Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Glades County

BRANDON, Fla. – The state of Florida and FEMA have opened an additional Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Glades County.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.

New Disaster Recovery Centers GLADES COUNTY

Glades County Health Department, 1021 Health Park Drive, Moore Haven, FL 33471

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

 

 

There are several Disaster Recovery Centers operating throughout the. To find a center close to you, you can go online to: DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or you can text DRC along with your zip code to 43362.

Currently, all centers are operating seven days a week, hours may vary. No appointment is necessary to get assistance.

 

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or 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. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help you communicate in the language with which you feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas affected by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer any questions you may have. DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

FEMA can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

amanda.bellatin Fri, 10/28/2022 - 15:33

FEMA COVID-19 assistance to West Virginia tops $100 million

PHILADELPHIA - With obligations last week to two Charleston healthcare systems, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) financial assistance has reached $100 million for the State of West Virginia in its ongoing fight against COVID-19.

FEMA reimbursed Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) for more than $1.76 million contracted nursing support, medical supplies for hospital staff and patients, and COVID-19 test processing equipment from September 2021 to June 2022.

Thomas Memorial Hospital Association was also reimbursed for more than $1.04 million to cover costs of contracted nursing support from December 2021 to the start of January 2022.

“After reaching this $100 million milestone, FEMA is especially proud to support West Virginia in its battle against COVID-19,” said FEMA Region 3 Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “The extra staffing, supplies, and testing have been crucial for the healthcare missions of both CAMC and Thomas Health.”

“We work with our FEMA partners every day to serve West Virginia’s citizens,” said West Virginia Emergency Management Director GE McCabe. “We’re grateful for FEMA’s enduring partnership and support as we continue to combat COVID-19.”

Learn more about FEMA’s coronavirus response at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus.

 

FEMA last week obligated more than $1.76 million in Federal Grants to the Charleston Area Medical Center Health System in Charleston, W.Va., to cover the costs for staffing, equipment, and testing for COVID-19 treatment. Thomas Memorial Hospital Association was also reimbursed more than $1.04 million for contracted staff as well. The two obligations pushed FEMA grants to more than $100 million toward West Virginia’s coronavirus pandemic efforts. 

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If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

 Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

charles.elison Fri, 10/28/2022 - 14:28

ICYMI: FEMA Administrator Addresses National Advisory Council at Choctaw Nation’s Headquarters

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell traveled to Durant, Oklahoma, inside the Choctaw Nation reservation this week, where she attended the National Advisory Council year-end meeting, toured the Choctaw Nation’s headquarters and participated in social dancing, showcasing the rich culture and history of the Choctaw people.

For the first time in FEMA’s history, a Tribal Nation hosted the annual council meeting, which held focused discussions on improving Nation-to-Nation relationships and supporting tribal sovereignty.

“The Choctaw Nation and Tribal Nations across Indian Country represent an important part of the emergency management enterprise and are critical partners in FEMA’s mission to help people before, during and after disaster,” said Administrator Criswell. “The National Advisory Council is made richer by their contributions, and it was an honor to have this year-end meeting hosted by a Tribal Nation, for the first time in FEMA’s history.  We remain committed to working with the 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations, to break barriers and make preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters more accessible to all.” 

The National Advisory Council advises the FEMA administrator on all aspects of emergency management, including preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation for disasters and national emergencies. Council members represent a substantive cross-section of officials, emergency managers, and emergency response providers from state, local, tribal and territorial governments, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations. Since its creation in 2006, the council has provided nearly 400 recommendations to FEMA on a variety of key emergency management topics.

CHOCTAW NATION -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell meets with the Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Gary Batton. (FEMA Photo)

CHOCTAW NATION -- National Advisory Council members receive a tour of the Choctaw Nation headquarters. The building incorporates cultural features with each floor representing a different element of nature. (FEMA Photo)

CHOCTAW NATION -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell addresses members of the National Advisory Council. (FEMA Photo)

CHOCTAW NATION -- The National Advisory Council panel discussions addressed emergency management issues when working directly with Tribal Nations. Here, FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson (far right) sits with Santa Clara Pueblo Gov. J. Michael Chavarria (far left); Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Staff Attorney Lindsay Dowell (2nd from left); and Pittsburg County Emergency Management Director Kevin Enloe. (FEMA Photo)

CHOCTAW NATION -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, (center right), Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson (far right); FEMA National Tribal Affairs Advisor Kelbie Kennedy (center left); and National Advisory Council Chairman Jeff Hansen, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma takes a photo with the NAC members who attended the meeting in person and virtually. (FEMA Photo)

CHOCTAW NATION -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell participates in Choctaw Social Dancing. These dances showcase the history and culture of the Choctaw people. (FEMA Photo)

amy.ashbridge Thu, 10/27/2022 - 20:09

Purchase Flood Insurance to Protect What You’ve Built

BOTHELL, Wash. – If you do not carry National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance, now is the time to buy it. Wildfire season is slowing down, and once the fires are out, people and communities are at risk for another threat, flooding.  Wildfires leave the ground charred and unable to absorb water. This creates a flash flooding potential for years to come, even in areas that rarely experienced flooding in the past. Sometimes these flash floods can pick up ash and large debris, turning into mudflows that are highly destructive.

