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Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Eaton, Wayne Counties
LANSING, Mich. – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will open at 8 a.m. in Eaton and Wayne counties Feb. 26 to help residents in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties kickstart their recovery after the August 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.
Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration at the center can help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant and get their questions answered in person.
Assistance in languages other than English, including American Sign Language (ASL), and translated materials are available at the centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available.
All recovery centers are open 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday; closed Sundays.
The centers will open at 8 a.m. Feb. 26 at these locations:
Eaton County:
Lansing Community College –West Campus
5708 Cornerstone Drive
Lansing, MI 48917
Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2.
Wayne County:
Gibraltar City Hall
29450 Munro St.
Gibraltar, MI 48173
Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2.
Additional centers are open at these locations:
Macomb County: Opened 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at:
Chesterfield Township Fire Department Central Station
33991 23 Mile Road
Chesterfield, MI 48047
Open until further notice.
Ingham County: Opened 8 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 22, at:
Northeast Ingham Emergency Services Authority
1296 W. Grand River Ave.
Williamston, MI 48895
Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2.
Additional recovery centers will be opening soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Survivors may visit any center for assistance.
Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. The deadline to apply for assistance is April 8, 2024.
For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.
kirsten.chambers Mon, 02/26/2024 - 16:03More Than $4.6 Million in the Hands of Michigan Storm Survivors
LANSING, Mich. – As of Thursday, February 22, FEMA assistance to survivors of the August 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties has topped $4.6 million.
Here is a snapshot of FEMA disaster assistance to date:
- More than 1,632 households have been approved for FEMA grant funding totaling more than $4.6 million including:
- More than $4 million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
- More than $635,000 for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental and lost personal possessions.
- More than 2,954 home inspections have been completed.
- SBA has received 473 applicants for low-interest disaster loans and has approved six loans totaling $144,500.
- One Business Recovery Center is currently open in Monroe County.
- In addition to the FEMA assistance that has been provided to survivors, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has awarded more than $2.7 million to 77 applicants whose homes or property were damaged in the August 24-26 storms.
- Participating in the NFIP can save thousands of dollars. An inch of floodwater per 1,000 square feet can cost about $10,000 to repair. Yet, most private insurance companies do not cover flood damage.
FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance crews are currently out in the field, visiting homes, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in affected areas to help residents register for assistance, identify, and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, state, and voluntary agencies for additional support.
A Disaster Recovery Center opened at 8 a.m. Thursday, February 22, in Williamston (Ingham County). A recovery center is scheduled to open at 8 a.m. Friday, February 23, in Chesterfield (Macomb County). More centers will soon be open in other impacted areas, where FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration specialists can help you upload documents, answer questions and provide information on available resources. The centers serve as onestop shops for survivors who need one-on-one help. Survivors can visit any center for assistance. For locations and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.
Residents affected by the August storms with uninsured to under-insured losses are encouraged to apply for federal assistance if they haven’t done so already. The deadline to apply is April 8, 2024.
Apply one of three ways:
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Use the FEMA mobile app.
- Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Multilingual operators are available. If
you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.
kirsten.chambers Mon, 02/26/2024 - 14:49WV Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will Close Early Today Feb. 24, 2024
Charleston, W.Va.– The state-federal Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers in Boone, Calhoun, and Clay counties will be closing early on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, due to inclement weather.
The Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday Feb. 26, 2024.
The centers are located at:
Boone CountyCalhoun County38 John Slack Circle, Racine, WV 26165
Hours of operation:
Closing Today
Reopening 8 a.m. Monday Feb 26, 2024
80 Spring Run Rd., Arnoldsburg, WV 25234
Hours of operation:
Closing Today
Reopening 8 a.m. Monday Feb 26, 2024
Clay CountyLocated at 223 Main Street Clay, 35043, WV
Hours of operation:
Closing Today
Reopening 8 a.m. Monday Feb 26, 2024
Centers in Harrison and Kanawha counties will remain open until 6 p.m. today to assist survivors.
If it is not possible to visit the Disaster Recovery Center or to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
- For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4756 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.
