Incomplete Applications Preventing FEMA Assistance for Residents of New Mexico

SANTA FE, New Mexico – If you applied for FEMA assistance and have not received a response or if your application was deemed ineligible, we’re probably missing some vital information. At present, we have applications that cannot be processed due to missing insurance documents or other required information.

Submitting a disaster assistance application is the first step, but FEMA also requires certain documents to complete your file. Without those documents, we can’t process your application. For example, FEMA may be able to cover expenses your insurance did not. To do that, though, we must have copies of your insurance settlement or denial. These documents are required by law.

You may have received a decision letter stating your application is ineligible or no decision can be made at this time. Read that letter carefully. It tells you what actions are needed for FEMA to continue processing your paperwork. If you have questions or just want to talk through the application process, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists staff the toll-free number from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

You can also speak in-person with FEMA specialists at our Disaster Recovery Center at the Old Memorial Middle School in Las Vegas. They can assist with uploading documents or whatever needs to happen to complete your FEMA application.

FEMA specialists continue to call residents whose applications have been flagged for missing documents or details. These phone calls may come from unknown and possibly out-of-state numbers; residents are encouraged to answer or return our calls. However, you don’t have to wait on a call from FEMA. You can call the Helpline and check the status of your application.

Carmen.Castro Thu, 08/18/2022 - 15:04

Kentucky Floods: Door-to-Door Inspection Teams to Provide Home Inspections

FRANKFORT, Ky—Special FEMA inspection teams will make door-to-door visits to homes where inspectors have attempted to contact survivors three or more times and had difficulty doing so. 

These special FEMA inspection teams will be deployed, starting in Perry County, targeting areas with limited cellular coverage and other communication challenges, such as flood damage to telephone poles where the population heavily relies on landlines. 

If the survivors are not available at their homes at the time the inspectors pay a visit, the inspectors will leave a letter stating the visit time and provide a contact number. 

All the addresses inspectors are visiting belong to survivors who could not be contacted by FEMA after the agency attempted multiple times based on the information submitted by the survivors. Communication and transportation issues have necessitated that FEMA target areas with such challenges to better connect with those survivors. 

In addition to deploying inspectors to affected counties and communities, FEMA has deployed Mobile Registration Intake Centers, Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers, and Disaster Recovery Centers at fixed sites in affected counties in the effort to better reach survivors. 

Survivors who miss connections with inspectors or who have limitations in reliable communications and access to transportation are asked to call 1-800-621-3362 to connect with FEMA resources.  

ln instances where survivors have missed a connection with an inspector the 1-800-621-3362 FEMA helpline has the capability to connect survivors with the appropriate inspectors. 

For the latest information on Kentucky flooding recovery, visit femagov/disaster/4663 and follow FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion4. Visit the Governor’s website at governor.ky.gov/disaster-response/flood-response.

sandra.habib Thu, 08/18/2022 - 11:21

Mobile Recovery Centers are Coming to Leslie and Martin Counties

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are opening Aug. 18, 2022, in Leslie and Martin counties to assist Kentucky flood survivors who experienced loss from the Eastern Kentucky flooding.

Mobile Center locations:

• Leslie County: Floodplain Management Building –24770 Hwy. 221 Hyden, KY 41749
• Martin County: Martin County Business Center–104 East Main Street, Inez, KY 41224

These mobile centers will be open Aug. 18 - Aug. 20 and will be back at these locations Aug. 25 - Aug. 27.

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 Dorton Hill Rd., Jenkins KY 41722

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, 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, 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. 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, 08/18/2022 - 11:16

FEMA Assistance May Be Available For Losses Not Covered by Insurance

OKLAHOMA CITY – If you sustained damage from the May 2-8 tornadoes, storms and flooding, and initially did not receive FEMA assistance because of insurance coverage, you may now be eligible. If your insurance did not cover all damages or if your reimbursement is delayed, FEMA may be able to help.

While FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, it may be able to help where homeowners and/or flood insurance did not.

