Jamaica Disaster Recovery Center to Relocate to Wardsboro

The Disaster Recovery Center in Jamaica (Windham County) will cease operations at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23, and relocate to Wardsboro (Windham County).

It will reopen at 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, and continue with regular hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. The new address is:

Wardsboro Town Hall
99 Main St.
Wardsboro, VT 05355

Other recovery centers are also open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday, at the following locations: 

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676

Asa Bloomer Building
88 Merchants Row, Suite 330
Rutland, VT 05701

Barre Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Barton Memorial Building
17 Village Square 
Barton, VT 05822

Springfield Health Center
100 River St. 
Springfield, VT 05156

Cabot Town Hall (relocated from Danville)
3084 Main St. 
Cabot, VT 05647

Northern VT University -- McClelland Hall
131 College Hill Road 
Johnson, VT 05656

Vermont College of Fine Arts University
36 College St. 
Montpelier, VT 05602

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 08/23/2023 - 13:10

President Biden Comforts Survivors in Maui, FEMA Urges Caution Amid Tropical Storm Activity

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joined President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden in Hawaii to survey wildfire damage on Maui, speak to affected residents about their losses, commend emergency responders for their efforts and announce new steps toward recovery. 

While in Hawaii, President Biden and the First Lady participated in a community event with leaders, survivors, families and organizations following the devastating wildfires on Maui. The President also announced the appointment of FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton as the federal government’s Chief Federal Response Coordinator. In this role, Fenton will ensure that every federal asset is provided to help the community rebuild as fast as possible on Maui. To further assist the community’s recovery, the Major Disaster Declaration was amended to provide additional funding to restore or rebuild disaster-damaged publicly owned facilities and the facilities of eligible private nonprofits.

More than 1,000 federal personnel are on the ground on Maui assisting residents in their greatest time of need, including more than 430 search and rescue team members and 43 canines trained to identify remains. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are going into communities to help people register for assistance. To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved over $10 million in assistance to more than 3,000 households.

View Original" data-align="center" data-entity-type="emerald" data-image-style="large" data-asset-type="ImageAsset" data-asset-link="undefined" data-asset-id="47227" src="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/d3ac796c61228391fead70e4a543056e.jpg?itok=eArl_d6d" alt="undefined" class="image-style-large" />LAHAINA, Hawaii -- On Monday, (from left) First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, President Joe Biden, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and First Lady Jaime Kanani Green survey devastated areas on Maui. (FEMA photo)

FEMA Urges Residents to Stay Safe After Hilary, Monitor Tropical Storm Harold 

While FEMA continues to coordinate the federal response efforts in Hawaii, the agency is also coordinating closely with California, Nevada and Tribal Nations affected by Tropical Storm Hilary and stands ready to provide support as needed. The National Response Coordination Center at FEMA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., is operating to coordinate federal resources or requests for assistance. 

FEMA deployed Incident Management Assistance Teams to California with more teams on standby if necessary. FEMA also deployed a Staging Management Team, Incident Support Base Team and Disaster Survivor Assistance Strike Team to California to support the state and Tribal Nations. 

FEMA has also deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team to the Texas Division of Emergency Management in Austin ahead of Tropical Storm Harold’s landfall in South Texas. Harold is expected to produce heavy rains, along with flash and urban flooding. Residents should monitor the storm and pay attention to local officials. 

FEMA encourages everyone to visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov to learn more about how to be prepared and how to protect yourself and your loved ones before, during and after emergencies. 

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 08/22/2023 - 19:05

Army Corps Debris Clean-Up Began in Three Additional Villages this Week

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) debris mission is moving at full steam, conducting separation and pickup of Mawar related debris from residential properties. Inarajan, Sinajana, and Upper Mangilao are the next three villages that have begun debris clean-up this week.

Residents are encouraged to complete their debris sorting and staging as soon as possible to make sure they can take advantage of this service. The residential debris project is a free program available for all residential properties including apartments and condominiums.

Debris Operations currently ongoing in the following villages:

• Agat (Hågat)
• Asan (Asan-Maina)
• Barrigada
• Dededo
• Merizo (Malesso)
• Piti
• Santa Rita (Sånta Rita-Sumai)
• Talofofo (Talo’fo’fo)
• Tamuning
• Yigo

Debris Operations have begun this week in the following villages:

• Inarajan (Inalahan)
• Mangilao
• Sinajana

s Operations are projected to begin soon in the following villages:

• Chalan-Pago-Ordot
• Mongmong-Toto-Maite
• Yona
• Agana Heights

Guam residents are asked to please separate debris by type and place it within the right of way (ROW) within 10 ft of the curb prior to the start of pick-up.

Eligible storm related debris includes vegetative debris, large appliances, construction and demolition debris and metal (cans, tin.)  

Debris should not block the roadway, fire hydrants, powerlines, utilities or transformer boxes.  In addition, debris should not be blocked by parked cars, abandoned cars, or by other means.

To make the process quick and efficient there will be separate trucks for each category of eligible debris (debris refinement, vegetative debris, appliances, construction and demolition debris and metal.) These trucks may arrive at different times in the clean-up process.

