Cook County Renters Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

CHICAGO – Renters in Cook County with uninsured or under insured losses from the Sept. 17-18, 2023 severe storms 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 and FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Renters can apply for assistance one of four ways:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov. 
• Use the FEMA mobile app. 
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 
• 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. 

More than $27 million in FEMA assistance has already been approved for survivors. 

For more information about Cook County’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749.  

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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 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. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.                                                                

larissa.hale Thu, 01/04/2024 - 20:36

Telluride Facing Probation from the National Flood Insurance Program

DENVER – Telluride, Colorado will be placed on probationary status by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on March 9, 2024, due to deficiencies and violations with the town’s floodplain management program unless the community can either remediate all outstanding violations or prepare a compliance plan approved by FEMA.

Telluride is an NFIP-participating community with 396 flood insurance policies in force with a total coverage of more than $95,798,000 as of October 30, 2023.

When a community joins the NFIP, it voluntarily adopts local floodplain management regulations to meet NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria. Placement on probation is a formal notice to the community that the local floodplain management program is not compliant with the criteria of the NFIP and is the first step in the process to suspend the community’s eligibility to participate in the NFIP.

Unless Telluride either remediates the violations or completes a compliance plan approved by FEMA, the probation period will begin on March 9, 2024, and be in effect for one year.

The violations in Telluride are a result of the community not administering the Telluride Land Use Code correctly, resulting in structures being non-compliant with the minimum NFIP requirements. 

During the probationary period, flood insurance coverage will remain available within Telluride. However, a $50 surcharge will be added to the premium of each new and renewed flood insurance policy sold within the community for at least one year from the effective date of probation. Each flood insurance policyholder in the community will receive a notice about the impending probation and the $50 surcharge.

Failure to correct identified deficiencies and to improve the floodplain management program by Telluride during the probationary period can lead to suspension from the NFIP. Flood insurance from the NFIP is no longer available for purchase for communities on suspension. If a flood disaster occurs in a suspended community, most types of federal disaster assistance would not be available. This includes the acquisition, construction, or repair of insurable structures within the Special Flood Hazard Area as well as federal assistance to individuals and households for housing and personal property.

FEMA will continue to provide technical assistance and guidance to the community to resolve program deficiencies and correct the violations to help ensure that Telluride residents and property owners continue to have flood insurance coverage available.

Brian.Hvinden Thu, 01/04/2024 - 19:47

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Buckingham County, VA

PHILADELPHIA- FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Buckingham County, Virginia. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period. 

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. 

The 90-day appeal period will begin on Jan. 5, 2024. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. 
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Nicci Edmondston at nedmondston@buckinghamcounty.virginia.gov. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: FEMA Region 3 Mitigation Mapping and Data

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov. 

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Buckingham County, VA Flood Mapping Milestones

• Sept. 9, 2022 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
• Feb. 28, 2023 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
• April 28, 2023 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
• Jan. 5, 2024 –Appeal Period starts.
• April 2025 — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov. 

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Follow us on “X” at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

erika.osullivan Thu, 01/04/2024 - 15:00

FEMA Announces Reinsurance Program to Manage Future Flood Risk in 2024

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced its 2024 traditional reinsurance placement for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), continuing its risk management practice against catastrophic flood losses.  

The agency has transferred an additional $619.5 million of the NFIP’s financial risk to the private reinsurance market. This annual reinsurance agreement provides coverage in 2024 through the support of 18 private reinsurance companies. 

The 2024 reinsurance placement covers portions of NFIP losses above $7 billion arising from a single qualifying flood event. FEMA will pay a total premium of $121.1 million for the coverage. 

The agreement is structured to cover:  

• 8.9125% of losses between $7 billion and $9 billion  
• 22.0625% of losses between $9 billion and $11 billion 

Combined with the three capital markets reinsurance placements in 2021-23, FEMA has transferred $1.9195 billion of the NFIP’s flood risk to the private sector. If a named storm flood event is large enough to trigger all reinsurance agreements, FEMA will receive qualifying payments.   

“With continued difficult market conditions this year, FEMA remains committed to long-term use of private sector reinsurance,” said David Maurstad, FEMA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for Resilience and senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program. “However, the program will adjust NFIP reinsurance investments whenever necessary to reflect market conditions as we did again this year.” 

