FEMA Provides Another $5 Million for Montana COVID-19 Response

DENVER – FEMA has approved an additional $5 million in Public Assistance funding for the Montana COVID-19 response. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 31, 2020. FEMA has now provided more than $57.2 million for Montana’s COVID-19 response with this award.

The FEMA Public Assistance funds were awarded as follows:

• $1.5 million was provided to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for the operation of COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment clinics in Missoula and Butte.  To reduce the spread of COVID-19, separate entrances, infusion stations and post-infusion observation areas were created at the two locations and additional contracted medical support staff were provided.
• $3.5 million to Montana Division of Emergency Services for the cost of managing the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work to assist their communities during this response.

To fully support this essential work, the President authorized provision of FEMA Public Assistance at 100 percent federal funding through July 1, 2022.   Beginning July 2, 2022, the federal cost share for COVID-19 projects is 90 percent of the eligible cost.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

minh.phan Tue, 01/03/2023 - 19:24

FEMA Advances Accessibility: FEMA-SBA Partnership Provides More than $38 Million in Expanded Assistance to Low-Income Survivors

WASHINGTON -- In the past year, low-income disaster survivors have received more than $38.7 million in expanded assistance because of FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s policy changes to lower the minimum household income thresholds for some types of FEMA assistance.

FEMA and SBA have programs that help survivors after a disaster, and many homeowners and renters apply for FEMA assistance and SBA loans. As one of the largest sources of federal funding for individuals and households, low-interest SBA loans are a critical piece to aid survivors rebuilding their lives after a disaster. Although low-income applicants will still be able to apply for SBA loans, these changes expand and expedite FEMA grant assistance for these survivors.

More than 2,500 hurricane Fiona and Ian survivors have benefited from these changes, resulting in $6.7 million in survivors’ pockets to help jumpstart their recovery efforts as quickly as possible.

“FEMA strives to deliver programs in a way that increases accessibility and reduces unnecessary barriers to help those impacted by disaster jumpstart their recovery, but we know we cannot do it alone. This effort requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for our partners at SBA who help us achieve this critical objective,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “The policy changes we’ve made alongside SBA to make disaster assistance more accessible for low-income families is just one example of the power of this partnership.”

“Following a disaster, many people struggle with financial demands that are not covered by insurance or other forms of assistance,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “Yet it is critical for communities to be able to rebuild and recover quickly. These changes will enable people to receive FEMA assistance faster while still giving them an opportunity to apply for an SBA loan. We are proud to partner on this with FEMA, as we believe this will deliver equitable, long-term disaster recovery for all Americans.”

The SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters located in regions affected by declared disasters. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome the economic injury of a declared disaster, even if they did not suffer any physical losses.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 01/03/2023 - 18:37

Hurricane Ian Assistance Surpasses $4.45 Billion, Thousands of Survivors Impacted by Hurricane Nicole Register for Assistance

WASHINGTON -- More than $4.45 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments have been provided to the state of Florida and households to help survivors affected by Hurricane Ian jumpstart their recoveries. FEMA has provided $859 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 $1.37 billion in disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $1.72 billion in claims to survivors of Hurricane Ian. FEMA has also received 3,476 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 nearly 352,000 homes and interacted with more than 152,000 survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance after Hurricane Ian.
• 22 Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in areas affected by Hurricane Ian, with nearly 104,400 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 1,625 households with 3,978 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed more than 256,000 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 will notify 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 $1.37 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.
• 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 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 issued Dec. 13, 2022.
• Additional 51 Florida counties 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 $1.8 million for Hurricane Nicole survivors, of which $1.6 million has been distributed.
• FEMA has received 3,476 valid registrations for individual assistance by Hurricane Nicole.
• FEMA teams working in neighborhoods have visited 5,591 homes affected by Hurricane Nicole.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $1.5 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Nicole.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 01/03/2023 - 18:27

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Signs Major Declaration for the Havasupai Tribe

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced federal emergency aid has been made available to the Havasupai Tribe to supplement Tribal response and recovery efforts in areas affected by flooding from Oct. 1-2, 2022.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to Tribal and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding.

Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Havasupai Tribe.

Benigno “Bern” Ruiz has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations for the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the Tribal nation and warranted by the results of further assessments. 

amy.ashbridge Sun, 01/01/2023 - 17:24

Two Weeks Left to Submit Comments Online About Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Regulations; Three Public Meetings Remain

SANTA FE, New Mexico – The public comment period remains open online until Jan. 13, 2023, if you would like to provide feedback on the process to implement the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act.

