FEMA Gives Free Rebuilding Advice in Municipalities Across the Island

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Disaster survivors who are repairing their homes after Hurricane Fiona can visit Walmart in Barceloneta and Canóvanas, Home Depot in Bayamón and Ponce and National Lumber hardware stores in Caguas, Guayama, Mayagüez and Utuado to talk with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to make homes stronger and safer during the rebuilding process.

FEMA mitigation specialists will share tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage, such as high winds and water. They will also provide information on topics such as selecting contractors, understanding flood insurance coverage and emergency preparedness. No appointment is needed.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be available at the following locations from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 17 – 21.  Puerto Rico Sign Language (PRSL) interpreters will also be available.

Walmart

Walmart Canóvanas

Carr. Núm. 3, Km 17.8

Canóvanas, PR 00729

PRSL available: Jan. 20

Walmart Barceloneta

Carr. Núm. 2, Km 56.8

Barrio Manatí Abajo

Barceloneta, PR 00617

PRSL available: Jan 19

Home Depot

Home Depot Bayamón

Ave. Main 725

Plaza del Sol Shopping Center

Bayamón, PR 00961

PRSL available: Jan. 17

Home Depot Ponce

Ave. Baramaya 3305

Reyna del Sur Shopping

Ponce, PR 00728

PRSL available: Jan. 18

National Lumber

National Lumber Guayama

Carr. Núm. 50, Calle McArthur

Guayama, PR 00784

PRSL available: Jan. 20

National Lumber Utuado

Carr. Núm. 123, Km 55

Barrio Salto Abajo

Utuado, PR 00641

PRSL available: Jan. 18

National Lumber Mayagüez  

Calle Miramar 299  

University Plaza  

Mayagüez, PR 00680

PRSL available: Jan. 19

National Lumber Caguas

Carr. Núm. 1, Km 33.8  

Urb Industrial Bairoa  

Caguas, PR 00725

PRSL available: Jan. 17

 

 

kimberly.keblish Tue, 01/10/2023 - 18:17

Cómo presentar una apelación ante FEMA para recibir asistencia por desastre

CONDADO ST. CLAIR, Illinois – Si solicitó asistencia de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) después de sufrir daños por las inundaciones ocurridas del 25 al 28 de julio, habrá recibido una carta de FEMA. En algunos casos, la carta puede decir que no es elegible para recibir asistencia, pero eso no es una denegación. A los solicitantes se les explica el motivo por el cual no son elegibles y se les dice lo que deben hacer para ser elegibles. A menudo, solo necesita enviar más información.

LEA DETENIDAMENTE SU CARTA DE FEMA

Si es elegible para recibir asistencia de FEMA, la carta indicará el monto en dólares de su  subvención y cómo se deben utilizar los fondos. Si su carta indica que no es elegible en este  momento, la carta explicará por qué y le dirá cómo puede apelar esa decisión. A veces, FEMA necesita documentos adicionales que no se incluyeron en la solicitud. Puede  proporcionar información y documentos adicionales. Ejemplos de documentos necesarios pueden ser:

▪  Prueba de cobertura de seguro

▪  Liquidación de reclamaciones del seguro

▪  Comprobante de identidad

▪  Comprobante de ocupación

▪  Comprobante de titularidad

▪  Comprobante de que la propiedad dañada era su residencia principal cuando ocurrieron las inundaciones

TIENE 60 DÍAS PARA ENVIAR SU APELACIÓN A FEMA

Si no está de acuerdo con la decisión de FEMA sobre su elegibilidad para recibir asistencia o la  cantidad de asistencia que recibió, envíe a FEMA una carta de apelación y documentos para respaldar  su reclamación.

Tiene 60 días a partir de la fecha que figura en la carta de determinación de FEMA para enviar su  apelación. Tenga en cuenta que después de que FEMA reciba su apelación, es posible que reciba una  llamada telefónica o una carta de seguimiento solicitando más información.

INCLUIR PRUEBAS PARA RESPALDAR SU SOLICITUD DE APELACIÓN

Es importante incluir los documentos o la información que solicita FEMA. Tener los documentos  correctos para cada reclamación ayuda a FEMA a combatir el fraude y las estafas. Esto es lo que  puede necesitar incluir con su carta de apelación:

▪ Una copia de la Carta de determinación de FEMA.

▪ Cartas del seguro. Es posible que la liquidación de su seguro no cubra todo lo que necesita para reparar su hogar. Es posible que no proporcione lo suficiente para ayudarlo a ingresar a otro lugar, o puede que no le proporcione lo suficiente para reemplazar ciertas pertenencias. Tenga en cuenta que FEMA no puede otorgarle una subvención por algo que su compañía de seguros ya le pagó.

