FEMA Expands its Reinsurance Program by Transferring $275 Million in Flood Risk to Capital Markets

WASHINGTON -- FEMA continues to engage reinsurance markets to help strengthen the financial framework of the National Flood Insurance Program and promote private sector participation in flood-risk management.

On March 7, the agency transferred $275 million of the program’s financial risk to qualified investors of capital markets by sponsoring catastrophe bonds. This is the sixth time FEMA has entered into three-year reinsurance agreements with Hannover Re (Ireland) Designated Activity Company.

Reinsurance reduces the program’s need to take on additional debt in order to pay claims and creates a more financially sound program that benefits policyholders and taxpayers alike. Additionally, the financial risk transfer helps to further stabilize the program.

Combined with FEMA’s existing bond reinsurance coverage from 2021, 2022 and the 2023 traditional reinsurance placement, FEMA has transferred $1.8 billion of the flood insurance program’s risk to the private sector ahead of the 2023 hurricane season.

As part of the capital markets agreements, FEMA will pay approximately $50.4 million in premiums for the first year of reinsurance coverage. Additionally, the agreements will cover the following losses for any single flood event:

• 5% of losses between $7 billion and $8 billion.  
• 11.25% of losses between $8 billion and $10 billion.

“I’m pleased that FEMA has successfully secured favorable terms for this year’s capital market reinsurance despite the tough market conditions of 2022,” said David Maurstad, FEMA’s Acting Associate Administrator for Resilience and senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program. “The investment is vital to FEMA’s ability to transfer risk in order to stabilize the program’s claims paying capacity as the country continues to adjust to more intense and frequent flooding events.”

This coverage builds on FEMA’s transfer of the program’s flood risk to capital markets investors since 2018. Each placement is a three-year term:

• $450 million in February 2022.
• $575 million in February 2021.
• $400 million in February 2020.

Congress authorized FEMA to secure reinsurance through the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014.

Visit FEMA.gov for more information about the reinsurance programs for the program.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 03/08/2023 - 15:00

Disaster Recovery Center in Sumter County to Close March 10

PRATTVILLE, Ala. -- The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center in Sumter County will close permanently March 10.

The center is currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. It will close permanently at 3 p.m. Central Time, March 10, 2023.

WHERE:

Sumter County

Emelle City Hall

123 Dailey Ave.

Emelle, AL 35459

 

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications for assistance.

The centers provide one-on-one help to people affected by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

Two recovery centers remain open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Saturday.

WHERE:

Dallas County

Dr. Michael and Catherine Bullock Community Center

1428 Broad St.

Selma, AL 36701

 

Dallas County

Felix Heights Community Center

405 Medical Center Pkwy.

Selma, AL 36701

 

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

 

Survivors may also apply for assistance by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app for smartphones or calling 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time 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.

The deadline to apply for assistance for all designated counties is March 16, 2023.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.

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 Wed, 03/08/2023 - 14:43

Government Benefits Unaffected by FEMA Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Applying for federal disaster assistance from FEMA will not affect other federal benefits that California survivors may receive.

 

FEMA disaster grants are not taxable income. Accepting a FEMA grant will not affect eligibility for Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and other federal welfare and entitlement programs.

 

Disaster grants help survivors pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, essential personal property replacement, including your assistive equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.) and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

 

You can apply for disaster assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov,  by calling 800.621.3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

 

The deadline for applications is March 16, 2023.

 

For an American Sign Language video on this topic, go online to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii7nc94B30c. 

 

For more information about California’s recovery from the storms and floods, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4683. You may also follow twitter.com/CalOES,  facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

 

Flood survivors who apply for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for information on how to apply for a disaster loan. It’s important to submit the loan application as soon as possible. If your application is approved, you do not have to accept the loan but failure to return the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance.

 

brindisi.chan Wed, 03/08/2023 - 01:53

FEMA Hiring Locally to Continue Disaster Recovery

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The federal agency that responds to the nation’s disasters has launched a hiring process to continue its support of California’s recovery from the winter storms and flooding.

If you are interested in a temporary position with FEMA and a variety of emergency management functions, you can apply through USAJobs.gov.  Applicants will be called for interviews at a later date.

FEMA’s mission is “helping people before, during and after disasters.” The agency recognizes the best way to do so is to employ the talents of residents already familiar with the affected communities. By hiring a multilingual workforce locally, FEMA can staff its disaster operations, allow survivors to get back to work, and aid in the long-term recovery of the local community. Local hires who represent our diverse society, including people with disabilities, bring a special understanding of the problems their fellow survivors face.

