LAKE MARY, Fla. – Florida homeowners with insurance policies covered by the National Flood Insurance Program are urged to file claims as soon as possible. Advance payments may be available for some policyholders.

Policy holders should call their insurance agent or provider and initiate the claim even if they do not have all necessary documentation because they had to leave the property after the storm.

Homeowners with damage from both wind and flood will need to file two separate claims: a homeowner’s insurance claim and a flood insurance claim. They should let adjusters for each policy know of the claim filed with the other policy.

If filing a flood claim, ask about advance payments. You may be eligible for an advance payment of up to $5,000 prior to a visit from an adjuster. Your insurer will need to confirm covered flood damage to your property and may request additional documentation to support the amount of the advance. 

Policy holders may also be eligible for an advance payment of up to $20,000 if they have photos and/or videos depicting damage and receipts validating out-of-pocket expenses related to the flood loss, or a contractor’s itemized estimate.

If the flood insurance policy recently expired, ask your agent if you are still within a renewal grace period. You may be able to pay in full to renew and be covered for a loss during that time. 

The Standard Flood Insurance Policy does not cover expenses for code compliance unless the loss qualifies for Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. Speak to your adjuster or insurer for more information.

The NFIP has additional information on floodsmart.gov/how-do-i-start-my-flood-claim for documenting your damage, re-entering safely, and rebuilding stronger, and where to go if you need additional assistance.  

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.

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Wyoming to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding on June 15, 2023.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, 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 Natrona County.

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

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

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Florida homeowners with insurance policies covered by the National Flood Insurance Program are urged to file claims as soon as possible. Advance payments may be available for some policyholders.

Policy holders should call their insurance agent or provider and initiate the claim even if they do not have all necessary documentation because they had to leave the property after the storm.

Homeowners with damage from both wind and flood will need to file two separate claims: a homeowner’s insurance claim and a flood insurance claim. They should let adjusters for each policy know of the claim filed with the other policy.

If filing a flood claim, ask about advance payments. You may be eligible for an advance payment of up to $5,000 prior to a visit from an adjuster. Your insurer will need to confirm covered flood damage to your property and may request additional documentation to support the amount of the advance. 

Policy holders may also be eligible for an advance payment of up to $20,000 if they have photos and/or videos depicting damage and receipts validating out-of-pocket expenses related to the flood loss, or a contractor’s itemized estimate.

If the flood insurance policy recently expired, ask your agent if you are still within a renewal grace period. You may be able to pay in full to renew and be covered for a loss during that time. 

The Standard Flood Insurance Policy does not cover expenses for code compliance unless the loss qualifies for Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. Speak to your adjuster or insurer for more information.

The NFIP has additional information on floodsmart.gov/how-do-i-start-my-flood-claim for documenting your damage, re-entering safely, and rebuilding stronger, and where to go if you need additional assistance.  

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.

WASHINGTON ­-- On Sept. 8, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Hawaii by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for Public Assistance projects undertaken in the state, as a result of wildfires beginning on Aug. 8, 2023, and continuing.

Under the President's order, the federal share for Public Assistance has been increased to 90% of total eligible costs, except assistance previously approved at 100%.

ATLANTA – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are working in communities impacted by Hurricane Idalia to help residents of Cook, Glynn and Lowndes counties apply for FEMA assistance and provide referrals to other disaster resources.

DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. FEMA personnel never ask for money. 

There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual lines are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 

FEMA home inspectors will be in communities to meet with applicants to verify losses. FEMA will contact the homeowner to arrange a time for the inspection. These inspectors carry photo identification badges and will have the applicant’s application number. 

FEMA personnel never ask for money for services. There are no fees involved in applying to FEMA.

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

CHICAGO - As of Monday, Sept. 11, FEMA assistance to residents of Cook County affected by the June 29 – July 2 flooding and storms topped $109 million.

This grant funding, combined with $16.5 million in affordable, low-interest, long-term disaster loans provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), adds up to more than $125 million in total federal assistance to individuals in Cook County.

