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Over $8.1 Million Obligated to Repair Roads Damaged by Fiona
San Juan, Puerto Rico — Over $8.1 million were obligated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair roads and bridges damaged by Fiona in Humacao, Jayuya, Las Piedras, Mayagüez, Patillas and Yauco. Among the permanent projects are the Los Pilones Road in Mayagüez and Puente Gladys, in Barrio Guardarraya, Patillas that have completed their construction.
“Almost eight months have passed since Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico last year. Since then, our government, through the Puerto Rico Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3), has been working really hard with FEMA and this significant funding obligation is proof of the productive coordination we have. The reconstruction of Puerto Rico is underway and on this occasion these efforts will benefit our people in those municipalities. We will continue working together with FEMA and our mayors because our actions speak louder than words” said the Governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro R. Pierluisi.
Meanwhile, the FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, DuWayne Tewes said that “The collaboration between FEMA and COR3 is already having an impact on Patillas and Mayagüez residents. Roads that were washed out and unsafe to travel are repaired, providing an indication of the future recovery as federal funds are obligated and transformed into permanent work”.
The FEMA Public Assistance program provides applicants with federal grants for permanent work through reimbursement. When FEMA obligates funds for these projects, it means that resources are committed, but have not yet been disbursed to the applicant. COR3 disburses money to applicants when the project requirements have been reviewed and approved.
When Category C funds are used to repair roads, bridges and infrastructure such as culverts and drainage pipes, roads and land are protected from erosion and the impact of heavy rains. Nearly $300,000 were obligated to Humacao, more than $3.5 million to Jayuya, nearly $1.4 million to Las Piedras, nearly $400,000 to Mayagüez, nearly $2 million to Patillas and more than $621,000 to Yauco.
To date, FEMA has awarded nearly $165 million in Public Assistance for Hurricane Fiona, including over $12 million for permanent work.
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yuisa.rios Tue, 05/30/2023 - 18:27Hundreds of Federal Personnel on the Ground in Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Supporting Recovery Efforts Following Typhoon Mawar
WASHINGTON -- Hundreds of personnel from federal agencies and voluntary organizations are in Guam supporting the ongoing response and recovery efforts from Typhoon Mawar. FEMA continues working with local, territorial, federal, nonprofit organizations and private sector partners to get essential services reopened and operational.
Guam residents can register for federal assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA App, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Residents who use a relay service, such as video relay or captioned telephone service, can give the FEMA operator the number for that service. FEMA is working with local and territorial officials to determine Disaster Recovery Center locations. Once open, survivors can visit these centers to receive one-on-one help with their disaster registration process and emergency assistance.
Following President Biden’s amended Major Disaster Declaration for Guam on Sunday, FEMA has received more than 2,700 registrations for assistance, helping survivors take the first step to jumpstart their recovery.
Nearly 600 FEMA personnel are supporting response and recovery efforts in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, with nearly 300 staff in Guam. Additional Disaster Survivors Assistance Teams staff are being deployed to Guam to help survivors register for federal assistance.
After a disaster, people want to help, but it’s important to donate responsibly. When people support voluntary organizations with financial contributions, it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to the people in need. You can find a voluntary organization to support by visiting the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster’s website at NVOAD.org. FEMA is coordinating with its network of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to provide support and humanitarian aid. Feeding and bottled water operations continue as needed and requested by the territory and the commonwealth officials:
- The Salvation Army began feeding operations on Monday.
- The Red Cross continues assisting with shelter and feeding operations, and are also distributing emergency supplies, including pet food at various distribution centers.
- Survivors who are covered by insurance should file a claim with their insurance company or agent as soon as they can. Next, they should apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Survivors who are uninsured should apply for FEMA disaster assistance now. Assistance may include funding to repair or replace their homes, temporary housing resources, access to low-interest loans or other programs to help them jumpstart their recovery.
- The Guam Department of Agriculture has teams conducting Preliminary Damage Assessments with farmers. Farmers who suffered crop loss should document their losses and contact 671-300-7972-73 or email agriculture@doagguam.gov for more information.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Guam businesses and residents who were affected by Typhoon Mawar. To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must first register at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- The Bank of Guam’s ATMs are back online with web and mobile banking now available. In addition, the bank announced it is automatically deferring payments on personal loans and credit cards for Guam and Rota accounts for three months. Affected customers in Saipan and Tinian may request deferment arrangements at any branch locations or by emailing consumerbanking@bankofguam.com.
- The National Disaster Distress Helpline remains activated and anyone who has been affected by Typhoon Mawar can call 1-800-985-5990 for immediate counseling and support.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed over 135 responders including civilians, soldiers, and contractors to support temporary power, temporary roofing and debris removal missions.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is coordinating with Guam EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to clean up hazardous waste and debris.
