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FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at Ace Hardware in Hartselle
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 Ace Hardware/Corum’s Building Center in Hartselle 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:
Ace Hardware/Corum’s Building Center
408 US Hwy. 31 NW
Hartselle, AL 35640
Hours:
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24
7:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 25
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 - 13:48Clay County Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Information Open House
CHICAGO – There will be a Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Clay County, Illinois, on March 8, 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: Clay County – Flood Map Information Open House
WHEN: March 8, 2023, 5:30–7:30 p.m. CT
WHERE: Flora Fire Department, 300 West 2nd St, Flora, IL 62839
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.
troy.christensen Wed, 02/22/2023 - 01:49FEMA Assistance to Hurricane Ian Survivors Surpasses $1 Billion, Biden-Harris Administration Provides Over $5.5 Billion in Total Federal Support to Florida
WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided more than $1 billion for 380,000 Florida survivors of Hurricane Ian, as part of the $5.5 billion in federal support the Biden-Harris administration has provided to help families and communities in Florida jumpstart their recovery.
The FEMA Individual Assistance funds, which go directly to applicants, are for rent, basic home repair and other disaster-related expenses. In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $1.68 billion in low-interest disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $2.29 billion in claims. FEMA’s Public Assistance program has obligated $552 million to the state to reimburse debris removal and emergency response costs.
In continuing support to Floridians, FEMA is undertaking an extensive housing effort that includes funds for rent, home repairs, hotel stays, apartment leases, travel trailers and manufactured housing units.
More than 70,000 Florida households have been approved for $647 million in financial assistance for rent or basic home repairs, and more than 4,500 households have stayed in hotels temporarily under FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Additionally, FEMA is placing eligible applicants in 313 apartment homes, under its Direct Lease program, and is also working to lease apartments, repair them and place hurricane survivors in them under its Multi-Family Lease and Repair program.
In addition to financial assistance for housing, 366 families have moved into travel trailers, manufactured housing units and apartments in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, Sarasota and Volusia counties. More temporary housing is being prepared for occupancy.
For the latest information on Florida's recovery from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 02/21/2023 - 17:17FEMA Awards Almost $4.5 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Testing Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $4.5 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for the cost of providing testing for daycare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $4,480,000 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Early Childhood Education and Care for contracting to provide testing services for early education and care (EEC) affiliated providers, staff, children, and families between March 2021 and June 2022.
The contractor operated mobile specimen collection sites, provided all equipment necessary for site operations, confirmed eligibility for testing, and handled collection and transport of all specimens.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Massachusetts Department of Early Childhood Education and Care 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.
adrien.urbani Tue, 02/21/2023 - 16:37FEMA Awards Rhode Island Almost $1.3 Million for COVID Testing Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.3 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state for the costs of providing public testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1,279,780 FEMA Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services for the cost of contracting for staff to support the state’s testing initiative between May 2020 and December 2020.
During that time period, Rhode Island developed community-based testing sites and collaborated with laboratory partners to conduct COVID-19 tests, and formed a group to support the state’s testing efforts by evaluating the constantly evolving supply chain, conducting logistical assessments of new sites, and implementing low-barrier points of engagement with COVID-19 testing for the public.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Rhode Island with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the COVID-19 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.
This grant brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to more than $612 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Tue, 02/21/2023 - 16:35FEMA Awards Central Vermont Medical Center Over $4.4 Million For COVID Staffing Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $4.4 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse Central Vermont Medical Center for the costs of hiring temporary nursing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $4,445,084 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the 122-bed hospital in Berlin – affiliated with the University of Vermont Health Network – for the cost of hiring temporary registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists to care for COVID-19 patients between July 2020 and June 2022.
In addition to providing high-acuity direct patient care, the nurses and therapists closely worked with pulmonologists to provide comprehensive respiratory care and ongoing training associated with developing and practicing approved workflows to prevent transmission of the disease.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Central Vermont Medical Center 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, 02/21/2023 - 16:32FEMA Awards City of Providence Almost $4 Million for COVID School Cleaning Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $4 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the City of Providence for the costs of cleaning and disinfecting the city’s public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $3,957,996 FEMA Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Providence Public School District for the cost of contracting for cleaning and disinfecting public school facilities between July 2021 and June 2022, allowing them to safely re-open and operate.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the City of Providence with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the COVID-19 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.
