FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to Close Early Saturday Due to Severe Weather

Media Advisory

LITTLE ROCK – Faced with potential severe weather Saturday for portions of Arkansas, FEMA will close all five Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) early for the safety of survivors and employees.  

Locations in Pulaski County will close today, April 15 at 3 p.m.:

Pulaski County – Jacksonville

1st United Methodist

308 W. Main St.

Jacksonville, AR 72076

Pulaski County – Sherwood

Wildwood Center & Medical Tower

2404 Wildwood Ave.

N. Little Rock, AR 72207

Pulaski County - Little Rock

West Central Community Center

8616 Colonel Glenn Road

Little Rock, AR 72204

Pulaski County – North Little Rock

North Little Rock Community Center

2700 Willow St.

North Little Rock, AR 72114

The location in Cross County will close today, April 15 at 5 p.m.:

Cross County – Wynne

Ridgeview Church

999 US Hwy 64 East

Wynne, AR 72396

FEMA reminds Arkansans you can continue to register for disaster assistance regardless of weather. 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.

FEMA will resume normal DRC hours when it is safe to do so.

alexa.brown Sat, 04/15/2023 - 16:05

Filing False FEMA Applications Costly to Deserving Survivors

PEARL, Miss. – If you apply for FEMA assistance and purposely claim disaster damage that never happened you are taking money away from those who truly need help and you may be charged with a serious crime.

FEMA must make sure taxpayer dollars go only to Mississippi homeowners and renters who suffered genuine loss caused by the March 24-25 storms; the agency takes payment of funds to the true survivors very seriously.

Those who are caught filing a false application for FEMA assistance can be charged with a felony and, if convicted, face a maximum 30-year prison term and up to $250,000 in fines.

If you know of someone who is filing a fraudulent application, report this or other instances of fraud, waste or abuse.

You may contact the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at 800-323-8603.

You also may fill out a fraud complaint online at the OIG’s website (www.oig.dhs.gov) or mail to: DHS Office of Inspector General: Mail Stop 0305; Department of Homeland Security; 245 Murray Drive SW; Washington DC 20528-0305, mark it for the attention of the Office of Investigations – Hotline.

You also may call FEMA’s Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO) Tip line at 866-223-0814 or email to FEMA-OCSO-Tipline@fema.dhs.gov.

Your call may be answered by a recorded message. You will be asked a few questions. The information will be entered into the data system and given to a field investigator. If you leave a name and phone number, it will be the investigator who will call back, not the person who took your call. An inspector has 90 days to confirm the complaint.

Conducting audits and investigating possible fraudulent activities is done in all federal disaster operations. The U.S. Department of Justice prosecutes cases that result in criminal charges.

Any applicant who has made a mistake when reporting damage or has misrepresented losses may correct or cancel their claim. Individuals need to call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to withdraw or correct an application and prevent prosecution. The helpline accepts calls seven days a week from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Time. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and 4697 | FEMA.gov. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Fri, 04/14/2023 - 19:18

Three Months Later, Recovery Continues in Alabama

PRATTVILLE, Ala. – Three months after President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for the state of Alabama following the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, more than $16.6 million in federal assistance has been approved by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support the disaster recovery in Alabama.

Individual Assistance

As of April 14, FEMA has approved more than $7.7 million in grants to survivors in Autauga, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Morgan, Mobile, Sumter and Tallapoosa counties under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage to eligible homeowners and renters in the 10 Individual Assistance designated counties. These grants include:

• More than $6.2 million in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
• More than $1.3 million in rental assistance.
• More than $1.5 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.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams canvassed the 10 Individual Assistance designated counties to help survivors apply for assistance and identify immediate and emerging needs. Teams visited more than 11,000 homes and made 2,500 referrals to other local, state and voluntary agencies for additional support.

The state and FEMA staffed and operated 11 Disaster Recovery Centers in nine counties that provided one-on-one assistance to survivors. While operational the centers had more than 2,300 visits by survivors.

SBA

The SBA has approved more than $8.9 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations to repair, rebuild or replace disaster-damaged physical property and to cover economic injury from the Jan. 12 storms and tornadoes.

Public Assistance

FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program provides supplemental Federal grant to State, local, Territorial, or Tribal, and local (SLTT) governments, and certain types of private nonprofit (PNP) organizations for eligible   disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures and restoration of disaster-damaged facilities, such as roads, bridges, public utilities, including water treatment and electrical plants, government buildings and parks.

Eleven Alabama counties have been designated for some form of Public Assistance.

