FEMA Awards Nearly $26 Million to Northeastern University for Testing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $26 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Northeastern University for the cost of testing students, faculty and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $25,979,246 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private research university in Boston for opening and operating three testing sites and a diagnostic laboratory between June 2020 and September 2021.

The university operated three COVID-19 test sites on the Northeastern University campus – Cabot Testing Center, Huntington Testing Center, and Life Sciences Testing Center – seven days a week, 12 hours per day, and tested on average 3,500 individuals per day. Northeastern completed 1,701,000 COVID-19 tests for students, staff and faculty.  

In order to operate these testing sites, Northeastern provided supplies which included personal protective equipment such as N95 respirators, medical gloves, masks, gowns and coveralls, as well as specimen storage and diagnostic processing,

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Northeastern University with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/21/2023 - 14:19

FEMA Awards Over $2.1 Million to Lowell General Hospital for COVID-19 Labor Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $2.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Lowell General Hospital for the cost of overtime labor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $2,123,735 Public Assistance grant will reimburse Lowell General Hospital – part of the Tufts Medicine health system – for the cost of employees working overtime hours at both the Main Campus and Saints Campus.

Between September 2020 and September 2021, a total of 847 employees incurred 32,922 overtime hours to provide care for COVID-19 infected patients who were experiencing advanced respiratory illness and required isolation precautions.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Lowell General Hospital with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/21/2023 - 14:18

Clarifying Common Questions and Misconceptions About Federal Disaster Aid

Although Guam residents who were affected by Typhoon Mawar may be eligible for federal disaster assistance, misconceptions can sometimes stand in the way of getting all the help possible. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.

Q: Does my income need to be below a certain dollar amount to qualify for disaster aid?

A: No. FEMA’s Housing Assistance program is available, regardless of income, to anyone who suffered damage or losses in Guam. To be considered for other types of grants that cover losses such as personal property, vehicle repair or replacement and moving and storage expenses, you must apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan first. Homeowners and renters who don’t qualify for an SBA loan may be referred to FEMA for consideration of additional grant assistance.

Q: Will FEMA buy me the actual clothing, furniture, or appliances to replace or repair my lost or damaged personal property?

A: No. FEMA Personal Property Assistance is a form of financial assistance. You should keep receipts when replacing lost items for the purpose of reimbursement from FEMA. FEMA calculates the award amount for each eligible item according to the consumer price index data for items of average quality, size and capacity.

Also, please note that the assistance is intended to meet basic needs and may not cover the complete restoration of all personal property items to their pre-disaster condition.

Q: Is FEMA able to repair or place my medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, CPAP, hearing aids) that was lost or damaged as a result of Typhoon Mawar?

A: Potentially, yes.  If you have medical insurance, please file a claim for repair or replacement first.  If you do not have medical insurance or your insurance does not cover those medical expenses, FEMA may be able to assist.  Medical reimbursement is not income-dependent, but it does require a medical doctor’s note.

Q.  I have already cleaned up and repaired my property. Am I still eligible to register with FEMA?

A.  Yes. You may be eligible for reimbursement for clean-up, repair and other expenses. Taking both before and after photos of the damaged property can help expedite your application for assistance and should be on hand at the time of your FEMA housing inspection.

Q: How can I check the status of my case after I register with FEMA?

A: You may go online to disasterassistance.gov or call the toll-free FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you need face-to-face assistance, please visit one of the four Disaster Recovery Centers in Guam.

Q: Will FEMA pay for all home repairs and contract work?

A: No. FEMA does not pay to return your home to its pre-disaster condition. FEMA provides grants to qualified homeowners to repair damage not covered by insurance to make the home habitable, safe, sanitary and secure. However, an SBA low-interest disaster loan may provide the means to return a home to its pre-disaster condition.

Q: I don’t speak or understand English, can FEMA still help me?

A: Yes. FEMA has many ways to meet your language needs. Some FEMA employees are bilingual or multilingual and can assist you with registration in your primary language at community meetings and at Disaster Recovery Centers. Translation services, including sign languages, are also available at all Disaster Recovery Centers. Multilingual operators are available when you call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. It is helpful if someone who speaks English can assist you when making the call.

You can find the answers to additional questions some other frequently asked questions here.

If you have more questions or concerns, let FEMA know. You ask; we listen, and we answer.

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 located at Guam Community College, Dededo Sports Complex, C.L. Taitano Elementary School and Inarahan Community Center.

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

felicia.jordan Wed, 06/21/2023 - 12:48

Guam Residents Urged to Stay in Contact with FEMA

Guam residents who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance after Typhoon Mawar are encouraged to stay in contact with FEMA to resolve issues, provide updates on their applications or submit new information.

Applicants changing addresses, phone numbers or banking information should notify FEMA immediately. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in receiving assistance.

Callers to the FEMA Helpline should refer to the nine-digit number they were issued at registration. This number is on all correspondence applicants receive from FEMA and is a key identifier in tracking assistance requests.

Survivors can also call the helpline to:

• Update insurance information.
• Receive information on the home inspection process.
• Add or remove the name of a person designated to speak for the applicant.
• Find out if FEMA needs more information about their claim.
• Update FEMA on the applicant’s housing situation.
• Learn how to appeal an eligibility determination.
• Get answers to other questions about their applications.

Applicants may update their information the following ways:

• Online at disasterassistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA mobile app.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

Survivors can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center, which are located at Guam Community College, Dededo Sports Complex, C.L. Taitano Elementary School and Inarahan Community Center.

Keeping in touch with FEMA allows survivors to keep their recovery on track.

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).

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

felicia.jordan Wed, 06/21/2023 - 03:08

Prepare Now Ahead of Tropical Storm Bret

WASHINGTON -- As Tropical Storm Bret continues developing in the Atlantic, FEMA urges residents and visitors in the Caribbean to prepare now, pay attention to the evolving forecast and listen to instructions from local authorities.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center stress that it is too early to know the exact location and magnitude of the storm’s hazards, so residents and visitors in the Caribbean need to monitor the storm’s development.

To be prepared for any potential landfall, FEMA is in close coordination with the Government of Puerto Rico and the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is ready to assist with any needs or support to territorial and local officials. The agency is mobilizing Incident Management Assistance Teams, logistics staging teams and other resources to supplement personnel based in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed three power teams to support planning and response to potential power outages or damage to the power grid.

Tropical Storm Bret is a clear reminder that the Atlantic hurricane season is here and everyone living or visiting near a shoreline needs to be prepared. Residents living further inland are also at risk of coastal flooding and other impacts from tropical storms.

Prepare Now for a Hurricane

• Monitor the storm’s path closely; know your local evacuation zone and listen to instructions from local authorities.
• Create a plan with your family. Visit Ready.gov/plan and use the new Make A Plan form to begin your plan, also available in Spanish language. Be sure to consider your household’s unique needs, including children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets.
• Ensure you have enough supplies for your household, including items like medication, nonperishable food, water and other supplies you may need in case the storm affects the area where you live.
• Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the free FEMA App (available in English and Español) to receive real-time emergency alerts from the National Weather Service and your local authorities, find a nearby shelter and apply for assistance if you are impacted by a disaster.
• Visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov in Spanish language for more information and tips on how to prepare your family, your community and your pets.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 06/20/2023 - 18:09

One Week Remains to Apply for Federal Assistance in Broward County

LAKE MARY, Fla. – If your primary residence is in Broward County and you experienced damage or loss from the severe storms and flooding in April, don’t wait any longer. The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 27, 2023.

FEMA may be able to help with rental assistance or other disaster-related expenses, and if you are a homeowner FEMA may also be able to help with essential home repairs that are not covered by insurance.  

Homeowners and renters in Broward County can call 800-621-3362, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App.

Disaster Recovery Centers are operating at Sadkin Community Center in Lauderhill through June 24 and Hortt Park in Fort Lauderdale through June 29. (Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays)

A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center is operating 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park in Fort Lauderdale through June 24.

The deadline for submitting a disaster loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is June 26. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

The deadline to return SBA economic injury applications is Jan. 29, 2024.

For more information about recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4709 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

bree-constance… Tue, 06/20/2023 - 17:31

Two Weeks Remain to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance After March 31 Severe Storms and Tornadoes

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas homeowners and renters in Cross, Lonoke and Pulaski counties who sustained damage from the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on March 31 have until July 3 to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA.

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs along with other programs to assist families recovering from effects of the event.

The fastest and easiest way to apply for assistance is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov.

If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Individuals can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply and meet with FEMA specialists in person. To locate a center, check the FEMA app or visit fema.gov/DRCLocator.

July 3 is also the final deadline to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan. These loans are available to businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, homeowners and renters. Businesses and residents can apply online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance.

alexa.brown Tue, 06/20/2023 - 13:39

Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance is Approaching

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahomans affected by the April 19-20 straight-line winds, tornadoes and severe weather have received more than $2 million from FEMA. But time is running out for survivors to apply for disaster assistance. The last day to register for FEMA is June 23.

Survivors who have insurance are encouraged to file a claim for disaster-caused damage before they apply for FEMA assistance but you do not need to wait for your insurance settlement to apply. FEMA may provide financial assistance to eligible survivors who have uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused damage or loss.

Apply online at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. Assistance is available in most languages.

If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

The June 23 deadline also applies to applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

FEMA's Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance grants for medical, dental, and funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants referred to SBA must complete and submit an SBA loan application to be considered for additional forms of disaster assistance.

The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center’s number is 800-659-2955. Help is also available by sending mail to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Survivors may apply online at SBA's secure website: disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/.

alexa.brown Tue, 06/20/2023 - 12:59

Guam residents: Make Sure All the Necessary Paperwork is Included in Your Application

If you sustained damages or losses because of Typhoon Mawar, you may need to submit information or supporting documentation for FEMA to process an application for financial assistance.

Examples of the documentation may include:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy
• Proof of ownership
• Proof of insurance coverage
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
• Proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of Typhoon Mawar

You do not need to submit any pictures of damages when you submit the application.                    

Once you register for assistance, FEMA may schedule an inspection to verify the damages or losses to determine whether you are eligible for FEMA financial assistance.

Any pictures you have of damages can be showed to your inspector, but printed pictures are not necessary.

Please visit your mayor’s office if you need help or have questions on what to include.

If you have not 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 located at Guam Community College, Dededo Sports Complex, C.L. Taitano Elementary School and Inarahan Community Center.

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

felicia.jordan Tue, 06/20/2023 - 02:59

FEMA’s Personal Property Assistance Available in Guam Following Typhoon Mawar

Did your personal property get damaged or destroyed because of Typhoon Mawar? If so, FEMA may be able to lend you a hand to repair or replace it.

FEMA’s Personal Property Assistance is limited to helping with your basic needs after Typhoon Mawar; it will not recover all property losses, and it is not a substitute for insurance coverage. However, FEMA’s Personal Property Assistance may repair or replace your disaster-damaged property if you meet the eligibility requirements, and the items fall within any of these categories:

• Appliances: includes common household appliances, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc.
• Clothing: essential clothing needed due to overall loss, damage, or contamination
• Home furnishings: basic furnishings found in a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room
• Tools required for work and school: equipment required for work, or necessary school items for you and your family members
• Accessible items: FEMA also provides assistance for damaged personal property required for qualified applicants with disabilities

You must meet the following conditions to receive Personal Property Assistance:

• To be eligible, these items must have been owned before the typhoon
• The item was owned and being used by occupants of the household
  • FEMA does not provide assistance for furnishings and/or appliances provided by a landlord
  • Items used by guests and relatives who were not members of the pre-disaster household are also not eligible for assistance

Additionally, FEMA may not repair or replace a typhoon-damaged item if you own a similar item that works.

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 located at Guam Community College, Dededo Sports Complex, C.L. Taitano Elementary School and Inarahan Community Center.

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

felicia.jordan Fri, 06/16/2023 - 22:17

FEMA May Contact Survivors by Phone or Text

MADISON, Miss.– FEMA is reaching out to survivors of the March 24-25 tornadoes who have applied for disaster assistance. Applicants may receive a call or text message from a number they don’t recognize.

It is important for applicants to respond as soon as possible to keep their recovery moving forward. If they miss a call, or have questions about FEMA assistance, they may call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 6 a.m. to midnight daily.

For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and 4697 | FEMA.gov. On Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.

sandra.habib Fri, 06/16/2023 - 14:36

Broward County Disaster Recovery Centers Closed for Holiday

LAKE MARY, Fla. – The State of Florida and FEMA are operating Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Broward County.

All Disaster Recovery Centers in Broward County will be closed Monday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.

All centers will reopen Tuesday, June 20 following a revised schedule.

Fixed center locations:

• Sadkin Community Center, 1176 NW 42nd Way, Lauderhill, FL 33313
  • This center will close permanently on Saturday, June 24.
• Hortt Park, 1700 SW 14TH Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Hours for fixed centers are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays.

There is also a mobile center operating Tuesday, June 20 through Saturday, June 24 – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.

In addition to visiting a center, you can apply by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app  or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET every day. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms.

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing communities affected by the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and to answer questions about federal assistance. DSA crews wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

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

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

For more information about recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4709 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

bree-constance… Thu, 06/15/2023 - 21:08

FEMA Approves $1.3 Million to Clear Storm Debris in Western Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA approved more than $1.3 million to reimburse the Kentucky Department of Transportation for debris removal in four Commonwealth counties following the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred from Dec. 10-11, 2021.

During the incident period, severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and tornadoes tossed debris throughout Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins and Muhlenberg counties. This created an immediate threat to property and the public’s health and safety. 

Broken tree limbs and other trash were hauled to four temporary debris staging and reduction sites and were later routed to five final disposal locations. The Commonwealth was able to quickly utilize staff, equipment and contract services to clear the storm debris because it has chosen to participate in FEMA’s Public Assistance Alternative Procedures (PAAP) program.

FEMA Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program. However, due to the magnitude of damage caused by this storm, President Biden authorized a reimbursement of 100 percent federal funding for the project. All work and costs took place between Dec. 27, 2021, to Jan. 25, 2022. 

For more information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 06/15/2023 - 19:08

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Offices and Helpline Closed Monday June 19 in Observance of Juneteenth

SANTA FE, N.M. -- The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims offices in Mora, Las Vegas and Santa Fe will be closed on Monday June 19, 2023, in observance of Juneteenth.

The Claims Office Helpline will also be closed in observance of Juneteenth. You are welcome to leave a voice message on the Helpline at (505) 995-7133 and we will return your call during normal business hours on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

Following the Juneteenth observance, the Claims Office and Claims Office Helpline will resume normal business operations and can be reached Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at (505) -995-7133.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 06/15/2023 - 16:17

New Hours for Disaster Recovery Centers in Guam

All FEMA disaster recovery centers in Guam are adjusting their hours, starting Sunday, June 18. Below is the new schedule:

 

Location

Address

New hours

 

Guam Community College

 

 

1 Sesame St.,Building E,

Mangilao, GU 96913

 

7 a.m. to 6 p.m., open daily

 

 

Dededo Sports Complex

 

 

Harmon Loop Road,

Dededo, GU 96929

 

7 a.m. to 6 p.m., open daily

 

 

C.L. Taitano Elementary School

 

Bien Venida Ave., Cafeteria,

Hagatna , GU 96910

 

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., open daily

 

Inalahan Community Center

 

719 San Jose Ave.,

Inalahan, GU 96917

 

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., open daily

 

 

At a recovery center, Guam residents who were affected by Typhoon Mawar can learn more about FEMA and other federal disaster assistance programs, understand any letters received from FEMA, get answers to questions about applications, or get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistances. Use the DRC Locator to help find the nearest center.

Visiting a disaster recovery center is not the only option to apply for FEMA assistance. Disaster survivors may apply for federal assistance 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).

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, check here.

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

 

felicia.jordan Thu, 06/15/2023 - 11:22

FEMA Specialists to Offer Rebuilding Tips in Blanchard

OKLAHOMA CITY – FEMA Hazard Mitigation Outreach Specialists will be available at Ace Hardware and Garden Center in Blanchard through June 24 to offer information to Oklahomans with damage from the April 19-20 tornadoes, straight-line winds and severe storms.

Hazard mitigation outreach specialists will be on hand to answer questions about rebuilding after a disaster and protecting your home from future disaster-related damage. Some of the topics include clean up, selecting a contractor and ways to reduce risks from future disasters. This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors and no appointment is needed.

Hazard mitigation outreach specialists will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, through June 24 at:

McClain County

Ace Hardware and Garden Center

987 E Veterans Memorial Highway

Blanchard, OK 73080

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday.

If you cannot visit in person, please call 833-FEMA-4-US or 833-336-2487 to speak to a hazard mitigation outreach specialist, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All calls will be returned within one business day. If you prefer, you may email your questions to FEMA-OKMit@fema.dhs.gov or visit FEMA’s Oklahoma Mitigation home page at https://fema.connectsolutions.com/okmit

If you need to discuss your assistance application, please call the Helpline at 800-621-3362 to speak to a FEMA individual assistance specialist. Hazard mitigation outreach specialists offer general rebuilding tips and will not be able to discuss specific details of individual assistance cases.

alexa.brown Wed, 06/14/2023 - 18:19

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to Host a Community Event June 15th

SANTA FE, N.M. - The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will host a community event Thursday, June 15, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Mora High School Campus Lecture Hall to discuss and answer questions on their partnership to help claimants recovering from the Hermit’s Peak Calf/Canyon Fire and subsequent floods develop Conservation Restoration Plans for their property.

NRCS plans will be provided to claimants at no charge and can be utilized by the Claims Office to streamline the claims review process.

“We encourage all landowners with natural resources impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding to take advantage of this partnership,” said Claims Office Director Angela Gladwell. “We look forward to working with our partners at the NRCS to ensure this opportunity is fully realized and provided to landowners in their recovery.”

Representatives from the Tierra y Montes Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will also be present at this event to answer questions and provide information on conservation efforts. Reps from the state’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency will also be present to answer questions.

NRCS Conservation Restoration Plans are comprehensive natural resource plans that provide a holistic approach to recovery. Under this partnership, NRCS plans will give claimants a pathway to restore their property in line with best practices specific to northern New Mexico.

A plan can be requested from NRCS by claimants/landowners regardless of whether they anticipate submitting the conservation/restoration plan to the Claims Office. Conservation work can be done through the utilization of governmental programs, private companies, or by the individual claimants themselves.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon and NRCS Community event in Mora will be held at the Mora High School campus in the Lecture Hall, Thursday,  June 15, 2023, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 06/14/2023 - 14:47

Free Legal Help Still Available to Tornado Survivors

MADISON, Miss. – FEMA and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency want survivors of the March tornadoes to know that free help remains available for legal needs related to the disaster.

Survivors with unmet legal needs can call the special Disaster Legal Services (DLS) hotline at (877) 691-6185. They may be prompted to leave a message, but a specialist will call them back.

The DLS hotline got fewer than a dozen calls from April 3 to June 6, and FEMA is urging eligible survivors to take advantage of this special service. The hotline will operate only through the end of June.

DLS lawyers can help survivors with:

• Unpaid or underpaid insurance claims for loss of property, loss of life, doctor and hospital bills, etc.
• New wills, powers of attorney, or other legal papers lost in the tornadoes.
• Problems with home repair contracts and contractors.
• Advice on problems with landlords, including land lease agreements.
• Estate administration, including guardianships and conservatorships.
• Consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures.
• FEMA appeals and other disaster-related actions.

Homeowners and renters whose primary residence is in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola or Sharkey counties with unresolved and storm-caused legal issues should consider calling. Callers should identify the storm-related issue they need legal help with, and the county where their storm-damaged property is located.

