Roosevelt County, New Mexico, Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on June 20, 2024, for Roosevelt County, New Mexico. During the next six months, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update each floodplain ordinance and adopt these new flood maps. 

Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low-to-moderate or high-risk flood zone. The current and future Flood Insurance Rate Map can be viewed on FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer.

By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation. Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.

Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if their structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding. A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and answer questions about the maps as well. Contact them by phone or online chat.

• Click on the “Live Chat” icon to use the live chat service.
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 877-FEMA MAP (877-336-2627) or send an email.

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 or visiting floodsmart.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 12/21/2023 - 18:45

FEMA Offers Workshop to Counteract the Effects of Climate Change

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Landslides and coastal erosion were two of the most frequent impacts suffered by Puerto Rico's municipalities because of Hurricane María in 2017. These and other threats may worsen and increase as the effects of climate change continue to intensify across the Island. 

To address this challenge, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its Community Assistance - Recovery Support Function (CA-RSF) unit, organized a workshop to advise municipal staff on new tools and strategies that can increase the resilience of their recovery projects by considering climate change variables in their jurisdictions. Emergency planners and managers, among other local officials from the municipalities of Bayamón, Cataño, Ciales, Dorado, Florida, Guaynabo, Manatí, Morovis, Orocovis, San Juan, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Vega Alta and Vega Baja participated in the event. 

“Puerto Rico's recovery encompasses many complex and far-reaching issues. Being well educated about climate change will ensure that we are all informed and take timely action to prevent or reverse damage to the extent possible,” said FEMA Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

The workshop brought together experts from the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus (UPRM) Geology Department, the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) office, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Adaptation Partnerships Program (CAP). Staff from FEMA's Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs provided information on opportunities available to fund projects that address current challenges.

Held in early December, this workshop is one of several that the federal agency organizes as part of the CA-RSF's Regional Recovery Focus Workshop, a recovery planning initiative that is carried out in all areas of the Bureau of Emergency Management and Disaster Administration (NMEAD) on the island. These workshops seek to provide information, answers and possible alternatives to specific problems identified by the municipalities in the event of a disaster. The workshop that took place recently in the municipality of Dorado addressed land use planning and management strategies to address landslides, coastal erosion and other threats associated with climate change.

Topics included how to update land use plans according to climate change and nature-based mitigation measures, an aspect that FEMA works on with applicant recovery projects.

Kenneth S. Hughes, a professor in the UPRM Department of Geology and coordinator of the Storm-induced Landslide Impact Dynamics on the Environment and Society (SLIDES-PR) project, said that “while most landslides are caused by gravity, they can also be caused by rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, groundwater pressure, erosion, destabilization of hillsides as a result of deforestation, cultivation, and construction, among others.” According to Hughes, this can be dangerous when they occur in areas where there are roads and even structures and residences, because of the speed and volume with which they occur. 

“Hurricane María was an event that taught us what nature is capable of because all the areas in Puerto Rico that were already facing initial landslide problems became even more complicated. After that, around 70,000 landslides were recorded island wide. This opened a path to learn and prepare for future situations that are often unavoidable,” said the geology expert. 

For Hughes, the first step to establish risk mitigation measures is to identify where the vulnerable points and areas are: to know the drainage at the site, the conditions of the infrastructure, where and how the road is built and the state of its drainage system, among other aspects. Mitigation measures will depend on the nature of the site or the construction of the structure or road.

He indicated that “in order to know in real time the possibility of a landslide occurring, the SLIDES project has so far installed 17 monitoring stations throughout the island to measure soil moisture, among other parameters that could help alert about imminent landslide conditions before the event occurs.”

For her part, Patricia Chardón Maldonado, deputy director and technical director of CARICOOS, pointed out that coastal erosion was already affecting the width of our beaches before the ravages left by Hurricane María in Puerto Rico. The hurricane's intense winds and strong waves caused what little sand there was on the beaches to be lost in deep water. Chardón, who is a civil engineer and expert in coastal erosion, explained that several scientific investigations on the island estimate that about one to three miles of beach width has been lost.

“This loss on our beaches is significant because our beaches are not very wide. However, there have been some that have recovered, but others have not because of the significant loss of sand, landslides, collapse of structures near the maritime-terrestrial area and poor planning in construction,” said the expert. 

As for mitigation measures, Chardon said that it will depend on the area being worked on. More natural design measures can be used, such as coral barriers, dunes and measures to rehabilitate certain beaches through sand suction, among other options presented at the workshop. 

“It is important to keep the economic aspect of the project in mind, but especially to keep the social aspect in mind when implementing any risk mitigation measures,” stressed the environmental expert.  

Wanda Crespo, a climate adaptation specialist with NOAA's Regional Integrated Science and Assessment Program, urged local governments to incorporate climate change adaptation and mitigation measures when updating or revising existing plans, “to avoid the investment and time needed to develop new planning initiatives and thus shorten the implementation of recommended actions.” He indicated that it is better to plan “so as not to have to react later”.