FEMA Home Inspections Begin in Spokane County
Spokane, Wash. - FEMA home inspectors are working in Spokane County to assist with disaster recovery efforts following the Gray and Oregon Road Fires.
After you apply for FEMA assistance, FEMA may call you to schedule an appointment to inspect the damage to your home. FEMA staff may call from an out-of-state, unknown or restricted phone number – it’s important to answer so your application can move forward. Failure to do so may delay the processing of your application.
FEMA inspectors are trained to recognize damage caused by a disaster even after recovery has started, and they will discuss that damage with you when they come to your home. Be prepared to show repair receipts, photos and any other disaster-related damage documentation as well.
If you require a reasonable accommodation -- such as language translation or interpretation, mobility assistance, or sign language interpretation -- email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov or notify staff in the field.
FEMA INSPECTORSFEMA inspectors carry an official FEMA photo ID. If a badge is not visible, ask the inspector to show it to you.
FEMA inspectors will already have your nine-digit registration number and will never ask for money.
Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector: FEMA inspectors are not authorized to collect your financial information or ask for your Social Security number.
If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used to apply without your knowledge. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.
If you suspect identity theft, please visit IndentityTheft.gov.
If you have questions about whether someone is representing FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you call.
To watch an accessible video about FEMA home inspections, visit FEMA Accessible: Home Inspections - YouTube.
HOW TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCEFEMA assistance is unable to duplicate benefits offered through insurance, state programs, or other programs. But if your losses or damage go beyond disaster assistance available from other sources – or include items or categories not covered by other assistance – you may be eligible for additional funds from FEMA. All survivors affected by the Gray and Oregon Road Fires are encouraged to contact and register with FEMA to determine eligibility.
- You can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
- Survivors who apply for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to SBA to apply for a low-interest disaster loan. Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
- Stay in touch and continue to partner with or register through your Disaster Case Managers for the Gray Fire and Oregon Road Fire. For more information and resources, text the word “recovery” to 99411 or visit The Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group | Disaster Relief (srltrg.org).
Disaster Recovery Centers will soon be opening in Spokane County where specialists from FEMA, U.S Small Business Administration, WA Emergency Management Division and Spokane County Emergency Management will be available to help survivors apply for disaster assistance, answer questions about registration process and meet with Disaster Case Managers.
For locations and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.
For more information about the disaster recovery operation visit fema.gov/disaster/4759.
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Follow FEMA Region 10 on X and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
mary.j.edmon Fri, 02/23/2024 - 21:05Disaster Recovery Center Hours Changing in Maine
The State of Maine and FEMA have announced a change of operating hours for all disaster recovery centers in Maine.
After Sunday, Feb. 25 all centers will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They will be closed on Sundays.
Kennebec County
- Manchester Fire Department, 37 Readfield Rd., Manchester
- This location will be open through March 4.
Franklin County
- University of Maine – Roberts Learning Center, 270 Main St., Farmington
Oxford County
- Rumford Municipal Building, 150 River St., Rumford
Somerset County
- Somerset County Emergency Operations Center, 4 County Dr., Skowhegan
Androscoggin County
- Lewiston Armory, 65 Central Ave., Lewiston
DRCs provide disaster survivors with information from Maine state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.
DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.
It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Survivors can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
adrien.urbani Fri, 02/23/2024 - 20:16Michigan Renters Can Apply for FEMA Assistance
LANSING, Mich. - Renters in Michigan with uninsured or under insured losses from the Aug. 24-26, 2023 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding can apply for FEMA assistance.
FEMA’s assistance programs are designed to help you with basic, critical needs such as a safe, sanitary and accessible place to live. These programs are available to renters, including students. Renters may also qualify for a grant under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for uninsured essential personal property losses and other disaster-related expenses. These may include:
- Replacement or repair of necessary personal property, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, textbooks, or school supplies.
- Replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment required by the self-employed.
- If your primary vehicle was damaged by the storms and is no longer operable (and the vehicle complies with state registration and insurance requirements) FEMA may be able to help. Not all damage is covered, so check with FEMA to see if your vehicle is eligible.