Households will be responsible for safely disposing of ineligible debris. Certain forms of ineligible debris may be taken to one of the three Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA) residential transfer stations in Harmon, Hagåt, and Malojloj. Transfer station operation hours are Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A nominal fee is required for disposal of household trash.

Residents are urged to dispose of their solid waste properly. Illegal dumping is a violation of Guam law. In accordance with 10 GCA §51115(b), illegal dumping is subject to fines of up to $1,000 per day, per violation, along with the clean-up cost associated with the violation.

To view the Debris Mission Dashboard detailing current debris mission operations, visit: Guam Debris Mission DR4715 - Dashboard (PUBLIC) (arcgis.com)

For an FAQ answering common questions about the debris mission, visit: U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Debris Mission FAQ | FEMA.gov

For more information on proper debris separation, visit Debris Removal Guidelines for Residential Property (fema.gov)

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website. 

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

robert.barker Tue, 08/22/2023 - 14:31

GUAM STRONG: New Project Helps Make Disaster Damaged Homes Safe and Secure

A new project, a coordinated effort between Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense, The Mayors’ Council, and FEMA has been approved to help households impacted by Typhoon Mawar. The initiative, Getting Urgent Assistance Mobilized to Support Typhoon Repairs ON Guam (GUAM STRONG) provides minimal essential repairs to make homes safe, sanitary and functional.

Participants have been pre-selected through a review process based on a pre-identified need. This process prioritized the elderly, veterans and those with access and functional needs.  There is no application process and those chosen will be contacted directly about their participation in the GUAM STRONG program.

The aim is to restore disaster damaged homes to a habitable condition in a cost-effective manner, so households have shelter until more permanent repairs can be completed. GUAM STRONG may help with basic carpentry, electrical, and plumbing repairs in addition to roofing.

Each home identified as eligible for the GUAM STRONG project must be able to be made functional through repairs costing no more than $10,000.

The driving force of GUAM STRONG is the skilled volunteers from nonprofit partners such as members of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) that will come to Guam and perform repair work on eligible homes. FEMA will be responsible for sourcing the tools and necessary building materials.

One hundred twenty-five homes are projected to be completed by November 25, 2023, based on the level of support committed by the volunteer agencies.

The project is scheduled to commence operations and has begun deploying volunteers with the goal of completing as many repairs as possible by November 25. This timeline aligns with the 6-month deadline for the completion of emergency work.

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, please visit our website. 

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

robert.barker Tue, 08/22/2023 - 14:14

FEMA Issues Public Notice for Mississippi

MADISON, Miss. A public notice has been posted to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and FEMA websites which describes available FEMA disaster assistance and proposed FEMA-funded actions, including activities that may affect historic properties, threatened and endangered species, critical habitat, or wetlands and floodplains in Mississippi. The public notice is posted under Public Notices at https://www.msema.org/news/ and at https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/dr-4727-ms-public-notice-001.

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 the June 14-19 severe storms and tornadoes in designated counties.

This may be the only public notice given regarding these FEMA actions. Questions should be directed to FEMA Region 4 EHP at 3005 Chamblee Tucker Rd., Atlanta, GA 30341 or by email at FEMA-R4-NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov, within 30 days of this notice. Comments should include a subject line of “DR-4727-MS EHAD.”

For the latest information on recovery from the June storms, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4697. On Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.

sandra.habib Mon, 08/21/2023 - 20:59

Four Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

Survivors of the recent wildfires on Maui are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance to help jumpstart their recovery. 

You may apply in any one of the following ways:

• Apply by phone at 1-800-621-3362. Helpline operators are available around the clock, seven days a week. If you need to communicate in another language when you call, press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for interpretation in other languages.  If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Apply by using the FEMA App. Download the free app from your phone's app store.
• Apply in person at the Disaster Recovery Center. The center is located at:    
  University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, 310 W. Kaʻahumanu Ave., Pilina Building,   
  Kahului, Hawaiʻi 96732. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. HST, seven days a week. The center is accessible to people with disabilities and those with other access and functional needs. Reasonable accommodations and American Sign Language are available by request. The center also offers interpreters and translated printed materials in many languages. 

Watch an accessible video on how to apply.

Get additional information on Hawaii’s disaster recovery.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 08/21/2023 - 19:33

Danville Disaster Recovery Center to Relocate to Cabot

The Disaster Recovery Center in Danville (Caledonia County) will cease operations at 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 19, and relocate to Cabot (Washington County).

It will reopen at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 22, and continue regular hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. Here’s the location:

Cabot Town Hall

3084 Main St.

Cabot, VT 05647

Other recovery centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday, at the following locations:

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676

Asa Bloomer Building
88 Merchants Row, Suite 330
Rutland, VT 05701

Barre Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Barton Memorial Building
17 Village Square 
Barton, VT 05822

Springfield Health Center

100 River St. 

Springfield, VT 05156

Jamaica Fire Department 

4017 VT-30
Jamaica, VT 05343

 

Northern VT University -- McClelland Hall

131 College Hill Road

Johnson, VT 05656

Vermont College of Fine Arts University

36 College St., 

Montpelier, VT 05602

kwei.nwaogu Mon, 08/21/2023 - 16:19

Biden-Harris Administration Continues Federal Recovery Efforts in Maui, FEMA Urges Residents Affected by Hilary to Pay Attention to Local Officials

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will travel with President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Jill Biden to Maui, Hawaii, to survey wildfire damage, speak to residents about their loss, commend emergency responders and announce new steps toward recovery. 