▪ Comprobante de ocupación. Es posible que deba proporcionar documentación que demuestre que su  vivienda o la vivienda de alquiler dañada era su residencia principal en el momento en que ocurrió la inundación. “Principal” significa que vivía allí durante la mayor parte del año. Los documentos para comprobar la ocupación pueden incluir:

○ Copia de una factura de servicios públicos

○ Licencia de conducir

○ Contrato de alquiler o estado de cuenta bancaria

○ Documento de la escuela local

○ Registración de un vehículo de motor

○ Carta del empleador

▪ Comprobante de titularidad. Es posible que deba proporcionar documentos que demuestren que usted  era dueño de la propiedad dañada en el momento en que ocurrió la inundación. Los documentos para  comprobar la titularidad pueden incluir:

○ Documentos de hipoteca o seguro

○ Recibos de impuestos o una escritura

○ Recibos de reparaciones o mejoras importantes

▪ Cotizaciones de contratistas para reparaciones de la vivienda

Si sus documentos se perdieron o fueron destruidos, visite www.usa.gov/espanol/reemplazo-documentos-personales para obtener información sobre cómo reemplazarlos.

ENVÍE POR CORREO, FAX O CARGUE SU CARTA DE APELACIÓN

Tiene 60 días a partir de la fecha que figura en su carta de determinación de FEMA para enviar por correo, enviar por fax o subir en línea su apelación. Asegúrese de firmar y fechar su apelación. Incluya su número de solicitud de FEMA de nueve dígitos, el número de desastre (DR-4676-IL) y documentos para respaldar su apelación. Envíela por correo a: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 Fax: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA

Configurar una cuenta de asistencia por desastre: Una manera fácil de proporcionar cualquier información adicional necesaria es configurar una cuenta por Internet y cargar allí los documentos. Para configurar o cargar documentos, vaya a www.DisasterAssistance.gov/es, haga clic en “Verifique su solicitud e inicie sesión” y siga las instrucciones.

Qué esperar después de enviar su apelación. Escribió su apelación y la envió a FEMA dentro de los 60 días posteriores a la recepción de la carta de determinación. ¿Ahora qué? Es posible que reciba una llamada o una carta de FEMA solicitando más información. O, FEMA puede programar otra inspección de su vivienda principal. Una vez que haya enviado una apelación a FEMA, puede esperar una carta de decisión dentro de los 90 días posteriores a que FEMA la reciba.

¿Todavía tiene preguntas sobre su carta de FEMA? Si tiene preguntas sobre su carta de FEMA, llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Presione 2 para español o 3 para un intérprete que hable su idioma. Si usa el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés), servicio telefónico con subtítulos u otros, facilite a FEMA el número de ese servicio. La línea de ayuda está abierta los siete días de la semana, de 6 a.m. a 10 p.m.

Para actualizaciones de FEMA sobre desastres, siga a @FEMAregion5 en Twitter y active las notificaciones móviles. Visite la página web del desastre en fema.gov/es/disaster/4676.

Para actualizaciones de la Agencia de Manejo de Emergencias de Illinois (IEMA) sobre desastres, siga a @ReadyIllinois en Twitter, Facebook e Instagram y active las notificaciones móviles. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ sigue siendo una fuente única de referencia para ayudar a los residentes de Illinois a encontrar fácilmente información y recursos relacionados con los desastres.

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.  

nicole.wilson Tue, 01/10/2023 - 17:44

Marion County Residents Invited to Attend Virtual Flood Map Information Open House

CHICAGO – Representatives from FEMA will host a Virtual Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Marion County, Indiana, on January 12, 2023, from 5 – 7p.m. ET. The virtual 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 use to guide development in the floodplain.

Experts at the virtual open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process in Marion County. The newly prepared preliminary floodplain maps can also be reviewed at the meeting.

Once the maps become effective, they 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 flood events. Details for the Marion County meeting are as follows:

WHAT:              Marion County—Virtual Flood Map Information Open House

WHEN:             January 12, 2023, 5–7 p.m. ET

WHERE:           Visit https://fema.zoomgov.com and enter the following: Meeting ID: 160 103 3579, Passcode: 892172. You may also call (551) 285-1373 and enter the meeting ID and passcode listed above.

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 Tue, 01/10/2023 - 17:22

America is Still Burning: FEMA, U.S. Fire Administration Releases Executive Summary Report Underscoring Nation’s Increasing Fire Threat and Announces National Fire Strategy

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a component of FEMA, released the “Executive Summary of the U.S. Fire Administrator’s report” following the first U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control held in October 2022. The Executive Summary outlines and previews key findings that will be included in a forthcoming Proceedings Report on the Summit, including several crucial recommendations to national leaders to address the nationwide fire problem, such as preparing all firefighters for climate-driven increase in wildfires and establishing a firefighter cancer screening and prevention strategy.  

The testimonies, delivered by national fire service leaders, identified problems in America’s fire service, and recommended solutions. These proposed solutions have become the basis for the Fire Service National Strategy, championed by the USFA, and include:

• Preparing all firefighters for the climate-driven increase in wildfires in the wildland urban interface (WUI) by providing them with the proper training and equipment.
• Investing in a national apprenticeship program to address the shortage of firefighters and to make the fire service more diverse and inclusive.
• Establishing a comprehensive firefighter cancer strategy that invests in research, provides access to screening for firefighters, and reduces and eliminates exposure to dangerous contaminates such as PFAS, otherwise known as “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to cancer and other health problems.
• Providing behavioral health resources and suicide prevention initiatives for all firefighters.
• Creating safer communities by implementing and enforcing codes and standards, especially in the WUI and in underserved and vulnerable populations providing affordable and fire-safe housing.  

