President Donald J. Trump Approves Florida Emergency Declaration

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Florida to supplement state and local response efforts to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Sally beginning on Sept. 14, 2020, and continuing. 

The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.  

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.  Emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding. This assistance is for Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties.

Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75% federal funding. This assistance is for Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson and Liberty counties. 

Jeffrey L. Coleman has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.

zella.campbell Wed, 09/16/2020 - 08:48

Three Years After Hurricane María, FEMA Obligations Reach $7.3 Billion

Over $4.2 billion of this historic amount of federal aid has been disbursed

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – The unprecedented recovery from Hurricane María has reached a milestone in the obligation of FEMA funds. Three years after one of the largest and most complex disasters in the Agency’s 40-year history, nearly $7.3 billion has been approved to help rebuild the Island - from critical infrastructure to historic buildings

As of today, a total of over 4,800 projects have funding obligations, the vast majority to repair and rebuild roads, bridges and public buildings as well as cultural treasures like theatres, town squares and other characteristic sites in the municipalities. The Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, known as COR3, has disbursed nearly $450 million to municipal governments for these purposes, resulting in an injection to the local economy and a stimulus to the job market.

“This year we have seen that the commitment of our team is unwavering. There is much work to be done and I am confident that together with the government of Puerto Rico we will achieve our goal of a Puerto Rico that will be the model of resilience in the Caribbean,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alex Amparo.

Procurement processes begin

To date, funds have been allocated for about 1,200 roads and bridges in municipalities throughout the Island, mostly in the areas severely affected by flooding and landslides caused by the storm. Utuado tops the list with 153 projects under this category for repairs as well as for architectural and engineering design studies. The municipality is currently in the procurement process for the work.

Similarly, Jayuya and Villalba have rebuilt roads for the benefit of their communities. The mayor of Villalba, Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz, stated that the bridge that serves the Cerro Gordo community will begin construction soon, and it will have a useful life of 70 years. “This project has an obligation of over $2.5 million and benefits over 500 families,” said the municipal official.

Ponce is another municipality that is moving its recovery forward. The drainage pump system that is essential to prevent flooding in the area will initiate the bidding process this month. “The reconstruction that is kicking-off in our city thanks to the first 105 projects that will begin work in the next few weeks represents the creation of jobs and an increase in economic activity in Ponce. For every million dollars invested, 50 local jobs are generated”, said the mayor. María “Mayita” Meléndez Altieri.

Updates to police headquarters and command stations

The facilities that ensure public safety such as police stations, command stations and emergency systems will also be strengthened with over $2.7 million in federal funds. The grants include funding for police stations and command posts in Aguadilla, Añasco, Arecibo, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Hormigueros, Humacao, Las Marías, Maricao, Mayagüez, Orocovis, Ponce and San Juan.

“The repairs that will be made to the police stations will help us maintain proper working conditions for our staff and the citizens who visit us. With the collaboration of FEMA, we have been able to improve the structures that were affected by Hurricane María and the various emergencies that have affected our area,” said the Puerto Rico Police Commissioner, Henry Escalera Rivera.  

Resilient medical care centers

As part of the efforts to strengthen the Island's medical system, approximately $116 million has been allocated to repair nearly100 health care facilities including hospitals and clinics. Among these is an obligation of over $3.4 million for the Rio Piedras Medical Center as well as a $1 million grant for the Lajas community health center, known locally as a CDT, the only health care facility in the municipality.

Another important element in the recovery is identifying opportunities to increase the resilience of the projects that will be part of the reconstruction. To this end, approximately $153 million of the approved project obligations are earmarked to help reduce loss of life and property.

“Three years have passed since we faced the unprecedented event caused by the impact of Hurricane María. While there is still work to be done, certainly in the last year we have made progress in the reconstruction process. We will continue to work diligently for as long as it takes to make the Island stronger and more resilient,” said the Executive Director for COR3, Ottmar Chávez.