As the recovery moves into the next phase, President Biden, alongside Administrator Criswell, will announce that he is appointing FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton as the Federal government’s “Chief Federal Response Coordinator” for Maui. In this role, Fenton will oversee the federal government’s long-term recovery work on the ground for Maui. President Biden is directing Chief Federal Response Coordinator Fenton to ensure that every federal asset is provided to help the community rebuild as fast as possible in Maui.

More than 1,000 federal personnel are on the ground in Maui assisting residents in their greatest time of need, including nearly 450 search-and-rescue team members and 40 canines trained to identify remains. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are going to shelters and survivors’ homes to help people register for assistance. To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved $8.6 million in assistance to over 2,800 households, including $3.6 million in initial rental assistance.

FEMA Urges Residents to Stay Safe After Hilary 

While FEMA continues coordinating federal response efforts in Hawaii, the agency is also closely monitoring the impacts from post-Tropical Storm Hilary. FEMA is closely coordinating with California, southwest states and Tribal Nations in the path of the storm and stands ready to provide support as needed. The National Response Coordination Center at FEMA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. is operating around the clock. FEMA pre-positioned supplies at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California.

Residents in the path of Hilary should continue to listen to their local officials, as flooding is often the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical storm. FEMA deployed two Incident Management Assistance Teams to California and they are prepared to assist with any requests for federal assistance. Additional teams are on standby for deployment if necessary. FEMA also deployed a Staging Management Team, Incident Support Base Team and Disaster Survivor Assistance Strike Team to California to support the state and Tribal Nations. Additionally, three Mobile Emergency Response Support units are en route to California to provide communications and technical support.

The National Weather Service predicts post-Tropical Storm Hilary will produce additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches today, with isolated storm totals up to 12 inches, in portions of Southern California and Southern Nevada. Continued localized flash and urban flooding is expected. Residents who live in areas affected by wildfires in the last two years should be especially cautious as burn scars have an increased risk of flash flooding and debris flows. 

As the storm continues to move across Nevada today and into Oregon and Idaho through Tuesday, visitors and residents in in the storm’s path should monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and heed local evacuation orders. 

FEMA encourages everyone to visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov to learn more about how to be prepared and how to protect yourself and your loved ones during emergencies. 

Stay Safe During and After the Storm

Important safety reminders if you’re in an area that has been, or is still being impacted by the storm:

• Flooding is often the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical storm. It poses a significant threat for drowning and can occur before, during or after the center of a storm passes through an area. Be aware: Flooding can sometimes cut off transportation routes with little or no warning.
• Don’t drive or walk through flood waters. It only takes a small amount of water to move people or vehicles. If you encounter a flooded roadway, don’t attempt to pass through water; turn around, don’t drown. 
• Stay off the roads. Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas or cleaning up debris. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
• Avoid downed power or utility lines; they may be live with deadly voltage. Report them immediately to your power or utility company.
• Your National Flood Insurance Program policy will cover and reimburse certain actions you take to minimize damage to your home and belongings before a flood.  

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 08/21/2023 - 16:15

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Montana’s River Road East Fire

DENVER – Early this morning FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the River Road East Fire burning in Sanders County near the Paradise community. 

FEMA Region 8 Administrator Nancy Dragani approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request overnight and determining that the fire threatened such destruction that it would constitute a major disaster.

At the time of the request, the River Road East Fire was threatening residences in the community of Paradise, population 166 and an additional 250 residents in the surrounding area. There was also an imminent threat to infrastructure including transportation systems and critical communications. The fire has now burned nearly 12,000 acres of state, federal and private land and there is 0% containment. 

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75-percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. It is a reimbursable program. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, mobilization activities, tools, materials and supplies. 

When there is an FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures and ignition-resistant construction. 

For more information on FMAGs, visit  https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.

jamie.casterton Mon, 08/21/2023 - 14:26

FFEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight the Gray and Oregon Fires in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. -  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Gray Fire and the Oregon Fire burning in Spokane County, Washington.  

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Gray Fire was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 8:17 p.m. PT. The Oregon Fire request was approved on Friday, August 18, at 11:16 p.m. PT. Nunn determined that both fires threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. There have now been seven FMAGs declared in 2023 to help fight Washington wildfires. 

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire. 

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under these FMAGs, another $2,450,064 will be available to the State of Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.  

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

 

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

 

mary.j.edmon Mon, 08/21/2023 - 06:20

FEMA Urges Residents to Complete Preparation Ahead of Hilary

WASHINGTON -- FEMA continues coordinating the federal response efforts in Hawaii, while also closely monitoring the impacts from Tropical Storm Hilary in California and other states in the southwest. 

FEMA is coordinating closely with California, Arizona and Nevada in the path of the storm and stands ready to provide support as needed. FEMA pre-positioned supplies at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California. A FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team deployed to the California Office of Emergency Services and is prepared to assist with any requests for federal assistance. Additional teams are on standby for deployment if necessary.

Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin later today in portions of the southwestern U.S. The National Hurricane Center predicts rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated amounts of 10 inches across portions of southern California and southern Nevada. 

FEMA urges residents in Hilary’s path to complete preparation for flooding impacts associated with the storm. Although Hilary is expected to weaken to a tropical storm before it reaches Southern California, it is forecast to bring dangerous to catastrophic flooding across portions of southern California and southern Nevada.

Residents should not focus on the exact track of the hurricane. Hurricanes are immense systems, and their size, intensity, speed and direction can change quickly. Additionally, areas far from the storm’s center can experience effects such as flooding and heavy winds.

As the storm moves inland, visitors and residents in the storm’s forecast path should monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and heed local evacuation orders. 

FEMA encourages everyone to visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov to learn more about how to be prepared and how to protect yourself and your loved ones during emergencies. 

Stay Safe During and After the Storm

Important safety reminders if you’re in an area that has been or is still being impacted by the storm:

• If local officials give the order to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not forget your pets.
• Flooding is often the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical storm. It poses a significant threat for drowning and can occur before, during or after the center of a storm passes through an area. Be aware: Flooding can sometimes cut off transportation routes with little or no warning.
• Don’t drive or walk through flood waters. It only takes a small amount of water to move people or vehicles. If you encounter a flooded roadway, don’t attempt to pass through water -- turn around, don’t drown. 
• Stay off the roads. Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas or cleaning up debris. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
• Avoid downed power or utility lines; they may be live with deadly voltage. Report them immediately to your power or utility company.
• Your National Flood Insurance Program policy will cover and reimburse certain actions you take to minimize damage to your home and belongings before a flood.  

The Biden-Harris Administration Continues Support for Hawaii

In the days since President Biden declared a major disaster declaration for the state of Hawaii, FEMA personnel have been coordinating federal efforts on the ground and supporting our state, local and volunteer-agency partners. The Joint Donations and Volunteer Management Task Force is coordinating with the Maui Mayor’s office to efficiently distribute donated resources to areas of need. To learn more about FEMA’s work with our state, county and federal partners, visit FEMA.gov.

Disaster Survivor Assistance teams on Maui are actively helping survivors apply for disaster assistance. FEMA is encouraging survivors to visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the University of Hawaii Maui College, located at 310 W. Ka’ahumanu Ave., Kahului. Survivors can speak to recovery specialists and have access to other federal and state resources from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. HST, seven days a week. 

Survivors may also apply or check on their application by calling 800-621-3362, visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. If people use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, they need to give FEMA the number for that service.

luther.wills-dudich Sun, 08/20/2023 - 15:23

FEMA Continues Hawaii Response, Urges Preparedness for Hurricane Hilary

WASHINGTON -- FEMA continues coordinating federal response efforts in Hawaii, while also closely monitoring the track of Hurricane Hilary in the Pacific and other potential storms in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. 

FEMA is coordinating closely with California and other states in the path of the storm and stands ready to provide support as needed. Those living in the path of Hurricane Hilary should take steps now to prepare for the impacts of this storm, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and flooding. Residents and visitors in potentially affected areas should learn their evacuation routes, have a family emergency communications plan, ensure they are receiving emergency alerts and check on your neighbors, especially those who are older adults or may need additional assistance. 

Make sure you plan for your family members, pets and service animals. People with disabilities and older adults and their families may need to take additional steps to plan for their individual circumstances to effectively prepare for disasters.

FEMA encourages everyone to visit ready.gov or listo.gov to learn more about how to be prepared and how to protect yourself and your loved ones during emergencies. Make sure your family, friends and neighbors understand the potential affects Hurricane Hilary could bring to your area.

Anyone in the forecast path of the storm should monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and heed local evacuation orders. 

Biden-Harris Administration Continues Support for Hawaii

In the days since President Biden declared a major disaster declaration for the state of Hawaii, FEMA has approved more than $7 million in assistance to more than 2,200 households. The Joint Donations and Volunteer Management Task Force is coordinating with the Maui Mayor’s office to efficiently distribute donated resources to areas of need. At the state’s request, more than 1,000 federal employees are in Hawaii to help the state recover from the devastating wildfires, including more than 450 search and rescue team members and personnel K9 teams who continue their mission to meticulously search for victims. To learn more about FEMA’s work with our state, county and federal partners visit FEMA.gov.

Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are on Maui, actively helping survivors apply for disaster assistance. FEMA is encouraging survivors to visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the University of Hawaii Maui College, located at 310 W. Ka’ahumanu Avenue, Kahului, Hawaii. Survivors can speak to FEMA specialists, get assistance registering for disaster assistance, get in touch with voluntary organizations and have access to other federal and state resources from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. HST, seven days a week. Survivors may also apply by calling 800-621-3362, visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. If people use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, they need to give FEMA the number for that service.

Encouraging Awareness and Preparedness for Hurricane Hilary 

FEMA is tracking Hurricane Hilary as it approaches California, which could bring tropical storm conditions starting this weekend into Monday. The area in the path of the storm has not experienced this type of weather in decades. There is the potential for catastrophic and life-threatening flooding over Baja California and the southwestern U.S., including parts of Nevada and Arizona, through Monday. 