“In just over three weeks since President Biden announced the federal disaster declaration for Illinois, we’ve seen the whole community come together to advance long-term recovery across the City of Chicago and Cook County,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Andrew Friend. “This $100 million in assistance to survivors is an important milestone, but we know there’s still work to be done. We’ll be here as long as it takes to ensure our programs are available, accessible and beneficial to survivors across the impacted areas as they repair and rebuild from this disaster.”

• Over 28,000 households have been approved for FEMA grant funding totaling $109 million, including:
  • $93.7 million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
  • Nearly $15.3 million approved for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental, and lost personal possessions.
• Nearly 39,000 home inspections have been completed.
• To date, 3,400 survivors have been helped at 6 FEMA recovery centers located throughout Cook County.
• FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have visited more than 35,500 homes and nearly 200 businesses; they have interacted with 9,000 survivors and have registered more than 900 households.

For more information about Cook County’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is October 16, 2023.        

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MADISON, Miss. Residents of Jackson and Jasper counties who couldn’t work as a direct result of the June 14-19 severe storms and tornadoes may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The deadline to apply is quickly approaching -- it’s this Friday, Sept. 15.

Individuals can apply with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES), online 24 hours a day at www.mdes.ms.gov (https//www.mdes.ms.gov) or by calling 601-493-9428 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Individuals may be eligible for many reasons, including:

• They cannot work because of an injury from the storms.
• They could not work, or they lost work, because of damage or destruction of a business.
• They were scheduled to begin employment, but the disaster prevented them from doing so.
• They were unable to reach their jobs because the disaster prevented their travel.
• They were unable to work because their place of employment was inaccessible.

Self-employed individuals who were living or working in Jackson or Jasper counties may be eligible. Each claim will be reviewed to determine eligibility.

The federal government funds Disaster Unemployment Assistance, but the Mississippi Department of Employment Security administers the program.

For the latest information on recovery from the June tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4727. On X/Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The peak of this hurricane season starts tomorrow, and with two tropical cyclones powerfully churning in the Atlantic Ocean that will not affect the Caribbean directly, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials encourage Puerto Rico residents to get their families and property ready, today. If all inhabitants take timely preparedness measures, it will enhance the emergency response and recovery process.

“Along with the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau and the National Weather Service in San Juan, we keep reminding our communities that taking all necessary steps and having emergency plans in place is the right thing to do now,” said Orlando Olivera, FEMA's Caribbean Area Office Coordinator in Puerto Rico. “Talk with your family about your emergency plans. Include your neighbors, especially the elderly ones that may need your support, discuss how you can help each other before and after a disaster. Joining preparedness efforts can ease the recovery process.”

FEMA’s 2023 Preparedness campaign theme, “Take Control in 1, 2, 3,” encourages everyone, especially older adults, to become more prepared in three simple steps: 

• Assess your needs. Everyone has unique needs. There are several factors that can affect the steps you need to take to prepare yourself and those you care for. Whether you care for pets, have children, have a medical condition or have a disability, it is important to know what your family will need to stay safe. 
• Make a plan. Once you’ve assessed your needs, you can plan for what you’d do, where you’d go and what to bring if a disaster strikes. Your emergency supply kit should include items that meet your individual needs. 
• Engage your support network. Get to know your neighbors because they, along with your family and friends, can be a support network before, during and after a disaster by providing emotional and practical support. 

Additional information is available at www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.fema.gov which offer tools and resources to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency events. 

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Follow us on Facebook Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico and FEMA, and on Twitter @femaregion2 and @FEMA

A Month after the Devastating Wildfires, Maui ʻOhana Are Rebuilding Together

LĀHAINĀ, Hawaiʻi – Now that the flames are out and thousands of people are safely housed and fed, now that neighbors and friends have taken the first step of their recovery by helping each other, this devastated community is working hard to recover from the worst disaster to strike Maui in a lifetime.