Unlike many causes of damage, flooding and mudflows are generally not covered by a homeowners’ policy. An uninsured flood loss can eat into your life’s savings. Floods are the most common and expensive natural disaster in the U.S.  Just an inch of water in an average-sized home can cause $25,000 in damage. A NFIP policy protects against such losses and can ensure that a flood doesn’t bring financial ruin.

Flood insurance is easy to get, the only requirement is that you live in an NFIP participating community. These include cities, counties and other jurisdictions that manage development. You don’t need to live in a floodplain to purchase a policy. If you live outside a floodplain, insurance will likely cost less than for those living in a higher risk area.

Buyers should be aware of the 30-day waiting period for an NFIP policy to go into effect. It is important to purchase a policy now to protect your property against the continuing threat of flooding. You can usually purchase flood insurance from your current agent. If that isn’t possible, NFIP representatives can help you find one.

As with any insurance, be sure to talk with your agent about the specifics of your policy. Find out more about your risk and flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov. To purchase flood insurance or find an agent, call 1-800-427-4661.

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

mary.j.edmon Thu, 10/27/2022 - 17:52

Federal Support for Hurricane Ian Recovery Surpasses $1.5 Billion as FEMA Provides $654 Million in Individual Assistance

WASHINGTON -- More than $1.5 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments has been provided to the state of Florida and households to help survivors jumpstart their recovery after Hurricane Ian.

FEMA has provided $654 million to households and $322 million to the state for emergency response, while the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $328 million in disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $208 million in claims.  

How FEMA is Helping Floridians

• FEMA will provide temporary housing to eligible Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto and Lee 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.
• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida. 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.
• FEMA is meeting survivors 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 interacted with more than 64,000 survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance.
• Survivors can visit one of 20 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee (2 locations), Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. More centers are planned to open in the coming days. Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help survivors communicate in the language with which they feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
• As survivors recover from Hurricane Ian, rental resources may not be available in some communities for displaced residents. To assist these households, FEMA is providing travel trailers and larger manufactured housing units to eligible households in four counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto and Lee. It takes time to transport, permit, install and inspect these units. We are working as quickly as possible with the state and local authorities to provide housing to survivors.
• FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors. FEMA and the state of Florida activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program, which allows FEMA to make payments directly to participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors. As of today, the program is providing housing for 2,182 households with 5,528 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 167,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $328 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Sarasota and Seminole counties.
• As of Oct. 27, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 42,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $208 million to policyholders, including $132 million in advance payments.
• 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.
• 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 has installed 13,700 roofs. This is a free service provided to homeowners and is currently operating in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can sign up at BlueRoof.us or call toll-free at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25 through Oct. 23. 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. 

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/27/2022 - 15:25

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Putnam County

TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida and FEMA have opened an additional Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Putnam County.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.

New Disaster Recovery Centers PUTNAM COUNTY

Putnam County Fairgrounds, 117 Yelvington Road, East Palatka, FL 32131

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Other Disaster Recovery Centers

Currently, all centers are operating seven days a week and no appointment is necessary to get assistance.

BREVARD COUNTY

Cuyler Park Community Center, 2331 Harry T. Moore Ave., Mims, FL 32754

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Tringali Rec Center, 3450 N Access Rd., Englewood, FL  34224

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

COLLIER COUNTY

Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Naples, FL 34109

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

DESOTO COUNTY

Brewer Sports Park, 1347 SE Hargrave St, Arcadia, FL 34266

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

HARDEE COUNTY

Hardee County Civic Center, 515 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, FL 33873

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

Highlands County Extension Office, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 3387

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

HCC Regent – 6437 Watson Road, Riverview FL 33578

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

LAKE COUNTY

First Baptist Church of Astor Lake County, 24731 Ann St., Astor, FL 32102

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

LEE COUNTY

Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33919

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Fort Myers DMS Building, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

MANATEE COUNTY

John Marble Park, 3675 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton, FL 34203

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY

Okeechobee County Library, 206 SW 16th Street, Okeechobee, FL 34974

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ORANGE COUNTY

Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Hart Memorial Central Library, 211 E. Dakin Ave., Kissimmee, FL 34741

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

PINELLAS COUNTY

SPC All State Center, 3200 34th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

POLK COUNTY

W.H. Stuart Center, 1702 S. Holland Pkwy., Bartow, FL 33830

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SARASOTA COUNTY

Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career La., North Port, FL 34289

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SEMINOLE COUNTY

Seminole State College - Barbara Miller Automotive Center, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Wind Mitigation Building, 3111 Agricultural Center Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32092

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Volusia County Health Department, 1845 Holsonback Dr., Daytona Beach, FL 32117

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help you communicate in the language with which you feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer questions about federal assistance. DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

amanda.bellatin Thu, 10/27/2022 - 14:21

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Open in San Sebastián 

San Juan, Puerto Rico — An additional Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now open in San Sebastián. The joint DRC, a partnership between the municipality, the Government of Puerto Rico and FEMA will help Hurricane Fiona survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand at the DRC to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, businesses, private nonprofits and renters, and provide information about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

Services are provided in English and Spanish. If you need a reasonable accommodation or a sign language interpreter to communicate with FEMA, please send an email to FEMA-PRaccesible@fema.dhs.gov. You can also call 1-833-285-7448, press 2 for Spanish.

The additional center is located at:

• Coliseo Luis Aymat Cardona, Carr. 111 Km 18.2, Barrio Bahomamey, San Sebastián, PR 00685

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless otherwise stated. To find your nearest DRC and its hours of operation, click on the FEMA DRC link: DRC Locator.