The Act provides compensation for those impacted by the fire. Compensation may cover eligible losses, including personal injury, loss of property, business loss or financial loss. FEMA’s Interim Final Rule guides the claims process and describes necessary documentation, evaluation criteria and compensation available for those impacted by the fire and subsequent flooding.

The rule also provides additional guidance for appeal rights, arbitration and judicial review. FEMA published the interim regulations in the Federal Register on Nov. 14, 2022, which opened a 60-day window requesting public comment on the rule.

You can submit your comments online and review information posted about the Act by visiting regulations.gov/ and typing in FEMA-2022-0037 in the search bar at the top of the screen where it says, “Search for dockets and documents on agency actions.”

Attend a public meeting if you prefer to give your comments in person.

Three public meetings have already been held to collect information and three more remain. There is no need to register in advance. When you arrive to the meeting, put your name on a list to sign up to speak. ASL and Spanish will be available.

Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

Peñasco Independent School Complex

13 School Road

Peñasco, NM 87553

5:30 – 7 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)

 

Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023

Mora High School

10 Ranger Road

Mora, NM 87732

5:30 – 7 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)

 

Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

New Mexico Bank & Trust Community Room

1st National Place

Angel Fire, NM 87710

5:30 – 7 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)

 

Submitting your comments online or at an in-person meeting is an opportunity for your feedback to shape the final regulations.

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

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 12/30/2022 - 16:47

FEMA Advances Global Emergency Management Cooperation

WASHINGTON -- In the face of growing global threats such as climate change and extreme weather events, FEMA increased and elevated its strategic international partnerships in 2022. This unprecedented level of international engagement both advances the agency’s role as a global leader in emergency management, while enhancing global safety, security and stability, which ultimately keeps people safe here in the United States and abroad.

In keeping with this strategic objective, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell attended meetings with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in April and November of this year to emphasize the importance of global preparedness and share lessons learned in order to strengthen the U.S. and global disaster resilience posture. Her visit marked the first time in over five years that a FEMA Administrator has engaged directly with NATO and represents the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening this critical alliance. As the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO’s Resilience Committee, FEMA leads, shapes and implements the U.S. government’s NATO Resilience policies and priorities.

“Although we may stand on different soils, existential threats like climate change impact all nations. That’s why we must work with our international partners and allies to prepare for both future and immediate risks in order to keep people safe at home and abroad,” said Administrator Criswell.  “Across the globe, FEMA is fostering strategic partnerships with counterpart organizations, working together to build global resilience to emergencies and disasters -- both natural and manmade. FEMA’s commitment to helping people before, during and after disasters here in the United States is only strengthened by the recognition that in our increasingly interconnected world, crises don’t discriminate, and they don’t care about lines on a map.”

Throughout 2022, FEMA established new agreements with Belgium and El Salvador and renewed agreements with New Zealand, Romania, Israel and the Directorate General for the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. These mutually beneficial agreements strengthen resilience and response capabilities through strategic exchange of expertise and real-time operational coordination.

FEMA further demonstrated its global emergency management leadership through its support of trainings and technical exchanges with strategic bilateral partners, such as Mexico.

Back at FEMA headquarters, FEMA resumed hosting high-level delegations after a COVID-19 pandemic hiatus.  Administrator Criswell and other senior FEMA leaders met with officials from Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Greece, Israel, Kenya, Norway, Sweden and Vietnam, as well as the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction, among other foreign partners. These meetings also included technical exchanges with subject matter experts on topics ranging from pandemic preparedness to early alerts and warnings, disaster risk reduction and flood mitigation. 

“If there is any lesson to be taken from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that we are all in this together. The partnerships we’re forging across the globe strengthen both the United States and the entire global community by increasing stability and ensuring we are all ready when disaster strikes,” said Administrator Criswell. “A better prepared world means a safer United States, and the only way we can do that is by leveraging our shared resources, our shared knowledge and experiences and our shared sense of purpose.”

In 2022, FEMA also represented the United States in multilateral forums, participating in the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction Global Platform and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG) meetings. This year also marked the first time that FEMA attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Multilateral engagements are crucial opportunities for FEMA to demonstrate its leadership in advancing global climate change mitigation and adaptation, including through the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and other global climate accords. FEMA will lead EPWG meetings and Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum as part of the U.S. 2023 APEC host year.

