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FEMA Announces 2023 Youth Preparedness Council
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced the new group of dedicated young people who committed to engaging and advocating for preparedness as part of the 2023-2024 FEMA national Youth Preparedness Council.
“Every year, I look forward to welcoming this talented, diverse and accomplished group of young people to FEMA,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “As the next generation of emergency managers, the input provided by the Youth Preparedness Council is invaluable, and we are confident they will carry the lessons learned here back to their communities to help them before, during and after disasters.”
The council consists of student leaders in grades 8-11 who devote their time and effort to learn about emergency management and serve as preparedness ambassadors in their community. Members are chosen based on their dedication to public service, community involvement and potential to increase levels of community resilience throughout the country.
These 15 youth leaders will spend a year on the national council supporting FEMA’s commitment to promote and sustain a prepared nation. The council provides FEMA with an avenue to engage young people and gain direct insights on ways to consider their perspectives, feedback and opinions.
National Youth Preparedness Council Members:- Jordy Almonte of New York
- Armaan Bhasin of Wisconsin
- Georgia Bukata of Arizona
- Arushi Gupta of California
- Michael Hamad of Texas
- Diego Irizarry Ramos of Puerto Rico
- Bryce Ludikhuize of Wyoming
- Anjali Mukundan of Virginia
- Ysabella Olsen of Missouri
- Iris-Bella Quiroa of Rhode Island
- Kennedy Solaru of Washington, D.C.
- Suniti Srinivasan of Washington
- Julia Surzykiewicz of Illinois
- Isabella Tarsitano of Florida
- Jiaming Zhang of Oregon
The FEMA Youth Preparedness Council was formed in 2012 to bring together youth leaders from across the country engaged in advocating for preparedness.
While on the council, national Youth Preparedness Council members meet with FEMA staff to provide input on strategies, initiatives and projects. During their term, members gain professional skills and forge new relationships as they work on teams to develop preparedness-related projects.
Learn more about FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 07/11/2023 - 15:07Murray County, Oklahoma, Flood Maps Become Final
DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on Jan. 11, 2024, for Murray County, Oklahoma. During the next six months, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update each floodplain ordinance and adopt these new flood maps.
Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low-to-moderate or high-risk flood zone. The current and future Flood Insurance Rate Map can be viewed on FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer at https://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.
By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation. Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.
Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if their structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding. A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and answer questions about the maps as well. Contact them by phone or online chat.
- To use the live chat service, visit floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
- To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 877-FEMA MAP (877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.
There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov.
alexa.brown Tue, 07/11/2023 - 14:06Johnston County, Oklahoma, Flood Maps Become Final
DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on Jan. 11, 2024, for Johnston County, Oklahoma. During the next six months, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update each floodplain ordinance and adopt these new flood maps.
Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low-to-moderate or high-risk flood zone. The current and future Flood Insurance Rate Map can be viewed on FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer at https://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.
By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation. Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.
Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if their structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding. A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and answer questions about the maps as well. Contact them by phone or online chat.
- To use the live chat service, visit floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
- To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 877-FEMA MAP (877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.
There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov.
alexa.brown Tue, 07/11/2023 - 13:55FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the Commonwealth of Virginia
PHILADELPHIA - The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Surry Power Station during the week of July 17, 2023. The exercise will assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Virginia to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.
“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone surrounding the Surry Power Station.
The Commonwealth of Virginia and communities located within approximately 10 miles of a nuclear power station have prepared emergency response plans. These plans provide guidelines to the state and local government organizations which ensure effective direction and control in a nuclear emergency. The plans include procedures for warning the public and for taking protective actions, such as sheltering or evacuation, in the event of a nuclear emergency. Protective action plans within this area are designed to avoid or reduce dose from potential exposures such as inhaling radioactive particles.
Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.
FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 4:00 p.m. on July 20, 2023. The meeting will be conducted in-person at the Marriott Newport News City Center. Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the NRC. The location of the public meeting is provided below:
Marriot Newport News City Center
740 Town Center Drive
Newport News, VA 23606
(757) 873-9299
At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:
MaryAnn Tierney
Regional Administrator
FEMA Region 3
615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) program in 1980 to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.
REP Program responsibilities cover only offsite activities, such as state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries, such as public information and warning. Onsite activities, such as fire protection, engineering, and environmental monitoring inspections, continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.
Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.
Additional information on nuclear safety from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management can be found online at vaemergency.gov/threats/nuclear-safety.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3
charles.elison Tue, 07/11/2023 - 12:58FEMA and SiriusXM Expand Relationship to Enhance Delivery of Emergency Alerts
WASHINGTON -- FEMA and SiriusXM today announced an expansion of their relationship that will enhance connectivity of FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS), National Public Warning System. As part of the new program, SiriusXM will give FEMA access to secure bandwidth on SiriusXM’s proprietary satellite radio system to provide additional connectivity between FEMA and the National Public Warning System (NPWS) network.
SiriusXM will be providing a satellite-based delivery system to FEMA’s NPWS, which consists of 77 designated radio broadcast stations and other relay facilities that cooperatively participate with FEMA to provide emergency alert and warning information to the public.
“A secure, trusted, capable and reliable technology ecosystem is the foundation of the IPAWS NPWS capability,” said Antwane Johnson, Director of FEMA IPAWS. “IPAWS embraces innovative technologies and platforms, and SiriusXM’s satellite network helps reinforce our capabilities.”
“By supplying this satellite-based backup for FEMA’s backbone communications system, SiriusXM helps to strengthen FEMA’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to weather-related crises and other emergencies,” said Bridget Neville, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Signal Distribution Engineering, SiriusXM. “SiriusXM has worked extensively with FEMA over the years, and we are proud of our efforts that aid in delivering critical emergency messages to the public. We look forward to deepening and expanding upon our relationship with FEMA through this program and additional opportunities to leverage our satellite network in the future.”
SiriusXM has collaborated with FEMA for more than two decades, including providing dedicated satellite radio receivers for FEMA to distribute during emergencies, operating as an NPWS station and carrying other emergency information to disaster-stricken regions. SiriusXM’s satellite network plays an essential public safety role during natural disasters and other emergencies by providing potentially life-saving information to remote areas not easily reached by terrestrial facilities, and in times of emergencies when other communications systems may be unavailable or inoperable. SiriusXM also broadcasts Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages on its free preview channels, which are available on all satellite radios without a subscription required. The preview channels give the public much-needed information during natural disasters, assisting in the aftermath of major disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and forest fires.
For more information please visit Integrated Public Alert & Warning System | FEMA.gov.
luther.wills-dudich Mon, 07/10/2023 - 19:25Additional Help Available to Floridians Recovering from Hurricane Ian
LAKE MARY, Fla. — Help is still available for Hurricane Ian survivors through Disaster Case Management (DCM). This FEMA-funded program, managed by Volunteer Florida, provides case managers that work directly with disaster survivors to identify their recovery unmet needs, develop a goal-oriented recovery plan, and match them with resources to help them achieve their long-term recovery.
The state of Florida has contracted with multiple agencies to work with faith-based and volunteer organizations to support survivors through DCM. Case managers help residents achieve their permanent housing solutions and find other disaster recovery resources.
Residents of Lee County can contact Compass82 at: 239-944-7470 or via email to IanDCM@Compass82.org
Residents of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach or Sarasota counties can contact: Disaster Services Corporation – Society of St. Vincent De Paul at: 941-799-6779 or via email to Dr4673ian@svdpdisaster.org
Residents of Hillsborough, Manatee Pasco, Pinellas or Polk counties can contact
Disaster Services Corporation – Society of St. Vincent De Paul at: 941-799-6779 or via email to Dr4673ian@svdpdisaster.org
Residents of Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns or Volusia counties can contact Family Endeavors, Inc at: 407-487-2362 or via email to DCM_FL@endeavors.org; or online at Hurricane Ian Disaster Recovery (endeavors.org)
For more information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
bree-constance… Mon, 07/10/2023 - 16:07FEMA Seeking Local Hires to Help Guam Recover
As Guam continues recovering from Typhoon Mawar, FEMA is looking for local hires in Guam with experience in several areas including civil rights, environmental historic preservation, external affairs, human resources, interagency recovery coordination, logistics, operations, planning and public assistance.
FEMA local hire positions are temporary full-time positions, with select benefits and overtime as required by operational needs. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold U.S. citizenship, and pass a background investigation. The appointment is up to 120 days and may be extended based on operational needs. To apply online and learn more, please search for FEMA positions in Guam on USAjobs.gov.
To assist people facing power outages or a lack of Internet access to apply, FEMA will host a job fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 14, at the Guam Museum in Hagatna. Interested applicants are encouraged to bring their resumes, and FEMA hiring managers will be present to discuss open positions and answer questions. Sign language interpreters and assistive listening devices will be available at the job fair.
FEMA continues to work with the government of Guam, other federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and local communities to help people in Guam recover from Typhoon Mawar. As of June 7, more than 400 FEMA personnel are deployed in Guam to support response and recovery efforts.
If you haven’t applied for federal disaster assistance yet, please do so at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, by calling 800-621-3362 (The Helpline is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week at no cost for Guam residents) or by stopping by a Disaster Recovery Center.
For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visitour website.
felicia.jordan Mon, 07/10/2023 - 02:33Disaster Recovery Center at C.L. Taitano Elementary School to Close July 14
The Disaster Recovery Center located at C.L. Taitano Elementary School will close permanently at 5 p.m. July 14, as the school will be making necessary arrangements for the upcoming new semester. The remaining Disaster Recovery Centers are still open during their regular hours.
Center
Location
Address
Hours
DRC 1
1 Sesame St., Building E,
Mangilao, GU 96913
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday,
9 a.m. -2 p.m., Saturday
Close, Sunday
DRC 2
Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School520 Harmon Loop Road,
Dededo, GU 96929
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday,
9 a.m. -2 p.m., Saturday
Close, Sunday
DRC 3
C.L. Taitano Elementary School170 Bien Venida Ave., Cafeteria,
Hagatna, GU 96910
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday,
9 a.m. -2 p.m., Saturday
Close, Sunday
Permanently Close at 5 p.m., July 14
At a Disaster Recovery Center, you can learn more about FEMA and other federal disaster assistance programs, understand any letters you get from FEMA, get answers to your questions about application, or get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistances.
Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is not your only option to apply for FEMA assistance. Guam residents whose homes were damaged by the Typhoon Mawar can apply for FEMA assistance, get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA Mobile App or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. (The Helpline is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week at no cost for Guam residents). Help is available in many languages.
Disaster Recovery Centers are barrier-free and provide equal access to all visitors. If you use American Sign Language or assistive technology, and if you need accommodations to communicate, please notify FEMA staff at the center immediately.
To view an accessible video about how to apply, please visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.
felicia.jordan Mon, 07/10/2023 - 01:48Public Squares Have FEMA Funds for Repairs
San Juan, Puerto Rico – With its theatrical performances and music events for residents and visitors, Los Fundadores Public Square in the Municipality of Santa Isabel represents one of the most important meeting places of the town. This is one of several plazas to which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted funds to boost the economic and social development of the area.
Irma Bermúdez, a resident of Santa Isabel, recalls with great enthusiasm the renowned artists who have performed in this plaza. She also said that what she enjoys most about visiting the plaza today is "the camaraderie, seeing friends and telling anecdotes."
Likewise, the Deputy Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, Andrés García Martinó, highlighted the great meaning that these areas have for Puerto Rican families. “For many years they were the commercial backbone of the municipalities and today they are part of the history of their towns, while they continue to contribute to socioeconomic development. With these funds, we seek to support renovations that continue to create opportunities for the residents of their communities,” he said.
The Municipality of Santa Isabel has over $557,000 for repairs to Los Fundadores. Some of the work already completed includes the replacement of sidewalks; the construction of a new stage and new tables in the kiosk area; and the installation of artificial grass in the grounds.
Meanwhile, the public plaza in the Municipality of Naguabo also benefited from agency awards for repairs. Nearly $47,200 will be used to paint several components of the plaza — such as the benches, fountain and stage — and to replace the granite floor tiles, among other work.
"The investment made has not only had a tangible impact on the aesthetics and functionality of our plaza, which is the heart of our town, but along with our economic and social development efforts, it has also fostered a greater sense of belonging and pride among our citizens," said Naguabo Mayor Rafael J. Burgos Santiago.
Naguabo's public square is the second largest in all of Puerto Rico. The town's original aqueduct is part of its history and today it is one of the five fountains on this structure. Other historical monuments include the statue of one of Puerto Rico's first comedians, Ramón Rivero, better known as Diplo.
The Municipality of Barranquitas also received obligations for its public square. Over $47,000 will be used for lighting, ornamental trashcans and the replacement of a glass skylight.
In that regard, Mayor Elliott Colón Blanco said, "It is of the utmost importance for us to maintain our facilities in optimal conditions for the benefit of our constituents and the thousands of people who visit our beautiful plaza".
To date, FEMA has awarded over $30.6 billion for over 10,700 Public Assistance projects aimed at rebuilding a more resilient Puerto Rico. Of this, over $3.8 billion are earmarked for over 6,400 municipality reconstruction projects throughout the island.
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For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.
Los Fundadores Public Square, Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico
SANTA ISABEL, Puerto Rico (July 3, 2023) – The Plaza Los Fundadores is one of several plazas to which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted funds to boost the economic and social development of the area. Photo FEMA/Lorraine Valle Rodríguez
Los Fundadores Public Square, Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico
SANTA ISABEL, Puerto Rico (July 3, 2023) – The Municipality of Santa Isabel has over $557,000 for repairs to Los Fundadores. The Los Fundadores Public Square in the Municipality of Santa Isabel represents one of the most important meeting places of the town. Photo FEMA/Lorraine Valle Rodríguez
manuel.deleon Sun, 07/09/2023 - 16:49
FEMA to Host #SummerReady Webinar for Stakeholders Next Week on Extreme Heat Preparedness, Mitigation Projects
WASHINGTON -- In support of FEMA's first ever #SummerReady campaign, the agency will host two webinars this summer for state, local, tribal and territorial officials to help stakeholders promote preparedness and resilience against extreme heat events.
The webinars will highlight the collective efforts across several federal agencies to address this issue and identify specific types of hazard mitigation projects that can effectively combat extreme heat.
"Our priority remains to engage our local, state, tribal and territorial partners on the mitigation tools and resources available that address the deadliest climate threat we know – extreme heat," said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. "I strongly encourage our emergency management partners to attend this webinar which will empower them to better help their communities both prepare for extreme heat and build resilience."
During the webinars, panelists will discuss funding opportunities, such as FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, to make communities more resilient to extreme heat. Representatives from other federal agencies will discuss climate conditions and explanation of extreme heat, impacts of extreme heat on people and infrastructure, examples of successful extreme heat projects and other funding opportunities.
Speakers will include representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and FEMA. There will also be a moderated question-and-answer session.
Climate models predict that extreme heat will become more frequent and intense in years ahead. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stated that in 2022 the United States recorded the third hottest summer ever. This followed the 2021 season which tied records for the hottest summer in the country.
FEMA's #SummerReady campaign seeks to help mitigate this risk by reaching targeted populations and boosting awareness of the impacts of extreme heat, while highlighting straightforward steps individuals and families can take to prepare. This campaign will not only offer easy-to-understand messaging and safety tips for the public but will also provide government stakeholders, emergency managers and members of the media with FEMA resources they can use to communicate these risks to residents and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat events in their communities.
The first webinar will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 12, and the second webinar will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 16.
Register online at femahmawebinars.com.
mashana.davis Fri, 07/07/2023 - 22:37President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Maine
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Maine to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding from April 30-May 1.
The President's action makes federal funding available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm and flooding in Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc, Somerset and Waldo counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in all areas within the state.
William F. Roy has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.
luther.wills-dudich Fri, 07/07/2023 - 14:28President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for South Dakota
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available for the state of South Dakota to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding that occurred from April 9 to May 5, 2023.
Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in the counties of Brown, Clark, Codington, Day, Faulk, Grant, Hand, Marshall, Potter and Roberts, and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in all areas within the state.
Kenneth G. Clark 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 and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Hours to Change at Disaster Recovery Centers
Disaster Recovery Centers in Guam will have new hours of operation starting July 9. The centers will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and closed on Sundays.
At a Disaster Recovery Center, you can learn more about FEMA and other federal disaster assistance programs, understand any letters you get from FEMA, get answers to your questions about application, or get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistances. The DRC Locator will help you find the nearest center.
Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is not your only option to apply for FEMA assistance. Guam residents whose homes were damaged by the Typhoon Mawar can apply for FEMA assistance, get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA Mobile App or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. (The Helpline is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week at no cost for Guam residents). Help is available in many languages.
Disaster Recovery Centers are barrier-free and provide equal access to all visitors. If you use American Sign Language or assistive technology, and if you need accommodations to communicate, please notify FEMA staff at the center immediately.
To view an accessible video about how to apply, please visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.
felicia.jordan Fri, 07/07/2023 - 03:51FEMA Seeking Properties to Support Disaster Survivors
FEMA is looking for property management companies and owners who have furnished properties that are ready to be leased. These properties can include various types, such as vacation rentals, corporate apartments, second homes, single-family homes, cooperatives, condominiums, townhouses, and other types of readily fabricated dwellings. Additionally, FEMA is also interested in evaluating apartments within multi-family structures that may require moderate repairs and can be restored within four months, including adding accessibility modifications, using federal funding.
There is no fee for participation.
Interested parties are required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number from the System for Award Management (SAM). It may take up to 10-15 business days before the registration becomes active in the system.
To help interested parties to register on SAM and to better understand FEMA’s Direct Lease, Multifamily Lease and Repair programs, FEMA will host an Industry Day event, 9:30-10:30 a.m., July 11, at Guam Museum in Hagåtña. Pre-registration online is required for the in-person event. All registration requests must be completed by July 10. Due to limited capacity for in-person participation or webinar attendance, each company is allowed a maximum of two participants.
Follow-up questions must be submitted no later than 2 p.m., July 13, 2023. Please send your questions to FEMA-DR-4715GU-DL@fema.dhs.gov or FEMA-DR-4715GU-MLR@fema.dhs.gov. Questions and answers from the webinar may be posted to SAM at a later date.
FEMA may enter into a lease agreement with the property owner and pay rent based on the Fair Market Rent rates identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Guam. Property management companies are responsible for:
- Establishing a lease agreement with the property owner or apartment manager on behalf of FEMA in accordance with FEMA terms and conditions.
- Handling all eviction proceedings.
- Ensuring regular documented maintenance and oversight of leased units.
- Covering all utilities and providing furnishings for the apartments or single-family homes that they provide.
- Providing monthly status reports of all properties leased on behalf of FEMA (informing FEMA of damage, move-outs, vacant units and evictions within 72 hours).
For Multifamily Lease and Repair properties, the following requirements must be met:
- The property must be previously used as a multifamily housing complex and contain two or more rental units.
- The property should be repairable within four months.
Other criteria and more detailed information can be found in the Requests For Information (RFI), which have been posted in SAM: Direct Lease RFI, Multifamily Lease and Repair RFI.
Responses and comments to the RFIs are due 5 p.m., July 23. Interested parties should monitor this site for additional information or future solicitations.
The Federal Service Desk can provide more support via live chat or by phone at 1-866-606-8220.
For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.
felicia.jordan Fri, 07/07/2023 - 01:30FEMA Encourages Communities to Purchase Flood Insurance Ahead of Peak Hurricane Season
Supports Increased Accessibility through Multilingual Campaigns
WASHINGTON -- In an effort to meet people and communities where they are, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) launched its summer-long 2023 hurricane campaign on June 19, with outreach to diverse communities in some of the nation’s hardest-hit areas that are frequently impacted by devastating floods.
The campaign aims to encourage diverse populations to learn about the benefits of flood insurance and the importance of protecting the lives they have built. This hurricane season campaign includes advertising placements and media outreach in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas, all states with a history of hurricanes.
To maximize and diversify its community outreach, the National Flood Insurance Program identified the top three languages spoken, in addition to English, in every state within the campaign area. The languages are Chinese, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. This effort aligns with FEMA’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan of instilling equity as a foundation of emergency management because it’s focused on removing barriers and enhancing accessibility to FEMA programs.
“Floods represent the number one natural hazard threat facing our nation, destroying lives and causing billions of dollars in damage last year alone,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “These threats, exacerbated by climate change, can be particularly devastating for underserved communities. As peak hurricane season approaches, we encourage all residents to recognize their risk and understand that in addition to wind and storm surge, rainfall and flooding from these events can be just as catastrophic.”
“Flood insurance, which is often not covered by homeowners or renters insurance, can be the difference between recovery and financial devastation, and it is the best way to protect your home, property and the life you’ve built,” said senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program David Maurstad. “In order to effectively communicate this risk, we must meet people where they are, in languages they understand, and communicate messages that resonate with them and their families, and that’s exactly what this year’s hurricane flood insurance campaign is all about.”
This year’s campaign theme—Keep Home—encourages potential policyholders to position flood insurance as a way to show love for their community by protecting their property with flood insurance. This is because flood insurance enables policyholders to protect their property and more quickly jumpstart their recovery from the nation’s most common and destructive threat.
The 2023 hurricane campaign includes strategic placement of radio, web and digital advertisements across various platforms, as well as interviews with local radio and television outlets. More than 353 counties are expected to receive coverage and the National Flood Insurance Program is also producing a video in American Sign Language to educate deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals on the importance of flood insurance. The video will also be amplified on FEMA's social media accounts.
Disasters impact people and communities differently. Underserved communities, which often include those whose first language is not English, can experience differences in how prepared they are to respond to disasters, how well their homes may have been adapted to mitigate against local hazards and how quickly their communities might be able to resume social and economic life after a major event.
The flood insurance program recognizes it can work toward improving outcomes that benefit all communities to prepare for the nation’s most common and costliest disasters. Reaching diverse audiences will help make America more flood resilient and build a culture of preparedness by closing the nation’s insurance gap.
Importance of Flood Insurance
The National Flood Insurance Program provides about $1.3 trillion in coverage to more than 4.7 million policyholders across the nation.
Just one inch of water in a home can cost roughly $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners and renter's insurance does not cover damage caused by flooding.
Flood insurance is the best defense against the nation’s most reoccurring natural disaster, enabling policyholders to recover from flooding more quickly and fully.
Find a flood insurance provider online at floodsmart.gov.
luther.wills-dudich Thu, 07/06/2023 - 19:00FEMA Approves More Than $173 Million to Florida Division of Emergency Management
LAKE MARY, Fla. – FEMA Public Assistance has approved $173,113,639.73 to reimburse the Florida Division of Emergency Management for emergency protective measures following Hurricane Ian.
In response to Hurricane Ian, FDEM utilized contract services to purchase 8,550 non-congregate sheltering (NCS) travel trailer units which were placed on commercial or private property for individuals and families displaced by the hurricane. The contracts also included assistance for movement of the travel trailers, call center support for registration, case management, NCS transportation management, and project management.
As of July 3, 2023, Public Assistance grants for Hurricane Ian applicants in Florida total $1.2 Billion.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. These funds support the removal of debris, costs of emergency protective measures and restoration of public facilities, helping disaster survivors resume life in their communities.
Applicants work with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) after final approval. Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to complete the grant process and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/infoand fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
bree-constance… Thu, 07/06/2023 - 15:26President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for North Dakota
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available for the state of North Dakota to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding that occurred from April 10 to May 6, 2023.
Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in the counties of Barnes, Burke, Dickey, Dunn, Golden Valley, Grand Forks, Hettinger, LaMoure, McHenry, Mercer, Morton, Mountrail, Nelson, Pembina, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Towner, Walsh and Wells.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Kenneth G. Clark 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 and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
luther.wills-dudich Thu, 07/06/2023 - 13:38FEMA Funding Low-Carbon Materials in Public Assistance Projects in Guam
FEMA is starting to fund low-carbon materials in public assistance projects, thanks to the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The presidential declaration of Typhoon Mawar in Guam is the first instance that this initiative is being put into action.
The IRA was signed into law on Aug. 16, 2022, and it provides an opportunity for FEMA to support state, tribal, territorial and local partners in their efforts to build resilient communities and reduce climate effects by encouraging investments in greenhouse-gas reduction strategies, such as the use of low-carbon materials.
The low-carbon materials eligible for funding through Public Assistance are limited to concrete, asphalt, glass and steel. These four materials have been recognized as significantly more eco-friendly compared to conventional options, particularly in terms of their potential impact on climate change. FEMA may fund the use of certain low-carbon materials in disasters declared between May 22, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2026, even if the cost associated with low-carbon materials may be more expensive than conventional materials.
This initiative may benefit various public assistance projects in Guam, for instance, applicants for FEMA public assistance may consider replacing wooden power poles damaged by Typhoon Mawar with concrete alternatives.
It is important to note that the use of low-carbon materials in public assistance projects is optional and depends on the applicant's choice. To take advantage of this initiative, applicants for FEMA public assistance should provide comments in “My projects” section of FEMA's Grants Portal, indicating their interest or intention of using the low-carbon materials. Recipients of FEMA public assistance grants can work with the assigned program delivery manager to maximize the inclusion of low-carbon materials in their project applications.
Governmental agencies in Guam and certain nonprofits that were affected by Typhoon Mawar will have more time to apply for FEMA public assistance to help pay for debris removal, protective measures, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, etc. The deadline to apply for FEMA public assistance has been extended to July 15.
More Information
- Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
- IRA Implementation Memo for Section 70006
- Inflation Reduction Act IRA 70006 For SLTT - YouTube
- Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities | FEMA.gov
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) | FEMA.gov
- Federal Buy Clean Initiative
For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visitour website.
felicia.jordan Thu, 07/06/2023 - 03:27FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Diamond Fire
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) regional administrator authorized the use of federal funds on June 27 to assist the state of Arizona to combat the Diamond Fire burning in Maricopa County.
On June 27, the state of Arizona submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). At the time of the request, the fire threatened 100 homes in and around Scottsdale and required the mandatory evacuation of more than 1,100 people. The fire also threatened a fire station, horse barns, golf courses and the McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to become a greater incident.
Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.
For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.
robert.barker Wed, 07/05/2023 - 20:11FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight McEwan Fire in Washington
BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the McEwan Fire burning in Mason County, Washington.
The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at 11:28 p.m. PT. He determined that the McEwan Prairie Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the second FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight wildfires in Washington.
At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the community of Shelton. The fire also threatened highways, local ancillary roads, Mason County PUD infrastructure, Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines, Burlington-Santa Fe rail lines, communications towers, parks and hiking trails, and numerous businesses contributing to the manufacturing, mining, and agricultural industries.
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 this FMAG, another $1,225,032 will be available to 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 Wed, 07/05/2023 - 19:47Pages