- Uninsured or out-of-pocket medical, dental, childcare, moving and storage expenses.
FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.
Apply one of four ways:
- Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. The Helpline is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Multilingual operators are available. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Use the FEMA mobile app.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. The centers serve as one-stop shops for survivors who need one-on-one help. Survivors can visit any center for assistance. To find center locations and current hours, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.
The deadline to apply for assistance is Monday, April 8, 2024.
For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.
kirsten.chambers Fri, 02/23/2024 - 18:58Monroe County Electric Power Association Awarded More Than $1.5 Million
MADISON, Miss. – FEMA has approved $1,526,222 to reimburse the Monroe County Electric Power Association for emergency protective measures following the March 24-25, 2023, severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes.
Monroe County Electric Power Association is responsible for providing electrical services to its members, who suffered power outages from the storm. Poles, crossarms, switches, transformers, breakers, conductive wires, and other accessories were damaged or destroyed.
Monroe County Electric Power Association supported restoration of power to the service area:
- 88 electric power poles replaced.
- 22 electric transformers replaced.
- 23 electric meters replaced.
- 1,243 linear feet of service wire replaced.
- 25,200 linear feet of wire repaired.
Monroe County Electric Power Association also utilized contractors and mutual aid labor:
- 108 electric power poles replaced.
- 26 electric transformers replaced.
- 28 electric meters replaced.
- 1,520 linear feet of service wire replaced.
- 64,940 linear feet of fiber cable replaced.
- 30,620 linear feet of wire repaired.
FEMA authorized the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to select a 100% federal cost share period for emergency protective measures for a continuous 30-day period of the state’s choosing within the first 120 days of the event. MEMA chose March 24 to April 23, 2023. As the work costs fell within this period, the federal cost share reimbursement for this work is 100%.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants for state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations to reimburse the eligible cost of debris removal, emergency protective measures and facility restoration.
For the latest information on recovery from the March tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4697. On X/Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.
melanie.barker Fri, 02/23/2024 - 18:13FEMA Funding Can Assist Everyone Who is Eligible
- You won’t be taking money away from someone else by applying. FEMA will distribute funds to every eligible applicant regardless of how many people apply.
- FEMA assistance is available to homeowners and renters, including owners and renters of mobile homes.
- Eligible homeowners and renters will receive FEMA assistance as grants that do not have to be repaid.
- You can apply for FEMA assistance before your insurance claim processes. However, once you receive a settlement, make sure to report it to FEMA. FEMA can’t duplicate benefits from other sources, so we need to see what your insurance covers before we can process your application.
- FEMA assistance is nontaxable, and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal or state benefits.
- You can ask questions and get in-person help applying for assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center. Five centers are currently open:
- Manchester Fire Department, 37 Readfield Rd., Manchester
- Franklin County: University of Maine – Roberts Learning Center, 270 Main St., Farmington
- Androscoggin County: 65 Central Ave., Lewiston
- Oxford County: 150 River Street, Rumford
- Somerset County: 4 County Drive, Skowhegan
All locations are currently open daily 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. You can visit any location and no appointment is needed.
- If your insurance is delayed by 30 days or more and you need money to relocate immediately, FEMA may be able to help. There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance. Survivors can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
- If your car was damaged by the disaster, you may be eligible for money to repair or replace it. Apply with FEMA first, then, if referred, submit a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan application to determine eligibility.
- If FEMA refers you to the Small Business Administration, you should apply. SBA’s long-term, low-interest disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds – and applying allows FEMA to evaluate you for more types of aid. SBA may be able to increase your loan amount by up to 20 percent of your damage so you can make improvements to make your home safer. To learn more, visit SBA.gov/disaster.
