Federal Help for New York Nears Half a Billion Dollars Three Months After Ida

NEW YORK – In the three months since Hurricane Ida struck New York, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Flood Insurance Program have approved nearly half a billion dollars to help New Yorkers recover and rebuild.

Close to 36,000 New Yorkers from the Bronx, Brooklyn (Kings County), Queens, Staten Island (Richmond County), Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties have been approved for FEMA disaster assistance since the Sept. 5 major disaster declaration.

As of Dec. 8. FEMA approved $173.3 million for housing and other essential storm-related needs under the Individual Assistance program. Included in that total was $156.5 million approved for Housing Assistance and $16.7 million approved under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program.

The Housing Assistance program provides financial assistance to eligible survivors for temporary housing, rental assistance, home repair and replacement. The Other Needs program provides financial assistance to eligible survivors for medical and dental expenses, childcare, moving and storage expenses, and other disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs.

FEMA disaster grants are not considered taxable income. Accepting a FEMA grant does not affect an applicant’s Social Security benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other federal assistance programs.

In the last 90 days, the Small Business Administration has approved 3,676 home and business loans for a total of $177.7 million for Hurricane Ida survivors. SBA’s low-interest disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery assistance available to homeowners, renters, businesses and small nonprofits.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid more than $93.5 million to New Yorkers to close 2,753 claims for flood damage caused when Hurricane Ida struck New York Sept. 1-3.

With flooding becoming more common when storms strike, elevating a furnace or water heater may help reduce flood damage. FEMA may provide funds to eligible homeowners to elevate a destroyed furnace or water heater on a framed platform. Before elevating a furnace or water heater, homeowners should check with their local utility company to find out whether any requirements would limit elevation of these items.

Funds may also be available to elevate or relocate electrical panels. Again, homeowners should check with their utility company before elevating or relocating their electrical panel.

Residents of the Bronx, Brooklyn (Kings County), Queens, Staten Island (Richmond County), Dutchess, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties have until Tuesday, Jan. 4, to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program and SBA loans. Residents of Orange County, which was recently added to the federal disaster declaration, have until Monday, Jan. 31, to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program and SBA loans. New Yorkers who have already applied for federal assistance for Hurricane Ida need not apply again.

To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

Applying for an SBA loan assures that all available disaster assistance options remain open to you. If you are not eligible for an SBA loan, this may open the door to additional assistance from FEMA.

Applicants may apply online using SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800-877-8339. For more information, email DisasterCustomerService@SBA.gov.

For official information on New York’s recovery effort, visit fema.gov/disaster/4615. Follow FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion2  and at facebook.com/fema.

dalilah.garcia Thu, 12/09/2021 - 23:24

FEMA Releases New Strategic Plan

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell released the agency’s “2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan” today, outlining a bold vision and three ambitious goals designed to address key challenges the agency faces during a pivotal moment in the field of emergency management.

The goals are to instill equity as a foundation of emergency management, lead the whole of community in climate resilience and promote and sustain a ready FEMA and prepared nation. These goals position FEMA to address the increasing range and complexity of disasters, support the diversity of communities we serve and complement the nation’s growing expectations of the emergency management community.

2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan

“I am proud to share the 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan, and I am confident it will serve as a comprehensive and powerful guide as we navigate the next five years as an agency,” said Administrator Criswell. “We will remain focused on increasing equity in our programs and policies, leading resilience in a changing climate and strengthening the emergency management workforce to better serve the nation before, during and after disasters.”

The plan was developed with input from more than 1,000 FEMA employees and over 400 external partners, including 50 tribal nations, who provided their perspectives to help shape FEMA and guide engagements with our partners as we drive toward a more equitable, resilient and sustainable future for our workforce and nation. The Strategic Plan puts people first -- both those who work at the agency and those we serve -- to ensure the agency is meeting the needs of communities and our nation.

Below is additional information on the plan’s three overarching goals the agency will pursue over the next few years:

Goal 1: Instill Equity as a Foundation of Emergency Management

The importance of equity in emergency management is not a new concept. We know that historically underserved communities experience differences in preparedness and mitigation measures as well as how quickly their communities can resume social and economic life after a disaster. Moving forward, FEMA will integrate equity as a foundation of our culture through transformational change within our workforce, across our policies and programs, and throughout the emergency management community. The agency will direct resources, ensure informed decision making and routinely evaluate our program and policies to help eliminate disparities in access and outcomes.