• Greene and Sumter counties have been designated for PA categories A and B: debris removal and emergency protective services.
• Autauga, Barbour, Chambers, Conecuh, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Hale and Tallapoosa have been designated for categories A-G. These categories include debris removal and emergency protective services and the restoration of disaster-damaged facilities.

As of April 14, FEMA has found 29 applicants eligible for Public Assistance and has obligated more than $765,000.

President Biden authorized 100% federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures for 30 days within 120 days of Jan. 12.

Lonn-Term Recovery

Alabama Voluntary Organizations are active in the disaster recovery. The Long-Term Recovery Committees/Groups are made up of concerned community members working to assist individuals and families as they recover from a disaster. Currently, there are active Long-Term Recovery Groups in Autauga/Elmore, Coosa, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Mobile, Morgan and Tallapoosa counties.

Keep in touch with FEMA

While the March 16 deadline for applying for FEMA Individual Assistance has passed, but that does not mean FEMA is leaving. FEMA will continue working with Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) to help survivors and communities in the recovery process.

If you live in one of the 10 Individual Assistance designated counties and applied for help with FEMA due to damage from the Jan. 12 storms, FEMA encourages to you keep in touch.

This way you can track the progress of your case, notify the agency of changes to your mailing or email addresses or phone numbers, and report insurance settlements or additional damage you may have discovered since your home inspection.

Here's how to reach FEMA:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week, 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.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Fri, 04/14/2023 - 18:30

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee residents who applied for assistance from FEMA for the March 31-April 1, 2023, storms and tornadoes will receive a determination letter from FEMA. It may say you are ineligible for assistance, but that is not a denial.

It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. The letter will also explain your application status and advise what you need to do to appeal an unfavorable decision.

Often, you need only send more information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue reviewing your application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:

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

If you have questions about your letter, call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Daylight Time every day. Help is available in most languages. 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.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

 

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance provided, you can submit an appeal letter and documents supporting your claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to send FEMA your appeal.

By law, FEMA cannot provide you a grant when any other source – insurance, crowdfunding or financial assistance from voluntary agencies – has covered expenses for the same disaster-related need. In other words, FEMA cannot pay for home repairs if you already received funds from your insurance company for the same repairs.

However, those who are underinsured may receive assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled. While FEMA may be able to help with basic needs, it does not provide assistance to cover insurance deductibles.

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

• Applicant’s full name
• Disaster number (DR-4701-TN)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
• Applicant’s current phone number and address
• Your nine-digit FEMA application number on all documents

If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.

Appeals must be postmarked within 60 days of the date noted on your FEMA determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be uploaded to your personal FEMA online account. To set up an account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and follow the directions.

Other ways to submit documents include:

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

Fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA

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

If you didn’t apply for assistance but you received a letter from FEMA, call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you believe you’re a victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police department. Consumers may also file a fraud complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General’s office at:  https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/attorneygeneral/working-for-tennessee/consumer/file-a-complaint.html.

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 Fri, 04/14/2023 - 16:43

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Jacksonville and Sherwood

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.– FEMA and the State of Arkansas will open joint Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Jacksonville and Sherwood, Arkansas, on Friday, April 14 to help survivors affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on March 31.

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.

The DRCs opening Friday, April 14 at 7 a.m. include:

Pulaski County — Jacksonville

1st United Methodist Church

308 W Main St.

Jacksonville, AR 72076

Hours: Mon-Sun: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Pulaski County — Sherwood

Wildwood Center & Medical Tower

2402 Wildwood Ave.

North Little Rock, AR 72207

Hours: Mon-Sun: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

DRCs are also open in several other locations.

Cross County – Wynne

Ridgeview Church

999 US Hwy 64 East

Wynne, AR 72396

Hours: Monday - Saturday 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Sunday: 1–7 p.m.

Pulaski County – Little Rock

West Central Community Center

8616 Colonel Glenn Rd.

Little Rock, AR 72204

Hours: Monday - Sunday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Pulaski County – North Little Rock

North Little Rock Community Center

2700 Willow St.

North Little Rock, 72114

Hours: Monday - Sunday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Residents of any of the three counties approved for individual assistance, Cross, Lonoke and Pulaski may visit any open disaster recovery center in Arkansas. No appointments are necessary. You may also get help to do the following:

• Apply for assistance.
• Learn the status of your FEMA application.
• Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
• Find housing and rental assistance information.
• Get answers to questions or resolve problems.
• Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
• Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs.

FEMA also has teams canvassing in the most heavily impacted areas as determined by local officials.