- Calling 211 or applying for assistance through another organization or agency does not automatically register you with FEMA. To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
FEMA has plenty of funds to support our operations in Maine for the December 17-21, 2023, severe storm and flooding. If you were impacted, apply for assistance, and if you qualify, you will receive it.
adrien.urbani Fri, 02/23/2024 - 17:41FEMA’s Resilient Nation Partnership Network and Sundance Institute to Co-Host April 2024 Partnership Forum Highlighting Stories of Resilience
WASHINGTON – FEMA’s Resilient Nation Partnership Network (RNPN) eighth forum will host in partnership with the Sundance Institute. The theme for this year is “Stories of Resilience: Voices That Inspire.” The Forum will feature robust panel discussions on resilience challenges and how we can act together to address them by using storytelling to advance natural hazard resilience. Sessions will take place online Thursdays in April from 1-3 p.m.
“FEMA’s Resilient Nation Partnership Network and Sundance Institute collaboration is a powerful opportunity to showcase community-led resilience building in action,” said Victoria Salinas FEMA Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for Resilience. “As FEMA launches 2024 as its Year of Resilience, partnerships such as these allow our agency to reach broader audiences that are critical to increasing resilience across our nation. By hearing the stories of communities who are often left out of the conversation, we cultivate new spaces and ways to build trust with communities, promote equity, and increase resilience.”
“We are very excited to team up with FEMA and the RNPN. Storytelling is key to understanding climate justice, and these kinds of partnerships help us imagine a stronger future," said Hajnal Molnar-Szakacs, Sundance Institute’s Director of Artist Accelerator and Women at Sundance. "Sundance has a long history of lifting up the voices that tell gripping climate stories. These stories take us into communities, get local activists involved, and shed light on our shared concerns. Collaborations like this are essential: widening our audience, educating them, and motivating all of us to act. It's all about building a resilient climate future for everyone."
Each day of the Forum will feature diverse speakers discussing and inspiring community-led resilience. Registration is open to all.
To learn more and register, go to FEMA.gov/RNPN.
FEMA’s Resilient Nation Partnership NetworkThe Resilient Nation Partnership Network (RNPN) represents a diverse network of voices united in their commitment to help communities act and become more resilient toward natural disasters and climate-related events. What started as a handful of like-minded individuals has flourished to over 1,600 organizations represented. Our mission is to inform, educate, and motivate communities to protect themselves from the loss of life, property, and prosperity as a result of natural hazards.
Sundance InstituteAs a champion and curator of independent stories, the nonprofit Sundance Institute provides and preserves the space for artists across storytelling media to create and thrive. Founded in 1981 by Robert Redford, the Institute’s signature labs, granting, and mentorship programs, dedicated to developing new work, take place throughout the year in the U.S. and internationally. Sundance Collab, a digital community platform, brings a global cohort of working artists together to learn from each other and Sundance advisors and connect in a creative space, developing and sharing works in progress.
The Sundance Film Festival and other public programs connect audiences and artists to ignite new ideas, discover original voices, and build a community dedicated to independent storytelling. Through the Sundance Institute, artist programs we have supported include projects such as Beasts of the Southern Wild, The Big Sick, Bottle Rocket, Boys Don’t Cry, Boys State, Call Me By Your Name, Clemency, CODA, Drunktown’s Finest, The Farewell, Fire of Love, Flee, The Forty-Year-Old Version, Fruitvale Station, Get Out, Half Nelson, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Hereditary, Honeyland, The Infiltrators, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Little Woods, Love & Basketball, Me and You and Everyone We Know, Mudbound, Nanny, Navalny, O.J.: Made in America, One Child Nation, Pariah, Raising Victor Vargas, Requiem for a Dream, Reservoir Dogs, RBG, Sin Nombre, Sorry to Bother You, The Souvenir, Strong Island, Summer of Soul (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), Swiss Army Man, Sydney, A Thousand and One, Top of the Lake, Walking and Talking, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, and Zola.
Through year-round artist programs, the Institute also nurtured the early careers of artists such as Paul Thomas Anderson, Wes Anderson, Gregg Araki, Darren Aronofsky, Lisa Cholodenko, Ryan Coogler, Nia DaCosta, The Daniels, David Gordon Green, Miranda July, James Mangold, John Cameron Mitchell, Kimberly Peirce, Boots Riley, Ira Sachs, Quentin Tarantino, Taika Waititi, Lulu Wang, and Chloé Zhao. Support Sundance Institute in our commitment to uplifting bold artists and powerful storytelling globally by making a donation at sundance.org/donate. Join Sundance Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. For more information, email press@Sundance.org.
luther.wills-dudich Fri, 02/23/2024 - 17:40Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Macomb County
LANSING, Mich. – A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will open in Macomb County February 23 to help residents in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties kickstart their recovery after the August 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.
Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration at the center can help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant and get their questions answered in person.
The Macomb center will open on the following date at this location:
Opening 8 a.m. Friday, February 23 at:
Chesterfield Township Fire Department Central Station
33991 23 Mile Road
Chesterfield, MI 48047
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays
Open until further notice.
The Macomb recovery center is in addition to the Ingham County center:
Opened 8 a.m., Thursday, February 22, at:
Northeast Ingham Emergency Services Authority
1296 W. Grand River Ave.
Williamston, MI 48895
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays
Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2.
Assistance in languages other than English, including American Sign Language, and translated materials are available at the centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available.
Additional recovery centers will be opening soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Survivors may visit any center for assistance.
Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. The deadline to apply for assistance is April 8, 2024.
For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.
kirsten.chambers Thu, 02/22/2024 - 21:37One Week Remains to Request Free FEMA Help for Mitigation Planning and Project Support
WASHINGTON -- A deadline is approaching for communities and Tribal Nations to receive free FEMA help with hazard mitigation planning and potential Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) project support.
Communities and Tribal Nations that lack resources to begin climate resilience planning and designing projects have until Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, to submit forms to request BRIC Direct Technical Assistance.
“As the nation faces increasing threats from climate change, we know there are communities that need support to increase their ability to better withstand the hazards of today and tomorrow,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Direct Technical Assistance is the tool FEMA has to provide hand-in-hand support to these communities. We want to help as many communities as possible to advance resilience. I encourage communities to apply while the application period is still open.”
FEMA’s BRIC Direct Technical Assistance offers tailored support to communities and Tribal Nations for up to 36 months through a range of activities from pre-application to grant closeout to further explore and better understand their specific requests for technical assistance.
The agency plans to announce the community and Tribal Nation selections later this summer. FEMA has already announced a total of 74 communities and Tribal Nations to receive support from FEMA’s BRIC Direct Technical Assistance. FEMA is expecting to make 80 additional selections from the open application period.
One example of a Direct Technical Assistance selection benefiting from the program is DePue, Illinois, an economically disadvantaged rural community. DePue was the first DTA community selected in the BRIC national competition.
Using $23 million from the FY2022 BRIC funding cycle, local leaders plan to build a new wastewater treatment plant on property outside flood prone areas. The old plant -- overwhelmed during flooding in 2008 leading to sewage backup in homes -- will be torn down to create open space.
Project types from past BRIC Direct Technical Assistance requests include:
- General support in grants management, project scoping and hazard mitigation planning.
- Technical assistance and evaluation for climate risk assessment and nature-based solutions projects.
- Natural hazards project scoping activities, such as flooding, drought, fire, typhoon and erosion.
To be considered for selection, applicants do not need a previous BRIC grant subapplication, award or a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan. Interested communities and Tribal Nations can apply to this program by submitting a BRIC Direct Technical Assistance Request Form to fema-bric-dta-submission@fema.dhs.gov for this cycle of selections.
For FEMA’s fiscal year, 2023 BRIC Notice of Funding Opportunity, communities and Tribal Nations requesting BRIC Direct Technical Assistance must identify at least two ongoing or potential community partners in the request form. Identifying community partners is essential as they will work with selected communities and Tribal Nations by providing collaborative support throughout the 36-month program to plan for climate resilience or design projects.
To learn more about BRIC Direct Technical Assistance, visit FEMA.gov.
luther.wills-dudich Thu, 02/22/2024 - 20:08FEMA Assistance Available for Survivors of Eastern Washington Wildfires
SPOKANE, Wash. – FEMA Individual Assistance is now available for residents in Spokane County affected by the Gray and Oregon Road Wildfires between August 18 and August 25, 2023.
Be sure to apply for both state and FEMA disaster assistance so that you can receive all of the assistance from FEMA that may be available based on your eligibility.