“Now, more than ever, we have the means to address the fire-related challenges we face, including wildfire due to climate change, improvements in codes and standards to protect our most vulnerable citizens, developing recruitment programs for a diverse and well-trained American fire service and the reduction of cancer-causing chemicals affecting firefighters, as well as supporting the mental health of our first responders,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell. “Innovative thinking, the willingness to use all available tools, and, perhaps most importantly, the collaboration of all parties is necessary to meet these challenges.”

The summit marked the 75th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman’s Conference on Fire Prevention, which took place in Washington, D.C., in 1947. The summit also coincided with the 100th anniversary of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week. The Biden-Harris Administration continued President Truman’s legacy with virtual remarks from both President Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, illustrating the entire federal government’s commitment to reducing the death toll caused by fires.

During the summit, internationally recognized scientists and leaders presented the challenges Americans face due to today's fire problem, and the U.S. Fire Administration is committed to helping Americans fully understand their fire risks.

“Despite our vast technological advances, in this country your chances of dying in a fire today are higher than 40 years ago, you have the least amount of time to safely exit your burning home than at any time in history. Moreover, this persistent fire problem presents a glaring equity issue, as fire deaths, injuries and displacement disproportionately affect lower income communities and people of color,” added Dr. Moore-Merrell. “Since the summit, the U.S. Fire Administration and national fire service organizations have been working together to develop comprehensive and actionable solutions to these problems and this proceedings report represents just the beginning of a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing these challenges.”

To read the U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control Executive Summary, please visit here. The 2023 Summit on Fire Prevention and Control will take place the week of Oct. 8, 2023.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 01/10/2023 - 15:08

Filing an appeal with FEMA for disaster assistance

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, IL. – If you applied for assistance from FEMA after sustaining damage from the July 25- 28 floods, you would have received a letter from FEMA. In some cases, it may say you are ineligible for assistance, but that is not a denial. Applicants are given a reason for the ineligibility and told what they need to do to become eligible. Often, you just need to send more information.

READ YOUR FEMA LETTER CAREFULLY

If you are eligible for FEMA assistance, the letter will state the dollar amount of your grant and how the funds should be used. If your letter states you are ineligible at this time, the letter will explain why and tell you how you can appeal that decision.

Sometimes, FEMA needs additional documents that weren’t included in the application. You can provide additional information and documentation. Examples of missing documentation may be:

▪ Proof of insurance coverage

▪ Settlement of insurance claims

▪ Proof of identify

▪ Proof of occupancy

▪ Proof of ownership

▪ Proof that the damaged property was your primary residence when the floods occurred

YOU HAVE 60 DAYS TO SEND FEMA YOUR APPEAL

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision about your eligibility for assistance, or the amount of assistance you were awarded, send FEMA an appeal letter and documents to support your claim. You have 60 days from the date FEMA has on the determination letter to send your appeal. Keep in mind that after FEMA receives your appeal, you may receive a phone call or follow-up letter asking for more information.

INCLUDE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR APPEAL REQUEST

It’s important to include the documents or information FEMA requests. Having the right documents for every claim helps FEMA fight fraud and scams. Here’s what you may need to include with your appeal letter:

▪ A copy of the FEMA determination letter.

▪ Insurance letters. Your insurance settlement might not cover everything you need to repair your home. It may not provide enough to help you get into another place, or it might not give you enough to replace certain belongings. Keep in mind FEMA can’t give you a grant for something your insurance company already paid you for.

▪ Proof of occupancy. You may need to provide documentation that proves the damaged home or rental was your primary residence at the time the flood occurred. “Primary” means you lived there during the majority of the year. Documents to prove occupancy may include:

     ○ Copy of a utility bill

     ○ Driver’s license

     ○ Lease or bank statement

     ○ Local school document

     ○ Motor vehicle registration

     ○ Employer’s letter

▪ Proof of ownership. You may need to provide documentation that proves you owned the damaged property at the time the flood occurred. Documents to prove ownership may include:

     ○ Mortgage or insurance documents

     ○ Tax receipts or a deed

     ○ Receipts for major repairs or improvements

▪ Contractors’ estimates for home repairs

If your documents were lost or destroyed, go to www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents for information on how to replace them.

MAIL, FAX OR UPLOAD YOUR APPEAL LETTER

You have 60 days from the date on your FEMA determination letter to mail, fax or upload your appeal. Be sure to sign and date your appeal. Include your nine-digit FEMA application number, the disaster number (DR-4676-IL) and documents to support your appeal.

Mail to: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 Fax: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA

Set up a disaster assistance account: An easy way to provide any additional information needed is to set up an online account and upload documents there. To set up or upload documents, go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Your Application and Log In” and follow the directions.

What to expect after submitting your appeal. You’ve written your appeal and sent it to FEMA within 60 days after you’ve received the determination letter. Now what? You may receive a call or letter from FEMA asking for more information. Or FEMA may schedule another inspection of your primary home. Once you’ve sent FEMA an appeal, you can expect a decision letter within 90 days after FEMA receives it.

Still have questions about your FEMA letter? If you have questions about your FEMA letter, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Press 2 for Spanish or 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. The Helpline is open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For disaster updates from FEMA, follow @FEMAregion5 on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4676.

