FEMA Offers Free Repair and Rebuilding Advice at Local Stores

FEMA is providing free information about how to make your home stronger and safer – whether it was damaged by this summer’s flooding or not.

You can speak directly with FEMA specialists at local home improvement stores.

Do-it-yourselfers and professionals can get answers to questions and discuss:

• Proven methods for preventing damage from future disasters

• Techniques for rebuilding homes

• Tips for reducing your disaster risk – whether you own or rent your home

Locations:

The Home Depot

11215 St. Charles Rock Road

Bridgeton, MO 63044

The Home Depot

1603 S. Hanley Road

Brentwood, MO 63144

The Home Depot

3202 S. Kingshighway Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63139                                                  

Dates: Monday, September 19, through Saturday, October 1

Hours: Monday—Saturday, 8 a.m.--7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.--3 p.m.

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 Fri, 09/16/2022 - 14:17

Mobile Recovery Center is Coming to Lee County

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center will open Friday, Sept.16, in Lee County to assist flood survivors who experienced loss from the East Kentucky flooding.

Mobile Center location:

• Lee-County: Lee County Cooperative Extension Service Community Center - 500 Happy Top Rd. Beattyville, KY 41311

Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Monday; and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday

This mobile center will be open Sept. 16 – Sept. 19 and will be back at this location Sept. 23 – Sept. 26.

Fixed centers are also available at these locations:

• Breathitt County: Breathitt Library–1024 College Ave, Jackson, KY 41339
• Clay County: Clay County Community Center–311 Highway 638, Manchester, KY  40962
• Knott County: Knott County Sport Plex –450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831
• 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 Hill Rd., Pikeville, KY 41501

Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

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 Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, 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.

Flood survivors who apply for FEMA assistance may be referred to the SBA. It is important to submit an SBA application so you can be considered for additional FEMA grants.

sandra.habib Thu, 09/15/2022 - 18:37

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in San Luis Obispo County

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for San Luis Obispo County. The maps identify revised flood hazards along San Luis Obispo Creek, Huerhuero Creek, Meadow Creek and the Salinas River. 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 Sep. 15 to Dec. 14. 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. The preliminary maps 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, County of San Luis Obispo and the cities of San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, and Pismo Beach 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 on changes in unincorporated communities, including Avila, San Miguel, and Creston, contact San Luis Obispo County at 805-788-2316 or bclark@co.slo.ca.us. Other community information is available for the cities of San Luis Obispo at 805-781-7201 or hhannula@slocity.org, Arroyo Grande at 805-473-5441 or rdickerson@arroyogrande.org, and Paso Robles at 805-237-3861 or wfrace@prcity.com, Grover Beach at 805-473-4530 or publicworks@groverbeach.org, or Pismo Beach at 805-773-4658 or planning@pismobeach.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, 09/14/2022 - 21:36

Disaster Recovery Center in Ferguson Closes for One Day on Saturday, September 17

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Ferguson (St. Louis County) will be closed for one day on Saturday, September 17. It is closing due to a previously scheduled event.

The recovery center location is:

Urban League Empowerment Center        

9420 W. Florissant Ave

Ferguson, MO 63136

All centers are closed on Sundays. The center will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, September 19.

Five other recovery centers will be open on Saturday, September 17. To find a DRC nearby, visit https://www.fema.gov/locations/missouri#drc.

tiana.suber Wed, 09/14/2022 - 21:01

There’s Still Time for Kentucky Flood Survivors to Apply with FEMA

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky homeowners and renters who suffered damage to their property from the severe July floods still have two weeks left to apply for federal disaster assistance.

Wednesday, Sept. 28, is the deadline to apply for assistance for survivors in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is designed to help you with basic, critical needs such as a safe, sanitary, and functional place to live while you look for a long-term or permanent housing solution.

Applying for help is free. call 800-621-3362, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, or use 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.