FEMA assistance is unable to duplicate benefits offered through insurance, state programs, or other programs. But if your losses or damage go beyond disaster assistance available from other sources – or include items or categories not covered by other assistance – you may be eligible for additional funds from FEMA.
If you still have unmet needs, they may be able to be addressed through other sources.
You can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
Stay in touch and continue to partner with or register through your Disaster Case Managers for the Gray Fire and Oregon Road Fire. For more information and resources text 99411 or visit The Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group | Disaster Relief (srltrg.org).
If you require a reasonable accommodation -- such as language translation or interpretation, mobility assistance, or sign language interpretation -- email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov or notify staff in the field.
In addition to Individual Assistance, Spokane County has been approved for FEMA Public Assistance, which provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits, so communities can quickly recover from major disasters or emergencies by helping to cover the cost of debris removal and the restoration of public infrastructure.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
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Follow FEMA Region 10 on X and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
mary.j.edmon Thu, 02/22/2024 - 19:05Costa Sur Receives Approval for $55 Million in Additional Funds from FEMA
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Nearly $55.3 million in federal funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were allocated for the second construction phase at the Costa Sur Power Plant in Guayanilla. This allocation to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) is part of the total obligation of about $9.5 billion for the restoration of the island's power grid through the agency's Accelerated Award Strategy (FAASt).
“All work to strengthen Puerto Rico's power grid is a priority for FEMA. We recognize the importance of having the grid working in optimal and robust condition, as it has an overall impact on the island, from health, education and the economy, to the homes of every citizen. Having a solid grid will help us face other emergencies and future disasters,” said FEMA Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.
The FAASt strategy allows critical infrastructure projects with similar damage to be grouped together to expedite Hurricane María recovery efforts. It reduces the time and resources that would be required to inspect thousands of damaged facilities.
The focus of this allocation for the Costa Sur thermoelectric generation plant — that produces energy for transmission and distribution plants around the island — is to repair the facility. The most outstanding works are the replacement of existing infrastructure and transmission circuit breakers, the construction of new control facilities to include protection, control and metering equipment, and the replacement of existing transformers. In addition, an emergency transformer and a spare transformer will be purchased.
To date, Costa Sur has over $125 million in FEMA funds under Hurricane María FAASt obligations; in addition to over $15 million for damage following the 2020 Earthquakes.
One of the previous allocations to this thermoelectric plant was nearly $21 million to replace equipment at the substation, such as oil circuit breakers and two gas circuit breakers with 13 new gas circuit breakers; and to install new disconnecting switches, among others.
These obligations, as well as other initiatives in which FEMA provides financial and technical assistance — such as the Puerto Rico Grid Resilience and Transitions to 100% Renewable Energy Study (PR100) — are part of the agency’s collaboration with the Government of Puerto Rico to achieve the goal of transitioning to renewable energy by 2050.
To date, FEMA has obligated over $32 billion for more than 10,900 Hurricane María recovery projects and nearly $916 million for nearly 800 projects to address damage from the 2020 Earthquakes.
For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.
Costa Sur Thermoelectric Generation Plant, Guayanilla, Puerto Rico
Guayanilla, Puerto Rico (September 9, 2021) – FEMA allocated nearly $55.3 million for the second reconstruction phase at the Costa Sur Power Plant in Guayanilla. This allocation to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) is part of the total obligation by FEMA of about $9.5 billion for the restoration of the island's power grid. Photo FEMA/Eliezer Hernández
frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 02/22/2024 - 18:25Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Ingham County
LANSING, Mich. – A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will open in Ingham County February 22 to help residents in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties kickstart their recovery after the August 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.
Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration at the center can help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant and get their questions answered in person.
The center will be open on the following dates at this location:
Opening 8 a.m., Thursday, February 22, at:
Northeast Ingham Emergency Services Authority
1296 W. Grand River Ave.
Williamston, MI 48895
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays
Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2.
Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at the centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available.
Additional recovery centers will be opening soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Survivors may visit any center for assistance.
Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. The deadline to apply for assistance is April 8, 2024.