You may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance if you:

• Were denied insurance benefits by your insurance company, or
• Your insurance claim has been settled and you can demonstrate to FEMA that your insurance settlement didn’t cover your disaster-related essential needs.

Survivors who apply with FEMA may be eligible for Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance (ONA). Housing Assistance may include help with rentals, home repairs and home replacements. ONA may include help with personal property, medical expenses, dental expenses, miscellaneous items, funeral expenses, childcare and transportation.

The first step is to contact your insurance company. Request your insurance company send one of the following:

• A denial letter, or proof that you are not being covered by your insurance company.
• A settlement letter, or exactly what is being covered by your insurance company.
• A delay letter, or proof there has been no official decision yet by your insurance company on your insurance claim, and it has been more than 30 days from the time that you filed your insurance claim. Any funds that you may receive from FEMA in this process would then be considered an advance and must be repaid when you get your settlement.

FEMA assistance is based on the specific information provided on each FEMA application, including the documentation provided by the applicant.

You have up to 12 months from the date that you apply with FEMA to submit your insurance-settlement records for review.

In addition, you have up to 12 months from the date that you apply with FEMA to appeal denials because of insurance issues.

You can submit your documentation of denial letters, settlement letters or letters of delay:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• By mail at:

FEMA – Individuals and Households Program

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

• By fax at 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA – Individuals and Households Program.

You can speak with a FEMA specialist directly by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. Lines are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.

Oklahoma residents may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for assistance. For more information and to locate the closest DRC to you, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA app or visit the DRC Locator. You can also text 43362 and type DRC (your ZIP Code); for example, DRC 12345.

Carmen.Castro Wed, 08/17/2022 - 20:19

DHS Announces Funding Allocations for FY 2022 Preparedness Grants

WASHINGTON -- Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced final allocations for $550 million for seven fiscal year 2022 competitive preparedness grant programs. These allocations, together with the almost $1.5 billion in non-competitive grant funding announced earlier this year, total more than $2 billion in FY 2022 to help prepare our nation against man-made threats and natural disasters.

The grant programs provide funding to state, local, tribal and territorial governments, nonprofit agencies and the private sector to build and sustain capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters. The total amount for each grant program is set by Congress and the allocations are made by the Secretary.

“As the threats to the homeland evolve, so too must the grant programs intended to prepare communities for those threats,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “This year, DHS will prioritize six critical areas, including cybersecurity, soft targets and crowded places, intelligence and information sharing, domestic violent extremism, community preparedness and resilience and election security. These grants will help to improve the nation’s readiness in preparing, responding to and recovering from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.”

Grant recipients under the State Homeland Security Program and Urban Area Security Initiative will be required to dedicate a minimum of 30% of their awards across these six priority areas. Twelve percent is required through minimum spend amounts for four priority areas, and recipients have flexibility on how to allocate the remaining 18% across the six priority areas: cybersecurity (no minimum spend); soft target and crowded places (3%); information and intelligence sharing (3%); domestic violent extremism (3%); community preparedness and resilience (3%); and election security (no minimum spend). After extensive consultation with grantees leading up to this announcement, DHS is focused on balancing the need to invest in high priority areas with giving jurisdictions the flexibility to make prioritization decisions based on their own assessments of their needs. 

Preparedness Grant Program Allocations for Fiscal Year 2022

The following grants are competitive, with awards announced today:

Operation Stonegarden: provides $90 million to enhance cooperation and coordination among state, local, tribal, territorial and federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders.

Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program: provides $15 million to eligible tribal nations to implement preparedness initiatives to help strengthen the nation against risk associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program: provides $250 million to support target hardening and other physical security enhancements for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack. This year, $125 million is provided to nonprofits in Urban Area Security Initiative-designated areas, and $125 million is provided to nonprofits outside those designated urban areas located in any state or territory.

Port Security Grant Program: provides $100 million to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management and maintain or re-establish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.

Transit Security Grant Program: provides $93 million to owners and operators of public transit systems to protect critical surface transportation and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.