All DRCs have Hazard Mitigation Community Education Outreach Specialists on site to support and provide guidance to visiting survivors.

Additional DRC locations in Puerto Rico are:

• Centro de Bellas Artes de Caguas, Calle Padial, Esquina Calle Ruiz Belvis, Caguas, PR 00725

• Cancha de Baloncesto Reinaldo Lugo, Calle Desengaño, Barrio Colombia, Mayagüez, PR 00680

• Estadio Pedro Montañez, Carretera Núm. 14, Km 69.7, Calle Matías Soto, Barriada San Cristóbal, Cayey, PR 00736

• Centro Comunal Los Naranjos, Comunidad Los Naranjos, Calle 2, Barrio Cabo Caribe, Vega Baja, PR 00693

• Centro Servicios Múltiples Francisco “Pancho” Robledo, Ave. Padre Severo Ferrer, Santa Isabel, PR 00757

• Polideportivo Francisco “Frankie” Colón Alers, Ave. Los Caobos Final, Ponce, PR 00716

• Centro de Recepciones y Bellas Artes, Sala de Recepción, Ramal 152, Ave. José Zayas Green, Barrio Barrancas, Barranquitas, PR 00794

• Cancha de Balonmano Néstor Milete Echevarría, Carr. 3, Río Grande, PR 00745

• Centro de Convenciones de Cabo Rojo Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances y Alacán, PR-100, Cabo Rojo, PR 00623

• Centro Comunal Justo Concepción, Carr. 486, Km 2.2, Barrio Zanjas, Camuy, PR 00627

• Cancha Juanito Cabello, Calle Ramón Baldorioty de Castro, PR-173, Cidra, PR 00739

• Centro de Entrenamiento y Formación del Volleyball David Cuevas, Carr. 111, Ave. Los Patriotas, Barrio Pueblo, Lares, PR 00669 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Cancha Juan E. Lluch, PR 315 km 0.9, Lajas, PR 00667

• Centro Bellas Artes Ceferino Caro Ramos, Calle Unión, Rincón, PR 00677

• Biblioteca Municipal de Salinas, Calle Dr. Santos P. Amadeo, Casco Urbano, Salinas, PR 00751

• Casa Alcaldía (1er Piso), Calle Georgetti #35, Barceloneta, PR 00617

• Centro de Recepciones Luis Ángel Ortiz Hernández, Ave. Luis Muñoz Marín, PR-155, Orocovis, PR 00720

• Centro de Usos Múltiples Néstor Vázquez, Terminal de Carros Públicos, 38 Calle Terminal, Patillas, PR 00723

• Coliseo Roberto Clemente Walker, Ave. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, San Juan, PR 00920

• Estadio Municipal Mario “Ñato” Ramírez, Ave. Blvd Jimmy Negrón Palma Real, Yauco, PR 00698

• Centro Comunal Eugenio Walker, Calle 10, Monte Verde, Barrio San Isidro, Canóvanas, PR 00729

• Coliseo Municipal Samuel “Sammy” Rodríguez, PR-174, Km 22.8, Barrio Mula, Aguas Buenas, PR 00725

• Coliseo Manuel G. “Petaca” Iguina Reyes, PR-129, Km 2.4, Ave. Industrial, Barrio Hato Abajo, Arecibo, PR 00612

• Centro Comunal Medina, Urb. Medina, Calle #1, B-20, Isabela, PR 00662

• Coliseo Arquelio Torres Ramírez, Atléticos de San German, Ave. Universidad Interamericana, Carr. 102 Km 33.1, San Germán, PR 00683

• Centro Comunal Martorell, Parcelas Martorell Calle #2, Yabucoa, PR 00767

• Terminal de Carros Públicos 33-35, Calle Anexo Baldorioty, Utuado, PR 00641 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Centro de Servicios Integrados Núm. 4 (La Antigua Escuela), Calle Rafael Janer, Maricao, PR 00606 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Centro de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento (CDT), PR-198 Km 22.6 Int., Zona Industrial, Las Piedras, PR 00771

• Centro Comunal de Toa Alta Heights, Calle 19, Toa Alta, PR 00953

• Universidad Ana G. Méndez, 2 Calle Romero Barceló #10, Jayuya, PR 00664 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Complejo Deportivo Llaneros, Calle José de Diego, Levittown, Toa Baja, PR 00949

• Alcaldía de Guánica Provisional (Parking), Carr. 333 Km 0.3, Guánica, PR 00653

• Estadio Municipal Cristóbal “Cagüitas” Colón, 3 Calle B, San Lorenzo, PR 00754

• Complejo Deportivo Villalba, Calle Albizu Campos, Villalba, PR 00766

• Casa Alcaldía (Parking), Calle Espíritu Santo, Loíza, PR 00729

• Policía Municipal de Ciales (back of building), Carr. 149 Km 12.9, Ciales, PR 00638 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Centro de Servicios Múltiples, PR-3, Punta Santiago, Humacao, PR 00741

• Estadio Luis A. “Canena” Márquez (Parking), Ave. Las Cascadas, Aguadilla, PR 00603

• Casa de la Cultura Cacique Comerío, Calle Georgetti #27, Comerio, PR 00782

• Plaza de Recreo de Naguabo, Calle Baldorioty, Naguabo, PR 00718

You may also register for assistance with FEMA or check status of your case through your smart phone, home computer or by phone.