Under Criswell’s leadership, FEMA continues to strengthen its collaboration with counterpart emergency management organizations and ministries, advancing FEMA’s commitment to international cooperation to bolster global emergency readiness and response capabilities, which ultimately makes the United States and the world a safer place.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 12/30/2022 - 15:28

Mitigation Experts Continue to Offer Rebuilding Advice in Lee and Charlotte Counties

BRANDON, Fla. – As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricane Ian can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be in Lee and Charlotte counties to answer questions and offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster. The FEMA specialists will be available at the following locations:

HOME DEPOT

14655 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL 33912

HOME DEPOT

19690 Cochrane Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Hours for both locations:

Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sundays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

The FEMA Mitigation line is available to survivors who are interested in talking with a mitigation specialist about rebuilding stronger. Survivors can call 833-336-2487 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

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, and Volusia counties can apply for FEMA assistance in the following ways:

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a nearby center, visit fema.gov/drc
• Apply online by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages.

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

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bree-constance… Thu, 12/29/2022 - 18:57

FEMA’s National Preparedness Report Underscores Continued Threat of Climate Change

WASHINGTON -- FEMA released the 2022 National Preparedness Report today, revealing the impacts that climate change and associated natural disasters continue to have on emergency management capabilities and communities across the country. 

This year’s report presents preparedness data through the lens of risks and capabilities and underscores the challenges that emergency managers face in addressing a continuously expanding risk environment, the ingenuity they have shown to rise to those challenges and opportunities that remain to better prepare the nation. Emergency managers and whole-community partners across the nation can look to this year’s report to help support decisions about program priorities, resource allocations and community actions.

“This report was developed during a pivotal time in emergency management. The range and complexity of the disasters our nation faces continue to rapidly evolve, fueled in part by climate change. Our ‘new normal’ also includes pandemics, domestic terrorism and cyberattacks,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “These changing risks shift expectations on the emergency management community, but I know they will rise to the occasion, as will the dedicated workforce here at FEMA. The National Preparedness Report details these areas of change and remains a critical marker of national preparedness, highlighting our areas of strength and those in which we can improve as a whole community in becoming a more resilient nation.”

What does the 2022 report say about the state of the nation’s preparedness?

The report summarizes the state of national preparedness, discussing the risks the nation faces and how those risks drive whole-community emergency management capability requirements. The report includes the following findings, among others:

• Climate change continues to impact the nation and worsen existing vulnerabilities. The report found that in 2021, 92% of communities identified at least one natural hazard associated with climate change as being most stressful to emergency management capabilities in their assessments. The U.S. experienced a total of $20 billion climate and weather-related disasters.
• The nation may not be adequately prepared to provide sufficient Body Recovery/Storage and Medical Care in the face of a catastrophic disaster. When comparing total Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR) data from 2021 against the National Capability Targets, the nation overall has the lowest capability in the Body Recovery/Storage and Medical Care target areas.
• Factors such as poverty, lack of access to transportation and over-capacity housing occupancy continue to weaken the ability of individuals and communities to prevent injury, death and financial loss in a disaster.

To better respond to these factors, FEMA has undertaken a series of initiatives to ensure that more communities, especially those that are the most vulnerable to the impacts of disasters, are better prepared when disaster strikes. For example, during this year's National Preparedness Month, FEMA and the Ad Council created new Public Service Announcements developed specifically to reach Black and African American communities as part of FEMA’s ongoing approach to advance accessibility and cultural competency in boosting the nation’s preparedness. This campaign built on last year’s campaign, which was designed to resonate with Latino communities. As a direct result of that campaign, Listo.gov -- the Spanish version of Ready.gov -- had a 500% increase in visits to the "Make a Plan" page and a 400% increase in visits to the "Build a Kit" page.

Additionally, FEMA released its first-ever National Tribal Strategy this year to better address its responsibilities to federally recognized tribal nations when responding to and preparing for disasters affecting tribal lands. A key part of the strategy includes providing culturally competent services to Tribal Nations and translating FEMA products into Native American languages to ensure that everyone across Indian Country is prepared when disaster strikes.

Earlier this year, FEMA also implemented one of the largest updates in the past 10 years to its mobile app, largely driven by critical customer feedback. The updated app -- in English and Spanish -- gives users increased personalization options and helps them take charge before, during and after disasters. This tool and others demonstrate FEMA’s continued commitment to meeting people where they are by providing the resources they need in a user-friendly way, with the ultimate goal of increasing disaster preparedness.

These initiatives represent just a few examples of actions the agency is taking to sustain a ready FEMA and a prepared nation.

The National Preparedness Report was established in Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-8, signed on March 30, 2011, which required the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit to the President the first national preparedness report based on the National Preparedness Goal. The THIRA/SPR methodology has changed since FEMA published the first report in 2012 and will not allow for measurement of percentage change in capability levels over the past decade. However, the most significant increases in community capability achievement are evident in areas related to 1) intelligence and information sharing, 2) supply chain integrity and security and 3) access control and identity verification.