For disaster updates from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), follow @ReadyIllinois on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and turn on mobile notifications. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continues to be a go-to, single source to help Illinois residents easily find information and disaster-related resources.

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

nicole.wilson Tue, 01/10/2023 - 13:36

Registration for FEMA Federal Assistance Closes in Two Weeks

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Homeowners and renters in Charleston, Georgetown and Horry counties who had damage to their property after Hurricane Ian have until Monday, Jan. 23, to apply for federal disaster assistance.

FEMA assistance may help you with grants for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. You should file a claim with your homeowner's insurance before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, you may receive assistance for losses if uninsured or underinsured.

Even if you applied with another agency or organization, you must register with FEMA to access federal disaster grants and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) long-term, low-interest disaster loans.

To register for assistance:

• Go to DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. 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 youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw

Submitting an SBA loan application is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of FEMA disaster assistance.

To apply for an SBA loan:

• Use SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/
• Request a paper application to apply by U.S. mail by calling SBA’s 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.

The SBA deadline for homeowners and renters who had property damage from Ian to return loan applications is Friday, Jan. 20.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 01/10/2023 - 00:24

Hurricane Ian Assistance Exceeds $4.5 Billion; Thousands of Survivors Affected by Hurricane Nicole Register for Assistance

WASHINGTON -- More than $4.5 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments has been provided to the state of Florida and to households affected by Hurricane Ian to help survivors jumpstart their recovery.

FEMA has provided $871 million to households affected by Hurricane Ian and $503 million to the state for emergency response to Hurricane Ian, while the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $1.42 billion in disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $1.72 billion in claims to Hurricane Ian survivors.

Additionally, FEMA has also received 4,059 valid registrations from Hurricane Nicole survivors.

FEMA Continues to Help Floridians Affected by Hurricane Ian

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida affected by Hurricane Ian. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for Individual Assistance. Deadline for applications is Jan. 12, 2023.
• FEMA is meeting survivors affected by Hurricane Ian where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have visited more than 352,000 homes and interacted with more than 152,000 survivors in counties designated for individual assistance after Hurricane Ian.
• 20 Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in areas affected by Hurricane Ian, with nearly 109,900 visits by survivors.
• FEMA is providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance in 26 counties designated after Hurricane Ian to survivors eligible for temporary hotel stays. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,639 households with 3,999 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed more than 259,000 home inspections for Hurricane Ian survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• FEMA is providing temporary housing to eligible Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, Sarasota and Volusia counties. FEMA approved Direct Temporary Housing Assistance to provide options for those whose homes are uninhabitable because of the hurricane. FEMA determined that rental assistance is insufficient to meet the housing need in those counties because of a lack of available housing resources. FEMA is notifying applicants who are eligible for direct housing. It will take time to transport, permit, install and inspect these units before they are available. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance may be provided for up to 18 months from Sept. 29, 2022, the date of the federal disaster declaration, to March 28, 2024.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $1.42 billion in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Ian. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee and Seminole counties.
• As of Jan. 9, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 45,500 flood insurance claims and paid more than $1.72 billion to policyholders affected by Hurricane Ian.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of whether it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• FEMA is conducting local hiring for more than 300 jobs in Brandon, Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Orlando and Sarasota. These positions are full-time, 120-day appointments that may be extended depending on operational needs. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through USAJobs.gov.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof installed 20,119 roofs in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. (Mission completed.)
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from Hurricane Ian have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, 2022 through Oct. 23, 2022. Policyholders whose renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days. For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide.

Federal Assistance Now Available for Hurricane Nicole Survivors

• Homeowners and renters in Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Putnam, St. Johns or Volusia counties who were affected by Hurricane Nicole are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance because of President Joseph R. Biden’s approval of the State of Florida’s request for a major disaster declaration.
• FEMA has six disaster recovery centers (including one mobile disaster recovery center) open in the counties affected by Hurricane Nicole.
• Brevard, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Martin, Nassau, Palm Beach, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Volusia counties were authorized for Public Assistance in the initial Hurricane Nicole disaster declaration.
• Additional 51 Florida counties and two Tribal Nations affected by Hurricane Nicole are now eligible for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program. The counties are Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla and Washington; and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
• FEMA Individual and Households Program has approved $2.2 million for Hurricane Nicole survivors, of which $2 million has been distributed.
• FEMA has received 4,059 valid registrations for individual assistance by Hurricane Nicole.
• FEMA teams working in neighborhoods have visited 8,139 homes affected by Hurricane Nicole.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $1.8 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Nicole.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 01/09/2023 - 18:24

FEMA Awards University of Rhode Island Over $4.3 Million for COVID Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $4.3 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the University of Rhode Island for the cost of testing students, staff and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $4,337,245 FEMA Public Assistance grant will reimburse the public land-grant research university with its main campus in Kingston for the cost of purchasing and administering 159,687 tests between August 2020 and June 2022.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the University of Rhode Island 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.