The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

If you need help registering for assistance, you may also visit any open DRC or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA is Nov. 21, 2022.

kimberly.keblish Thu, 10/27/2022 - 12:57

Disaster Recovery Center in University City, Missouri to Close Next Week

A Disaster Recovery Center in University City will permanently close Wednesday, November 2 at 5 p.m.

Centennial Commons (Recreation Center)

7210 Olive Blvd.

University City, MO 63130

One Disaster Recovery Center remains open to assist survivors directly affected by the July 25-28 flooding and severe storms:  

Ranken Technical College

Mary Ann Lee Technology Center

1313 N. Newstead Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63113

(Near the corner of Newstead and Page)

Unless otherwise noted, recovery center hours are:

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.– 6 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

At the recovery centers, specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are providing information on available services, explaining assistance programs and helping survivors complete or check the status of their applications.  

Apply with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362).

• If you need help applying, FEMA can assist you at a Disaster Recovery Center.
• No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Walk-ins are welcome.
• People directly affected by flooding in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County may visit any recovery center for one-on-one help.

Reminder: the FEMA application deadline is November 7.                                                 

For updates, follow us on Twitter @MOSEMA and @FEMARegion7.

Get the latest information at Recovery.MO.gov and FEMA.gov/disaster/4665.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

tiana.suber Wed, 10/26/2022 - 22:33

Disaster Recovery Centers Open to Help People Affected by the July Flooding in Illinois

Renters and homeowners in St. Clair County, Illinois: FEMA and State Disaster Recovery Centers will open on Friday, October 28 in East St. Louis, Illinois and Caseyville, Illinois to provide one-on-one assistance to people directly affected by the July 25—28 flooding and severe storms.

Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

The Disaster Recovery Center locations are:

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center

6755 State Street

East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

Caseyville Village Hall

909 South Main Street

Caseyville, Illinois 62232

Recovery center hours are:

Monday – Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Walk-ins are welcome.

If you need help applying, FEMA can assist you at a Disaster Recovery Center.

Other ways to apply with FEMA are at DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA App.

If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.

For needs not covered by insurance or other sources, FEMA may be able to provide Individual Assistance grant money that does not have to be repaid for:

• Rental Assistance if you need to relocate because of flood damage
• Personal Property that was damaged or destroyed by flooding
• Lodging Reimbursement if you had to stay in a hotel temporarily
• Basic Home Repairs for homeowners whose primary residence was damaged by flooding
• Other Serious Needs caused by recent flooding

In addition to the assistance listed, please note the following:

• Only one application per household should be submitted.
• FEMA does not pay for lost or spoiled food.
• By law, FEMA is not allowed to duplicate insurance payments or assistance provided by other sources.

Homeowners and Renters: After applying with FEMA, if you have been referred to SBA for a disaster loan, please complete and submit the application. Submitting the SBA application makes it possible for you to be considered for additional grants if you are turned down for an SBA loan.

If you qualify for a loan, you will have that resource available if you choose to accept it.

Help with your SBA application is available at any Disaster Recovery Center.

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.

tiana.suber Wed, 10/26/2022 - 22:25

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Manatee County

TALLAHASSEE — The State of Florida and FEMA have opened an additional Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Manatee County.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.

New Disaster Recovery Centers MANATEE COUNTY

John Marble Park, 3675 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton, FL 34203

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Other Disaster Recovery Centers

At this time all centers are operating seven days a week and no appointment is necessary to get assistance.

BREVARD COUNTY

Cuyler Park Community Center, 2331 Harry T. Moore Ave., Mims, FL 32754

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Tringali Rec Center, 3450 N Access Rd., Englewood, FL  34224

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

COLLIER COUNTY

Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Naples, FL 34109

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

DESOTO COUNTY

Brewer Sports Park, 1347 SE Hargrave St, Arcadia, FL 34266

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

HARDEE COUNTY

Hardee County Civic Center, 515 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, FL 33873

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

Highlands County Extension Office, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 33875

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

HCC Regent – 6437 Watson Road, Riverview FL 33578

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

LAKE COUNTY

First Baptist Church of Astor Lake County, 24731 Ann St., Astor, FL 32102

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

LEE COUNTY

Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33919

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

 

Fort Myers DMS Building, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY

Okeechobee County Library, 206 SW 16th Street, Okeechobee, FL 34974

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

ORANGE COUNTY

Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Hart Memorial Central Library, 211 E. Dakin Ave., Kissimmee, FL 34741

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

POLK COUNTY

W.H. Stuart Center, 1702 S. Holland Pkwy., Bartow, FL 33830

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

SARASOTA COUNTY

Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career La., North Port, FL 34289

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

SEMINOLE COUNTY

Seminole State College - Barbara Miller Automotive Center, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Wind Mitigation Building, 3111 Agricultural Center Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32092

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Volusia County Health Department, 1845 Holsonback Dr., Daytona Beach, FL 32117

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

 

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help you communicate in the language with which you feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer questions about federal assistance. DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

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.

amanda.bellatin Wed, 10/26/2022 - 16:59

FEMA Kicks Off Direct Housing Mission in Florida, Federal Support for Hurricane Ian Recovery Surpasses $1.4 Billion

WASHINGTON – Today, FEMA announced that it has approved the state of Florida's request for direct temporary housing in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto and Lee counties, providing travel trailers and larger manufactured housing units to help eligible Hurricane Ian survivors get a safe roof over their head.