At the conclusion of the event, invited directors and staff from the different units shared concerns and sought possible solutions to counteract the situation in their respective regions.

Some of the recovery challenges discussed in previous workshops include recommendations on how to manage deteriorated structures and encumbrances, bank erosion management through nature-based solutions, and storm runoff.

In 2024, FEMA's CA-RSF will continue to coordinate participatory mapping exercises and related efforts with those municipalities within NMEAD's Ceiba and Caguas Emergency Operational Zones.

Six years after Hurricane María, Puerto Rico has over $31.3 billion in FEMA allocations for nearly 10,900 projects that will help spur rebuilding.

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.

manuel.deleon Thu, 12/21/2023 - 15:34

Donate Wisely

NASHVILLE – The generosity of the public following the Dec. 9 severe storms is helping affected communities to begin recovering from this disaster.

However, an outpouring of donated items can quickly exceed the needs of the affected communities, requiring supporting agencies to redirect manpower from providing direct services to managing donated goods that may not meet survivors’ needs.

The State of Tennessee is asking you not to donate unsolicited goods. This will support improved coordination with experienced disaster relief organizations and state/local emergency management offices so those in need quickly receive the right help.

Easiest way to help: Donate cash

The most effective way to support disaster survivors’ recovery is to make tax-deductible financial donations to trusted voluntary-, faith- and community-based charitable organizations. This gives them the ability to purchase, or provide vouchers for, what survivors actually need.

In addition, when these organizations or survivors purchase goods or services locally, they pump money back into the local economy, helping businesses recover faster.

Donate through a trusted organization

To ensure your financial contribution is used responsibly, only donate to reputable organizations. Both the Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (tnvoad.org) and the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (nvoad.org) list trusted organizations receiving donations. The Tennessee VOAD website has a list of vetted disaster relief organizations providing services to survivors of the Dec. 9 storms.

Volunteering

Tennessee is asking potential volunteers to visit tnvoad.org to learn how to register with the voluntary or charitable organization of their choice.

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 Wed, 12/20/2023 - 19:44

Culvert Fights Generations of Floods

In Brandon, Vermont, catastrophic floods have hit the town’s residents from the time of its founding – until they used FEMA funding after Tropical Storm Irene to build a $2.5 million culvert. This July, when severe storms rolled across Vermont, that decision proved its worth: downtown didn’t flood.

Brandon has a distinct hydrological feature nestled in its downtown: the Neshobe River becomes a waterfall.

Neshobe Falls drops over twenty-five feet onto a rocky outcrop, then continues underneath scenic U.S. Route Seven, known locally as Center Street.

The river has been one of Brandon’s major attractions since it was chartered in 1761. In the 1820s, residents harnessed the river to generate hydropower for the mills downtown. They built a low dam upstream – creating the falls – and installed a canal that twisted the river almost 90 degrees. This turn produced a swifter flow, which increased the hydropower the river created – but also increased flooding.

The Neshobe flooded again and again: in 1869, 1927, 1938, 1947 and 1973. When Tropical Storm Irene struck in 2011, it carved a swath through downtown Brandon that almost exactly mirrored its destruction in 1938.

 

Furnace Street, Brandon in 1938 (top) and 2011 (bottom)

Center Street in 1938 (top) and 2011 (bottom)

With downtown businesses shuttered, residents rallied to rebuild. Ethan Swift, a former elected member of the town selectboard and longtime employee of Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation, proposed building a culvert. If they could give the overflow somewhere to go, it wouldn’t keep overwhelming the bottleneck at the falls.

After an informational campaign, including videos and public meetings, the town was onboard.

Town management and the state of Vermont coordinated with FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to plan and fund the massive effort.

The project was completed in several stages. First, the House of Pizza, a restaurant that the Neshobe pushed onto the sidewalk of Center Street, was demolished. Most of the adjacent business’ rear dining area was removed, and two pillars were installed for stability: parts of the building still hung over the river.

Then, construction under the street began. Crews excavated into the bedrock, then used cranes to lower pre-formed concrete sections into place.

The resulting culvert now measures six feet high, 12 feet wide and 230 feet long. It remains dry most of the year, but when heavy rain or snow melt inundates the river, it funnels the water safely under Center Street.

Spot proposed for culvert after Irene

Brandon’s culvert today

Construction ran from October 2016 through May 2017, and finished right on time – according to the schedule, and to nature.

“On the first of July, we received four inches of rain in a couple hours,” said Bill Moore, the former interim town manager. “The culvert accepted water for the first time, and saved downtown from flooding.”

Each time the downtown flooded, repairs would cost an average of $412 thousand. With this project, FEMA covered $1.8 million – 75% of the cost – to install the culvert that averted not only this year’s flood, but, hopefully, many more.

