Disaster Recovery Center in Hazelwood to Close Next Week and Reopens as Disaster Loan Outreach Center.

A Disaster Recovery Center in St. Louis County will close on Wednesday, October 12 at 6 p.m. It will reopen as a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) on Thursday, October 13 at 9 a.m.

Hazelwood Civic Center

8969 Dunn Road

Hazelwood, MO 63042

DLOCs will have customer service representatives available to meet with businesses and residents from St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County, who were affected by the flooding and severe storms that occurred July 25–July 28, 2022. SBA representatives will answer questions, explain their disaster loan program and close customers’ approved disaster loans on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary.

Other Disaster Loan Outreach Centers are located at:

O’Fallon Municipal Center

Southeast Entrance

100 N Main St.

O’Fallon, MO 63366

Salvation Army Temple Center

(Near the corner of Arsenal and California)

2740 Arsenal St

St. Louis, MO 63118      

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.– 6 p.m.

Three Disaster Recovery Centers remain open to assist survivors directly affected by the July 25-28 flooding and severe storms:  

ST. LOUIS CITY

Ranken Technical College

Mary Ann Lee Technology Center

1313 N. Newstead Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63113

(Near the corner of Newstead and Page)

ST. LOUIS COUNTY

Urban League Empowerment Center

9420 W. Florissant Ave.

Ferguson, MO 63136

University City Recreation Division

Centennial Commons

7210 Olive Blvd.

University City, MO 63130

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.

• The FEMA application deadline is November 7.
• 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.

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 Thu, 10/06/2022 - 22:41

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Open on Columbus Day

FRANKFORT, Ky. – All Disaster Recovery Centers and Multi-Agency Resource Centers will be operating under their regular hours on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 10.

The Disaster Recovery Centers in Breathitt, Letcher, Perry and Pike counties are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

• Breathitt County: Breathitt County Library – 1024 College Ave, Jackson, KY 41339
• Letcher County: Letcher County Recreation Center – 1505 Jenkins Rd., Whitesburg, KY 41858
• Perry County: Hazard Community College –1 Community College Dr., Hazard, KY 41701
• Pike County: Dorton Community Center –112 Dorton Hill Rd., Pikeville, KY 41501

The Disaster Recovery Center in Knott County is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

• Knott County: Knott County Sportsplex - 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831

The Multi-Agency Resource Center in Clay County is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Clay County: Clay County Community Center – 311 Highway 638, Manchester, KY 40962

The Multi-Agency Resource Center in Floyd County is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

• Floyd County: Christian Appalachian Project Foley Community Center 6134 KY-80, Martin, KY 41649

Survivors in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties can go to any center to get help applying for FEMA assistance.

FEMA representatives will be at the centers to help with applications for federal assistance and provide information about other disaster recovery resources.

FEMA financial assistance may include money for temporary housing, basic home repairs or other uninsured, disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral, or dental expenses.

In addition to FEMA personnel, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and agencies from the commonwealth will be available at the recovery centers to assist survivors.

It is not necessary to go to a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in the designated counties can call 800-621-FEMA (3362), go online to disasterassistance.gov or use the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

sandra.habib Thu, 10/06/2022 - 17:42

Hazard Mitigation Marks Course to Strengthen Resilience

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – Before the water began to recede and the winds grew silent in 2017, one phrase stood out above the rest to symbolize recovery – “VI Strong.” This expression not only reflects the spirit of Virgin Islanders but also captures the recovery efforts over the past five years. Building “VI Strong” means using resources to not only rebuild what was lost but building back stronger and more resilient to protect against future disasters.

Coordination between FEMA and the territory, including the Office of Disaster Recovery and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, has led to the formation of many recovery and resilience projects. Projects include strengthening the power grid, and hardening homes and critical infrastructure.

Wind retrofit projects are a major area of focus. FEMA and the territory continue to work together to minimize future damage. A wind retrofit includes specific renovations of a facility’s roof, windows, and doors to increase their ability to withstand hurricane force winds.

On St. Thomas, at the University of the Virgin Islands Orville E. Kean Campus, a $4.1 million wind retrofit project is in design specifically for student residential halls and the Ralph M. Paiewonsky Library. The retrofits of the buildings on the campus seek to reduce damage in future wind events and allow for the better protection of students, faculty and staff.  

Throughout the territory, FEMA is also supporting wind retrofits in numeral housing communities. “We have large housing projects which will provide wind retrofit to various public housing complexes, 44 residential buildings and a community center,” said FEMA USVI Joint Recovery Office Hazard Mitigation Deputy Branch Director Sandra Lashley. “We also have school safe room projects on St. Thomas, including the Charlotte Amalie High School, which is going to have a reconstructed sports arena to meet saferoom standards. That saferoom will provide space for 1,475 residents. We also have several drainage and generator projects, as well as additional wind retrofit projects for the island.” On St. John, the St. John Community Foundation Residential Wind Retrofit project proposes to harden 97 residences on the island to withstand at least a 100-year wind event. This $7 million project includes structural rebuilding or tie-downs of the roofs of residential homes. Other measures may include strengthening vents, soffits, and overhangs at gable end walls; protecting building openings from wind borne debris; bracing gable end walls and strengthening the connections of attached structures.  