Positions are available for planners, environmentalists, and IT specialists among others in Chico, Oakland, Pasadena and Sacramento.

Working for the federal government has its perks including excellent benefits, flexible work schedules, opportunities for professional growth, stability, and lateral movement across agencies.

brindisi.chan Wed, 03/08/2023 - 01:33

FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at Russell’s in Prattville

PRATTVILLE, Ala.– Repairing or rebuilding your home? Disaster survivors who are working on their homes after the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes can visit Russell Do It Center in Prattville to speak with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to best repair their homes.

Mitigation advisors will give tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage. Most of the information is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available between March 9 and March 14 at:

Russell Do It Center

2006 Cobbs Ford Road

Prattville, AL 36066

 

Hours:

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, March 9

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, March 10

7:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 11

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, March 13

7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 14

 

Specialists are also available on the Mitigation Helpline, 833-336-2477 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Central Time. You may leave a voicemail at any time. Or you may email FEMA-R4-HMHELP@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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 Tue, 03/07/2023 - 19:26

Lincoln County, Oklahoma, Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on Sept. 7, 2023, for Lincoln County, Oklahoma. During the next six months, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update each floodplain ordinance and adopt these new flood maps.

Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low-to-moderate or high-risk flood zone. The current and future Flood Insurance Rate Map can be viewed on FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer at https://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.

By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation. Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.

Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if their structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding. A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and answer questions about the maps as well. Contact them by phone or online chat.

• To use the live chat service, visit floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 877-FEMA MAP (877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

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

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 03/07/2023 - 19:00

Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on Sept. 7, 2023, for Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. During the next six months, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update each floodplain ordinance and adopt these new flood maps.

Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low-to-moderate or high-risk flood zone. The current and future Flood Insurance Rate Map can be viewed on FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer at https://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.

By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation. Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.

Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if their structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding. A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and answer questions about the maps as well. Contact them by phone or online chat.

• To use the live chat service, visit floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 877-FEMA MAP (877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

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

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 03/07/2023 - 18:53

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Update

SANTA FE, NM – Claims Offices in San Miguel and Mora counties are expected to open late March – early April.

The Offices will be staffed mainly by area residents who were hired through our local job fairs. We will soon provide information about locations, hours and what you can expect when you visit an office.

We Are Building Out the Claims Process

We are designing the claims process to address your comments, submitted online and at public meetings, about the interim regulations published in November 2022. Since this is a new process, it is important for us to take time to build a solid foundation to successfully support everyone who files a claim for compensation.

Once the Claims Offices are open, we will review each submitted Notice of Loss form for completeness. If additional information is needed, a Claims Navigator will contact you to discuss your form.

Then, we will send official Notice of Loss Acknowledgement Letters and assign dedicated Claim Navigators. Your assigned Claim Navigator will be your main point of contact and will assist you with the claims process including completing your Proof of Loss form.

So that the Claims Office can determine the amount of your final claim payment in a timely way, you will have 150 days from the date of your official Notice of Loss Acknowledgment Letter to submit your Proof of Loss form. No official Notice of Loss Acknowledgement Letters have been sent. This means that the 150-day clock has not started yet, even if you have submitted your Notice of Loss form.

What You Can Do Until the Offices Open

There are things you can do as we make final preparations to open the claims offices. The first step is filing a Notice of Loss form if you haven’t already. Submitting this form means you would like to begin the claims process and that you are seeking compensation for losses from the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire through the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act.

While you’re waiting for the offices to open, you can gather information and documentation, including pictures, to ensure the Proof of Loss process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible. Your Claims Navigator can also help you determine what is needed and the best way to document your losses.

If you haven’t filled out a Notice of Loss form yet, visit fema.gov/disaster/current/hermits-peak#form for a link to download or print the form. For instructions on how to file, including where to submit your form by email or by mail, visit fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema.gov_hermits-peak-calf-canyon-fire_how-to-submit-notice-of-loss-form_20221114.pdf.

Until the Claims Offices are open, watch for additional information through local media outlets and community meetings.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act provides compensation for those impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire. Compensation may cover eligible losses, including personal injury, loss of property, business loss or financial loss. For more information, visit fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 03/07/2023 - 18:46

FEMA Provides $66.9M to Wisconsin Department of Health Services

CHICAGO – FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that $66,992,779 in federal funding has been made available to Wisconsin Department of Health Services for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration on April 4, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Wisconsin Department of Health Services for costs to distribute COVID-19 testing supplies and perform testing and lab services for K-12 schools and school community screening events statewide.