Hurricane-force winds are expected along the west-central coast of the Baja California peninsula tonight and Sunday morning. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service National Hurricane Center predicts rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated amounts of 10 inches across portions of southern California and southern Nevada. A FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team is deploying to California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and other teams are on standby for deployment if necessary. FEMA also has a distribution center in California to support any requests for food, water and other items from the state. 

Now is the Time to Prepare

• Get Emergency Alerts: Make sure to sign up to receive weather alerts in your community and to stay updated on the latest weather news from the National Weather Service. 
• Gather Supplies: Have enough supplies for your household. Include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies. After a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for days or weeks.
• Don’t drive through flood waters: Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low-lying areas at bridges and at highway dips. As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Personal Safety: Listen to officials and stay off the roads if told to do so. Evacuate if told to do so. 
• Evacuating: If you are in potentially affected areas, you should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a family emergency communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have plans for your family members and pets. If you are a person with disabilities, you may need to take additional steps to plan for both your needs and your service animal. 

Visit ready.gov or listo.gov to learn how you can keep yourself, your family and your pets safe.

alex.fonseca Sat, 08/19/2023 - 21:24

Equipos de FEMA trabajan en comunidades del condado de Cook

 CHICAGO – Los equipos de Asistencia a Sobrevivientes del Desastre (DSA, en inglés) de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) están visitando los hogares en las comunidades del condado de Cook para ayudar a que los residentes afectados por el desastre puedan navegar el progreso de asistencia federal. 

Estos equipos visitarán hogares, negocios y organizaciones sin fines de lucro en las áreas afectadas para apoyar a los residentes a inscribirse para recibir asistencia; identificar y atender las necesidades inmediatas y emergentes; y referir a otras agencias locales, estatales y voluntarias para apoyo adicional. 

Los equipos de DSA jamás le pedirán o aceptarán dinero y siempre llevarán una identificación de FEMA con una fotografía. Una camisa de FEMA, un chaleco o un abrigo no son prueba de identidad. Al asistirle durante la inscripción, le pedirán información personal, lo que incluye número de seguro social, ingreso anual e información bancaria. Se exhorta a los residentes a que soliciten una identificación antes de proveer cualquier información personal. También pueden llamar a la Línea de Ayuda de FEMA al 1-800-621-3362 para verificar si una visita de FEMA es legítima. 

Los residentes del condado de Cook no tienen que esperar por un equipo de DSA para inscribirse para asistencia. Para inscribirse, descargue la aplicación móvil de FEMA, visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es o llame al 1-800-621-3362. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otros, provea a FEMA el número de ese servicio cuando solicite. 

Para más información sobre el operativo de recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite https://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4728. 

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La asistencia de recuperación en desastre se brinda sin discrimen por raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o situación económica. Habrá acomodo razonable —que incluye traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano por medio de un servicio de retransmisión de video— para garantizar una comunicación efectiva con los solicitantes que tengan un dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades o necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce tiene una queja por discriminación, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 1-800-621-3362 (incluye 711 o retransmisión por video). Si es una persona con sordera o con discapacidad auditiva o del habla y utiliza TTY, llame al 1-800-462-7585.

nicole.wilson Sáb, 19/08/2023 - 20:59

Biden-Harris Administration Sends Nearly 1,000 Federal Responders to Hawaii

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that nearly 1,000 federal responders are on the ground in Hawaii to help the state recover from the devastating wildfires. In the days since President Biden declared a major disaster declaration for the state of Hawaii, FEMA has approved more than $5.6 million in assistance to nearly 2,000 households including more than $2.3 million in initial rental assistance.

Search and rescue teams remain on the ground to assist with efforts and are working diligently to ensure all properties are meticulously searched and any victims and personal property are handled with the utmost reverence and respect. 

Thanks to the partnership between the Hawaii Fire Relief Housing program administered by the American Red Cross and funded by FEMA, the number of survivors in congregate shelters fell by 50% yesterday. The Red Cross expects to move all survivors who are in shelters into hotel rooms by next week. More than 300 Red Cross staff are working with partners to ensure people receive help as quickly as possible. 

The Red Cross has distributed 30,000 meals and snacks to survivors and responded to more than 2,100 requests to help families locate missing loved ones. Additionally, the Salvation Army served roughly 12,000 meals a day to survivors since last week and continues this feeding mission and is also providing emotional and spiritual support to survivors in the west part of Maui.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) immediately deployed staff to Maui following the Hawaii wildfires and has a full incident command team on the ground working closely with FEMA and our federal, state and local partners. The agency’s efforts are focused on identifying, removing and safely disposing of household hazardous waste and disaster debris to protect residents from environmental and health hazards. This is the next step in the recovery process before the clearing of debris. 

All of EPA’s response efforts while on Maui will be guided by its cultural resources and historic properties plan that the agency is working to develop with the Hawaii State Historic Preservation Division. This plan will help responders identify, protect and properly handle cultural resources, which were significantly impacted during the wildfire.