Additionally, more than $1.4 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments has been provided to the state and households to help survivors jumpstart their recovery after Hurricane Ian. FEMA has provided $643 million to households and $322 million to the state for emergency response, while the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $264 million in disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $184 million in claims.

How FEMA is helping Floridians:

• FEMA will provide temporary housing to eligible Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto and Lee 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.
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25 through Oct. 23. 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.
• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida. 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.
• FEMA is meeting survivors 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 interacted with more than 60,000 survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance.
• Survivors can visit one of 19 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee (2 locations), Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. More centers are planned to open in the coming days. Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help survivors communicate in the language with which they feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
• As survivors recover from Hurricane Ian, rental resources may not be available in some communities for displaced residents. To assist these households, FEMA is providing travel trailers and larger manufactured housing units to eligible households in four counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto and Lee. It takes time to transport, permit, install and inspect these units. We are working as quickly as possible with the state and local authorities to provide housing to survivors.
• FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors. FEMA and the state of Florida activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program, which allows FEMA to make payments directly to participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors. As of today, the program is providing housing for 2,127 households with 5,393 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 164,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $264 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee and Seminole counties.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 42,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $184 million to policyholders, including $123 million in advance payments.
• 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.
• 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 has installed 12,657 roofs. This is a free service provided to homeowners and is currently operating in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can sign up at BlueRoof.us or call toll-free at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• 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

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 10/26/2022 - 16:35

FEMA Extends Hurricane Ida Direct Housing Program

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA has approved a six month extension of its Direct Housing program for eligible Hurricane Ida survivors, following an extension request from the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).

• Before the extension, the program had been set to end on Feb. 28, 2023, 18 months following the major disaster declaration (the 18-month period is determined by federal law).
• On Sept. 16, 2022, GOHSEP requested a six-month extension, from Feb. 28, 2023 to Aug. 29, 2023.
• On Oct. 20, 2022, FEMA approved a six-month extension, authorizing the Direct Housing program through Aug. 29, 2023 in the following parishes: Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne.

 

FEMA is committed to providing temporary housing to eligible Hurricane Ida survivors as they continue the long-term work of recovery. Since Ida made landfall, FEMA has housed more than 3,800 families in mobile homes, travel trailers and other ready-to-occupy housing.

Snapshot as of Oct. 24

3,812 households have lived in FEMA-provided units.

557 households have moved out.

3,255 households are living in FEMA units.

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

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

kirsten.chambers Wed, 10/26/2022 - 16:06

FEMA to Provide Direct Temporary Housing in 4 Florida Counties

TALLAHASSEE – At the request of Governor Ron DeSantis, FEMA will provide temporary housing to eligible Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto and Lee 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 committed to helping Hurricane Ian survivors get a safe roof over their heads to jumpstart their recovery as quickly as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Tom McCool. “To assist these households, FEMA is providing travel trailers and larger manufactured housing units to eligible households in four counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto and Lee.

“Although FEMA’s direct housing mission is only a temporary solution, our team remains committed to helping survivors find housing that best suits their needs. With local government leaders building a shared vision for the future, FEMA and the federal family will work around the clock to help them achieve it.”

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.

The Direct Housing Program Provides Three Primary Options

• Multi-Family Lease and Repair, where FEMA enters into a lease agreement with the owner of multi-family rental properties (three or more units) and makes repairs to provide temporary housing for applicants.

• Transportable Temporary Housing Units such as a travel trailer or manufactured home.

• Direct Lease, which is leasing existing ready-for-occupancy housing.

 

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.

Direct temporary housing takes significant time to implement and is not an immediate solution for a survivor's interim and longer-term housing needs. Additionally, not everyone impacted by the disaster will be eligible for direct housing. It is important that partners at all levels – local, state, other federal, nonprofit and private sector – work together to fill any gaps.

In addition to direct housing, FEMA is providing rental assistance, hotel stays, home repair assistance and temporary lodging reimbursement to eligible applicants.

Survivors who have applied to FEMA for assistance do not need to reapply to be eligible for direct temporary housing assistance. To apply, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app for smartphones or call 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

krystin.ventura Wed, 10/26/2022 - 14:31

Don’t Delay Your Disaster Recovery: Submit Your SBA Loan Application

San Juan, Puerto Rico — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application may be a source of additional help for Puerto Rico residents who applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Fiona.

SBA low-interest disaster loans are meant for more than just businesses. An applicant who is referred to the SBA during the initial FEMA application process should complete an SBA loan application. Submitting a loan application keeps the full range of disaster assistance available as an option. No one is obligated to accept a loan.

The federal funding process stops for those referred to the SBA who choose not to apply. If you apply and are not eligible for a loan, this may open the door to additional grant funds, such as assistance to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, cover storage expenses or meet other disaster-related needs.

Reasons to complete the SBA application, even if you think you don’t currently need a loan:

• SBA may bridge the gap of recovery costs not covered by FEMA grants or insurance settlements.

• The loans are customized to your personal financial circumstances. On a case-by-case basis, the SBA may be able to assist with refinancing your current mortgage(s).

• Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $200,000 for home repairs, and homeowners and renters may receive up to $40,000 to replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

• Business owners may also find recovery help through loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged business property and economic injury loans to meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster.

For one-on-one assistance completing an SBA application or to get your loan application questions answered, visit a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in the municipalities of Arecibo, Barranquitas, Caguas, Fajardo, Mayagüez, Ponce and Yabucoa.