Here is a brief description of Individual Assistance programs:

• Rental Assistance is financial aid for homeowners and renters for temporary housing if the July disaster displaced them from their primary residence. If there are no rentals or other alternate housing within a reasonable distance, you may be considered for FEMA’s direct temporary housing alternatives such as a travel trailer or manufactured housing unit. 
• Lodging Expense Reimbursement is reimbursement for out-of-pocket temporary lodging expenses that resulted from damage that made their primary residence uninhabitable. Eligible lodging expenses may include the cost of the room and any associated taxes.
• Home Repair Assistance is financial assistance for homeowners to repair their uninsured or underinsured primary residences, utilities servicing the primary residence, and residential infrastructure leading to their disaster-damaged property.
• Replacement Assistance is financial assistance for any homeowner whose primary residence was destroyed by the disaster and can be applied to the purchase of a new permanent residence.
• Other Needs Assistance is financial assistance for other disaster-caused expenses and immediate needs. This assistance may include funds to replace personal property, moving and storage expenses, transportation assistance, funeral, medical, dental, childcare, and miscellaneous disaster-related items.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

You also may apply at a Disaster Recovery Center. To find an open recovery center, visit fema.gov/drc.

For official information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Wed, 09/14/2022 - 18:41

The Road to Recovery Continues: Strengthening Public Housing in the U.S. Virgin Islands

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands -- In September 2017, the strong winds and heavy rains of hurricanes Irma and Maria shattered windows, damaged roofs and displaced many families from public housing complexes on St. Thomas and St. Croix.

Through a collaborative effort, FEMA, the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery and the Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) are working to repair and rebuild public housing and community centers to better withstand future storms. Hazard mitigation measures are being applied to construction projects that received funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance program to stop the repetitive cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction,

Through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, $909 million has been obligated to VIHA to revitalize public housing in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Funding includes $11.6 million for Hazard Mitigation measures to reinforce homes — making them resilient against torrential downpours and hurricane-force winds.

One example of FEMA’s support of making public housing structures more resilient in the U.S. Virgin Islands is funding the reconstruction of the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion on St. Croix. The $72.5 million project can move forward thanks to coordination between FEMA, U.S. Housing and Urban Development and the Virgin Islands Housing Authority.

FEMA has obligated nearly $52 million to this project through its Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs; $26.7 million and $25.3 million wind retrofit, respectively. The work being done under the PA program also includes Hazard Mitigation measures to upgrade damaged vinyl flooring, doors, window weatherstripping, gutters, and exterior security lighting.

Restoration projects of other St. Croix public housing developments damaged by Hurricane Maria, include:

• Marley Additions and Marley Homes -- FEMA obligated $7.6 million for repairs Nearly $100,000 will go toward Hazard Mitigation measures to upgrade damaged gutters, vinyl flooring and bathroom sheetrock with the addition of weatherstripping for doors.
• John F. Kennedy Terrace -- FEMA obligated $12.9 million for gazebo, pump house, office, community center and 31 apartment buildings.  

On St. Thomas, FEMA is providing about $80.96 million toward the revitalization of the Tutu Hi-Rise housing community which was severely damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria. FEMA approved the demolition of five buildings in the development. Through FEMA’s Public Assistance Alternative Procedures program, the Virgin Islands Housing Authority will spend $19 million of the $71.9 million to demolish and repair the buildings as part of the Estate Donoe redevelopment project.

Hurricane repairs for 12 additional apartment complexes at Tutu Hi-Rise will be funded by a combined $4.5 million. With a contribution of $6.3 million for renovations to the Tutu Community Center and the Housing Authority's main office, FEMA is committed to support the revitalization of the community at Tutu Hi-Rise. Funding for the community center and office includes nearly $395,000 in Hazard Mitigation measures to install wind-resistant roof gutters, air conditioning, security guards, roll-down shutters over doors and windows and roof and wall panels.  