- The Guam Power Authority continues its restoration efforts, reporting more than 25% of customer demand is restored, with crews working 24-hour shifts. The authority is working to restore substation energization, which will substantially increase power to more residents.
- The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation reports that it has restored power to more than 92% of its customers on Rota, while Saipan and Tinian are fully energized.
- The Guam Waterworks Authority continues restoration efforts, reporting 50% of water systems are online serving nearly 77,000 customers and four of nine wastewater facilities are operational. The waterworks authority also delivered 6,000-gallon tanks to 10 locations.
- More than 44% of cell towers are now operational in Guam, with 60% of cell sites operational in Rota.
- Shelters remain open in Guam with an overnight population of more than 750.
- All airports in CNMI are operational and Guam International Airport is open for all commercial carriers.
- Tankers with liquefied petroleum gas and jet fuel are offshore, scheduled to be offloaded today to help with increased fuel demand throughout Guam.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deployed nearly 70 emergency responders including three Health and Medical Task Forces from the National Disaster Medical System that are assisting local hospitals and medical clinics.
Heavy rains are predicted to continue in the area and may slow debris removal and other operational priorities like power restoration efforts. Residents can expect additional flash flooding and should take any necessary precautions. Pay attention to local authorities and avoid driving or walking through flooded areas.
- Residents who are returning home, should be cautious when cleaning and making repairs:
- Wear protective clothing and appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris, and always work with someone else.
- Document any damage with photographs if possible and contact your insurance company so you can quickly file a claim.
- As power remains unrestored in many areas, residents using power generators should always use them outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- With heavy rains forecasted, residents should take these precautions:
- If driving, be alert for low visibilities and slippery roads in heavy rain.
- Slow down where water is ponding on the road.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
- Do not camp, park or hike along streams and rivers.
To learn more about the Typhoon Mawar response and recovery efforts, visit FEMA.gov.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 05/30/2023 - 16:49FEMA Region 3 Highlights Dam Safety on Anniversary of the Historic Johnstown Dam Failure
PHILADELPHIA- National Dam Safety Awareness Day occurs on May 31 of each year in remembrance of the devastating failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1889. The dam failure resulted in the loss of more than 2,200 lives and was the worst dam failure in the history of the United States.
National Dam Safety Awareness Day was created to encourage and promote individual and community responsibility for dam safety, as well as to provide information on what steps can be taken to prevent future structural dam failures. A secondary goal is to promote the benefits dams offer to communities.
In FEMA Region 3, there are nearly 5,300 dams in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
For over 30 years, the federal government has been working to protect communities from dam failure through FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program (NDSP) State Assistance Grant Program. The program is a partnership of states, federal agencies, and other partners to encourage individual and community responsibility for dam safety. The program provides funding for dam safety training, while also enhancing dam inspection requirements.
Additionally, FEMA provides funding for technical planning, design, and construction assistance for rehabilitation of eligible high hazard potential dams through the High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD) Grant. FEMA also offers Collaborative Technical Assistance (CTA) to help communities with dams better understand their risk and the consequences of dam-related emergencies.
While dams provide many benefits to communities, such as the storage of drinking water and the improvement of wildlife habitats, they can also pose a significant flood risk if they fail. Dam safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone is encouraged to know their risk (and benefits), know their role, and take action.
Be Prepared:
- Know Your Risk: The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has a National Dam Inventory where you can search your area to see if you live near a dam.
- Sign up for local alerts and warnings, and enable wireless emergency alerts on your phone, so you are notified of an imminent dam failure.
- Have a go-kit ready with supplies that you can grab quickly if you are asked to evacuate.
- Know your evacuation route. This information can be found through your local and county emergency management office.
- Have a family communications plan ready should your family ever become separated while evacuating.
If a Dam Fails:
- Evacuate as soon as possible.
- Don’t attempt to drive or walk through rushing water.
- If you cannot evacuate, get to the highest part of your home, and call 911 for help.
Additional information on national dam safety is available at: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/dam-safety/resources-general-public
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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
erika.osullivan Tue, 05/30/2023 - 16:28Hours to Change at Disaster Recovery Centers on June 1
OKLAHOMA CITY – FEMA and the State of Oklahoma Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Cleveland, McClain, Pottawatomie counties will begin new hours of operation on Thursday, June 1.
The centers assist survivors affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred April 19-20.