BRC locations:

• Inter-American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo, Carretera #2, km. 80.4, Barrio San Daniel, Sector Las Canelas, Arecibo, PR 00612

• Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Barranquitas Regional College, Games Room in the Multipurpose Center Building, Highway 156, Intersection 719, Bo, Helechal, Barranquitas, PR 00794

• Centro de Gobierno Municipal, Calle Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, Caguas, PR 00725

• Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Parque Batey Central, C. Unión, Fajardo, PR 00738

• Women’s Business Center, Villa Capitán II Building, Suite 204, 828 Hostos Avenue (Party City Heights), Mayagüez, PR 00682

• Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Ponce, 104 Turpeaux Ind Park, Room 107, Mercedita, Ponce, PR 00715

• Biblioteca Municipal de Yabucoa, 3 CII Catalina Morales, Yabucoa, PR 00767  

For more information email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Learn more about the SBA loans available for individuals and businesses after a disaster, by visiting www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.  Loan applications can also be downloaded from sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.  

You can also visit any open FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand at the DRCs to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, businesses, private nonprofits and renters, and provide information about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant. Find your nearest DRC by visiting www.fema.gov/DRC.

kimberly.keblish Wed, 10/26/2022 - 14:09

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Open in Comerío and Naguabo

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are now open in Comerío and Naguabo. The joint DRCs, a partnership between the municipality, the Government of Puerto Rico and FEMA will help Hurricane Fiona survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand at the DRC to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, businesses, private nonprofits and renters, and provide information about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

Services are provided in English and Spanish. If you need a reasonable accommodation or a sign language interpreter to communicate with FEMA, please send an email to FEMA-PRaccesible@fema.dhs.gov. You can also call 1-833-285-7448, press 2 for Spanish.

The additional centers are located at:

• Casa de la Cultura Cacique Comerío, Calle Georgetti #27, Comerío, PR 00782

• Plaza de Recreo de Naguabo, Calle Baldorioty, Naguabo, PR 00718

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless otherwise stated. To find your nearest DRC and its hours of operation, click on the FEMA DRC link: DRC Locator.

All DRCs have Hazard Mitigation Community Education Outreach Specialists on site to support and provide guidance to visiting survivors.

Additional DRC locations in Puerto Rico are:

• Centro de Bellas Artes de Caguas, Calle Padial, Esquina Calle Ruiz Belvis, Caguas, PR 00725

• Cancha de Baloncesto Reinaldo Lugo, Calle Desengaño, Barrio Colombia, Mayagüez, PR 00680

• Estadio Pedro Montañez, Carretera Núm. 14, Km 69.7, Calle Matías Soto, Barriada San Cristóbal, Cayey, PR 00736

• Centro Comunal Los Naranjos, Comunidad Los Naranjos, Calle 2, Barrio Cabo Caribe, Vega Baja, PR 00693

• Centro Servicios Múltiples Francisco “Pancho” Robledo, Ave. Padre Severo Ferrer Santa Isabel, PR 00757

• Polideportivo Francisco “Frankie” Colón Alers, Ave. Los Caobos Final, Ponce, PR 00716

• Centro de Recepciones y Bellas Artes, Sala de Recepción, Ramal 152, Ave. José Zayas Green, Barrio Barrancas, Barranquitas, PR 00794

• Cancha de Balonmano Néstor Milete Echevarría, Carr. 3, Río Grand, PR 00745

• Centro de Convenciones de Cabo Rojo Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances y Alacán, PR-100, Cabo Rojo, PR 00623

• Centro Comunal Justo Concepción, Carr. 486, Km 2.2, Barrio Zanjas, Camuy, PR 00627

• Cancha Juanito Cabello, Calle Ramón Baldorioty de Castro, PR-173, Cidra, PR 00739

• Centro de Entrenamiento y Formación del Volleyball David Cuevas, Carr. 111, Ave. Los Patriotas, Barrio Pueblo, Lares, PR 00669 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Cancha Juan E. Lluch, PR 315 km 0.9, Lajas, PR 00667

• Centro Bellas Artes Ceferino Caro Ramos, Calle Unión, Rincón, PR 00677

• Biblioteca Municipal de Salinas, Calle Dr. Santos P. Amadeo, Casco Urbano, Salinas, PR 00751

• Casa Alcaldía (1er Piso), Calle Georgetti #35, Barceloneta, PR 00617

• Centro de Recepciones Luis Ángel Ortiz Hernández, Ave. Luis Muñoz Marín, PR-155, Orocovis, PR 00720

• Centro de Usos Múltiples Néstor Vázquez, Terminal de Carros Públicos, 38 Calle Terminal, Patillas, PR 00723

• Coliseo Roberto Clemente Walker, Ave. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, San Juan, PR 00920

• Estadio Municipal Mario “Ñato” Ramírez, Ave. Blvd Jimmy Negrón Palma Real, Yauco, PR 00698

• Centro Comunal Eugenio Walker, Calle 10, Monte Verde, Barrio San Isidro, Canóvanas, PR 00729

• Coliseo Municipal Samuel “Sammy” Rodríguez, PR-174, Km 22.8, Barrio Mula, Aguas Buenas, PR 00725

• Coliseo Manuel G. “Petaca” Iguina Reyes, PR-129, Km 2.4, Ave. Industrial, Barrio Hato Abajo, Arecibo, PR 00612