The report provides management opportunities outlining steps that can be taken by the whole community to address risks and capability gaps. These include detailed discussions regarding resources and best practices related to 1) building community-wide resilience to climate change impacts, 2) reducing physical and technological risks to critical infrastructure and 3) increasing equity in individual and community preparedness.

The information in this report was compiled from open-source research, analysis of community THIRA/SPR data and an interagency data call of more than 50 offices throughout federal government.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 12/28/2022 - 20:11

FEMA Disaster Assistance Application Deadline Approaches

BRANDON, Fla. – More than $4.4 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments have been provided to the state of Florida and to households affected by Hurricane Ian. But time is running out for Hurricane Ian survivors to apply for disaster assistance. If your primary residence is in one of the 26 counties designated for federal disaster assistance and you incurred storm-related loss or damage caused by Hurricane Ian, you have until Jan. 12, 2023, to complete your application.

Survivors who have insurance are encouraged to file a claim for disaster-caused damage before they apply for FEMA assistance. You do not need to wait for your insurance settlement to submit a disaster assistance application. FEMA may provide financial assistance to eligible survivors who have uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused damage or loss.

Apply online at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. Assistance is available in most languages. Calls are answered every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Survivors can also register at any Disaster Recovery Center operating throughout Florida’s disaster-damaged counties. To find one nearby, go online to: DRC Locator.

The Jan. 12 deadline also applies to applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

FEMA's Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance grants for medical, dental, and funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants referred to SBA must complete and submit an SBA loan application to be considered for additional forms of disaster assistance. Applicants who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be referred back to FEMA to be considered for aid under the Other Needs Assistance provision. The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center’s number is 800-659-2955. Help is also available by sending mail to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov. Survivors may apply online at SBA's secure website: disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/

Businesses that have not yet submitted an SBA disaster business loan application, may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ under SBA declaration #17644. Businesses, homeowners, renters, and non-profits may visit the Business Recovery Center or Disaster Recovery Center for help in submitting an application or in seeking reconsideration of their loan decision.

Disaster loan information and application forms can be obtained from the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Jan. 12, 2023. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 29, 2023.

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.

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bree-constance… Wed, 12/28/2022 - 18:33

Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board Allocates $75 Million for Humanitarian Assistance

WASHINGTON -- The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board voted on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, to allocate $38.9 million to 21 local governments and service organizations to assist with humanitarian needs related to migrant families and individuals encountered by the Department of Homeland Security at the U.S. southern border. With this step, all $75 million (less administrative expenses) in FY23 Continuing Resolution (CR) Emergency Food and Shelter Program - Humanitarian (EFSP-H) funds have been allocated by the EFSP National Board.

On Dec. 13, 2022, the EFSP National Board awarded $31.7 million of the $75 million award to 18 groups, and on Dec. 22, 2022, the National Board awarded $39 million of the $75 million award to 21 groups. Funding was prioritized for those service organizations in the southern border states with the most urgent needs.  Some funding was also allocated to non-border entities that play an important role in assisting migrants as they relocate to other locations.  It takes up to three weeks for disbursement of funds.

For further information regarding the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, including the guidance governing the FY23 humanitarian funds, please refer to the EFSP Website (unitedway.org).

The EFSP National Board is committed to providing further guidance on application procedures as swiftly as possible, once future funds become available. In January 2023 the EFSP National Board will establish application procedures and deadlines for any additional funds appropriated to the humanitarian program.

Under its current structure, the EFSP National Board operates independently, awarding the funds provided by FEMA to local nonprofit, faith-based, and governmental organizations for the purposes of providing shelter and other services to families and individuals encountered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the southern U.S. border. FEMA awards the funds in full to the program’s National Board which is chaired by FEMA and composed of six national nonprofit organizations.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 12/27/2022 - 20:33

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 Carolina, Manatí and Mayagüez, Home Depot in Bayamón and Ponce and National Lumber hardware stores in Cabo Rojo, Juana Díaz and San Lorenzo 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. 02 – Jan. 7.  Puerto Rico Sign Language (PRSL) interpreters will also be available.