Reinsurance is a financial risk management tool used by private insurance companies and public entities to protect themselves from large financial losses. If a qualifying catastrophic flood event occurs, reinsurance companies cover a portion of the NFIP’s losses to enhance FEMA’s ability to pay flood insurance claims without borrowing from the U.S. Treasury. 

FEMA contracted with Guy Carpenter and Company, a subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, to provide broker services to assist in securing the reinsurance placement.

The agency received authority to secure reinsurance through the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014. FEMA’s 2024 reinsurance placement builds upon its previous reinsurance placements as further development toward a stronger financial framework. 

For more information, visit the NFIP Reinsurance Program webpage on FEMA.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 01/03/2024 - 16:41

New Year, New Disaster Recovery Centers for Cook County

CHICAGO –Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will open this week to help Cook County disaster survivors continue their recovery after the Sept. 17-18, 2023, severe storms and flooding. The Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Burnham and Phoenix on Wednesday, Jan. 3. (see below for addresses and hours).

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, and learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA’s DRC Locator. 

Disaster Recovery Centers will open in the following locations:

Burnham                     
Burnham Community Center​
14020 S. Torrence Avenue
Burnham, IL 60633
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday

Phoenix                       
Village Hall, Hawkins Multi-Purpose Center
650 E. 151st St.
Phoenix, IL 60426
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday

Assistance and translated materials are available in languages other than English, including American sign language. Disaster Recovery Centers are in accessible locations.

You 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, 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.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is January 19, 2024.    
  
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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 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. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

 

larissa.hale Tue, 01/02/2024 - 18:36

FEMA Awards More Than $1 Million to Maine for COVID Sheltering Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1 million to the State of Maine to reimburse it for the cost of providing non-congregate sheltering for vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,034,884 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Maine Department of Health and Human Services for the cost of renting hotel rooms between March and July 2021 for quarantining several categories of people.

The state rented approximately 235 rooms at six hotels to quarantine first responders and healthcare workers; people in congregate shelters; and homeless families or individuals who had been exposed to COVID-19.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Maine with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $306 million in Public Assistance grants to Maine to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Fri, 12/29/2023 - 20:38

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Awarded More Than $2.4 Million

MADISON, Miss. – FEMA has approved $2,411,803.50 to reimburse the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for emergency protective measures following the March 24-25 Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds and Tornadoes.

The storms created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public, requiring emergency response and protective measures. These included but were not limited to:

• Search and rescue teams in Sharkey County.
• Fire management and suppression support in Sharkey County.
• Patrol units for traffic control during debris removal in Silver City.
• Patrol units for Sharkey and Monroe counties in the affected areas and at donation sites.
• Mobile mortuary trailers and personnel.
• Nurses and clerical staff to give the tetanus vaccine in affected areas.

All work and costs fell between March 24, and April 21, 2023. FEMA authorized a 100% federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures for a continuous 30-day period of the state’s choosing within the first 120 days of the March 24-25 tornadoes.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants for state and local governments and certain private 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, 12/29/2023 - 16:19

Cheatham, Gibson, Stewart Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

NASHVILLE – Cheatham, Gibson and Stewart counties are now eligible for FEMA assistance after the Dec. 9 tornadoes.

Homeowners and renters can apply for FEMA financial help, which may include temporary housing assistance, basic home repairs and certain other uninsured disaster-related needs. 

These counties join Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery and Sumner, which were previously designated.

To apply, call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. The phone line is open daily, and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4751.Follow FEMA on X, formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema. Follow Tennessee Emergency Management Agency at facebook.com/TennesseeEMA.

sandra.habib Fri, 12/29/2023 - 13:45

Disaster Recovery Centers in South Holland and Harvey Close Dec. 29

CHICAGO – Disaster Recovery Centers in South Holland and Harvey will close permanently at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29. The centers are currently open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Additionally, all Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday Dec. 30–Jan. 1.

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, and learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA’s DRC Locator. 