“This wind retrofit project on St. John is a successful project that we can already see making a difference,” said Lashley.

The St. John Community Center safe room and building retrofit is a relatively new project that will reconstruct or retrofit the Center into a two-story facility and will incorporate a community safe room. A safe room is a hardened structure specifically designed to meet the FEMA criteria and provide 72 hour near-absolute protection in extreme wind events, including tornadoes and hurricanes.

Other projects on St. John include undergrounding of utility lines, the replacement of wooden utility poles with composite poles, a solar wind farm and various drainage projects.

On St. Croix, a $129.7 million project will construct a 20-megawatt solar generation photovoltaic plant and a 20-megawatt battery energy storage system providing renewable energy to the territory while increasing the reliability of the power grid. This effort will provide parts of St. Croix with power during extreme weather events.

When water comes down hard and fast, good drainage can make the difference between complete isolation and access to life saving food and water during a crisis. There are several drainage projects in the works including Gallows Bay, La Reine Intersection and Estate Paradise Drainage. The Gallows Bay Drainage seeks to eliminate flooding and prevent additional damage to the road and sewage system that results from current flooding. The La Reine Intersection Drainage includes construction of a retention pond above the La Reine Intersection which will alleviate the recurring flooding of the intersection, and surrounding homes and businesses. The Estate Paradise Drainage improves and redirects the drainage of flood waters to reduce damages and prevent undue burdens on the residents of the area.

Recently, the territory broke ground for the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion housing community, which includes $25.3 million in funding for a wind retrofit project. Hodge Pavilion comprises 20 residential buildings, an office building and a community center. This facility will be renovated with hurricane wind resistant windows and doors and provide continuous load protection by strapping the roof down to the foundation. Other projects include wind retrofit for a number of properties, generator projects for various facilities, critical services facilities, as well as emergency safe rooms for first responders.

Two major safe room projects currently in the design phase are located at Central High School and Arthur Richards School. These projects will harden the reconstructed gymnasiums to meet safe room standards. The safe rooms can provide space for 938 residents at Central High School and 690 residents at the Arthur Richards School.

The VITEMA St. Croix Emergency Operations Center is also included as a $22.5 million wind retrofit and saferoom project.

On Water Island, there is a Water Island Firehouse Wind Retrofit project.

“It’s a wind retrofit project for a volunteer firehouse, which is also the main government building on Water Island and the center of communication for critical services,” said Lashley. “This project has nearly $34,000 for a wind retrofit.”

Rebuilding is more than restoring infrastructure back to pre-disaster conditions, it is laying the foundation for a more resilient Virgin Islands. Through mitigation initiatives, together, FEMA and the territory can lessen the impact of future disasters. FEMA is committed to ensuring all Virgin Islanders are “VI Strong.”

gina.callaghan Thu, 10/06/2022 - 17:26

FEMA Provides More Resources, Funding for Florida’s Recovery

WASHINGTON -- Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. granted an additional 30 days of 100% federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective actions, ensuring the first 60 days of response and recovery are all federally funded. Starting today, FEMA will have three Disaster Recovery Centers available for Florida residents. 

How FEMA is Helping Floridians

• FEMA will begin directly paying hotel and motel costs to house survivors from the hardest hit counties. FEMA approved Florida’s request for Transitional Sheltering Assistance. Survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Osceola and Sarasota counties can participate.  FEMA directly pays hotel costs at participating hotels and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors.
• Nearly 300 Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida to help survivors apply for assistance. The teams are in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties. These teams have helped nearly 250,000 survivors apply for assistance.
• FEMA and state partners are continuing to open Disaster Recovery Centers across the state. FEMA and its state partners opened a center in Lee County, and two more centers will be opening in Ft. Myers and North Port. Additional centers will open in the weeks to come. Centers are accessible offices staffed by state, federal and volunteer organizations that let everyone access recovery information. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.
  • Lee County Disaster Recovery Center, Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program is issuing advance payments. To date, Florida policyholders have received $3.5 million to help Floridians jumpstart their recoveries.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians should file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and select “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visit a local CareerSource Career Center, or call  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• FEMA’s feeding partners have served 1 million meals to survivors. FEMA’s partners, including the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Operation BBQ, and the Southern Baptist Church, have field kitchens and canteens in the hardest hit counties that are operational. More sites are coming.
• More than 4,700 people and 200 pets have been rescued by federal, state and local teams. Visit missing.fl.gov if you or someone you know needs assistance or a safety check. Safe and found persons can be reported safe at safe.fl.gov. Rescue efforts and power restoration, with a focus on hospitals, healthcare facilities and barrier island communities continue to be top priorities.
• More than 2,800 FEMA staff are supporting Ian response efforts. More than 1,300 other federal staff are assisting with the Ian response. More than 1,800 emergency management personnel from 26 states were deployed to Florida through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from the hurricane now 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 policy 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 suffered flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days.  
• FEMA approved Critical Needs Assistance for disaster survivors who have 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.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/06/2022 - 17:11