This grant brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $614 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Tue, 02/21/2023 - 16:30FEMA Awards Over $2.6 Million to Tufts Medical Center for COVID-19 Staffing Costs
BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $2.6 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Tufts Medical Center for the cost of paying overtime to handle the increased patient load during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $2,600,272 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the teaching hospital in Boston affiliated with Tufts University School of Medicine for overtime paid to staff needed to cope with increased patient loads.
Since January 2020, Tufts Medical Center has paid 1,319 staff members for more than 65,776 overtime hours needed to treat patients at the facility in Boston.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Tufts Medical Center 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.
adrien.urbani Tue, 02/21/2023 - 16:26President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oglala Sioux Tribe
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Oglala Sioux Tribe to supplement tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storms and snowstorm from Dec. 12-25, 2022.
Federal funding is available to the tribe and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Federal funding is also available for snow assistance for 48 hours, either during or immediate to the incident period.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe is eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Alana B. Kuhn has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the tribal nation and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 02/21/2023 - 16:06President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Rosebud Sioux Tribe
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe to supplement tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storms and snowstorm from Dec. 12-25, 2022.
Federal funding is available to the tribe and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Federal funding is also available for snow assistance for 48 hours either during or immediate to the incident period.
The Rosebud Sioux Tribe is eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Alana B. Kuhn has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the tribal nation and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 02/21/2023 - 14:48Joint Statement from Ohio Governor DeWine and FEMA Regional Administrator Sivak
WASHINGTON -- Following continued discussions between the state of Ohio and FEMA regarding the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Governor Mike DeWine and FEMA Regional Administrator Thomas C. Sivak issued the following joint statement:
“FEMA and the State of Ohio have been in constant contact regarding emergency operations in East Palestine. U.S. EPA and Ohio EPA have been working together since day one. Tomorrow, FEMA will supplement federal efforts by deploying a Senior Response Official along with a Regional Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to support ongoing operations, including incident coordination and ongoing assessments of potential long term recovery needs.”
For more information on the federal response to this incident, please visit here: FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Deploys Additional Federal Resources to East Palestine, Ohio - The White House
For more information on FEMA’s field operations and IMAT teams, please visit here: Field Operations | FEMA.gov
mayshaunt.gary Sat, 02/18/2023 - 00:41
One Month Left to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance
ATLANTA – Homeowners and renters in Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Pike, Spalding and Troup counties who had damage to their properties after last month’s storms and tornadoes have until Monday, March 20, to apply for federal disaster assistance.
Survivors of the Jan. 12 storms are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.
FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is designed to help disaster survivors with basic, critical needs such as finding a safe, sanitary and functional place to live. In other words, these grants can help pay for temporary housing and for home repairs to your primary home.
FEMA assistance may also cover personal property loss, childcare, medical or dental care and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. FEMA can also refer you to other agencies that may be able to help.
Here are the ways to apply for FEMA disaster assistance:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Download 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 the 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.
- For an accessible video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI
- You may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center. Find one here: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator
Completing a loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of FEMA disaster assistance. SBA loans are not just for businesses. They are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, renters and business owners.
You have until Friday, March 17, to apply for an SBA loan. Here’s how to apply:
- Use SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/
- Request a paper application to apply by U.S. mail by calling the customer service line at 800-659-2955.
- You may also email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 for application assistance and for more information on the SBA disaster assistance program. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800-877-8339.
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 Fri, 02/17/2023 - 20:31FEMA Assistance May Be Available for Items Damaged by Hurricane Ian
LAKE MARY, Fla. – In Lee County, a renter applied to FEMA after Hurricane Ian, reporting that her home and personal property were damaged by flooding. She also reported a disaster-caused need for medical expenses for which she had no insurance.
