FEMA Awards More Than $26 Million to Massachusetts for Covid-19 Pandemic Administrative Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $26 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for some of the administrative costs incurred responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will receive a total of $26,077,698 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse the cost of administering grants FEMA provided to the commonwealth for such expenses as testing, sheltering and providing meals to vulnerable populations.

The administrative costs are calculated as a percentage of the grants provided.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Massachusetts 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 $1.3 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:25

FEMA Awards State of Rhode Island Nearly $1.8 Million for COVID Data Analytics

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.8 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state for the costs of hiring data analytics experts to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,792,312 FEMA Public Assistance grant will go to the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health & Human Services for contracting with Freedman HealthCase, HCH Enterprises, and ONPOINT for data analytics services between March and December 2020.

Freedman HealthCase provided project management, technical expertise, and staffing to the integrated data engineering and analytics team. HCH Enterprises staffed the dashboard team, including data intake, database administration, ETL, dashboard development, and oversight. ONPOINT provided the data integration and advanced data modeling/architecture support for the All-Payer Claims Database and the Ecosystem, a comprehensive statewide integrated data system for COVID information.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health & Human Services 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.

This grant brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to more than $562 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:23

FEMA Awards More Than $3.4 Million to Fairfield University for Covid Testing Expenses

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3.4 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse Fairfield University for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The private Jesuit university in Fairfield will receive a total of $3,415,616 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse it for the costs of providing approximately 95,557 tests for students, faculty and staff between July 2020 and July 2021.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Fairfield University with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $543 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:19

FEMA Awards More Than $15 Million to Connecticut for Covid-19 Pandemic Administrative Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $15 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse it for some of the administrative costs incurred responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (CTDESPP) will recive a total of $15,152,179 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse the cost of administering grants FEMA provided to the state for such expenses as testing, sheltering and providing meals to vulnerable populations.

The administrative costs are calculated as a percentage of the grants provided.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection 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 $543 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:16

FEMA Participates in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill, Encourages Participation Nationwide

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA will participate in the Great ShakeOut, the world’s largest earthquake drill. 

The ShakeOut takes place at 10:20 a.m. (local time) on Thursday, Oct. 20. Participation in the drill is just one of the many ways FEMA helps create a prepared and resilient nation. FEMA encourages everyone in America to join the agency’s workforce and millions of others around the world as they practice earthquake safety.

Participants in homes, schools and organizations across the world will partake in the yearly earthquake drill. During this time, you should DROP to the ground, take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table and HOLD ON as if there was a major earthquake occurring.

Earthquakes can strike anywhere, at any time. That’s why it is always recommended that you know what to do even if you believe your area may not be at risk.

Ground shaking during an earthquake is seldom the cause of injury. Most earthquake-related injuries and deaths are caused by collapsing walls and roofs, flying glass and falling objects. 

During an earthquake, immediately moving to a safe place can save lives, so your safe place should be within a few steps to avoid injury from flying debris. Identify safe places such as under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall in your home, office or school so when the shaking starts you can respond quickly.

Before an earthquake, take these actions to prepare your home and family:

• Visit ready.gov/plan to make a plan for your family, work or school.
• Update and organize your emergency supply kit. Visit ready.gov/kit to learn more.
• Conduct an Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt for unsecured items that could fall in the event of an earthquake.
• Register and participate in the ShakeOut to prepare yourself and your environment in the event of an earthquake.

You can help spread earthquake safety awareness by sharing your ShakeOut through our digital platforms. Take a photo and tag @FEMA using hashtags: #ShakeOut and #EarthquakeSafety.

To learn more about ShakeOut, visit the website. You can also text “shakeout” to 43362 and be added to the FEMA app distro list for earthquake preparedness tips and safety info.  

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/20/2022 - 13:39

FEMA is Reaching Out to Survivors

San Juan, Puerto Rico — FEMA is connecting with Puerto Rico survivors in many ways to ensure they have the help they need throughout the federal disaster assistance process.

• FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance crews (DSA) continue to canvas remote, rural areas to assist those survivors who need extra help completing or updating their FEMA application. To-date, DSA crews have already helped more than 17,000 Puerto Rico residents.

• In mountainous areas where internet and electric power was disrupted, FEMA telecommunications specialists set up Wi-Fi hot spots using mobile satellite systems, to ensure these survivors can register and get online to check the status of their application.

• FEMA and the Government of Puerto Rico have opened 35 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) across the island, with more centers opening in other locations soon. Recovery centers provide a place where you can walk in, speak to FEMA specialists in Spanish or English, upload documents and complete your application. FEMA specialists can also help with appeals and guide you to other forms of recovery assistance. Find your nearest DRC at www.FEMA.gov/DRC.

• After you apply, you may receive a follow-up call from FEMA. These calls may come from area codes that are unknown or outside of Puerto Rico. FEMA routinely conducts call outs when there are concerns with your application, or we need more information to process your case. If you receive an email or text from FEMA, be sure to respond to avoid delays in your recovery process.

• FEMA inspectors will typically schedule an inspection after you apply for assistance. Inspectors try a minimum of three times to contact applicants, calling at different times on different days and visiting residences if necessary. If you are unable to meet with the inspector, you must call FEMA to schedule the appointment.

• FEMA may also send you a letter by mail or an email notification to check your status or correspondence in DisasterAssistance.gov or FEMA app. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds if you were approved for a FEMA grant.

FEMA also remains committed to meeting language needs for all Puerto Rico residents. Many FEMA employees are bilingual and can assist you in your primary language. Multilingual operators are also available when registering for federal disaster assistance or seeking help with a FEMA application by calling 1-800-621-3362 (voice711/VRS-Video Relay Service).

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.

Or, if you are in a DRC, you can:

• Use Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) with a sign language interpreter via an iPad available at the DRC;

• Arrange for an in-person sign language interpreter by contacting the DRC; and

• Use the assistive devices available at the DRCs.

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Fiona, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4671. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico page, Twitter @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol.

kimberly.keblish Thu, 10/20/2022 - 12:43

Annual “Great ShakeOut” Earthquake Drill Set for October 20th

PHILADELPHIA – The annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill will take place October 20, 2022 across the United States and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 3 wants to encourage the Whole Community to participate and learn the simple, but critical, safety steps to preparing for and staying safe during an earthquake. The Great ShakeOut is the largest earthquake drill worldwide and over 40 million people are already registered to practice their earthquake safety plans.

We encourage everyone to Drop, Cover, and Hold On with us on October 20, 2022.

Worldwide there is an average of one damaging earthquake almost every third day. In the United States, earthquakes are normally thought of as a west coast hazard, but they can happen anywhere, such as the Mid-Atlantic 2011 earthquake. The severity of the 2011 earthquake brought about two Presidentially Declared Disasters that were awarded to both the Commonwealth of Virginia and Washington, DC totaling more than $47 million in Public Assistance and almost $17 million in Individual Assistance Funding Obligations combined.

“Damaging earthquakes can occur at any time– where we work, live or travel,” stated FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “We are once again excited to participate in the annual Great ShakeOut drill with our state, local, and community partners not only in our region, but across the world. This is an excellent opportunity to practice and prepare for earthquakes, a hazard that can impact millions of people at a moment’s notice.”

To help people to prepare and participate, FEMA Region 3 produced a white board video highlighting the steps to practice for the Great ShakeOut. The Great ShakeOut also produces additional videos that address how to protect yourself from earthquakes in a number of scenarios – whether an earthquake strikes while you are in your home, car, bed or elsewhere.

We also encourage you to join us in tweeting your ShakeOut photo of your drill, using the hashtag #ShakeOut.

During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” For most people, in most situations, the recommended earthquake safety action is to:

• DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees;
• COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand, as you crawl for shelter under a nearby table or desk;
• HOLD ON to your shelter with one hand until shaking stops (remain on your knees and covering your head and neck with your other arm and hand).