This grant brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $600 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 01/09/2023 - 16:57

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for California

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of California to supplement state, local and tribal response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from severe winter storms, flooding and mud slides beginning Jan. 8, 2023, and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives; protect property, public health and safety; and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in El Dorado, Los Angeles, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Stanislaus and Ventura counties.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the public assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding.

Andrew F. Grant has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 01/09/2023 - 16:55

FEMA Awards $16M to Wisconsin for COVID-19 Response Costs

CHICAGO – FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that $16,380,000 in federal funding has been made available to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of April 4, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Wisconsin Department of Health Services for costs to provide COVID-19 vaccinations statewide.

“FEMA is proud to support Wisconsin in its efforts to combat COVID-19,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Thomas C. Sivak. “Their actions helped reduce the spread of the virus, protecting the health and safety of residents across the state.”

“We are grateful for FEMA’s continued support to help Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts,” said DHS Deputy Secretary, Deb Standridge. “This funding has been critical in our efforts to ensure Wisconsinites across the state have access to the COVID-19 vaccines and the updated boosters.”

FEMA provides a 90% federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. The total cost of the project is $18,200,000. The remaining 10% will be paid by the state of Wisconsin.

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

# # #

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

nicole.wilson Mon, 01/09/2023 - 15:54

Impacted by Two Hurricanes - What You Need to Know

BRANDON, Fla. – FEMA would like to remind survivors when two or more disasters are declared in the same state, FEMA ensures survivors receive all eligible assistance while preventing a duplication of federal benefits. One way the agency achieves this is to require a separate application for each disaster. If you have property damage or loss from Ian and then again from Nicole, you will need to complete two separate disaster assistance applications.

Homeowners and renters have until January 12, 2023, to apply for property loss or damage caused by Hurricane Ian; homeowners and renters have until February 13, 2023, to apply for property loss or damage caused by Hurricane Nicole.

Survivors who have disaster-caused damage or loss from either hurricane can apply for federal disaster assistance in several ways:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. The toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish)
• Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish)
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. You can search for a center nearby at disaster recovery center locations

Assistance from FEMA may include grants for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as temporary housing assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs for both owners and renters; grants to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence, including privately owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges; and grants for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care and other pre-approved miscellaneous items.

Applicants should keep their current contact information on file with FEMA as the agency may need to schedule a home inspection or get additional 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 the latest information on Florida's recovery from Hurricane Ian and Nicole, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

###

bree-constance… Mon, 01/09/2023 - 14:02

Haskell County, Oklahoma, Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on July 5, 2023, for Haskell County, Oklahoma. During the next six months, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update each floodplain ordinance and adopt these new flood maps.

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

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

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

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

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

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

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 01/06/2023 - 16:19

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Hosts Third Job Fair

SANTA FE, New Mexico – The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is hosting an additional job fair to fill available job openings.

Job seekers can visit the third job fair on Jan. 10, in Mora to speak directly with recruiters to learn about the positions. Job fairs were previously held in Santa Fe and Las Vegas.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 – Mora Job Fair New County Courthouse Complex 10 County Road Mora, NM 87732 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

These positions are full-time, in-person and will support individuals, businesses and organizations impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The duty stations for these positions are in New Mexico in Las Vegas, Mora or Santa Fe. The annual pay ranges from $55,169 to $146,149.

• Chief Ombudsman (Advocate)
• Navigator
• Claims Representative
• Inventory Management Specialist
• Supply Management Specialist
• Public Affairs Specialist

Information about the duties of each position is available at fema.gov/fact-sheet/hermits-peakcalf-canyon-claims-office-now-hiring.

Candidates for all positions must be able to represent the Claims Office with integrity and compassion. They must also have customer service experience and strong organizational, written and verbal communication skills. And, they must have demonstrated experience completing high quality work within assigned timeframes.

Interviews may be conducted on site, or you may be asked to participate in an interview later. Bring enough copies of your resume to share for each job you want to apply for.

All applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older and possess a high school diploma or GED. Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes finger printing and credit check. Employees are also required to participate in mandatory direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payment.

If you are unable to attend in person, you can learn about the positions at fema.gov/fact-sheet/hermits-peakcalf-canyon-claims-office-now-hiring. You can also email your resume to: fema-hermits-peak-jobs@fema.dhs.gov on or before January 12.

About the Hermit’s Peak Fire Assistance Act: On Sept. 30, President Joe Biden signed the Hermit’s Peak Fire Assistance Act that provides funding to compensate New Mexicans and Tribal Nations impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The funding may cover eligible losses including personal injury, loss of property, business loss or financial loss. For more information, visit fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 01/06/2023 - 16:19

FEMA Awards Over $68.5 Million to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority

San Juan, Puerto Rico — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded over $68.5 million to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA, by its Spanish Acronym) for emergency protective measures taken after Hurricane Fiona.

Following the impact of Fiona, PREPA activated supplemental peaking units which help to increase energy production across Puerto Rico, thereby reducing blackout in municipalities affected by the disaster. PREPA’s immediate action led to increased energy production and helped protect residents from the impacts of the storm.

