEMA’s HMGP helps states, territories, federally-recognized tribes, local communities and certain private, non-profit organizations become more resilient to potential infrastructure damage and reduce future disaster costs. Over the past 30 years, FEMA has invested more than $1.4 billion to reduce disaster risk in California.

###

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.

robert.barker Thu, 09/17/2020 - 16:34

Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Sabine and Vernon Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La.— Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Leesville and Many on Sunday, Sept. 20, to help Hurricane Laura survivors.

A new feature of the centers is an easy and COVID-safe way for Laura survivors to have documents scanned into their case file.

The drive-thru 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 will be located at:

Vernon Parish

Vernon Sheriff’s Office

203 Third St.

Leesville, LA 71446

Sabine Parish

Sabine Parish Courthouse

40 S. Capital

Many, LA 71449

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

U.S. Small Business Administration Hurricane Laura Disaster Loans are available for disaster survivors. For businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations: up to $2 million for property damage.

For small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations: 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 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 Thu, 09/17/2020 - 15:35

Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Sabine and Vernon Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La.— Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Leesville and Many on Sunday, Sept. 20, to help Hurricane Laura survivors.

A new feature of the centers is an easy and COVID-safe way for Laura survivors to have documents scanned into their case file.

The drive-thru 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 will be located at:

Vernon Parish

Vernon Sheriff’s Office

203 Third St.

Leesville, LA 71446

Sabine Parish

Sabine Parish Courthouse

40 S. Capital

Many, LA 71449

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

U.S. Small Business Administration Hurricane Laura Disaster Loans are available for disaster survivors. For businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations: up to $2 million for property damage.

For small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations: 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 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 Thu, 09/17/2020 - 15:23

Photos of Whole-of-Government Sally and Wildfire Response

WASHINGTON—FEMA has staff and resources in the field to respond to Sally and wildfires in the West, and we continue our close partnership with state, local and federal partners to execute a unified response.

Hurricane Sally made landfall on Tuesday as a Category 2 hurricane. FEMA has 367 responders deployed to support response and recovery efforts with additional staff supporting operations remotely. The following commodities are staged near the impacted area and 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 is also on the ground supporting wildfires in the West. President Trump approved Major Disaster Declarations for California and Oregon to provide federal assistance and coordinate disaster relief efforts. FEMA has 467 responders deployed to support impacted states as well as five Urban Search and Rescue teams and other  specialized teams from federal partners.

Miss. Governor, FEMA and MEMA Meet Ahead of Hurricane Sally Landfall

 

PEARL, Miss. (Sept, 15, 2020) -- Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves (head of table) meets with a Mississippi Emergency Management Agency official (right) and FEMA leadership in advance of then-Hurricane Sally landfall.

FEMA photo by Yvonne Smith

N.J. Firefighters Answer Call to Support California Wildfires

 

SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 12, 2020) – New Jersey firefighters unload equipment from a cargo plane before helping battle wildfires in California. The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services requested support to combat the wildfires, and the state of New Jersey responded. FEMA facilitated acquisition of the Antonov cargo plane to transport 10 New Jersey Forest Fire Service firefighters, three fire engines and one support vehicle to California.

FEMA photo by Robert Barker

FEMA Prepares to Deliver Supplies

 

SALEM, Ore. (Sept. 13, 2020) -- The Operations Staging Management Team receives instructions on how to check in a truck loaded with FEMA commodities, such as cots, blankets and bottles of water. The deliveries are forward-staged for distribution to evacuees affected by multiple wildfires burning around Oregon.  

FEMA photo by David Yost

 

zella.campbell Thu, 09/17/2020 - 13:08

Private Nonprofit Houses of Worship in Louisiana May Be Eligible for FEMA Help to Cover Hurricane Laura Damage

BATON ROUGE, La.— Qualifying private nonprofit houses of worship in Louisiana may be eligible for FEMA grants to cover Hurricane Laura-related expenses.

 

Grants through FEMA’s Public Assistance program may cover costs to repair or replace facilities damaged during the hurricane. The program is funded by FEMA and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

 

FEMA defines religious facilities as a church, synagogue, mosque, temple or other house of worship without regard to the religious character of the facility.  No religious facility or house of worship may be excluded from this definition because leadership or membership in the organization is limited to persons who share a religious faith or practice.

 

Help with repairs and replacement costs may be available to houses of worship in the following parishes: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vernon. 

 

To be an eligible applicant, a house of worship must:

 

• Be owned or operated by a private nonprofit organization.
• Have damage caused by Hurricane Laura from Aug. 22 to 27.
• Have either not received funding or received insufficient funding after applying for a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan to repair or replace a facility.
• Provide a current ruling letter from the IRS granting tax exemption under Section 501 (c) (d) or (e) of the IRS Code of 1954, or provide documentation from the state substantiating it is a nonprofit.

 

Houses of worship may contact their parish emergency manager for details on how to apply for FEMA assistance. They may also get more information or submit their request for Public Assistance (RPA) online by visiting the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) Public Assistance site at louisianapa.com.

 

The SBA may lend private nonprofits up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring.

 

Apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. For questions about SBA disaster loans, call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.

 

To apply by mail, completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

 

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.

scott.reuter Thu, 09/17/2020 - 11:27

FEMA Response Update: Sally and Western Wildfires

WASHINGTON - FEMA has commodities staged near the areas of impact from Hurricane Sally. These commodities are available to each affected state based on need and requests to FEMA for assistance. Shuttle drivers and trailers are onsite where these commodities are staged, ready to move assets to fulfill state requests.

• 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

Additionally, FEMA deployed eight Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) in response to Hurricane Sally. Five IMATs are deployed to Louisiana, one is onsite in Mississippi, an additional team is deployed to Alabama and one team is staged to deploy when needed.

Hurricane Sally made landfall on Tuesday near Gulf Shores, Alabama, as a Category 2 hurricane. Sally has weakened to a tropical depression and accelerating across Alabama to Georgia as heaviest rain gradually diminished overnight. Significant and widespread flooding is expected across inland portions of Alabama, central Georgia and upstate South Carolina, and widespread flooding is possible across western/central North Carolina and southeast Virginia.

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. These declarations authorize FEMA to provide assistance, including direct federal assistance for emergency protective measures for 30 parishes in Louisiana, 24 counties in Mississippi, 51 counties and one tribe in Alabama and seven counties in Florida.

The storm is forecast to bring a severe threat of inland flooding. 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.

• 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.
• 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.

WILDFIRES IN THE WEST

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. FEMA has obligated more than $1.2 million in mission assignments and is processing 46 active resource requests in support of the state.

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. Three water tankers are en route from Texas to JBLM, and 1.4 million N-95 masks requested by the state to support emergency responders, sheltering operations and health care workers will be shipped from a FEMA Distribution Center directly to Oregon by next week.

Two IMATs are deployed to Oregon to support state operations, and FEMA has deployed five Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams along with other specialized teams from federal partners to provide support. Additionally, two Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) units are deployed to Oregon, providing communications support for command and control of federal resources in support of the IST and US&R Teams.

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

• An Oregon Wildfire Resource Website has been created to help Oregonians stay informed at wildfire.oregon.gov.
• Know your evacuation levels! Level 1 - Be Ready. Level 2 - Be Set. Level 3 - Leave Immediately. DO NOT return to the fire area until officials give the OK.
• If you are in an evacuation zone, heed warnings and follow local official recommendations without delay.
• Local evacuation information can be found on the OEM Wildfire dashboard. Information is ever-changing, so continue to check back for updated content.
• Check with your county office of emergency management to sign up for local emergency alerts.
• If you are in a safe place, you can help by staying home and off the road.
• The American Red Cross is operating several Temporary Evacuation Points where evacuees can go for information and assistance. Locations change with the need. Community members who need assistance can contact 2-1-1.
• 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.
• Register for the Red Cross Safe and Well program at safeandwell.communityos.org.
• Oregonians and others asking how to help, you can donate to response organizations. Visit ORVOAD.org.
• 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.

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

zella.campbell Thu, 09/17/2020 - 10:50

FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow CNMI to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with CNMI Governor Ralph DLG. Torres to implement a system to make this funding available to CNMI residents.

On Aug. 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19.

FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional states and territories who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.

zella.campbell Wed, 09/16/2020 - 21:20

ICYMI: FEMA Administrator Updates on Sally Response

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor joined FOX News and The Weather Channel this afternoon to provide the public updates on Sally, which made landfall this morning as a Category 2 hurricane, as well as wildfire response in the West.

Gaynor’s discussion with FOX's Bill Hemmer focused on the whole-of-government response to Sally and how to stay safe during this time.

“My goal today is to make sure that safety is our No. 1 priority,” Gaynor said. “Don’t put a generator indoors; carbon monoxide will kill you. Stay off your roof ...and heed the advice of your local emergency managers. Stay safe until you get the all clear.”

“Water is going to be the issue, so whether you live on the coast, or more importantly inland, as Sally makes its way through Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina…[there could] be flash flooding, inland flooding,” Gaynor continued.  “Stay out of the water. Don’t drive in water. Turn around, don’t drown.”

Gaynor said he is confident that FEMA can get recovery resources to where they are most needed on the coast.

“We have assets all through the South … Plenty of resources in the region -- from Florida to Louisiana -- it is not an issue today with Sally.”

The administrator also emphasized FEMA’s continuing support of wildfire response in the West.

“I talked to the Oregon Federal Delegation and emergency managers this morning," said Gaynor. "Conditions are better … It’s been a long season for California, Oregon and Washington. We continue to support them and all they do. The president was just out [in California] with Governor [Gavin] Newsom making sure they had all the resources at their disposal.The president just signed a major disaster declaration for Oregon yesterday to make sure they have everything they need to respond to and recover from those fires."

On The Weather Channel, Gaynor again emphasized the need to stay alert as Sally continues its path in the Southeast, while the agency continues supporting COVID-19 response.

 

“It has been a historic year in many ways, an unprecedented season in many ways. So whether it’s the hurricane season, wildfire season, response to COVID-19 -- it's unprecedented. But we’ve had an unprecedented response. And it’s not just FEMA that responds it’s really the team, and the team includes my partners at DOD, National Guard, our Voluntary Organizations like the Red Cross, Team Rubicon, all working together to come and deliver resources to those impacted by disasters. That’s how it works for Sally, that’s how it’s worked in the past and that’s how it’s going to work in the future with whatever comes next,” Gaynor concluded.

FEMA is encouraging people in at-risk areas for Sally impacts to download the FEMA app to receive emergency and access preparedness tools to keep families safe. We will continue to work with our state, tribal and local partners as they plan for potential impacts and sheltering operations in this COVID-19 environment.

For additional preparedness information on all types of disasters, visit Ready.gov.  

 

zella.campbell Wed, 09/16/2020 - 20:27

Oregon Survivors Affected by Wildfires Can Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

SALEM, Ore. - State and federal officials are encouraging Oregon residents affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds, which began on Sept. 7 and are continuing, to register for disaster assistance with FEMA as soon as possible.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program for survivors has been made available in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion counties.

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.

If you have phone or Internet access, you may register by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Downloading the FEMA app
• Calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for people with speech and hearing disabilities. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PDT, seven days a week.
• Going to DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to homeowners, renters, and businesses. Call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Public assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities has been made available to 20 counties (Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, and Yamhill counties). All areas statewide are eligible to apply for Hazard Mitigation assistance.

 

###

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, 09/16/2020 - 19:06

FEMA Opens a Disaster Recovery Center

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Bettendorf on Thursday, September 17, to give survivors from the August 10 severe storm options to submit documents for their disaster assistance application. FEMA has adapted to the realities of responding during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve Iowans while protecting their safety and that of FEMA employees.

The DRC will not operate in a traditional fashion. The center will offer drive-through service.  Survivors are asked to stay in their vehicles when visiting.