For the new Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jose Baquero Tirado, “the achievements in the last three years on the Island are historic, and also pave the way for groundbreaking obligations for our Energy, Water and Education sectors. The changes ahead will be transcendental for Puerto Rico. At this time, coordination between the government of Puerto Rico and the federal government is key for the development of our large-scale projects. Solutions have been identified to ensure a more resilient infrastructure; it is work that will chart a course for a better life for our future generations,” added the Coordinator.

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

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 09/16/2020 - 08:34

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oregon

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Oregon to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires and straight-line winds beginning on Sept. 7, 2020 and continuing. 

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion 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 state, tribal, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures including congregate and non-congregate sheltering and direct federal assistance.  Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding.  This assistance is for Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington and Yamhill counties.

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

Dolph A. Diemont has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response and 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.

zella.campbell Tue, 09/15/2020 - 22:39

Disaster declaration amendment expands wildfire recovery assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The major disaster declaration for California wildfires has been amended to provide more federal assistance to affected areas via the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program.

Eligible applicants for this include state, county and local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and some private non-profits such as educational and medical facilities. FEMA provides 75 percent of the cost of eligible projects.

Butte and San Mateo counties have been approved to receive federal aid for debris removal, joining Lake, Monterey, Napa, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma counties, which had received earlier approval.

San Mateo, Monterey, Napa, Santa Cruz, Solano and Sonoma counties 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. These counties had already qualified for assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures.

The changes, approved Sept. 13, are for the wildfire period starting Aug. 14 and continuing. President Donald Trump approved the disaster declaration Aug. 22.

###

bree-constance… Tue, 09/15/2020 - 17:29

Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Caddo, Vermilion Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La.— Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Abbeville and Shreveport on Thursday, Sept. 17 to help Hurricane Laura survivors.

A new feature of 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:

 

Caddo Parish

Independence Stadium

3301 Pershing Blvd.

Shreveport, LA 71109

 

Vermilion Parish

LSU AG Center

1105 West Port St.

Abbeville, LA 70510

 

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 (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.

scott.reuter Tue, 09/15/2020 - 17:00

ICYMI: FEMA Wildfire and Hurricane Sally Update

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor joined CBS and The Weather Channel this morning to inform the public about the powerful, but slow-moving Hurricane Sally as it approaches the Gulf Coast, wildfires on the West Coast and our ongoing efforts to support local and state officials as we work together to keep their communities safe.

Administrator Gaynor spoke with Gayle King on CBS This Morning about FEMA’s footprint in the potential affected hurricane areas, following President Trump's approval of emergency declarations for Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. He also discussed the ongoing COVID-19 response and adaptions FEMA has made this hurricane season due to the pandemic.

“We gave plenty of documents, considerations to locals to have adaptive plans for the COVID environment, and the states and locals are doing it. There are challenges with that but I’m pretty pleased from what I’ve seen across the country,” said Gaynor. “Whether it's wildfires or it's hurricanes, states and locals have adapted to the new COVID environment when it comes to these national hazards.”

On The Weather Channel, the Administrator spoke about the support to states and communities devastated by the wildfires in the West. There are over 100 large fires throughout the Western U.S. that have burned over 5 million acres in FEMA Regions 8, 9 and 10.

“The amount of devastation that those fires have impacted California and obviously Oregon and Washington state wildfires ... We talked about being proactive on mitigation … but we really just want to show support to the states to make sure they have everything they need to battle those wildfires out.”

FEMA is encouraging people in at-risk areas for Hurricane 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.

Hurricane Sally, Western Wildfires Federal Response Update

Hurricane Sally will continue to impact areas along the Gulf Coast, including areas well inland. Wildfires on the West Coast continue to pose serious risks to lives and properties.

