FEMA Awards State Of Rhode Island Nearly $31 Million For COVID Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $31 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state health department for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $30,998,531 Public Assistance grant will go to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for contracting with laboratory partners ACCU Reference Medical Lab, Dominion Diagnostics and East Side Clinical Laboratory to complete a total of 426,413 COVID-19 tests between April 2020 and May 2021.

RIDOH also provided medical supplies and other materials which were used at the Rhode Island State Health Laboratory, mobile test sites, and the community-based testing sites like the Convention Center in Providence and in grocery stores throughout the state. RIDOH deducted $2.5 million from its costs for estimated medical payments it received from insurance companies for the processing of the COVID-19 tests.

“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.”

FEM’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 more than $499 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 07/11/2022 - 21:16

FEMA Awards Almost $4.1 Million to State of New Hampshire for COVID Testing

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $4.1 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse the state for the cost of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $4,080,860 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will reimburse it for contracting to provide 22,988 COVID-19 tests between October and December 2021. The state contracted with Clear ChoiceMD MSO, LLC to set up testing sites at four Clear ChoiceMD Urgent Care locations in Nashua, Claremont, Manchester, and Newington. These were walk-in sites serving the general public.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $137 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 07/11/2022 - 21:14

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.6 Million to City of Portland for COVID Sheltering Expenses

BOSTON –The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.6 million to the City of Portland to reimburse the cost of using hotel rooms to isolate vulnerable homeless shelter populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,588,241 Public Assistance grant will go to the city to cover the cost of providing hotel rooms as non-congregate shelter to populations who needed to be isolated from general shelter populations between October 2020 and May 2021.

Approximately 1,022 individuals and 163 families were housed in hotels including brands such as Howard Johnson, Comfort Inn, and Motel 6 as part of the effort to protect persons in congregate shelter facilities from infection.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the City of Portland 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.”

So far, FEMA has provided more than $142 million in Public Assistance grants to Maine to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 07/11/2022 - 21:11

FEMA Awards Nearly $2.1 Million to Worcester Polytechnic Institute for COVID-19 Testing

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $2.1 million to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute to reimburse the university for the cost of contracting to test students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $2,072,983 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private science and engineering university in Worcester for the cost of diagnostic testing between August and December 2021.

Using contracts with the Clinical Research Sequencing Platform, (Broad Institutes, Inc. Harvard & Massachusetts Institute of Technology) WPI tested approximately 176,290 students and employees so that those infected with COVID-19 could be removed quickly from campus and interactive activities, thus preventing outbreaks.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Worcester Polytechnic Institute 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, communities and certain private non profit organizations recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 07/11/2022 - 21:09

FEMA Awards More Than $29 Million To State of Connecticut For COVID Testing

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $29 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse the state for the cost of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $29,085,642 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the Connecticut State Comptroller’s Office will reimburse it for contracting to provide 381,181 COVID-19 tests between April and June 2021. The Comptroller’s Office contracted the following vendors to conduct COVID testing: CIC Health, SEMA4 Genomics, Griffen Hospital, Minute Clinic/CVS, Quest Diagnostics, Yale New Haven Hospital, Bridgeport Hospital and Physician One Urgent Care Hospital.

The populations tested included high risk community residents, National Guard members, nursing home residents, Department of Corrections inmates, and state employees working at state facilities.

“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 more than $452 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 07/11/2022 - 21:08

FEMA Awards More Than $8.1 Million to Brandeis University for COVID-19 Testing

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $8.1 million to Brandeis University to reimburse the university for the cost of contracting to test students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FEMA Public Assistance grants totaling $8,170,280  will reimburse the private research university in Waltham for the cost of testing 404,152 students and employees at the campus between July 2020 and February 2022.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 07/11/2022 - 21:01

FEMA Awards Almost $6.8 Million to Yale New Haven Hospital for Covid Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $6.8 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse Yale New Haven Hospital for the additional costs of operating safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The private, not-for-profit 1,541-bed teaching hospital with multiple campuses is a subsidiary of Yale New Haven Health Services Corporation, and will receive a total of $6,786,208 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse the hospital for the additional cost of operating between January 2020 and November 2021.