NFIP Begins Issuing Advance Payments to Policyholders After Hurricane Ian

Grace Period Extended for those Needing to Renew NFIP Flood Insurance Policies

WASHINGTON -- A week after widespread flooding in Florida from Hurricane Ian, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program policyholders are beginning to receive funds to help jumpstart their recovery. To date, FEMA has provided $3.5 million in advance payments to policyholders who have started the claim process.

FEMA has also taken steps to ease burdens on its policyholders as they begin to clean up and repair, including allowing some who need to renew policies to take advantage of flood insurance benefits.

“We know that rebuilding after a flood can be difficult,” said David Maurstad, Deputy Associate Administrator for Resilience and senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program. “We want to remove as many obstacles as possible and ease our customers’ burden to help them recover more quickly. Regardless of how much flooding your home experienced, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program stands ready to assist its policyholders.”

More Time for Policyholders

There are NFIP policies in Florida where the renewal date has passed, but you may be able to take steps that will reinstate your policy and receive coverage for flood damage from Hurricane Ian. Policyholders based in Florida who had flood damage from the hurricane now have a 90-day grace period to renew their policies.

The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, 2022, through and including Oct. 23, 2022.  Policyholders whose NFIP policy renewal date is within this range should contact their agent or insurance company.

Additionally, the NFIP has extended the proof of loss requirement for policyholders who suffered flood damage from Hurricane Ian from the standard 60 days to 365 days from the date of loss.

The NFIP also authorized its Write Your Own insurance company partners and the NFIP Direct to pay claims based on the adjuster’s report, without requiring policyholders to sign a proof of loss. When a policyholder seeks additional payment for any reason, they may still submit a signed proof of loss to the insurer. Policyholders can submit a signed proof of loss later if they need to request an additional payment or if they disagree with the adjuster’s report.

Payments

In the Hurricane Ian affected states, as of Oct. 4, 2022, FEMA has received more than 25,000 NFIP claims and has pushed out over $3.5 million in advance payments for many of these policyholders. Policyholders affected by Hurricane Ian can now receive between $5,000 and $20,000 with documentation prior to an inspection by an adjuster. Policyholders are encouraged to talk with their insurer about how to receive an advance payment to help jumpstart their recovery.  

“The NFIP is committed to processing claims quickly and fairly,” said Maurstad. “We remain in close coordination with our Write Your Own insurance companies, the NFIP Direct and the state insurance commissioners’ offices to ensure that policyholders are paid every dollar owed for covered flood loss.”

Anyone affected by Hurricane Ian who has an NFIP flood insurance policy and has suffered flood damage should begin filing their claim now. Evacuated policyholders can still start their claim and provide specifics later, once local officials say it’s safe to return home.

Policyholders can start their claim by contacting their flood insurance agent or company. Those who don’t know who their insurance agent or company is may call 877-336-2627.

To learn more about how to file a flood insurance claim visit floodsmart.gov or view this video. 

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/06/2022 - 14:25

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Continue Registrations at Intake Center in Seminole County, Fla.

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams helped Hurricane Ian survivors at a “one day only” registration intake center at the Rural Heritage Center in Geneva, Florida, Seminole County today, as assistance teams continue to go door to door to meet people where they are and help survivors with their unique needs. Mobile Registration Intake Centers are opening throughout the state. Survivors can visit these sites for help applying for assistance.  

Disaster Recovery Centers are also opening. Yesterday, FEMA along with state partners, opened a disaster recovery center in Lee County. Centers are accessible offices staffed by state, federal and volunteer organizations that let everyone access recovery information. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/06/2022 - 12:55

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Florida Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Florida by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures undertaken in the state of Florida as a result of Hurricane Ian beginning Sept. 23, 2022 and continuing.

The President extended the time period for 100% federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under public assistance, for an additional 30-day period.  This extends the initial federal funding at 100% authorized on Sept. 29, 2022 for total eligible costs, including direct federal assistance under public assistance, for a period of 60 days from the start of the incident period.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 10/05/2022 - 22:30

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Barranquitas and Río Grande

San Juan, Puerto Rico—Additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are now open in Barranquitas and Río Grande. 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 centers in Barranquitas and Río Grande are located at:

Centro de Recepciones y Bellas Artes

Sala de Recepción Ramal 152, Ave. Jose Zayas Green

Barrio Barrancas

Barranquitas, PR 00794

Cancha de Balonmano Néstor Milete Echevarría

Carr. 3 

Río Grande PR, 00745

Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A FEMA Hazard Mitigation Community Education Outreach Specialist will be on site to assist survivors in preparing for future incidents.