The Great ShakeOut is free and open to the public. Participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and many other groups. To take part in the ShakeOut, register to participate at www.shakeout.org. Once registered, you’ll receive regular information on how to plan your drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.

Hundreds of thousands of people will participate in this event in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, joining Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills occurring throughout the nation and in several countries.

The Great ShakeOut is nationally sponsored by the United States Geological Survey, FEMA, and the National Science Foundation and is supported by dozens of other partners. The Great ShakeOut is coordinated globally by the Southern California Earthquake Center.

For more information, please visit www.shakeout.org. For additional earthquake information, please visit https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes.

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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

amanda.hancher Wed, 10/19/2022 - 21:13

FEMA Provides Nearly $500 Million to Floridians, Assistance Available in 26 Counties

WASHINGTON -- To date, FEMA has provided nearly $500 million in assistance to Hurricane Ian survivors across 26 counties, as the agency continues to provide rental and repair assistance, hotel stays, reimbursement for temporary lodging and other forms of support to help Floridians jumpstart their recoveries.

In particular, more than 1,600 households (including over 4,000 members) are checked into hotel rooms under FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program. FEMA and the state of Florida activated the TSA program, which allows FEMA to make payments directly to participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors.

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 34,700 individuals. Survivors can visit one of 15 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Lee (2 locations), 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 1,617 households with 4,163 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 106,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $85 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 39,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $82 million to policyholders, including $59 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 4,089 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 Wed, 10/19/2022 - 16:46

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open in San Lorenzo and Villalba

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are now open in San Lorenzo and Villalba. 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:

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

• Complejo Deportivo Villalba, Calle Albizu Campos, Villalba, PR 00766 (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Most other FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless otherwise stated.

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

To find the DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: DRC Locator.

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

• Estacionamiento Alcaldía de Guánica Provisional, Carr. 333 Km 0.3, Guánica, PR 00653

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

• You may also 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.

kimberly.keblish Wed, 10/19/2022 - 13:15

Hurricane Fiona One Month Later: Joint Efforts and Community Engagement Pave the Way for Puerto Rico Recovery

San Juan, Puerto Rico — During the first month of the Hurricane Fiona response, since the disaster declaration on Sept. 21, more than $456 million in FEMA disaster assistance has been provided to more than 600,000 Puerto Rico households to assist with disaster recovery efforts.

“We stand alongside the Government of Puerto Rico, local and other federal partners to continue a robust recovery effort,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper. “In addition to funding, FEMA mobilized more than 30 Disaster Recovery Centers, visited more than 13,600 homes, interacted with at least 18,000 survivors through its Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews and more than 100 DSA specialists are going door-to-door to help survivors apply for assistance in affected communities.”

Meanwhile the governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro R. Pierluisi thanked the Biden Administration and FEMA for their support on Puerto Rico’s road to recovery. He also reiterated that they will continue to work collaboratively to accelerate the reconstruction projects in Puerto Rico, including those related to Hurricane Fiona.

“Again, I thank President Biden for all his support since even before Hurricane Fiona came ashore, he approved the Emergency Declaration and later the Major Disaster Declaration that I requested on behalf of our people. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and the support of the federal government is vital to the socioeconomic development of all the American citizens that live on the Island,” said Governor Pierluisi.

Federal Support in Puerto Rico

• FEMA is authorized to provide Individual Assistance, Public Assistance (categories A and B) and Hazard Mitigation in all 78 Puerto Rico municipalities. Under the Individual Assistance program, residents of Puerto Rico can apply for assistance to cover uninsured or under-insured expenses that occurred as a result of the hurricane.

• FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Community Education Outreach teams are providing information on better ways to repair and rebuild damaged homes at Disaster Recovery Centers and have engaged with more than 17,111 individuals.

• More than 400 FEMA inspectors have conducted more than 63,600 home inspections for survivors who registered for federal disaster assistance.

• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $3.6 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, business owners and renters.

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to eligible survivors. DUA is a part of the federal disaster assistance process but is administered by the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. Claims must be filed by Nov. 30, Visit www.trabajo.pr.gov for more information.

• Disaster Legal Services (DLS) is also available. Survivors can receive free legal assistance for certain disaster-related issues. This service is provided by the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association and Servicios Legales de Puerto Rico, in collaboration with FEMA. To learn about the available resources in your area, call the toll-free legal aid hotline at 1-800-981-5342, Monday to Friday (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). This service is available until Nov. 21.

FEMA is hiring Puerto Rico residents to assist with Hurricane Fiona response and recovery efforts as temporary employees. Hiring local temporary staff increases employment opportunities for the residents of Puerto Rico. Over 50 percent of local staff are Puerto Rico residents who have been supporting operations since the beginning.

Although the federal government cannot make you whole, it is part of the solution. Many entities are involved including local and state agencies, nonprofits, voluntary and faith-based organizations, and the private sector to assist in survivor recovery. Visit fema.gov/disaster/4671 to learn more about Puerto Rico’s recovery after Hurricane Fiona.

kimberly.keblish Wed, 10/19/2022 - 12:59

FEMA Administrator Emphasizes Adaptability and Partnership During National Emergency Management Association Annual Forum Keynote

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell addressed the 2022 National Emergency Management Association Annual Forum in Stowe, Vermont, and stressed the importance of strong partnerships with fellow emergency managers nationwide. She also acknowledged both new challenges and ongoing successes across the nation and urged the need for an adaptative emergency management posture as disaster frequency increases.

“As the role of emergency management and emergency managers continues to expand and evolve, we need to evolve with it and that means making sure each of us, our teams, our organizations, our plans and our policies are adaptable too. We need to adapt to meet the moment … whatever that moment is,” said Criswell.

Increases in extreme weather combined with vulnerable national critical infrastructure, Criswell noted, can cause critical services like power and water, to fail. “These threats and hazards outpace even the highest levels of resilience and mitigation funding in our nation’s history.”

A Year Measured in Disaster Response

In fiscal year 2022, the nation’s emergency managers faced historic disasters and communities faced threats in all forms. Together, with state, local and tribal governments, FEMA responded to record-setting rainfall and flooding events in Montana, the largest and most destructive fire in New Mexico, extreme heat throughout the Pacific Northwest, Texas and New England, ongoing drought in western states and devastating impacts of hurricanes and typhoons. Collectively, Criswell noted, “these events account for 15 billion dollar disasters.”

A Year Measured in Strategic Achievement

The Administrator highlighted a year of success for the agency in its efforts to achieve the “2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan,” which includes goals to instill equity as a foundation of emergency management, lead the whole of community in climate resilience and promote and sustain a ready FEMA and prepared nation. 

Criswell explained the agency looks for means to fine-tune program delivery and better serve communities who need FEMA help the most. FEMA makes access to hazard mitigation programs more equitable for highly disadvantaged communities by addressing one of the common barriers -- successful completion of a project benefit-cost analysis for Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) programs. Specifically, she announced how FEMA recently decreased the discount rate for the Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) requirement used to mitigate effects of future disasters. A lower discount rate demonstrates the value of investing for the future.

“This month, we announced the discount rate for our Flood Mitigation Assistance and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities programs would go from 7% to 3%, allowing underserved communities the ability to unlock a level of assistance that -- for too long -- was out of reach,” Criswell stated.

Planning for Uncertainty

Criswell continued to focus on resiliency during uncertainty but with a focus on future planning leading up to National Level Exercise in 2024 (NLE 24). FEMA will host seminars, which bring together emergency managers, along with climate adaptation leaders and experts to focus on risk-informed decision making in the face of climate change.