A FEMA inspector verified that her home was uninhabitable because of the flooding. FEMA determined that she met all the eligibility criteria for various categories of assistance: eligible for initial rental assistance, medical assistance and financial assistance for essential personal property and appliances that were damaged by flood. The woman received a total of $19,280 in federal assistance from FEMA.
In Seminole County, a renter reported home damage and personal property damage, with no personal property insurance. A FEMA inspection verified that the home was uninhabitable because of rain and wind-driven rain damage. FEMA determined that he met all the eligibility criteria and he was eligible for initial rental assistance and assistance for disaster-caused damage to essential personal property and appliances. He received $16,199.
These applicants are among 364,000 Florida households that have received federal assistance from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program Other Needs Assistance (ONA) provision. Assistance available under the ONA provision includes assistance for transportation, medical and dental, childcare, funeral, moving and storage, critical needs and other preapproved costs that may not be covered by insurance or other sources.
For the latest information on Florida's recovery from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
bree-constance… Fri, 02/17/2023 - 14:21Free Disaster Legal Services, Crisis Counseling Available to Georgia Storm Survivors
ATLANTA - If you are facing legal issues or experiencing feelings of hopelessness or stress resulting from Georgia’s Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, you can get disaster legal advice and crisis counseling.
FEMA has made the free services available to residents in the eight counties most affected by the storms: Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Pike, Spalding and Troup.
Disaster Legal Services. Low-income, elderly and other vulnerable residents who were affected by the disaster and are unable to afford their own lawyer may call 866-584-8027 or 404-527-8793. The helpline is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. Voicemail messages can be left 24 hours a day, every day. When leaving a message, include the county where you are located and describe your disaster-related legal problem. Callers may receive assistance from staff at Georgia Legal Aid or a volunteer attorney. Examples of available assistance include help with securing FEMA and other benefits; insurance claims; home repair contracts and contractors; consumer protection matters; replacement of wills and other important legal documents that were destroyed; and mortgage-foreclosure and landlord/tenant problems.
The service is a partnership between FEMA, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and Georgia legal groups.
Immediate Crisis Counseling. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and FEMA have activated a Disaster Distress Helpline in Georgia; telephone or text 800-985-5990. This free crisis support service is available all day, every day, for disaster survivors experiencing emotional distress or mental health problems caused or aggravated by the storms and tornadoes or their aftermath.
The helpline staff may provide confidential counseling and other needed support services. They can also immediately connect callers to trained professionals from the nearest participating crisis-counseling center.
Spanish-speakers can press “2” for bilingual support. Callers can connect with counselors in more than 100 languages via third-party interpretation services by telling the counselor their preferred language. A videophone option for American Sign Language users is also available by calling 800-985-5990 from a videophone-enabled device or via an “ASL Now” link at Disaster Distress Helpline | SAMHSA (samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.
The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance is Monday, March 20. For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhl.
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 Fri, 02/17/2023 - 13:44
Three Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Santa Cruz County
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Three Disaster Recovery Centers are open in the following locations. Residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can visit the centers to update FEMA applications and learn about other disaster assistance which may be available.
The Disaster Recovery Centers in Santa Cruz County are located at:
Felton Branch Library
6121 Gushee Street
Felton, CA 95018
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6.p.m. daily (closed Sundays)
Community Room
701 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Watsonville City Government Center
250 Main Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m.
Specialists at recovery centers can clarify information you have received from FEMA or other agencies; they can explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters; and they can fax your requested documents to a FEMA processing center and scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.
Residents who had uninsured or underinsured damage and losses resulting from the severe storms and flooding are encouraged to apply to FEMA, although you do not need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Here are other ways to apply:
Go to 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. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI. You can also visit any Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).
brindisi.chan Fri, 02/17/2023 - 01:26Disaster Recovery Centers to Close on Sundays
ATLANTA - All FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Georgia will be closed on Sundays, starting Feb. 19, 2023. Regular hours will resume Monday through Saturday.
The centers provide one-on-one help to people affected by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes. Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their disaster applications.
Centers are located in Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Spalding and Troup counties.