“It’s been life changing,” said the current town manager, Seth Hopkins. “It used to be, when a big storm was predicted, all the business owners would start to think, ‘What do we need to do? Do we need to put sandbags around the backdoor?’”

Now, a group of residents has a new tradition: when the rains ease, they carry folding chairs to a ledge by the culvert, and sit and watch the river flow through.

“It’s really just been this massive relief,” said Hopkins.

adrien.urbani Wed, 12/20/2023 - 19:02

Keep In Contact With FEMA

For those Floridians who have applied for assistance from FEMA, it is very important to stay in touch with FEMA. Please contact FEMA to provide any new information about your application or get answers to your questions regarding your eligibility status. 

When contacting FEMA, please refer to the nine-digit application number you were issued when you applied. This number is included in all correspondence you receive from FEMA.

Missing or outdated material could delay an application. Information that may need to be updated includes:

• Your current housing situation, phone number or mailing address.
• Adding or removing the name of a person designated to speak for you.
• Adding or changing names of household members and number of people living in the home.
• Insurance Documentation
• Documents to support appeal request. (Estimates, Receipts)
• Updating your payment preference.

To update your information, you can create an account at DisasterAssistance.gov, or call the Helpline at 
800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. An updated holiday schedule for the line will be announced when it is available. Help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, please give FEMA your number for that service. 

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

thomas.wise Wed, 12/20/2023 - 16:02

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Montgomery and Sumner Counties

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and FEMA have opened Disaster Recovery Centers in Montgomery and Sumner counties to help people affected by the Dec. 9 tornadoes.

Center locations:

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 

 

Previously opened:

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

 

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 Wed, 12/20/2023 - 15:53

2023 Hurricane Fiona Recovery Overview

San Juan, Puerto Rico — For the last 15 months, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been collaborating with the Government of Puerto Rico to speed up the recovery process due to the damage that Hurricane Fiona left in September 2022. To date, more than $1.2 billion has been awarded in disaster assistance to help survivors, communities and public infrastructure affected.

“Before, during and after hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico last year, the working relationship between my Administration and FEMA helped make possible concrete actions for the benefit of our people. The best evidence is the swiftness of the approval of the $1.2 billion in direct assistance to citizens and quick disbursement of $2,630,690.50 to municipalities, government agencies and non-profit institutions in FEMA Public Assistance Projects through the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3) and its Working Capital Advance (WCA) Program. The Government of Puerto Rico will continue working very closely with FEMA to ensure our Island’s full recovery”, said the Governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro R. Pierluisi.

FEMA has provided nearly $648 million in funds for individuals and households under FEMA's Individual Assistance (IA) program, which has served over 740,000 applicants in Puerto Rico. IA personnel took extra steps to follow up with over 23,000 survivors who additional support with their applications. This survivor-centric approach led to the approval of close to $16 million in disaster grants for individuals and family households who might have otherwise been deemed ineligible.

FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) has obligated over $505 million, including nearly $226 million allocated for emergency protective measures and over $246 million for permanent work. This year 2023, the collaboration between FEMA, the Government of Puerto Rico and the municipalities has been obligating an average of over 114 projects per month, resulting in more than 1,300 obligations to date. 

“We have maintained a consistent progress on this recovery operation, and we aim to continue pushing forward all pending projects in the system, supporting our stakeholders throughout the way. Right now, close to 40 percent of the eligible applicants have already completed the final stage of their process with FEMA. We are committed to help Puerto Rico recover from the damage that Hurricane Fiona caused, and to provide them the resources to repair smarter and stronger,” said Robert Little, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer for Hurricane Fiona.

To that end, the Hazard Mitigation (HM) team has obligated more than 780 projects for a total of $60.8 million. HM provides funding for eligible mitigation measures that reduce disaster losses and may be included in Public Assistance program projects. Of those joint projects, 1,438 have been reviewed, which represents a 96 percent completion of the process. These projects are estimated to sum up $165 million in HM’s obligations.

Another mitigation resource is FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which disbursed more than $4.2 million to claims from policyholders that Hurricane Fiona affected.

As part of this joint recovery process, homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses in Puerto Rico were eligible to apply for low-interest loans from our federal partners the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Over $109 million in disaster loans were approved to help with physical damage as well as financial losses due to Hurricane Fiona.

Our support to survivors, the Government of Puerto Rico, municipalities, and non-profit organizations has been constant. The obligation of billions of dollars in disaster assistance to Puerto Rico ensures a successful recovery process for 2024.