“NLE 24 will test the nation’s preparedness to address the risks to national security that a climate change poses,” Criswell said. “The exercise will focus on the increased frequency and severity of storms in the Pacific Ocean impacting the Hawaiian Islands, combined with opportunistic attacks.”

Celebrating Future CREW Act-Related Opportunities

Finally, the Administrator celebrated a long-fought milestone: the Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce (CREW) Act that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. recently signed into law.

“By amending the Stafford Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), CREW protects the job rights of FEMA Reservists while they are deployed to disasters, emergencies and critical trainings,” said Criswell.

She continued, “The CREW Act will enable us to recruit future reservists from a broader talent pool of people seeking public service opportunities, including some of the most in-demand FEMA mission areas, such as IT, logistics and supply chain management. This critical expertise will enable us to deliver FEMA programs more quickly and proficiently, for communities and survivors alike.”

In her concluding remarks, Criswell reaffirmed FEMA's partnerships with the emergency management family and challenged it to hold FEMA accountable as it evolves to meet the challenges of the future.

“As we are navigating more frequent and more intense storms, we know our missions are only getting longer, harder and more complicated,” she said. “My ask to you is this -- keep pushing us. Keep advocating and keep holding us accountable. We need your expertise, awareness, drive and voice to so we can continue to evolve as an agency and as a profession.”

The full transcript of Administrator Criswell’s remarks is available on FEMA.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 10/18/2022 - 19:42

Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Collin County, Texas, Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the cities of Carrollton, Dallas, Plano and Richardson in Collin County, Texas.

Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment period for the maps.

For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Collin County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.

FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon). The chat service is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

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

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 10/18/2022 - 19:11

Renters May Apply for FEMA Assistance

San Juan, Puerto Rico - Federal disaster assistance is not just for homeowners. It’s also available to eligible renters, and can cover such expenses as furniture, job-related equipment, vehicle repair, even disaster-caused medical and dental bills.

Renters in all 78 Puerto Rico municipalities who had damage, losses or are unable to live in their homes as a result of Hurricane Fiona may be eligible for help from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

If you have renter’s insurance, first call your insurance provider to file a claim and apply with FEMA, simultaneously. If you are insured, you must provide FEMA with information from your insurance provider, which may include a settlement or denial.

FEMA rental assistance is intended to cover a one-month or two-month period for rent and cost of essential utilities (i.e., gas, electric and water). The time period can be reviewed further if additional assistance is needed. FEMA grants may also be used for security deposits but not for telephone, cable or internet service.

Renters must be able to prove they occupied the disaster-damaged primary residence before receiving FEMA Housing Assistance and some types of FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (i.e., for personal property and for moving and storage expenses). FEMA accepts multiple forms of documentation to prove occupancy. Learn more: Options to Prove Home Occupancy | FEMA.gov.

Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using the FEMA App or by calling the FEMA Helpline 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.

Renters may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration, which provides low-interest disaster loans to survivors. SBA loans can help with losses not covered by insurance. Renters can apply for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed household contents including clothing, furniture, appliances and other personal property including vehicles. Those who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be referred back to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance grant program.

If you are referred to SBA, you should complete and submit the application. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept the loan but failing to submit the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance.

Survivors who have questions about the status of their federal disaster assistance applications or how to appeal determination letters can check their status online at disasterassistance.gov, through the FEMA App or by calling the FEMA Helpline 1-800-621-3362.

kimberly.keblish Tue, 10/18/2022 - 18:51

FEMA Provides $477 Million to Floridians, Assistance Available in 26 Counties

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is providing rental assistance, hotel stays, repair assistance, reimbursement for temporary lodging and other forms of support to Hurricane Ian survivors to help jumpstart their recoveries.

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 34,700 individuals. Survivors can visit one of 15 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Lee (2 locations), 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 1,468 households with 3,817 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 92,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $85 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.
• As of Oct. 18, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 39,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $82 million to policyholders, including $59 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 3,244 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. 

amy.ashbridge Tue, 10/18/2022 - 13:51

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Illinois

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Illinois to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from July 25-28, 2022.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in St. Clair County. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

You can apply for disaster assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the for St. Clair County.