It has been a month since the Aug. 8 wind-fueled wildfires roared through Lāhainā, indiscriminately taking lives that were nurtured here. Communities are mourning their loss, grieving alongside their loved ones and coming to a deeper understanding that healing will take time.

The same fires destroyed or severely damaged thousands of structures in Lāhainā and knocked out the water supply for Upcountry communities around Kula. The flames turned the colorful, historic town of Lāhainā into a shadow of its former self. Burnt-out cars became melted hulks on Front Street. Singed leaves dangled from the trees that still stood. The King Kamehameha III Elementary School fell, and the children of Lāhainā lost their toys, their teddy bears, their bikes and their games.

Thousands of residents lost their homes and their livelihoods. But what remains of Lāhainā is a tightknit community that shares a collective loss and a commitment to the future. Neighbors are helping neighbors.

Maui arborists, landscapers and volunteers worked to save the town’s famed 150-year-old banyan tree. Community groups stepped in to lend a hand. They collected water, food, clothing and blankets, and took care of each other. Nā ‘Aikāne o Maui Lāhainā Cultural Center set up an orange tent near the Kāʻanapali resorts and filled it with a department store’s worth of donated goods. That’s where two little girls found shiny, new bikes and reason to giggle as they rode around Kāʻanapali this week. Right after the fires, staff from the center temporarily set up at the Lāhainā Post Office before moving to the tent to serve the community.

Disaster response is a shared kuleana. It is a collaborative effort that springs from crisis, led by communities with the support of all levels of government, nonprofits and private companies. From the start, the State of Hawaiʻi and Maui County teamed up with the American Red Cross, supported by FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other federal and local partners, to manage the response and recovery effort. The federal presence has been significant, with more than 1,500 personnel in Maui and Oʻahu. Working together as one ʻohana is healing.

Local, state and federal agencies are also working with trusted local community leaders and faith-based organizations that understand, deeply, the history and culture of Maui. Their guidance is enabling recovery teams to address the challenges on the ground and connect with survivors in a way that resonates with the community. For example, FEMA has modified its “one application per residence” requirement and will allow multiple people, who often live under one family roof in Lāhainā, to apply individually for FEMA assistance. Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners conduct blessing ceremonies for the opening of each disaster recovery center.

The Red Cross has served more than 198,000 meals and hosted nearly 98,500 overnight stays in the first month of the disaster. The state has tapped the humanitarian group to coordinate emergency housing with Maui County for disaster survivors, an effort funded by FEMA. Through the Red Cross, Maui County and FEMA, more than 6,500 survivors are now staying in hotels and timeshare properties where they can develop plans to return to their homes or other more permanent residences. The robust Red Cross effort is ongoing, with families and individuals receiving meals, casework and emotional support. That is how the people of Hawaiʻi care for and support the Maui ʻohana.

Financial support has also flowed. To date, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved more than $65 million in federal assistance for Maui survivors. That total includes $21 million in FEMA assistance approved for individuals and households. Of the $21 million, $10 million was approved for housing assistance and $10.8 million more approved for essentials like clothing, furniture, appliances and cars. SBA disaster loans total nearly $45 million for Maui homeowners, renters and businesses. SBA loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. 

FEMA specialists who were part of the initial wave of responders arriving on the island have helped residents apply for FEMA assistance. So far, more than 5,000 survivors have been approved for FEMA Individual Assistance. That number will keep growing.

Three disaster recovery centers are open in Lāhainā, Makawao and Kahului to help all who lost something essential in the fires. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement also opened a disaster relief center at Maui Mall for survivors who prefer to receive help from other Native Hawaiians.

At disaster recovery centers and the Family Assistance Center, on bulletin boards around the island and across the media, residents can get information critical to their recovery – information that some say is as important as food and water after a major disaster. It helps survivors take those first steps to getting their lives back in order.

On another front, power and water are being restored to Lāhainā and the Upcountry region of Maui. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which supplied temporary power to fire-ravaged areas, has even begun redeploying its generators. It is a clear sign of measurable progress as power is restored. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency has begun identifying and removing hazardous materials from properties struck by the flames. Maui County officials are working closely with the state and the Corps of Engineers to manage the safe and careful removal of debris, a necessary step toward recovery.

