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FEMA Awards More Than $18 Million to Connecticut Entities for COVID Costs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending over $26 million to the State of Connecticut and two hospitals to reimburse them for costs incurred responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two Public Assistance grants totaling $6,684,642 will go to the Connecticut Department of Housing for the cost of providing non-congregate sheltering to homeless populations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The department contracted with Hartford Airport Hotel LLC (Best Western - Hartford) to rent one hundred twenty hotel rooms; Milford Enterprises, LLC (Motel 6 - Milford) to make twenty-six of the units in the facility available; and the non-profits Pacific House Inc. and United Way of Connecticut Inc to provide shelter to high-risk individuals. Most hotel rates averaged between $60 and $70 a night.
A Public Assistance grant of $8,836,995 will provide federal funding to the Connecticut Department of Public Health for contracting to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to the general public.
The department contracted with SEMA4 OpCo (Mount Sinai Genonomics) to provide registration, testing and results for 93,021 tests at a cost of $95 per test.
In Danbury, a Public Assistance grant of $1,487,573 will reimburse Danbury Hospital for the additional costs of operating safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, including purchasing cleaning and disinfection supplies and medical supplies specific to providing care to COVID-19 patients.
Finally, in Torrington a $1,080,100 Public Assistance grant will go to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital for the cost of setting up temporary space adjacent to the 109-bed, general acute care community hospital to cope with the surge of COVID-19 patients.
The hospital rented equipment and contracted services to build the space, which included generators an emergency department triage site, trailers, portable toilets, signage, heaters, electrical work in the parking lot to install a temporary CAT scan, and security services.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist to the State of Connecticut and these two hospitals 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 $906 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Fri, 10/27/2023 - 17:08FEMA Awards More Than $55 Million to Massachusetts Entities for COVID Costs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending $55.4 million to ten Massachusetts entities to reimburse them for various costs incurred responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Boston, FEMA will award over $3 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) for testing support.
The $3,030,702 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private university with campuses in Boston, Worcester and Manchester, New Hampshire, for costs associated with setting up COVID-19 testing sites between July 2020 and July 2022. During that time, MCPHS contracted services to provide rental tents, modular trailers, and a courier service to administer, pickup and deliver COVID-19 tests, with a total of 634 contracted laborers working 54,000 hours.
In Boston, FEMA will award more than $4.9 million the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Mass Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) for the cost of testing and disinfection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $4,901,695 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the MBTA for contract services to provide disinfecting materials for all MBTA facilities, contracts for interior facility disinfection of public transportation, and COVID-19 testing for employees to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 between essential transportation workers and the public between May 2021 and June 2021.
In Boston, Tufts Medical Center will receive over $12 million in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse the teaching hospital affiliated with Tufts University School of Medicine for the cost of contract staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $12,688,831 grant will reimburse Tufts Medical Center for providing temporary clinical staffing to assist COVID-19 patients with emergency and in-patient clinical care. A total of 150 registered nurses performed 69,951 hours in response to a surge in demand for emergency COVID-19 medical care services between October 2021 and June 2022.
In Boston, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will receive over $5 million in FEMA federal funding for sheltering costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $5,332,225 Public Assistance grant will reimburse MEMA for purchasing office supplies, hygiene supplies and medical supplies for use at non-congregate medical sites. MEMA also rented oscillating misting fans to disinfect first responders’ vehicles that transported COVID-19 positive groups. Contract services were used to provide security for shelter staff, staffing at shelters, food (three meals a day to individuals at shelters), repairs and renovations, translation services, cleaning and disinfection for non-congregate shelters, and hotels for vulnerable, unhoused populations.
Between April 2020 and July 2021, MEMA contracted Vision RBP LLC to rent 10,605 rooms for individuals who tested positive for COVID-19. MEMA will also be reimbursed for contracting to provide 11,651 meals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Boston, FEMA will award over $14 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) for providing temporary clinical staff.
A $14,464,286 Public Assistance grant will reimburse EOHHS for providing temporary clinical staff as Rapid Response Teams (RRT) to long term care facilities. Between March 2020 and July 2022, RRTs were deployed to facilities in critical need of clinical support and remained for an average of 10 days until the facility achieved stability. Additionally, RRTs were deployed to 69 nursing facilities to provide additional staffing for COVID-19 patient care and to assist with transitions from acute facilities to skilled care facilities. EOHHS also contracted professional consulting to manage the RRT needs assessments and deployments.