• FEMA is leaning forward with our federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners to mobilize teams and supplies in to support a state managed, locally executed response to impacts from storms along the Gulf Coast and the wildfires out West.
• An extremely dangerous and life-threating storm surge is expected for areas outside the southeastern Louisiana Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System -- from the Mississippi River to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line in the Florida Panhandle. Anyone in the forecasted path of the storm should monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and heed local evacuation orders.
• Life-threatening flash flooding is also likely, as is widespread minor to isolated river flooding. Major flooding impacts are expected near and to the east of where Sally will make landfall as a hurricane.
• 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.
• FEMA adapted its plans to the realities of responding during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure we can serve Americans while protecting their safety and that of FEMA employees.

Gulf Residents Should Stay Alert for Continuing Hazards and Heed Local Officials’ Instructions

• Hurricane Sally is moving slowly in a northwestward motion and is forecast to move near the coast of southeastern Louisiana later today and make landfall in the hurricane warning area Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. The storm is forecast to bring a severe threat of inland flooding in several states. Anyone in the forecasted path of the storm should monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and heed local evacuation orders.
  • State and local officials will have the most up-to-date information on evacuation orders and shelter locations.
  • Residents in Louisiana should call 2-1-1 for evacuation, sheltering and resources for immediate needs. For updates, they should text Sally to 67283.
  • The American Red Cross (ARC) is prepared to shelter and support families. For assistance, call 3-1-1 or visit the ARC website.
• If you have been evacuated, 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 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.
• Property owners with a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 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.
  • To be eligible for this benefit, the insured property must be located in a community where either a general condition of flooding in the area exists or an official has issued an evacuation order or other civil order for the community requiring measures to preserve life and property from flooding.
  • 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, Louisiana and Mississippi on Monday. These declarations authorize FEMA to provide assistance, including direct federal assistance for emergency protective measures for 30 parishes in Louisiana, 24 counties in Mississippi and 41 counties and one Indian tribe in Alabama. Public Assistance limited to direct federal funding for emergency protective measures will be provided to an additional 34 parishes in Louisiana and 16 counties in Alabama.  
• A storm surge warning is in effect from the Mouth of the Mississippi in Louisiana, to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line in the Florida Panhandle. Hurricane conditions are expected today in areas within the Hurricane Warning area. Tropical storm conditions are already occurring in some of these areas
  • Sally could continue to produce flash flooding from the western Florida Panhandle to far southeastern Mississippi. Widespread significant flash flooding is likely across Mississippi, Alabama, northern Georgia and the western Carolinas through the middle of the week.
• Follow mandatory evacuation orders from local officials.

Teams supporting recovery efforts from Hurricane Laura are being augmented by additional personnel and teams to provide immediate support following landfall if requested.

FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams are deployed to Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to support response activities and ensure there are no unmet needs. 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 if 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.

• FEMA is continuing to support Southwest Louisiana as we work with state and local partners to ensure readiness to respond to the impacts of Hurricane Sally in Southeast Louisiana.
• FEMA has awarded nearly $100 million in assistance to Louisiana for Hurricane Laura.
• FEMA has paid $1.3 million for flood insurance claims in Louisiana for Hurricane Laura.
• Despite any impacts Tropical Storm Sally will have in Louisiana, FEMA staff currently helping Hurricane Laura survivors will continue to do so.

Federal Support is Mobilized for Western Wildfires

• There are 87 large fires throughout the Western U.S. that have burned millions of acres in FEMA Regions 8, 9 and 10.
  • Region 10 is currently reporting 32 active major fires burning across the state of Oregon
  • Region 9 is currently reporting 30 active major fires burning across the state of California.
• FEMA has personnel, commodities such as food, water, cots and teams including Urban Search and Rescue and Mobile Emergency Response Support supporting the impacted areas.
• The President approved a major disaster for California on Aug. 22. Residents and business owners in eight counties who have disaster-caused damage can apply for assistance at https://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. Details are available on the disaster webpage.
• 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 Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) program to include the reimbursement of costs to state and local governments for non-congregant emergency sheltering, such as hotel rooms.