For disaster recovery center locations and 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 Thu, 02/16/2023 - 19:28Disaster Recovery Center in Tallapoosa County to Close Feb. 17
PRATTVILLE, Ala. -- The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center in Tallapoosa County will close permanently Feb. 17.
The center is currently closed due to weather. It will be open 2-17-2023 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then close permanently.
WHERE:
Tallapoosa County
Betty Carol Graham Technology Center, Room 202
at Central Alabama Community College
1675 Cherokee Road
Alexander City, AL 35010
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 35462
Morgan County
Turner-Surles Community Center
702 Sycamore St. NW
Decatur, AL 35601
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 Thu, 02/16/2023 - 19:19Stay Alert for All Hazards Throughout the Year
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – Atlantic hurricane season is four months away, but now is the perfect time to start preparations to harden your home against damage from storms, review and update your family’s emergency plan and replenish your disaster supply kit.
Putting together a plan and practicing it with your household throughout the year is a great away to uncover gaps in your plan and avoid panic and confusion when a storm is approaching in the Atlantic.
During hurricane season, storms could form any time off the west coast of Africa, or in the Caribbean, and approach the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you should be prepared for other hazards as well throughout the year. Earthquakes occur regularly in the Virgin Islands and on rare occasions, earthquakes of serious magnitude do occur, as the sea moves with them.
On Nov. 18, 1867, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Anegada trough, between St. Croix and St. Thomas, and generated two tsunami waves on St. Thomas and St. Croix. As well, we have witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to 130 deaths in the U.S. Virgin Islands since 2020, and recent global events have brought cybersecurity to the forefront.
FEMA is heeding the call to vigilance as we continue to collaborate with our territorial and federal partners to strengthen the territory’s capability to prepare and respond to all hazards. We continue to review our communications, supply chain and other operations to ensure we will be ready to support the territory at its request.
We are engaged with our territorial and federal partners for this year’s Readiness Initiative, which will culminate with series of response exercises across the territory in May. We urge Virgin Islanders to resolve to be ready again this year to ensure your household is prepared for emergencies or disasters that could arrive with no notice.
“We continue to focus on how we could use our resources to strengthen the U.S. Virgin Islands’ capabilities to respond to disasters when the territory requests our support,” said Mark A. Walters, Coordinator for FEMA’s Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office. “Our team is reviewing and refining its plans to ensure we are ready to prepare and respond to any event. We ask you to review and practice your emergency plans to ensure your household is prepared to withstand future events.”
Get tips on creating a plan from ready.gov/plan. Consider these steps:
▪ How will you receive emergency alerts and warnings, and do you need to update your emergency preparedness kit?
▪ Consider specific needs for your household.
▪ Create a family emergency plan.
▪ Practice your plan with your family and household.
As well, we look forward to sharing preparedness information and discussing plans to fit your household’s needs during this weekend’s Partners in Preparedness event, which will take place at the Agricultural and Food Fair of the U.S. Virgin Islands on St. Croix. We hope to see you there.
gina.callaghan Thu, 02/16/2023 - 19:14FEMA-funded Generators to Provide More Reliable Security Service Facilities
San Juan, Puerto Rico –The need for the services provided by critical facilities, such as police stations and government centers that serve the community, is vital during a disaster and to preserve the lives and safety of people. That’s why the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated nearly $2 million for the first phase of a project of approximately $25 million in total. The hazard mitigation proposal consists of purchasing and installing generators at 35 police stations and 39 government facilities of the Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority.
“With the first phase of this project, which includes the contracting process, identifying the engineering firm that will perform the evaluation, design and other procedures, we take an important step towards communities having more reliable facilities. By having an alternate source of energy, we help address the lack of electricity that greatly affected these places during Hurricane Maria,” said FEMA's Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, José G. Baquero.
This allocation is provided through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and will allow facilities such as police stations, courthouses, government centers and emergency response offices that transform schools into shelters during emergencies, to provide their services during power outages.
Several police stations in towns such as Aibonito, Humacao, Lajas, Las Marías, Lares, Quebradillas and Santa Isabel are included in this group of facilities, as are government centers in Añasco, Ceiba, Hatillo, Jayuya, Loíza, Moca, Sabana Grande, Utuado and Yabucoa, among others.