“To have a reliable and resilient electrical system is a top priority for Puerto Rico, particularly for our state government as well as federal entities. For that reason, before, during and after hurricane Fiona, we have taken prompt and direct actions to make this happen. Once again, I thank the Biden Administration for promptly addressing our needs, and FEMA who together with COR3 and PREPA have been working towards the same goal: the well-being of our citizens and the reconstruction of Puerto Rico”, said Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi, who has met with President Biden, multiple cabinet members and the FEMA administration.

Meanwhile, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper, said that “when disaster strikes, it is our foremost priority to ensure the Government of Puerto Rico has the tools necessary to respond. This includes ensuring there is a dependable power source that will sustain critical, lifesaving and life-sustaining facilities. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Partners at PREPA and COR3, FEMA is able to award this funding swiftly and help ensure Puerto Rico continues to have the resources they need”.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives and property. This $68.5 million award will provide additional resources to the local government and adds to the $670.5 million in federal funding that has been obligated to support communities, government and private non-profit entities as they recover from Hurricane Fiona.

To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

kimberly.keblish Thu, 01/05/2023 - 19:14

One Week Left for Hurricane Ian Survivors to Apply for FEMA

BRANDON, Fla. – Homeowners and renters in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, or Volusia counties who have loss and damage caused by Hurricane Ian have only one week left to apply for federal disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Jan. 12.

There are several ways to register

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The Helpline is available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).
• Download the FEMA mobile app for smartphones.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Several DRCs are operating throughout Florida’s disaster-damaged counties. To find one close to you, go online to: DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or text DRC along with your zip code to 43362.

If eligible, FEMA disaster assistance may include financial assistance for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your primary home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs; funds to homeowners, to help repair or replace disaster caused damage or loss to their primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges; and funds for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicle, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care and other pre-approved miscellaneous items.

Applicants who wish to apply for disaster assistance should have the following information ready for their registration: Social Security number; pre-disaster address of the primary residence; name of all occupants of the pre-disaster household, types of insurance coverage; current telephone number and mailing address; and bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of financial assistance, if eligible.

Survivors should keep their contact information updated with FEMA as the agency may need to call to schedule a home inspection or get additional 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 the latest information on Florida's recovery from Hurricane Ian and Nicole, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

###

bree-constance… Thu, 01/05/2023 - 19:09

FEMA Share Tips About Rebuilding and Protecting Homes from Future Disaster-Related Damage

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Disaster survivors who are repairing their homes after Hurricane Fiona can visit Walmart in Canóvanas and Manatí, Home Depot in Bayamón and National Lumber hardware stores in Adjuntas, Añasco, Gurabo, Juana Díaz and Villalba to talk with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to make homes stronger and safer during the rebuilding process.

FEMA mitigation specialists will share tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage, such as high winds and water. They will also provide information on topics such as selecting contractors, understanding flood insurance coverage and emergency preparedness. No appointment is needed.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be available at the following locations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 9 – 14. Puerto Rican Sign Language (PRSL) interpreters will be available.

Home Depot

Home Depot Bayamón

Ave. Main 725

Plaza del Sol Shopping Center

Bayamón, PR, 00961

Walmart

Walmart Canóvanas

Carr. Núm. 3, Int. Ruta 66

Plaza Canóvanas 5802

Canóvanas, PR 00729

Walmart Manatí

Carr. Núm. 2, Km 45.8

Plaza Monte Real

Manatí, PR, 00674

National Lumber

National Lumber Añasco

Carretera Marginal

Añasco, PR 00610

National Lumber Adjuntas

Carr, 5518, Juan González

Adjuntas, PR 00601

National Lumber Gurabo

Calle Andrés Arús Rivera

Gurabo, PR, 00778

National Lumber Juana Diaz

Carretera 149, Km 66.9

Barrio Lomas

Juana Diaz, PR, 00795

National Lumber Villalba 

Carr. Núm. 151, Km 0.4

Barrio Hato Puerco

Villalba PR, 00766

 

 

kimberly.keblish Wed, 01/04/2023 - 18:51

FEMA Keeps Reaching Out to Fiona Survivors

San Juan, Puerto Rico — FEMA’s National Processing Service Center will continue to call survivors who applied for disaster assistance to follow up with their applications. Starting January 4, this auto dialer service will let the survivors know that their household has insurance, which should cover the disaster-caused losses due to hurricane Fiona.

Survivors will have up to 12 months from the date of their application to submit a signed appeal letter and the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA, to keep their application process moving forward.

If a survivor received an insurance settlement or denial, or if the insurance process is delayed more than 30 days, and still needs disaster assistance, they can:

• Upload insurance documents online at DisasterAssistance.gov

• Fax them to 1-800-827-8112

• Mail copies to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782.

The auto dialer will not make calls on Three Kings Day (Jan. 6) in observance of the local holiday.

For several weeks, FEMA has been contacting survivors who are most in need for additional support to follow up with their applications, including those who may not understand how to document ownership or occupancy, services calls, transportation, insurance, and unknown damage. To date, FEMA has made more than 21,782 of these calls, which have resulted in the approval of nearly $1.9 million disaster grants for individuals and family households still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Fiona.

To date, FEMA has provided through its Individual Assistance program nearly $592 million in disaster grants to support the recovery of nearly 722,000 Puerto Rico households.