The centers are currently located at:

Harvey
Thornton Township High School, District 205
T107 Building
249 East 151st Street
Harvey, IL 60426 

South Holland             
South Holland Public Works ​
155 W. 162nd​ St.
South Holland, IL 60473

Other recovery centers remain open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at:

Calumet City 
Calumet City Public Library
660 S Manistee Ave
Calumet City, IL 60409

Dolton
Former Melanie Fitness Center 
14900 Greenwood Rd
Dolton, IL 60419

South Shore                
Chicago Public Library - South Shore Branch ​
2505 E. 73rd St.
Chicago, IL 60649

Assistance and translated materials are available in languages other than English, including American sign language. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.
 
You 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, 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.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is January 19, 2024.      
  
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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 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. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

larissa.hale Thu, 12/28/2023 - 22:18

FEMA Advances Global Climate Resilience Through a Series of Agency Firsts

WASHINGTON -- In 2023, FEMA led crucial engagements to strengthen readiness and adaptation within the global crisis management community. FEMA’s landmark year of international cooperation was capped by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell being the first FEMA Administrator to attend the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP28). 

COP28 provided an important forum for Administrator Criswell to solidify partnerships with the international community in climate mitigation and adaptation. The FEMA delegation identified concrete areas for collaboration with strategic international partners in the face of increasing climate impacts. Shared priorities for the next year include readiness for complex crises, training standards for the emergency management workforce and supporting global coverage of early warning systems.

“The need for more resilient communities is not unique to the United States -- it’s something everyone around the world needs to think about,” said Administrator Criswell. “Engaging with our international partners helps us share best practices, learn new techniques and stay in lockstep with our allies and friends as we build the resilient nations the world needs and deserves.”

In another first for FEMA, the Administrator met with Greece’s Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Australia’s Prime Minister Albanese as proof of the urgent action needed to address climate-driven disasters at a global scale. 

For the first time in FEMA history, the agency led a multilateral engagement as part of the United States Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) host year. On Aug. 2, Administrator Criswell chaired the 16th APEC Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum in Seattle welcoming disaster management leadership from 15 APEC economies, the public and private sectors, academia and non-profit organizations. During a Leaders’ Roundtable on adaptive crisis management, APEC members discussed how they are incorporating the principles of adaptability and flexibility to confront an increasingly complex disaster landscape. The meeting concluded with a high-level policy discussion featuring global women leaders exchanging their experiences in crisis management. On Aug. 3, FEMA led a Resilient Community Site Visit, which featured state, local and private sector partner participation.

In yet another milestone, Administrator Criswell delivered the U.S. address at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Convened on May 18-19 by the President of the United Nations, Administrator Criswell highlighted the United States Sendai implementation and commitment to work with the United Nations and member nations to accelerate progress toward safer and more resilient communities. Administrator Criswell’s participation is part of FEMA’s ongoing commitment to domestic and international disaster risk reduction.

Throughout 2023, FEMA advanced global climate resiliency through new forums and partnerships that strengthen emergency management in an interconnected world. Under Administrator Criswell’s leadership, FEMA strengthened emergency management cooperation internationally, increased information sharing and improved emergency readiness and response capabilities in the United States and worldwide. 

View Original" data-align="center" data-entity-type="emerald" data-image-style="large" data-asset-type="ImageAsset" data-asset-link="undefined" data-asset-id="50524" src="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/402c0dc9042dd8e8eb2e0ff3135c939a.jpg?itok=WImuumN7" alt="undefined" class="image-style-large" />SEATTLE -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell (far left) moderates a panel with women leaders in crisis management to identify ways in which APEC economies can expand equity in crisis management organizations. (FEMA photo)View Original" data-align="center" data-entity-type="emerald" data-image-style="large" data-asset-type="ImageAsset" data-asset-link="undefined" data-asset-id="50523" src="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/5f58ebf49cd620c17ce0c5c12d9a93d2.jpg?itok=xmDihrgv" alt="undefined" class="image-style-large" />DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (right) and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell (left) discuss the importance of resiliency in the face of worsening disasters during their brief meeting at COP28. (Dimitris Papamitsos, Official photographer to the Greek Prime Minister)View Original" data-align="center" data-entity-type="emerald" data-image-style="large" data-asset-type="ImageAsset" data-asset-link="undefined" data-asset-id="49447" src="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/ffe80b2ce1192a20919fd201b2e9336e.jpg?itok=fyjRtvic" alt="undefined" class="image-style-large" />Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Headquarters.  He is greeted by Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks. 