FEMA is encouraging survivors to visit its newly opened joint Disaster Recovery Center at the University of Hawaii Maui College, located at 310 W. Ka’ahumanu Avenue, Kahului, Hawaii. Survivors can speak to FEMA specialists, get assistance registering for disaster assistance, get in touch with voluntary organizations and have access to other federal and state resources from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. HST seven days a week.

Biden-Harris Administration Actions to Support Residents of Hawaii

Agencies including FEMA, the Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are all working in tandem to help support the communities impacted by this tragedy. In addition to the actions listed above, the following agencies are providing support:

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency continues to work closely with state, county, and federal partners to aid active response efforts and to help survivors jumpstart their recovery. More than 1,000 federal responders, including 350 search and rescue team members and K9 teams are deployed in Hawaii to support residents in their greatest time of need. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are going to shelters and survivors’ homes to help people register for assistance. Nearly 6,000 survivors have registered for federal assistance and may be eligible for immediate resources such as hotel rooms or financial assistance. Survivors who have not yet registered can do so 24 hours a day by calling 800-621-3362, by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. If people use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, they need to give FEMA the number for that service. Survivors may also be approved for a one-time immediate payment of $700 for Critical Needs Assistance, one of several types of federal assistance they may be eligible to receive. Examples of other types of assistance include help with a temporary place to stay, funding home repairs and emergency needs that insurance and other financial assistance sources may not cover. 
• The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau created a disaster and emergencies guide to handling your finances including resources to help you recover, such as tackling housing issues, protecting your finances, dealing with property damage, managing your bills, and asking for help from financial companies like banks, credit cards and other lenders.  If you’re having trouble with a financial company, you can’t resolve, submit a complaint with the online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) deployed 85 experts from the National Disaster Medical System’s Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team and a Victim Identification Center team to assist Maui County with victim identification and respectfully processing human remains. ASPR also deployed a portable morgue unit to help with processing human remains and five additional fatality management experts. ASPR is providing additional personnel to bolster mental health staff and resources available at Lahaina Comprehensive Health Center. 
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has more than 30 staff on the ground in Hawaii and are phasing in more. Survivors and businesses who register for FEMA assistance will also be eligible for low-interest disaster loans. To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must contact FEMA first. Information and details on the location of business recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955. SBA’s Disaster lending program has also started getting money to Maui. 
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service approved waivers which will allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households in Maui to purchase hot foods with SNAP benefits through Sept. 14; raise the maximum monthly and allow certain food substitutions for those using the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children program through Oct. 31; and, certain children’s food programs may serve meals in a non-congregate setting, adjust the time of meal service, allow parent pick up of meals and serve meals at school sites due to the unanticipated closures. 
• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is providing a 90-day relief from foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration-insured mortgages and home equity conversion mortgages. Homeowners affected by the disaster should contact their mortgage or loan servicer immediately. Call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320 for additional information. To learn more about disaster relief options for FHA homeowners visit the FHA Disaster Relief site. HUD also released regulatory and administrative waivers to help communities accelerate their recovery. This includes funding for housing rehabilitation and reconstruction, homebuyer programs replacing disaster damaged residences, infrastructure improvements and assistance to people at risk of homelessness.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed 27 responders, 15 personnel providing virtual support and 41 contractors to assist with planning and assessments for generator installations and debris collection and removal. Temporary power personnel completed 10 of 11 generator installations.

Additional State and Voluntary Actions

• Maui County government officials are distributing food, water and other supplies at two locations in Lahaina: Gateway Center at 325 Keawe St. and Napili Plaza at 5095 Napilihau St. The Maui Humane Society has pet supplies at both locations. 
• American Red Cross and Maui County continue to staff and support six shelters where food, water, hygiene kits and other essential resources are provided to survivors who are unable to return home. FEMA survivor assistance specialists are located at the shelters helping people register for federal assistance. Those affected by the fires may visit a Red Cross shelter to get a hot meal, charge their phone and access other essential support. 

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 08/18/2023 - 16:49

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Jackson and Jasper Counties

MADISON, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and FEMA are opening Disaster Recovery Centers in Jackson and Jasper counties to help people affected by the June tornadoes. The centers will open for business on Saturday, Aug. 19 at 9 a.m.

At these service centers homeowners and renters will be able to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists.

• FEMA application specialists can answer questions about application status. They also can help with new applications.
• MEMA representatives can answer questions about unmet needs and potential state and local resources. They may make referrals to nonprofit organizations.
• Disaster loan specialists from the Small Business Administration can explain how loans can help both homeowners and businesses. They also can provide details about loan terms.
• Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach specialists will talk with homeowners, renters, and businesses on techniques to make them and their property more resilient.

Centers are open

• Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

at the following locations:

Jackson County
Riverfront Community Center
4400 Denny St.
Moss Point, MS 39563 

Jasper County
Louin City Hall
4240 MS-15
Louin, MS 39338

Going to a center is not necessary to apply with FEMA. Apply by phone by calling the FEMA Helpline at 
800-621-3362 or online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

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

sandra.habib Fri, 08/18/2023 - 15:14

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

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Tennessee to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and straight-line winds June 25 – 26, 2023.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms and straight-line winds in Fayette, Shelby and Tipton counties.