DRCs are also open in Caguas, Mayagüez, Cayey, Vega Baja and Ponce seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The locations are:

Centro de Bellas Artes de Caguas Calle Padial

Esquina Calle Ruiz Belvis Caguas, PR 00725

 

Estadio Pedro Montañez Carretera Núm. 14, Km 69.7

Calle Matías Soto, Barriada San Cristóbal Cayey, PR 00736

Cancha de Baloncesto Bo. Colombia Calle Desengaño

Barrio Colombia Mayagüez, PR 00680

Centro Comunal Los Naranjos Comunidad Los Naranjos, Calle 2

Barrio Cabo Caribe Vega Baja, PR 00693

Polideportivo Francisco “Frankie” Colón Alers

Ave. Los Caobos Final

Ponce, PR 00716

 

To find a DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: Fema.gov/drc.

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

The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

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

• By phone 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.

 

 

 

 

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 10/05/2022 - 21:56

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Sacramento County and Select Cities

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for Sacramento County and the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom and Sacramento. The maps identify revised flood hazards along Arcade Creek, Cripple Creek, Hinkle Creek, Humbug Valley Basin and Alder Creek tributaries. These new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Oct. 6, 2022 to Jan. 4, 2023. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA, Sacramento County and the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, and Sacramento worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

For more information, contact Sacramento County at (916) 874-8646 or johnsonm@saccounty.gov. Other community information is available for the cities of Citrus Heights at (916) 727-4770 or GeneralServices@citrusheights.net, Folsom at (916) 461-6212 or dwolfe@folsom.ca.us, and Sacramento at (916) 808-5061 or floodinfo@cityofsacramento.org.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

robert.barker Wed, 10/05/2022 - 21:20

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Barranquitas and Río Grande

San Juan, Puerto Rico—Additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are now open in Barranquitas and Río Grande. 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 centers in Barranquitas and Río Grande are located at:

• Centro de Recepciones y Bellas Artes Sala de Recepción, Ramal 152, Ave. Jose Zayas Green Barrio Barrancas, Barranquitas, PR 00794  
• Cancha de Balonmano Néstor Milete Echevarría, Carr. 3, Río Grande, PR 00745

Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A FEMA Hazard Mitigation Community Education Outreach Specialist will be on site to assist survivors in preparing for future incidents.

DRCs are also open in Caguas, Mayagüez, Cayey, Vega Baja and Ponce seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The locations are:

• Centro de Bellas Artes de Caguas, Calle Padial Esquina Calle Ruiz Belvis, Caguas, PR 00725  
• Cancha de Baloncesto Bo. Colombia, Calle Desengaño Barrio Colombia, Mayagüez, PR 00680  
• Polideportivo Francisco “Frankie” Colón Alers, Ave. Los Caobos Final, Ponce, PR 00716  
• 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

To find a DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: Fema.gov/drc.

You may also register for assistance with FEMA through your smart phone, home computer or by phone. The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.
• By phone 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, 10/05/2022 - 16:30

Long-Term Recovery Groups Are Still Active in the U.S. Virgin Islands

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands -- Soon after hurricanes Irma and Maria swept through the territory in 2017, members of local community groups, faith-based, community-based organizations and nongovernmental organizations collaborated to establish long-term recovery groups on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. Long-term recovery groups are responsible for helping address unmet needs of eligible disaster survivors after they have maximized state and federal funds available to them.

Long-term recovery groups typically include federal partners, voluntary agencies and grassroots organizations that work in close coordination to address community needs, distribute resources and help restore vital support systems – health, social, economic and environmental systems, among others.

FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) help establish long-term recovery groups after disasters and provide a wide range of technical assistance to state, local, tribal and territorial partners. In USVI, long-term recovery groups led community engagement and advocated for resources including technical support, disaster case management and outreach events, by providing preparedness information to Virgin Islanders to build resilience.

In particular, the St. Croix Long Term Recovery Group is a cooperative body that is made up of representatives from faith-based, nonprofit, government and private sector organizations to assist individuals and families in Hurricane Maria recovery. The St. Croix Long Term Recovery Group’s goal is to identify community needs and match resources to address those needs to ensure the most vulnerable populations can recover from the disaster.

Taking a hands-on approach to home repairs was a common thread among the long-term recovery groups across the territory. FEMA provided more than $370,000 to cover invitational travel costs to more than 400 volunteers who supported the territory. On St. Croix, volunteers use more than $125,000 in building materials from Lutheran Disaster Response and the St. Croix Long Term Recovery Group and contributed 25,000 hours to survivor home repair.

Naomi Thomas, a FEMA VAL during the initial recovery after the 2017 hurricanes, recalls the joy she felt during the last nail ceremony to mark the end of repair job to a disaster survivor’s home. As the homeowner hammered in the last nail. “Watching the faces of homeowners enter their newly repaired homes is a very rewarding experience,” said Thomas, who now works with Public Assistance.

On St. John, Love City Strong continues to work on home repairs, through both privately funded programs, as well as offering project management support for federally funded recovery projects. Its disaster preparedness work includes all hazards preparedness support on St. John, as well as supply pre-staging and logistics in partnership with FEMA and VITEMA. Love City Strong maintains supportive response capacity in the event of a disaster and provides annual training to its staff to ensure the community is maintaining relevant response skills. 

Five years later, USVI long-term recovery groups are going strong. FEMA and its community partners continue to provide disaster preparedness workshops across the territory. The long-term recovery groups on St. John and St. Croix have taken recovery a step further and have established their own Community Organizations Active in Disaster, commonly referred to as COADs in the emergency management field.

gina.callaghan Wed, 10/05/2022 - 16:16

FEMA Disaster Assistance Will Not Affect Social Security and Other Benefits

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky survivors receiving Social Security or other federal or commonwealth aid can receive disaster assistance without worrying that FEMA grants might cause them to lose non-disaster benefits or increase their taxes. 

FEMA disaster assistance is not taxable.

Accepting a grant from FEMA will not affect your Social Security benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other federal programs.

A FEMA grant will not add to your taxable income because it is provided to help you recover from a recent disaster. Disaster grants cover temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by your insurance or other sources.

Kentuckians can apply for federal disaster assistance several ways:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for other languages. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA the number for that service.

• Visit a FEMA disaster recovery center to apply. At a center, you can discuss your application face to face with disaster experts.  Find the nearest recovery center by visiting www.fema.gov/drc or by calling the FEMA Helpline.

• Apply online by visiting  DisasterAssistance.gov. or download the FEMA mobile app.

 

For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

If you have insurance, you are encouraged to file a claim for damage to your home, personal property and vehicles before you apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate other sources of assistance you may have received.

For information on Kentucky’s recovery from the July 26 floods, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4663.

Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4)/Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Wed, 10/05/2022 - 15:55

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Lee County

TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida and FEMA are operating a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Lee County.

Location:

Lakes Regional Library 15290 Bass Road Fort Myers, FL 33919

Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7 days a week.

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, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.

In addition to visiting a center, you can apply by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET every day. 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.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms.

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

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: How to Register with Disaster Survivor Assistance - YouTube.

For more information about Hurricane Ian recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4673 and floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4

scott.reuter Wed, 10/05/2022 - 15:32

FEMA, Federal Partners Continue Ian Response, Go Door to Door in 11 Counties

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will join President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today to survey heavily damaged areas and meet with Gov. Ron DeSantis and response officials about ongoing efforts to help survivors and hard-hit communities in Florida. FEMA has already registered hundreds of thousands of households of Floridians and continues going door to door in 11 counties assisting with applications and answering questions about types of federal assistance available.  

Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams continue to go door to door to meet people where they are and help survivors with their unique needs. Mobile Registration Intake Centers are opening throughout the state. Survivors can visit these sites for help applying for assistance.  

Disaster Recovery Centers are also opening. Yesterday, FEMA along with state partners, opened a disaster recovery center in Lee County. Centers are accessible offices staffed by state, federal and volunteer organizations that let everyone access recovery information. As centers are added, real-time locations will be updated at FloridaDisaster.org.

Disaster unemployment assistance is available to eligible survivors. To file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian, go to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and select “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visit a local CareerSource Career Center, or call  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

Safety Considerations for Residents

• Beware of fraud and scams. All FEMA employees carry official identification. Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 right away if an inspector comes to your house but you haven’t applied for assistance. This might be a sign of identity theft. Report fraud and scams by emailing StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or by calling 866-223-0814.
• Clean mold and flooded items. Make sure you disinfect anything that’s touched floodwater. Any structure that’s been flooded may have mold. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely.
• Be alert for rumors. Do your part to the stop the spread of rumors by finding and sharing information from trusted sources and discouraging others from sharing information from unverified sources. Find facts about common disaster related rumors at FEMA.gov.
• Only use a generator outdoors and far from open doors and windows. Generators help during a power outage but can present serious health and safety risks. Visit ready.gov to learn how to use a generator safely.

State, Federal Response Actions

• Rescue efforts and power restoration, with a priority on hospitals, healthcare facilities and barrier island communities continue to be top priorities. More than 3,800 people and 200 pets have been rescued by state and federal teams. Visit missing.fl.gov if you or someone you know needs assistance or a safety check. Safe and found persons can be reported safe at safe.fl.gov.
• Nearly 2,800 FEMA staff are supporting Ian response efforts. Nearly 1,300 other federal staff are assisting with the Ian response. More than 1,800 emergency management personnel from 26 states were deployed to Florida through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
• The U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating Combat Rubber Raiding Craft and civilian tour boats to evacuate survivors, provide food, water and medevac service on Pine Island. The National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard are landing helicopters on barrier islands to perform search-and-rescue missions. A Fish and Wildlife Service Incident Management Team and heavy equipment task force conducting road clearance, debris removal and transportation of personnel and supplies to Sanibel Island to support first responder activities.
• Field kitchens and canteens in the hardest hit counties are operational. Feeding partners distributed 168,000 meals and 133,000 Meals-Ready-to-Eat yesterday.

Resources to Jumpstart Floridians’ Recovery

• Florida survivors can apply for federal assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. Survivors using a relay service, such as a video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, should give the FEMA operator the number for that service.
• Small Business Administration disaster loans are available to businesses, homeowners, renters and nonprofit organizations in some Florida counties. An SBA Business Recovery Center is open in Hillsborough County. SBA expects to open additional centers this week. Applicants may also apply at sba.gov under declaration #17644. For help, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
• Operation Blue Roof is now available to homeowners in Charlotte and Lee counties. Homeowners can sign up online at blueroof.us or call 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) for more information.
• FEMA authorized National Flood Insurance Program insurance company partners to pay claims based on adjuster reports alone, without a signed proof of loss by the policyholder. A policyholder may still submit a signed proof of loss later if they have additional covered costs or expenses or if they disagree with the adjuster’s report.
• Floridians who use Veterans Affairs medical centers and clinics and need urgent care services should call 877-741-3400. Find a list of open VA centers or pharmacy refill locations at VA.Gov.
• Survivors experiencing emotional distress can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990. The national hotline provides free 24/7, crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Deaf and Hard of Hearing callers can use a videophone or ASL Now.
• If you need assistance locating a missing friend or relative call the Red Cross at 800-733-2767 and provide as much detail as you can. You can also complete a form at missing.fl.gov for yourself or with the last known location of your loved one(s).
• The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has free reunification assistance for children and families impacted by disasters. If you or someone you know is missing a child related to a disaster or any other incident, please immediately call 911 and then 800-THE-LOST for assistance.
• If you need assistance with damage from Hurricane Ian, call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 800-451-1954. You will be connected to volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities.
• A free legal helpline is now available for Hurricane Ian survivors who cannot afford an attorney. Call 866-550-2929 to get free help with home repair contracts, insurance claims, re-doing legal documents like wills, price gouging and landlord or tenant issues. Leave a message if calling after hours.
• The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies hosts the Disability and Disaster hotline at 800-626-4959. The hotline provides information and resources to people with disabilities and those assisting them. The hotline can be accessed at any time, or by sending an email to info@disasterstrategies.org.
• FEMA published a Hurricane Ian webpage with information on how to donate, volunteer, dispel rumors and find assistance. The page is available in multiple languages.

How You Can Help

To make the most of your contributions, follow guidelines for donating and volunteering responsibly. 

• To volunteer as part of the Hurricane Ian recovery, visit Florida’s official volunteer portal at VolunteerFlorida.org. A list of agencies with volunteer opportunities can be found on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website at www.nvoad.org.
• Cash is the best donation.  After a disaster, people always want to help, but It’s important to donate responsibly. When people support voluntary organizations with financial contributions, response organizations can purchase what they need. Find national and local charities at www.nvoad.org.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 10/05/2022 - 15:27

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

TALLAHASSEE – Hurricane Ian survivors who applied for assistance from FEMA will receive a letter from FEMA in the mail or via email.

The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.

Applicants may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:

• Proof of insurance coverage
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy
• Proof of ownership
• Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster

If you have questions about your letter, call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs.

A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary, accessible and functional. FEMA considers the following factors in the home inspection:

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC).
• Access and egress, including privately-owned roads, privately-owned bridges, and privately-owned docks.
• Blocking, leveling, and anchoring of a mobile home, and reconnecting or resetting its sewer, water, electrical, oil, and fuel lines and tanks.
• The exterior of the home is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows.
• The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer or septic systems function properly.
• The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors.
• The home is capable of functioning for its intended purpose.
• There is safe access to and from the home.

FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance. FEMA assistance only provides funds for basic work to make a home habitable, including items such as toilets, a roof, critical utilities, windows and doors.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance, may submit an appeal letter and documents supporting their claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs.

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled by submitting insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA. FEMA does not provide assistance for insurance deductibles.

Appeals must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include:

• Applicant’s full name
• Disaster number (DR-4673 for Florida)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
• Applicant’s current phone number and address
• The FEMA application number on all documents

If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.

Letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be submitted to FEMA by fax or mail or via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.

By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055

By fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw. For information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema

scott.reuter Wed, 10/05/2022 - 15:10

Disaster Recovery Centers to Close in Observance of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

All Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed on Monday, October 10 in observance of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day and re-open on Tuesday, October 11 at 8 a.m.

For recovery center hours and locations, visit https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator

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 disaster updates from FEMA, follow @FEMAregion7 on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4665.

For disaster updates from the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), follow @MOSEMA_ on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Recovery.MO.gov continues to be a go-to, single source to help Missourians easily find information and disaster-related resources.

tiana.suber Wed, 10/05/2022 - 13:45

Highlands and Lake Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

ATLANTA – Highlands and Lake counties are now eligible for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Ian.

Individuals and households in Highlands and Lake counties can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, which may include temporary housing assistance, basic home repairs and certain other uninsured disaster-related needs.

These counties join Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties, which were previously approved for Individual Assistance.

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

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

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

virginia.case2 Tue, 10/04/2022 - 20:23

Floodplain Management Educates Virgin Islanders on Flood Risk

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands -- Since hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2017, FEMA has focused much of its efforts on assisting with a number of projects to reduce risks and hazards against future incidents and disasters.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Floodplain Management team has been hard at work helping educate and encourage Virgin Islanders not to move into flood zones.

Melissa Griffith, a FEMA USVI Floodplain Management Specialist, works with the territory’s Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) Floodplain Administrator to assist residents with floodplain management and flood insurance.

Floodplain management is a community-based effort to prevent or reduce the risk of flooding, resulting in a more resilient community. Floodplain management functions include zoning, building codes awareness, and enforcement. While FEMA has minimum floodplain management standards for communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), adopting flood insurance helps reduce the socio-economic impact of floods. Furthermore, higher standards of floodplain management regulations will lead to safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.

“The floodplain administrator for the territory is DPNR. DPNR helps homeowners to identify their flood risk and assist them in developing flood risk reduction strategies that they can implement around their property.  They are trying to help residents understand what actions they can take today to lower their flood risk tomorrow,” said Griffith. “We are trying to encourage property owners to get flood insurance before a disaster occurs along with educating them on how it is more beneficial than waiting for federal assistance. Most homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage and it takes a flood insurance policy 30 days to go into effect.  With a flood policy from the NFIP, you’re covered — up to $250,000 for your home and $100,000 for contents.”

According to Griffith, a major hurdle accomplished in the last five years is the update of the territory’s floodplain regulations. The territory’s floodplain regulations, not updated since 2007, were updated in February 2021. In addition, DPNR also created a Floodplain Management USVI Quick Guide for community members in the territory.  The USVI Quick Guide will help property owners, design professionals, and real estate and insurance professionals to understand why and how the U.S. Virgin Islands manages development in floodplains to protect people and property.

“Right now, we are conducting floodplain management trainings and educational outreach to territorial partners and the community at large so that residents can improve their knowledge about their exposure to future flood risk.” Griffith stated.

To learn more about floodplain management, visit.fema.gov/floodplain-management. To learn more about NFIP, visit fema.gov/flood-insurance.  

FEMA will continue to work with its territorial partners to reduce risks and hazards to Virgin Islanders posed by hurricanes and other disasters. Hazard mitigation planning for the whole community will strengthen a legacy of resilience for Virgin Islanders. 

gina.callaghan Tue, 10/04/2022 - 16:59

FEMA, Federal Partners Continue Ian Response and Urgent Community Recovery

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has approved more than $70 million for Florida survivors to jump start recovery efforts, as Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams check on survivors, assist with federal disaster assistance applications and answer questions about types of federal assistance available. Teams are visiting shelters now to help survivors apply for assistance.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will travel with President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. to Florida Wednesday to survey heavily damaged areas and meet with response officials about ongoing efforts to help survivors and hard-hit communities.

Disaster Recovery Centers will begin opening today. Centers are accessible offices staffed by state, federal and volunteer organizations that let everyone access recovery information.

Operation Blue Roof is now available to homeowners in Charlotte and Lee counties. Homeowners can sign up online at blueroof.us or call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information.

Safety Considerations for Residents

• Beware of fraud and scams. All FEMA employees carry official identification. Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 right away if an inspector comes to your house, but you haven’t applied for assistance. This might be a sign of identity theft. Don’t trust those who offer financial help and then ask for money or personal information.
• Clean mold and flooded items. Make sure you disinfect anything that’s touched floodwater. Any structure that’s been flooded may have mold. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely.
• Be alert for rumors. Do your part to the stop the spread of rumors by finding and sharing information from trusted sources and discouraging others from sharing information from unverified sources. Find facts about common disaster related rumors at FEMA.gov.

