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

FEMA Recovery Center Opens Tomorrow in Darien

Hartford, Conn.– A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Darien (Fairfield County) will open at 8 a.m. Dec. 2, 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: Noroton Heights Fire Dept. 209 Noroton Ave., Darien, CT 06820

• Hours for the Darien location are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 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 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 from the effects of the event.

adrien.urbani Wed, 12/01/2021 - 19:50

FEMA Approves $1.6 Million Grant for City of Marianna

PENSACOLA, Fla. — FEMA has approved a hazard mitigation grant of $1,612,448 for the city of Marianna to protect its Public Works building by reducing potential wind damage and ensuring the facility is operational during future power outages.

Funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was approved in response to a proposal by the city after Hurricane Michael in 2018. The city will provide wind protection for the building by retrofitting the existing roof, replacing all building openings with impact resistant hurricane products, reinforcing metal siding and installing an enclosure around fuel tanks.

The grant will also be used to purchase and install a permanent generator to keep the building operational during future power outages. The generator will include an automatic transfer switch – which allows for continuous delivery of power from either an electric company or a generator – and will be protected from flooding and wind up to 133 mph.

The HMGP is an important source of federal disaster assistance. Program funding may become available after the president declares a major disaster, with a goal of strengthening communities by improving buildings and critical infrastructure. A 2018 report by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that one dollar spent on hazard mitigation saves more than six dollars of recovery and rebuilding costs.

Generally, the HMGP may provide a state, tribe or territory with additional grants up to 15 percent of the total disaster grants awarded by FEMA for a federally declared disaster. States such as Florida that meet advanced mitigation planning criteria may qualify for a higher percentage.

Florida has a FEMA-approved Enhanced Mitigation Plan, making the state eligible for HMGP funding not to exceed 20 percent of the estimated total amount of grant money spent by FEMA in the Hurricane Michael disaster. From this amount, the HMGP reimburses the state up to 75 percent of eligible costs for hazard mitigation projects. The remaining amount comes from other sources such as state and local assets and a combination of cash and in-kind sources.

Kimberly.Kipp Wed, 12/01/2021 - 19:41

Three Months Since Ida, Over $2.5 Billion in Federal Assistance for Louisianans

BATON ROUGE, La. – It’s been three months since Hurricane Ida made landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana as the fifth-strongest hurricane to ever strike the U.S. As Louisianans rebuild, over $2.5 billion in federal grants, loans and flood insurance payments support their ongoing recovery.

Major Accomplishments

• Over $2.5 billion in federal assistance has been provided to survivors to date, including:
  • $1.1 billion in low-interest Small Business Administration loans for families and businesses.
  • $580 million in housing assistance for homeowners and renters.
  • $441 million for other needs assistance, including medical bills, vehicle replacement, and cleaning.
  • $513 million in National Flood Insurance Program claims.
  • $2.7 million for Disaster Unemployment Insurance claims.
• 25 Disaster Recovery Centers established across Louisiana, 8 of which are still open, operating, and available to assist survivors.
  • Over 552,000 Louisianans have been approved for individual assistance, while FEMA staff have knocked on 186,000 doors in disaster-affected parishes.
• At the peak, 22,183 survivors were temporarily sheltered in hotels and other transitional lodging.
• FEMA Mitigation Specialists have offered free rebuilding and repair advice to over 14,608 survivors.
• 152,142 survivors received expedited rental assistance for utility outages, inaccessible or damaged dwellings.
  • 96,941 were lower income applicants who would have otherwise received delayed assistance or no assistance at all.
• $27.8 million in public assistance grants currently obligated for local governments and nonprofits.
• 33,625 “Blue Roofs” installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, allowing survivors to live safely in their damaged residences while making permanent repairs.
  • USACE, in cooperation with the FEMA and the state of Louisiana, launched a pilot program to explore temporary roofing options for homes that were otherwise ineligible for Blue Roofs.
    • The program, called Roof Wrap, focused on using shrink wrap materials that are installed under the roof via furring strips, then heated to shrink the material and create a water-tight seal.

sandra.habib Wed, 12/01/2021 - 17:50

2021 Hurricane Season Over, FEMA Administrator Still Urges Year-Round Preparedness Efforts

WASHINGTON -- Today marks the official end to the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which produced 21 named storms, making it the third-most active Atlantic hurricane season on record. The severe impacts from climate change are lasting longer and stretching beyond traditional seasons. This means community preparedness efforts must be a year-round endeavor.