In Melrose, FEMA will award over $1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Melrose Wakefield Health Care for costs associated with increased staffing. The $1,013,607 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the health care system that serves Boston’s northern communities for contracting services to provide 27 temporary nursing staff to assist with activities of daily living specifically for COVID-19 patients between February and December 2020.
In southeastern Massachusetts, FEMA will be sending over $1.8 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Southcoast Hospitals Group for contract staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The nonprofit, community-based health system that operates three hospitals in southeastern Massachusetts and facilities in Rhode Island will receive a $1,834,681 Public Assistance grant to reimburse it for contracting registered nurses (RN) to provide expert direct patient care for COVID-19 patients who were experiencing advanced respiratory illness and required isolation precautions. Between July and December 2022, Southcoast Hospital Group contracted staffing firms to hire 72 RNs working a total of 14,171 hours at Charlton Memorial Hospital, Saint Luke’s Hospital, and Tobey hospital.
In Lowell, FEMA will award almost $6.6 million to Lowell General Hospital – part of the Tufts Medicine health system – for contract labor to mitigate the surge of COVID-19 patients requiring emergency and in-patient clinical care.
A $3,222,082 Public Assistance grant will reimburse Lowell General Hospital – part of the Tufts Medicine health system – for increasing the temporary nursing staff levels by contracting 78 licensed registered nurses to provide direct patient care interventions and general care measures between July and September 2022.
A second grant totaling $3,369,401 will reimburse the hospital for contracting 82 licensed registered nurses to provide direct patient care interventions and general care measures to COVID-19 patients between September and December 2022.
In Cambridge, FEMA will award nearly $3 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a private research university in Cambridge, for providing emergency protective materials and testing support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MIT will receive a total of $2,742,577 in federal funds through FEMA’s Public Assistance program to reimburse the cost of providing disinfectant supplies, personal protective equipment (such as masks, gloves, gowns, face shields and safety glasses), COVID-19 testing materials including COVID-19 tests, cold storage, transit of COVID-19 testing materials, and signage to assist with social distancing and to provide information for staff and students as part of the effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 between February 2020 and January 2022.
In Cambridge, FEMA will award over $3.3 million to the Cambridge Public Health Commission and the Cambridge Health Alliance for hiring temporary staff for vaccine administration and emergency medical care.
The $1,885,250 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville and Boston’s metro-north communities for contracted labor costs associated with vaccine support. Between October 2020 and March 2022, temporary staff performed COVID-19 vaccination duties, including patient check-in, monitoring and administration, with an estimated total of 6,000 vaccinations per week.
A second grant for $1,444,440 in federal funding will reimburse the entities for providing temporary additional staffing to supplement the increased demand for COVID-19 emergency medical care. Between October 2021 and December 2021, contract staff worked 19,026 hours to support emergency rooms, inpatient medical/surgical units, intensive care units, pharmacies, laboratories, and outpatient respiratory clinics.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist these Massachusetts entities 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 $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Fri, 10/27/2023 - 17:04FEMA Awards Nearly $15 Million to Connecticut for COVID Vaccination, Testing Costs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $15 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse it for the cost of providing COVID-19 tests and vaccinations to the public during the pandemic.
Two Public Assistance grants totaling $14,860,088 will go to the Connecticut Department of Public Health for paying vendors to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and testing to the general public.
One grant of $4,351,028 will provide federal funding for contracting with an outside company to administer 56,400 COVID-19 tests to the public between July 2021 and June 2022, as well as associated costs including pop-up canopy tents, portable folding A-frame sidewalk signs, electronic equipment, portable restrooms, and cell phones.
A second grant of $10,509,060 will reimburse the Department of Public Health for contracting with a company to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to the public via a system of mobile clinics and fixed vaccination sites. A total of 92,052 vaccines were administered between November 2021 and June 2022.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist to the State of Connecticut 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 $906 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Fri, 10/27/2023 - 16:35FEMA Awards Almost $3.2 Million to Elliot Hospital for COVID Supply Costs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $3.2 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse Elliot Hospital for costs incurred responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $3,193,858 FEMA Public Assistance grant will reimburse the acute care facility in Manchester for the costs of purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies needed between March and December 2020, when the hospital set up a temporary facility to handle the increased patient load..