# # #

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

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Fiona, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4671. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico page, Twitter @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol.

yuisa.rios Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:35

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $150 Million to Help Underserved Communities Receive Low-Interest Loans for Resilience Projects

Announcement Triples Amount Available for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded  Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Grant Program

WASHINGTON -- As FEMA launches 2024 as its “Year of Resilience”, the agency is announcing the second funding opportunity for the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grant program to make communities safer from natural hazards. This program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides capitalization grants to eligible applicants nationwide. Applicants then offer low-interest loans directly to local communities to reduce their vulnerability to disasters, promote equity, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster impacts. Due to the high level of interest in the first opportunity, the Biden-Harris Administration has tripled the amount of money available in this round of funding to $150 million.

“We listened to our emergency management partners from across the nation and using their guidance, fine-tuned this new program and increased the funding to allow for more under-resourced communities to benefit from this opportunity,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, these low-interest loans will fund even more mitigation projects at the local level, increasing our nation’s resilience to natural hazards and climate change.”  

With a goal of removing barriers and increasing equitable access to this important source of funding, FEMA used feedback received during the first funding opportunity to streamline the application process. The agency also simplified materials -- all available on FEMA.gov -- to ensure that eligible applicants better understand how to submit information.

The Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund is part of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance program.  These grant programs help communities increase resilience to extreme heat waves, drought, wildfires, floods and hurricanes by funding transformational projects that reduce risk to multiple hazards, support adaptation to future conditions and reduce the impact of all disasters on our nation’s most at-risk, underserved and disadvantaged communities.

Applicants eligible to receive revolving loan capitalization grants include states, the District of Columbia, territories and federally recognized tribes that have received a major disaster declaration. Local governments may use these low-interest loans provided by these entities for projects and activities to reduce the effects of natural hazards -- including the many fueled by climate change.

Requirements for projects funded through these grants include:

• Increasing the resilience of major economic sectors or critical national infrastructure and reducing the risk of harm to natural and built infrastructure.
• Involving a partnership between two or more eligible entities.
• Accounting for the regional impacts of hazards.

Revolving loans are intended to reach local governments most in need of financing assistance, including low-income geographic areas and underserved communities. FEMA encourages governments to take full advantage of the broad range of activities and projects eligible through this program and include mitigation measures that are not typically submitted under other programs.

For instance, the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF is unique in that it is the only FEMA grant program under which extreme heat is explicitly eligible. The program allows applicants to use loan funds for projects or activities that reduce the impacts of drought and prolonged intense heat. FEMA will not require applicants to submit a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) for projects.

Additional eligible project types under this program include activities that mitigate the impact of natural hazards, zoning and land use planning changes, and adoption and enforcement of modern building codes. Loans may also be used by local governments to satisfy a local government’s non-federal cost-share requirement for other FEMA grant programs.

Of the nearly $7 billion available in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to FEMA, $500 million is invested in the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund program over five years to reduce disaster suffering and avoid future disaster costs. For the first year of the program, FEMA made $50 million available in capitalization grants. In addition, there are five additional FEMA mitigation and cyber security programs to receive multi-year Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding.

The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF funding notice is available at Grants.gov. Eligible entities must apply for funding using the Non-Disaster (ND) Grants Management System (ND Grants). The application period opens Feb. 1, 2024. Applications must be received by 3 p.m. ET, April 30, 2024.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 12/19/2023 - 15:17

Housing Found – Montpelier Group Site No Longer Needed

FEMA and the state of Vermont have found housing for everyone who was eligible for a planned manufactured housing community in Montpelier. As a result, that site is no longer needed.

FEMA and the state of Vermont are working together to find appropriate housing for those whose homes were most impacted by July’s floods. FEMA does this through two programs:

• The Individuals and Households program, which provides grants for home repair or replacement and rental assistance to cover temporary housing; and
• Direct Housing, in which FEMA provides temporary housing.

Three forms of Direct Housing have been approved for Vermont:

• Available rental units, which FEMA leases for survivors through a program called Direct Lease; 
• Multifamily Lease and Repair, which allows FEMA to repair multifamily properties for lease to program participants; and
• Manufactured Housing Units, which FEMA places on private sites, existing commercial parks or a FEMA-built group site.

As of December 15, FEMA has approved $22.8 million for Vermonters through Housing Assistance, including $3.7 million in rental assistance for 1,595 households. At the same time, about 22 eligible families are interested in Direct Housing.

To fill this need, FEMA has brought several units into Direct Lease, and found private and commercial sites suitable to place mobile housing units. Survivors will be able to move into these types of housing much earlier, without having to wait for the infrastructure that constructing a group site would require.

As such, we will not be moving forward with the Montpelier group site. Instead, we will house survivors through the direct lease program, and by placing mobile housing units on commercial and private sites. We continue to be grateful for the partnership with the state of Vermont and communities like Montpelier that are willing to partner with FEMA to provide interim housing to those most impacted by July’s floods.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

adrien.urbani Mon, 12/18/2023 - 22:29

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Davidson County

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

Center location:

Nashville Public Library, 610 Gallatin Pike S., Madison 37115, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 

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 Mon, 12/18/2023 - 19:07

SBA to Open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center Dec. 19 in Kahului

HONOLULU – The U.S. Small Business Administration will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at noon Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the Kahului Public Library to help residents and business owners who were impacted by the August wildfires on Maui apply for disaster loans. 