Amid the ashen landscape, a flash of light: two little girls on shiny new bikes pedaling faster and faster. In their laughter, you can hear it: ʻOhana is family.

TALLAHASSEE – Survivors who applied for assistance from FEMA after Hurricane Idalia will receive an eligibility letter from FEMA in the mail or via email. 

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

Applicants who were initially found ineligible or disagree with the amount of assistance approved can appeal FEMA’s determination. Applicants may only need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue processing the application. Examples of missing documentation may include:

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

If you have questions about the letter, call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs. 

FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance. FEMA assistance only provides funds for temporary lodging, basic home repairs or other disaster-related expenses.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance, may submit an appeal letter and documents supporting their claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs, or missing documents as described in the determination letter.

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled.

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

• Applicant’s full name 
• Disaster number (DR-4734 for Hurricane Idalia)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence 
• Applicant’s current phone number and address 
• The FEMA application number on all documents

If you choose to have a third party submit an appeal letter on your behalf, the appeal letter must be signed by the third party. Additionally, please include a statement signed by you authorizing the third party to appeal on your behalf.  

Appeal letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the eligibility letter. Letters and supporting documents may be submitted to FEMA by fax, mail or via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions. 

By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055

By fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA 

You may also visit your nearest Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) and submit your appeal. For information on open DRCs, and DRC hours you can visit our DRC Locator page at: DRC Locator (fema.gov) Search by state and select Florida.

For an accessible video on the FEMA eligibility letter go to, FEMA Accessible: Understanding Your Letter - 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.

TALLAHASSEE – A public notice has been posted to the FEMA website describing available FEMA assistance and proposed FEMA-funded actions, including activities that may affect historic properties, threatened and endangered species, critical habitat, or wetlands and floodplains in Florida.  

FEMA is required by law to provide public notice of its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities via the agency’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grants programs.  

The public notice addresses FEMA’s intention to reimburse eligible applicants for costs to repair or replace facilities damaged by Hurricane Idalia in designated counties.  

The public notice is posted on FEMA’s disaster web page at: DR-4734-FL Public Notice 001 | FEMA.gov and on the Florida Division of Emergency Management web page at floridadisaster.org/news-media/news/20230906-dr-4734-fl-disaster-wide-public-notice2/.

Interested persons may obtain information about these actions or a specific project by writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 4, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-4112, or by email at FEMA-R4EHP-FLORIDA@fema.dhs.gov. Please include in the subject line of the email, “DR 4734-FL EHAD”. Comments should be sent in writing to the above address within 30 days of the date of this notice.

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.

ATLANTA –Georgia homeowners and renters in Cook, Glynn and Lowndes counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Idalia 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 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern 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.

TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida and FEMA opened Disaster Recovery Centers in Levy and Suwannee counties today, Sept. 8, to provide one-on-one help to people affected by Hurricane Idalia. The centers will remain open until further notice.

Locations: 

Levy County: Inglis Community Center, 137 Hwy 40, Inglis, FL 34449, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun

Suwannee County: Agricultural Coliseum Exhibition Building 2, 1302 SW 11 St., Live Oak, FL 32064, 9 a.m. to 
7 p.m. Mon-Sun 

Previously opened:

• Dixie County: Dixie County Public Library, 16328 SE US-19, Cross City, FL 32628, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
• Hamilton County: 1153 NW US Hwy 41, Jasper, FL 32052, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun 
• Lafayette County: Mayo Community Center, 150 NW Community Cir., Mayo, FL 32066, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun
• Madison County: Career Source North Florida, 705 E Base St., Madison, FL 32340, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun 

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Residents can visit any center. More centers will open soon. 

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.

In addition to visiting a center, people can apply by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET every day. 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. The deadline to apply with FEMA is Oct. 30, 2023.

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.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs. 