Other St. Thomas public housing recovery projects include:

• Paul M. Pearson Gardens and Community Center -- FEMA obligated $3.8 million toward hurricane repairs. The Public Assistance project includes more than $500,000 in Hazard Mitigation measures to replace damaged roofs, replace damaged wood doors with metal doors, and other repairs.
• Oswald Harris Court -- FEMA obligated $9.5 million toward repairs through its Public Assistance program. The project includes nearly $800,000 in Hazard Mitigation measures to install structural reinforcement for solar panels, flooring, lighting and reinforcement of exterior walls. Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, FEMA has also obligated $1.3 million for architectural and engineering design cost toward eventual $17.4 million for wind retrofit.

FEMA will continue to support plans to repair and rebuild housing communities throughout the territory to ensure an equitable recovery for all U.S. Virgin Islanders.

Roof repairs advance in July 2021 at Paul M. Pearson Gardens Housing Community on St. Thomas. Numerous roofs at Pearson Gardens were damaged from the winds and rains of hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. FEMA committed $3.8 million toward hurricane repairs at Pearson Gardens. FEMA/Eric Adams

gina.callaghan Wed, 09/14/2022 - 17:33

FEMA Awards Vermont Nearly $1.9 Million For Relocating VSH Patients After Irene

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.9 million to the State of Vermont to reimburse the costs of relocating patients at the former Vermont State Hospital after it flooded during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.

The $1,876,426 Public Assistance grant will go to the Department of Buildings and General Services for the costs of setting up a temporary mental health facility in Morrisville after the August 2011 storm flooded the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury.

The state’s lone secure mental health hospital in the Waterbury State Office Complex (WSOC) had to be evacuated after the nearby Winooski River overflowed its banks and inundated the complex. FEMA also partially funded the construction of a new 25-bed, acute care hospital to replace VSH, the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital (VPCH) in Berlin, which was completed in 2014.

“Recovery from a catastrophic event like Tropical Storm Irene is a long and complex process,” said FEMA Region I Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “FEMA is pleased to assist Vermont as it wraps up the few remaining projects and prepares to close the books on Irene.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. Vermont has received nearly $209 million from the program for Tropical Storm Irene.

adrien.urbani Wed, 09/14/2022 - 16:22

Le Sueur County Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Information Open House

CHICAGO – Representatives from FEMA will host a Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Le Sueur County, Minn., on Sept. 21, 2022, from 5 – 7 p.m. CT. The open house will give residents a chance to review preliminary versions of the recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

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

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

Once the maps become effective, they will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events.

WHAT:              Le Sueur County—Flood Map Information Open House 

WHEN:             Sept. 21, 2022, 5–7 p.m. CDT

WHERE:           Le Sueur County Government Center                          515 South Maple Avenue                          Le Center, MN  56057

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

If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an email to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

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

# # #

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

troy.christensen Wed, 09/14/2022 - 15:59

FEMA Provides $8.8M to Bon Secours Mercy Health Inc.

CHICAGO – FEMA announced today that $8,809,879 in federal funding has been made available to Bon Secours Mercy Health Inc., for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of March 31, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Bon Secours Mercy Health Inc., for costs to provide ventilators and medical equipment used to treat serious illness caused by the COVID-19 virus.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an important resource for state and local governments, jurisdictions, and eligible private non-profits to cover COVID-19 expenses,” said Tom Sivak, regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “Bon Secours Mercy Health played a critical role in improving the outcomes for Ohioans affected by COVID-19.”

FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to state and local governments, jurisdictions, and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

# # #

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

troy.christensen Wed, 09/14/2022 - 15:47

FEMA Urges Preparedness Ahead of Tropical System

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is monitoring a broad area of low pressure located about 800 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. Although conditions are only marginally conductive, some additional development of this system is possible and a tropical depression could form during the next couple of days.

Those in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are urged to take these steps to prepare now:

• Have several ways to receive emergency alerts and warnings. Download the recently updated FEMA App, available in both English and Spanish, so you can receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service.
• Fill out Ready.gov’s new online “Make a Plan” fillable form to store all your important emergency information in a digital file. Share this document with your family so they know what to do in the case of an emergency.
• Monitor your local news for updates and follow directions provided by local officials.
• Take some time today to visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov to learn how you can keep yourself, your family and your pets safe.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 09/14/2022 - 15:43

FEMA is Hiring – Join the Kentucky Team

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has an immediate need to fill temporary positions in Hazard and Frankfort to assist with recovery from the recent flooding in Eastern Kentucky.

FEMA is looking for qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds to fill a variety of emergency management functions. Job Postings include positions in civil rights, external affairs, human resources, hazard mitigation and training.

The temporary positions are for 120 days and may be extended, in 120-day increments, for a maximum 365-day appointment, based on the needs of the disaster.

Kentuckians who wish to apply for these positions can go to usajobs.gov to learn more and submit their applications. Salaries range from $16.12/hour to $45.24/hour. Detailed information is provided for each position including pay and benefits.

These job postings will close between September 22-27 or when the agency has received 200 applications, whichever is sooner. People who are interested in applying should do so as soon as possible. Applicants may be contacted via email, phone, or mail regarding the interview, hiring and selection process.

For information on Kentucky’s recovery from the floods, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Wed, 09/14/2022 - 14:14

Current Weather Activity Calls for Action: Get Ready Today

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – At the peak of the hurricane season and with several weather events in the forecast, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials encourage Puerto Rico residents to get their families and property ready, today. Taking timely preparedness measures enhances the response and recovery processes from these events and any other incident.

“We want to remind everyone in our communities, that taking all necessary steps and having emergency plans in place is the right thing to do at this time,” said Orlando Olivera, FEMA's Caribbean Area Office Coordinator in Puerto Rico. “Connect with your community, discuss with your neighbors how you can help each other before and after a disaster. Sharing information and joining efforts can ease the recovery process. It is time to be ready.”

With a few steps, get your family and business ready for the hurricane season.

• Know Your Risk: To search for general information about risks in your area, visit www.ready.gov.
• Get Prepared: Make sure you have family evacuation and communications plans, update your emergency supply kit, and evaluate your flood insurance needs.

‒       Know your zone. Make yourself familiar with your community’s evacuation zones, so you’ll know exactly where to go. Remember: if a hurricane threatens your community and local officials say it's time to evacuate, don't hesitate -- go early.

‒       Complete a family communication plan. Plan how you will assemble your family and loved ones and anticipate where you will go for different situations. Agree on the ways to contact one another in an emergency, identify meeting locations, and make a Family Emergency Communication Plan.

‒       Download the FEMA app. It includes disaster resources, weather alerts, safety tips, The app also provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, tips on how to survive disasters, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service.

• Stay Informed: Use trusted sources of information when getting ready. Sign up for alerts from your local emergency management office so notifications, including evacuation orders, go directly to your phone. Monitor local news for alerts and warnings in your area and follow directions of local officials. Make sure you have a battery-operated or hand-crank radio available should the power go out.

Additional information is available at www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.fema.gov which offer tools and resources to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency events.

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yuisa.rios Wed, 09/14/2022 - 12:07

Mobile Registration Center Opens in Perry County

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA is operating a mobile registration center this week in Perry County to help Kentucky flood survivors who experienced uninsured losses from the flooding that began July 26. The center is in northeast Hazard, Ky. off KY Highway 476.

Location:

•  Home Place Community Center, 24 Victor Road, Hazard KY 41701
  • Hours, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Saturday, Sept. 17.

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.

It is not necessary to go to a mobile center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters may apply online at disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 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.

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

Flood survivors who apply for FEMA assistance may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). It is important to submit an SBA application so you can be considered for additional FEMA grants.

sandra.habib Tue, 09/13/2022 - 16:53

FEMA’s Interagency Recovery Coordination Strengthens Partnerships in the U.S. Virgin Islands

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands -- It has been nearly five years since hurricanes Irma and Maria impacted the U.S. Virgin Islands and the recovery continues. While many individuals, organizations, and federal agencies, including FEMA, helped to provide relief immediately after the disaster, there is still work to be done. Long-term recovery requires the continued coordination and collaboration among multiple federal partners.

FEMA’s Interagency Recovery Coordination group has continually supported the territory in coordinating post-disaster resources which includes providing access to nongovernmental financial resources that may help the U.S. Virgin Islands meet needs that FEMA, the territory, and other programs cannot meet.

In the five years since the storms, at least six recovery support functions were activated to support the long-term recovery efforts for the territory: health and social services, infrastructure systems, natural and cultural resources, utilities, housing, and economic recovery, all of which have been funded by federal partners listed below.

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services was missioned assigned to complete assessment and prioritization of community healthcare needs, restore healthcare and social service functions, improve resilience and sustainability of healthcare system. HHS conducted grant writing workshops, coordinated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, conducted training for improved shelter operations.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, under the infrastructure support function, implemented the Blue Roof program and installed more than 3,600 fiber-reinforced plastic roofs to protect homes from the elements until permanent repairs were made. They also assisted with the removal of debris from the territory.
• U.S Environmental Protection Agency worked with local governments and citizens to keep hazardous materials from impacting the environment. EPA assisted with the collection and disposal of hazardous waste materials.
• U.S. Department of the Interior’s Natural and Cultural Resources Recover Support Function’s USVI mission was to support for the territory's unmet needs for natural and cultural resource recovery. NCR deployed historical architects and archaeologists to conduct 92 damage assessments and cost estimates on historic/archeological sites. They assisted the University of the Virgin Islands and non-governmental organizations with coral restoration and grant applications for coral nurseries. The NCR mission assigned a team from the Smithsonian Institute and the National Archives and Records Administration to provide technical assistance and cost estimates for the repair of 27 damaged libraries, museums and archives. They also coordinated Smithsonian's Heritage Emergency and Response Training.
• U.S. Department of Energy assessed damage immediately following the storm and assisted the territory in restoring power. DOE continues to collaborate with the territory to secure funding and provide technical assistance.
• U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s mission was to assist the territory in addressing unmet needs for housing recovery in connection with a comprehensive and sustainable long-term community recovery plan, including hazard mitigation, restoration of infrastructure and economic revitalization. HUD collaborated to provide counseling for local housing providers and grant writing workshops to non-governmental organizations.
• U.S. Economic Development Administration’s mission was to enable local public and private sector partners to return economic and business activities to a healthy state and develop new business and employment opportunities that result in a vibrant and resilient economies. Early in the recovery, EDA held a Capital Development Forum with the USVI Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and local lenders. Identified needs for financial literacy, business planning, and gap financing options for USVI small businesses and entrepreneurs, reviewed federal resources available to repair, harden or expand commercial infrastructure (airports, wastewater facilities, incubators, marine and tourism facilities) and increased business recovery services through Minority Business Development Agency small business workshops and consultation on continuity planning, bid preparation and disaster loan assistance.

EDA continues to provide workshops and webinars in collaboration with national and local agencies, business and nonprofit organization. Through FEMA’s IRC efforts, USVI businesses were able to access information on how to compete and receive project awards with federal funds. Businesses were able to learn more about how to obtain contractor license bonds, which was a prior barrier for smaller firms pursuing federally funded contracts. The IRC group, in partnership with Small Business Administration, Virgin Island Economic Development Authority, and Small Business Development Center, hosted workshop to present information on the Surety Bond Guarantee Program. This resulted in a significant increase in issuance of surety bonds from August 2021 to May 2022—resulting a net increase of more than $7 million in Surety Bond Guarantees issued.

FEMA’s IRC group continues to collaborate with federal and local transportation and utility agencies on several projects. To date, nine federal agencies have obligated more than $1.4 billion to the territory to support recovery.

gina.callaghan Tue, 09/13/2022 - 14:48

Houses of Worship Recovery Efforts Continue After Hurricanes Irma and Maria

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands -- FEMA’s role to support the U.S. Virgin Islands has been ongoing since Hurricane Irma made landfall on St. Thomas and St. John, September 6, 2017, and Hurricane Maria made landfall on St. Croix two weeks later, on September 19. FEMA recognizes the road to recovery requires a whole-community approach and is actively working with houses of worship to develop projects that strengthen resilience across the territory.

FEMA, through its Public Assistance Program is partnering with the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery to support the repair and restoration of houses of worship, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and schools managed by churches.

Recovery projects include 21 houses of worship of various denominations, the Diocese of St. Thomas with its seven parishes, 11 schools run by houses of worship and two homeless shelters run by Catholic Charities across the territory. Churches include:

St. Croix

• City of Refuge Worship Center, First Assembly of God, Inc., Lutheran Social Services of the VI, Inc., Midland Wesleyan Holiness Church, Inc., Moravian Church Virgin Islands Conference, New Life Resort, Inc., Pentecostal Movement Council, Inc., Refuge Tabernacle Church, Southgate Baptist Church, Inc., Sunny Isle Baptist Church, The Way of the Cross Baptist Church and Twigs Ministry, Inc.

St. Thomas

• Anna’s Retreat Church of God, Inc., Church of God of Prophecy, Hebrew Congregation, Hernhut Moravian Church, Nirvana Healing Temple, Nisky Moravian Church and Word of Faith International Christian Center

St. John

• Bethany Moravian Church and Emmaus Moravian Church

 

Nirvana Healing Temple and Southgate Baptist Church have made progress with their recovery projects.

Winds, wind-blown rain, flying debris, sliding rocks and mud from hurricanes Irma and Maria damaged Nirvana Healing Temple in Estate Mandahl on St. Thomas. Repairs to the roof and rooms of its retreat house, as well as repairs to the temple and entrance gate, were completed. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program obligated $746,000 to Nirvana Healing Temple to help fund repairs to its hurricane-damaged buildings.

On St. Croix, Southgate Baptist Church's two buildings were damaged by Hurricane Maria. Both the church in Estate Southgate and the Lighthouse Mission on Company Street had damage to items such as gutters, carpet, metal roofing, and windows, as well as damage to interior walls and floors, all of which have been repaired since the storm. FEMA has obligated about $242,500 for Southgate Baptist Church’s hurricane repairs at both locations.

“The Lighthouse Mission and Southgate Baptist Church of St. Croix have made extensive repairs to both facilities enabling each to fulfill our purpose of ‘shining the light of Jesus into Christiansted by programs of compassion and education,’” said the Rev. Edward Cullen. “We are appreciative of the small army of FEMA employees that have offered us guidance and encouragement throughout the disaster recovery process. We were recipients of not only their professional assistance, but many even volunteered their time to help us in serving our community.”

To date, FEMA has obligated nearly $3.2 million in Public Assistance funds for Irma and Maria damage to houses of worship, including repairs to homeless shelters, churches, soup kitchens, and schools. Nearly $1.3 million was obligated for damage caused by Irma, and nearly $1.9 million was obligated for damage caused by Maria.

Houses of worship often serve as a place of comfort for communities before, during and after a disaster. FEMA will continue to assist these sanctuaries in moving their storm-impacted construction projects forward and ensuring structures are strengthened to better withstand future storms.

gina.callaghan Mon, 09/12/2022 - 15:31

Kentuckians begin occupying FEMA Temporary Housing Units

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A little more than a month after historic flooding hit Eastern Kentucky, survivors who lost their homes are beginning to move into FEMA Temporary Housing Units. The units are being placed on private sites—when feasible—and in commercial parks.  FEMA has leased spaces at available commercial housing sites located within the affected area.

“Reaching this milestone, this early in a disaster, is a major accomplishment,” said Federal Coordinating Officer in Charge of Kentucky Recovery, Brett Howard “but this is just the beginning, we have more than 200 Kentucky families and individuals waiting for temporary housing solutions in five counties.”

Myra Shird, Federal Coordinating Officer in Charge of Direct Housing added, “We’re off to a great start, but there’s still a lot of work to do before this housing mission has been completed.”

Once a survivor moves into a FEMA temporary housing unit, they are required to do three things (every 30 days for owners and bi-weekly for renters):

1. Demonstrate a continued need for housing assistance.
2. Recertify their eligibility.
3. Show they are making progress toward a permanent housing solution.

FEMA has approved direct temporary housing assistance in five counties: Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Letcher and Perry. This program makes available several additional short-term housing solutions to disaster survivors. Survivors who have applied with FEMA for assistance do not need to reapply to be eligible for Direct Housing. If a survivor has not yet applied with FEMA, they can do so by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov; by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362; or downloading the FEMA mobile app available on iOS and Android. The registration deadline is Sept. 28, 2022.

Survivors are asked to please stay in touch with FEMA as their plans and contact information change. When phone numbers or mailing addresses change, FEMA can’t reach you. So, after you apply for disaster assistance, you need to let FEMA know each time your information changes. Individuals and households may be eligible for different programs as they move forward with their recovery.

sandra.habib Mon, 09/12/2022 - 15:05

Free Rebuilding and Repair Tips in Clay and Floyd Counties

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

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand in Clay, Floyd and Whitley counties to answer questions and offer 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 disaster. These mitigation specialists will be available Sept. 9, through Sept. 16, at the following locations:

Clay County - R&S Variety and True Value Hardware – 100 Manchester Shopping Ctr. Manchester, KY 40962

• Hours: 8 a.m.— 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.—2 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.

Floyd County - Moore’s True Value – 13529 KY Route 80, Garrett, KY 41630

• Hours: 8 a.m.— 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m.— 6 p.m.  Wednesday and Saturday; closed Sunday.

From 8 a.m.— 3 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 10, specialists will be available in Whitley County at the MoonBow Eggfest - Sanders Park, 201 N. Main Street, Corbin, KY, 40701.

Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties can go online to disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app to register for disaster assistance or look up the status of their disaster assistance application. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

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, 09/12/2022 - 12:18

Floyd County Flood Survivors Can Now Be Considered for Direct Temporary Housing

FRANKFORT, Ky. – To assist survivors displaced by the July 26, Eastern Kentucky floods, FEMA has approved direct temporary housing assistance to Floyd County—bringing the total number of approved counties to five—including: Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties.

This program makes available several additional short-term housing solutions to disaster survivors. However, it takes time to transport, permit, install and inspect these units, before they are available.

The Direct Housing program provides three primary options:

• Multi-Family Lease and Repair, where FEMA enters into a lease agreement with the owner of multi-family rental properties (i.e., three or more units) and makes repairs to provide temporary housing for applicants.
• Temporary Housing Units such as a travel trailer or manufactured home; and
• Direct Lease, which is leasing existing ready-for-occupancy housing not usually available to the public.

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

Survivors who have applied with FEMA for assistance do not need to reapply to be eligible for Direct Housing. FEMA reviews applications to identify those with housing needs. If a survivor has not yet applied with FEMA, they can do so by going to DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or downloading the FEMA mobile app.

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, 09/12/2022 - 12:12

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Bolt 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 Bolt Creek Fire burning in King and Snohomish 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 Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 9:48 p.m. PT. He determined that the Bolt Creek Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the second 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 Skykomish, Baring, Grotto, and Index. The fire also threatened transmission lines, telecommunications infrastructure, powerlines, railway line, cultural resources, roads, and bridges.

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.

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

mary.j.edmon Sun, 09/11/2022 - 17:21

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight the Milo McIver Fire in Oregon

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Milo McIver Fire burning in Clackamas County, Oregon.

The state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 5:05 p.m. PT. He determined that the Milo McIver Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the second FMAG declared in 2022 to help fight Oregon wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Estacada and Springwater. The fire also threatened Milo McIver State Park, commercial businesses, Estacada water and sewer plant, five dams, fish hatcheries, Bonneville Power Authority transmission lines, and the Valley View airport.

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 $786,552 will be available to Oregon 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.

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

mary.j.edmon Sun, 09/11/2022 - 17:12