If you have any questions or concerns about these calls, call FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

kimberly.keblish Wed, 01/04/2023 - 13:09

Three Years after the Earthquakes in the South, the Island Has over $810 Million from FEMA for its Recovery

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – After the 2020 earthquakes, which mainly affected the towns in the south of the island, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated over $810 million for this region. The funds correspond to some 750 projects, mostly for permanent works such as the reconstruction of public buildings, educational institutions and other spaces in the communities.

For the affected municipalities, the allocations represent about $45.6 million for permanent works distributed in over 200 projects. The funds will help fuel the revitalization of the area as the long-term recovery continues. 

“As part of the efforts to mitigate earthquake effects, 84 percent of the projects include funds for this purpose. The recovery represents an opportunity to build back better, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to help make this happen,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

Likewise, Dr. Víctor Huérfano, Director of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, emphasized the progress made after the earthquakes and added that “in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, we are working to have an updated map. That map is very important, because future structures that carry earthquake-resistant construction codes will depend on that map. And of course, that this restructuring that we are going to do — which has to be done well — meets the standards and that we do not have to relive those problems of 2020 or before 1918, when structures also fell.”

Among the most notable projects in the south is the Guánica City Hall, which has an obligation of over $4.1 million from FEMA to demolish, dispose of and replace its facilities. Of that amount, about $1 million goes toward reinforcing the floors and roof, as well as anchoring equipment to the roof to withstand high-velocity winds.

Regarding this work in the town known as the municipality of the twelve streets, Mayor Ismael Rodríguez Ramos indicated that the demolition of the structure will take place between January and February of this year. He added that the new city hall will have “some commercial spaces in combination with an activity center that we will be carrying out, and for which we are preparing the design.”.

On the other hand, the Ponce Campus of the University of Puerto Rico received an allocation of nearly $716,700 to repair several of its buildings: the Adelina Coppin Alvarado Library; the Ruth Fortuño de Calzada academic building; and the Student Affairs Deanship building, among others. Some work has already been completed on several of the structures, such as the plastering of the walls, the replacement of tiles and a geotechnical assessment of the Deanship building.

Projects of Historical and Cultural Value

The southern region of the island has several structures of historical and cultural value that were impacted by the earthquakes. FEMA's Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Division has worked closely with applicants from the Public Assistance Program to ensure that these projects meet current historic and environmental preservation requirements.

The La Resurrección methodist church in Ponce, built in 1907 and part of the National Register of Historic Places, is one of those projects that has received allocations that seek to preserve its historical and cultural value. In addition to repairing existing features, its FEMA-funded restoration includes carbon fiber and fiberglass-reinforced polymers that were added to the mortar and plaster inside the building to make it more resilient against future seismic events. All this, without adversely affecting the historical property.

Regarding the importance of restoring the church, the pastor of the church Jeancarlos Ortiz Peña, commented that "certainly the church community, but also the city community will be positively impacted and one of the most precious historical monuments of the urban area of Ponce will come back to life.

For his part, the executive director of the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, stated that “reconstruction projects due to the earthquakes have shown progress in the past months. Currently, there are 140 permanent works in one of the execution phases that have an obligation from FEMA for approximately $44.1 million. Now, with the availability of the Working Capital Advance pilot program, there will be an increase in the execution of these permanent works that the subrecipients develop, while keeping the same priority when addressing the course of the reconstruction projects for the past hurricanes. At COR3, we will continue to implement the teamwork plan to guide them in the technical processes required by the projects”.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from the earthquakes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4773 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr y Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 01/04/2023 - 12:09

Three Years after the Earthquakes in the South, the Island Has over $810 Million from FEMA for its Recovery

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – After the 2020 earthquakes, which mainly affected the towns in the south of the island, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated over $810 million for this region. The funds correspond to some 750 projects, mostly for permanent works such as the reconstruction of public buildings, educational institutions and other spaces in the communities.

For the affected municipalities, the allocations represent about $45.6 million for permanent works distributed in over 200 projects. The funds will help fuel the revitalization of the area as the long-term recovery continues. 

“As part of the efforts to mitigate earthquake effects, 84 percent of the projects include funds for this purpose. The recovery represents an opportunity to build back better, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to help make this happen,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

Likewise, Dr. Víctor Huérfano, Director of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, emphasized the progress made after the earthquakes and added that “in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, we are working to have an updated map. That map is very important, because future structures that carry earthquake-resistant construction codes will depend on that map. And of course, that this restructuring that we are going to do — which has to be done well — meets the standards and that we do not have to relive those problems of 2020 or before 1918, when structures also fell.”

Among the most notable projects in the south is the Guánica City Hall, which has an obligation of over $4.1 million from FEMA to demolish, dispose of and replace its facilities. Of that amount, about $1 million goes toward reinforcing the floors and roof, as well as anchoring equipment to the roof to withstand high-velocity winds.

Regarding this work in the town known as the municipality of the twelve streets, Mayor Ismael Rodríguez Ramos indicated that the demolition of the structure will take place between January and February of this year. He added that the new city hall will have “some commercial spaces in combination with an activity center that we will be carrying out, and for which we are preparing the design.”.