Goal 2: Lead Whole of Community in Climate Resilience

Climate change represents a profound crisis for our nation. It is causing more frequent, more intense and more destructive natural disasters. We realize that when communities and individuals are climate literate, they are better positioned to take the necessary steps to apply that knowledge and build more resilient communities. FEMA will lead the way toward increasing climate literacy within the emergency management community, helping to build a foundational understanding of climate science and the impacts of climate change. FEMA is also committed to increasing climate investments across the nation to ensure we are leveraging our grant programs to target investments, enabling communities to directly address their own threats from climate change.

Goal 3: Promote and Sustain a Ready FEMA and Prepared Nation

As disasters have become more frequent, severe and complex, the demands placed on emergency managers continue to increase. FEMA will lead the effort to advance the emergency management profession by supporting curriculum for comprehensive training, education and professional development, accessible to our whole community partners. This ensures we are transforming our training programs to a community-based approach and making that training available to students wherever they are in the nation.

FEMA will be engaging with stakeholders and partners across the nation in 2022 to discuss how we can work together to achieve these goals. You can find additional information about the plan by visiting the “2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan” page on fema.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 12/09/2021 - 15:45

FEMA-funded Repairs to Critical Water Services to Benefit Thousands

The multimillion-dollar obligation is for wastewater treatment plants at the eastern side of the island

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated over $7.2 million to the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) for repairs to wastewater treatment and water pumping facilities in Humacao and Las Piedras.

These projects ensure critical services for over 55,000 residents of Humacao, Las Piedras and Naguabo. The funds were awarded through FEMA’s Accelerated Award Strategy, known as FAASt, which allows critical infrastructure projects to be grouped together, resulting a streamlined review.

“As the year 2021 ends, we’re proud to announce that we have approved funding for projects that aim to improve the quality of life for our people. These plants will ensure that potable water is available to residents in accordance with the strictest parameters of safety and hygiene,” said FEMA’s Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator in Puerto Rico, José G. Baquero.

Of the funds, over $6.6 million are earmarked for the Humacao Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Río Abajo to repair and upgrade water treatment tanks and drying beds- areas that are critical to the sanitation process. Through a technical procedure, this facility built in 1990 ensures that bacteria and other organic matter is removed from domestic sanitary wastewater before it is released, as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Water Act.

“The La Sabana project in Las Piedras is scheduled to begin construction in January 2022. While the project in Humacao was announced to go into auction and construction is expected to begin during the third trimester of 2022. I thank PRASA’s Infrastructure team for their commitment to finalize the projects that are part of our vision in terms of the improvements across the Island. Likewise, the teams at FEMA and COR3 for the support to manage these priority projects for PRASA,” said PRASA’s President, Doriel Pagán Crespo.

Furthermore, nearly $588,000 will go towards La Sabana Wastewater Pump Station, a facility that serves close to 5,000 families in the Las Piedras municipality. It supplies water to residents of Barrio Collores and other nearby neighborhoods. Upgrades to this facility include installing a new water pump and all necessary infrastructure for potable water distribution to surrounding communities.

On his part, the executive director of the Central Office for the Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3) for Puerto Rico, engineer Manuel A. Laboy Rivera said that PRASA’s proactive leadership has allowed for the advancement of the reconstruction projects that will improve the quality of the services offered to its subscribers. “This new obligation is an addition to the development of 160 projects that represent an investment of $1.8 billion. We will continue working alongside FEMA to advise the representatives of this public corporation on the technical processes needed to speed the execution of these permanent works,” he added.

For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane María, please visit fema.gov/es/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow our social media pages at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr

 

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 12/09/2021 - 11:43

Deadline to Register for FEMA Assistance Extended to Jan. 10

HARRISBURG, Pa. – FEMA has approved a request from the Commonwealth to allow extra time for residents to register for assistance for damage caused by the Remnants of Hurricane Ida between Aug. 31 and Sept. 5.

Homeowners and renters who sustained damage to their property, that wasn’t covered by insurance, in Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and York counties now have until Jan. 10, 2022 to register for disaster assistance.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration:

• Social Security number
• Address of the damaged primary residence
• Insurance coverage information
• Current telephone number and mailing address
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

Those who suffered loss or damage may register with FEMA in any of the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download the FEMA app to your smartphone from Google Play or the Apple App store.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Help is available in most languages.

Assistance from FEMA may include:

• Funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs
• Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence, including repair or replacement of furnaces, hot water heaters, HVAC, and privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges
• Funds for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles
• Funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, childcare, and other miscellaneous items may also be available

Survivors should keep their contact information updated because FEMA may need to reach them to perform a home inspection or get additional information. FEMA encourages survivors to request direct deposit of disaster assistance to their financial institution. Survivors should let FEMA know as soon as possible of any changes to their mailing or banking information.

Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

For updates on the Pennsylvania response and recovery, follow the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on Twitter twitter.com/PEMAHQ and Facebook https://m.facebook.com/PEMAHQ/. Additional information is available at fema.gov/disaster/4618.

valerie.amato Wed, 12/08/2021 - 23:13

Two FEMA Recovery Centers to Open in New Haven County

Hartford, Conn.– For Connecticut survivors of Hurricane Ida, there is still time to get face-to-face help from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) will open this week in Milford and New Haven to help Connecticut residents affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.  

Representatives from FEMA and the SBA are available at the center to help survivors apply for disaster assistance, explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about FEMA letters and the appeals process and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

The first DRC, will open at 8 a.m., Friday Dec. 10, and is located at:

• New Haven Fire Academy, 230 Ella T. Grasso Blvd., New Haven, CT 06519

The second DRC, will open at 10 a.m., Saturday Dec. 11, and is located at:

• Old Department of Probation Building, 1 Darina Place, Milford, CT 06460

Regular hours of operation for both locations will be: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and Closed Sunday. Until further notice.

DRCs are accessible for individuals with disabilities and have on-site communication accessibility tools like amplified listening devices and Video Remote Interpreting. Additional accommodations can be made upon arrival. ASL interpreters and multilingual services will be available upon request.

Individuals in Fairfield, New Haven and New London Counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance. FEMA is working with state officials to open further centers throughout declared counties.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. In addition to visiting a DRC, Connecticut residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov; via the FEMA app; or by calling the Disaster Assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, 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.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration: Social Security number; address of the damaged primary residence; insurance coverage information; current telephone number and mailing address; and bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

To help alleviate the risk of COVID-19 being spread through person-to-person contact, wearing a mask or face covering is required to gain entry. Hand sanitizer is available to survivors and staff.

Workstations are spaced six feet apart to provide an extra level of protection for survivors and staff.

FEMA ensures that common areas are cleaned regularly, and workstations are sanitized after each visitor.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover from the effects of the event.

adrien.urbani Wed, 12/08/2021 - 22:03

Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Closing in Fairfield County

HARTFORD, Conn. – Two Disaster Recovery Centers will be closing this week in Fairfield County. While these sites will be closing help is still available, FEMA specialists are still just a phone call or mouse click away.

Two DRCs in Fairfield County will permanently close Friday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.

• Darien: Noroton Heights Fire Dept. 209 Noroton Ave., Darien, CT 06820
• Greenwich: Glenville Fire Station, 266 Glenville Rd., Greenwich, CT 06831

Face-to-face assistance is still available at Harry Bennett Branch of the Ferguson Library, 115 Vine Rd., Stamford, CT 06905 until further notice.

Survivors can also find their nearest DRC online at fema.gov/drc, or text DRC to 43362. Standard message and data rates apply.

Help is Still Available

Disaster survivors can still access disaster information and assistance the following ways: online at DisasterAssistance.gov; by calling 800-621-3362; (TTY:800-462-7585); or download the FEMA app available for smart phones. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, 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. Multilingual operators are available.

adrien.urbani Wed, 12/08/2021 - 19:33

FEMA, SBA Applications Deadline Looms

PEARL, Miss. – Mississippi homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofits in Amite, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson counties who had property damage or other uninsured losses caused by Hurricane Ida have less than two weeks left to apply for federal disaster assistance.

The deadline is Dec. 22.

If you live in one of the eight counties included in the Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance, you can apply for help, update your contact information, ask questions about a letter from FEMA, get information about FEMA home inspections, or learn how to appeal a FEMA decision by:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or 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. Multilingual operators are on duty seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST.

You should have the following information available to apply:

• Address of the primary dwelling where damage occurred;
• Your current mailing address, telephone number and Social Security number;
• Your insurance information;
• Total annual household annual income;
• Routing and account numbers for checking or savings accounts for direct deposit; and
• A description of disaster damage and losses.

Applicants should mention any access or functional needs they may have when applying. FEMA can provide American Sign Language and multiple language interpreters, real-time captioning and information in alternate formats such as Braille, large-print, audio and electronic versions. The agency also provides free services to help survivors communicate with its staff and understand FEMA programs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and private nonprofits, including houses of worship, to repair/replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets.

Apply for an SBA loan online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or call SBA at (800) 659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. That deadline is Dec. 22 as well.