The Secretary of the Department of Public Safety, Alexis Torres, said that they will keep collaborating with FEMA to continue moving these hazard mitigation projects forward. “This time, we will impact 35 police stations with the installation of electric generators, which will allow us to provide service to residents during electric services interruptions. Our commitment, together with the Public Buildings Authority, is to impact as many police stations as possible throughout the island.”
Generators for municipal facilities
Likewise, a municipal project under HMGP to install generators was completed in Cabo Rojo. Here, the purchase of a generator will provide backup power to the facility that houses the Municipal Police headquarters and the Office of Emergency Management. This project received an obligation of over $86,000 and was fully funded by the HMGP program.
According to Cabo Rojo Emergency Management Director, Eliot Santiago Ortiz, this generator benefits three facilities: the municipal police headquarters, the Emergency Management Office and Emergency Medical Services. “The impact of having the generator is that every time there is a power outage, we can count on having our communications system up, the 9-1-1 system and the system that links emergency agencies with 9-1-1. Our phones need Internet to work. In addition, the Emergency Operations Center operates from the Emergency Management building and computers are linked to the system where people report their damage and fill the forms we send to Emergency Management (at state level) to request or report any need from the community,” he explained.
Other proposals under HMGP for security installations include wind retrofitting, flood protection and the creation of safe rooms.
Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), said “with this million-dollar obligation, the Public Buildings Authority has at its disposal the Working Capital Advance request that would advance 20 percent of the $2 million to begin the execution of the scope of work approved in this first phase. Through the energy resilience provided by the installation of these generators in police stations and government centers, the continuity of services to citizens is guaranteed to safeguard their lives in times of emergency.”
To date, nearly $2.8 billion has been approved through HMGP for a total of 67 projects to address the damage caused by Hurricane Maria, focused on preparing the island to face future disasters.
For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 y recovery.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.
frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 02/16/2023 - 13:08Make Sure to Apply with SBA
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Those affected by the severe winter storms, which caused massive flooding across the state from Dec. 27, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023, may need more financial assistance for long-term recovery than FEMA can provide. A disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may go a long way in helping to recover from the storms.
Residents and homeowners in the designated counties of Alameda, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Ventura may be eligible to apply for an SBA disaster assistance loan.
However, those affected by the winter storms may be reluctant to apply for a loan. But before rejecting the idea of applying, survivors should consider the following:
- You do not have to accept a loan if you are approved.
- If FEMA refers you to SBA, you must apply with SBA before you can be considered for certain FEMA grant money, such as reimbursement for damaged personal property, transportation assistance and Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP).
- SBA is offering zero interest on new disaster loans. Homeowners and business owners approved for these loans have up to one year from the date of the loan to begin making payments.
- The extended deferment to 12 months is automatic and borrowers do not need to take any additional action. There is no prepayment penalty and borrowers can begin making loan payments during the deferment period if they choose.
- There is no cost to apply for an SBA low disaster loan.
- Waiting for an insurance settlement? Your policy may not cover all the replacement, repair and rebuilding costs needed. A disaster loan could help cover the difference. You can then use your insurance proceeds to reduce or pay off the SBA loan balance.
- Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs
- Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $40,000 to replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
- In addition, you may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20 percent of the physical damage to make your home safer. Eligible work could include building retaining walls, elevating or retrofitting the flood prone structure or relocating utilities to protect against future damage.
For information on the loan application process:
- To apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications, go to https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. You may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 711 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.
- The SBA deadline to apply for property damage is March 16, 2023. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Oct. 16, 2023.
- SBA has opened two Business Recovery Centers to assist business owners with their loan applications. Homeowners and renters may also visit the centers. No appointment is necessary.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Business Recovery Center
Capitola City Hall
Community Room (Located on the First Floor)
Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
*Public parking is located behind City Hall
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Business Recovery Center
The Hub
9072 Elk Grove Boulevard
Elk Grove, CA 95624
Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
To apply for FEMA disaster assistance:
- Go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov, download 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. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI.
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