In addition to gloves, gowns, N95 masks, and bouffant caps the hospital purchased specimen lysis bags, thermometers, oxygen flowmeters, centrifuge tubes, and oxygen delivery system, and nasal swabs.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Elliot 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 almost $283 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Fri, 10/27/2023 - 16:29Statement from FEMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Jaclyn Rothenberg on FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell’s Meetings with Governor Josh Green of Hawaii and a Hawaiian Delegation
WASHINGTON --Today, Hawaii Governor Josh Green met with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks, Chief Federal Response Coordinator Bob Fenton, and other FEMA Senior Staff on the long-term recovery efforts in Maui.
Administrator Criswell expressed her deep appreciation for their time and sharing the experiences of their communities following the devastating wildfires, and reiterated President Biden’s steadfast support to ensuring that the people of Maui are able to recover, rebuild and heal. Both Administrator Criswell and Chief Federal Response Coordinator Fenton promised that FEMA would remain in Hawaii throughout the recovery process and as we transition to longer term recovery operations.
Yesterday, as part of their visit to Washington D.C., a Hawaiian delegation, made up of local elected officials and community leaders, also met with FEMA senior leaders including Administrator Criswell to discuss the various elements of the interagency long-term recovery efforts and needs for Maui. During the meeting, the Hawaii Delegation shared their experiences, noting their appreciation for FEMA’s partnership and raising several issues for FEMA to take for action including improved communication to survivors, long-term housing needs, rental assistance payments, air quality and debris removal, and general survivor support.
President Biden and the entire Biden-Harris Administration remain focused on ensuring that the people and the families impacted from the devastating wildfires have everything they need to recover for as long as it takes.
luther.wills-dudich Fri, 10/27/2023 - 15:08FEMA Is Hiring in Florida
LAKE MARY, Fla. – Come to work for FEMA and help your community recover from recent disasters.
FEMA is conducting local hiring for 29 positions in Gainesville and Lake Mary. The agency is seeking people with experience in logistics, accountable property, ordering and data integration, among other job categories. Employees will serve in disaster recovery operations for Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Nicole, Hurricane Idalia and Broward County flooding. Many FEMA employees began their careers in emergency management, by helping their own communities recover from a disaster.
These positions are full-time, up to 120-day appointments that may be extended depending on operational needs.
FEMA Local Hire employees are eligible for the following benefits:
- Health insurance for individual or family coverage. Employer contribution is 75% of premium. Local Hire employees are eligible for enrollment for health insurance coverage as of the official hire date/employment date with FEMA.
- Flexible spending accounts
- Federal long term care insurance
- Ability to earn 4 hours of paid sick leave per pay period
- Holiday pay
- Worker’s compensation
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes finger printing and credit check, be able to furnish their own transportation to and from work. Lodging and meals will not be covered or reimbursed by the agency. Employees are also required to participate in mandatory direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payment.
How to apply: Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through USAJobs.gov. As the disaster operational needs shift, new positions will be posted on USAJobs. Candidates can be notified when FEMA Local Hire positions posts. You can save a search to help you look for jobs in your area of interest through USAJobs. For instructions, please visit: USAJOBS Help Center | How to save a search.
barbara.murien… Fri, 10/27/2023 - 12:47Austin South Disaster Recovery Center Closing Soon
CHICAGO - The Disaster Recovery Center located at the Columbus Park Field House, 500 S. Central Ave., Chicago, IL 60644, will continue operating Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., until it closes Monday, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m.
There are other recovery centers open across the greater Cook County area ready to help disaster survivors. Go to the FEMA Disaster Recovery Locator to find the one closest to you. Recovery Centers aren’t the only way to get help from FEMA. The FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362, is staffed by multilingual operators ready to assist survivors with registrations and any other questions they have. Survivors can also use Disasterassistance.gov or the FEMA App on their phones.
The deadline to apply to FEMA for federal assistance is also October 30. After that date, FEMA will continue to process appeals and assist applicants with questions.
For additional information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit https://fema.gov/disaster/4728.
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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 via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay).
alexander.alba Thu, 10/26/2023 - 23:15President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Kansas
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Kansas to supplement state, local and tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding from July 14-21, 2023.
The President’s action makes public assistance 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 the counties of Allen, Barton, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Greeley, Johnson, Kearny, Pawnee, Rawlins, Rice, Russell, Stafford, Thomas, Wallace, Wichita, Woodson and Wyandotte.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Andrew P. Meyer has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/26/2023 - 21:53Prime Minister of Australia Visits FEMA Headquarters
WASHINGTON -- Today, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Headquarters on the final day of his first official visit to the United States. Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks and U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell welcomed Prime Minister Albanese and Ambassador Kevin Rudd of Australia to FEMA.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell gave virtual opening remarks expressing appreciation for the strong, mutually beneficial partnership with Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), referencing the Memorandum of Understanding signed between our agencies in May 2023. Prime Minister Albanese echoed the importance of our ongoing collaboration, especially as Australia heads into its high-risk disaster season, with a specific focus on the above-average bushfire season forecast. Both partners agreed to prioritize working together in 2024 to share strategies for preparing for and addressing climate-driven disasters. Prime Minister Albanese and Deputy Administrator Hooks underscored the importance of the FEMA-NEMA partnership in building crisis management capacity in the Indo-Pacific region. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Albanese received a briefing on how FEMA coordinates the U.S. federal response to all-hazard incidents in the United States during a walking tour of the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC).
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" />WASHINGTON, DC -- 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.
Disaster Recovery Centers
LAKE MARY, Fla – Disaster Recovery Centers are locations, either inside fixed locations or in tents outside, set up in areas affected by disasters. FEMA works with the county to select locations convenient for the survivors.
At a Disaster Recovery Center survivors can:
- Learn about disaster assistance programs.
- Apply for disaster assistance.
- Check the status of your FEMA application.
- Get help understanding FEMA notices or letters.
- Get referrals to agencies that offer other assistance.
- Submit an appeal of FEMA’s decision.
- Meet with an SBA representative for information about disaster loans.
- Meet with state agency representatives.
- Meet with hazard mitigation specialists to learn how to build back stronger, to prevent or reduce damage from future disasters.
To find a center, visit fema.gov/drc
To view a video describing what services are available at a Disaster Recovery Center, visit Disaster Recovery Center (DRC): Your Resource After a Hurricane
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.
It is not necessary to visit a center. Survivors can apply or get other assistance by calling 800-621-3362, going online at disasterassistance.gov, or using the FEMA mobile app. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
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.
barbara.murien… Thu, 10/26/2023 - 15:27FEMA Continues to Provide Repair, Rebuilding Advice at Local Hardware Stores
ATLANTA – As Georgia residents repair and rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, FEMA continues to team up with local hardware stores to provide free information and tips on how to make hurricane-damaged homes stronger and safer.
FEMA specialists will be available in Valdosta, Quitman and Adel to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips and proven methods to help prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also share techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. Most information is aimed at do-it-yourselfers and general contractor work.
The specialists will be available on these dates and locations:
Monday through Saturday, Oct. 23–28
True Value Hardware
204 East Central Ave.
Valdosta, GA 31601
Monday through Saturday, Oct. 30–Nov. 4
Stone's Home Centers
1106 W. Screven St.
Quitman, GA 31643
Monday through Saturday, Nov. 6–11
Adel Trading Co. Home Center
313 West 5th Street
Adel, GA 31620
Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. There is no charge. Reservations are not required.
For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4738, follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.
bree-constance… Thu, 10/26/2023 - 13:08FEMA Support Will Still Be Available After Georgia Disaster Recovery Centers Close
ATLANTA -- The State of Georgia and FEMA will begin a phased approach to closing Hurricane Idalia’s three Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) over the next two weeks. But FEMA is not leaving Georgia, as the agency continues working with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to help survivors and communities in their recovery from Hurricane Idalia. DRCs will follow this closing schedule:
- The DRC at the Lowndes County Civic Center in Valdosta will close at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
- The DRC at the Brooks County Agricultural Building in Quitman will close at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2.
- The DRC at the Cook County Extension Services in Adel will close at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6.
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Nov. 6. After DRCs close, you can still contact FEMA by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or by using the FEMA mobile app. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, visit youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw. FEMA encourages you to keep in touch with the agency.
- It is important to provide FEMA with your final insurance settlement information as assistance may be available for some expenses not covered by insurance.
- If you are receiving temporary rental assistance from FEMA, you will need to update your permanent housing plan and may need to document your need for continued rental assistance. FEMA expects all families who receive temporary rental assistance to return to their impacted home when it is repaired or to locate and occupy affordable housing without FEMA rental assistance when you can do so.
In addition, you can call the Helpline to:
- Check on the status of your application and ask questions about the process.
- Appeal a decision or determination by FEMA.
- Update your contact information.
- Provide updated documentation.
- Report additional damage discovered since your home inspection.
The FEMA Helpline is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
For questions about U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans, contact the SBA at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339), or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4738, follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.
bree-constance… Thu, 10/26/2023 - 12:58Maywood and Harvey Disaster Recovery Centers Closing Permanently
CHICAGO - The Disaster Recovery Centers in Maywood and Harvey will close their doors permanently at the end of this week. Cook County residents who suffered losses during the June 29 – July 2 storms and flooding and still need in-person assistance can find other centers at FEMA Disaster Recovery Locator.
The Maywood center, located at in the Lightford Recreation Center, 809 Madison St. Maywood, will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday until it closes this Friday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m.
The Harvey center, located at the Thornton Township High School, Building T107, 249 East 151st Street, in Harvey, will be open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday until it permanently closes this Saturday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m.
Recovery Centers are not the only way to get help from FEMA. The FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362, is staffed by multilingual operators ready to assist survivors with registrations and any other questions they have. Survivors can also use Disasterassistance.gov or the FEMA App on their phones.
For additional information about the disaster recovery efforts in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728. The deadline to register with FEMA is October 30, 2023.
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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 via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay).
alexander.alba Wed, 10/25/2023 - 22:17President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Increases Federal Cost Share for Hurricane Ian Recovery
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Florida to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Ian between Sept. 23 – Nov. 4, 2022.
The President authorized the federal cost-share for public assistance to be increased from 75% to 90% of total eligible costs.
“It has been a little over a year since Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers and surrounding communities in Florida. Sadly, more than 140 people lost their lives, and over 33,000 survivors were displaced from their homes,” said Administrator Criswell. “However, Floridians remained strong in the face of this tragedy, and with the support of our federal, state and local partners, we have used every tool at our disposal to help Florida recover from this disaster. To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has provided over $8 billion in federal assistance, and this latest cost-share adjustment means that even more federal assistance is on the way. The road to recovery is long, and at times difficult, but FEMA will be there every step of the way.”
To date, federal support following Hurricane Ian for Florida totals $8.69 billion:
- FEMA provided $1.13 billion in grants to more than 386,000 households in 26 counties.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration approved $1.94 billion in disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.
- FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program paid $4.38 billion for more than 47,300 claims filed.
- FEMA obligated more than $1.8 billion to reimburse state and local applicants for emergency response, debris removal and repair or replacement of public facilities.
Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Stopping in Hillsborough County
LAKE MARY, Fla. – The State of Florida and FEMA are operating a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Hillsborough County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by Hurricane Idalia. The first stop is:
- Hillsborough Community College - The Regent
6437 Watson Rd
Riverview, FL 33578
Schedule: Thursday, Oct. 26 through Wednesday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More stops will be announced as they are confirmed.
Currently open sites:
- Citrus County: Coastal Region Library, 8619 W Crystal St., Crystal River, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Wed, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thurs-Fri, closed Sat-Sun. (closes permanently 5 p.m. Oct. 27)
- Columbia County: 180 E Duval St. Lake City, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
- Dixie County: Dixie County Public Library, 16328 SE US-19, Cross City, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
- Hamilton County: 1153 NW US Hwy 41, Jasper, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
- Hernando County: Hernando Public Library Branch, 9220 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday.
- Jefferson County: Jefferson County Library, 375 S Water St., Monticello, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday, (closes permanently 6 p.m. Nov. 03)
- Lafayette County: Mayo Community Center, 150 NW Community Cir., Mayo, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday
- Madison County: Career Source North Florida, 705 E Base St., Madison, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
- Pasco County: Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter, 11611 Denton Ave., Hudson, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, (closes permanently 6 p.m. Oct. 28)
- Suwannee County: Memorial Field, 617 Ontario Ave SW, Live Oak, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
- Taylor County: Steinhatchee Community Center, 1013 S. Riverside Dr., Steinhatchee, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, closed Sunday
No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Residents are welcome to visit any open DRC, you don’t have to reside in that county.
Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. 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.
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.
It is not necessary to visit a center. Survivors can apply by calling 800-621-3362, going online at disasterassistance.gov, or using the FEMA mobile app. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
Deadline to apply is November 29, 2023.
FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.
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.
barbara.murien… Wed, 10/25/2023 - 18:21Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Taylor County
LAKE MARY, Fla. – As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricane Idalia can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms.
Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster. The FEMA specialists will be available during the dates and times listed at:
Tractor Supply Perry, 2500 S Byron Butler Pkwy in Perry
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 26 - Monday to Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Closed Sundays, through Nov. 11.
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.
barbara.murien… Wed, 10/25/2023 - 15:32Lonoke County, Arkansas, Flood Maps Become Final
DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on April 25, 2024, for Lonoke County, Arkansas. 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 at https://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.
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.
- To use the live chat service, visit floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
- To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 877-FEMA MAP (877-336-2627) or send an email to 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 floodsmart.gov.
alexa.brown Wed, 10/25/2023 - 13:42National Flood Insurance Program Continues to Pay Interest on its Treasury Debt
WASHINGTON -- The National Flood Insurance Program continues to fulfill its obligations to the U.S. Treasury to satisfy debt obligations totaling $20.5 billion.
Because the NFIP cannot fully pay back the debt it incurred paying claims for previous catastrophic flood disasters post Hurricane Katrina, it must be refinanced at current interest rates. This amounts to the program accruing $1.7 million in interest per day.
“We think a better use for these interest payments would be to help policyholders rebuild their lives instead of being paid to Treasury,” said David Maurstad, NFIP Senior Executive. “It’s a vicious cycle that will only end with cancellation of the debt to avoid compounded interest and future borrowing.”
Cancelling the NFIP’s debt is one of FEMA’s 17 proposed reforms that would help create a more fiscally sound framework that improves the program’s ability to pay claims and sustains the program’s credibility across the 22,648 communities that rely upon the NFIP for financial protection against flooding.
The NFIP must pay the interest out of the premium dollars collected. Currently, the agency is paying $309 million in semiannual interest payments, which could have been utilized on disaster operations.
The NFIP debt carries an average interest rate of 3.02%. This results in $619 million annually that is paid to Treasury.
These proposals are available at FEMA.gov.
mayshaunt.gary Tue, 10/24/2023 - 22:15National Flood Insurance Program Continues to Pay Interest on its Treasury Debt
WASHINGTON -- The National Flood Insurance Program continues to fulfill its obligations to the U.S. Treasury to satisfy debt obligations totaling $20.5 billion.
Because the NFIP cannot fully pay back the debt it incurred paying claims for previous catastrophic flood disasters post Hurricane Katrina, it must be refinanced at current interest rates. This amounts to the program accruing $1.7 million in interest per day.
“We think a better use for these interest payments would be to help policyholders rebuild their lives instead of being paid to Treasury,” said David Maurstad, NFIP Senior Executive. “It’s a vicious cycle that will only end with cancellation of the debt to avoid compounded interest and future borrowing.”
Cancelling the NFIP’s debt is one of FEMA’s 17 proposed reforms that would help create a more fiscally sound framework that improves the program’s ability to pay claims and sustains the program’s credibility across the 22,648 communities that rely upon the NFIP for financial protection against flooding.
The NFIP must pay the interest out of the premium dollars collected. Currently, the agency is paying $309 million in semiannual interest payments, which could have been utilized on disaster operations.
The NFIP debt carries an average interest rate of 3.02%. This results in $619 million annually that is paid to Treasury.
These proposals are available at FEMA.gov.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 10/24/2023 - 19:32One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance
This is the final week for Vermont residents affected by July’s severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides to apply for FEMA assistance.
The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. October 31.
If you had storm-related expenses and live or own a business in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham or Windsor County, you should apply as soon as possible. FEMA assistance can provide grants and U.S. Small Business Administration loans for housing, home repairs and other disaster-related needs.
To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
To apply in person, visit the Disaster Recovery Center in Barre, where FEMA specialists can answer questions, help upload documents and refer you to available resources. The center is open at:
- Alumni Hall Building, Third Floor, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
Hours of operation this week are:
- October 24-25: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- October 26-29: closed
- October 30: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- October 31-November 3: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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