Walmart

Walmart Carolina

Carr. Núm. 3, Parque Escorial

Barrio San Antón

Carolina, PR 00987

PRSL available: Jan. 3

Walmart Manatí

Carr. Núm. 2, Km 45.8

Plaza Monte Real

Manatí, PR 00674

PRSL available: Jan. 2

Walmart Mayagüez

Carr. Núm. 2, Km 149.5

Western Plaza

Mayagüez, PR 00682         

PRSL available: Jan. 4

Home Depot

Home Depot Bayamón

Rexville Town Center

Carr. 167 Ave. Las Cumbres

Bayamón, PR 00060

PRSL available: Jan. 3

Home Depot Ponce

Ave. Baramaya 3305

Reyna del Sur Shopping

Ponce, PR 00728

PRSL available: Jan. 5

National Lumber

National Lumber Cabo Rojo

Carr. Núm. 100

Cabo Rojo, PR 00623

PRSL available: Jan. 4

National Lumber Juana Díaz

Carr. Núm. 149, Km 66.9

Barrio Lomas

Juana Díaz, PR 00795

PRSL available: Jan. 5

National Lumber San Lorenzo

Carr. Núm. 203

San Lorenzo Shopping Mall

San Lorenzo, PR 00754

PRSL available: Jan. 2

kimberly.keblish Tue, 12/27/2022 - 19:04

Hurricane Ian Assistance Surpasses $4 Billion, Thousands of Survivors Impacted by Hurricane Nicole Register for Assistance

WASHINGTON -- More than $4.4 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments have been provided to the state of Florida and to households affected by Hurricane Ian to help survivors jumpstart their recovery.

FEMA has provided $847 million to households affected by Hurricane Ian and $496 million to the state for emergency response to Hurricane Ian, while the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $1.35 billion in disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $1.72 billion in claims to survivors of Hurricane Ian.

Additionally, FEMA has also received 3,516 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 351,000 homes and interacted with nearly 152,000 survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance after Hurricane Ian.
• 24 Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in areas affected by Hurricane Ian, with nearly 101,000 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 1,616 households with 3,900 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed more than 252,000 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 will notify 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 $1.35 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 Dec. 27, 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 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 issued Dec. 13.
• Additional 51 Florida counties 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 $1.27 million for Hurricane Nicole survivors, of which $896,400 has been distributed.
• FEMA has received 3,516 registrations for individual assistance by Hurricane Nicole, including 2,534 registrations from designated counties.
• FEMA teams working in neighborhoods have visited 3,249 homes affected by Hurricane Nicole.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $958,000 in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Nicole.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 12/27/2022 - 17:56

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for New York

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New York to supplement state and local response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from a severe winter storm beginning Dec. 23 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 Erie and Genesse 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.

Lai Sun Yee has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

amy.ashbridge Tue, 12/27/2022 - 14:08

Stay Safe in Extreme Cold Conditions

DENTON, Texas – Extremely cold weather is gripping much of the nation, including areas of Region 6 where these temperatures are a rare occurrence. Staying warm and dry is important when temperatures may dip into single digits and wind chills into subzero levels.

During these cold weather conditions, you can do several things to help yourself and others stay safe.

• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents.
  • Read and follow instructions on the generator label and in the owner’s manual. Any electrical cables you use with the generator should be free of damage and suitable for outdoor use.
• Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Deaths have occurred when consumers burned charcoal or used camp stoves in enclosed spaces, which produced lethal levels of carbon monoxide.
• Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
• Stay away from downed wires, including cable TV feeds. They may be live with deadly voltage.
• Use caution with candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.
• Keep your emergency supplies well stocked in your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, gloves, hats, bottled water and nonperishable snacks. You may also want to include a snow shovel or add sand for traction. If you are told to stay off the roads, don’t venture out. Shelter in place at your home or business.  
• Stay indoors and limit your time outside as much as possible. If you do have to go outside, wear layers and limit strenuous activities. Also be sure to use salt, kitty litter or sand to provide traction on slick steps, walkways and ramps.
• Wear layers and have blankets available to add additional warmth. Layers will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater.  
• If it is safe, check on neighbors who may need assistance — older adults, people with disabilities and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.
• Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Provide hay and a water source for any livestock, and shelter if feasible.
• Monitor the media for updated information on the storm and/or actions to take. Follow the directions provided by local, state or tribal officials regarding emergency actions.
• If you need shelter, contact 2-1-1 to find available shelters in your area.

Visit Ready.gov/winter-weather for more information on how to stay safe in winter weather.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 12/23/2022 - 21:08

JFO un año y tres tormentas después, FEMA sigue en Kentucky ayudando a comunidades y sobrevivientes

Después de un año que trajo tornados, inundaciones y deslizamientos de tierra a Kentucky, la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) permanece presente coordinando esfuerzos con la División de Manejo de Emergencias de Kentucky (KYEM, por sus siglas en inglés) para ayudar al estado y sus residentes a reconstruir y recuperarse con la vista puesta en la resiliencia.