For the latest on the recovery effort following Hurricane Ida, please visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4626. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion4 and www.facebook.com/fema.

ricardo.zuniga Wed, 12/08/2021 - 19:28

FEMA Awards $3.9 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $3,904,527 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for administrative costs and emergency response following Hurricane Irma in 2017. ­

The FEMA Public Assistance program grants include:   

• Florida Department of Corrections: $1,458,569 for the administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other expenses after the storm.

• The City of Delray Beach: $1,395,121 for emergency protective measures it implemented to protect life and property, including emergency sewage pumping due to power outages, emergency medical care and support, safety inspections at city properties, sandbagging at the police station and the purchase of generators.

• Volusia County: $1,050,837 for the administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other expenses after the storm

The program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with subrecipients such as local and county governments.

                                                                      ###

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

Nadine.Jones Wed, 12/08/2021 - 17:44

How to Reduce Disaster Damage to Homes in the Future

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Many Tennesseans are in the process of repairing and rebuilding from damage caused by Aug. 21 storms and flooding. FEMA mitigation experts encourage residents in the areas affected by the disaster to make some fairly simple changes to their homes to reduce damage from future severe storms.

"It is safer, cheaper, and ultimately much easier to limit future destruction than to repair it afterward," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Myra. Shird. "And, the rebuilding phase of a disaster is the ideal time to consider ways to strengthen your home to protect people and property.”

Some techniques require licensed building professionals for design and installation. Others can be implemented by do-it-yourself methods and don’t require permits. Homeowners are advised to check with their local building officials about their plans before undertaking any improvements.

Protect against flood damage

Contact local emergency management officials to find out what kind of floodplain your property may be located in to make changes that reduce a flood’s ability to damage a home.

• When building new construction, it is important to have the structure properly anchored to the foundation to prevent the home from being swept away.
• Raise Electrical Boxes, Major Appliances, and HVAC components at least one-foot above the 100-year flood level.
  • Circuit Breaker Boxes - Short circuits in flooded systems pose a significant fire danger. The likelihood of a flooded electrical system can be reduced by raising all electrical components.
  • Appliances - Washers and dryers can be elevated with pressure-treated lumber, or moved to a higher floor; and
  • HVAC - Exterior HVAC equipment should be elevated by a professional contractor.

• Anchor fuel tanks - When floodwaters move an unanchored tank, the supply line may tear. Additionally, filling and ventilation tubes need to be above flood level so that water cannot get inside the tank. Anchor inside and outside tanks with properly sized ground anchors.

For safety's sake, consult local officials and building professionals about the best methods for anchoring fuel tanks.

• Install sewer backflow valves - Flooding can cause sewer lines to back up into houses through drainpipes. Backflow valves are designed to block drainpipes temporarily and prevent flow into the house. Have a licensed plumber or contractor install the valves.  
• Buy Flood Insurance: Understanding your flood risk allows you to make informed decisions about protecting your family and property. Flood damage is not usually covered in homeowner multi-peril insurance policies. The most common way to insure against flood damage to your home and contents is with a separate flood insurance policy. You can learn more about flood insurance coverage and costs at https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program.

Reinforce Vulnerable Areas to Minimize Wind Damage

High winds are looking for cracks to penetrate a home, because once high winds get in even through what may seem to be small openings, they can do tremendous damage. Here are tips from FEMA experts on methods to limit high wind’s ability to trespass into a home.

• Strengthen Entry Doors and Windows - Install storm shutters over all exposed windows and glass surfaces. If replacing an entry door, use an approved, impact-tested door and install a dead bolt lock long enough to penetrate the 2X4 framing of the door. Also ensure the strike plate is installed with screws long enough to penetrate the door frame.
• Fortify garage doors – Once wind gets through a garage door it can do tremendous damage to the whole house. A garage door can be reinforced by adding braces across the back of the door and by strengthening the glider wheel tracks. Modifications should usually be made by a garage door expert. Consider purchasing a garage door built to withstand high winds.
• Brace Gable End Walls - Anchor and brace the bottom of the gable end's triangular wall to the ceiling joists or ceiling framing. Strengthen the gable end wall studs and brace the top of the gable end wall by tying it to the rafters or tops of the trusses.
• Keep Outdoor Gear from Becoming Windborne Missiles - Securely anchor all storage sheds and other outbuildings, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors. Bolt outdoor furniture and barbecue grills to decks or patios, attach them to ground anchors with cables or chains. Secure trash cans with cables or chains attached to ground anchors or to wood posts firmly embedded in the ground.
• Trees and Landscaping Tips – It is estimated that three-quarters of the damage done by trees in high winds could be avoided if trees had been properly cared for starting with planting. Plant trees at the correct depth by making sure the roots are at the soil surface. Trees planted too deep could snap off at the stem-girdled point during forceful winds. Avoid wounding trees by banging them with a lawn mower or cutting them with a weed trimmer. Wounds lead to decay, a condition that leads to storm-damaged trees. Prune trees to correct defects such as multiple leaders and weak branch attachments.