 View Original" data-align="center" data-entity-type="emerald" data-image-style="large" data-asset-type="ImageAsset" data-asset-link="undefined" data-asset-id="49443" src="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/dca13c809ffa419a2117c7d70bfc1592.jpg?itok=-CnFDzGW" alt="undefined" class="image-style-large" />Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Headquarters.  He toured the building with Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks and Operations Division Director Jeremy Greenberg.View Original" data-align="center" data-entity-type="emerald" data-image-style="large" data-asset-type="ImageAsset" data-asset-link="undefined" data-asset-id="49444" src="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/052d3302d16110df9af2388e3c9ff1f2.jpg?itok=km--SCxB" alt="undefined" class="image-style-large" />Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Headquarters.  FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell gave virtual opening remarks expressing appreciation for the strong, mutually beneficial partnership. luther.wills-dudich Thu, 12/28/2023 - 16:08

FEMA Supports Nonprofits in Puerto Rico

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – From delivering food and offering workshops to providing shelter in times of emergency, nonprofits do invaluable work that impacts thousands of people throughout Puerto Rico. To enable them to do their important work more efficiently and safely, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) obligated over $5.4 million to five of these entities located in San Juan, Humacao and Patillas. 

“The commendable mission of each of these organizations plays a vital role in our society. Their impact on the communities and populations they serve, most of them with special needs, is an integral part of the country's recovery and here at FEMA we are committed to them,” said FEMA Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator Jose G. Baquero.

An example of the work of these civic, philanthropic, religious or community-based entities, among others, is the Centro de Ayuda Social, founded in San Juan in 1967. The center offers educational, preventive and charitable services, including assistance to thousands of homeless people, tutoring for students, workshops for parents, distribution of emergency groceries, help for pregnant women and a program to attend to the needs of older adults.

According to Lillian Doval, Centro's director, they serve about 25,000 people annually through their initiatives, which are adapted according to the needs they encounter along the way. “After the hurricane we realized that there was a community in great need in the Puerto Nuevo area. We opened a soup kitchen and gave hot meals to 400 to 500 people every day. Older people in wheelchairs, with mobility difficulties, etc. were arriving and we decided to give more emphasis to that population. We started with a visitation plan and today we have a list of almost 500 elderly people,” she explained.

In addition to providing them with special services, such as food, clothing and wheelchair distribution, every three months they hold a breakfast or lunch with a lecture on pertinent topics such as depression and hurricane preparedness. In fact, Centro is certified by the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau as a Community Hub, and they are active members of the Puerto Rico Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and FEMA's Long Term Recovery Group in San Juan. 

Doval said that the repairs to be made with FEMA funds will help them be able to offer better services. “During the hurricane we had more than six inches of flooding and we lost office equipment, files, [...] and our electrical system was damaged,” he said.

For the center, over $970,000 were obligated and part of the work has already been completed, such as the replacement of an electric generator, a security camera system, and repairs to the roof. These funds include over $155,000 for risk mitigation, such as the installation of a voltage protector and the waterproofing and drainage of the roof.

Another organization that received an obligation of funds was the Puerto Rican League Against Cancer, founded in 1938, which was allocated nearly $2 million for repairs at the San Juan Oncology Hospital, with a line item for risk mitigation measures such as a fan anchoring system on the roof. Among the work completed were the replacement of doors, air conditioning units, access control systems and surveillance cameras, among others.

On the other hand, the elderly of the Manuel Mediavilla Negrón Home for the Elderly in Humacao will benefit from an obligation of over $1.9 million to repair this complex of some 100 apartments. The home is dedicated to promoting the development of safe housing for low-income seniors and is staffed by a social worker. Work has already been completed on the replacement of the roof slabs and other work remains to be done.

According to Ceciliana Cabrer, president of the Board of Directors, the residents are very excited about the repairs to this place that “offers very attractive spaces for residents to receive an excellent quality of life”.

Similarly, in Patillas it was possible to repair the water intake and the water storage tank of the Mulas-Jagual Aqueduct Association, founded in the 1960s, with an allocation of $85,700. The work performed included the replacement of storage tanks, gates, roof panels and metal posts.

Nearly $522,000 were also allocated to the Museo Casa del Libro de San Juan, founded in 1955, to provide content conservation and fungus cleaning treatments. The facility, which houses books dating from 1450 to 1501, manuscripts and posters of Puerto Rican graphics from the 1940s, among other valuable works and artifacts, will receive funds for repairs to protect its collections from deterioration due to temperature control situations.