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.

alexa.brown Thu, 04/13/2023 - 22:09

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available in Mississippi

PEARL, Miss. – Mississippi residents who couldn’t work as a direct result of the March 24-25 severe weather and tornadoes may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

Eligible residents who live or work in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola or Sharkey counties can file a claim with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to request benefits. You must have been unemployed for more than one week following the March storms to be eligible. Each claim will be reviewed to determine eligibility. FEMA funds DUA, but the Mississippi Department of Employment Security administers the program.

Self-employed and unemployed individuals may qualify. In addition, residents who were unable to reach their place of business because the disaster prevented their travel, or those who were scheduled to begin work, but couldn’t because of the storms, may also apply.

Others who may be eligible for DUA include those who:

Became the major wage earner for the household because of a disaster-related death;

Cannot work because of an injury caused as a direct result of the storms;

Could not work or lost work because of physical damage or destruction of a business, or

Are unable to work because of the physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to its closure.

 

To apply for DUA, visit www.mdes.ms.gov or call 601-493-9428 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance is May 8, 2023.

For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and 4697 | FEMA.gov. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Thu, 04/13/2023 - 20:50

It’s Important to Submit an SBA Disaster Loan Application

PEARL, Miss. – Survivors of Mississippi’s March 24-25 storms and tornadoes who apply for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with information on how to apply for a long-term, low interest disaster loan.

If your damaged home is in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola, or Sharkey counties it’s important to submit the loan application as soon as possible. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA loan but failure to apply for the loan may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance.

SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds for disaster survivors. SBA offers long-term, low interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations. SBA disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources.

You should not wait for an insurance settlement before submitting an SBA loan application. You may discover you were under-insured for the deductible or labor and materials required to repair or replace their home.

You can apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) on the 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 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. You may also apply at any of the Disaster Assistance Recovery Centers supporting Mississippi tornado survivors. To find a center, go to https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace storm-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace storm-damaged or destroyed personal property.

SBA makes Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to qualified businesses and private nonprofit organizations. These loan proceeds may be used for the repair or replacement of real property, machinery, equipment, fixtures, inventory, or leasehold improvements.  SBA business disaster loans are available to companies and nonprofits in all the declared counties. EIDLs are also available in the contiguous Mississippi counties of Attala, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clay, Grenada, Holmes, Issaquena, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Leflore, Lowndes, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, Washington, Webster, Yalobusha, and Yazoo; and for economic injury only in the contiguous Alabama counties of: Lamar and Marion. For an American Sign Language video, visit “Reasons to Apply for an SBA Loan” online at youtube.com/watch?v=0pvfgBaA6_Q.

For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and 4697 | FEMA.gov.fema.gov/. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Thu, 04/13/2023 - 20:33

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Tulsa County, Oklahoma

DENTON, Texas – Revised Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review in Tulsa County, Oklahoma. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.

The 90-day appeal and comment period will begin on or around April 13, 2023. 

Appeals and comments may be submitted through July 12, 2023 for: the cities of Bixby, Broken Arrow and Tulsa; and the unincorporated areas of Tulsa County.

Residents may submit an appeal if they consider modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information — such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary — they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov.

alexa.brown Thu, 04/13/2023 - 20:24

Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $7.7 Million in Just Three Weeks After Mississippi Tornadoes

PEARL, Miss. - Just over two weeks after President Joe Biden signed a major disaster declaration following the March 24-25 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, more than $7.7 million in federal assistance has been approved to support survivors with their recovery.  

To date, more than $3.2 million in FEMA Housing Assistance has been approved for eligible homeowners and renters in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola and Sharkey counties. The funding will help with storm-related damage, including home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing. 

Another FEMA program called Other Needs Assistance has approved more than $2.1 million to help cover the cost of storm-related personal property replacement, moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, medical and dental expenses.  

The state and FEMA have Disaster Recovery Centers in each of the six designated counties, which provide one-on-one assistance to survivors. To find the closet one, visit fema.gov/drc. Homeowners and renters can visit any center for assistance.

FEMA staff was on site with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency within hours after the tornadoes hit. More than 450 FEMA specialists are supporting the recovery mission and more are on the way.

How to Apply to FEMA

You can apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance at any Disaster Recovery Center, but there are other options, as well. For example, apply online at disasterassistance.gov, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Time seven days a week or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.

After applying for FEMA disaster assistance, you may be referred to SBA to request a low-interest disaster loan. Survivors are encouraged to go through the entire process as this may open the door for additional resources for their recovery.