On the other hand, the Ponce Campus of the University of Puerto Rico received an allocation of nearly $716,700 to repair several of its buildings: the Adelina Coppin Alvarado Library; the Ruth Fortuño de Calzada academic building; and the Student Affairs Deanship building, among others. Some work has already been completed on several of the structures, such as the plastering of the walls, the replacement of tiles and a geotechnical assessment of the Deanship building.

Projects of Historical and Cultural Value

The southern region of the island has several structures of historical and cultural value that were impacted by the earthquakes. FEMA's Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Division has worked closely with applicants from the Public Assistance Program to ensure that these projects meet current historic and environmental preservation requirements.

The La Resurrección methodist church in Ponce, built in 1907 and part of the National Register of Historic Places, is one of those projects that has received allocations that seek to preserve its historical and cultural value. In addition to repairing existing features, its FEMA-funded restoration includes carbon fiber and fiberglass-reinforced polymers that were added to the mortar and plaster inside the building to make it more resilient against future seismic events. All this, without adversely affecting the historical property.

Regarding the importance of restoring the church, the pastor of the church Jeancarlos Ortiz Peña, commented that "certainly the church community, but also the city community will be positively impacted and one of the most precious historical monuments of the urban area of Ponce will come back to life.

For his part, the executive director of the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, stated that “reconstruction projects due to the earthquakes have shown progress in the past months. Currently, there are 140 permanent works in one of the execution phases that have an obligation from FEMA for approximately $44.1 million. Now, with the availability of the Working Capital Advance pilot program, there will be an increase in the execution of these permanent works that the subrecipients develop, while keeping the same priority when addressing the course of the reconstruction projects for the past hurricanes. At COR3, we will continue to implement the teamwork plan to guide them in the technical processes required by the projects”.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from the earthquakes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4773 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr y Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 01/04/2023 - 12:09

Three Years after the Earthquakes in the South, the Island Has over $810 Million from FEMA for its Recovery

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – After the 2020 earthquakes, which mainly affected the towns in the south of the island, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated over $810 million for this region. The funds correspond to some 750 projects, mostly for permanent works such as the reconstruction of public buildings, educational institutions and other spaces in the communities.

For the affected municipalities, the allocations represent about $45.6 million for permanent works distributed in over 200 projects. The funds will help fuel the revitalization of the area as the long-term recovery continues. 

“As part of the efforts to mitigate earthquake effects, 84 percent of the projects include funds for this purpose. The recovery represents an opportunity to build back better, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to help make this happen,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

Likewise, Dr. Víctor Huérfano, Director of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, emphasized the progress made after the earthquakes and added that “in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, we are working to have an updated map. That map is very important, because future structures that carry earthquake-resistant construction codes will depend on that map. And of course, that this restructuring that we are going to do — which has to be done well — meets the standards and that we do not have to relive those problems of 2020 or before 1918, when structures also fell.”

Among the most notable projects in the south is the Guánica City Hall, which has an obligation of over $4.1 million from FEMA to demolish, dispose of and replace its facilities. Of that amount, about $1 million goes toward reinforcing the floors and roof, as well as anchoring equipment to the roof to withstand high-velocity winds.

Regarding this work in the town known as the municipality of the twelve streets, Mayor Ismael Rodríguez Ramos indicated that the demolition of the structure will take place between January and February of this year. He added that the new city hall will have “some commercial spaces in combination with an activity center that we will be carrying out, and for which we are preparing the design.”.

On the other hand, the Ponce Campus of the University of Puerto Rico received an allocation of nearly $716,700 to repair several of its buildings: the Adelina Coppin Alvarado Library; the Ruth Fortuño de Calzada academic building; and the Student Affairs Deanship building, among others. Some work has already been completed on several of the structures, such as the plastering of the walls, the replacement of tiles and a geotechnical assessment of the Deanship building.

Projects of Historical and Cultural Value

The southern region of the island has several structures of historical and cultural value that were impacted by the earthquakes. FEMA's Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Division has worked closely with applicants from the Public Assistance Program to ensure that these projects meet current historic and environmental preservation requirements.

The La Resurrección methodist church in Ponce, built in 1907 and part of the National Register of Historic Places, is one of those projects that has received allocations that seek to preserve its historical and cultural value. In addition to repairing existing features, its FEMA-funded restoration includes carbon fiber and fiberglass-reinforced polymers that were added to the mortar and plaster inside the building to make it more resilient against future seismic events. All this, without adversely affecting the historical property.

Regarding the importance of restoring the church, the pastor of the church Jeancarlos Ortiz Peña, commented that "certainly the church community, but also the city community will be positively impacted and one of the most precious historical monuments of the urban area of Ponce will come back to life.

For his part, the executive director of the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, stated that “reconstruction projects due to the earthquakes have shown progress in the past months. Currently, there are 140 permanent works in one of the execution phases that have an obligation from FEMA for approximately $44.1 million. Now, with the availability of the Working Capital Advance pilot program, there will be an increase in the execution of these permanent works that the subrecipients develop, while keeping the same priority when addressing the course of the reconstruction projects for the past hurricanes. At COR3, we will continue to implement the teamwork plan to guide them in the technical processes required by the projects”.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from the earthquakes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4773 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr y Twitter @COR3pr..

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 01/04/2023 - 12:08