According to the executive director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, COR3 has worked closely with nonprofits and many have been able to finance the first phases of construction through the Working Capital Advance (WCA) pilot program. “This program's disbursement for this sector amounts to over $70.2 million. The WCA advances FEMA allocations and has been crucial to expedite the reconstruction work in Puerto Rico for this segment, which makes up an essential part of the COR3 subrecipients, along with municipalities and state agencies,” he said.

As of December 2023, FEMA has obligated over $1.4 billion for just over 2,000 nonprofit projects in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane María.

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.

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 12/28/2023 - 15:33

It’s Important to Submit SBA Disaster Loan Application

NASHVILLE – FEMA may refer survivors of the Dec. 9 tornadoes to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with information on how to apply for a disaster loan. It’s important to submit the loan application as soon as possible. 

If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA loan but failure to return the application may disqualify you from other possible financial assistance from FEMA and the State of Tennessee. 

SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. SBA offers long-term, low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. 

SBA disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources. Survivors should not wait for an insurance settlement before submitting an SBA loan application. They may discover they were underinsured for the deductible, labor and materials required to repair or replace their home. 

Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  

For small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers economic injury disaster loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury disaster loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business experienced any physical property damage.

Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster. Loan information and applications can also be obtained by calling 800-659-2955. SBA is operating Business Recovery Centers at Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission and Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The filing deadline for physical property damage is Feb. 12, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Sept. 13, 2024.

For information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4751. Follow FEMA on X, formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema. Follow Tennessee Emergency Management Agency at facebook.com/TennesseeEMA.

sandra.habib Wed, 12/27/2023 - 16:20

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

NASHVILLE – Tennessee survivors of the Dec. 9, 2023 storms and tornadoes who applied for assistance from FEMA will receive a letter from FEMA in the mail or via email. 

The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter fully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. 

Applicants may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:

• Proof of insurance coverage
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy
• Proof of ownership
• Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster

If you have questions about your letter, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Phone lines are open seven days a week, and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance provided, you can submit an appeal letter and documents supporting your claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs.

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled. While FEMA may be able to help with basic needs, it does not provide assistance to cover insurance deductibles.

Appeals must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include: 

• Applicant’s full name 
• Disaster number (DR-4751-TN)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence 
• Applicant’s current phone number and address 
• The FEMA application number on all documents

If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant. 

Appeals must be postmarked within 60 days of the date noted on the determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be uploaded to your personal FEMA online account. To set up an account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and follow the directions. 

Other ways to submit documents include:

• By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055
• By fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA 

For information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4751.Follow FEMA on X, formerly Twitter, attwitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Tue, 12/26/2023 - 21:52

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Utah

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Utah to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding May 1-27, 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 flooding in Iron, Morgan, Sanpete, Utah and Wasatch counties.

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

Jon K. Huss has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

erika.suzuki Tue, 12/26/2023 - 16:08

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Dickson County

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and FEMA have opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Dickson County to help people affected by the Dec. 9 tornadoes.

Center location:

Bibb-White Bluff Civic Center

1054 Old Charlotte Rd.

White Bluff, 37187 

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday 

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 

 

Previously opened:

Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library

350 Pageant Lane #501

Clarksville, 37040

Hours of operation: 

9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday 

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday 

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 

 

Gallatin Public Utilities

239 Hancock St. 

Gallatin, 37066

Hours of operation: 

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday 

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 

 

Nashville Public Library

610 Gallatin Pike S.

Madison 37115

Hours of operation:

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday 

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

 

All centers will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Tennessee state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.

Storm survivors in Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery and Sumner counties may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.

In addition to visiting a center, homeowners and renters can apply by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app or calling 800-621-3362. The phone line is open daily, and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.

For information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, fema.gov/disaster/4751.Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Tue, 12/26/2023 - 14:33

FEMA Awards Over $23 Million to Rhode Island Hospital for COVID Response Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $23 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse Rhode Island Hospital for the cost of additional labor to deal with the surge in patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $23,011,242 in Public Assistance grants will reimburse the non-profit academic medical center in Providence – affiliated with Brown University – for the cost of hiring temporary staff and paying existing staff overtime between March 2021 and July 2022.