There is much more to know about strengthening a home and many resources on the FEMA.gov and Ready.gov websites. The fact sheet, Mitigation for Homeowners (fema.gov).

For more information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit www.tn.gov/tema.html and www.fema.gov/disaster/4609. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.

felicia.jordan Wed, 12/08/2021 - 16:08

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell Statement On Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks Confirmation

WASHINGTON -- Erik Hooks admirably served the state of North Carolina as its head of Public Safety during a most challenging period, through natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, and I look forward to welcoming him to FEMA. I am thrilled to have him join the agency’s leadership team, as I am confident he will greatly contribute to our mission of helping communities before, during and after disasters. His experience and background will build on our efforts to infuse equity across our agency, advance our nation’s emergency management and readiness and address the growing threat of climate change. Mr. Hooks is a proven leader with a long and distinguished career and offers an invaluable perspective to FEMA’s work.

zella.campbell Tue, 12/07/2021 - 23:32

FEMA, Ad Council Release New PSAs in Collaboration with Sony Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife'

WASHINGTON -- FEMA’s Ready Campaign and the Ad Council joined with Sony Pictures and their new film, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” to promote the critical message of emergency preparedness.

“We recently launched this new partnership to help remind communities whether it’s a ghost encounter or a natural disaster, it helps to be prepared,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Make sure you're ready for emergencies, from specters to wildfires, by visiting Ready.gov/Plan.”

In “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. In celebration of the film’s theatrical release on Nov. 18, Sony Pictures developed public service advertisements (PSAs) with film footage for the Ready Campaign.

The PSA video and promotional posters feature the film’s cast in key movie scenes depicting what families should do now to prepare for disasters with the theme, “Ghosts don’t plan ahead, but you can. Make your emergency plan.”

Beginning this month, the TV PSAs will air in donated media throughout the country. Networks can download advertisements from the Ad Council’s website. The PSA video is also available to view on https://www.ready.gov/videos. As part of the promotion, @Readygov twitter account and the Ready Facebook page will be using the PSAs to encourage the public to get prepared for emergencies.

FEMA’s Ready Campaign launched in 2003 as a national public service campaign to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Ready, and its Spanish language version Listo, ask individuals to Make a Plan that includes:

1. Signing up for local weather and emergency alerts
2. Knowing your evacuation routes
3. Deciding on a safe emergency meeting location

The new PSAs are an extension of FEMA and the Ad Council’s partnership, which has helped to generate more than 100 million unique visitors to the campaign’s website Ready.gov and Listo.gov since its launch in 2003.

For more information on what to do before, during or after emergencies, visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 12/07/2021 - 20:09

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance State by State Breakdown

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided over $1.47 billion to nearly 226,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

Eligibility determinations are not driven by state/location; instead, they are based on when the applicant submits all required documentation.

“Applications” in the below chart 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

8,683

$35,021,902

5,117

ALASKA

261

$727,623

137

AMERICAN SAMOA

Less than 10

$22,968

Less than 10

ARIZONA

5,831

$18,595,839

3,680

ARKANSAS

3,843

$15,666,242

2,475

CALIFORNIA

32,592

$141,590,588

21,907

COLORADO

2,901

$9,782,077

1,739

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

Less than 10

$10,894

Less than 10

CONNECTICUT

3,538

$18,558,653

2,698

DELAWARE

1,010

$4,497,483

715

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

596

$2,585,026

376

FLORIDA

25,424

$83,986,665

14,912

GEORGIA

14,791

$59,707,678

8,653

GUAM

24

$79,952

11

HAWAII

457

$1,348,459

236

IDAHO

1,098

$3,222,349

562

ILLINOIS

13,304

$63,574,009

9,317

INDIANA

6,286

$27,419,062

3,939

IOWA

2,910

$14,904,137

2,078

KANSAS

2,869

$12,740,495

1,958

KENTUCKY

5,792

$22,529,992

3,135

LOUISIANA

6,816

$29,759,432

4,338

MAINE

508

$1,704,297

311

MARYLAND

6,110

$29,042,677

4,324

MASSACHUSETTS

6,021

$30,405,464

4,388

MICHIGAN

11,014

$46,338,708

7,623

MINNESOTA

3,314

$16,281,076

2,394

MISSISSIPPI

5,757

$23,806,988

3,525

MISSOURI

6,725

$27,587,860

4,384

MONTANA

813

$2,294,995

447

NEBRASKA

1,440

$7,225,921

1,036

NEVADA

3,107

$10,128,431

1,840

NEW HAMPSHIRE

757

$3,345,241

546

NEW JERSEY

12,477

$61,666,779

8,977

NEW MEXICO

1,896

$6,180,728

1,199

NEW YORK

27,236

$131,234,179

19,142

NORTH CAROLINA

11,455

$49,256,871

7,476

NORTH DAKOTA

797

$4,436,916

600

OHIO

12,495

$52,290,676

8,093

OKLAHOMA

5,385

$20,996,013

3,290

OREGON

1,469

$3,853,211

770

PENNSYLVANIA

14,809

$68,207,284

10,384

PUERTO RICO

1,554

$3,360,433

907

RHODE ISLAND

1,210

$6,147,586

900

SOUTH CAROLINA

8,015

$33,109,830

4,797

SOUTH DAKOTA

809

$4,280,344

588

TENNESSEE

9,944

$39,426,007

5,702

TEXAS

33,850

$141,429,983

21,701

U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

46

$180,364

28

UTAH

1,507

$6,688,732

951

VERMONT

162

$704,283

123

VIRGINIA

7,625

$32,118,955

4,853

WASHINGTON

2,745

$8,638,505

1,563

WEST VIRGINIA

2,237

$8,215,763

1,212

WISCONSIN

5,180

$23,341,488

3,585

WYOMING

467

$1,574,622

277

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. EST today.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, 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 Mon, 12/06/2021 - 21:08

FEMA Recovery Center Opens in Stamford

Hartford, Conn.– A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Stamford (Fairfield County) opens at 8 a.m. Dec. 7, to help Connecticut residents affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.  

Representatives from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available at the center to help survivors apply for disaster assistance, explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about FEMA letters and the appeals process and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

The DRC is located at: Harry Bennett Branch of the Ferguson Library, 115 Vine Rd., Stamford, CT 06905.        

• Hours for the Stamford location are: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and Closed Sunday.

DRCs are accessible for individuals with disabilities and have on-site communication accessibility tools like amplified listening devices and Video Remote Interpreting. Additional accommodations can be made upon arrival. ASL interpreters and multilingual services will be available upon request.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. In addition to visiting a DRC, Connecticut residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov; via the FEMA app; or by calling the Disaster Assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, 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. The deadline to apply for federal assistance is Dec. 29.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration: Social Security number; address of the damaged primary residence; insurance coverage information; current telephone number and mailing address; and bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

To help alleviate the risk of COVID-19 being spread through person-to-person contact, wearing a mask or face covering is required to gain entry. Hand sanitizer is available to survivors and staff.

Workstations are spaced six feet apart to provide an extra level of protection for survivors and staff.

FEMA ensures that common areas are cleaned regularly, and workstations are sanitized after each visitor.

Individuals in Fairfield, New Haven and New London Counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance. FEMA is working with state officials to open further centers throughout declared counties.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover

adrien.urbani Mon, 12/06/2021 - 20:36

One Week Left to Register for FEMA Assistance

HARRISBURG, PA – Homeowners and renters who have uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from the Remnants of Hurricane Ida in Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and York counties have only one week left to apply for disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Dec. 10.

There are several ways to register:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.  
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).  
• Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), also available at Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Assistance from FEMA may include funds for:

• Temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs
• Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges
• Disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care and other miscellaneous items.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration:

• Social Security number
• Address of the damaged primary residence
• Insurance coverage information
• Current telephone number and mailing address
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

Survivors should keep their contact information updated with FEMA because they may need to reach them to perform a home inspection or get additional information. For faster reimbursement, FEMA encourages survivors to request direct deposits of disaster assistance to their financial institution. Survivors should let FEMA know as soon as possible of any changes to their mailing or banking information.

Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

For updates on the Pennsylvania response and recovery, follow the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on Twitter twitter.com/PEMAHQ and Facebook https://m.facebook.com/PEMAHQ/. Additional information is available at fema.gov/disaster/4618.

valerie.amato Fri, 12/03/2021 - 20:13

Connecticut Hurricane Ida – Federal Aid Tops $26 Million, Survivors Still Have Time to Apply with FEMA

HARTFORD, Conn. – With less than one month remaining for Connecticut disaster survivors to apply for federal assistance, more than $26.2 million in federal grants, loans and flood insurance program claims has been approved for residents and businesses to help them recover from damage and losses caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida.