Intercity Bus Security Grant Program: provides $2 million to owners and operators of intercity bus systems to protect surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure. 

The following non-competitive grants were awarded earlier this year to recipients based on a number of factors:

State Homeland Security Program: provides $415 million to support the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based state homeland security strategies to address capability targets. Awards are based on statutory minimums and relative risk as determined by DHS/FEMA’s risk methodology.

Urban Area Security Initiative: provides $615 million to enhance regional preparedness and capabilities in 31 high-threat, high-density areas. Awards are based on relative risk as determined by risk methodology.

Emergency Management Performance Grant: including the funding provided under the American Rescue Plan Act, provides more than $405.1 million to assist state, local, tribal and territorial governments in enhancing and sustaining all-hazards emergency management capabilities. Relative population is considered.

Intercity Passenger Rail: provides $10 million to Amtrak to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and increase the resilience of the Amtrak rail system. Award made per congressional direction.

Emergency Operations Center Security Grant Program: provides more than $49 million to improve emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure, strategically located and fully interoperable emergency operations centers (EOCs) with a focus on addressing identified deficiencies and needs. EOCGP had not been appropriated as a grant program in more than 10 years.

Further information on preparedness grant programs is available at www.dhs.gov and http://www.fema.gov/grants.

amy.ashbridge Wed, 08/17/2022 - 19:30

FEMA in Kentucky as Long as Needed

FRANKFORT, Ky – FEMA knows these are difficult times, and while the storm has passed and recovery efforts have started, FEMA and our federal partners want Kentuckians to know we are here for the long haul. As FEMA spokesman Jeremy Edwards said, “We know these are incredibly difficult times, and we want to help you.”

But FEMA is only one part of the team. Kentucky’s recovery is going to depend on a full team effort – federal, state and local agencies, businesses and volunteers, faith communities and private non-profits, and YOU. Each one has resources and talents that can get Kentucky further down the road to recovery.

Already we have seen everyday Kentuckians helping those who survived the floods, from those who gave potlucks for survivors camping in a state park, to non-profits turning their own fund-raising drives over for local help.

Governor Beshear has put together a website to raise needed funds for individual Kentuckians. Those who want to donate can visit https://secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKYFloodRelief to learn how Kentucky’s recovery is progressing, go online to  https://governor.ky.gov/flood-resources or www.fema.gov/disaster/4663.

On the federal level, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are on the ground helping survivors. So far, FEMA approved more than $40.4 million in direct assistance to individual Kentucky survivors; these awards don’t have to be repaid. Survivors use this money to make their homes safe, clean and functional, while they plan their long-term recovery. Those needing housing are getting help from FEMA to pay their rent, while survivors who needed immediate help with food, childcare items or medical/dental expenses may be eligible for Other Needs Assistance.

“Recovering from a disaster of this magnitude will take time,” said Federal Coordinating Officer for Kentucky Recovery, Brett Howard, “but FEMA—along with our whole community partners—will continue to work hard to make sure every eligible Kentuckian receives every dollar of assistance legally possible. That is our commitment.”

Individual and Households Program Assistance

• As of August 15, the total amount approved for FEMA Individuals and Households Program is more than $40.4 million:
  • This includes nearly $32.4 million in Housing Assistance grants to homeowners to bring their damaged properties to a sanitary and functional condition; and
  • $8 million in Other Needs Assistance provides grants to provide applicants for immediate needs such as medical and dental expenses, moving and storage, funeral costs, childcare, etal.
• Survivors who apply to FEMA may be referred to The U.S. Small Business Administration to apply for long-term, low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes to cover losses not completely covered by insurance. To further assist disaster survivors, the SBA announced recently that it would extend the first repayment deadline to one year after the date the loan was signed, instead of the standard five months.
  • Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Sept. 28, 2022
  • SBA makes physical disaster loans of up to $2 million to qualified businesses or private nonprofit organizations. These loan proceeds may be used for the repair or replacement of real property, machinery, equipment, fixtures, inventory or leasehold improvements.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses and most nonprofit organizations in the following counties: Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Morgan Owsley, Perry, Pike, Whitley, and Wolfe in Kentucky; Campbell and Claiborne in Tennessee; Buchanan, Dickenson and Wise in Virginia; and Mingo and Wayne in West Virginia.  The deadline to file economic injury applications is May 1, 2023.
• To date SBA has approved $4.7 million in home; $67,300 in business loans.