One grant of $12,770,433 will pay for the cost of contracting for registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) for a total of 61,335 hours of work in surgical, behavioral health, intensive care, critical care, and respiratory care units as well as emergency rooms.

A second grant of $10,240,809 will reimburse Rhode Island Hospital for the cost of paying 2,851 employees for a total of 364,420 hours of overtime worked in similar units.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Rhode Island Hospital with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $800 million in Public Assistance grants to Rhode Island to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/21/2023 - 20:51

FEMA Awards Nearly $3.5 Million to UMass Memorial Health Care for COVID Materials Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $3.5 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. for the cost of purchasing materials needed to treat patients and protect staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,470,013 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the health care system in central Massachusetts – headquartered in Worcester and affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School – for the cost of purchasing supplies and equipment needed to deal with the surge in patients caused by the pandemic between July 2022 and May 2023.

UMass Memorial Health Care purchased isolation gowns, ventilator supplies, respirators, nebulizers, gloves, N95 masks, surgical masks, blood oxygen sensors, and intravenous supplies as well as cleaning and disinfection materials.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist UMass Memorial Health Care with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/21/2023 - 20:49

FEMA Awards Over $3.4 Million to The Miriam Hospital for COVID Overtime Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3.4 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse The Miriam Hospital for the cost of paying its staff overtime to deal with the surge in patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,408,967 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private non-profit hospital in Providence – affiliated with Brown University – for the cost of paying existing staff overtime between April 2021 and June 2022.

The hospital paid 25,017 employees for 285,924 overtime hours to provide direct patient care to COVID-19 patients within the emergency, inpatient, and observation departments within the hospital. 

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist The Miriam Hospital with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $800 million in Public Assistance grants to Rhode Island to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/21/2023 - 20:45

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.7 Million to Yale New Haven Hospital for COVID Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.7 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse Yale New Haven Hospital for the cost of paying for equipment, labor and other steps taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during the pandemic.

A Public Assistance grant of $1,662,212 will reimburse the primary teaching hospital for the Yale School of Medicine and Yale School of Nursing for the cost of paying for setting up and operating entry screening, disinfecting services, furniture storage, security and parking management for COVID-19 test sites between July 2022 and August 2023.

The hospital also rented temporary facilities and heaters, hard drives, monitors and mounting brackets, charging post and management suite, disposable cubicle curtains, and paid for COVID-19 Call Center support and waste disposal.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Yale New Haven Hospital with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $914 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/21/2023 - 20:40

FEMA Awards $1.56 Million to Vermont for Plainfield Bridge Replacement

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending $1.56 million to the State of Vermont for the Town of Plainfield to replace an undersized bridge to help avoid future flood damage.

The $1,560,281 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) grant will fund the replacement of Brook Road Bridge in the village of Plainfield, which has been damaged three times in past 40 years by floodwaters. 

The project includes removing the existing concrete bridge, replacing it with a bridge that has adequate hydraulic capacity, and raising the roadway profile six inches to reduce flood risk to the roadway, several residences, and the Brook Road Bridge. 

The funding for this project comes from funding the state received from FEMA as part of the COVID-19 pandemic disaster through the HMGP program, and represents 90 percent of the total $1,733,646 price tag.

Under the program, every state, tribe, and territory that received a major disaster declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was eligible to receive 4% of those disaster costs to invest in mitigation projects that reduce risks from natural disasters, especially those related to climate change.

HMGP grants are managed by the state and funding for HMGP projects are authorized under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Act, the 1988 law that governs FEMA’s disaster-related activities. Since the funding is limited, states are responsible for prioritizing projects for funding.

“Hazard mitigation funding is FEMA’s way of providing an incentive to state and local governments to rebuild smarter, stronger, and with an eye toward the next disaster that may strike,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “President Biden’s decision to make more than $3.46 billion in climate-related HMGP funding available after the COVID pandemic will pay off in the long run by reducing future disaster losses.” 

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is an important source of federal disaster assistance. HMGP funds may become available following the president’s declaration of a major disaster, and help strengthen communities by improving buildings, facilities, residential structures and infrastructure that people use every day.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/21/2023 - 19:11