Waddy Gonzalez has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 10/17/2022 - 19:10

Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Magoffin and Pike Counties

FRANKFORT, Ky. – As Kentuckians rebuild, survivors of the July 26 flooding can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be in Magoffin and Pike 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 Oct. 17 through Oct. 22 at the following locations:

Magoffin County - Hometown True Value Hardware – 258 Parkway Dr., Salyersville, KY 41465

• Hours: 8 a.m.— 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.— 4 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.

Pike County – Rural King – 3889 N. Mayo Trail, Pikeville, KY 41501

• Hours: 8 a.m.— 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.

Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, and Whitley counties can apply for FEMA assistance in the following ways:

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find an open recovery center, visit fema.gov/drc
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as a video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service
• Apply online by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app

The deadline for survivors to apply for FEMA assistance is Oct. 28, 2022.

For the latest information on Kentucky flooding recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663 and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion4.

sandra.habib Mon, 10/17/2022 - 17:55

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Nakia Creek Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Nakia Creek Fire burning in Clark and Skamania Counties in Washington.

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at 10:21 p.m. PT. He determined that the Nakia Creek Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the third FMAG declared in 2022 to help fight Washington wildfires. 

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Camas and Hokinson. The fire also threatened Larch Correctional Center, state timber, manufacturing facilities, agricultural facilities, electrical transmission and distribution lines, recreational facilities, and fuel pipelines in the area. 

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire. 

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $1,048,736 will be available to Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.  

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

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 10/17/2022 - 17:13

Hardin County Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Information Open House

CHICAGO -- Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Flood Map Information Open House on Nov. 9, 2022, for communities in Hardin County, Ohio. The open house will give residents the chance to review preliminary versions of a recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1%-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within areas of the county, and offer information that public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain.

At the virtual open house, representatives from various local, state, and federal agencies will provide the most current information about flood risk, flood insurance, floodplain development regulations, and the process for floodplain mapping within Hardin County. The newly prepared preliminary floodplain maps can also be reviewed at the meeting. Once the maps become effective, they will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA also intends that they be used as tools to assist planning processes and outreach efforts to quickly respond to and recover from future events. Details for Hardin County meeting are as follows:

WHAT:              Hardin County—Flood Map Information Open House meeting for the public

WHEN:             Nov. 9, 2022, 5–7 p.m. ET

WHERE:           Jacob Parrot Safety and Security Center, Russell Ludwig Conference Center 1025 S. Main St., Kenton, OH  43326

Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an e-mail to FEMA-R5-NFIPOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

 

# # #

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

nicole.wilson Mon, 10/17/2022 - 16:55

FEMA, Federal Agencies Coordinating to Help Hurricane Ian Survivors Jumpstart Their Recovery FEMA Provides More Than $446 Million in Grants; Disaster Recovery Center Locations Increase to 15 

WASHINGTON -- FEMA, along with the National Flood Insurance Program, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and more than 4,000 federal responders are working to jumpstart Floridians’ recovery from Hurricane Ian. To date, FEMA has provided more than $446 million in grants to households.

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 26,500 individuals. Survivors can visit one of 15 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Lee (2 locations), 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 1,353 households with 3,445 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 82,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $81 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.
• As of Oct. 17, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 39,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $82 million to policyholders, including $59 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, 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 2,232 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.
• FEMA approved Critical Needs Assistance for disaster survivors with immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling. Immediate or critical needs are life-saving and life-sustaining items. This assistance is a one-time payment of $700 per household.
• 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 Mon, 10/17/2022 - 16:09

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in DeSoto County

TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida and FEMA have opened an additional Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in DeSoto 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 Center DESOTO COUNTY

DeSoto Library: 125 N Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia, Fl 34266

Center is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

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.

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

HARDEE COUNTY

Wauchula 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

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

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

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.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 10/17/2022 - 13:28