Durante el periodo más activo, FEMA tuvo 778 empleados presentes en las comunidades para ayudar tanto a los gobiernos locales como a los sobrevivientes del desastre brindando la ayuda que tanto necesitaban.

Hoy en día, FEMA continúa apoyando al estado y sus residentes con casi 300 funcionarios de manejo de emergencias de FEMA trabajando en todo Kentucky. Están ayudando a los gobiernos locales y sobrevivientes de desastres a recibir fondos para pagar los gastos relacionados con el desastre; están transportando e instalando unidades de vivienda provisional directa para los sobrevivientes de las inundaciones en el proceso de reconstrucción; y están mirando al futuro para mitigar futuras tormentas.

Tan solo en 2022, 28 condados fueron elegibles para el Programa de Individuos y Familias de FEMA, que ayuda a los sobrevivientes a ponerse de pie y recuperarse después de un desastre mayor. 

Con cada nuevo desastre llegó más asistencia federal. Hasta el 16 de diciembre de 2022, entre dos de los principales desastres declarados, las inundaciones en el este y los tornados en el oeste, los residentes de Kentucky recibieron más de $108.1 millones en asistencia federal directa de FEMA, mientras que los colaboradores federales como la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) proporcionaron más de $117 millones en préstamos por desastre a bajo interés a propietarios de viviendas, inquilinos y empresas de todos los tamaños. Eso es un total de más de $225 millones en asistencia federal a los residentes de Kentucky en todo el estado durante el pasado año.

En los condados muy afectados con pocas viviendas asequibles disponibles, el programa de Vivienda Provisional Directa ha proporcionado casas móviles y remolques de viaje a 169 familias en condados elegibles en ambos extremos del estado. De esa cantidad, 45 familias sobrevivientes ya se han mudado de las viviendas proporcionadas por FEMA a una solución de vivienda más permanente.

Proporcionar una vivienda toma tiempo, pero los equipos de vivienda de FEMA en el este de Kentucky continúan ubicando sitios de vivienda fuera de zonas de inundación, transportando casas móviles y remolques de viaje e instalando unidades completas con servicios públicos. 

Pero la asistencia de FEMA no es solo para individuos y familias. El Programa de Asistencia Pública (PA, por sus siglas en inglés) de la agencia proporciona fondos al estado, los gobiernos locales y ciertos tipos de solicitantes privados sin fines de lucro para ayudarlos a pagar por la infraestructura dañada, como carreteras y escuelas, para sufragar los costos de las actividades de respuesta. Cuarenta y siete condados de Kentucky fueron elegibles para la Asistencia Pública de FEMA entre los tres desastres.

Los gerentes de entrega del programa de PA de FEMA trabajan en estrecha colaboración con cada solicitante que solicitó fondos para evaluar los daños y proporcionar reembolso por sus pérdidas. Entre los tres desastres activos se han presentado más de 400 solicitudes de asistencia pública, y los gerentes de entrega de programas de PA están ayudando a los solicitantes a obtener compensación por pérdidas relacionadas con desastres.

La Asistencia Pública es un programa de aportación de fondos, en el cual FEMA reembolsa a los solicitantes una cantidad no menor del 75 por ciento de sus costos elegibles, y el resto es cubierto por alguna fuente no federal.

FEMA autorizó que la aportación federal fuese de 90 por ciento para 42 condados de Kentucky afectados por las tormentas severas ocurridas en diciembre de 2021 en todo Kentucky, y la aportación federal de 100 por ciento para la remoción de escombros y medidas de protección de emergencia, incluida la asistencia federal directa, por un período continuo de 30 días a elección del estado dentro de los primeros 120 días por los tornados ocurridos en el oeste de Kentucky y las inundaciones en el este de Kentucky.

En total, el Programa de PA de FEMA ha aprobado más de $38.3 millones en todo Kentucky.

Mirando hacia el futuro, el Programa de FEMA de Subvención para la Mitigación de Riesgos (HMGP, por sus siglas en inglés) está trabajando para proporcionar fondos al estado y a los gobiernos locales para que puedan desarrollar planes de mitigación de riesgos y reconstruir de manera que reduzcan o mitiguen futuras pérdidas por desastres en sus comunidades. En este programa, los propietarios de viviendas y los negocios no pueden solicitar una subvención, pero una comunidad local puede solicitar fondos en su nombre.