• Centro Comunal Medina, Urb. Medina, Calle #1, B-20, Isabela, PR 00662

• Coliseo Arquelio Torres Ramírez, Atléticos de San German, Ave. Universidad Interamericana, Carr. 102 Km 33.1, San Germán, PR 00683

• Centro Comunal Martorell, Parcelas Martorell Calle #2, Yabucoa, PR 00767

• Terminal de Carros Públicos 33-35, Calle Anexo Baldorioty, Utuado, PR 00641 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Centro de Servicios Integrados Núm. 4 (La Antigua Escuela), Calle Rafael Janer, Maricao, PR 00606 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Centro de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento (CDT), PR-198 Km 22.6 Int., Zona Industrial, Las Piedras, PR 00771

• Centro Comunal de Toa Alta Heights, Calle 19, Toa Alta, PR 00953

• Universidad Ana G. Méndez, 2 Calle Romero Barceló #10, Jayuya, PR 00664 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Complejo Deportivo Llaneros, Calle José de Diego, Levittown, Toa Baja, PR 00949

• Alcaldía de Guánica Provisional (Parking), Carr. 333 Km 0.3, Guánica, PR 00653

• Estadio Municipal Cristóbal “Cagüitas” Colón, 3 Calle B, San Lorenzo, PR 00754

• Complejo Deportivo Villalba, Calle Albizu Campos, Villalba, PR 00766

• Casa Alcaldía (Parking), Calle Espíritu Santo, Loíza, PR 00729

• Policía Municipal de Ciales (back of building), Carr. 149 Km 12.9, Ciales, PR 00638 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• Centro de Servicios Múltiples, PR-3, Punta Santiago, Humacao, PR 00741

• Estadio Luis A. “Canena” Márquez (Parking), Ave. Las Cascadas, Aguadilla, PR 00603

You may also register for assistance with FEMA or check status of your case through your smart phone, home computer or by phone.

The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

If you need help registering for assistance, you may also visit any open DRC or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

The deadline to apply for assistance from FEMA is Nov. 21, 2022.

kimberly.keblish Wed, 10/26/2022 - 13:39

More than $2 Million in Federal Assistance Approved for Flood Survivors in St. Clair County, Illinois

On Oct. 14, 2022, President Joe Biden signed a major disaster declaration for St. Clair County, Illinois, following the July 25-28 severe storm and floods. Since then, more than $2 million in federal assistance has been approved to support disaster recovery here.

As of Oct. 25, 2022, Illinois’ recovery assistance includes:

More than $1.1 million in Individual and Households Program (IHP) grants awarded to eligible homeowners and renters in St. Clair County. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage, including:

• More than $1 million in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
• More than $119,000 in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs – such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has processed more than $1.1 million in flood insurance claims, giving much needed assistance to survivors to help jump-start their recovery.

Homeowners and renters in St. Clair County who were affected by the floods should apply for assistance:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By calling 800-621-3362
• Using the FEMA mobile app
• FEMA and State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will open in St. Clair County starting this week.

Residents in St. Clair County can also apply at two Disaster Recovery Centers that remain open in Missouri. Locations can be found here: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

FEMA and State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will be open in St. Clair County starting Friday, October 28th, 2022.

At the recovery centers, specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are providing information on available services, explaining assistance programs and helping survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

For more information about Illinois flood recovery, visit  www.fema.gov/disaster/4676. Follow the FEMA Region 5 Twitter account at https://twitter.com/femaregion5.

tiana.suber Tue, 10/25/2022 - 21:09

Federal Support for Hurricane Ian Recovery Surpasses $1.39 Billion, FEMA Provides $619 Million in Individual Assistance to Jumpstart Survivor Recovery

WASHINGTON -- More than $1.39 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments have been provided to the state of Florida and households to help jumpstart their recovery after Hurricane Ian. FEMA has provided $619 million to households and $322 million to the state for emergency response. The U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $264 million in disaster loans, while the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $184 million in claims. 

How FEMA is Helping Floridians

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida. 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.
• FEMA is meeting survivors 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 interacted with more than 56,900 survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance.
• Survivors can visit one of 18 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee (2 locations), Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. More centers are planned to open in the coming days. Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help survivors communicate in the language with which they feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
• FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors. FEMA and the state of Florida activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program, which allows FEMA to make payments directly to participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors. As of today, the program is providing housing for 2,089 households with 5,292 members. 
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 155,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $264 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee and Seminole counties.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 42,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $184 million to policyholders, including $123 million in advance payments.
• 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.
• 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 has installed 11,587 roofs. This is a free service provided to homeowners and is currently operating in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can sign up at BlueRoof.us or call toll-free at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25 through Oct. 23. 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. 

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 10/25/2022 - 16:21

FEMA Extends Renewal Grace Period for Florida Flood Insurance Policyholders Affected by Hurricane Ian to Jumpstart Recovery

FEMA’s 90-day extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, 2022, through and including Oct. 23, 2022

WASHINGTON -- Certain National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders impacted by Hurricane Ian now have a limited opportunity to renew their policies without a consequence of a lapse in coverage.

Previously, NFIP announced that policyholders based in Florida who had flood damage from Hurricane Ian have a 90-day grace period to renew their policies and file a claim for flood damage.