For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and 4697 | FEMA.gov. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Thu, 04/13/2023 - 19:27

A Disaster Recovery Center is Open in Tuolumne County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A Disaster Recovery Center opened this week in Tuolumne County, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding that started on Feb. 21 can get information on disaster assistance.

Those affected by the disaster can meet with recovery specialists face-to-face if they need help applying for FEMA assistance. They can also get answers to questions or follow up on their applications. Recovery specialists can also provide information on any rental assistance available or fax any requested documents to a FEMA processing center. They can also scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.

Specialists at the centers can also direct you to operators who can communicate in Spanish and many other languages by request. The centers also offer printed material in multiple languages.

Disaster Recovery Centers are barrier-free and provide equal access to all visitors. If you use American Sign Language or assistive technology, and if you need accommodations to communicate, please notify FEMA staff at the center immediately.

Residents don’t have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. They can apply to FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. (Helpline operators are available from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PDT daily.)  If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance

The address of the center is:

Tuolumne Community Resilience Center 18241 Bay Avenue Tuolumne, CA 95379 Hours:  09:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available at the recovery centers to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans. These loans are offered to homeowners and renters, business owners and private nonprofits.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation specialists can share home-improvement tips and techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4699. You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES,  facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 04/13/2023 - 17:18

FEMA Teams Working in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – FEMA is meeting survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recovery from the March 31 - April 1, 2023, severe storms and tornadoes. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are going door-to-door in Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne County neighborhoods to help individuals apply for FEMA assistance.

Using mobile technology, DSA personnel can help survivors apply for assistance, update a FEMA application, and answer questions about federal assistance.

DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service. If you suspect fraud or fraudulent activity report it immediately. Call your local police or sheriff’s office or you can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

It is not necessary to wait for a visit from DSA to apply for assistance. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app  or call 800-621-3362, 6 a.m. to midnight Central Time seven days a week. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

For information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4701. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Thu, 04/13/2023 - 16:43

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Craighead County, Arkansas

DENTON, Texas – Revised Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review in Craighead County, Arkansas. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.

The 90-day appeal and comment period will begin on or around April 13, 2023. 

Appeals and comments may be submitted through July 12, 2023 for:

• The City of Jonesboro; and the unincorporated areas of Craighead County

Residents may submit an appeal if they consider modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information — such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary — they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov.

alexa.brown Thu, 04/13/2023 - 15:49

Families Being Housed with Multiple Options in Florida

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Florida households who lost the use of their homes after Hurricane Ian are moving into FEMA temporary housing units at an accelerated pace. As of April 12, 1,001 eligible applicants have occupied FEMA travel trailers, manufactured housing units or leased apartments.

More than half of the families who were given keys to housing are in Lee County, where the storm made landfall. Some families have found more permanent housing and moved out of FEMA units. Currently, 963 families are occupying 979 units, including 466 travel trailers, 227 manufactured housing units and 282 leased apartments.

In addition, FEMA is contracting with landlords in affected counties to lease apartments, make repairs and place families in the units.

FEMA also is working with commercial mobile home parks to lease sites for placement of units.

Because of a shortage of available sites for homes, FEMA is working with the state and local jurisdictions to build group sites in Lee County and Charlotte County. These sites will be operated by FEMA in early summer.

“We have units ordered, being delivered, installed, inspected and handed over to families,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Tom McCool. “We’re working with multiple options for applicants: trailers and larger units on people’s property, units in commercial parks, apartments, and soon we will have group housing sites.”

More than 76,000 households have received $723 million in FEMA Individual Assistance for rent and basic home repairs.

FEMA is sheltering 469 families in hotel rooms while they look for longer term housing. More than 4,100 families have moved out of hotel rooms after finding housing.

FEMA is also funding the state program that has housed 647 families in temporary housing trailers so far.

Types of Temporary Housing

Multifamily Lease and Repair is an agreement between FEMA and property owners to repair existing multi-family housing units to be used as temporary housing for survivors. To date, 100 units have been secured in Collier County and are in process of repair. 12 additional units have been identified in Lee County and are in the approval process.

Direct Lease is a contract with property owners to lease properties to use as temporary housing for survivors.

To date, 282 households have been leased into properties in Charlotte, Lee, Sarasota, and Volusia counties, with the bulk, 200, in Lee County.

Transportable Housing Units which are described as Recreational Vehicles (RVs) or Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs). Towable RVs and 1–3-bedroom MHUs can be placed on private property, commercial property – RV parks or in mobile home communities, or in group sites – land developed for the placement of housing units. To date, 693 units have been placed on private and commercial properties in all seven counties with the bulk (219 commercial and 474 private properties) in Lee County.