“FEMA remains committed to supporting Wisconsin’s COVID-19 recovery,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “Testing has been critical to controlling the spread of this virus, and in this case, protecting the health and safety of young people in Wisconsin.”

“We greatly appreciate FEMA’s continued support of Wisconsin’s COVID-19 recovery efforts,” said Wisconsin Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge. “Testing in our schools has been a priority and a vital part of our effort to ensure students and staff have access to this resource to protect their health and the health of their communities.”

FEMA provides a 100% federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.  

# # #

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

troy.christensen Tue, 03/07/2023 - 18:19

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Hardy County, West Virginia

FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Hardy County, West Virginia. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

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 partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on March 8, 2023. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that 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 the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Melissa Scott at mscott.hardyplanner@gmail.com.

The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/yCKLr.

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. 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 and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Hardy County Flood Mapping Milestones 

• September 15, 2021 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data. 
• April 14, 2022 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released. 
• June 21, 2023 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance. 
• March 8, 2023 – Appeal Period starts. 
• Winter 2024* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.) 

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

 

###

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, 03/07/2023 - 17:51

County Disaster Recovery Center to Close March 17

ATLANTA – The Spalding County Disaster Recovery Center in Griffin will close at 6 p.m. Friday, March 17, but those who have an ongoing need for FEMA assistance can still get information about available recovery programs after the closing.

FEMA specialists are continuing their work in Georgia to help survivors of the Jan. 12 storms and tornadoes. You don’t have to be a county resident to visit the recovery center and you can still get answers to your questions by calling the FEMA Helpline. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Monday, March 20.

The Disaster Recovery Center in Spalding County is located at:

• Spalding County Senior Center, 885 Memorial Dr., Griffin, GA 30223

• Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday

FEMA is continuing its work with the state and other partners to help Georgia residents recover from the storms. FEMA specialists are available to help update information in your accounts and direct you to federal, state and community programs and assistance.

As of March 6, more than 2,100 people have visited the seven Disaster Recovery Centers that were opened to support Georgia’s recovery. They have received information or referrals to programs offered by FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other federal, state and local agencies and organizations.

As the disaster recovery operation progresses, it is important to stay in touch with FEMA if you change your address or phone number, even if only temporarily. Missing or wrong information could delay the assistance you may be eligible to receive.

If you haven’t yet applied, here are the ways to do so:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. 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

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4685. You may also follow @GeorgiaEMAHS/Twitter, Facebook.com/GeorgiaEMAHS, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

felicia.jordan Tue, 03/07/2023 - 16:00

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Ontario, Rialto and Riverside

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for unincorporated Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Ontario, Rialto and Riverside. The maps identify revised flood hazards along the Santa Ana River, Highgrove Channel, Warm Springs Tributary C, Benton Creek and Pyrite Channel. The new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from March 4, 2023 to June 2, 2023. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and the cities mentioned above, worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

For more information, contact Riverside County at (951) 955-1265 or haelhadd@rivco.org and San Bernardino County at (909) 387-7906 or bbiggs@dpw.sbcounty.gov. Other community information is available for the cities of Chino at (909) 334-3535 or ajakher@cityofchino.org, Chino Hills at (909) 364-2800 or publicworks@chinohills.org, Colton at (909) 370-5065 or vortiz@coltonca.gov, Corona at (951) 736-2266 or savat.khamphou@coronaca.gov, Eastvale at (951) 703-4479 or morme@eastvaleca.gov, Jurupa Valley at (951) 332-6464 or ptoor@jurupavalley.org, Norco at (951) 270-5677 or snelson@ci.norco.ca.us, Ontario at (909) 395-2188 or tespinoza@ontarioca.gov, Rialto at (909) 820-8040 or apaiva@rialtoca.gov; and Riverside at (951) 826-5345 or cscully@riversideca.gov.

robert.barker Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:58

FEMA Awards Over $1.3 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Vaccination Supplies

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.3 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for the cost of vaccination supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,343,707 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for the cost of vaccination supplies.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

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 COVID-19 response in Massachusetts, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4496

adrien.urbani Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:17

FEMA Awards Over $1 Million to State of New Hampshire for COVID Vaccination Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse the state for the cost of providing vaccine staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,067,182 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will reimburse it for the cost of vaccine staffing.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of New Hampshire with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $194 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:17

FEMA Awards Almost $1.5 Million to State of New Hampshire for COVID Training Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.5 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse the state for the cost of training during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,480,077 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will reimburse it for the cost of training.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist State of New Hampshire with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $194 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:16

Road Renovations in Mountain Towns with FEMA Funds

The reconstructed roadways will benefit over 382,000 residents that live in the Cordillera Central

Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO — Puerto Rico’s Cordillera Central and the public roads that connect the 15 municipalities that are part of it have received —to date— obligations totaling over $672 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair bridges and roads in the area. These roads are a key element for the safe transportation of residents and for the small businesses that surround this area of touristic and cultural value.