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

Yolanda J. Jackson 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.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 08/18/2023 - 15:07

34 Debris Teams on the Ground in Guam, New Locations Scheduled to Begin Soon

With 34 debris clean-up teams on the ground, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) debris mission is moving at full-steam, conducting separation and pickup of Mawar related debris from residential properties. Three new locations (Chalan-Pago-Ordot, Mongmong-Toto-Maite and Yona) have been scheduled to begin debris pick-up soon.

Residents are encouraged to complete their debris sorting and staging as soon as possible to make sure they can take advantage of this service. The residential debris project is a free program available for all residential properties including apartments and condominiums.

Debris Operations currently ongoing in the following villages:

• Agat (Hågat)
• Asan (Asan-Maina)
• Barrigada
• Dededo
• Inarajan (Inalahan)
• Mangilao
• Merizo (Malesso)
• Piti
• Santa Rita (Sånta Rita-Sumai)
• Sinajana
• Talofofo (Talo’fo’fo)
• Tamuning
• Yigo

Debris Operations are projected to begin soon in the following villages:

• Chalan-Pago-Ordot
• Mongmong-Toto-Maite
• Yona

Guam residents are asked to please separate debris by type and place it within the right of way (ROW) within 10 ft of the curb prior to the start of pick-up.

Eligible storm related debris includes vegetative debris, large appliances, construction and demolition debris and metal (cans, tin.)  

Debris should not block the roadway, fire hydrants, powerlines, utilities or transformer boxes.  In addition, debris should not be blocked by parked cars, abandoned cars, or by other means.

To make the process quick and efficient there will be separate trucks for each category of eligible debris (debris refinement, vegetative debris, appliances, construction and demolition debris and metal.) These trucks may arrive at different times in the clean-up process.

Households will be responsible for safely disposing of ineligible debris. Certain forms of ineligible debris may be taken to one of the three Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA) residential transfer stations in Harmon, Hagåt, and Malojloj. Transfer station operation hours are Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A nominal fee is required for disposal of household trash.

Residents are urged to dispose of their solid waste properly. Illegal dumping is a violation of Guam law. In accordance with 10 GCA §51115(b), illegal dumping is subject to fines of up to $1,000 per day, per violation, along with the clean-up cost associated with the violation.

To view the Debris Mission Dashboard detailing current debris mission operations, visit: Guam Debris Mission DR4715 - Dashboard (PUBLIC) (arcgis.com)

For an FAQ answering common questions about the debris mission, visit: U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Debris Mission FAQ | FEMA.gov

For more information on proper debris separation, visit: Debris Removal Guidelines for Residential Property (fema.gov)

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website. 

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

robert.barker Fri, 08/18/2023 - 14:32

FEMA Teams Working in Cook County Neighborhoods

CHICAGO - Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams from FEMA are going door-to-door in Cook County communities, helping disaster-impacted residents navigate the federal assistance process.  

These teams will be visiting homes, businesses and nonprofit organizations in affected areas to help residents register for assistance, identify and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, state and voluntary agencies for additional support.  

DSA teams will never ask for or accept money and will always be wearing a FEMA identification badge with a photograph. A FEMA shirt, vest or jacket is not proof of identity. While helping someone register, they will ask for personal information, including social security number, annual income and bank information. Residents are encouraged to ask for identification before providing any personal information. They can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify a FEMA visit is legitimate.

Cook County residents don’t have to wait for a DSA team to register for assistance. To register, download the FEMA Mobile App, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), 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/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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

nicole.wilson Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:14

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office has compensated over $27 million to Claimants

SANTA FE, N.M. - The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office has paid Claimants over $27 million as of today. “When I think about the weeks and months ahead, I really think about it as a time of accelerated action”, said Director Angela Gladwell. “The Claims Office will continue to compensate claimants as quickly as possible and ensure those claimants are receiving the full compensation under the law”.

To date, the Claims Office has paid for and put into place 62 flood insurances policies for Claimants. The Claims Office also continues to work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide Conservation Restoration Plans at no charge to claimants, which can then be submitted to the Claims Office for compensation.

The Claims Office encourages all those who were impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding to submit a Notice of Loss. Notice of Loss forms can be found at fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_notice-loss-hermits-peak-fire-form.pdf. You can submit your Notice of Loss via email at fema-hermits-peak@fema.dhs.gov, or by mail to FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office, or by visiting one of our three Claims Offices listed below. Claims Offices are open Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mora Claims Office 
Mora County Courthouse  
1 Courthouse Drive  
Mora, NM 87732

Las Vegas Claims Office  
216 Mills Avenue  
Las Vegas, NM 87701 (In Mills Plaza)

Santa Fe Claims Office 
1711 Llano Street, Suite E 
Santa Fe, NM 87505 
(Next to Mucho Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe)

For more information about the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act and the Claims Office, visit fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice. 