More commercial sites are being leased as they become available, and several group sites have been identified in Lee and Charlotte counties and are in various stages of the review/approval process.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Wed, 04/12/2023 - 20:09

Site Inspections Move Along Steadily for Hurricane Fiona

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Within the Public Assistance Program, FEMA has completed more than 851 site inspections throughout Puerto Rico, advancing the island's recovery from Hurricane Fiona. This amount represents nearly 1,625 facilities and infrastructure items that applicants reported were damaged by the disaster.

“Recovery from Hurricane Fiona is advancing at a steady pace, with hundreds of site inspections and follow-up meetings anticipated in the coming weeks. To keep this momentum and avoid delays in the public assistance process, it is very important that municipalities, government agencies and nonprofit organizations continue providing information in a timely manner,” said Federal Coordinating Officer for Hurricane Fiona, Nancy Casper.

Hundreds of applicants have submitted damage inventory lists to FEMA. Over 12,300 facilities and infrastructure items have been submitted for review. These include 5,783 items from municipalities, 5,926 from government agencies and 624 from private non-profit organizations, such as houses of worship and community-based organizations. These damage inventory lists will be reviewed to ensure eligibility.

Currently, FEMA has nearly 60 site inspectors, including 15 new recruits from Puerto Rico, which support the site inspections for hurricane-damaged facilities.

The PA program delivery process is complex, with several phases of review, validation and approval, explained Jorge D. López, PA Deputy Infrastructure Branch Director at FEMA. “The goal is to complete all site inspections by the end of April,” López said.

The program delivery process consists of seven distinct phases, from the preliminary damage assessment conducted after the incident, until the final project reconciliation and closing. Some phases are concerned with inspecting and documenting damage, others with cost reviews and validation. During each phase there are specialists who must analyze data and review documentation to ensure compliance with FEMA procedures, in accordance with federal regulations and program requirements.

manuel.deleon Wed, 04/12/2023 - 19:17

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Disaster survivors should be aware that con-artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after a disaster. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

If a FEMA Inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The Helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.

If you do wish to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the Helpline will assist you in creating a new application.

Scams

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas impacted by the March 31 – April 1, 2023, severe storms, and tornadoes. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment.

Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. FEMA inspectors will have your FEMA application number.

Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department. Consumers may also file a fraud complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office here: File a Complaint (tn.gov).

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving FEMA’s disaster relief operations, you can report this to FEMA or DHS. You may request confidentiality or register your complaint anonymously at:

• FEMA Fraud Branch, email: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.
• DHS Office of Inspector General, online through their allegation form (Recommended), call: (866) 720-5721, fax: (202) 254-4297, or write to: DHS Office of Inspector General / MAIL STOP 0305, Attn: Office of Investigations – Hotline, 245 Murray Lane SW, Washington, DC 20528-0305.

If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov.

sandra.habib Wed, 04/12/2023 - 16:29

USDA RD Grants are Available to help People in Rural Kentucky Repair their Homes Damaged by Storms in 2022

Frankfort, KY - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) has announced the availability of grants to help people repair their homes that were damaged by historic flooding and storms in 2022. Survivors living in 26 Kentucky counties may be eligible for funding.

Following the July 2022 storms and flooding in Eastern Kentucky, FEMA Interagency Recovery Coordination (IRC) mission assigned the USDA to assist low-income residents with additional funding sources available through their Rural Development program. IRC coordinated with FEMA Individual Assistance to identify potential eligible homeowners who continue to have housing needs and meet the requirements for USDA RD funding. This data allowed USDA RD to show congress the need for additional support to very-low-income residents rebuilding following the storms. These funds were then made available through the Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023.

“Destructive weather like the historic flooding that impacted Eastern Kentucky destroyed homes and further exacerbated the affordable housing crisis in the region,” said Kentucky State USDA RD Director, Dr. Tom Carew. “USDA stands ready to help thousands across rural Kentucky access the resources they need to rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives.”

Residents in the following counties may be eligible for the funding: Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Christian, Clay, Cumberland, Floyd, Green, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Taylor, Whitley and Wolfe Counties

This grant program (while not duplicating any other benefits) can offer up to $40,675 to very low-income households. The grants are made available through supplemental disaster funding under the Rural Disaster Home Repair Grant Program. Through this program, people may apply to receive grants directly from USDA to repair their homes. Funds will be available until expended. Grants may be used to:

• pay for home repair expenses that were a result of a Presidentially declared disasters in calendar year 2022;
• prepare a site for a manufactured home; or
• relocate a manufactured home.

To be eligible:

• applicants must have household incomes that do not exceed the limits based on their household size and county.
• homes must be located in an eligible rural area that was declared a federal disaster.

For more information on how to apply, contact Rural Development Kentucky’s Single-Family Housing team at 859-224-7322 or visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-page/kentucky-contacts.

Additional resources to support rural communities seeking disaster assistance are available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/page/rural-development-disaster-assistance.

Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

For the latest information on Kentucky flooding recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663 and follow FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion4. Visit the Governor’s website at governor.ky.gov/disaster-response/flood-response.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 04/12/2023 - 16:27

FEMA Provides $2.3M to the City of Dearborn

CHICAGO – FEMA and the Michigan State Police/Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) announced today that $2,370,160 in federal funding has been made available to the city of Dearborn for response costs related to the federally declared severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes from June 2021. This funding will reimburse the city of Dearborn for costs to remove debris caused by the disaster.  

“FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is an important resource for communities when an emergency occurs,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “This grant helped fund the removal of debris that posed immediate threats to the community’s health and safety and supported the city’s efforts to protect the lives and property of residents.”

“The city of Dearborn has done a great job with its recovery efforts,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “This federal funding will further the progress as it helps restore the city’s budget, freeing up additional resources that could be used to prevent future flood damage through mitigation efforts.”

FEMA provides a 90 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. The eligible cost for this project is $2,633,511. The remaining 10 percent will be paid by the state of Michigan.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for debris removal, disaster cleanup and emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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

nicole.wilson Wed, 04/12/2023 - 16:08

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Santa Cruz County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Two Disaster Recovery Centers just opened this week in Santa Cruz County, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding that started on Feb. 21 can get information on disaster assistance.

Those affected by the disaster can meet with recovery specialists face-to-face and clarify information they may have received from FEMA or other agencies. Recovery specialists can also provide information on any rental assistance available or fax any requested documents to a FEMA processing center. They can also scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files. Disaster Recovery Centers are barrier-free and provide equal access to all visitors. If you use American Sign Language or assistive technology, and if you need accommodations to communicate, please notify FEMA staff at the center immediately.

Residents don’t have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. They can apply to FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. (Helpline operators are available from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PDT daily.)  If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to

FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance

The addresses of the centers are:

Watsonville City Government Center

250 Main Street

Watsonville, CA 95076

Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily (closed Sunday, April 9. Will reopen Monday, April 10)

 

Felton Branch Library

Community Room

6121 Gushee Street

Felton, CA 95018

Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily (closed Sunday, April 9. Will reopen Monday, April 10)

 

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available at the recovery centers to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans. These loans are offered to homeowners and renters, business owners and private nonprofits.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation specialists can share home-improvement tips and techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes.

Specialists at the centers can also direct you to operators who can communicate in English, Spanish and many other languages by request. The centers also offer printed material in multiple languages.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 04/12/2023 - 15:41

April is National Financial Capability Month: Three Tips to Protect Your Money in an Emergency

CHICAGO – April is National Financial Capability Month: a reminder that everyone should arm themselves with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their finances every day, but especially in case of an emergency.

FEMA is offering three key steps to financially prepare for unexpected disasters.

1. Gather financial and critical personal, household and medical information. Have extra originals or copies of passports, driver's licenses, insurance and medical information, birth and marriage certificates and other critical documents stored in a safe, easily accessible location—such as a safe deposit box, external hard drive or the cloud—to avoid any issues.   
2. Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place too. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATMs and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.  
3. Obtain property, health and life insurance if you do not have them. Not all insurance policies are the same. Review your policy to make sure the amount and types of coverage meet the requirements for all possible hazards. For example, homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.

An easy way to start preparing your finances for an emergency is by completing an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit. This important document offers guidance on organizing and securing important documents, provides important advice on managing finances, and describes what to expect should a disaster strike your community. For even more information on how to financially prepare for an unexpected emergency or disaster, visit www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness. 

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

nicole.wilson Wed, 04/12/2023 - 14:13

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available for the Navajo Nation to supplement the tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms and flooding that occurred Jan. 14-17, 2023.

On April 11, the President authorized federal funding to be made available to the Navajo Nation and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms and flooding.

Benigno B. Ruiz has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the tribe and warranted by the results of further assessments.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 04/12/2023 - 14:01