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.–The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance has passed, but help is still available for survivors of the severe winter storms and mudslides that began Feb. 21 and ravaged 14 counties.

FEMA strongly recommends that renters and homeowners in Butte, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, Nevada, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne counties who applied for disaster assistance by the Sept. 1 deadline stay in touch. They will need to keep FEMA updated on any changes in mailing addresses, email addresses, or phone numbers as well as the current status of their insurance settlements.

FEMA can be reached by going online to disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling (800) 621-3362 toll-free, The telephone lines are currently operating round the clock, seven days a week. People who use a relay service, captioned telephone service or other assistive service should give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available.

FEMA also urged survivors to complete and return any U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan applications they may have received. Homeowners, renters and businesses who have applied for low-interest disaster loans can follow up with any questions at by calling SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing disastercustomerservice@SBA.gov.

People are not obligated to accept a loan if approved. If SBA cannot approve an application, in most cases SBA will refer the applicant to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for possible additional assistance.

Homeowners and renters who applied for FEMA disaster assistance have the right to appeal FEMA’s eligibility decisions. Survivors who disagree with FEMA’s eligibility decision may file an appeal in writing within 60 days of receiving their letter, even though the application deadline has passed. To learn more about the appeals process, including what to include and how to file an appeal, click here.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4699. You may also follow @FEMARegion9/Twitter or Facebook.com/FEMA.

WASHINGTON-- FEMA has published a notice in the Federal Register seeking comment on how to enhance the management and administration of its preparedness grant programs.

This national engagement will help the agency gain better understanding of how to continue to assist the nation and first responders in building, sustaining and improving our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate terrorism and other high-consequence disasters and emergencies. 

The Notice and Request for Information (RFI) is in line with both the Department of Homeland Security 2023 Priorities and with the 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan to enhance customer service by soliciting stakeholder feedback. 

“FEMA awards billions of dollars annually to state, local, tribal and territorial governments, as well as non-profit and private sector entities,” said FEMA Assistant Administrator of Grants Pam Williams. “FEMA exists to help people before, during and after their worst days. To do this effectively, our policies and programs are guided by the needs of the people we serve.”

This RFI provides an opportunity for interested parties to provide input. FEMA is seeking suggestions on how to: 

• Improve management and administration of grant programs by simplifying application processes and enhancing customer service.
• Ensure greater accessibility and equity for under resourced populations. 

In 2022 and 2023, FEMA held public listening sessions and tribal consultations to discuss improvements to specific preparedness grant programs and legislation, including the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program; the Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program; Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program; the Build America, Buy America Act; the Shelter and Services Grant Program; and the Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act. In keeping with the 2022–2026 FEMA Strategic Plan, the agency gathers additional feedback to routinely evaluate preparedness grant programs and policies for outcome disparities.     

FEMA will host two public listening sessions and one tribal consultation to allow interested parties to provide feedback. Please visit FEMA.gov for additional information and to register to attend.

For this RFI, interested persons may submit comments electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow the instructions for submitting comments and use Docket ID: FEMA-2023-0024. Submitting this information makes it public; you may wish to read the Privacy and Security Notice. Comments can also be submitted to FEMA by emailing FEMA-Grants-Feedback@fema.dhs.gov. Comments are due no later than 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 7.

Visit FEMA.gov for more information. 

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Georgia to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Idalia on Aug. 30, 2023. 

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cook, Glynn and Lowndes counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. 

Federal funding is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency work, including direct federal assistance for public assistance, damaged by Hurricane Idalia in Cook, Glynn and Lowndes counties. 

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

Judy M. Kruger has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments. 

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Maine to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding on June 26, 2023.

Public assistance federal funding is available to the 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 a severe storm and flooding in Oxford County.  

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

William F. Roy has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state.

WASHINGTON -- Leaders of FEMA and Team Rubicon, a veteran-led global disaster response organization, signed a memorandum today outlining how the organizations will continue to cooperate in carrying out disaster preparedness, response, recovery and other emergency management operations.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell signed the agreement with Team Rubicon’s Vice President of Operations Jeff Byard. The agreement formalizes the organizations’ longstanding partnership. 