Federal Support for Oregon Wildfire Response

• Yesterday, FEMA received Emergency Declaration requests from Oregon Governor Kate Brown for wildfires in the state. The Governor specifically requesting Individual Assistance for eight counties, emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program for 24 counties and Hazard Mitigation statewide. The request is under review.
• The President approved an Emergency Declaration for Oregon on Sept. 10 for the active wildfires impacting the state. The designated areas under the Emergency Declaration are Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Tillamook and Washington counties.
  • Under the Emergency Declaration, federal funding is available to the state, eligible local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75% federal funding.
  • This funding is in addition to funds available through Fire Management Assistant Grants (FMAGs).
• 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 deployed four Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams, including an incident support team to support state search and recovery needs.
  • US&R Red Incident Support Team deployed and supporting US&R operations at the ECC.
  • US&R Washington Task Force 1 (WA-TF1) 80-person team deployed to Lane County.
  • US&R Utah Task Force 1 (UT-TF1) 80-person team deployed to Jackson County, along with the US&R K9 Search and Rescue (5 person and 2 dogs) from Nevada Task Force 1 (NVTF1).
• 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 US&R operations statewide.  
• FEMA has meals, water, cots and blankets staged in Salem, Oregon, along with hygiene kits, commonly used shelter items. Twenty-seven generators are in transit to a staging area at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. Both locations are staffed with Staging Management Teams.

Oregon Residents Should 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.
• 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.  

FEMA Continues to Support States While Responding During COVID-19

• We will continue to work with our state, tribal and local partners as they plan for execution of evacuation and sheltering operations in a COVID-19 environment. Finding shelter is critical in times of disaster. Shelter outside of the hazard area could include staying with family or friends, seeking a hotel room or staying in a mass shelter.
• FEMA, other federal agencies and the American Red Cross have modified policies and planning and have taken actions to ensure the federal government can respond to any disaster during our continued coronavirus response efforts.
• In alignment with FEMA’s Pandemic Operational Guidance, FEMA is leveraging technology to deliver the agency’s programs at the highest level possible, while preserving our workforce and survivors. These methods include virtual damage assessments and inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs, as well as National Flood Insurance Program claims.
• While some aspects of program delivery may look different this year, our commitment to helping people before, during and after disaster remains our full focus and we are ready to deliver on our mission.
• In advance of hurricane and wildfire season, FEMA expanded the capacity of its National and Regional Response Coordination Centers and trained additional staff to be postured to respond to multiple on-going incidents.

 

zella.campbell Tue, 09/15/2020 - 13:53

FEMA Releases IPAWS Program Planning Toolkit

WASHINGTON -- FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate released the “Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Program Planning Toolkit.”

It will assist new and existing state, local, tribal and territorial alerting authorities to create and support an effective program for alerts, warnings and notifications.

IPAWS is FEMA’s national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through mobile phones using Wireless Emergency Alerts, to radio and television via the Emergency Alert System, and on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Radio.

FEMA and Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology worked to identify gaps in existing IPAWS alerting messaging. A result of that partnership is the IPAWS Toolkit. It consists of three documents: the IPAWS Lab Fact Sheet, IPAWS Frequently Asked Questions, and the IPAWS Train the Trainer Guide.

The documents in the toolkit were produced based on recent innovative changes to technology and were derived from the collection of successful practices and lessons learned from hundreds of data points, including more than 100 emergency managers, public information officers, alerting originators and administrators, and alerting experts.

The toolkit will assist public safety agencies to minimize alerting delays; plan for future alerts, warnings and notifications enhancements; facilitate interoperability across different technologies; and improve information sharing among emergency management and public safety officials.

zella.campbell Tue, 09/15/2020 - 12:12

President Donald J. Trump Approves Alabama Emergency Declaration

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Alabama to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Sally beginning on Sept. 14, 2020, and continuing. 

The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.  

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures Category B, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding. This assistance is for Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Bullock, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Cleburne, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Etowah, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Jefferson, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Washington and Wilcox counties and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Public Assistance Category B emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75% federal funding. This assistance is for Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Walker and Winston counties. 

Allan Jarvis has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.

zella.campbell Tue, 09/15/2020 - 11:39

Prepare Now for Future Disasters: Protect Your Home and Family

MIDLAND, Mich. – September is National Preparedness Month and the flooding in mid-Michigan that caused millions of dollars in damage earlier this year, along with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, are important reminders disasters can impact anyone. Take the time this month to make an emergency plan and take simple steps to protect your home and family from future disasters.

Protect Your Home

Review your existing insurance policies and ensure the amount and extent are adequate to cover losses from any possible hazard. Homeowners’ insurance covers wind damage, but a rider needs to be added to insure against sewer backup. In addition, homeowners’ insurance doesn’t typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase a flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Don’t wait until it’s too late: NFIP policies can take up to 30 days to go into effect. Learn your property’s flood risk by accessing your community’s flood map then talk to your insurance agent about the type of coverage that is best for your home. Even if your property is in a low- or moderate-risk flood zone, FEMA recommends purchasing insurance from NFIP. More than 25 percent of flood insurance claims come from properties that are not in identified high-risk zones.

There are many other ways you can minimize your home’s potential risk of costly flood damage, such as installing a sump pump and back flow valve, elevating utilities and landscaping to improve runoff. The graphic below provides some ideas to put in place before the next flood.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

• Michigan State Police/Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division’s website MIREADY has comprehensive information on the importance of being informed and planning ahead.

• Visit Ready.gov/plan to learn how to make an emergency plan based on local weather hazards. 
• Review your family’s emergency plans now to see if they should be altered due to COVID-19.
• Build disaster kits and have them ready in your home, work and vehicles. Visit Ready.gov/kit for more information.
• Make sure your kits are stocked with essential items, including those that can protect you and your family from COVID-19, such as masks, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and other Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. Consider the unique needs of each member in your household, such as supplies for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and pets.
• Download the Michigan mobile app. Basic supply checklists, Michigan-specific hazard fact sheets, and links to stay connected and informed are included in the app.
• Download the FEMA mobile app. It provides severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five selected locations.
• Plan how to leave and where to go if advised to evacuate. Always follow the instructions given by state, local, or tribal emergency management officials.

To learn more about disaster risks and ways to prepare, visit Ready.gov. Find more information about steps you can take before, during and after a flood at FloodSmart.gov.

###

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs.

If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

English: www.fema.gov/disaster/4547

Spanish: https://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4547 

https://twitter.com/femaregion5

troy.christensen Tue, 09/15/2020 - 10:06

FEMA Hurricane Preparations and Wildfire Response Photo Release

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is leaning forward with our federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners to mobilize teams and supplies to support a state managed, locally executed response to impacts from storms along the Gulf Coast and the wildfires out West.

Hurricane Sally While Sally is now forecast to make landfall as a hurricane, the storm track and intensity can change rapidly. Anyone in the forecasted path of the storm should complete final preparations as soon as possible, monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and heed local evacuation orders.

President Trump approved emergency declarations today for both Louisiana and Mississippi to provide federal assistance and coordinate all disaster relief efforts.

Teams supporting recovery efforts from Hurricane Laura are being augmented by additional personnel to provide immediate support following landfall if requested. FEMA deployed Incident Management Assistance Teams to emergency operations centers in Louisiana and Mississippi, and a liaison officer to Alabama, to assist with coordinating response activities throughout the region.

Western Wildfires President Trump, Acting Secretary Chad Wolf and FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor traveled to the West Coast today to visit communities devastated by the wildfires. There are over 100 large fires throughout the Western U.S. that have burned over 5 million acres. This includes 32 active fires in Oregon and 30 in California.

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.

FEMA has personnel, commodities and teams continue to support the impacted areas. The President approved a major disaster for California on Aug. 22. and an emergency declaration for Oregon on Sept. 10 for the 12 active wildfires impacting the state.

Additionally, six Fire Management Assistance Grants have been approved in California, one approved in Colorado, 16 approved in Oregon and four have been approved in Washington.

FEMA Administrator Briefs President Trump on Wildfire Response

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor (far left) briefs President Donald J. Trump on FEMA’s ongoing efforts to wildfires in the West.

Rescue Teams Partner with Local Authorities in Oregon Wildfire Response

 

JACKSON, Ore. -- FEMA Search and Rescue teams from Nevada and Utah scour through debris under the direction of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.

FEMA Sets Up Staging Area in Tacoma

 

 

TACOMA, Wash. – A staging area for commodities and generators is set up at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. 

Teams Assembled Communications for Wildfire Response

 

 

TACOMA, Wash. -- FEMA technicians assemble communications equipment for wildfire response coordination on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Teams Complete COVID-19 Safety Measures for Responding

 

 

PEARL, Miss. -- A FEMA Region 4 Incident Management team member receives a facial temperature scan before entering the emergency operations center. The scanning is part of COVID-19 protections for those entering the facility.

FEMA Team Arrives at Mississippi Emergency Operations Center

 

 

PEARL, Miss. -- FEMA Region 4 Incident Management Assistance Team members enter the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency in preparation for potential hurricane impacts to the state.

 

 

 

zella.campbell Tue, 09/15/2020 - 08:46

After a Wildfire, The Time to Buy Flood Insurance is Now!

SALT LAKE CITY – Wildfire season is once again raging, and areas throughout the West are feeling the impact. Once the fires are out, people and communities are at risk for another threat ─ flooding. 

Wildfires leave the ground charred and unable to absorb water. This creates a flash flooding potential for years to come, even in areas that rarely experienced flooding in the past. Sometimes these flash floods can pick up ash and large debris, turning into mudflows that are highly destructive.

Floods are the most common and expensive natural disaster in the U.S.  Just an inch of water in an average-sized home can cause $25,000 in damage.  However, unlike many causes of damage, flooding and mudflows are generally not covered by a homeowners’ policy.  An uninsured flood loss can eat into your life’s savings.

A National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy protects against such losses and can ensure that a flood doesn’t bring financial ruin. Because there’s a 30-day waiting period for an NFIP policy to go into effect, it’s important to purchase a policy now to protect your property against the continuing threat of flooding. 

Flood insurance is easy to get, the only requirement is that you live in a community that participates in NFIP.  These include cities, counties and other jurisdictions that manage development.  You don’t need to live in a floodplain to purchase a policy.  If you live outside a floodplain, insurance will likely cost less than for those living in a higher risk area.

You can usually purchase flood insurance from your current agent.  If that isn’t possible, NFIP representatives can help you find one.

As with any insurance, be sure to talk with your agent about the specifics of your policy. Find out more about your risk and flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov. To purchase flood insurance or find an agent, call 1-800-427-4661.

Contact a mitigation specialist for more information about making your home and family safer before, during and after a wildfire or other natural disaster at FEMA-r8-HMhelp@fema.dhs.gov or bereadyutah@utah.gov for more information about making your home and family safer before, during and after an earthquake.

Brian.Hvinden Mon, 09/14/2020 - 18:16

President Donald J. Trump Approves Mississippi Emergency Declaration

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Mississippi to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Sally beginning on Sept. 14, 2020 and continuing.

The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.  Emergency protective measures Category B, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding.  This assistance is for Adams, Amite, Covington, Forrest, Franklin, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Stone, Walthall, Wayne and Wilkinson counties.

Brett H. Howard has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.

zella.campbell Mon, 09/14/2020 - 18:05

President Donald J. Trump Approves Louisiana Emergency Declaration

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Louisiana to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Sally beginning on Sept. 13, 2020 and continuing. 

The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.  

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.  Emergency protective measures Category B, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding. This assistance is for Acadia, Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes.

Public Assistance Category B emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75% federal funding. This assistance is for Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, La Salle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Tensas, Union, Vernon, Webster, West Carroll and Winn parishes. 

John E. Long has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.  

zella.campbell Mon, 09/14/2020 - 17:56

FEMA Provides $9.8 Million to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency

CHICAGO - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that $9.8 million in federal funding has been made available to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) for costs associated with the deployment of teams of temporary healthcare workers to state-operated long-term care facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

This grant funding is part of the recovery efforts for the federal disaster declaration of March 26, 2020. This funding will reimburse IEMA for costs incurred in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health to deploy teams of temporary healthcare workers for supplemental clinical staff, and to perform measures to manage, control and reduce threats to public health and safety at long-term care facilities throughout the state.  

“FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is an important resource for communities affected by COVID-19,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant funding has helped ensure critical medical services are available across Illinois to help combat this virus.”

“As the pandemic spread throughout the nation, the State of Illinois built a robust medical reserve corps to ensure a quick and expedient response to meet the needs of our residents,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau.  “We are eternally grateful for these skilled and experienced healthcare workers who served on the frontlines during uncertain times to care for some of our most vulnerable residents and provide essential training and assistance to facilities throughout our state.”

The Public Assistance Program funding will be administered by IEMA. FEMA provides a 75 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. The federal share of the FEMA grant is $9,843,567 with the remaining amount paid by IEMA.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for debris removal, disaster cleanup and emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

###

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

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications

troy.christensen Mon, 09/14/2020 - 14:57

FEMA Opens a Disaster Recovery Center

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Marshalltown on Tuesday, September 15, 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:

Behind the Marshalltown VA Clinic

101 Iowa Ave. W

Marshalltown, IA 50158

(Please enter from W. Berle Rd and proceed south behind the building.)

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 Mon, 09/14/2020 - 14:23

Butte County added to federal disaster declaration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Butte County has been added to California counties approved for assistance to individuals and households as part of the major disaster declaration approved Aug. 22 by President Trump.

The addition makes Butte County the ninth county to receive federal approval for individual assistance: Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties were approved previously.

FEMA’s individual assistance program provides grants to help eligible survivors with financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other disaster-related needs such as childcare, medical and dental expenses.

Apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency 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. Pacific.

U.S. Small Business Administration assistance

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

Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Mondays – Sundays

8 am to 8 pm EDT

FOCWAssistance@sba.gov

800-659-2955

These services are only available for the California disaster declaration as a result of the wildfires that began Aug. 14, 2020, and not for COVID-19-related assistance.

###

bree-constance… Mon, 09/14/2020 - 14:06

Two Years After Hurricane Florence, $2 Billion Provided for N.C. Recovery

RALEIGH, N.C. ­– On Sept. 14, 2018, Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina and dumped as much as 30 inches of rain in some places. Catastrophic flooding caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in a large portion of the state.

In the two years since the devastating storm, more than $2 billion in federal and state assistance has gone to survivors and communities to help North Carolina’s recovery move forward. Funding includes FEMA grants, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) payments and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

“I am proud that North Carolina was the first state in the country to have our action plan approved to access additional federal funds following Florence and am committed to rebuilding smarter and stronger to ensure that our communities are as resilient as our people,” Gov. Roy Cooper said.

Recovery efforts as of Sept. 10, 2020:

• FEMA grants, low-interest SBA disaster loans and NFIP flood insurance payments for Hurricane Florence survivors total:
  • $407.8 million in loans approved by SBA for homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the hurricane.
  • $632.7 million paid by the NFIP to flood insurance policyholders across the state.
  • $133.9 million in FEMA grants paid to survivors in 34 affected counties for home repairs, temporary housing and replacing essential household items.
• FEMA provided housing, without cost, to 656 households approved to live temporarily in travel trailers or manufactured housing units in the 13 hardest-hit counties—Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Duplin, Jones, Lenoir, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender and Robeson. By June 2020, all 656 households had moved into longer-term housing.
• FEMA provided $628.9 million to reimburse state and local governments and certain private nonprofits in 51 affected counties for eligible activities and disaster-related costs. An additional $197.1 million has been provided by the state.
• FEMA obligated $21.6 million through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to encourage the state and local governments to fund projects that help communities eliminate or reduce disaster-related damage.

 

 

neily.chapman Mon, 09/14/2020 - 13:33

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Bobcat Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the Bobcat Fire burning in Los Angeles County.

On Sept. 13, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Bobcat Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 28,000 homes in and around the communities of Arcadia, Altadena, Azusa, Duarte, Flint Ridge, Monrovia, Pasadena and Sierra Madre. The fire also threatened high-voltage power transmission lines, federal and state communications infrastructure on Mt. Wilson and Mt. Disappointment, and the Angeles National Forest.

The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Sept. 13, 2020, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA 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.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

###

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 Mon, 09/14/2020 - 11:13

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the SQF Complex

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the SQF Complex burning in Tulare County.

On Sept. 13, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the SQF Complex. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 1,900 homes in the communities of Sequoia Crest, Camp Nelson, Springville and Ponderosa. The fire also threatened a power plant, an above-ground power distribution center, commercial timber resources, the Mountain Home State Demonstration Forest, and timber and grazing lands for the Tule Indian Reservation.

The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Sept. 13, 2020, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA 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.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

###

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 Mon, 09/14/2020 - 11:11

State of Oregon and FEMA Working Together to Deliver Coordinated Wildfire Response

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and federal partners are working together to respond to the devastating wildfires that continue to affect tens of thousands of people. As firefighters continue to work tirelessly in extreme conditions and emergency responders remain focused on saving lives, FEMA and OEM are staging resources and coordinating additional support for evacuees and affected communities.

“Many Oregonians are suffering right now, whether displaced themselves or worried about loved ones, friends, neighbors, homes, and communities,” said Governor Kate Brown. “We’re working collaboratively to throw everything we can at this crisis, bringing together local, state, and federal capacity.  We are doing everything we can to ensure that our heroic firefighters working around the clock to save lives and homes have the tools, resources, and support they need.”

Although Thursday’s federal Emergency Declaration does not provide direct financial assistance to individuals, resources are available for evacuees and individuals affected by wildfires. Non-congregate (locations where each individual or household has living space that offers some level of privacy, such as hotels, motels, or dormitories) and traditional sheltering (such as American Red Cross shelters) are being provided in Oregon through the American Red Cross and other entities.

FEMA and federal partners continue to provide technical assistance to OEM on several fronts including Urban Search and Rescue (US&R), sheltering, feeding, reunification, housing, and mental health support. Two large US&R teams are also deployed to the state, with K9 search capabilities.  

Federal resources and support are provided under the authority of a federal Emergency Declaration. In addition, federal funding is provided through Fire Management Assistant Grants (FMAGs) to assist with fire suppression in Oregon. FEMA Regional Administrator Michael O’Hare has approved a total of 16 FMAGs for Oregon this fire season, 14 of them this week.

OEM and FEMA urge the public to update information on their status on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website, seek shelter and stay informed. An Oregon Wildfire Resource Website has been created to help Oregonians stay informed at wildfire.oregon.gov. For temporary sheltering needs, Oregon wildfire survivors can find locations available at www.RedCross.org/shelter.

Public safety is the number one priority. Residents are asked to heed all orders from local officials.

At this time, the best way to support the communities is to provide financial donations to relief organizations actively responding to these disasters. For verified disaster relief organizations, please refer to Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ORVOAD) at www.orvoad.org.

###

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

Savannah.Brehmer Sun, 09/13/2020 - 22:48