DLS attorneys are volunteers who provide survivors with free legal counseling and advice and may provide legal representation for cases that will not generate fees. They are not FEMA employees. Any services or conversations between a survivor and one of the attorneys are confidential and will not be shared with FEMA.

If the volunteer attorneys are unable to assist survivors with their legal needs, callers will be referred to independent attorneys who can provide pro-bono or low-cost services through the lawyer referral network in the affected area.

DLS is a partnership between The Mississippi Bar, The Mississippi Bar Young Lawyers Division, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and FEMA.

For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and www.fema.gov/disaster/4697. On Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4

sandra.habib Wed, 06/14/2023 - 13:00

FEMA Public Assistance for Governmental Agencies and Nonprofits in Guam

Governmental agencies in Guam and certain nonprofits (including faith-based organizations) that were affected by Typhoon Mawar may be eligible for FEMA assistance to help pay for debris removal, protective measures, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, etc.

FEMA Public Assistance may be able to help Guam governmental agencies and certain nonprofits (including faith-based organizations) that provide essential social services to the public.

To be eligible, a nonprofit organization must:

• Be owned or operated by a private nonprofit organization
• Have sustained damage caused by Typhoon Mawar
• Have facilities open to the public
• Include in its application documentation of tax-exempt status, pre-disaster charter and other relevant information

Interested governmental agencies or nonprofit organizations may register and submit a Request for Public Assistance through an online recovery management channel, FEMA's Grants Portal.

All requests must be submitted via the Grants Portal. Access to the portal, a FEMA Public Assistance ID number, and a copy of Request for Public Assistance, can be obtained via emails to candise.aragon@ghs.guam.gov or jecarlo.palomo@ghs.guam.gov.

In-person assistance with Grants Portal access from the Guam Recovery Office staff will also be available during the applicant briefings.

The leadership and fiscal staff of the entities are advised to attend the following FEMA applicant briefings.

• Governmental agencies  Briefing: 10 a.m. June 19, at Guam Museum; Deadline to submit Request for Public Assistance: 5 p.m. June 19.
• Autonomous and semi-autonomous agencies; Archdiocese of Agana Schools and Parishes   Briefing: 10 a.m. June 21, at Guam Museum; Deadline to submit Request for Public Assistance: 5 p.m. June 21.
• Guam Department of Education Schools and Central Office; Mayor’s Council of Guam: Briefing: 10 a.m. June 23; Deadline to submit Request for Public Assistance: 5 p.m. June 23.
• Private nonprofit entities   Briefing: 10 a.m. June 26, at Guam Museum; Deadline to submit Request for Public Assistance: 5 p.m. June 26.

For further questions, contact the program coordinators at the Guam Recovery Office: Aragon, Candise, Lizama, Frances, Palomo, JeCarlo, or contact the office at 671-478-1121 or via gro@ghs.guam.gov.

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at 671-478-0208/09/10.

If eligibility is granted, please also submit the following information: a list of sites damaged, “before and after” pictures, information about any historic structures.

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

felicia.jordan Wed, 06/14/2023 - 08:52

Two Weeks Remain to Apply for Federal Assistance in Broward County

LAKE MARY, Fla. – If your primary residence is in Broward County and you experienced damage or loss from the severe storms and flooding in April, you have two weeks left to apply for federal assistance. Deadline for applications is June 27, 2023.

FEMA may be able to help with rental assistance or other disaster-related expenses, and if you are a homeowner FEMA may also be able to help with essential home repairs that are not covered by insurance.  

Homeowners and renters in Broward County can call 800-621-3362, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App.

Disaster Recovery Centers are operating at Hortt Park in Fort Lauderdale and Sadkin Community Center in Lauderhill. (Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays.) A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center is operating through June 16 at Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park in Fort Lauderdale.

FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments but may be able to help with uninsured disaster expenses.

June 26 is the deadline for submitting disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

The deadline to return SBA economic injury applications is Jan. 29, 2024.

For more information about recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4709 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

bree-constance… Tue, 06/13/2023 - 21:22