The center’s location and regular operating hours are as follows:

Kahului Public Library

Administration Building

90 School St.

Kahului, HI 96732

Tuesdays: noon to 7 p.m.

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fridays: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Both the library and the Disaster Loan Outreach Center are closed on Sundays and Mondays as well as on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The center is also closed Saturday, Dec. 23 and Saturday, Dec. 30.

The Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be staffed with representatives from the SBA, which provides low-interest disaster loans to uninsured or underinsured homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes. FEMA specialists will also be available to answer FEMA-related questions.

The SBA disaster loans cover losses from the wildfires that are not fully covered by insurance or other sources. For instance, loans may be used to rebuild homes; replace personal property, including cars; and cover business-related losses such as stores and tour boats.

SBA also has economic injury disaster loans to help businesses with working capital, even if there was no physical damage to the buildings or inventory. SBA cannot offer a loan when another source – insurance or crowdfunding, for instance – has provided financial assistance for the same disaster-related need. 

Even though the federal deadline to apply for wildfire damage or losses has passed, Hawaiʻi residents and businesses have been granted a 45-day grace period, until Thursday, Jan. 25, to submit SBA loan applications for physical property damage caused by the wildfires. During the grace period, the SBA will not require a written or verbal explanation or any documentation from survivors for late applications.

Those approved for a disaster loan from the SBA have up to one year from the date of their first disbursement to begin making payments. The interest is zero percent during this deferment period. Interest begins accruing when the payment becomes due. There is no prepayment penalty, and borrowers can begin making loan payments during the deferment period.

Survivors may apply for SBA disaster loans online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download loan applications at https://www.sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information. 

For people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The last day for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private nonprofit organizations to apply for an SBA economic injury disaster loan is Friday,May 10, 2024.

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires. 

scott.reuter Mon, 12/18/2023 - 18:06

Coping With Holiday Stress After a Disaster

Holidays can bring back memories of happier times that are no longer possible after a natural disaster. If you are feeling anxious, lonely or uncertain about the future, you are not alone. You can reach out for help. The holidays may bring increased stress as traditional celebrations will look different due to the hurricanes, this may be an especially difficult time.

According to the Mayo Clinic, stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. A small amount of stress can be good, motivating you to perform well. But many challenges daily, such as sitting in traffic, meeting deadlines and paying bills, can push you beyond your ability to cope. For more information click on: Stress management basics.

Disasters can especially leave children feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. Whether a child has personally experienced the hurricane damage, has seen the event on television, or has heard it discussed by adults, it is important for parents and teachers to be informed and ready to help if reactions to stress begin to occur. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include:

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness, pessimism and hopelessness
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

2-1-1 Helpline

Floridians experiencing stress due to the disaster may call the state call center (352) 332-4636 or text your zip code to 898-211 for support. 

2-1-1 is the special abbreviated telephone number reserved as an easy-to-remember number meant to provide information and referrals to health, human, and social service organizations.

In addition to guiding callers to crisis counselors, dialing 2-1-1 also provides individuals and families in need with information about where to find social services such as supplemental food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options, services for veterans, and healthcare information.

The call centers are also designed to assist those who do not speak English, those with limited reading skills, and those who are new to their communities. The United Way operates or funds 70 percent of 2-1-1 centers.

The National Disaster Distress Helpline

The National Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH), funded by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), also provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Support is available to all residents of the U.S. experiencing stress or mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster through the National Disaster Distress Helpline (call or text 1-800-985-5990; for Spanish, press "2"). The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days week.

Callers can connect with DDH hotline counselors in 100+ additional languages via third-party interpretation services. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use the text option. To connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language, click the "ASL Now" button from the SAMHSA website (below) or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. ASL Support is available 24/7. For more information, please visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/

Other Coping Resources

• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, text-based mental health support and crisis intervention. Visit www.crisistextline.org or Text HOME to 741741.
• American Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center: Call 833-492-0094.
• Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline: Call 800-962-2873.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
• National Sexual Assault Helpline: Call 800-656-HOPE.

For the latest information on Florida's recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at  FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) and at facebook.com/fema.

thomas.wise Mon, 12/18/2023 - 15:50

Skateboarding and Soccer Receive Backing from FEMA

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Two sports whose popularity among young people are unquestionable — skateboarding and soccer — received a boost from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), following a multimillion-dollar approval of funds to repair facilities dedicated to these sports. 