FEMA Personnel in Kentucky

• There are 821 FEMA staff in Kentucky as operational and support personnel. This includes:
  • 22 Disaster Survivor Assistance teams canvassing door-to-door in 12 counties to register survivors for federal disaster assistance, and to answer their questions. Team members are equipped with iPads to allow them to connect quickly with FEMA.
  • 78 inspectors working through the 8,528 inspection requests that have been made. Currently 7,276 inspections have been completed with 1,252 outstanding.

Federal Partners and Whole Community Effort Civil Air Patrol

• The CAP is capturing imagery in impacted counties, focusing on high priority critical facilities that provide services to the public.

Environmental Protection Agency

• An EPA water assessment mobile lab is coordinating with the Commonwealth to ensure safe drinking water as water systems are inspected and service restored.

National Flood Insurance Program

• Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster. After a flood, the process of recovery might seem daunting. But with a flood insurance policy from NFIP, homeowners can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have a hand up in keeping their recovery on track. Best of all insurance covers your home even if a presidential disaster isn’t declared.
• As of August 15, 410 claims have been submitted by policyholders to the National Flood Insurance Program, and nearly $4.5 million in payments have been disbursed to claimants. Five hundred fifty-eight insurance policies worth $1.33 million have also been issued under the Group Flood Insurance Program.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

• USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has set aside two requirements to allow SNAP households 1) to purchase hot foods with SNAP benefits through September 2, 2022, and 2) until August 25, 2022, to extend beyond 10 days the requirement to report food that was bought with SNAP benefits but lost.
• The Natural Resources and Conservation Services is assisting with damage assessments of debris in waterways, under bridges and culverts to identify areas that may be eligible for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program.
• Rural Development has provided FEMA with a listing of multifamily unit which can be used for housing under Priority Placement.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• The Department’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has activated its Disaster Distress helpline. This toll-free, multilingual crisis support service is available 24/7 via telephone or text at 1-800-985-5990 for disaster survivors experiencing emotional distress.

U.S. Small Business Administration

• As of August 16, SBA had approved more than $4.7 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

• 14 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel, under FEMA direction, are performing debris assessments, inspections of critical public facilities (e.g., water plants, schools), and road and bridge infrastructure evaluations. The Corps provided 11,500 sandbags to the state.

Urban Search and Rescue

• Federal help can come in many forms. As flood waters rose, FEMA deployed five Urban Search and Rescue teams from four states to assist the Kentucky National Guard and teams from other states in coordinated rescue efforts across the impacted areas.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Voluntary and faith-based organizations are offering food and shelter, and helping residents clean up as they return home. Looking for volunteer opportunities in Kentucky? Call or visit these organizations for more information.
  • Samaritan’s Purse, a part of the Billy Graham ministry; 828-262-1980; https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/volunteers-working-hard-in-devastated-eastern-kentucky
  • Mercy Chefs, “feeding body and soul”; for more information on giving, volunteering or getting involved, visit https://mercychefs.com/ky-floods/
  • God’s Appalachian Partnership, focused on Appalachian Kentucky; www.gapky.org/get-involved/mission-teams/
  • American Red Cross is operating three shelters and eight respite centers in impacted counties; 606-629-3344; www.redcross.org/local/kentucky/about-us/location/eastern-kentucky-chapter.html.

You can apply for disaster assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov,  by calling 800.621.3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

 

The deadline for applications is Sept. 28, 2022.

 

For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii7nc94B30c.  

 

For more information about Kentucky’s recovery from the July 26 floods, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion4.   

sandra.habib Wed, 08/17/2022 - 19:21

Mobile Registration Center Open in Perry County

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA has opened a survivor assistance center in Perry County for survivors who experienced loss due to the Eastern Kentucky flooding. This location can provide survivors with registration assistance, review of cases, and updating of applications.

Center location:

• Perry County, Homeplace Community Center, 238 Willie Fay Drive, Hazard, KY 41701
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Aug. 17 and Aug. 18.

Previously open location:

• Floyd County, Christian Appalachian Project Building, 6134 KY 80, Martin KY 46149

Flood survivors who live in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, 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.

It is not necessary to go to a mobile center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Perry, Pike, Owsley and Whitley counties can go online to 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 Wed, 08/17/2022 - 00:31

FEMA Provides $1.2 Million to McCone Electric Cooperative Following 2021 Storms

DENVER – FEMA has approved an additional $1.2 million in Public Assistance funding to help Montanans recover from severe storms that impacted five northeast Montana counties in June of 2021. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued August 13, 2021. FEMA has now provided more than $3.66 million in total Public Assistance funds for the disaster recovery effort in northeast Montana.

FEMA Public Assistance funds were awarded to the McCone Electric Cooperative for the cost of restoring electric service after straight-line winds caused extensive damage to the utility’s distribution and transmission systems in Dawson, Richland, McCone, and Garfield counties. To restore the power distribution system, the cooperative replaced power poles and transformers along with the necessary hardware and crossarms.

Additionally, the McCone Electric Cooperative proposed hazard mitigation to strengthen the power lines by adding a combination of “storm” guy system, and steel channel ground line reinforcement to allow the overhead power system to better withstand the transverse load from winds.

FEMA’s Public Assistance reimbursements are made on a cost-sharing basis to states, tribes, counties, municipalities, and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and restoration of infrastructure. The approved federal grant represents 90 percent of the total cost of the project.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program covers eligible disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or rebuilding of public facilities such as roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, public utilities, parks and recreational facilities.

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

# # #

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

Follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion8

jamie.casterton Tue, 08/16/2022 - 21:43

Kentucky: FEMA’s First Answer not Always the Final Answer

FRANKFORT, Ky. – If you receive a letter from FEMA and don’t know what steps to take next we’re here to help. Over the phone, in person and online. If you were turned down for federal help we encourage you to ask “why?”

Turned Down by FEMA?

Did you get help from another source, like insurance? Is your application not finished? Did you miss a FEMA call or inspection? These are common reasons you could get turned down for FEMA assistance, but it may not be the final answer.

Three Steps to Make Sure You Get Every Dollar You Are Eligible for.

1. Ask why? Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362
2. Get face-to-face help. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center, to find a center near you visit fema.gov/drc or call the FEMA helpline.
3. Appeal. If you don’t agree with FEMA’s decision, you have the right to appeal. Write a signed and dated appeal letter to FEMA. Explain the reason for the appeal, include documents backing your claim such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. Include the applicant’s full name, disaster number DR-4663-KY, the address of the damaged home, your current phone number and address and your FEMA application number. Applicants can upload their appeal letter to DisasterAssistance.gov or mail it to: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055.

FEMA may help with serious disaster-related needs to survivors. If your home is destroyed, can’t be lived in or can’t be entered safely due to July’s flooding in Eastern Kentucky you may be eligible.

While the flooding may have caused damage to your home, you may be able to live there safely. Minimal damage may be inconvenient, but it is expected that survivors will handle those losses without FEMA assistance.

sandra.habib Tue, 08/16/2022 - 19:48

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in St. Louis City to Assist Flood Survivors

ST. LOUIS – A FEMA disaster recovery center will open Wednesday, Aug. 17, in St. Louis City to provide one-on-one assistance to people directly affected by the July 25—28 flooding and severe storms.

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

The disaster recovery center location is:

Ranken Technical College

Mary Ann Lee Technology Center

1313 N. Newstead Ave

St. Louis, MO 63113

(On the corner of Newstead and Page)

Opening: Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 8 a.m.

Hours: 8 a.m.--7 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice

People directly affected by flooding in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County may visit the recovery center. Before visiting the center, apply with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362).

For needs directly related to the July 25—28 flooding, FEMA may be able to provide Individual Assistance grant money that does not have to be repaid for:

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

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

• Only one application per household
• FEMA does not pay for lost or spoiled food

By law, FEMA is not allowed to duplicate insurance payments or assistance provided by other sources.

Other St. Louis-area disaster recovery centers are expected to be announced soon.

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.

amy.ashbridge Tue, 08/16/2022 - 19:02

FEMA Holds Hurricane Season Briefing with National Coalition Partners

WASHINGTON -- As the nation approaches peak hurricane season, FEMA held a briefing yesterday focused on community and faith-based leaders in support of the agency’s summer and fall disaster season outreach. The virtual event included a cross section of neighborhood and national organizations, bringing together leaders who convene networks to build and strengthen underserved communities.

“I especially want to say thank you for your support, for your service and for the leadership you provide for your communities and your organizations each and every day,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “As communities nationwide continue to face the impacts of climate change and the COVID pandemic, as well as navigate the increasingly complex disaster recovery we're seeing from these complex events, your efforts are more important than ever to make sure we are meeting communities’ needs.”

The Assistant Administrator for FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery Anne Bink gave an overview of hurricane preparedness and response activities and priorities in support of FEMA’s summer and fall disaster season planning.

The event marked a unique opportunity for FEMA leadership to share information on the agency’s mission to help people before, during and after disasters with key grassroots and grass-top partner organizations including, but not limited to: Interfaith Power and Light, All Healers Mental Health Alliance, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Education, Economics, Environmental, Climate, and Health Organization (EEECHO), the HBCU Emergency Management Workforce Consortium, the Undivide Project, the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management, Next Leadership Development Corporation, Green Latinos, Hope Enterprise Corporation Credit Union, the National Action Network, United Megacare, United Sikhs, Council of Foundations, Women of Color Advancing Peace Security and Conflict Transformation and the Climate Initiative and members of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

“Everyday faith-based and community organizations are helping people through emergencies large and small. The partners who joined us represent many of the leading organizations at the intersection of emergency management, equity and climate resilience,” said Dept. of Homeland Security Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Director Marcus Coleman, who facilitated the briefing. “We appreciate the work of all non-government organizations helping people before, during and after disasters and will continue to strive toward becoming a more compassionate and inclusionary agency.”

Other presenters included the Small Business Administration as well as FEMA’s Office of External Affairs, that provided an overview of upcoming FEMA initiatives for National Preparedness Month in September and the recently upgraded FEMA App, a personalized disaster resource to help you feel empowered and take charge of any disaster thrown your way. Download on iOS or Android. 

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 08/16/2022 - 18:30

Okmulgee County Disaster Recovery Center to Close Aug. 17

OKLAHOMA CITY – The final day for Oklahoma residents to visit the joint federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Okmulgee County is Wednesday, Aug. 17. The DRC was opened to help survivors affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 2-8.

Oklahoma residents can still visit other DRCs for assistance. To locate the closest DRC to you, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA app or visit the DRC Locator. You can also text 43362 and type DRC (your ZIP Code); for example, DRC 12345.

The center is closing permanently at 7 p.m., Aug. 17:

Okmulgee County

Trinity Baptist Church

830 West Ozark Street

Morris, OK 74445

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Wednesday.

Carmen.Castro Tue, 08/16/2022 - 14:36

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.4 Million to Endicott College for COVID-19 Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Endicott College for the cost of testing students, faculty and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,385,770 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private college in Beverly for the cost of 41,039 tests, as well as contracting for nursing staff to oversee testing, security, the removal of biohazardous material waste, clean linens and laundry services, and cleaning and disinfecting services between January and June 2021.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Endicott College with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

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

So far, FEMA has provided nearly $1.1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 08/16/2022 - 14:30

FEMA Awards Nearly $8.4 Million to University of New Hampshire for COVID Testing

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $8.4 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse the University of New Hampshire for the cost of providing testing for students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $8,355,789 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the University of New Hampshire will reimburse it for contracting to provide almost 70,000 COVID-19 tests between August and November 2020.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided almost $147 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

 

adrien.urbani Tue, 08/16/2022 - 14:29

FEMA Awards State of Rhode Island More Than $1.1 Million for COVID Fighting Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.1 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state health department for the costs of data analysis and targeting public messages to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,102,400 FEMA Public Assistance grant will go to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for contracting for experts in data analytics to inform public communications about COVID-19 between January and August 2021.

The data was then used by the state’s executive team as it communicated essential health and safety information to the community regarding protective measures people should take to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as answering questions about the safety and reliability of vaccines and providing key bilingual messaging on safe behaviors, assistance, and community support available from the Rhode Island Department of Health.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Rhode Island with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

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

These grants brings the total awarded by FEMA to the State of Rhode Island to almost $535 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 08/16/2022 - 14:18

FEMA Awards Almost $8.2 Million To Connecticut For COVID Sheltering Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $8.2 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse the state for the costs of sheltering homeless populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $8,165,739 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the Connecticut Department of Housing (CTDOH) will reimburse it for the cost of housing vulnerable homeless populations in hotel rooms to remove them from congregate shelters.

In consultation with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH), the state identified those homeless individuals and families that were over the age of 60 and immediately placed them in hotels. The state then used CDC-recommended social distance spacing to determine that approximately 850 rooms would be needed for this purpose.

Due to the shutdown of services, most hotels were left with full vacancies. As a result, the state was able to contract with these hotels at a rate significantly below the average hotel room rate, and most rates averaged between $60 and $70 a night.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Connecticut with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

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

So far, FEMA has provided almost $466 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 08/16/2022 - 13:52

Experts Here to Help Kentuckians Restore Family Treasures

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Survivors of the Eastern Kentucky flooding can learn how to save household treasures damaged by the flooding from the Heritage Emergency National Task Force experts visiting Disaster Recovery Centers and Mobile Registration Intake Centers.

Among the heirlooms that might be save are photos, artwork, quilts, important documents and other keepsakes. The experts will discuss how to handle, dry and clean these items, as well as personal safety during the restoration process, setting priorities and treatment options.

Part of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force experts are visiting these locations:

• Clay County: Clay County Community Center – 311 Highway 638, Manchester KY 40962
  • Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 19 to Aug. 20; and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21,

Registration center hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

• Knott County: Knott County Sportsplex – 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn KY 41831
  • Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 16 to Aug. 20; and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21.
• Perry County: Hazard Community College First Federal Center –1 Community Drive, Hazard KY 41701
  • Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 17 to Aug. 20; and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21.

Recovery center hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Co-sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Smithsonian Institution, the Heritage Emergency National Task Force is a partnership of 60 national service organizations and federal agencies. It was created to protect cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies. For more information on the task force, email HENTF@si.edu.

Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties can apply for assistance or check the status of their application online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or using 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 Mon, 08/15/2022 - 19:44

Experts Here to Help Kentuckians Restore Family Treasures

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Survivors of the Eastern Kentucky flooding can learn how to save household treasures damaged by the flooding from the Heritage Emergency National Task Force experts visiting Disaster Recovery Centers and Mobile Registration Intake Centers.

Among the heirlooms that might be save are photos, artwork, quilts, important documents and other keepsakes. The experts will discuss how to handle, dry and clean these items, as well as personal safety during the restoration process, setting priorities and treatment options.

Part of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force experts are visiting these locations:

• Clay County: Clay County Community Center – 311 Highway 638, Manchester KY 40962
  • Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 19 to Aug. 20; and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21,

Registration center hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

• Knott County: Knott County Sportsplex – 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn KY 41831
  • Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 16 to Aug. 20; and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21.
• Perry County: Hazard Community College First Federal Center –1 Community Drive, Hazard KY 41701
  • Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 16 to Aug. 20; and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21.