Applicants do not have to visit a center to submit documents to FEMA—they can mail, fax or submit them online at DisasterAssistance.gov as well. Information on these options can be found in their FEMA letter. 

Survivors who have already registered with FEMA and have been asked to provide additional documentation should read their FEMA letter carefully and make sure they have everything they need when they arrive at the DRC.

If you do not understand the letter you received from FEMA, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Central Time, and ask for assistance.

The FEMA DRC is located:

The Community Civic Center

2204 Grant Street

Bettendorf, IA 52722

(Entrance is at the rear parking lot at 22nd Street and Mississippi Blvd.)

DRC hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time

Closed Sundays

The DRC will be open for a limited time and is staffed with FEMA personnel who can scan documents and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

All applicants and FEMA personnel will follow current state and local COVID-19 safety requirements. Applicants must wear face masks and will remain in their cars as they hand their documents to FEMA personnel, who will be wearing face masks (or other appropriate face covering) and protective equipment. FEMA staff will take the documents, scan them and return them to the applicants.

Applicants may register in the following ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App for smartphones.
• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

If an individual cannot register online or by phone, registration at the DRC will be available.

Documents also may be submitted in any of the following ways:

• Mail to: FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055. 

• Or fax to 800-827-8112.
• Or submit them via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account,  visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.

thomas.wise Wed, 09/16/2020 - 14:41

Hurricane Sally and Western Wildfires Response Update

WASHINGTON -- Hurricane Sally made landfall this morning near Gulf Shores, Alabama, as a Category 2 hurricane, bringing historic and catastrophic flooding along and just inland of the Gulf Coast, from west of Tallahassee, Florida, to Mobile Bay, Alabama. Dangerous and life-threatening storm surge is occurring along portions of the coastline from Alabama to the western Florida Panhandle.

Significant flash and urban flooding are also likely, due to rainfall through the week across inland portions of the Alabama into Central Georgia. Widespread flash and urban flooding and widespread minor moderate river flooding are possible across western South Carolina into western and central North Carolina this week.

FEMA is leaning forward with our federal, state, local and tribal partners to mobilize teams and supplies in support of state managed, locally executed response to impacts from Hurricane Sally along the Gulf Coast and the wildfires in the West.

Emergency responders on the West Coast are focused on life saving and life safety measures in the areas impacted by wildfires. Public safety is the No. 1 priority: residents in at-risk areas should follow local officials’ instructions and be ready to take action.

Gulf Coast Residents: Stay Alert and Heed Local Officials' Instructions

• 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 is prepared to shelter and support families. For assistance, call 3-1-1 or visit the Red Cross website.

The storm is forecast to bring a severe threat of inland flooding in several states we still ask 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 owners 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.
  • Flood insurance provided under NFIP flood policies will cover up to $1,000 in reasonable expenses incurred to protect insured property and up to $1,000 to move insured property away from a flood or imminent danger of a flood.

Federal Support is Mobilized for Response to Hurricane Sally

• President Trump approved emergency declarations for Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, authorizing FEMA to provide assistance, including direct federal assistance, for emergency protective measures.  
• FEMA Regions are in close contact with state and tribal emergency managers in all states that may be impacted. 
• FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams are onsite in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to support the states’ response activities and ensure there are no unmet needs. A liaison officer is in place at the Florida Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.
• FEMA deployed Mobile Emergency Response Support to Jackson, Mississippi, which includes a Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicle with emergency communication capabilities for federal resources, if needed.
• Urban Search and Rescue teams have been assigned and are staged in Hammond, Louisiana.
• FEMA previously moved generators from Alabama and Georgia to support ongoing recovery efforts for Hurricane Laura. Additional commodities remain throughout the southeast to help support response efforts for Sally if needed.
• Additional personnel from the federal government, including the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, DHS Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have been mission assigned to provide support to impacted states and tribes, as needed.