Actualmente, las Subvenciones y Planificación para la Mitigación de Riesgos están ayudando al estado con un proceso de adquisición acelerado. El programa de adquisición ayuda a las comunidades a comprar propiedades propensas a inundaciones, eliminar los edificios y mantener el terreno como espacio abierto. Para un propietario cuya vivienda se encuentra en un área de alto riesgo de inundación, tener su vivienda comprada y demolida o trasladada fuera del área propensa a inundaciones puede proporcionar la mejor solución a las inundaciones repetitivas. Gracias al arduo trabajo de FEMA y KYEM y los gobiernos locales, este programa acelerado se puso en marcha en solo 21 días.

El Manejo de Valles de Inundación para la mitigación de riesgos y seguros de FEMA está proporcionando mapas de inundaciones para viviendas temporales directas para ayudar a las comunidades locales con la estimación de datos de daños sustanciales y para proporcionar capacitación a los administradores locales de valles de inundación y proporcionar orientación y respuestas a preguntas sobre las ordenanzas de valles de inundaciones y el Programa del Seguro Nacional de Inundación en el este de Kentucky. 

La división de Mitigación de PA apoya la Asistencia Pública a través de inspecciones del sitio y la revisión de todos los proyectos de trabajo permanente. La división de Mitigación de PA revisa todos los proyectos de PA - que brindan asistencia a carreteras y puentes, instalaciones de control de agua, edificios y equipos, servicios públicos, parques, áreas recreativas y otras instalaciones - en busca de oportunidades de mitigación adecuadas y rentables, y redacta propuestas de mitigación de riesgos que proporcionan fondos adicionales. Para mejorar la seguridad, este programa reduce la probabilidad de daños en posibles eventos futuros. 

El estado y todos los gobiernos locales deben seguir sus planes aprobados de HMGP para recibir fondos para sus proyectos de mitigación de riesgos.

Al igual que con todos los desastres, la recuperación puede tomar tiempo, pero a través de programas como IHP, PA y HMGP, FEMA está ayudando a las comunidades a reconstruir de manera más segura y fuerte.

Para obtener la información más reciente sobre la recuperación de Kentucky tras los tornados, visite fema.gov/es/disaster/4663. Siga a FEMA en Twitter en FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4)/Twitter y en facebook.com/fema.

ricardo.zuniga Fri, 12/23/2022 - 18:49

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.3 Million to Massport for Winter Storm Kenan Snow Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.3 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Massachusetts Port Authority for some of the costs of removing snow at Logan Airport after Winter Storm Kenan in early 2022.

Massport will receive a total of $1,261,828 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse it for the costs of snow removal, salting and de-icing after the January 28-29 “bomb cyclone” produced blizzard conditions in some parts of New England.

Keenan caused record or near record snow fall in four counties in Massachusetts, including the city of Boston and the Boston Logan International Airport. This created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public and improved property, requiring emergency response and protective measures.

The grant will reimburse Massport for 9,546 overtime hours for its workers between Jan. 28 and Jan. 30; the cost of operating equipment such as snowplows and salt spreaders; purchasing materials like salt and meals for workers; and contracting for snow melting services.

President Joe Biden’s disaster declaration made federal funding available to commonwealth, tribal and eligible local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities in Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth and Suffolk counties, and for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

FEMA has awarded nearly $18 million in Public Assistance grants to state and local governments for the disaster to date.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to reimburse Massport for the costs incurred recovering from Winter Storm Kenan,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Re-opening a critical facility like Logan Airport required extraordinary measures deserving of federal assistance.”

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

adrien.urbani Fri, 12/23/2022 - 18:36

FEMA Awards Over $1.1 Million to City of Lawrence for COVID-19 Feeding Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the City of Lawrence for the costs of providing meals and food for needy populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,127,637 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the city for the cost of operating a food pantry and providing meals as well as contracting to deliver meals to those unable to access food due to quarantine, those deemed high risk and vulnerable, and those facing food insecurity as a result of the pandemic between June 2020 and July 2021.

During that time period, a total of 84,470 meals were provided to elderly, low income, homeless, and COVID positive individuals in Lawrence.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the City of Lawrence 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.”

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 Fri, 12/23/2022 - 18:33

Additional Florida Counties Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance

BRANDON, Fla. – Fifty-one additional Florida counties 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.

Brevard, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Martin, Nassau, Palm Beach, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Volusia Counties were authorized for Public Assistance in the initial disaster declaration issued on Dec. 13.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian and Nicole, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/4680. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

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bree-constance… Fri, 12/23/2022 - 18:15

Se venció el término para solicitar asistencia individual de FEMA, pero todavía hay ayuda disponible

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, IL – El 22 de diciembre venció el termino para solicitar asistencia por desastre de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés), pero todavía hay ayuda disponible para las personas afectadas por las inundaciones ocurridas del 25 al 28 de julio en el condado St. Clair. FEMA continúa colaborando con otras agencias federales, locales y no gubernamentales para brindar ayuda a las comunidades y familias afectadas por las inundaciones ocurridas del 25 al 28 de julio.