The new operating hours for the centers in McClain and Pottawatomie counties are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and closed on Sunday and Monday. Those centers are located at:
McClain County
Cole Community Center
26887 Main Street
Blanchard, OK 73010
Pottawatomie County
130 N Louisa Ave.
Shawnee, OK 74801
The hours for the DRC in Cleveland County are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closed Sunday and Wednesday. The DRC is located at:
Cleveland County
12 Corners Baptist Church
15601 E Etowah Road
Noble, OK 73068
Survivors can meet face to face with specialists from FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and state and local agencies to have their questions about disaster assistance answered. They may also upload any documents needed for their applications at the centers.
When visiting a DRC, Oklahoma residents can get additional help with the following:
- Apply for assistance.
- Learn the status of your FEMA application and get information on how to appeal your status if needed.
- Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
- Get answers to questions or update information in your FEMA application.
- Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
- Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance loan programs.
No appointments are necessary.
You do not have to visit a disaster recovery center to apply for assistance. The fastest and easiest way to apply 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.
For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4706. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 05/30/2023 - 15:10Federal Disaster Support for Tornado Survivors Hits $8.5 Million
The assistance includes more than $3 million in FEMA grants and $5.5 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Families and households in Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne counties have until Tuesday, June 6, to apply for federal disaster assistance from FEMA and the SBA.
Homeowners who had disaster-related damage are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance because your insurance may not cover all of your damage. FEMA grants can cover housing assistance and help with other disaster-related losses such as medical, dental and transportation expenses and damage to essential household items. Renters are also encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance for personal property losses.
After a disaster, SBA’s low-interest disaster loans can help with the recovery of homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes. SBA loans are the largest source of federal disaster funding for people impacted by disasters.
To apply for FEMA assistance:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Use the FEMA mobile app
- Call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Daylight Time daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
- For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6
FEMA may refer you to the SBA even if you do not own a business or home. If you decide you do not want to submit a loan application, you will not be eligible for additional assistance from FEMA.
To apply for an SBA disaster loan or download applications, visit DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov. Call 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information or to have a loan application mailed to you. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. Mail completed paper loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. You may also apply at SBA’s Business Recovery Centers, which are staffed with SBA customer service representatives. To find a center, click on https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20230421/its-important-return-your-sba-loan-application.
For the latest information on Tennessee’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4701. You may also follow TN.gov/TEMA; Twitter.com/TEMA, Facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.
sandra.habib Tue, 05/30/2023 - 15:07FEMA Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Changes to Increase Funding Access, Reduce Disaster Risk for Vulnerable Communities
WASHINGTON -- FEMA has published a notice in the Federal Register seeking comment on how to apply new legislation that will designate areas where communities are most at risk to natural hazards.
This notice will help the agency gain better understanding in key areas to support an effective implementation of the Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act. This includes learning how communities identify, use and apply risk assessment tools to reduce natural hazard effects and how to achieve equity and geographic balance when designating zones.
The Community Disaster Resilience Zone Act amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Recovery and Emergency Act to use FEMA’s National Risk Index to designate community disaster zones. These represent areas with the highest natural hazard risk and a relatively lower ability to withstand their impacts.
“As our nation continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change and the rising frequency of extreme weather events, it is imperative that we help equip the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities to face these challenges head-on,” said FEMA’s Assistant Administrator of Grants Pam Williams. “The designated zones can help FEMA, other federal agencies and our public and private partners prioritize resources and assistance to help build a culture of resilience by fostering partnerships and leveraging expertise. Together, we will build stronger, more resilient communities capable of weathering any storm.”
Vulnerable communities often face difficulties in accessing disaster resilience funding. These communities will receive targeted support to access federal funding to plan for resilience projects that will help them reduce impacts caused by climate change and natural hazards.
Targeted federal support includes increased federal cost-share for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, lessening the financial burden on communities to perform resilience-related activities. This includes a greater federal cost share adjustment and an increase in the community’s ability to afford valuable pre-disaster mitigation projects.
The law will also enable communities to work across a range of federal and private sector partners to maximize funding and provide technical assistance, strengthening community resilience.
Comments can be submitted from 2023-11268 on the Federal eRulemaking Portal, Docket ID: FEMA-2023-0009 or by emailing FEMA-CDRZ-RFI@fema.dhs.gov. Please follow the instructions on the page for submitting comments and contact the Regulations.gov Help Desk if you have technical issues.
Visit FEMA.gov for more information.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 05/30/2023 - 14:50FEMA Awards Over $1 Million to New Haven for Wind Proofing Water Treatment Plant
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse New Haven’s regional water utility for part of the cost of strengthening its treatment plant against future storms.
The $1,002,600 FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program award will reimburse the Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority (GNHWPCA) for part of the cost of fortifying the East Shore Water Pollution Abatement Facility, located on the shore of the New Haven Harbor, against wind damage.