FEMA allocated nearly $6.4 million to repair the Bayamón Soccer Complex I and II and the Edwin Caraballo Soccer Park in Gurabo. It also approved nearly $2 million for the Parque del Niño and Skate Park in Cidra, and the Municipal Skate Park in Rincón. 

“Investing in sports facilities such as these has a broad social benefit because, in addition to providing young people with adequate infrastructure to practice and develop in sports, it contributes to family unity, the development of skills and values, and the well-being of communities,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero. 

Skateboarding has evolved rapidly since its beginnings in the 1950s in California. “It used to be a community. It’s always been said that skateboarding is artistic and not a sport. But now that it has become an Olympic sport, it is called a sport,” said Orlando Ramos, president of the Puerto Rico Skateboarding Federation.

Skateboarding professionals competed for the first time in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Puerto Rico was represented by Manny Santiago in the Street event and Steven Piñeiro represented the island in the Park event, which is performed on a track with slopes and complicated curves.

In order to support the development of more children and young people in this sport, FEMA obligated over $1 million to repair the Cidra skateboard park, which faced erosion and landslide problems during Hurricane María. The project includes installing a retaining wall and geotextile membranes to help prevent future erosion and funds for hazard mitigation measures.

The agency also allocated nearly $850,000 to repair Rincón's municipal skateboard park. “Since it is the only indoor skate park, young people prefer it,” said Mirta Carrero, project engineer for the municipality of Rincón. “They have adequate facilities at no cost and everyone participates on equal terms, regardless of whether they are experts or amateurs.”

The repairs include repairs to the building's structure: roof, bleachers and lighting, including the air conditioning system, which has already been repaired. “What I enjoy the most is that I can practice even if it's raining and they have a diversity of ramps to do different tricks,” said Manuel A. Rivera, a student from Añasco and a visitor to the Rincón park. “It is important to take care of it so that many young people like me have a safe place to practice, attend events and competitions and develop in the sport.”

Moreover, FEMA allocated nearly $4 million to repair the Bayamón Soccer Complex I and II, located near the Alturas de Flamboyán community in this municipality. It also allocated over $2.6 million for improvements to the Edwin Caraballo Soccer Stadium in Parcelas Nuevas, Gurabo.

Bayamón is one of the most active towns in the sport of soccer, said Iván Rivera, president of the Puerto Rican Soccer Federation (FPF, in Spanish). Among its most important parks are the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, where the National Soccer Team has played against renowned European and Latin American clubs, and the Bayamón Soccer Complex I and II.

“The Metropolitan Regional Association League, as well as the Puerto Rico Youth League, both male and female, play in the Bayamón parks, The Eastern Regional Association League games are played in the Gurabo parks,” Rivera said. 

Repairs to the Soccer Complex I in Bayamón have already been completed. The second phase at Complex II includes replacing part of the sports equipment — the net system and artificial turf — and improving the sidewalks and photovoltaic systems; this includes lighting, solar panels and batteries.

“Preserving soccer parks is one of the main factors to guarantee the development of soccer in the country. It is not only important to preserve them, but to invest in building new parks for soccer practice and competitions, with the corresponding access for the FPF,” said Rivera. 

On the other hand, repairs to the Edwin Caraballo Soccer Stadium in Gurabo include constructing a new building in accordance with current construction standards, installing artificial turf and repairing the infrastructure and surroundings of the park, including the parking area.

For his part, the executive director of the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency of (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, said that “currently, over 950 recreational and sports facilities are being rebuilt in Puerto Rico, with an approximate investment of $356 million in FEMA funds. These projects are developed based on the need expressed by COR3 subrecipients. The investment in these facilities will continue to drive socioeconomic development in the communities.”

To date, FEMA has allocated over $1.3 billion for repairs to sports and recreational facilities in Puerto Rico.

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.

BAYAMÓN SOCCER COMPLEX I AND II, PUERTO RICO

Bayamón, Puerto Rico (January 13, 2023) – FEMA allocated nearly $4 million to repair the Bayamón Soccer Complex I and II, located near the Alturas de Flamboyán community in this municipality. Photo FEMA/Alvin Báez Hernández

BAYAMÓN SOCCER COMPLEX I AND II, PUERTO RICO

Bayamón, Puerto Rico (January 13, 2023) – Repairs to the Soccer Complex I in Bayamón have already been completed. The second phase at Complex II includes replacing part of the sports equipment — the net system and artificial turf — and improving the sidewalks and photovoltaic systems; this includes lighting, solar panels and batteries. Photo FEMA/Alvin Baez Hernandez

MUNICIPAL SKATE PARK, RINCÓN, PUERTO RICO

Rincón, Puerto Rico (December 13, 2023) – FEMA allocated nearly $850,000 to repair Rincón's municipal skateboard park. The repairs include repairs to the building's structure: roof, bleachers and lighting, including the air conditioning system. Photo FEMA/Zorymar Quiñones

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 12/18/2023 - 12:07

More FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open the Week of Dec. 18; Holiday Closures for All Centers

CHICAGO –Three more temporary FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will open the week of Dec. 18 to help Cook County disaster survivors kickstart their recovery after the Sept. 17-18 severe storms and flooding. The centers will open in Harvey, South Holland and South Shore (see below for addresses and hours).

Additionally, all Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday Dec. 23-25 and 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. 

Temporary Disaster Recovery Centers will open in the following locations:

South Holland             
South Holland Public Works ​
155 W. 162nd​ St.
South Holland, IL 60473
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily*
Opens Monday, Dec. 18
*Closed temporarily Saturday, Sunday and Monday Dec. 23-25
Closes permanently Friday, Dec. 29

South Shore                
Chicago Public Library - South Shore Branch ​
2505 E. 73rd St.
Chicago, IL 60649
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily**
Opens Tuesday, Dec. 19
**Closed temporarily Saturday, Sunday and Monday Dec. 23-25
Closes permanently Friday, Dec. 29

Harvey             
Thornton Township High School, District 205 
Building T107 
249 E. 151st St.
Harvey, IL 60426
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily***
Opens Thursday, Dec. 21 
***Closed temporarily Saturday, Sunday and Monday Dec. 23-25
Closes permanently Friday, Dec. 29

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 Sat, 12/16/2023 - 21:39

Más Centros de Recuperación por Desastre de FEMA inician operaciones durante la semana del 18 de diciembre y se anuncia cierre temporal de todos los centros durante los días festivos

CHICAGO – Tres Centros de Recuperación por Desastre temporales más de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) abrirán la semana del 18 de diciembre para ayudar a los sobrevivientes del desastre ocurrido en el Condado Cook a iniciar su recuperación tras las severas tormentas e inundaciones del 17 y 18 de septiembre. Los centros estarán ubicados en Harvey, South Holland y South Shore (direcciones y horarios a continuación).

Además, todos los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre estarán cerrados desde el sábado 23 hasta el lunes 25 de diciembre y desde el sábado 30 de diciembre hasta el lunes 1 de enero.

Especialistas de FEMA y de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) estarán presentes en el centro para ayudar a los sobrevivientes a solicitar asistencia federal por desastre, cargar documentos, informarse sobre cómo hacer su propiedad más resistente a los desastres. Para encontrar el centro más cercano, visite la página de FEMA Localizador de DRC.

Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre temporales estarán ubicados en:

South Holland             
South Holland Public Works ​
155 W. 162nd​ St.
South Holland, IL 60473
Horario: todos los días de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m.*
Inicia operaciones el lunes 18 de diciembre
*Cierra temporalmente el sábado 23, domingo 24 y lunes 25 de diciembre
Cierra permanentemente el viernes 29 de diciembre

South Shore                
Chicago Public Library - South Shore Branch ​
2505 E. 73rd St.
Chicago, IL 60649
Horario: todos los días de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m.*
Inicia operaciones el martes 19 de diciembre
*Cierra temporalmente el sábado 23, domingo 24 y lunes 25 de diciembre
Cierra permanentemente el viernes 29 de diciembre

Harvey             
Thornton Township High School, District 205 
Building T107 
249 E. 151st St.
Harvey, IL 60426
Horario: todos los días de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m.*
Inicia operaciones el jueves 21 de diciembre
*Cierra temporalmente el sábado 23, domingo 24 y lunes 25 de diciembre
Cierra permanentemente el viernes 29 de diciembre

En estos centros se ofrece asistencia en otros idiomas distintos del inglés, incluido el Lenguaje de Señas Americano, y materiales traducidos. Las ubicaciones de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre se eligen por su accesibilidad, con el objetivo de llegar al mayor número de personas posible. 

No es necesario visitar un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre para solicitar asistencia de FEMA. Para solicitar la asistencia sin visitar un centro, llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362, visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es, o descargue la aplicación móvil de FEMA. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión como el servicio de retransmisión por video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés), el servicio telefónico subtitulado u otros, deberá facilitar a FEMA el número de dicho servicio cuando solicite asistencia.

Para más información sobre las operaciones de recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4749. La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia de FEMA es el 19 de enero de 2024.

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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin discriminación por motivos de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del idioma inglés o situación económica. Se brindará acomodo razonable, incluyendo traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de Vídeo, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido víctima de discriminación, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Si utiliza un Servicio de Retransmisión de vídeo, servicio de teléfono subtitulado u otro, brinde a FEMA su número asignado para ese servicio. 

larissa.hale Sáb, 16/12/2023 - 21:23

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Disaster survivors should be aware that con-artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after a disaster. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

If a FEMA Inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The Helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application. 

If you do wish to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the Helpline will assist you in creating a new application.

Scams

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas impacted by the Dec. 9, 2023, severe storms and tornadoes. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. 

Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. 

Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. FEMA inspectors will have your FEMA application number.

Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department. Consumers may also file a fraud complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office here: File a Complaint (tn.gov).

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving FEMA’s disaster relief operations, you can report this to FEMA or DHS. You may request confidentiality or register your complaint anonymously at:

• FEMA Fraud Branch, email: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.
• DHS Office of Inspector General, online through their allegation form (Recommended), call: (866) 720-5721, fax: (202) 254-4297, or write to: DHS Office of Inspector General / MAIL STOP 0305, Attn: Office of Investigations – Hotline, 245 Murray Lane SW, Washington, DC 20528-0305.

If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov. 

sandra.habib Sat, 12/16/2023 - 13:25

FEMA Teams Working in Tennessee

ATLANTA – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are going door-to-door in Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery and Sumner County neighborhoods to help individuals apply for FEMA assistance.

Using mobile technology, personnel can help survivors apply for assistance, update a FEMA application, and answer questions about federal assistance. 

Team members wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service. If you suspect fraud or fraudulent activity, call your local police or sheriff’s office or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

It is not necessary to wait to apply for assistance. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages. 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 apply.

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 Sat, 12/16/2023 - 13:20

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Severe Storms

ATLANTA –Tennessee homeowners and renters in Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery and Sumner counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by the severe storms on Dec. 9, 2023, may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

FEMA may be able to help with temporary lodging, basic home repair costs or other disaster-caused needs.

There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, or use the FEMA mobile app. 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 apply for assistance, please have the following information ready:
▪ A current phone number where you can be contacted.
▪ Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
▪ Your Social Security Number.
▪ A general list of damage and losses.
▪ Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
▪ If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

Residents with homeowners, renters or flood insurance should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If the policy does not cover all disaster expenses, policy holders may be eligible for federal assistance.

Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

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

sandra.habib Sat, 12/16/2023 - 13:15

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Rockingham County, New Hampshire

Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review by residents and business owners in affected communities in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place. Before the maps become final, community stakeholders can raise questions or concerns about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment periods.

The 90-day appeal and comment periods will begin on or around December 19, 2023. The affected communities in Rockingham County, New Hampshire are listed in the Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations Notice in the Federal Register.

Residents may submit an appeal if they think 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 to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed at the following websites:

• FEMA Map Service Center 
• Preliminary Map Products Download Page 
• Flood Map Changes Viewer 

For more information about the flood maps, please contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

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 or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

adrien.urbani Fri, 12/15/2023 - 19:04

6 Months After June Storms, $6 Million and Counting in Support

MADISON, Miss. Six months after the June 14-19 severe storms and tornadoes in Mississippi, federal support is assisting homeowners, renters, businesses and local governments with recovery. More than $6 million in federal support has been approved by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters and businesses. In addition, FEMA is working in the affected communities to provide Public Assistance grants to local governments.

Assistance for Individuals and Households

• As of Dec. 11, more than $3 million in FEMA grants have been approved for renters and homeowners in Jackson and Jasper counties. 
• More than $2.5 million in Housing Assistance that helps pay for uninsured home repairs, home replacement and rental assistance for short-term lodging.
• More than $433,000 in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for uninsured personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs.
• FEMA’s Call Out/Enhanced Applicant Services team identified and contacted survivors who were challenged by the application and appeals process. Team members completed more than 900 interviews with applicants, resulting in grants that they might not have gotten otherwise.

Disaster Loans from the SBA

As of Dec. 10, the SBA has approved more than $3.8 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners and businesses. These flexible loans can help supplement insurance settlements and FEMA grants.

• More than $3.4 million in home loans.
• More than $367,000 in business loans.

Public Assistance

As of Dec. 11, more than $690,000 has been approved for six projects, with more than $1.7 million for nine projects pending approval. 

29 counties and one tribal nation were approved for Public Assistance: 

• Adams 
• Amite 
• Attala 
• Claiborne 
• Copiah 
• Covington 
• Franklin 
• Greene 
• Holmes 
• Humphreys 
• Itawamba 
• Jackson 
• Jasper 
• Jefferson 
• Jefferson Davis 
• Jones 
• Lawrence 
• Leake 
• Madison 
• Mississippi Choctaw Indian Reservation
• Neshoba 
• Newton 
• Perry 
• Rankin 
• Scott 
• Simpson 
• Smith 
• Warren 
• Wayne 
• Yazoo

 

FEMA’s Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program that aids state, local, tribal and territorial governments, and certain types of nonprofit organizations impacted by declared disasters. FEMA works with local and state officials to provide reimbursement for eligible work including debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to infrastructure and other structures.

For the latest information on recovery from the June tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4727.

 

melanie.barker Fri, 12/15/2023 - 18:10