The 2020 FEMA National Household Survey found that only 48% of American households have disaster preparedness plans. This statistic underscores a common belief by many -- that their families and homes are immune from the impacts of a disaster, and so they fail to make plans until it is too late. However, the fact is that every community, every neighborhood, is vulnerable to experiencing severe weather. So ultimately, how well you prepare for a disaster today can significantly influence your ability to recover tomorrow. 

“This past year, I traveled around the country and observed flooded streets and extensive debris in places like LaFourche, Terrebonne and St. Charles parishes, listened to heartbreaking stories of families who lost everything to wildfires and saw the remnants of homes torn apart by tornadoes that touched down in New Jersey as Hurricane Ida approached,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “I was pained to see the devastation, and it strengthened my resolve that emergency preparedness cannot only be seasonal and must be a year-round activity.”

Individuals can take steps today to bolster their preparedness efforts by visiting Ready.gov and following simple recommendations such as:

• Make a Plan –Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
• Know Your Evacuation Route – Get accustomed to alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
• Follow Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) –These are short emergency messages from alerting authorities delivered to your mobile device. Check your mobile device settings to ensure that you are receiving emergency alert messages.

Individual preparedness is only one part of being ready for a disaster. FEMA will continue partnering with communities and state agencies to support mitigation activities and to ensure communities are strengthened to better withstand future catastrophic weather events. We will also continue to partner with local communities to set up shelters; broadcast communications that account for individuals who are blind, deaf, or hard of hearing; translate emergency lifesaving information into languages that are accessible by all Americans; and provide individual and public assistance to those who need help after a disaster.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/30/2021 - 22:13

FEMA Announces New NAC Membership

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today the appointment of 12 members to the agency's National Advisory Council.

These 12 members will serve multi-year terms beginning Dec. 1 and will guide future recommendations centered around equity, climate change and readiness. NAC members are comprised of a geographically diverse and substantive cross-section of 35 officials, emergency managers and emergency responders from different levels of government and the private sector.

Collectively, these members advise the Administrator on all aspects of emergency management to ensure input from and coordination with state, local and tribal governments and the private sector on federal plans, programs and strategies for all hazards.  Due to previous changes in the council’s charter, this will also be the first time the NAC has a climate specialist member.

“I am honored to welcome the newly appointed and re-appointed FEMA National Advisory Council members. NAC members are significant contributors to advancing FEMA’s mission and provide unique, survivor-centric perspectives from across government and community,” said Administrator Criswell.  “We are proud to share that the NAC is not only welcoming a climate specialist in 2021, but for the first time in the council’s history, a dedicated climate-focused position will be offered during the 2022 application period. This new position serves as an excellent opportunity for our nation’s most innovative and forward-thinking leaders in the climate space to step forward and pursue a chance to influence the way we build resilience across communities nationwide. I look forward to the energy and great efforts the council will undoubtedly bring forth and congratulate the new and re-appointed members on this achievement.”

Of the 12 members selected, 10 are new appointments and two are reappointments. The 12 members appointed or reappointed in 2021 are: 

• Kathy Baughman McLeod, Senior Vice President, Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center at the Atlantic Council, Arlington, Virginia. McLeod will serve as the NAC’s first ever climate specialist.
• Jody Ferguson, Director, Pierce County Office of Emergency Management, Tacoma, Washington.   
• Tim Gleason, City Manager, Bloomington, Illinois.  
• Jim Gore, County Supervisor, Sonoma County, California. 
• Tonya Graham, City Councilor, Ashland, Oregon.   
• Brian Hastings, Director, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Clanton, Alabama.   
• Ramesh Kolluru, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development, University of Louisiana at Lafayette.   
• Ryan Lanclos, Director, Public Safety Solutions and Disasters, Esri; Conroe, Texas.
• Kelly McKinney, Assistant Vice President, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York.
• Paula Pagniez, Director, Climate and Resilience Hub, Willis Towers Watson, New York, New York.
• Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Office of Emergency Management Director, Boise, Idaho.
• Brian Strong, Chief Resilience Officer, San Francisco, California.

Additionally, eight NAC members conclude their terms of appointment today. Those members include:

• Rich Baich, AIG, Charlotte, North Carolina.
• Steve Birnbaum, Resudox Solutions, LLC, Arlington, Virginia.
• Dante Disparte, Risk Cooperative, Washington, D.C.
• Charley English, American Red Cross, Fairfax, Virginia.
• Deanna Dahl-Grove, Pediatric Emergency Medicine UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital of Cleveland, Ohio.
• Lori Hodges, Larimer County Emergency Management, Colorado.
• Jackie Lindsey, Santa Fe County Fire Department, New Mexico.
• Kevin Staley, Charlotte Mecklenburg Office of Emergency Management, Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Administrator Criswell will make an additional NAC membership announcement for a second climate specialist in 2022.

For additional information on the council, visit FEMA.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/30/2021 - 21:53

Less than One Week Left to Register for New Jersey Ida Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. – Less than one week remains for New Jersey homeowners and renters who had property damage or loss caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida from Sept. 1–3, 2021, to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 6, 2021.

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.

If you live in Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union or Warren counties, you can register for disaster assistance, 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:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Downloading the FEMA app; or
• Calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines are currently operating 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. 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.

You should have the following information available when you are ready to register:

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

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

amir.nijem Tue, 11/30/2021 - 17:37

FEMA Releases Interactive Online IPAWS Toolkit

WASHINGTON -- FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate released an interactive, web-based version of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Program Planning Toolkit today. Building on the success of the five-resource toolkit released in late 2020, the new free online tool will assist new and existing alerting authorities across the country to create and support an effective program for alerts, warnings and notifications. An effective alerting plan helps communities because authorities can reach the public quickly during an emergency, when minutes matter and can save lives.

IPAWS is FEMA’s national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through mobile phones using Wireless Emergency Alerts, to radio and television via the Emergency Alert System and on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Radio. More than 1,600 state, local, tribal and territorial authorities are able to send alerts over IPAWS.

FEMA and DHS worked to identify gaps in existing IPAWS alerting resources available to alerting authorities. A result of that partnership is the toolkit’s enhancement into a new step-by-step resource that includes:

• An alerting plan template creator that allows authorities to create a comprehensive alerting plan, including basic information and staffing plans, before a crisis, an alert message template creator that walks a user through the research-based recommended format.
• Frequently asked questions, fact sheets and additional resources shared by public safety agencies that will assist users with creating their own plans.

The new toolkit was produced based on recent innovative changes to technology and was derived from the collection of successful practices and lessons learned from hundreds of data points, including more than 200 emergency managers, public information officers, alerting originators and experts, as well as administrators.

The new toolkit will assist public safety agencies in developing comprehensive alerting plans that minimize alerting delay challenges; plan for future alerts, warnings and notifications enhancements; facilitate interoperability across different technologies; and improve information sharing among emergency management and public safety officials.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/30/2021 - 17:15

FEMA Assistance for Furnaces, Wells and Septic Systems

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – With winter approaching, residents in Middle Tennessee who applied to FEMA for the severe storms and flooding on Aug. 21 may be just noticing disaster damage to their furnaces and water heaters. Others may have noticed additional damage to wells and septic systems. Survivors who missed damage to these systems after the disaster, may follow up with FEMA to learn whether they may be eligible for reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing these items.

To be considered for this reimbursement residents must have already registered with FEMA by the Oct. 25 deadline. Survivors must then file an appeal and provide estimates or receipts from a licensed contractor. If your insurance covered repair of the utilities, by law FEMA cannot duplicate benefits.

FEMA may also provide reimbursement for mitigation measures to keep furnaces and water heaters safe, sanitary and functional in the future. These measures are limited to components that were damaged by the disaster and functioning before it occurred.

Mitigation measures include elevating a furnace or water heater above the floor to help reduce the likelihood of future flood damage. FEMA recommends elevating a furnace or water heater on a framed platform. For more information on techniques for elevating a furnace or water heater, refer to chapter nine in FEMA’s Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting 3rd Edition (2014).

Before elevating a furnace or water heater, homeowners should check their local utility company and building codes to find out whether any requirements might limit elevation.

Those who have questions about eligibility for these repairs and filing an appeal can call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585

 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.

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

felicia.jordan Tue, 11/30/2021 - 16:28

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Cut Off and Montegut

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in Cut Off and Montegut to help survivors affected by Hurricane Ida. Survivors can get help with their disaster assistance applications, upload documents and have their questions about federal disaster assistance answered at the centers.

All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for employees, volunteers and survivors. 

Survivors can meet face to face with FEMA specialists at the following locations:

DRCs Opening Nov. 30 Tarpon Heights Shopping Center

Galliano Government Complex (parking lot)

16245 East Main Street

Cut Off, LA 70345

• Hours: 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Montegut Recreation Center       

107 Recreation Drive (southwest corner of Cross & Dolphin Streets)

Montegut, LA 70377

• Hours: 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday

 

For other details, check the FEMA app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person) or visit the FEMA.gov/DRC for a complete list of DRCs currently open in Louisiana.

kiarash.ghiam Tue, 11/30/2021 - 15:01

New Associate Administrator Joins FEMA Leadership Team

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell swore in Anne Bink today as the agency’s Associate Administrator of the Office of Response and Recovery.

Bink was appointed by President Biden earlier this year. In her new position, she will oversee the areas of response, recovery, logistics and field operations.

“I’m excited and humbled to lead and work alongside a group of dedicated and talented emergency managers,” said Bink. “FEMA, along with our federal, state and local partners, continues working in challenging times, as preparing for and responding to severe weather is a year-round exercise. I am committed to working alongside the administrator, our FEMA team and partners in helping people before, during and after disasters.”

Prior to joining FEMA, Bink served as the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner for Disaster Recovery. In that role, she oversaw a portfolio of over $20 billion in active disasters. She also oversaw the development of major resiliency projects, including the Bay Park Conveyance Project and the Suffolk County Coastal Resiliency Initiative, which will reduce nitrogen along Long Island’s shoreline and protect against storm surge in extreme weather events.

Bink also served in various leadership roles within the New York State Division of the Budget, where she developed and negotiated key budget initiatives and policies, including an expansion of pre-kindergarten programs and a paid family leave program.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 11/29/2021 - 23:16

Three FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Closing in Fairfield, New London Counties

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

One DRC in New London County will permanently close tomorrow, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. The DRC is located at Three Rivers Community College, 574 New London Turnpike (E Wing building, enter from north entrance), Norwich, CT 06360

Two DRCs in Fairfield County will permanently close Friday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.

• Bridgeport Public Library, 925 Broad St., Bridgeport, CT, 06604
• Norwalk Fire Department, 121 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854

While these sites are closing, face-to-face assistance is still available at Glenville Fire Station, 266 Glenville Rd., Greenwich, CT 06831 until Dec. 10.

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.

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

adrien.urbani Mon, 11/29/2021 - 21:18

Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance Today, But FEMA Remains in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. – While the Nov. 29 deadline to submit an application for Hurricane Ida assistance is today, FEMA will remain in Louisiana to assist survivors. If you applied for assistance you can continue to upload documents and update information to your file.

FEMA urges survivors to stay informed, reach out, and keep their contact information up to date. Update any changed contact information as soon as possible to avoid any delays in your application.

If you applied with FEMA before Nov. 29 and later discover that your insurance did not cover all losses, you have up to a year to submit additional documentation to FEMA. It is important to provide FEMA with your final insurance settlement information, as assistance may be available for some expenses not covered by insurance.

Applicants should stay in touch with FEMA to ensure the disaster-assistance process stays on track. Missing or incorrect information could hold things up. Update your contact information and report additional damage or a delay in insurance payments by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Calling the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available; or
• Downloading the FEMA app.

To receive a link to download the FEMA app:

• Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362
• Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362
• Visit fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app

kwei.nwaogu Mon, 11/29/2021 - 15:42

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at Norwich Fire Station Closes

HARTFORD, Conn. – The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Norwich Fire Station has closed permanently. But FEMA specialists are still just a phone call or mouse click away.

The New London County DRC located at Norwich Fire Station, 10 N. Thames St., Norwich, CT. 07055 is closed permanently as of Nov 23, 2021.  

While this site has closed, face-to-face assistance is still available at Three Rivers Community College, 574 New London Turnpike (E Wing building, enter from north entrance), Norwich, CT 06360 until Nov. 30.

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, 11/24/2021 - 20:37

Disaster Recovery Center in Golden Meadow to Close Permanently Today, Nov. 24

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Disaster Recovery Center located at the Geaux Pass Service Center in Golden Meadow will close at 5 p.m., today, Nov. 24 and will relocate to aid additional survivors in other locations affected by Hurricane Ida.

Residents of all parishes affected by Hurricane Ida can continue to visit a number of other centers open in Louisiana. To locate a center, check the FEMA app or visit www.FEMA.gov/DRC. All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for employees, volunteers and survivors. 

Survivors can meet face to face with FEMA specialists at the following center until it closes permanently today at 5 p.m.

DRC Closing Nov. 24 Geaux Pass Service Center

1821 S. Alex Plaisance Blvd.

Golden Meadow, LA 70057

kiarash.ghiam Wed, 11/24/2021 - 18:00

Disaster Recovery Centers Close for Holiday – Help is Still Available

HARTFORD, Conn – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will close temporarily for the Thanksgiving Holiday, but help is still just a click away.

The following DRCs will close at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 24 and reopen 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 26:

• Glenville Fire Station, 266 Glenville Rd., Greenwich, CT 06831
• Norwalk Fire Department, 121 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854
• Norwich Fire Department, 10 North Thames St., Norwich, CT 06360
• Three Rivers Community College, 574 New London Tpke., Norwich, CT 06360

The DRC in Bridgeport will close at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 23 and reopen; 10 a.m., Saturday Nov. 27:

• Bridgeport Public Library, 925 Broad St., Bridgeport, CT 06604                    

Help is Still Available

Even on Thanksgiving, Connecticut survivors can still access disaster information and assistance the following ways: online at DisasterAssistance.gov; or download the FEMA app available for smart phones.

adrien.urbani Wed, 11/24/2021 - 14:19

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to Close for Thanksgiving Weekend

BATON ROUGE, La. – All FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Louisiana will close for the entire Thanksgiving holiday weekend, from Thursday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 28. All centers will reopen at their regular hours Monday, Nov. 29.

Monday, Nov. 29 is also the last day for Hurricane Ida survivors to apply with FEMA. If possible, survivors should visit a recovery center before the holiday to apply or to follow-up on applications and request other services.

Individuals whose primary residence is in one of the 25 parishes designated for FEMA individual assistance may visit any disaster center to apply for assistance or obtain other help. Anyone needing a reasonable accommodation (ASL interpreting, Braille, Large print, etc.) may call 800-621-3362 to request assistance in advance or ask the recovery staff at the center for assistance.

To find a recovery center near you check the FEMA app or visit www.FEMA.gov/DRC. All centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for all visitors, employees and volunteers. 

Individuals may also apply for federal assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585 or on the FEMA app: select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

kiarash.ghiam Tue, 11/23/2021 - 22:07

FEMA Teams up with SBA at Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the New Orleans Public Library Main Branch

BATON ROUGE, La. – Although the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Main Branch of the New Orleans Public Library has closed, FEMA specialists will be available at this location to help survivors. The former DRC is now a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center.

SBA specialists will help business owners and individuals apply for low-interest disaster loans and close approved disaster loans. SBA provides federal low-interest disaster loans up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

FEMA specialists will still help survivors check the status of their FEMA applications and scan and upload documents, as well as answer questions and provide information on additional recovery resources and on how to rebuild safer and stronger.

The Disaster Loan Outreach Center is located at:

New Orleans Public Library – Main Branch, first floor

219 Loyola Ave. New Orleans, LA 70112

The center will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 24, and be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25-26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The center will re-open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 27.

 

Normal hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Federal Covid-19 safety rules require all visitors and employees at federal facilities to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance and an SBA loan is Nov. 29, 2021.

sandra.habib Tue, 11/23/2021 - 21:49

FEMA Approves $3.3 Million in Hazard Mitigation Grants for Bay and Jackson Counties

PENSACOLA, Fla. — FEMA has approved two hazard mitigation grants totaling more than $3.3 million to strengthen the resiliency of critical facilities in Bay and Jackson counties following Hurricane Michael.

Funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will provide:

• Bay County: $1,953,899 for the installation of redundant fiber optic connections to ensure reliable communications for 93 critical facilities and programs – including 911 radio towers, law enforcement, fire stations and the government administration building – and 126 traffic signals throughout the county to enable efficient traffic flow during the evacuation and return of residents following any disaster. This project will also add fiber optic redundancy to many non-county facilities including Bay District Schools and the city fire and police departments of Lynn Haven, Panama City, Panama City Beach and Springfield.

• Jackson County: $1,347,363 to purchase and install permanent diesel generators at 17 critical facilities throughout the county. Installation will include a concrete pad and an automatic transfer switch at each location, which will ensure the continuous delivery of electrical power from either a power company or a generator during future power outages. The permanent generators will be protected from flooding and wind.

The HMGP is an important source of federal disaster assistance. Program funding may become available after the president declares a major disaster, with a goal of strengthening communities by improving buildings and critical infrastructure. A 2018 report by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that one dollar spent on hazard mitigation saves more than six dollars of recovery and rebuilding costs.

Generally, the HMGP may provide a state, tribe or territory with additional grants up to 15 percent of the total disaster grants awarded by FEMA for a federally declared disaster. States such as Florida that meet advanced mitigation planning criteria may qualify for a higher percentage.

Florida has a FEMA-approved Enhanced Mitigation Plan, making the state eligible for HMGP funding not to exceed 20 percent of the estimated total amount of grant money spent by FEMA in the Hurricane Michael disaster. From this amount, the HMGP reimburses the state up to 75 percent of eligible costs for hazard mitigation projects. The remaining amount comes from other sources such as state and local assets and a combination of cash and in-kind sources.

Kimberly.Kipp Tue, 11/23/2021 - 15:51