Federal Support is Mobilized for Response to Western Wildfires

• FEMA has personnel, commodities such as food, water, cots and teams including Urban Search and Rescue and Mobile Emergency Response Support mobilized to support the impacted areas.
• President Trump approved a major disaster for Oregon on Sept. 15. Residents and business owners in eight counties who have disaster-caused damage can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. The declaration also authorizes reimbursement to state, local and tribal agencies, and certain private non-profit organizations in 20 counties for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Hazard mitigation is approved statewide. Details are available on the disaster webpage.
  • The disaster declaration is in addition to the Emergency Declaration approved by the President for 11 counties in the state on Sept. 10.
• FEMA is prepared and working under the worst-case scenario to provide the support needed across Oregon.
  • FEMA and federal partners are co-located with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management at the Oregon Emergency Coordination Center and the FEMA Regional Response Coordination Center in Bothell, Washington is activated to support the state.
  • FEMA has obligated more than $1.2 million in mission assignments and is processing 46 active resource requests in support of the state.
  • Two Regional Incident Management Assistance Teams are deployed to Oregon to support state operations.
• FEMA has deployed five Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams, including an incident support team, along with other specialized teams from Federal partners to provide support. 
  • Teams include US&R Washington Task Force 1, US&R Utah Task Force 1, US&R K9 Search and Rescue from Nevada Task Force 1, and the US&R Red Incident Support Team. 
  • Massachusetts Task Force 1, 11 K9 specialists and 12 dogs, and several additional support teams will arrive today.
  • Two Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) units are deployed to Oregon, providing communications support for command and control of federal resources in support of the IST and US&R Teams.
• FEMA staged meals, water, cots and blankets in Salem, Oregon. Additional meals, water, cots and blankets along with hygiene kits, commonly used shelter items and 27 generators are also staged at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. Three water tankers are en route from Texas to JBLM; pending arrival this week. Both locations are staffed with Staging Management Teams.
• Additional items requested by the State to support emergency responders, sheltering operation and health care workers will be shipped from a FEMA Distribution Center directly to Oregon by next week.
• The President approved a major disaster for California on Aug. 22. Residents and business owners in declared counties who have disaster-caused damage can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. The declaration also authorizes reimbursement to state, local and tribal agencies, and certain private non-profit organizations in nine counties for debris removal and 11 counties for emergency protective measures.
• Fifteen Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) have been approved in California, three have been approved in Colorado, 16 have been approved in Oregon and eight have been approved in Washington.
  • FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters.  Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies, and mobilization and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.
  • The FMAG authorizes additional funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Post Fire for the reduction of risks from wildfires and post-fire flooding. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction and hazardous fuels reduction.
• To address COVID-19 sheltering needs, this year FEMA has adjusted the FMAG program to include the reimbursement of costs to state and local governments for non-congregant emergency sheltering, such as hotel rooms.

Oregon Residents: Stay Informed, Be Ready, Know Where to Go and What to Bring if You Must Evacuate

• An Oregon Wildfire Resource Website has been created to help Oregonians stay informed at wildfire.oregon.gov.
• 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.
  • If you are in an evacuation zone, heed warnings, and follow local official recommendations without delay.
  • Local evacuation information can be found on the OEM Wildfire dashboard. Information is ever-changing so continue to check back for updated content.
  • Check with your county office of emergency management to sign up for local emergency alerts.
  • If you are in a safe place, you can help by staying home and off the road.
• The American Red Cross is operating several Temporary Evacuation Points where evacuees can go for information and assistance. Locations change with the need. Community members who need assistance can contact 2-1-1.
• 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.
• For Oregonians and others asking how to help, you can donate to response organizations. Visit ORVOAD.org. 
• 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. 

For additional preparedness information on all types of disasters, visit Ready.gov.

 

zella.campbell Wed, 09/16/2020 - 14:27

Louisiana Recovery Hits $100 Million Mark for Housing, Other Needs Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La.  – Less than three weeks after Hurricane Laura roared into the state, more than $100 million has gone to Louisiana residents to help in their recovery.

Through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, 43,526 applications have been approved as of Sept. 15. Individuals and families have received more than $68 million in housing assistance and more than $32.6 million in support for other needs.