 

candace.herring Thu, 08/17/2023 - 21:00

Biden Harris Administration Provides $3.8 Million in Assistance for Hawaii Residents in Wake of Devastating Wildfires

WASHINGTON -- One week since President Biden declared a major disaster declaration for the state of Hawaii in the wake of the devastating wildfires, the Biden-Harris Administration and voluntary agencies provided survivors with immediate needs such as food, water and shelter and approved millions of dollars in disaster relief. To date, FEMA has approved more than $3.8 million in assistance to 1,640 households including more than $1.57 million in initial rental assistance.

Yesterday, President Biden made additional disaster funding available to the state of Hawaii. This unlocks the federal government’s ability to cover all eligible expenses for debris removal and emergency protective measures in Maui County and assistance for emergency protective measures for Hawaii County for 30 days of the governor’s choosing within the first 120 days of the disaster.

FEMA also opened a joint Disaster Recovery Center yesterday at the University of Hawaii Maui College, located at 310 W. Ka’ahumanu Avenue, Kahului, Hawaii. Survivors can speak to FEMA specialists, get assistance registering for disaster assistance, get in touch with voluntary organizations and have access to other federal and state resources from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. HST seven days a week.

Agencies including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are all working in tandem to help support the communities impacted by this tragedy.

 FEMA Response and Recovery Efforts

• FEMA continues to work closely with state, county and federal partners to aid active response efforts and to help survivors jumpstart their recovery. More than 600 federal responders, including 250 search and rescue team members and K9 teams, are deployed in Hawaii to support residents in their greatest time of need. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are going to shelters and survivors’ homes to help people register for assistance.
• More than 5,000 survivors have registered for federal assistance and may be eligible for immediate resources such as hotel rooms or financial assistance. Survivors who have not yet registered can do so 24 hours a day by calling 800-621-3362, by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. If people use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, they need to give FEMA the number for that service.
• Survivors may also be approved for a one-time immediate payment of $700 for Critical Needs Assistance, one of several types of federal assistance you may be eligible to receive. Examples of other types of assistance include help with a temporary place to stay, funding home repairs, and emergency needs that insurance and other financial assistance sources may not cover.

Biden-Harris Administration Actions to Support Resident of Hawaii

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) deployed 75 experts from the National Disaster Medical System’s Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team and a Victim Identification Center team to assist Maui County with victim identification and respectfully processing human remains. ASPR also deployed a portable morgue unit to help with processing human remains.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has more than 30 staff on the ground in Hawaii and are phasing in more. Survivors and businesses who register for FEMA assistance, will also be eligible for low-interest disaster loans. To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must contact FEMA first. Information and details on the location of business recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service approved waivers which will allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households in Maui to purchase hot foods with SNAP benefits through Sept. 14; raise the maximum monthly and allow certain food substitutions for those using the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program through Oct. 31; and, certain children’s food programs may serve meals in a non-congregate setting, adjust the time of meal service, allow parent pick up of meals, and serve meals at school sites due to the unanticipated closures.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is providing a 90-day relief from foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration-insured mortgages and home equity conversion mortgages. Homeowners affected by the disaster should contact their mortgage or loan servicer immediately. Call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320 for additional information. To learn more about disaster relief options for FHA homeowners visit the FHA Disaster Relief site. HUD also released regulatory and administrative waivers to help communities accelerate their recovery. This includes funding for housing rehabilitation and reconstruction, homebuyer programs replacing disaster damaged residences, infrastructure improvements and assistance to people at risk of homelessness.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed 27 responders, 15 personnel providing virtual support and 41 contractors to assist with planning and assessments for generator installations and debris collection and removal.

Additional State and Voluntary Actions

• Maui County government officials are distributing food, water and other supplies at two locations in Lahaina: Gateway Center at 325 Keawe St. and Napili Plaza at 5095 Napilihau St. The Maui Humane Society has pet supplies at both locations.
• American Red Cross and Maui County continue to staff and support six shelters where food, water, hygiene kits and other essential resources are provided to survivors who are unable to return home. FEMA survivor assistance specialists are located at the shelters helping people register for federal assistance. Those affected by the fires may visit a Red Cross shelter to get a hot meal, charge their phone and access other essential support.
• More than 300 Red Cross staff are working with partners to ensure people receive help as quickly as possible and has distributed more than 28,600 meals and snacks to survivors and responded to more than 2,100 requests to help families locate missing loved ones.
• Survivors on Maui who need medication, dialysis, or access to essential healthcare can visit Rx Open for updated information on the operating status of pharmacies, dialysis centers and community health centers.

How to Help

• After a disaster, people come together to help. To make the most of your contributions, it’s important to follow guidelines for donating and volunteering responsibly. Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery.
• The state of Hawaii has a centralized location where you can find opportunities to volunteer, donate and request support at hawaii.gov.
• FEMA will be offering specialized online trainings for local officials on the federal rules that allow for expedited procurement actions during circumstances that require immediate aid or action. The first of these webinars is Aug. 22. For more information and to register, visit Hawaii Wildfires: Purchasing Under Exigency or Emergency (E&E) Circumstances Training | FEMA.gov.
• FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. Any member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted by emailing FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov or calling 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.
   

To learn more about the Hawaii Wildfires response and recovery efforts, visit FEMA.gov. FEMA also launched a rumors page to provide accurate information to survivors.

alex.fonseca Thu, 08/17/2023 - 20:49