For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.
kirsten.chambers Wed, 02/21/2024 - 21:53Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Clay County
Charleston, W.Va.– A state-federal Mobile Disaster Recovery Center, located at 223 Main Street, is now open to help West Virginia residents affected by the severe flooding that occurred Aug. 28-30, 2023.
Residents can get help with their disaster assistance applications, upload documents, and get questions answered about federal disaster assistance.
Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are outside and exposed to weather. The sites will have some heaters and space for visitors to get warm, but they should be prepared to be outside for short periods of time as they get assistance.
The center is located at:
Clay CountyLocated at 223 Main Street
Clay, 35043, WV
Hours of operation:
Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.to 6 p.m.
Other recovery experts from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available at the Disaster Recovery Center to address additional needs.
The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting disasterassistance.gov/.
If it is not possible to visit the Disaster Recovery Center or to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
- For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4756 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for North Dakota
WASHINGTON-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of North Dakota to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms and straight-line winds Dec. 25-27, 2023.
Public Assistance federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe winter storms and straight-line winds in Barnes, Cass, Dickey, Grant, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stutsman and Traill counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
James R. Stephenson has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.
luther.wills-dudich Wed, 02/21/2024 - 16:12Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Kennebec County
The State of Maine and FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Kennebec County. The DRC is a temporary facility established to help survivors recover from the severe storm and flooding from Dec. 17-21, 2023.
Kennebec County
Manchester Fire Department, 37 Readfield Rd., Manchester
This location will be open through March 4.
All centers operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week unless otherwise noted. Other DRC locations include:
Franklin County
University of Maine – Roberts Learning Center, 270 Main St., Farmington
Oxford County
Rumford Municipal Building, 150 River St., Rumford
Somerset County
Somerset County Emergency Operations Center, 4 County Dr., Skowhegan
Androscoggin County
Lewiston Armory, 65 Central Ave., Lewiston
DRCs provide disaster survivors with information from Maine state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.
DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.
It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Survivors can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
adrien.urbani Wed, 02/21/2024 - 15:09Beware of Fraud and Scams
LANSING, Mich. – Disasters bring out criminals looking to prey on survivors who appear to be easy targets for their scams.
Survivors of the August storms in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties should be aware that fraud and scams can occur anytime. FEMA encourages survivors to be alert and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud by scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals.
Anyone who suspects fraud or scams should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 (TTY call 711). The toll-free number is open 24 hours a day.
Common tactics used by scam artists include phone calls from people claiming to work for FEMA. They caller may ask for the survivor’s Social Security number, income or banking information.
Survivors should never trust someone claiming to be a disaster assistance employee asking for money. FEMA does not endorse any commercial business, product or service, and local and federal disaster assistance workers do not solicit or accept money.
For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.
kirsten.chambers Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:46President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Washington
WASHINGTON-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Washington to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires from Aug. 18 – 25, 2023.
The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Spokane County. 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 and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and debris removal in Spokane County.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Lance E. Davis has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional 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 areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 02/20/2024 - 20:11Damaged Furnace, Well or Septic System? FEMA Can Help
If you lost access to water because a private well or septic system was damaged, or if your furnace or heating system was damaged by the severe storm and flooding on December 17-21, 2023, you may be eligible for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. The five (5) counties designated for this assistance program are Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, and Somerset.
For private wells, heating systems, furnaces and septic systems, FEMA may provide assistance to help you cover the cost of a licensed contractor, or a professional and/or licensed technician to visit your home and prepare an estimate for necessary repairs or replacement of your disaster-damaged systems.
FEMA may also pay for the actual repair or replacement cost of your septic system or private well, which are not insurable items. At the time of your inspection, let the FEMA inspector know you have a private well and/or septic system that may have been damaged by the storm. If the damage is determined to be caused by the disaster, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance.
If you have already had an inspection and damage to the well or septic system wasn’t reported, contact the FEMA Helpline to receive instructions about how to amend your application.
If you have applied for FEMA assistance and have not had a home inspection, you should call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.
adrien.urbani Tue, 02/20/2024 - 17:57Pages