Recovery center hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Co-sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Smithsonian Institution, the Heritage Emergency National Task Force is a partnership of 60 national service organizations and federal agencies. It was created to protect cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies. For more information on the task force, email HENTF@si.edu.

Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties can apply for assistance or check the status of their application online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or using 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 Mon, 08/15/2022 - 19:06

FEMA Announces Sherman Gillums, Jr. to Lead FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that Sherman Gillums, Jr. will serve as director of the agency’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination. 

The office serves to ensure the agency’s commitment to equity and inclusion of people with disabilities before, during and after disasters. In his role, Gillums will provide program and policy guidance to the administrator, while leading the workforce in supporting equitable access to programs and services for people with disabilities.

“People with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by natural disasters. That is why FEMA takes our people-first approach seriously, and will continue to make available adequate and tailored resources for communities with unique needs,” said Administrator Criswell. “By having Mr. Gillums join the FEMA workforce and leading our disability integration team, we have an expert, well known disabilities advocate ready to strengthen and advance the way we help people with disabilities before, during and after disasters.”

Gillums most recently served as chief strategy and operations officer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. He oversaw the organization’s efforts to provide timely access to mental healthcare for underserved communities and foster an understanding of mental illness. Gillums also served in leadership positions with the Paralyzed Veterans and AMVETS, two of the nation's largest congressionally charted veteran's service organizations. 

“I consider federal service to be the most important role I have taken on since serving our country in uniform,” said Gillums. “I spent the past two decades working to ensure people with disabilities, including veterans who sacrificed for our country, have equitable access to healthcare and employment. The stakes rise even higher in times of natural disaster, and I am honored to join the dedicated FEMA teams who answer the call.”

Gillums attended the University of San Diego School of Business and completed his executive education at Harvard Business School. He served as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps for 12 years.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 08/15/2022 - 19:04

Don't Forget This Important Back-to-School Step

CHICAGO – As kids start returning to school, preparing for emergencies should be a part of that process. FEMA Region 5 encourages all families to take the time now to talk about potential disaster risks and steps to stay safe if the unexpected occurs.

“While emergencies can be scary, kids can cope better if they know what to expect,” said Tom Sivak, regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “Children and youth are empowered through understanding risks and knowing how to protect themselves. Empowered youth can help involve their families, peers, and communities in disaster preparedness.”

• Learn the risks that may threaten your family at home, school or work. Find more information at www.Ready.gov. Make sure everyone understands the types of emergency alerts they may receive and how to receive them.  
• Have a family plan. If a disaster happens, knowing who to call and where to meet is an important part of emergency planning for you and your family.
  • Pick one main contact locally and one contact out of town who may be easier to reach during a disaster.
  • Decide on safe, familiar, accessible places where your family can go for protection or to reunite. If you have pets or service animals, think about animal-friendly locations. Consider places in your house, in your neighborhood, and outside of your city or town so you’re prepared for any situation.
  • Make sure your family members know to use texting during a disaster to free up phone lines for first responders.
  • Practice makes perfect. Practice your plan. Put pen to paper and make sure everyone in your family has copies of your plan. Hold regular meetings as a family to review your plan.  
• Build a kit. Keep enough emergency supplies on hand - water, nonperishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight, and battery-powered radio - for everyone in your household. For a list of items to consider including, visit www.ready.gov/kit.   

FEMA offers multiple resources to help make disaster preparedness fun and informative for the whole family.

• Find interactive games to learn disaster: www.ready.gov/kids/games   
• Access the Prepare with Pedro activity blook: www.ready.gov/kids/prepare-with-pedro
• Start building your family communications plan: https://www.ready.gov/kids/family-emergency-planning/make-a-plan.
• Serve your community and help take care of your school and home through the Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Campus CERT programs. For more information, click here: www.ready.gov/teen-cert.

For detailed information about how to be ready for the emergencies, visit www.Ready.gov or our Spanish site at www.Listo.gov. You can also download the free FEMA app, available for your Android or Apple device.

 

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

troy.christensen Mon, 08/15/2022 - 18:49