The extension applies to policyholders whose flood insurance policy expiration dates began on Aug. 25, 2022, through and including Oct. 23, 2022.  For example, if the original renewal date for a policy was Aug. 25, 2022, the policy may be renewed on or before Nov. 23, 2022, and you can file your claim for damage received from Hurricane Ian. If the renewal date was Oct. 23, 2022, the policy may be renewed on or before Jan. 21, 2023.

“In keeping with our ethos of putting people first in everything we do at FEMA, we are honoring the NFIP policyholders who previously took the important step to protect their family from a flood,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “By proactively extending the renewal deadline for flood insurance, we are standing by that commitment and allowing policyholders who faced incredible loss to renew their policy and file a claim in the aftermath of one of the most catastrophic storms in Florida’s history.”   

As of Oct. 24, there are 26 Florida counties designated for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program where policyholders can take advantage of the grace period. FEMA encourages all affected policyholders residing in these counties to jumpstart their recovery by using the grace period to renew their policies as soon as possible.

Policyholders who wish to take advantage of the grace period should contact their agent or insurance company today, or within 90 days of their policy expiration date.

All Florida policyholders -- even those in undesignated counties -- should monitor fema.gov because more counties may be added. Policyholders who don’t have their insurance agent or company’s contact information should call 877-336-2627 for assistance.

To learn more about how to file a flood insurance claim visit floodsmart.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 10/25/2022 - 13:52

Continued Temporary Rental Assistance May be Available for Hurricane Fiona Survivors

San Juan, Puerto Rico — FEMA may provide financial assistance to residents of Puerto Rico who need temporary housing because they are displaced from their primary residence as a result of Hurricane Fiona. Those who need it can apply for continued rental assistance while they look for more permanent housing.

The rental can be a home, apartment or hotel. Rental Assistance covers rent, security deposit costs, electricity and water. It does not cover cable or internet.

If you received an initial grant of rental assistance from FEMA and cannot return to your primary residence, you may submit an application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance.

To be eligible to apply, survivors must meet the following conditions:

• They were awarded initial rental assistance and used it as intended. The initial award covers two months.

• They are unable to return to their pre-disaster residence because it is uninhabitable, cannot be accessed or is not available due to the disaster.

• They cannot pay for housing without assistance.

• They are not receiving temporary housing help from any other source.

• They are developing a longer-term or permanent housing plan or can demonstrate progress towards one.

If you were awarded financial help for temporary rental assistance you may have received a form to apply for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance. If you haven’t received this form you can request one by calling the FEMA 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. Operators are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. local time

Applicants should submit the following documents with the completed application:

• Pre- and post-disaster income for household members 18 and older.

• Proof of pre-disaster housing costs (copy of lease and utility bills, renter’s insurance, mortgage statements, real estate taxes, home insurance, etc.).

• Proof of post-disaster housing costs (copy of current lease or rental agreement signed by the applicant and the landlord).

• Proof of payment using previous award (rent receipts, canceled checks or money orders).

The application form and supporting documents should be returned to FEMA. You can upload them to your disaster account at DisasterAssistance.gov, mail them to FEMA, PO Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 or fax them to 1-800-827-8112. You can also visit a DRC to submit your documents and get your questions answered. Find your nearest DRC by visiting www.FEMA.gov/DRC. If you need a Puerto Rico Sign Language (PRSL) interpreter, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or a spoken language interpreter to communicate with FEMA, please send an email to FEMA-PRaccesible@fema.dhs.gov to schedule a personal appointment.

FEMA will evaluate the request to determine if the applicant is eligible. It is important for applicants to keep FEMA updated with their contact information and housing status. Remember: Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA staff will never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out or processing applications.

kimberly.keblish Tue, 10/25/2022 - 13:41

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Hillsborough County

TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida and FEMA have opened an additional Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Hillsborough County.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.

New Disaster Recovery Centers HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

HCC Regent – 6437 Watson Road, Riverview FL 33578

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Other Disaster Recovery Centers

Other centers are operating in the following locations, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week unless otherwise noted.

BREVARD COUNTY

Cuyler Park Community Center, 2331 Harry T. Moore Ave., Mims, FL 32754

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Tringali Rec Center, 3450 N Access Rd., Englewood, FL  34224

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

COLLIER COUNTY

Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Naples, FL 34109

DESOTO COUNTY

Brewer Sports Park, 1347 SE Hargrave St, Arcadia, FL 34266

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

HARDEE COUNTY

Hardee County Civic Center, 515 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, FL 33873

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

Highlands County Extension Office, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 33875

LAKE COUNTY

First Baptist Church of Astor Lake County, 24731 Ann St., Astor, FL 32102

LEE COUNTY

Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33919

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Fort Myers DMS Building, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY

Okeechobee County Library, 206 SW 16th Street, Okeechobee, FL 34974

ORANGE COUNTY

Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Hart Memorial Central Library, 211 E. Dakin Ave., Kissimmee, FL 34741

POLK COUNTY

W.H. Stuart Center, 1702 S. Holland Pkwy., Bartow, FL 33830

SARASOTA COUNTY

Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career La., North Port, FL 34289

SEMINOLE COUNTY

Seminole State College - Barbara Miller Automotive Center, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Wind Mitigation Building, 3111 Agricultural Center Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32092

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Volusia County Health Department, 1845 Holsonback Dr., Daytona Beach, FL 32117

 

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Interpretation services and translated materials are available at these centers to help you communicate in the language with which you feel most comfortable. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing neighborhoods in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and answer questions about federal assistance. DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

amanda.bellatin Tue, 10/25/2022 - 13:22