Fairfield, New Haven and New London county homeowners and renters affected by Ida are eligible to apply with FEMA.

As of Dec. 2, FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program has provided more than $4.7 million in federal grants. This amount includes more than $4.4 million in individual assistance for temporary housing and rental and home repair or replacement and $240,645 in other needs assistance (ONA) which can help pay for disaster damaged personal property, transportation, and moving and storage expenses.

Those who have uninsured or underinsured losses can apply with FEMA in one of three ways: online at disasterassistance.gov, via the FEMA app, or call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, 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. Multilingual operators are available.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Next to insurance, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are the primary source of funds for Connecticut disaster survivors to make property repairs and replace personal property destroyed by Hurricane Ida.

As of Dec. 2, More than $5.9 million in SBA disaster loans have been approved to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from remnants of Hurricane Ida.

For more information, or to apply for a loan contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

The NFIP provides flood insurance to property owners, renters and businesses to help them recover faster when floodwaters recede.

As of Nov. 30, NFIP has approved 658 flood insurance claims, and has paid more than $15.6 million to policy holders. The program allows property owners in communities that participate in NFIP to purchase flood insurance administered by the federal government.

Connecticut residents and businesses can purchase flood insurance, by calling their insurance company or insurance agent, the same person who provides their home or auto insurance. Insurance providers can also be found online at FloodSmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider or by calling the NFIP at 877-336-2627.

adrien.urbani Fri, 12/03/2021 - 17:44

FEMA Registration Deadline Extended to Jan. 5; FEMA Centers in Essex and Union Counties to Remain Open

TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey residents will have more time to register for assistance and visit FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers. The deadline for New Jersey homeowners and renters to apply for FEMA individual assistance for damage and losses from the remnants of Hurricane Ida has been extended to Jan. 5, 2022.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Essex and Union counties will remain open until further notice. It was previously announced that the centers would permanently close Dec. 4.

The extension provides more time for survivors living in counties designated for individual assistance including: Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Disaster Recovery Center locations

Essex County: Kmart (Co-located with a Vaccination Center) 235 Prospect Ave., #9413, West Orange, N.J., 07052.

Union County: O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Community Center, 618 Salem Ave., Elizabeth, N.J., 07208.

Hours at both centers are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Register for FEMA Assistance

Survivors can also apply for disaster assistance in the following ways:

• The most convenient is by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) or apply via the FEMA app. The toll-free telephone lines are operating from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET, 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. Multilingual operators are available.
• Visit a DRC nearest you.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4614. Follow the FEMA Region 2 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMAregion2. 

amir.nijem Fri, 12/03/2021 - 15:08

Continued Rental Assistance

Harrisburg, PA – Survivors of Hurricane Ida who live in designated counties in Pennsylvania and received initial rental assistance from FEMA may be eligible for continued rental assistance.

To be eligible to apply, survivors must meet the following conditions:

• They were awarded initial rental assistance and used it as intended. The initial award covered two months.  
• They are unable to return to their pre-disaster residence because it is uninhabitable, cannot be accessed or is not available due to Hurricane Ida.  
• They cannot pay for housing without assistance.  
• They are not receiving temporary housing help from any other source.  
• They are developing a longer-term or permanent housing plan or can demonstrate progress toward one.

Survivors applying for continued assistance must complete an Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance. To request this form, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

• Applicants should submit the following documents with the completed application: Pre- and post-disaster income for household members 18 and older.  
• Proof of pre-disaster housing costs (copy of lease and utility bills, renter’s insurance, mortgage statements, real estate taxes, home insurance, etc.)  
• Proof of post-disaster housing costs (copy of current lease or rental agreement signed by the applicant and the landlord).

The application form and supporting documents should be returned to FEMA in one of the following ways:

• Upload them to your disaster account at DisasterAssistance.gov.  
• Mail them to FEMA, PO Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.  
• Fax them to 800-827-8112.

FEMA will evaluate the request to determine if the applicant is eligible. It is important for applicants to keep FEMA updated with their contact information and housing status.

valerie.amato Thu, 12/02/2021 - 20:20

Survivors in New Haven County Can Now Apply for FEMA Assistance

Hartford, Conn.– At the request of the State of Connecticut, FEMA has designated New Haven County for Individual Assistance. The county will now join the previously designated counties of Fairfield and New London.

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Disaster assistance may include financial help for disaster related home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover from remnants of Hurricane Ida.

Help is Still Available! Apply with FEMA Today

The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

•     A current phone number where you can be contacted
•     Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
•     Your Social Security number, if available
•     A general list of damage and losses
•     If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

Disaster survivors can also access disaster information and assistance the following ways: by calling 800-621-3362; (TTY:800-462-7585); or download the FEMA app available for smart phones. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, 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. Multilingual operators are available.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance with FEMA is Dec. 29.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/02/2021 - 18:50

FEMA is Hiring - Join Hurricane Ida Recovery Team

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has an immediate need to employ residents of Louisiana as temporary local hires to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts. Local hire employees are local residents who aid in the recovery of the community and help their fellow citizens in the recovery process. Apply for this exciting opportunity!

Do you like working outside ensuring materials get to where they are needed? Do you like to make sure work projects are being completed to specifications? Maybe you prefer inside administrative work to ensure residents are being helped. There are various jobs available to aid with community recovery needs, mostly in Baton Rouge, that may match your skill set.

Search through current FEMA positions on USAJobs.gov (updated daily).

Most temporary local hires are employed through a streamlined hiring process. A local hire’s term of employment is 120 days, though it may be extended in 120-day increments. Visit the link above for additional information, including job responsibilities and compensation.

FEMA is an equal opportunity employer. Salaries are comparable to local pay rates.

Conditions of Employment:

• You must be a U.S. citizen to be considered for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after Dec. 31, 1959.
• Review job announcements for additional conditions of employment.

To see other FEMA career postings, visit fema.gov/careers.

kiarash.ghiam Thu, 12/02/2021 - 15:05

FEMA Assistance to Revitalize Plazas in Puerto Rico

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Luquillo, Fajardo and Naguabo are the most recent municipalities to join the over 67 recreational plazas that will be transformed with $9.7 million. This approval of federal funds by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be used to repair damage caused by Hurricane María and will include hazard mitigation measures for future disasters.

Some of the town squares include the Luquillo Market Plaza, the Fajardo Market Plaza and the Naguabo Recreational Plaza. The reconstruction projects approved by FEMA include the protection and improvement of environmental, historic and cultural resources, where the Agency's Environmental and Historic Preservation Division is involved.

According to FEMA's Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator in Puerto Rico, José G. Baquero, Puerto Rico’s recovery process impacts several sectors, including the recreational facilities and the ones that promote the municipalities’ economic, historic and cultural development.

"The plazas are places for gathering and transit. They also promote the economic activity of small businesses, where historic buildings of great cultural value are still preserved. All these qualities make their recovery one of our priorities," added Baquero.

For local entrepreneurs like Linette Reyes López, who has been selling commercial pool maintenance products at the Luquillo Market Plaza since 2016, these funds represent an economic rebound and better quality for their products and services.

Reyes stated that these funds will benefit the local merchants and customers who visit the plaza. "The improvements will impact my business in a positive way. These are necessary repairs so that all areas of the building can operate at their best and be of great benefit to merchants and customers," explained Reyes.

Meanwhile, the Fajardo Market Plaza has already begun its remodeling. The historic structure’s design maintained its façade that dates to the 20th Century. FEMA allocated nearly $98,000 for improvements that will rehabilitate the space to its pre-disaster conditions.

The market trader José Manuel Ríos has been selling fruits and vegetables in this plaza for 28 years. This businessowner contributes directly to the local harvest, as he works with local farmers to offer a variety of fresh produce.

"The plaza had to close due to the devastation caused by Hurricane María. We hope that with these renovations we can expand the business and capture a new audience. Our interest is also to teach young people about harvesting," he said.

Likewise, the Naguabo Recreational Plaza, the second largest plaza in Puerto Rico, will receive nearly $48,000 to restore its facilities to their pre-hurricane design, function and capacity. Surrounded by lush trees, this colorful plaza features five water fountains and several historical monuments including the town's first Catholic Church and the statue of one of Puerto Rico's first comedians, Ramón Rivero (Diplo).

Meanwhile, at Ponce’s historic Isabel II Merchant Plaza, they will be able to replace the roof’s panels, air conditioners, glass, columns, theater seats, elevators and more, thanks to an allocation of $1.3 million.

For his part, the Executive Director for the Central Office for the Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), the engineer Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, stated that COR3 will continue collaborating with technical matters related to the development of these projects. “Through this reconstruction process, the merchant and recreation plazas’ structures are strengthened and modernized to give resiliency to these important and necessary spaces to local merchants, consumers and those citizens attracted by the cultural daily tasks,” added Laboy Rivera.

For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane María, please visit fema.gov/es/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow our social media pages at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr

 

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 12/02/2021 - 11:12