The expenses incurred included purchasing additional medical equipment and ventilators for the treatment of COVID-19 patients; hiring additional medical care staff and supporting services; purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfection services and supplies; and the cost of converting some hospital facility space into treatment areas.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $452 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

 

adrien.urbani Mon, 07/11/2022 - 20:50

What to Expect After You Register with FEMA

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma homeowners and renters in the seven counties who sustained damage from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding May 2-8 may call or go online to register for disaster assistance from FEMA.

The seven counties include Adair, Cherokee, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Pottawatomie, Seminole and Tulsa.

Residents can apply with FEMA by visiting disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Helpline hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

If you report your home is not livable, sanitary and safe when you register, FEMA may perform an inspection of the damaged property, including the interior of your home. FEMA inspectors will contact you to meet at the address where the damage was reported. The inspector’s phone number may be from out of state, or show up on your caller ID as unavailable, so be sure to answer the phone. If the call goes to voicemail, the inspector will leave a call-back number, or you may receive a text message if no other contact is able to be made.

You will need to show the inspector your photo ID. You will not be asked to provide your social security number or bank account information. There is no cost for a FEMA inspection.

After your home inspection is completed, a record of the disaster-caused damage is given to FEMA. You may also receive a follow-up call for a quality control inspection. From that record your eligibility for disaster assistance will be determined. If you qualify for a grant, the funds will be issued 7 to 10 days after your application. A letter will also be sent explaining the assistance you qualified for.

Reasonable accommodations, including translation and ASL interpreters are available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency or with access and functional needs. You may invite a designated party, such as a household member, relative or friend, to assist in communicating with the inspector.

All FEMA inspectors can be identified by their official federal photo ID badge. If you are in any doubt when receiving a call or an inspection visit from someone stating they are FEMA personnel, do not give out any information, but call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CDT to verify the call or visit is legitimate.

If you suspect someone is committing fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or your local police department.

Carmen.Castro Mon, 07/11/2022 - 20:49

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Minnesota to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding May 8-13, 2022.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under Public Assistance, in Aitkin, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Morrison, Nobles, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin and Yellow Medicine counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Brian F. Schiller has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

amy.ashbridge Fri, 07/08/2022 - 21:41

FEMA Urges Residents to Prepare for Peak 2022 Hurricane Season, Shares Critical Preparedness Tools

The agency also announced key resources to help people before, during and after disaster, including a new FEMA webpage for the public to protect themselves and their property from the nation’s No. 1 disaster -- flooding

WASHINGTON -- Heading into what is projected to be an above-average hurricane season, FEMA urges residents to prepare before the height of hurricane season. 

“My message to the public is this: identify your risks, have a plan and act today. The best way to help yourself, your family and your community recover after a disaster is by taking steps now, before it’s too late,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Remember, just because your area was not touched by a hurricane in the past few years, does not mean it will be spared this time around. I encourage everyone to download our new and improved FEMA mobile app and start making a plan today. But most importantly, pay attention to your local officials and emergency managers for guidance on when and if to evacuate.”

FEMA recently announced an update to its mobile app -- in English and Spanish -- to help users take charge of disasters. The app is available for download on iOS or Android. Watch our FEMA App video and visit the FEMA App webpage for additional information.

Disasters can be expensive, but preparedness doesn’t need to be. Everyone can take several steps now with little to no cost that will help prepare for tropical systems. FEMA also has several resources available to help anyone who wants to design or update their preparedness plans:

• Anyone can visit Ready.gov, or the Spanish version Listo.gov, today for helpful tips and resources in their preparedness actions.
• The Ready.gov/hurricane page also gives specific guidance to prepare for tropical systems.
• FEMA’s Ready Campaign recently published a low and no-cost preparedness webpage with tips to help preparedness for a variety of disasters and emergencies, including:
  • Building your emergency supply kit over time, starting with items you may already have in your home -- like a flashlight, extra batteries, copies of important documents, water and non-perishable food.
  • Talking with family or members of your household about where you will go if told to evacuate.
  • Storing important documents and items like passports, birth certificates, maps and electronics in a flood-safe place, like a high shelf or upper floor in resealable water-tight plastic bags to help waterproof them.

Additionally, furthering FEMA’s commitment to providing accessible disaster information, the agency updated its Text-to-Shelter feature this year. When there’s an evacuation order issued, users can text “shelter” and their ZIP code to 43362 for a list of nearby shelter locations.

If you have insurance, now is the time to review your policies. Not all policies are the same, so review them to understand what coverage you have. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance.

A new FEMA webpage is now available as a one-stop shop to the public about how to protect themselves and their property from the nation’s No. 1 disaster -- flooding. The webpage includes free resources and information to learn about, understand and take action to reduce flood risk.

The FEMA Map Service Center allows visitors to enter a street address to learn more about flood risks their community. Other information includes resources about flood maps, flood zones, flood risk and flood insurance.

There are other multiple resources describing actions the public can take now to protect their property from hazards.

Earlier this year, the agency’s “Before, During and After” podcast sat down with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham at the National Hurricane Conference. You can listen to the podcast or download a transcript to learn how the agencies collaborate to share vital weather and preparedness information during a storm.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 07/07/2022 - 16:33

FEMA Approves Another $5.4 Million for South Dakota COVID-19 Response

DENVER – FEMA has approved $5.4 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in South Dakota. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 4, 2020. FEMA has provided more than $6.6 million for the South Dakota COVID-19 response to date with this additional funding.

FEMA awarded the grant funds to Sanford Medical Clinic as reimbursement for the cost of emergency protective measures necessary to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect the health and safety of health care workers and the public in South Dakota. Eligible costs include the purchase of personal protective equipment including face shields, gowns, hand sanitizer, and masks as well as pulse oximeters and the rental of specialized medical equipment to support patients directly affected by COVID-19 at a primary facility.

This award covers the cost of materials used by Sanford in the COVID-19 fight from January 20, 2020, to April 1, 2021.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow state and local governments to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, tribal and local officials work to assist their communities during this response.  

To fully support this essential work, the President authorized provision of FEMA Public Assistance at 100 percent federal funding through July 1, 2022. Beginning July 2, 2022, the federal cost share for COVID-19 projects will be 90 percent of the eligible cost.

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, 07/05/2022 - 20:03

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance State-by-State Breakdown

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided more than $2.6 billion to over 410,000 individuals and families to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020. This assistance helped pay for the funerals of more than 419,000 people who died from COVID-19.

Eligibility determinations are based on when the applicant submits all required documentation. The determinations are not driven by state/locations.

“Applications” in the chart below reflect the number of individuals who called to begin the assistance process.

Please find state-specific information below:

State / Territory

Applications

Amount Approved

Number of Awards

Alabama

11,683

$63,376,535.73

9,323

Alaska

475

$1,651,278.49

336

American Samoa

29

$53,075.52

Less than 10

Arizona

9,232

$35,119,364.31

7,089

Arkansas

5,473

$27,407,218.18

4,390

California

43,473

$215,194,384.39

33,620

Colorado

5,012

$21,026,284.60

3,882

Connecticut

5,020

$27,885,967.38

4,076

Delaware

1,597

$8,008,158.20

1,262

District of Columbia

775

$3,852,103.40

579

Florida

34,180

$152,785,237.61

27,273

Georgia

20,842

$113,450,092.23

16,583

Guam

32

$138,673.19

19

Hawaii

735

$3,114,477.74

542

Idaho

1,882

$8,211,379.50

1,500

Illinois

20,321

$113,391,511.63

16,506

Indiana

10,708

$59,430,269.98

8,574

Iowa

4,383

$25,513,106.37

3,576

Kansas

4,701

$24,873,101.25

3,828

Kentucky

9,594

$55,228,392.11

7,678

Louisiana

8,718

$46,664,254.26

6,769

Maine

1,135

$4,710,274.91

879

Maryland

8,896

$47,600,109.52

7,085

Massachusetts

9,592

$52,252,106.48

7,667

Michigan

18,398

$92,010,323.70

14,971

Minnesota

5,607

$31,137,462.60

4,577

Mississippi

7,787

$40,972,555.20

6,053

Missouri

10,538

$53,166,177.15

8,526

Montana

1,324

$5,364,510.73

1,063

Nebraska

2,331

$13,148,484.57

1,903

Nevada

4,565

$18,453,997.47

3,479

New Hampshire

1,373

$6,564,338.27

1,098

New Jersey

16,765

$93,250,948.57

13,525

New Mexico

3,338

$13,321,281.16

2,519

New York

36,550

$198,118,340.07

28,914

North Carolina

17,319

$90,745,335.56

13,923

North Dakota

1,192

$7,205,444.50

966

Northern Mariana Islands

33

$82,231.99

14

Ohio

22,403

$119,231,049.28

18,390

Oklahoma

8,192

$41,231,555.20

6,586

Oregon

2,537

$8,595,403.53

1,923

Pennsylvania

24,467

$132,719,787.51

20,092

Puerto Rico

2,377

$6,805,795.38

1,742

Rhode Island

1,690

$9,395,061.14

1,372

South Carolina

11,575

$63,035,619.04

9,362

South Dakota

1,159

$6,700,246.89

937

Tennessee

14,711

$79,913,128.93

11,882

Texas

46,886

$243,144,860.29

37,454

U.S. Virgin Islands

79

$373,499.51

60

Utah

2,421

$13,112,355.23

1,924

Vermont

299

$1,287,456.39

232

Virginia

12,037

$64,021,322.20

9,692

Washington

4,541

$17,848,657.15

3,359

West Virginia

4,024

$21,711,923.91

3,190

Wisconsin

8,596

$46,532,859.04

7,021

Wyoming

809

$3,567,334.65

653

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, July 5, 2022.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. Please note, phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Applicants who use a relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to them for that service so that agency representatives are able to contact them.

Additional information about COVID-19 funeral assistance, including frequently asked questions, is available on FEMA.gov.

 

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 07/05/2022 - 19:51

FEMA Awards State Of Rhode Island More Than $3 Million For Temporary COVID Hospitals

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state for the costs of setting up temporary hospital facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,076,350 Public Assistance grant will go to the Rhode Island Department of Administration for contracting to set up and operate three alternative hospital sites totaling nearly 1,400 hospital beds to provide medical treatment to COVID-19 patients between July and October 2021.

The three sites – the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, the former Citizens Bank Call Center in Cranston, and the former Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Quonset – cared for approximately 4,300 patients.

The state contracted for security, cleaning, waste removal, utilities; transportation of equipment and furniture, and decommissioning costs.

“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 $475 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Sat, 07/02/2022 - 00:22

FEMA Awards State Of Rhode Island Nearly $7.7 Million For COVID Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $7.7 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state health department for the costs of providing testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $7,666,294 Public Assistance grant will go to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for contracting with laboratory partners ACCU Reference Medical Lab, Dominion Diagnostics and East Side Clinical Laboratory to complete a total of 81,632 COVID-19 tests during July 2021.

RIDOH also provided medical supplies which were used at the Rhode Island State Health Laboratory, mobile test sites, and the community-based testing sites. Supplies included laboratory supplies, testing supplies, testing kits, and specimen collection materials.

“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 $475 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Sat, 07/02/2022 - 00:21

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.3 Million to Central Maine Medical Center for COVID Staffing Expenses

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $1.3 million to the Central Maine Medical Center to reimburse the cost of contracting for temporary staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,267,123 Public Assistance grant will go to the 250-bed, level 2 trauma center in Lewiston to cover the cost of 57 additional temporary medical staff working 6,929 hours between Februay 2021 and February 2022.

Central Maine Medical Center was able to set up universal screening measures for staff and visitors to check for COVID-19 symptoms, as well as care for those patients who had COVID-19.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Maine 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.”

So far, FEMA has provided more than $137 million in Public Assistance grants to Maine to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

 

adrien.urbani Sat, 07/02/2022 - 00:20

FEMA Awards More Than $3.7 Million to State of Maine for COVID Sheltering Expenses

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $3.7 million to the State of Maine to reimburse the cost of using hotel rooms to isolate vulnerable homeless shelter populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,705,896 Public Assistance grant will go to the Maine Department for Health and Human Services to cover the cost of providing hotel rooms as non-congregate shelter to populations who needed to be isolated from general shelter populations between October 2020 and May 2021.

Approximately 1,022 individuals and 163 families were housed in hotels including brands such as Howard Johnson, Comfort Inn, and Motel 6 as part of the effort to protect persons in congregate shelter facilities from infection.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Maine 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.”

So far, FEMA has provided almost $138 million in Public Assistance grants to Maine to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

 

adrien.urbani Sat, 07/02/2022 - 00:16

FEMA Awards State of Rhode Island More Than $1 Million for COVID Tech Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse the state health department for the costs of implementing technology needed to detect and track infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,065,634 Public Assistance grant will go to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for contracting to put in place technological tools to help protect the public between March and December 2021.

Some of the measures supported by this technology included testing, case investigation, outbreak response, quarantine and isolation, and public communications.

“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 $477 million to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Sat, 07/02/2022 - 00:15

Remembering Hurricane Agnes on the 50th Anniversary

PHILADELPHIA – In June 1972, Hurricane Agnes caused widespread damage across the eastern United States. Five decades later, FEMA Region 3 and our partners are remembering this significant storm through an interagency website, videos, webinars, and other products and events. We welcome you to use these resources to help tell the story of Agnes and encourage everyone to take steps now to be prepared for future storms.

Resources for Hurricane Agnes 50th Anniversary of Hurricane Agnes: Learn from the Past and Prepare for the Future Website

State-led flood risk management teams, known as the Silver Jackets, of Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia collaborated with partners including FEMA Region 3 to create this interactive and comprehensive website. It contains details about the impact of Hurricane Agnes, information about how emergency response has evolved in the past 50 years, actions people can take to be prepared for hurricanes and flooding, and information about flood mitigation efforts in the northeast since Agnes, including an interactive map showing the storm track of Agnes and the location and type of various mitigation projects.

Agnes50 Mitigation: Controlling the Flood Since Hurricane Agnes Video

1972: The world of flood control and mitigation changed when Hurricane Agnes devastated many communities in the mid-Atlantic with her floodwaters. Those charged with fighting floods have used a variety of mitigation methods and policy to keep rising waters at bay, and this documentary short gives a brief introduction and local area perspective.

Learn From the Past Working Hurricane Agnes Video

1972: The world of flood control and mitigation changed when Hurricane Agnes devastated many communities in the mid-Atlantic with her floodwaters. Those charged with fighting floods have used a variety of mitigation methods and policy to keep rising waters at bay, and this documentary short gives a brief introduction and local area perspective.

Dave DeCosmo saw firsthand what the damage of a hurricane can do to the flow of information and how important it is to make sure people get truthful, timely updates during and after a storm. Listen to his incredible, moving story as Dave recounts his experiences during Hurricane Agnes in locations he hasn't visited since she blew through the mid-Atlantic states 50 years ago. This Atlantic hurricane season, we are encouraging everyone to learn more about their flood risk and take actions NOW to be prepared. Even decades later, the stories of Agnes still resonate and can help us be better prepared for the threats of the future. With climate change, extreme rainfall and flooding events are becoming more common, and lessons learned after storms like Agnes will be even more valuable.

Surviving Hurricane Agnes - 50th Anniversary Video

Deb Kennedy lived through Hurricane Agnes in 1972. Her family didn't evacuate in time. She shares her harrowing story, commemorating the 50th anniversary of a storm that brought destruction to the mid-Atlantic and in part, led to the creation of FEMA several years later.

Episode 93: Remembering Hurricane Agnes on the 50th Anniversary of the Storm Podcast Episode

On this episode, FEMA remembers Hurricane Agnes on the 50th Anniversary of the storm by looking back at the impacts to the Mid-Atlantic and looking ahead to predicting the future effects of hurricanes in the region. We discuss how Hurricane Agnes shaped the field of emergency management and the how emergency managers today are still using lessons that were learned from the storm.

Flood Mitigation Then & Now: 50 Years of Reducing Flood Risk Since Agnes Webinar Recording

Mitigation works. Agnes was a devastating flood but projects in place at the time of the storm significantly reduced its impact. US Army Corps Baltimore District estimates projects in its region prevented $480 million in damage. Since Agnes, federal state and local governments have invested even more to reduce the harm of future floods but the nature of mitigation is changing. During this webinar, panelists discussed the history of mitigation at the time of Agnes, what we’ve done since the storm, and how mitigation programs are evolving to overcome increasing challenges.  

Agnes at 50: Learn from the Past. Prepare for the Future Webinar Recording

It’s been half a century since Hurricane Agnes caused widespread devastation in our region but there are still many lessons to be learned from the impacts of the storm and the emergency response. During this webinar, panelist David DeCosmo, a former WYOU news broadcaster who was appointed to be the Luzerne County Civil Defense Public Information Officer during the storm, described his experience working as part of the response efforts and communicating with the public. FEMA Region 3 Hurricane Program Manager Mike Bilder accompanied David to provide insight into the immediate impacts of Agnes and how this storm compares to others we have experienced more recently.

 

We all have a role to play as we prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, and reflecting on Agnes now will help us be more prepared for the future. Visit Hurricanes | Ready.gov and Floods | Ready.gov to learn more about your risk and act today.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 07/01/2022 - 16:45

FEMA Awards Funds for Spring Creek and Chateau Wildfire Response

DENVER – FEMA has awarded $2.3 million to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (CDFPC) to cover costs of fighting the Spring Creek and Chateau wildfires that impacted portions of Colorado in late June of 2018. The funds are provided by FEMA’s Public Assistance program under Fire Management Assistance declarations for Colorado issued on June 28 and 30, 2018, in response to the wildfires.

• The Spring Creek wildfire began in Costilla and Huerfano counties on June 27, 2018. The fire burned 108,000 acres and destroyed 140 buildings.  The FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Spring Creek wildfire reimburses CDFPC $1.02 million in costs incurred to fight the wildfire including the cost of firefighters, EMTs, communications technicians, firefighting equipment, and helicopters.
• The Chateau wildfire began on June 29, 2018, in Teller County burning over 1,400 acres and destroying eight homes.  FEMA awarded CDFPC $1.3 million in Fire Management Assistance Grant funds to cover the cost of fire suppression activities including the cost of providing firefighting personnel, air tankers, helicopters, and equipment.

The FEMA grants represent the 75 percent federal cost share made available under the Fire Management Assistance Grant declarations.

For more information on FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grants, visit  https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details.  Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

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jamie.casterton Tue, 06/28/2022 - 20:03

FEMA and Audacy’s WWL Radio Unveil New Emergency Broadcast Studio

NEW ORLEANS -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with Audacy, today announced it has completed an important emergency radio broadcast facility modernization project at Audacy’s WWL AM/FM in New Orleans to improve critical alert and warning capabilities when disasters threaten public safety.

The WWL facility serves as a Primary Entry Point (PEP) station, the only one in Louisiana, for FEMA’s National Public Warning System (NPWS), maintained under FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), and provides critical information to the public before, during and after incidents and disasters.

Under the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act enacted in 2015, Congress required FEMA to upgrade PEP stations across the country to ensure continuity of terrestrial broadcast services under all hazards. PEP stations are specially designated NPWS broadcast stations that serve as the primary intake source of initial broadcasts for a national alert. FEMA equips these stations, which are operated by local station personnel, with backup communications equipment and power generators that enable them to continue broadcasting information to the public during and after an emergency, including conveying official alerts to communities regionally and nationwide. These free-standing emergency studios, located at the radio transmitter sites, are specially designed and hardened to withstand various natural disasters and acts of terrorism. Currently, there are 77 PEP stations that reach more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, helping ensure that the President can alert and warn the public under all conditions.

WWL is one of 15 PEP stations around the country to complete the all-hazards upgrade. The modernization to the emergency studio includes increased sheltering capabilities, expanded broadcast capacity, and sustainable power generation for all types of hazardous events, increasing WWL’s resiliency to continue broadcasting during emergencies. 

“In coordination with our partners at Audacy, we’ve strengthened WWL’s ability to communicate critical safety information to the public when they need it,” FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks said. “When other communication methods are degraded during an emergency, a battery-powered or car radio can still receive a signal. FEMA is proud of our longstanding partnership with broadcasters across the nation, who share our mission of helping people before, during and after disasters.”

“WWL has served the people of New Orleans in critical moments for over 100 years, and this new facility speaks volumes to the significance of our station throughout the region,” said Kevin Cassidy, Senior Vice President, Audacy New Orleans. “This facility provides yet another lifeline for the community, and we’re proud to have teamed up with FEMA to ensure our community is informed in the event of a disaster.”

For more information about IPAWS or the PEP modernization effort, go to FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/broadcasters-wireless. To learn more about Audacy’s WWL, visit https://www.audacy.com/wwl.

Carmen.Castro Tue, 06/28/2022 - 19:07