“The reconstruction in this area brings with it other collateral benefits, such as activity in the surrounding businesses. We understand the positive impact of these reconstructed roads on other sectors and that is why 95 percent of these projects have funds assigned for mitigation activities to prevent this type of damage from happening again," said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

In Jayuya, FEMA allocated nearly $268 million for 123 projects aimed at repairing municipal roads. One of these projects entails the repair of two municipal roads in the Limón Sector at Mameyes neighborhood with nearly $3 million. Here the asphalt and concrete curbs and gutters will be replaced, and gabion walls and metal rails will be installed.

The mayor of Jayuya, Jorge González Otero, said that the road repairs in this agricultural coffee-growing area not only benefit the residents, but also have an impact on the economic sector, since near this area is the Tierra Alta Agrotourism Project, a coffee plantation where an aerostatic balloon was located, among other attractions.

“People see the difference in those places where these works have been developed with new asphalt, curbing, walls, metal railing and mitigation measures. The transformation is like night and day compared to how our roads were left after María, especially in this neighborhood that is the home of more than 100 families, most of them with limited resources,” said González Otero.

Mitigation measures increase resilience in projects, which was the case of Naranjito. There, FEMA obligated nearly $36 million for several road projects, like the El Banco Road in the Cedro Arriba neighborhood. About $418,000 of the allocation was assigned for mitigation measures that included a concrete curb along the road to collect and direct runoff water away and prevent erosion. Also, over 2,500 plants were planted to protect the embankment fill and a jute mesh was placed over slopes to reduce the effects of erosion, among other measures.

According to the deputy mayor of Naranjito, José Rafael Rodríguez, mitigation measures translate into a strengthened municipality, which was demonstrated when the rainfall associated with Hurricane Fiona did not affect the project. Likewise, this roadway serves as an alternate route in case of emergencies or when there is heavy traffic, making the repairs a source of relief for the more than 100 families that drive on the road.

“This area has schools, academies and about ten to twelve businesses. In addition, there is a positive impact for tourism because many people take this road to visit several well-known restaurants in the area visited by people from all over the island. Also, by making the road wider, there is more space for vehicles, and it is much safer, something very important for residents,” said Rodríguez.

On the other hand, for small businessowner Aníbal Luis López Vásquez, owner of a restaurant operating on Carr. 809 for the last six years, the damage to these roads limited access to the site and, therefore, visits from customers and tourists to his business. “It’s very important that these funds are allocated because they make the roads accessible to people who are nervous about road safety. Having roads in good condition and well-built, clean and safe gives confidence to people. These repairs have a positive impact because it makes tourists and clientele feel safe, so they can enjoy our businesses and our town,” he said.

The Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Carlos Mercado, said his agency is pleased with FEMA’s contribution to repair roads in the mountain area, which he considers “one of the most attractive for local tourism and to receive tourists from abroad.” “It is gratifying to have safe and accessible roads so that our citizens and visitors can enjoy the natural beauties, exquisite gastronomy, historical and cultural attributes found in this region. This project will contribute to enhance the visitor experience and strengthen the tourism industry as an economic development tool for these municipalities and for all of Puerto Rico,” said Mercado.

According to engineer Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, or COR3, per the Quarterly Progress Report from October to December 2022, municipalities are leading close to 2,000 projects, most of which are developments in the Central Cordillera area, and there is an increase of projects under execution in the category of roads and bridges. “At COR3 we will continue our efforts to provide the right tools for municipalities to continue advancing their reconstruction projects so necessary for the wellbeing of our citizens,” said Laboy Rivera.

To date, FEMA has obligated over $29 billion under its Public Assistance program to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane María. 

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 03/06/2023 - 11:51

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and ordered federal aid to supplement the tribe’s efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storm from Dec. 21-25, 2022.

Federal funding is available to the Tribal Nation on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm.

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

Roland W. Jackson has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made if requested and warranted by the results of further assessments.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 03/03/2023 - 22:56

FEMA Approves State’s Request to Extend Financial Period of Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA has approved the state of Louisiana’s request to extend the financial period of assistance for eligible Hurricane Ida survivors, including the Individual and Households Program appeal deadline.