Disaster survivors who need assistance can apply for the program or check their application status at DisasterAssistance.gov. They can reach FEMA via smartphone by downloading the mobile app from fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app or through their mobile provider’s application store.

Call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 to register for assistance or to check an application’s status. Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use TTY may call 800-462-7585. Disaster survivors who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) may call 800-621-3362.

Hurricane Laura survivors may visit a drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center. Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service and visitors will remain in their cars. A specialist wearing a face mask will receive documents through the car window, scan them to the applicant’s account and return them. For recovery-center locations, check FEMA's mobile app at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app or call 800-621-3362, or visit https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

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 Wed, 09/16/2020 - 13:50

How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

DES MOINES, Iowa –Iowa residents who sustained damage from the August 10 derecho may receive a letter from FEMA saying they are ineligible for disaster assistance and can appeal the decision if they disagree.

All disaster assistance applicants have the right to appeal, and sometimes a quick fix is all that is needed. Read your letter carefully to clarify why your application was labeled “ineligible” or “incomplete.” It will explain the application status and what you can do to respond.

Common reasons for ineligibility

• You are insured. Contact FEMA if your insurance settlement is insufficient to meet your disaster-related needs or if you have exhausted the Additional Living Expenses provided by your insurance company.
• Your insurance company denies your claim. You must provide documentation that identifies the denial or exclusions of your insurance settlement before FEMA will consider your assistance eligibility.
• You reported no home damage when you registered with FEMA. If you reported your home had no damage but later discover it’s not habitable anymore, contact FEMA to let them know.
• Home is safe to occupy. FEMA housing assistance typically only covers costs to make your home habitable.
• Proof of occupancy. When FEMA is unable to verify occupancy of your primary residence, you may provide FEMA with documentation, such as utility bills, a bank or credit card statement, phone bill, pay stubs, a driver’s license, state-issued ID card or voter registration card showing the damaged dwelling’s address.
• FEMA could not verify your identity. FEMA must be able to verify the identity of the applicant/co-applicant. FEMA will ask for the last four digits of their social security number. If that information cannot be provided, FEMA will ask for their date of birth along with other verifiable information.
• No initial rental assistance. You indicated to the inspector that you were not willing to move while your damaged home was being repaired. This made you ineligible for FEMA temporary rental assistance. However, you may have since found further damage to your home that may require you to move. Since your housing needs have changed, contact FEMA as soon as possible to update your housing status.

Keep in mind

• FEMA grants are meant for costs to return your home to a safe, sanitary and functional condition. This means your home is habitable. Damage to non-essential space or property is not eligible under FEMA programs. If you have questions about the type of damage eligible under FEMA programs, you can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362.
• Damage to your home must have been caused by the August 10 storms and have occurred at your primary residence in Benton, Boone, Cedar, Jasper, Linn, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama Counties.

Collecting the following documents before you start your appeal may make the process easier:

• Decision letter from FEMA in response to your request for assistance;
• A copy of the lease if you rent your apartment or home;
• Homeowners or flood insurance policy and any correspondence to/from the insurer regarding denial or settlement of the claim;
• Rent receipts or other proof of payment for alternate housing (if FEMA denied rental assistance);
• Estimates, contracts, receipts, cancelled checks, or other proof of expenses for home repair, personal property replacement, moving and storage costs, medical or dental treatment, or funeral expenses; and/or
• Inspection reports, photographs, or other proof that your home was made uninhabitable by the storm.

Send a letter with any additional documentation to FEMA asking for reconsideration. This must be done within 60 days of the date of your ineligibility letter. Late appeals will be considered with a written or verbal explanation as to why the appeal was late (for example, lack of available contractors, illness, and/or work). 

You can send the letter in one of the following ways:

• By mail: FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055.
• By fax: 1-800-827-8112.
• Online via a FEMA online account: to set up an online account, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.

There may be other reasons why FEMA determined you were ineligible. However, you may still be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or a grant under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program. If you have questions about the letter you received, call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).

thomas.wise Wed, 09/16/2020 - 10:47