• Only use a generator outdoors and far from open doors and windows. Generators help during a power outage but can present serious health and safety risks.. Visit ready.gov to learn how to use a generator safely.

State, Federal Response Actions

• Rescue efforts, with a focus on hospitals, healthcare facilities and barrier island communities and power restoration continue to be a priority. More than 3,600 people and 185 pets have been rescued by state and federal teams. Visit missing.fl.gov if you or someone you know needs assistance or a safety check. Safe and found persons can be reported safe at safe.fl.gov.
• More than 2,600 FEMA staff are supporting Ian response efforts. More than 1,300 other federal staff are assisting with the Ian response. More than 1,800 emergency management personnel from 26 states were deployed to Florida through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
• The U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating Combat Rubber Raiding Craft and civilian tour boats to evacuate survivors, provide food, water and medivac service on Pine Island. The National Guard and the Coast Guard are landing helicopters on barrier islands to perform search-and-rescue missions. A Fish and Wildlife Service Incident Management Team and heavy equipment task force conducting road clearance, debris removal and transportation of personnel and supplies to Sanibel Island to support first responder activities.
• Florida officials provided 4,000 gallons of diesel to Lee County to power emergency generators to supply water to nearby hospitals. The state is also delivering 1.2 million gallons of water from Lakeland to Fort Myers for hospitals without water.
• Field kitchens in the hardest hit counties are operational. Feeding partners distributed 96,000 meals and 1,000 Meals-Ready-to-Eat yesterday.

• The Department of Agriculture approved a waiver to allow purchase of hot foods with SNAP benefits and will issue food replacement funds to impacted households. The Florida Department of Children and Families is operating Family Resource Support Centers for access to resources and support. Centers are staffed with disaster recovery specialists.

Resources to Jumpstart Recovery

• Florida survivors can apply for federal assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App. Survivors using a relay service, such as a video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give the FEMA operator the number for that service. To reduce your wait time on phone, try calling early in the morning or later at night.
• FEMA National Flood Insurance Program policyholders can start a claim when evacuated. They should ask their agent about advance payments to receive up to $20,000. If you need help with reaching your flood insurance agent or carrier, call 877-336-2627. Visit Floodsmart.gov to start a flood insurance claim,
• Small Business Administration disaster loans are available to businesses, homeowners, renters and nonprofit organizations in some Florida counties. The SBA opened a Business Recovery Center in Hillsborough County on Monday. Applicants may also apply at sba.gov under declaration #17644. For help, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
• Floridians who use Veterans Affairs medical centers and clinics and need urgent care services should call 877-741-3400. Find a list of open VA centers or pharmacy refill locations at VA.Gov.
• Mental health resources are available. Survivors experiencing emotional distress can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990. The national hotline provides free 24/7, crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Deaf and Hard of Hearing callers can use a videophone or ASL Now.
• If you need assistance locating a missing friend or relative call the Red Cross at 800-733-2767 and provide as much detail as you can to assist us in potentially locating your missing loved one(s). You can also complete a form at missing.fl.gov for yourself or with the last known location of your loved one(s).
• The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has free reunification assistance for children and families impacted by disasters. If you or someone you know is missing a child related to a disaster or any other incident, please immediately call 911 and then 800-THE-LOST for assistance.
• If you need assistance with damage from Hurricane Ian, call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 800-451-1954. You will be connected to volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities.
• When lives are upended by a flood or hurricane, treasured possessions such as family heirlooms, photos and other keepsakes become more cherished. FEMA.gov has multilingual resources to help salvage hurricane and flood-damaged items.
• FEMA published an Ian webpage that includes information on how to donate, volunteer, dispel rumors and find assistance. The page is available in multiple languages.
• The Internal Revenue Service announced Hurricane Ian survivors now have until Feb. 15, 2023, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

How You Can Help

To make the most of your contributions, follow guidelines for donating and volunteering responsibly. 

• To volunteer as part of the Hurricane Ian recovery, visit Florida’s official volunteer portal at VolunteerFlorida.org. A list of agencies with volunteer opportunities can be found on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website at www.nvoad.org.
• Cash is the best donation.  After a disaster, people always want to help, but it’s important to donate responsibly. When people support voluntary organizations with financial contributions, response organizations can purchase what they need. Find national and local charities at www.nvoad.org.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 10/04/2022 - 15:40

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA – The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station. The exercise will occur during the week of October 17, 2022 to assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 9:00 a.m. on October 21, 2022. The meeting will be conducted in a virtual format via Zoom.   Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the NRC.  Access to the public meeting is provided below:

Join ZoomGov Meeting

https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1607919219

Meeting ID: 160 791 9219

Passcode: 442492

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:

MaryAnn Tierney

Regional Administrator

FEMA Region III

615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

 

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.

Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.

 

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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

 

charles.elison Tue, 10/04/2022 - 14:54