• Before the extension, the period of assistance was set to end on March 1, 2023, 18 months following the major disaster declaration (the 18-month period is determined by federal regulations).
• On Feb.24, 2023, GOHSEP requested a three-month extension.
• On March 2, 2023, FEMA approved a three-month extension, authorizing the financial assistance program through June 1st, 2023.
• An extension of the financial period of assistance allows FEMA to continue to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for an additional three months.
• This extension does not reopen the disaster to new applications for assistance. FEMA is no longer accepting new applications for Hurricane Ida assistance.
• As of March 1, 2023, FEMA has approved more than $1.2 Billion for individuals and households impacted by Hurricane Ida. That includes $750 million in housing assistance and an additional $483 million in other needs assistance for items such as transportation, personal property, moving and storage assistance, childcare and medical and dental expenses. 

Media questions can be directed to the FEMA Louisiana News Desk:

• (225) 389-2408
• FEMA-NewsDesk-Louisiana-Disasters@fema.dhs.gov

kirsten.chambers Fri, 03/03/2023 - 17:40

Two Weeks Left for Alabama Storm Survivors to Apply for Federal Assistance

PRATTVILLE, Ala.– Alabama homeowners and renters who sustained damage to their primary property from the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes have two weeks left to apply for federal assistance.

The deadline is March 16, 2023, for survivors to apply for federal assistance in Autauga, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Mobile, Morgan, Sumter, and Tallapoosa counties.

FEMA assistance for individuals affected by the Jan. 12 storms may cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is non-taxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, or other benefits.

Homeowners and renters in the designated counties can apply for assistance the following ways.

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time 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.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov 
• Download the free FEMA mobile app for smartphones.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find a center close to you, go online to: fema.gov/drc

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.

When applying, homeowners and renters will need:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• Your Social Security Number
• A general list of damage and losses
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

If you are unable to locate important documents, FEMA will help you to identify other ways to verify your information.

Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

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 Thu, 03/02/2023 - 14:34

Hazard Mitigation Saves Millions for Rural Community

Jayuya, Puerto Rico – It is unwise to do the same thing repeatedly and expect different results. This applies to just about everything in life, including how we recover from the damaging effects of a natural disaster.

FEMA has seen many communities struggle with recurring damage when restoring bridges, roads and infrastructure projects. Those who suffer the most are the survivors, who must bear the brunt of having their daily lives upended by blocked roads and lengthy detours.

Municipal Road 527, located in Barrio Veguitas, Sector Gripiñas, in Jayuya (pronounced Ha-ju-jah), is an example of how FEMA successfully implemented a hazard mitigation proposal that withstood the onslaught of Hurricane Fiona with resounding success and avoided recurring damage.

Jayuya is an agricultural town located along the highest peaks of Puerto Rico, famous for its rich, aromatic coffee. When Hurricane María made land fall in 2017, torrential rainfall and high-speed winds devastated this community, causing landslides and asphalt surface washout. A sizable segment of Road 527 collapsed downhill. At the time of the disaster, Municipal Road 527 lacked facilities that could direct run-off water from the asphalt road and prevent damage.

“After hurricane María, only 10 percent of the road remained. It was blocked for a long time until we cleared the road with machinery so people could have provisional access, with 4X4 vehicles,” said Jorge González Otero, Mayor of Jayuya.

Hurricane María was not the first disaster to cause damage to Municipal Road 527, said Mayor González. In 1998 Hurricane Georges also devastated many roads and disrupted the lives of those who live in this area.

To break the damage-repair-damage cycle, FEMA’s HM program proposed upgrading this construction project with a mitigation component that would collect and safely divert running water.

“This project is very resilient, it passed the test,” said Mayor González. “Over 20 inches of rain fell over here during hurricane Fiona, and you can see that the project is intact. It didn’t suffer any damage. This means that it collected the water, relocated it and dumped it in a safe place.”

The construction project was awarded to the contractor for $1,000,100. This amount included about $77,700 for mitigation works, said Jayuya Municipal Administrator Adrián Bennet Rodríguez. However, the benefit to the municipality and the community was well beyond this amount.

“If it had not been mitigated, the loss would have been the same amount plus the cost of materials and labor. This means that we saved about $2 million,” said Mayor González. “But the most important thing is the service to the community, because we are here to serve the community.”

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yuisa.rios Thu, 03/02/2023 - 11:38