“From helping respond to COVID-19, to supporting survivors of Typhoon Mawar in Guam, Team Rubicon always leans forward alongside FEMA in our mission of helping people before, during and after disasters,” said Administrator Criswell. “Team Rubicon is a constant and valued partner, and this agreement both strengthens and reaffirms our partnership.”

“This increased partnership and collaboration with FEMA will enable Team Rubicon to assist more survivors impacted by disaster,” said Art delaCruz, CEO of Team Rubicon. “Information is one of the most valuable things in a disaster, and with our presence in the NRCC [National Response Coordination Center at FEMA headquarters], our local volunteers on the ground can provide FEMA with timely real-world awareness to inform FEMA’s support to local disasters. This will also allow FEMA to share a larger picture of the situation with Team Rubicon, which will allow us to better assess unmet needs within the communities we serve.” 

“Relationships and partnerships are the essential tools that enable a timely and efficient response to the needs of disaster survivors. We have a great relationship with FEMA and now a solid partnership,” said Jeff Byard, Vice President of Operations. “Team Rubicon is excited about this partnership because it will enable our ability to meet needs and help more people. A partnership works both ways, and we will also share information and collaborate on the unmet needs that disasters present.” 

Team Rubicon’s signature 160,000-strong volunteer cadre, known as Greyshirts, have completed more than 1,100 response operations both domestically and internationally since its establishment in 2010.

FEMA and Team Rubicon have forged a strong partnership over the years. Team Rubicon’s efforts have included the COVID-19 pandemic, helping FEMA coordinate over 2 million vaccinations across 110 cities nationwide. Team Rubicon also deployed a coordination team to Guam in response to Typhoon Mawar, helped Texas Hurricane Harvey survivors in 2017 and Alabama tornado survivors in 2022.

MADISON, Miss. – FEMA is bringing its Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach specialists to home improvement and hardware stores in or near the communities affected by the June tornadoes and severe storms. These specialists can offer people tips about repairing, rebuilding, and improving their homes so these dwellings can better withstand severe weather.

For their first stops, starting Friday, Sept. 8, specialists will be at the following locations:

The Home Depot

4100 O’Ferrell St.

Hattiesburg, MS 39402

The Home Depot

1680 Elizabeth Blvd. 

Biloxi, MS 39532 

Dates and hours:

Fri. Sept. 8 – Mon. Sept. 11 and Wed. Sept. 13 – Mon. Sept. 18 

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Specialists can offer tips on topics like cleaning and sanitizing after storm damage, do-it-yourself repairs, and working with general contractors. They will talk with anyone interested in preparing for possible future disasters, not just people affected by the June tornadoes and storms.

Specialists also can be contacted by email at fema-r4-hmhelp@fema.dhs.gov.

For the latest information on recovery from the June tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4727. On X/Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

HONOLULU – Hawaii residents who registered for FEMA assistance for the wildfires that began sweeping across Maui Aug. 8 will receive a determination letter from FEMA. In some cases, the letter may say you are ineligible for assistance. This is not a denial.

It is important to read the letter carefully. It will include the amount of assistance FEMA may provide and information on how you can use your disaster assistance funds. The letter will also explain your application status and it will give you information about what to do to appeal FEMA’s decision.

Your letter might also ask you to send additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue reviewing your application. For example, you may be asked to send one or more of the following:

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

If you are one of multiple families living in the same residence, each family within the household may be eligible for assistance. Your landlord will be required to provide a written statement or agreement that clearly says you had a lease agreement in place before the disaster. You can also provide old rent receipts, bank transactions or checks showing you paid rent to the landlord. These receipts must be dated within three months of the fires. In other words, they must be dated between May 8 and Aug. 8.

If you have questions about your FEMA determination letter, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Help is available in most languages. 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 the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov and fema.gov/disaster/4724. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema.