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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 - 14:34Hazard 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 - 11:38FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at The Home Depot 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 The Home Depot 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 2 and March 7 at:
The Home Depot
2710 Legends Pkwy.
Prattville, AL 36066
Hours:
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, March 2
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, March 3
8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 4
1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 5
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, March 6
7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 7
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 Wed, 03/01/2023 - 16:02Disaster Recovery Center in Greene County to Close March 3
PRATTVILLE, Ala. -- The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center in Greene County will close permanently March 3.
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 3, 2023.
WHERE:
Greene County
Robert H. Young Community Center
720 Greensboro St.
Eutaw, AL 35462
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.
Other 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
Sumter County
Emelle City Hall
123 Dailey Ave.
Emelle, AL 35459
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, 03/01/2023 - 15:54DHS Awards $350 Million for Humanitarian Assistance Through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program
WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of Homeland Security, through FEMA, announced it will publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $350 million under the humanitarian portion of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP-H) to help local communities around the country better manage the costs of noncitizen arrivals in their communities. This is the first major portion of funding that is being allocated for humanitarian assistance under the Omnibus funding approved in December.
"With today's funding of $350 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, DHS is delivering on our commitment to provide needed support to communities across the country that receive noncitizens who are in immigration enforcement proceedings," said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. "At the same time, we are working to quickly stand up the new Shelter and Services Program created by Congress and look forward to awarding funds through this important new program later this fiscal year."
The Bipartisan Year-End Omnibus signed by President Biden on Dec. 29, 2022, authorized the creation of a new DHS grant program, the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), to support these communities. The Omnibus directed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to transfer $800 million in funding to FEMA to establish the SSP and authorized the use of a portion of that funding for the existing EFSP-H until the SSP is established. Through today’s notice, DHS is directing $350 million to EFSP-H to fund costs incurred by localities and non-governmental organizations that assist screened and vetted noncitizens provisionally released from DHS custody pending the outcome of their immigration court proceedings. This is in addition to the $75 million awarded through EFSP-H during the Continuing Resolution.
DHS, along with its components FEMA and CBP, are working as quickly as possible to set up the new SSP. As such, FEMA and CBP will jointly host a series of listening sessions over the next several weeks to gather input from stakeholders, including previous recipients of EFSP-H funding and jurisdictions interested in applying to the SSP.
The EFSP is governed by a National Board comprised of representatives from the American Red Cross, the United Way Worldwide, and four religious charitable organizations. The board is chaired by a representative of FEMA. The EFSP National Board is the only eligible direct applicant for the funding opportunity announced today.
After the National Board receives the funds, it will post the Fiscal Year 2023 application guidance and begin accepting applications. The board, with support from FEMA, will host a series of webinars for potential applicants to explain how to apply, discuss any changes from the previous year's application guidance, and provide answers about the application process. The National Board makes all final award determinations.
For now, interested applicants are encouraged to review the Continuing Resolution 2023 Guidance to understand eligible items under the program.
mashana.davis Tue, 02/28/2023 - 19:44FEMA Awards State of Vermont Over $3.3 Million For COVID Testing Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3.3 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse it for the costs of providing testing for the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $3,336,115 in Public Assistance grants will reimburse the Vermont Agency of Human Services for the cost of using staff and contractors to provide COVID-19 tests statewide between December 2020 and June 2022.
One grant of $1,268,260 will cover the costs of purchasing and distributing 217,050 COVID-19 antigen tests between January and May 2022.
A second grant will provide $2,067,855 for performing 114,251 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antigen tests at state buildings and public facilities for state employees and visitors; state-run correctional facilities for inmates, staff, and visitors; public and non-profit schools; non-profit long-term care facilities; and public and non-profit summer camps between December 2020 and June 2022.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Vermont 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 our success as a nation.”
adrien.urbani Tue, 02/28/2023 - 15:07FEMA Awards Over $1 Million to State of New Hampshire for COVID Ventilator 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 ventilators for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1,035,424 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will reimburse it for the cost of providing portable generators and servicing ventilators at eight hospitals between April 2020 and July 2022.
Department staff and contractors provided 80 portable ventilator units, re-certified approximately 50 ventilator components, and serviced eight hospital-owned ventilators to ensure their operability. The ventilators were deployed to the following locations: Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, Concord Hospital-Laconia, Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, Exeter Hospital, Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, Memorial Hospital in North Conway, Southern NH Medical Center in Nashua, and Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont.
“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 $197 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Tue, 02/28/2023 - 15:06Two Additional Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Amador and Alpine counties have been added to the major disaster declaration for California’s severe storms and flooding that took place from Dec. 27, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023.
Homeowners and renters in Amador County are eligible to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Alpine County has just been added to the declaration for Public Assistance.
Currently, 14 California counties are eligible for Individual Assistance (IA). FEMA’s IA program may provide grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare, and moving and storage expenses. Other counties eligible for IA include Alameda, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Merced, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Ventura.
To apply for FEMA IA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. Applicants can also 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 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. The deadline to apply is March 16, 2023.
Some FEMA applicants may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration to apply for a disaster loan. Long term, low-interest disaster loans for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources.
Homeowners and renters should submit an SBA disaster loan application even if they are not sure they will need or want a loan. If SBA cannot approve the application, in most cases SBA will refer survivors to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for possible additional assistance. If the SBA application is approved, individuals are not obligated to accept an SBA loan but failure to return the application may disqualify them from other possible FEMA assistance.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
Alpine County is now eligible for Public Assistance, which reimburses local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Houses of worship and certain nonprofit organizations may also be eligible. The PA Program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.
Currently, 44 counties are eligible for Public Assistance.
Counties eligible for both IA and PA (14): Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Sacramento. San Joaquin. San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura.
Counties eligible for PA only (30): Alpine, Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Napa, Nevada, Placer, San Benito, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tuolumne, Trinity, Tulare, and Yolo.
The federal cost share for Public Assistance projects is 75 percent with 25 percent covered by the state or local governments.
Applicants with questions about making a Request for Public Assistance should email: DisasterRecovery@CalOES.CA.gov.
brindisi.chan Mon, 02/27/2023 - 19:16Federal Disaster Assistance for Georgia Storms Tops $7 Million
ATLANTA – Six weeks after a ferocious line of thunderstorms and tornadoes crossed Georgia, more than $7.48 million in federal disaster assistance was approved for homeowners, renters and businesses that were affected.
The assistance includes FEMA grants and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Homeowners and renters who had damage or losses from the Jan. 12 storms and tornadoes and live in Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Pike, Spalding and Troup counties have until Monday, March 20, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
Since the major presidential disaster declaration, federal assistance approved for survivors includes:
- More than $3.14 million under the FEMA Individuals and Households Program, including:
- More than $2.62 million in housing assistance ($1.32 million of that total in rental assistance)
- $512,134 for medical and dental expenses, childcare, moving and storage, and other essential storm-related expenses
- More than $4.34 million in SBA disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses
As of Feb. 26, nearly 2,000 survivors have visited Disaster Recovery Centers to get information and advice about community, state and federal agencies and other available assistance. Although six centers closed Feb. 25, the Spalding County recovery center in Griffin remains open to those who need help navigating FEMA recovery programs.
FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams interacted with more than 4,100 survivors, helping them apply for FEMA assistance.
Residents who still wish to apply may visit DisasterAssistance.gov; use the FEMA mobile app or 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 accessible video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6.
FEMA works closely with the U.S. Small Business Administration, which provides disaster loans. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to submit a disaster home loan application to the SBA even if they are not sure they will need or want a loan. There is no obligation to take all or part of an approved loan. If SBA cannot approve the application, SBA will refer applicants to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for possible additional assistance. If the SBA application is approved, individuals are not obligated to accept an SBA loan. However, failure to return the application may disqualify the individual from other possible FEMA assistance and other grants or services.
To apply to SBA online, or to download applications, go to https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. You may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information or to have a loan application mailed to you. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed paper loan applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The SBA disaster loan deadline to apply for property damage is Friday, March 17. The deadline to apply for an economic injury disaster loan, which provides the necessary working capital to help small businesses impacted by a disaster survive until normal operations resume, is Oct. 16, 2023.
Despite the various application deadlines, federal recovery operations are ongoing. FEMA is also working closely with Georgia officials to help provide storm survivors all assistance for which they are eligible.
Another FEMA program is Public Assistance, the agency’s largest grant program. It provides funds to assist states, federally recognized tribes, territories, local governments and certain types of private non-profits as they respond to and recover from presidentially declared major disasters or emergencies.
The program provides funding for debris removal and emergency assistance to save lives and protect property. It also helps fund permanent restoration of community infrastructure affected by a federally declared incident.
Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program. FEMA reimburses applicants at least 75 percent of eligible costs. The remaining 25 percent is covered by the state, which determines how much of those costs are the applicant’s responsibility. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred the costs.
As of Feb. 26, 30 eligible applicants have filed requests for FEMA Public Assistance to cover repairs and rebuilding.
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 Mon, 02/27/2023 - 18:11DHS Announces $2 Billion in Preparedness Grants
WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced more than $2 billion in funding for eight Fiscal Year 2023 preparedness grant programs. These grant programs provide critical funding to help state, local, tribal and territorial officials prepare for, prevent, protect against and respond to acts of terrorism.
Secretary Mayorkas issued the following statement on this year’s grant awards:
“As the threats to our homeland continue to evolve, the Department of Homeland Security is fulfilling a key aspect of its mission by equipping state, local, tribal and territorial governments, as well as transportation authorities and nonprofit organizations, with vital resources to help them strengthen our nation’s preparedness. The new threat landscape now includes medium- and small-sized jurisdictions and remote locations and encompasses a greater swath of our country than ever before, to include so-called 'soft targets' and other targets of opportunity.
“This year, we are therefore expanding the reach of our more than $2 billion in funding by adding four additional urban areas as grant recipients: Austin, Texas; Honolulu; Jacksonville, Florida; and Nashville, Tennessee. This is in addition to the 36 urban areas we continue to support, bringing the total number of funded urban areas to 40.
“The law requires that at least 25% of the combined funds for the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) be dedicated to Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA). Last year, for the first time, we increased that minimum requirement to 30%, resulting in a $51.5 million increase from the prior year. This year, we are increasing the LETPA minimum requirement once again, to 35%. In total, LETPA funding will increase by $103 million -- from $257.5 million to $360.5 million -- over a two-year period. This increase will ensure critical support for law enforcement to better understand, recognize, prepare for, prevent and respond to terrorist activity. We are also providing additional policy guidance that will help ensure that law enforcement and terrorism- focused grant funds are appropriately focused on terrorism prevention activities, thereby strengthening our national preparedness posture.
“DHS is fundamentally a department of partnerships, and today’s grants are vital to strengthening the capabilities of local communities, which are best positioned to ensure the safety and security of our homeland. As we did last year, we have again increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to provide essential resources to help protect nonprofit organizations at risk of terrorist attacks. I called on Congress to provide increased funding after the hostage situation at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. Last year, Congress increased NSGP funding by $70 million. This year, Congress provided an additional $55 million increase, bringing the NSGP funding up from $180 million two years ago to $305 million this year. That kind of federal support is crucial to help nonprofit organizations across the nation make physical security enhancements to help protect against attacks. We are grateful to Congress for its critical support. We have also prioritized the participation of historically marginalized communities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities in this critical program, to build their capacity and address an evolving threat environment.”
The FY 2023 grant guidance will continue to focus on the nation’s highest risk areas, including urban areas that face the most significant threats. This year, the UASI will enhance regional preparedness and capabilities by funding 40 high-threat, high-density urban areas. This includes four additional urban areas who will receive funding to build and sustain capability based on an evolving threat environment. This represents Congressional intent to limit these funds to those urban areas that represent up to 85% of nationwide risk.
These grants involve an enhanced risk methodology that better reflects the current complex and diverse threat environment. DHS and FEMA have updated this year’s risk methodology after extensive stakeholder engagement, and we commit to continuing that engagement through the FY 2023 application period to ensure our grant programs are as simple and easy to access as possible. The change in the risk methodology will allow additional jurisdictions to build new capacity to address the complex and diverse threat environment, while allowing previous grant-receiving jurisdictions to maintain current capacity to the extent it meets the new threat environment.
DHS has identified six national priority areas in the FY 2023 grant cycle: cybersecurity; soft targets and crowded places; intelligence and information sharing; domestic violent extremism; community preparedness and resilience; and election security. Grant recipients under the SHSP and UASI will be required to dedicate a minimum of 30% of their awards across these six priority areas. Fifteen percent is required through minimum spend amounts for five priority areas, and recipients have flexibility on how to allocate the remaining 15% across the six priority areas: cybersecurity (no minimum spend); soft target and crowded places (3%); information and intelligence sharing (3%); domestic violent extremism (3%); community preparedness and resilience (3%); and election security (3%). After extensive consultation with grantees leading up to this announcement, DHS is focused on balancing the need to invest in high priority areas with giving jurisdictions the flexibility to make prioritization decisions based on their own assessments of their needs.
As with previous years, new capabilities that are built using homeland security grant funding must be deployable if needed to support regional and national efforts. All capabilities being built or sustained must have a clear linkage to the core capabilities articulated in the National Preparedness Goal.
Preparedness Grant Program Allocations for Fiscal Year 2023The following grants are non-competitive and awarded to recipients based on several factors:
Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP): State Homeland Security Program -- provides $415 million to support the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based state homeland security strategies to address capability targets. Awards are based on statutory minimums and relative risk as determined by DHS/FEMA’s risk methodology.
HSGP: Urban Area Security Initiative -- provides $615 million to enhance regional preparedness and capabilities in 36 high-threat, high-density areas. Awards are based on relative risk as determined by DHS/FEMA’s risk methodology.
- For both the state homeland and urban area grants, 30% of the awards must address the six priority areas of cybersecurity; soft target and crowded places; information and intelligence sharing; domestic violent extremism; community preparedness and resilience; and election security. Additionally, 35% of these grants must be dedicated to law enforcement terrorism prevention activities, and 80% of these grants must be obligated from the state to local or tribal governments within 45 calendar days of receipt.
Intercity Passenger Rail -- provides $10 million to Amtrak to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and increase the resilience of the Amtrak rail system. Award made per congressional direction.
Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program -- provides $355.1 million to assist state, local, tribal and territorial emergency management agencies in obtaining the resources required to support the National Preparedness Goal’s associated mission areas and core capabilities to build a culture of preparedness.
The following grants are competitive, and exact awards will be announced later this year:
HSGP: Operation Stonegarden -- provides $90 million to enhance cooperation and coordination among state, local, tribal, territorial and federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders.
Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program -- provides $15 million to eligible tribal nations to implement preparedness initiatives to help strengthen the nation against risk associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program -- provides $305 million to support target hardening and other physical security enhancements for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack. This year, $152.5 million is provided to nonprofits in UASI-designated urban areas and $152.5 million is provided to nonprofits outside of UASI-designated urban areas located in any state or territory.
Port Security Grant Program -- provides $100 million to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management and maintain or re-establish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.
Transit Security Grant Program -- provides $93 million to owners and operators of public transit systems to protect critical surface transportation and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.
Intercity Bus Security Grant Program -- provides $2 million to owners and operators of intercity bus systems to protect surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.
Before determining modifications and final allocations to the grant programs, DHS coordinated extensive engagements with local and state partners and worked with a wide range of stakeholders. All the funding notices can be found at www.grants.gov.
FEMA has engaged in a concerted effort to expand and enhance outreach related to the NSGP to reach potential new applicants, especially in underserved communities. Funding allocations for the NSGP announcement and for technical assistance in developing grant applications can be found at Nonprofit Security Grant Program | FEMA.gov. Final submissions must be made through the non-disaster grants system located at https://portal.fema.gov.
Further information on DHS’s preparedness grant programs is available at www.dhs.gov and http://www.fema.gov/grants.
luther.wills-dudich Mon, 02/27/2023 - 16:18Million-dollar FEMA Injection Revitalizes the Island's Indigenous Parks
Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO — The facilities that house the Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center in Ponce, the Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Center in Utuado and the Ceremonial Park Cueva del Indio in Las Piedras, three areas of great archaeological and historical value in Puerto Rico, received an obligation of nearly $1.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) to repair damage caused by Hurricane María.
“These federal funds will serve to restore the grounds of these three indigenous parks, which have an incalculable educational and cultural value to see first-hand a part of our history and our Taíno ancestry. These sites are also a way to promote tourism, as they receive thousands of visitors each year, both local and international, as well as students from our schools,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.
At the iconic Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center, located in a 31-acre area in Ponce, repairs include the exterior area of the museum, the building that houses exhibits and the parking lot, among others. At the center you can also find administrative offices, representations of circular bohíos or huts, bateyes (sacred spaces in Taíno culture) and plazas.
The Tibes center, open to the public since 1982, is considered by many archaeologists to be the oldest indigenous West Indian ceremonial complex and astronomical observatory in the Caribbean, as well as the largest indigenous cemetery in Puerto Rico. The center, which received about 20,000 visitors last year, will be repaired with an obligation of nearly $100,000.
Some of the works to be completed here are the removal and relocation of 19 stones in several bateyes and the replacement of some bohíos, among other repairs. According to the center's administrator, Irma Zayas Alvarado, the architectural and engineering studies have been completed and the project will now move to the design phase. On the current state of the center's indigenous pieces, she said that the entire collection is safeguarded in the laboratory for future studies.
Zayas Alvarado mentioned that for 27 years, specialists in archeology and anthropology have conducted research and several studies at the center, like those by Dr. Luis Antonio Curet, Archeologist and Curator of the Smithsonian Institute with a team of professionals.
According to Curet, Tibes is a place with a history of great cultural value, where changes in ideology over hundreds of years are reflected in its pottery and petroglyphs. On this point, he mentioned that the preservation of the ancient ceremonial space “is very important to understand the ancestral history of Puerto Rico”.
Likewise, over $1.4 million was obligated to the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture for the Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Center in Utuado, to replace lighting and repair the representation of bohíos and other buildings located in the site, such as the museum, an auditorium and the administrative offices. Some of these repairs include fixing roofs, the electrical system, ceiling fans, two septic tanks, gutters and drainage system and benches, among others.
It is said that this center, considered one of the most important pre-Columbian archeological sites in the Caribbean, was built by the Taínos more than 800 years ago. It has cobblestone walkways that border some 10 bateyes and stone monoliths, many of which are decorated with petroglyphs. Because of its great archeological value, the National Park Service included it in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 and named it a national historic landmark in 1993. It is also included in the UNESCO Astronomy World Heritage List.
Meanwhile, another obligation of over $72,000 will help repair the recreational facilities at the Ceremonial Park Cueva del Indio in Las Piedras, where repairs include replacing doors, waterproofing the roof and the wooden framework of the gazebos. This ceremonial park, which has three bateyes and a group of stones that forma cave with petroglyphs, was discovered in 1982 and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2003.
According to the Executive Director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, COR3 remains committed to the reconstruction and preservation of our cultural and historical heritage. “The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture has the availability to request an initial advance of 25 percent of the total obligation through the Working Capital Advance (WCA) pilot program to begin these projects. Our team will continue to assist them in the necessary processes to get the permanent works underway that will give resilience to these facilities frequently visited by Puerto Ricans and foreigners,” 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, 02/27/2023 - 13:16
Disaster Recovery Center in Morgan County to Close Feb. 28
PRATTVILLE, Ala. -- The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center in Morgan County will close permanently Feb.28.
The center is currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. It will close permanently at 3 p.m. Central Time, Feb. 28, 2023.
WHERE:
Morgan County
Turner-Surles Community Center
702 Sycamore St. NW
Decatur, AL 35601
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.
Other 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
Greene County
Robert H. Young Community Center
720 Greensboro St.
Eutaw, AL 35462
Sumter County
Emelle City Hall
123 Dailey Ave.
Emelle, AL 35459
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 Fri, 02/24/2023 - 21:52FEMA Administrator Criswell Addresses Tribal Leaders at the National Congress of American Indians
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell spoke at the National Congress of American Indians 2023 Executive Council Winter Session today in Washington, D.C.
The annual meeting presents an opportunity for tribal delegates to hear from members of Congress and the administration and helps to further the government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the federal government.
Administrator Criswell told attendees that FEMA, more than ever, is here to support Tribal Nations.
“The bottom line is this, we must find ways to improve nation-to-nation relationships, support tribal sovereignty and tribal self-determination,” Administrator Criswell said. “Admittedly, too often in our history, we have failed to understand your nations’ unique needs in disaster response and recovery. I think we can all agree that for decades, federal agencies have done more talking than listening. Sadly, this is particularly true for our relationships with Tribal Nations. Over the last year, however, we started talking less and listening more.”
In August 2022, FEMA released the agency’s first ever national tribal strategy. The strategy is a nationwide roadmap to support tribal nations by aligning our actions to promote equity by building climate resilience, enhancing preparedness and improving disaster response in native communities. To develop this strategy, FEMA consulted with 135 representatives of 78 Tribal Nations who provided feedback to help us better address our responsibilities on tribal lands.
Administrator Criswell also highlighted the agency’s hiring of a national tribal advocate to ensure relationships continue to grow and improve.
“We acknowledge that just as every community is different, so is every Tribal Nation,” she said. “Therefore, we are committed to co-creating solutions that factor in the expertise of Tribal Nations and tribal leadership. Solutions that also address the climate challenges we are facing, which threaten more than your livelihoods, but your very way of life.”
Administrator Criswell’s entire prepared remarks at the winter session can be read on FEMA.gov.
luther.wills-dudich Thu, 02/23/2023 - 20:16Building Stronger is Worth the Effort
Adjuntas, Puerto Rico – Domingo Reyes Piazza is an example of someone who learned from experience the benefits of building back resilient. After Hurricane Maria damaged his sheet metal rooftop, he decided to make a few improvements. Years later, when Hurricane Fiona battered parts of Puerto Rico’s south and central mountain region, his repairs stood up to the test.
With the help of FEMA, an engineer, an architect and the advice of Hazard Mitigation Specialists (HM CEO), Reyes made several repairs taking into account FEMA-approved mitigation measures and current building codes.
To mitigate against future risk, he purchased a thicker gauge metal sheet and secured each one with additional and stronger PVC tubes. He also surrounded the entire roof with a metal guard that prevented the wind from squeezing between the galvanized metal sheet panels and the wooden roof, thus preventing the two from prying apart. “Now the winds bounce off the roof ledge and can’t separate the sheet metal from the wooden roof underneath,” he assured.
Before settling in Puerto Rico, Reyes lived in Rockland County, New York, where he met his wife, Roxana, and worked for over two decades in the manufacturing industry. After more than 40 years in the U.S. mainland, they decided to retire in Puerto Rico. The couple settled into a beautiful wooden chalet surrounded by lush vegetation in Barrio Los Lirios, a quiet neighborhood in the municipality of Adjuntas.
"This house has all the construction specifications required for a wooden home, well-secured with anchors, all the way throughout the house,” said Reyes, who was born and raised in this area. He said that during Hurricane María, “nothing happened to this home, except for the metal sheet panels, which María rolled up entirely.” However, with the added mitigation the outcome after Hurricane Fiona was different: “With Fiona, it passed the test. It wasn’t like Maria, but it was pretty strong, and we were both right here, relaxed.
Stories like these are common after an event. Many people opt to just repair to pre-disaster conditions and end up with the same problem if a similar disaster strikes again. That’s why FEMA goes to great lengths to educate people on the benefits of hazard mitigation, or simply put, building back safer, stronger and smarter.
Shortly after Hurricane Fiona, when the first Disaster Recovery Centers opened their doors, FEMA’s HM Specialists began reaching out to the public, through speaker’s bureau events, at DRCs and by visiting hardware and chain stores where survivors could have been purchasing building materials to repair their hurricane-damaged homes.
Community Education and Outreach teams visited between five and eight stores per week, helping nearly 400 people per day. More than 32,000 people who visited Home Depot, National Lumber, Ace and Walmart stores in Puerto Rico were able to talk to FEMA specialists about mitigation techniques.
As a result, between September 2022 and February 2023, over 103,500 survivors received practical advice on how to reduce risk in future disasters.
# # #
yuisa.rios Thu, 02/23/2023 - 12:42FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at Marvin’s in Selma
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 Marvin’s hardware store in Selma 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 Feb. 23 and Feb. 28 at:
Marvin’s hardware store
1500 Alabama Hwy. 14 E
Selma, AL 36703
Hours:
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24
8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 25
1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 16
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27
7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28
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 Wed, 02/22/2023 - 16:54Baraga County Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Information Open House
There will be a Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Baraga County, Michigan, on March 9, 2023, from 6 – 8 p.m. ET. The open house will give residents a chance to review preliminary versions of the recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1%-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within the county and offer information that public officials may use to guide development in the floodplain.
Experts at the open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process. Residents can meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.
Once effective, the maps will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events.
WHAT: Baraga County – Flood Map Information Open House
WHEN: March 9, 2023, 6 – 8 p.m. ET
WHERE: L’Anse High School Cafetorium, 201 North 4th Street, L’Anse, MI 49946
Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.
If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an e-mail to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.
For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.
nicole.wilson Wed, 02/22/2023 - 15:58Menominee County Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Information Open House
CHICAGO – There will be a Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Menominee County, Michigan, on March 8, 2023, from 6 – 8 p.m. CT. The open house will give residents a chance to review preliminary versions of the recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1%-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within the county and offer information that public officials may use to guide development in the floodplain.
Experts at the open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process. Residents can meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.
Once effective, the maps will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events.
WHAT: Menominee County – Flood Map Information Open House
WHEN: March 8, 2023, 6 – 8 p.m. CT
WHERE: Menominee County Annex, S904 US Highway 41, Stephenson, MI 49887
Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.
If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an email to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.
For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
nicole.wilson Wed, 02/22/2023 - 15:47Effingham Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Information Open House
CHICAGO – There will be a Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Effingham County, Illinois, on March 9, 2023, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. CT. The open house will give residents a chance to review preliminary versions of the recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1%-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within the county and offer information that public officials may use to guide development in the floodplain.
Experts at the open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process. Residents can meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.
Once effective, the maps will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events.
WHAT: Effingham County – Flood Map Information Open House
WHEN: March 9, 2023, 5:30–7:30 p.m. CT
WHERE: Effingham City Council Chambers at City Hall
201 East Jefferson Avenue, Effingham, IL 62401
Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.
If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an e-mail to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.
For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
nicole.wilson Wed, 02/22/2023 - 15:00FEMA Seeks Leaders in U.S. Virgin Islands for Youth Preparedness Council
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – FEMA is looking for students in grades 8 to 11 in the U.S. Virgin Islands who are passionate about disaster preparedness and making a positive impact for their community’s resilience to join the Youth Preparedness Council.
FEMA created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to bring together young leaders from across the country who are interested in disaster preparedness and community service. The council demonstrates FEMA’s commitment to involve America’s youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides young people an opportunity to present their perspectives, feedback, and opinions to FEMA staff.
“Young leaders are needed to deliver messages of empowerment and creativity with emergency management in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Mark A. Walters, Coordinator for FEMA’s U.S. Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office. “Fresh perspectives from young voices will strengthen the territory’s culture of resilience as we continue to focus on creative solutions to prepare and respond to hurricanes and other hazards in the Virgin Islands.”
During their one-year term, council members meet with FEMA staff throughout their term to develop strategies, initiatives, and project proposals. Council members will also participate in a summit held in Washington, D.C., in July with FEMA leaders and other preparedness professionals to network and learn more about the emergency management field.
The online application closes March 6, 2023, 11:59 p.m. PT. New council members will be announced in June.
To learn more about the council and application requirements, visit ready.gov/kids/youth-preparedness-council and visit https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/apply-to-ypc?language=en_US to apply. FEMA will also host a webinar for potential applicants on Feb. 28, 2023.
gina.callaghan Wed, 02/22/2023 - 14:44Disaster Recovery Centers to Close but FEMA Help Still Available
ATLANTA – Disaster Recovery Centers in Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton and Troup counties will close Saturday, Feb. 25, but that does not mean that FEMA is leaving the state.
The recovery center in Spalding County will remain open to help survivors of the Jan. 12 severe storms and tornadoes. The center’s location:
- Spalding County Senior Center, 885 Memorial Dr., Griffin, GA 30223
- Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday
Disaster Recovery Centers in the other six counties will wrap up operations Feb. 25. You may visit any recovery center to get help. To find one near you, go to https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.
FEMA is continuing its work with the state and other partners to help Georgia residents recover from the storms. FEMA specialists are still available to help update information in your accounts and direct you to federal, state and community programs and assistance.
As of Feb. 20, more than 1,750 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers. 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.
Even with the scheduled closings, help from FEMA is just a phone call away. Survivors can get answers from specialists at the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
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 your check.
The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Monday, March 20. Here are the ways to apply:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Use the FEMA mobile app; or
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
- For an accessible 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 Wed, 02/22/2023 - 14:09Pages