Manténgase comunicado con FEMA.

Usted debe informar a FEMA sobre todos los daños adicionales que encuentre después de su inspección de la vivienda. Además, asegúrese de actualizar los cambios en su dirección postal o de correo electrónico o número de teléfono y el estado actual de sus reclamos al seguro.

Puede comunicarse con FEMA de las siguientes maneras:

• Por Internet en DisasterAssistance.gov/es
• Descargar y usar la aplicación móvil de FEMA para hacer la solicitud
• Llamar a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362
  • • Si usa un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés), el teléfono con subtítulos u otro servicio, facilite a FEMA el número de ese servicio. La línea de ayuda está abierta los siete días de la semana. Presione 2 para español o 3 para un intérprete que hable su idioma.

Si fue referido a la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés), asegúrese de llenar y presentar su solicitud de préstamo por desastre. Nadie está obligado a aceptar un prestamos de ser aprobado. Si SBA no puede aprobar su solicitud, en la mayoría de los casos SBA devolverá su caso a FEMA para que sea considerado dentro del marco del programa de FEMA de Asistencia para Otras Necesidades para que pueda recibir asistencia adicional.

Los propietarios de vivienda, inquilinos y los negocios que han solicitado prestamos por desastres a bajo interés de SBA pueden obtener respuestas para sus preguntas llamando al Centro de Servicio al Cliente de Asistencia por Desastre de SBA al 800-659-2955 (las personas sordas, con dificultades auditivas o con alguna discapacidad del habla pueden llamar al 7-1-1 para obtener acceso a los servicios de retransmisión de telecomunicaciones) o enviar un correo electrónico a DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Si tiene seguro de inundación para propietarios de vivienda o inquilinos, debe presentar una reclamación al seguro lo antes posible. FEMA no puede duplicar los beneficios por pérdidas cubiertas por el seguro. Si su póliza no cubre todos sus gastos por daños, puede ser elegible para recibir asistencia federal.

Los propietarios de vivienda e inquilinos que solicitaron asistencia por desastre de FEMA tienen el derecho de apelar las decisiones de elegibilidad de FEMA. Los sobrevivientes que no están de acuerdo con las decisiones de elegibilidad de FEMA pueden presentar su apelación por escrito durante los 60 días después de recibir su carta de determinación, aunque el termino de solicitud de asistencia haya vencido. Lea su carta de determinación de FEMA con atención, es posible que FEMA solo necesite más documentos o información. Su carta de FEMA incluirá instrucciones sobre cómo puede apelar. 

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, conocimiento de inglés o situación económica. Si usted o alguien que usted conozca ha sido discriminado, llame a FEMA al número gratuito 833-285-7448. Si usa un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), el servicio telefónico con subtítulos u otros, facilite a FEMA el número de ese servicio. Se dispone de operadores multilingües (presione 2 para español y 3 para otros idiomas).

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

Para actualizaciones de la Agencia de Manejo de Emergencias de Illinois (IEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) 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 Fri, 12/23/2022 - 14:01

FEMA Individual Assistance Application Deadline has Passed, but Help is Still Available

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, IL. – The December 22 deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance has passed, but help is still available for people affected by the July 25 - 28 flooding in St. Clair County. FEMA continues working with other federal, local and non-governmental agencies to support families and communities affected by the July 25-28 floods.

Stay in touch with FEMA.

You should notify FEMA of any additional damage discovered since your home inspection. And be sure to update any changes in your mailing or email address or phone number and the current status of your insurance settlements.

You can stay in touch with FEMA several ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By downloading and using the FEMA mobile app
• Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362
  • • If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. The Helpline is open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Press 2 for Spanish or 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

If you were referred to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), be sure to complete and return the disaster loan application you received. You are not obligated to accept a loan if approved. If SBA cannot approve your application, in most cases SBA will refer you to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for possible additional assistance.

Homeowners, renters and businesses who have applied for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration can follow up with questions at SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

If you have homeowners or renters flood insurance, you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all of your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Homeowners and renters who applied for FEMA disaster assistance have the right to appeal FEMA’s eligibility decisions. Survivors who don’t agree with FEMA’s eligibility decision may file an appeal in writing within 60 days of receiving their letter, even though the application deadline has passed. Read your FEMA decision letter carefully. FEMA may simply need more information or documentation. Your FEMA letter includes instructions on how to appeal.  

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

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 Fri, 12/23/2022 - 13:38