The $1,114,000 project will fund retrofitting the window and doors of the operations, maintenance, inlet works, substation 2, substation 3, garage, and generator buildings, as well as roof retrofits at substation 3, inlet works, generator and chlorine buildings.
The GNHWPCA administration building at 260 East Street, which serves as an Emergency Operations Center, will be retrofitted for windows and a door.
The funding for the project is part of a pool of grant money provided to the state after Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020. FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to state, local, tribal and territorial governments so they can develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild in a way that reduces future disaster losses in their communities.
After a presidentially declared disaster, states receive HMGP money equal to a percentage of the total grants authorized under other FEMA assistance programs. The state then administers the HMGP grants locally, which can pay for projects that reduce flooding, or to elevate or even buy out flood-prone homes.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority with these costs,” said FEMA Region I Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Studies have demonstrated that for every dollar invested in mitigation, six dollars are saved in prevented losses. It’s always better to spend money to prevent a disaster than to pay for cleaning up afterward.”
So far, FEMA has provided more than $38 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state and eligible communities for the costs of cleaning up after Tropical Storm Isaias.
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. To learn more about the Isaias recovery in Connecticut, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4580.
adrien.urbani Tue, 05/30/2023 - 13:56Disaster Recovery Centers Closed Memorial Day Weekend
INDIANAPOLIS – All Disaster Recovery Centers in Indiana will be closed Memorial Day weekend, May 27 – 29. They will reopen Tuesday, May 30, with their normal hours.
Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Sullivan, Johnson and Morgan counties to help survivors of the March 31 – April 1 storms continue their recovery. If you live or own a business in any of the 12 designated counties, you can visit a center to meet with specialists from FEMA, the state of Indiana and the U.S. Small Business Administration. They can help with FEMA applications, answer questions and provide referrals to local resources.
The centers are located here:
Sullivan County, 110 North Main St., Sullivan, IN 47882
Johnson County, 999 North Front St., Whiteland, IN 46184
Morgan County, 1749 Hospital Dr., Martinsville, IN 46151
Normal hours: Monday -- Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Closed Sundays
No appointment is needed and survivors in any county can visit any open center.
The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 14. To apply, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA your number for that service.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4704. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMA page and Twitter at @femaRegion5.
FEMA does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.
troy.christensen Tue, 05/30/2023 - 12:50President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Guam’s Major Disaster Declaration Authorizing Additional Federal Assistance to Help Individuals and Families Jumpstart Recovery Following Typhoon Mawar
WASHINGTON -- President Biden amended the Major Disaster Declaration for Guam on Sunday, authorizing additional federal assistance to disaster survivors to help aid in their recovery from Typhoon Mawar. Survivors who are uninsured or underinsured can register for assistance that may include funding to repair or replace their homes, temporary housing, access to low-interest loans or other programs to help them jumpstart their recovery.
Guam residents can register for federal assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA App, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Residents who use a relay service, such as video relay or captioned telephone service, can give the FEMA operator the number for that service. FEMA is working with local and territorial officials to determine Disaster Recovery Center locations. Once open, survivors can visit these centers to receive one-on-one help with their disaster registration process and emergency assistance.
Nearly 550 FEMA personnel are supporting response and recovery efforts in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, with 240 staff in Guam. Additional Disaster Assistance Support Team staff are being deployed to Guam to help survivors register for federal assistance.
After a disaster, people want to help, but it’s important to donate responsibly. When people support voluntary organizations with financial contributions, it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to the people in need. You can find a voluntary organization to support by visiting the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster’s website at NVOAD.org. FEMA is coordinating with its network of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to provide support and humanitarian aid. Feeding and bottled water operations continue as needed and requested by the territory and the commonwealth officials:
- Team Rubicon deployed a coordination team to Guam to coordinate with officials to understand all unmet needs.
- The Salvation Army, in partnership with the Southern Baptists Disaster teams, also deployed personnel to Guam where they are supporting local officials in recovery efforts.
- Amazon Disaster Relief is delivering donations of water filters, mosquito netting and other essential items.
- Catholic Charities is supporting three different on-island shelters and a local food pantry.
- The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is collaborating with local restaurants to provide feeding for survivors.
- The Red Cross has more than 100 responders operating on the island and another 70 responders en route. Red Cross priorities include distribution of financial assistance, distribution of emergency supplies, to include pet food, and support to community-run shelters.
- The American Red Cross of Guam hotline is operational: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for anyone trying to reach friends or relatives who are on the island.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers power restoration teams continue critical facility generator assessments including for water and wastewater systems, 911 call centers, fire departments and correctional institutes.
- The Guam Power Authority continues its restoration efforts, reporting more than 21% of customer demand is restored, with crews working 24-hour shifts. The authority is working on restoring substations, which will substantially increase power to more residents.
- The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation reports that it has restored power to more than 90% of its customers on Rota, while Saipan and Tinian are fully energized.
- The Guam Waterworks Authority continues restoration efforts, reporting 50% of water systems and four of nine wastewater facilities are operational. All water services are now restored in Rota.
- More than 40% of cell towers are now operational in Guam, with 60% of cell sites operational in Rota.
- Shelters remain open in Guam an overnight population of more than 750.
- The U.S. Coast Guard is restoring ports and waterways and the Port of Guam opened Sunday for all commercial and cargo traffic. The U.S. Coast Guard is also assessing pollution in the waterways.
- The National Disaster Distress Helpline remains activated and anyone who has been affected by Typhoon Mawar can call 1-800-985-5990 for immediate counseling and support.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deployed nearly 70 emergency responders and four personnel from the U.S. Marshals Service. The personnel include three Health and Medical Task Forces from the National Disaster Medical System that are assisting local hospitals and medical clinics.
- Residents who are returning home, should be cautious when cleaning and making repairs:
- Wear protective clothing and appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris, and always work with someone else.
- Document any damage with photographs if possible and contact your insurance company so you can quickly file a claim.
- As power remains unrestored in many areas, residents using power generators should always use them outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
To learn more about the Typhoon Mawar response and recovery efforts, visit FEMA.gov.
amy.ashbridge Mon, 05/29/2023 - 16:20FEMA Coordinates with Network of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to Provide Support and Humanitarian Aid Following Impacts from Typhoon Mawar
WASHINGTON -- Crews continue to work to restore electricity and water service in the affected areas, with more than 65% of Guam’s substations being restored and more than 70% of power restored in areas of Rota of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Feeding and bottled water operations continue as needed and requested by the territory and the commonwealth officials.
Federal, territorial, commonwealth and local government personnel, and volunteer organizations continue responding to residents in Guam and CNMI to address key life-safety measures and to address recovery needs. As efforts switch from response to recovery, more personnel are on their way to the region to support emergency officials’ efforts.
More than 500 FEMA personnel are supporting response and recovery efforts in Guam and CNMI, with more than 200 staff in Guam. FEMA is coordinating with its network of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters to provide support and humanitarian aid in the areas impacted by Typhoon Mawar.
- Team Rubicon deployed a coordination team to Guam to assist officials with identifying unmet needs.
- The Salvation Army, in partnership with the Southern Baptists Disaster teams, also deployed personnel to Guam where they are supporting local officials in recovery efforts.
- Amazon Disaster Relief is delivering donations of water filters, mosquito netting and other essential items.
- Catholic Charities is supporting three different on-island shelters and a local food pantry.
- The Buddhist Tu Chi Foundation is collaborating with local restaurants to identify and provide feeding for survivors.
- The American Red Cross of Guam hotline is operational: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for anyone trying to reach friends or relatives who are on the island. Red Cross volunteers are also on the island helping support shelters and feeding missions.
- The Guam Power Authority continues its restoration efforts, reporting more than 65% of substations have been restored, with 16.2% of customer demand also restored. The authority is working on restoring substations, which will substantially increase power to more residents.
- The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation reports that it has restored power to 79% of its customers on Rota, while Saipan and Tinian are fully energized.
- The Guam Waterworks Authority continues restoration efforts, reporting 47% of operable wells are online in the northern area. In addition to the four 60,000-gallon water tanks announced Saturday, the authority also deployed four more 6,000-gallon tanks, with more planned.
- Shelters remain open in Guam, with more than 800 survivors being served.
- The A.B. Won Pat International Airport in Guam announced it will reopen to the public Monday, but passengers should expect delays as airlines continue to recover to pre-typhoon operations.
- While commercial air traffic is pending, cargo flights continue arriving, including a humanitarian shipment scheduled today carrying blood products, clean-up kits, work gloves, trash bags, collapsible mops and comfort kits including hygiene products.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration deployed personnel to conduct assessments and support recovery efforts as needed.
- The National Disaster Distress Helpline remains activated and anyone who has been affected by Typhoon Mawar can call 1-800-985-5990 for immediate counseling and support.
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers teams are deployed to Guam to assist with temporary emergency power, temporary roofing and debris management support. Additional personnel are providing public works and engineering technical expertise.
- The Guam National Guard remains activated assisting local and territorial police with traffic control.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has two health medical task force teams and one incident management team in Guam supporting health and medical assignments with local hospitals and dialysis centers.
- To learn more about the Typhoon Mawar response and recovery efforts, visit FEMA.gov
Residents should remain cautious, avoiding floodwaters and take precautions as they return home and begin cleanup efforts.
Safety Messages- Residents who begin to clean-up should wear protective clothing and wear appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. Make sure to take pictures, if possible, of any damage in your home for insurance purposes.
- As power remains unrestored in many areas, residents using power generators should always use them outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- For those seeking the status of family members or friends on the islands but are having trouble connecting, the communications and electrical systems are being repaired and stabilized at this time. For real time updates, visit the following links for the latest information:
- Guam Homeland Security: https://ghs.guam.gov.
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Office of the Governor: https://governor.gov.mp.
Biden-Harris Administration Response Continues in Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands with Whole Community Support of Federal Efforts Following Impacts from Typhoon Mawar
WASHINGTON -- Federal funding under President Biden’s major disaster declaration for Guam will help the territory recover from Typhoon Mawar as damage assessments are ongoing to determine the scope of damage from the disaster. The impacted areas continue to experience power outages, water service disruptions and communications are intermittent. Anyone trying to reach friends or relatives should remain patient as outages are being restored.
The first cargo flights with supplies, equipment and emergency responders landed at Guam’s International Airport today. The airport remains closed to commercial traffic and is expected to resume operations on Tuesday. All airports in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) are open for daylight operations only. More than 475 FEMA personnel are supporting response and recovery efforts in Guam and CNMI and working closely with local officials and voluntary organizations to assess damages.
Federal, Territorial, Commonwealth and Voluntary Actions- The Guam Power Authority continues its restoration efforts, reporting more than 46% of substations have been restored, with power restored at Guam Memorial Hospital, Guam Regional Medical Center, five of seven dialysis centers and Guam Airport Authority. About 12 % of customer demand has been restored as well. There are more than 100 generators on the island to help provide power to critical facilities.
- The CNMI Commonwealth Utilities Corporation reports that 90% of customers in Sinapalo 2, the most populated area in Rota, have power. Saipan and Tinian are fully energized.
- The Guam Water Authority informed that it deployed four 60,000-gallon water tanks to help supplement water needs in the communities and that 50% of its operable wells are online. All of Guam and Rota drinking and wastewater systems have been impacted by power outages and are under boil water advisories.
- Feeding and bottled water missions continue, with a priority to distribute to healthcare facilities and shelters.
- Shelters remain open on both CNMI and Guam.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration is deploying personnel to conduct assessments and support recovery efforts as needed.
- FEMA is coordinating with its network of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to provide support and humanitarian aid. More than 120 voluntary personnel are headed to the impacted areas and 80 local staff are available to support the distribution of supplies and perform assessments.
- The Red Cross is on the ground in Guam providing emergency assistance items like tarps, flashlights, coolers and clean-up kits to residents. The American Red Cross of Guam hotline is operational: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for anyone trying to reach friends or relatives who are on the island.
- The National Disaster Distress Helpline is also activated and anyone who has been affected by Typhoon Mawar can call 1-800-985-5990 for immediate counseling and support.
- FEMA mission assigned the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to assist with temporary emergency power, temporary roofing and debris management support. USACE deployed personnel to provide public works and engineering technical expertise. USACE teams will conduct electrical assessments of critical facilities like hospitals, shelters and water treatment plants.
- The Guam National Guard remains activated assisting local and territorial police with traffic control.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deployed two medical teams with a third team remaining on alert status for the Pacific.
- To learn more about the Typhoon Mawar response and recovery efforts visit, FEMA.gov.
Flood watches remain for both the territories as soil is oversaturated and drains are clogged. Residents should remain cautious and avoid floodwaters as they may contain downed power lines or waste that can lead to illness.
Safety Messages- Residents who begin to clean-up should wear protective clothing and wear appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. If possible, take pictures of any damage in your home for insurance purposes.
- As power remains unrestored in many areas, residents using power generators should always use them outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- For those seeking the status of family members or friends, but are having trouble connecting, the communications and electrical systems are being repaired and stabilized at this time.
- For real time updates, visit the following links for the latest information:
- Guam Homeland Security: https://ghs.guam.gov
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Office of the Governor: https://governor.gov.mp
amy.ashbridge Sat, 05/27/2023 - 16:18
Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Offices and Helpline Closed Monday in Observance of Memorial Day
SANTA FE, N.M. -- The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Offices in Mora, Las Vegas and Santa Fe will be closed on Monday May 29, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day.
Claims Office Helpline Navigators will also be observing Memorial Day this Monday. Please leave a voice message at (505) 995-7133 and we will return your call during normal business hours on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
Following the Memorial Day 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 Fri, 05/26/2023 - 22:36Broward County Disaster Recovery Centers Open Modified Schedule on Memorial Day
LAKE MARY, Fla. – The State of Florida and FEMA are operating Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Broward County.
Hours for all centers on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29 - 9 a.m. to Noon.
Fixed center locations:
- Sadkin Community Center, 1176 NW 42nd Way, Lauderhill, FL 33313
- Hortt Park, 1700 SW 14TH Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Standard hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Sundays.
There are also temporary centers operating Monday, May 29 as noted above, and Tuesday, May 30 through Saturday, June 3, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
- Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale
- Big Easy Casino, NE Parking Lot, 831 N Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach
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… Fri, 05/26/2023 - 19:43Temporary Disaster Recovery Centers Operating in Broward County Extend the Stops
LAKE MARY, Fla. – The State of Florida and FEMA are operating Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Broward County.
Due to the unscheduled closing because of inclement weather, the temporary centers operating at these locations have added Saturday, May 27, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale
- Dania Beach Library/City Hall, 100 W Dania Beach Blvd. in Dania Beach
These are in addition to the fixed center locations:
- Sadkin Community Center, 1176 NW 42nd Way, Lauderhill, FL 33313
- Hortt Park, 1700 SW 14TH Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Hours for fixed centers are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. except for Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 9 a.m. to noon. Closed Sundays.
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.
martyce.allenjr Fri, 05/26/2023 - 19:40Two-Month Recovery Snapshot: More Than 3,500 Households Helped, More Than $28 Million in Support
MADISON, Miss. – Two months after tornadoes and severe storms hit communities across Mississippi, FEMA has helped more than 3,500 households with disaster assistance (as of May 26, 2023):
- More than $10.3 million in FEMA Individual and Households Program grants awarded to eligible homeowners and renters in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola and Sharkey counties. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage, including:
- More than $6.3 million in housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing, and
- Nearly $4 million in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs—such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses.
Additionally, the Small Business Administration has approved more than $17.7 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and non-profit organizations -- to repair, rebuild or replace disaster-damaged physical property and to cover economic injury.
In total, federal support for households now totals more than $28 million.
Disaster Recovery CentersThe state and FEMA have staffed and operated six fixed-location Disaster Recovery Centers and six Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers, providing one-on-one assistance to survivors. The centers have tallied more than 7,600 visitors.
Disaster Survivor AssistanceDisaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams canvassed storm-impacted neighborhoods in every designated county. These teams went door-to-door in hard-hit neighborhoods, helping survivors apply for assistance. They visited homes, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. They helped people apply for assistance. They helped identify unmet needs. And they made referrals to other agencies and local nonprofits. DSA personnel visited more than 13,900 homes, interacting with more than 10,000 people.
Public AssistanceFEMA’s cost-sharing Public Assistance program includes reimbursing counties and municipalities for at least 75% of eligible costs of disaster-related debris removal. Contractors for county and city governments have cleared more than 1 million cubic yards of debris. Monitoring the work for FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that nearly 90% of that work has been completed, including 100% debris removal in Carroll, Montgomery and Panola counties.
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 Fri, 05/26/2023 - 17:01Biden-Harris Administration, Whole Community Respond to Support Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Following Impacts from Typhoon Mawar
WASHINGTON -- President Biden granted a major disaster declaration for Guam on Thursday, which unlocks additional FEMA funding to help the territory respond to and recover from Typhoon Mawar. The disaster declaration allows for federal funding to be available for emergency protective measures to help eliminate threats to public health and safety.
More than 400 FEMA personnel are supporting response activities in the Pacific, with more than 160 in Guam. Voluntary organizations, along with local and territory officials, are conducting feeding operations in both Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. FEMA is also coordinating with its network of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters to provide support and humanitarian aid. More than 120 voluntary personnel are headed to the impacted areas and 80 local staff are available to support the distribution of supplies and perform assessments.
Governors of both territories lifted sheltering orders; however, communications and cell service remain intermittent due to network outages. Anyone trying to reach friends or relatives in the impacted areas should remain patient as outages are being restored.
Federal, Territorial and Voluntary Actions- The Guam Power Authority started restoration efforts, reporting more than 40% of substations have been restored, with power restored at Guam Memorial Hospital, Guam Regional Medical Center and Guam Airport Authority. There are more than 100 generators on the island to help provide power to critical facilities.
- Additional generators are being sent to Rota, where most customers remain without power. Only isolated power service interruptions in Saipan.
- Feeding and bottled water missions began today, with a priority to distribute to healthcare facilities and shelters. All of Guam and Rota drinking and wastewater systems have been impacted by power outages and are under boil water advisories.
- Shelters remain open on both the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. Feeding operations are underway in Guam’s shelters where approximately 1,000 people remain.
- Guam’s International Airport remains closed to commercial traffic with commercial services anticipated to resume, at the earliest, on Tuesday, May 30.
- The Red Cross is working with local emergency management to meet the needs of the communities affected. As many as 200 trained disaster workers and emergency supplies are being deployed to the Pacific. The American Red Cross of Guam hotline is operational: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
- The National Disaster Distress Helpline is also activated and anyone who has been affected by Typhoon Mawar can call 1-800-985-5990 for immediate counseling and support.
- FEMA mission assigned the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to assist with temporary emergency power, temporary roofing and debris management support. USACE deployed personnel to provide public works and engineering technical expertise.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deployed two medical teams with a third team remaining on alert status for the Pacific.
- To learn more about the Typhoon Mawar response and recovery efforts, visit FEMA.gov.
Damage assessments are ongoing in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as the territories continue to experience power outages, water service disruptions and local flooding events. Flood watches remain for both the territories through Saturday. Residents should remain cautious and avoid floodwaters as they may contain downed power lines or waste that can lead to illness.
Safety Messages- As power remains unrestored in many areas, residents using power generators should always use them outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- For those seeking the status of family members or friends on the island but are having trouble connecting, the communications and electrical systems are being repaired and stabilized at this time. For real time updates, visit the following links for the latest information:
- Guam Homeland Security: https://ghs.guam.gov
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Office of the Governor: https://governor.gov.mp
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians to supplement tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe storm and flooding March 11-16, 2023.
Public assistance federal funding is available to tribal governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm and flooding on tribal lands.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.
Benigno Bern Ruiz has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made if warranted by the results of further assessments.
luther.wills-dudich Fri, 05/26/2023 - 14:47President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Guam
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the territory of Guam to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Typhoon Mawar beginning on May 22, 2023, and continuing.
Funding is available to the territory and eligible local governments and certain nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance in the territory of Guam.
Funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire territory of Guam.
Benigno B. Ruiz has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the territory and warranted by the results of further assessments.
luther.wills-dudich Fri, 05/26/2023 - 14:08FEMA Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to the National Flood Insurance Program in Oregon
BOTHELL, Wash. – FEMA reopened the comment period for an additional 32 days of public input on proposed changes to the implementation of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in Oregon. These changes may have significant impacts on Oregon communities, individuals, and businesses that intend on developing in the floodplain. FEMA encourages participation during the comment period.
Following findings that the NFIP in Oregon may harm salmon, steelhead, Southern Resident Killer Whale, and other endangered and threatened fish species, FEMA was required to make changes to how the NFIP is implemented in the state. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, FEMA is currently developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to identify potential social and economic impacts of the proposed changes.
As part of the process, FEMA seeks public input relevant to proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to address in the EIS. The initial Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS was published on March 6, 2023 and opened a 60 day public scoping process that ended May 5, 2023. To accommodate additional public input, the comment period will reopen May 25, 2023, for an additional 32 days, closing June 26, 2023.
FEMA will host virtual and in-person public meetings during the comment period. The two scheduled virtual public meetings are June 1 and 7, 4 – 6 p.m. Additional information on these and future in-person meetings is available on the project website.
FEMA administers the NFIP, a nationwide program that reduces future flood damage by requiring minimum floodplain management standards and provides protection for property owners against potential flood losses through insurance. Information about the EIS and how to submit comments can be found on the project website.
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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 Thu, 05/25/2023 - 18:42Disaster Recovery Centers Closed for Memorial Day Weekend
OKLAHOMA CITY – FEMA and the State of Oklahoma Disaster Recovery Centers in Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties will be closed Saturday, May 27 through Monday, May 29 in honor of Memorial Day. All locations will return to normal operating hours on Tuesday, May 30.
The centers assist Oklahomans affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred April 19-20.
The normal operating hours for the three locations include:
Cleveland County
12 Corners Baptist Church
15601 E Etowah Road
Noble, OK 73068
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed Sunday.
Pottawatomie County
130 N Louisa Ave.
Shawnee, OK 74801
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Saturday.
Closed Sunday.
McClain County
Cole Community Center
26887 Main Street
Blanchard, OK 73010
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Saturday.
Closed Sunday.
No appointments are necessary.
You do not have to visit a disaster recovery center to apply for assistance. The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov.
If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT on Memorial Day. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4706. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
luther.wills-dudich Thu, 05/25/2023 - 18:32Pages
