Plan Now for a Safe Thanksgiving Holiday

CHICAGO – With Thanksgiving fast approaching, make safety a priority while enjoying celebrations with family and friends.

“Take precautions when cooking and heating your home to reduce the risk of a house fire during the holidays,” said Moises Dugan, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “We also must remember COVID-19 is still a risk and stay vigilant against its spread. Take the time to check the CDC’s website for the latest guidance on safer ways to celebrate this season while protecting the ones you love.”

Keep in mind these additional tips to keep your holidays as healthy and safe as possible:

• Be a prepared traveler. If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit the CDC’s Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. The CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. Always wear a mask in public settings and wash your hands often. If you’re driving, ensure you have an emergency supply kit in your car, and if you’re packing for a flight or train ride, consider a small kit in case of emergency: flashlight, batteries, & a spare USB power bank.
• Protect against home fire risks. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires. Before you celebrate, take the time to put working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside sleeping areas. Remember to change the batteries in these alarms twice per year or per manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Practice smart cooking. Cooking is the biggest cause of home fires and fire injuries. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they won’t get bumped. Clean cooking equipment after each use—crumbs in a toaster or grease on the stove can catch on fire. Keep a large pan lid or baking sheet handy in case you need to smother a pan fire.
• Heat your home safely. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from fireplaces, wood stoves, portable heaters and radiators. When you leave a room or go to bed, turn heaters off or unplug them. Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors and in well ventilated areas.

For more readiness tips, visit www.ready.gov, www.cdc.gov, www.usfa.fema.gov, or download FEMA’s free app, available for your Android, Apple or Blackberry device.

# # #

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

troy.christensen Mon, 11/22/2021 - 16:21

Hurricane Ida Assistance Still Available as Deadline Nears

BATON ROUGE, La. – Survivors of Hurricane Ida still have one week left to apply for assistance from FEMA. The final deadline to apply is Monday, Nov. 29.

FEMA assistance for individuals and families affected by Hurricane Ida can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. The fastest way to apply for FEMA assistance is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Phone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Individuals can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply and meet with FEMA specialists in person. To locate a center, check the FEMA app or visit fema.gov/DRCLocator.

Nov. 29 is also the final deadline to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan. SBA representatives are available at disaster recovery centers. Businesses and residents can also visit sba.gov/disaster-assistance, call SBA’s customer service center at 800-659-2955 (TTY) 800-877-8339, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information or to apply.

Anyone requiring 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. Applicants and staff in the recovery centers are required to follow CDC COVID-19 safety guidance.

sandra.habib Mon, 11/22/2021 - 15:16

FEMA Recovery Center Opens Saturday in Norwalk

Hartford, Conn.– A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Norwalk (Fairfield County) will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, 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:

• Norwalk: Norwalk Fire Department, 121 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854

Hours for the Norwalk 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.

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 Fri, 11/19/2021 - 20:33

Two Disaster Recovery Centers in New Orleans and Gonzales to Close Permanently Nov. 23

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers at the New Orleans Public Library Main Branch (Orleans Parish) and the Gonzales Mental Health Center in Gonzales (Ascension Parish) will close permanently at the close of business, Tuesday, Nov. 23.

Residents of all parishes affected by Hurricane Ida can continue to visit a number of disaster recovery centers in Louisiana. All DRC centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for all visitors, employees and volunteers.

Survivors can meet face to face with FEMA specialists at the following centers until they close permanently on Nov. 23:

Disaster Recovery Centers Closing Nov. 23 New Orleans Public Library Main Branch (first floor)

219 Loyola Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70112

Closing at 5:30 p.m.

Gonzales Mental Health Center

1112 E. Ascension Complex Blvd.

Gonzales, LA 70037

Closing at 6 p.m.

 

 

 

kwei.nwaogu Fri, 11/19/2021 - 15:37

FEMA Region 4 Announces New Youth Preparedness Council Members

ATLANTA – 11 new members are joining the FEMA Region 4 2021-2022 Youth Preparedness Council, a group of high schoolers interested in improving the preparedness and resilience of their communities.

Youth Council members were selected based on their community involvement, public service and potential to improve community resilience.

“Engaging youth in disaster preparedness empowers them to act as change makers in their community,” said FEMA Region 4 Administrator Gracia Szczech. “They can share the preparedness message with their families and peers, and bring creative, new ideas to their communities to help them prepare for emergencies and disasters.”

The Region 4 Youth Preparedness Council cultivates leadership and life skills through a platform for members to share ideas and help build stronger and more resilient communities.

Members of the FEMA Region 4 YPC represent seven Southeast states:

• Matthew Barfield of Florida
• Addie Brooks of Tennessee
• Peyton Granger of South Carolina
• Stella Lee of Florida
• Devika Manoj of Georgia
• Ja'Shaylee Minor of Mississippi
• Saachi Mody of Florida
• Ryan Mosley of Alabama
• Samuel Rios of Kentucky
• Isabella Tarsitano of Florida
• Taylor Worbington of Florida

The council is an avenue for FEMA to engage youth and hear their perspectives, feedback and opinions. Members will be mentored by agency staff, to complete a preparedness project.

To learn more about youth preparedness, visit www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness.

neily.chapman Thu, 11/18/2021 - 20:27

FEMA and KIRO-AM Seattle to Unveil New Emergency Broadcast Studio

Event Includes a Live Demonstration of the Upgraded Facility, Highlighting Broadcast Radio’s Critical Role in Nation’s Emergency Alert and Warning System

SEATTLE — Together, FEMA and Bonneville Seattle have completed an important modernization at the emergency radio broadcast facility at Bonneville International’s KIRO-AM 710 in Seattle. This modernization project improves emergency alert systems that provide critical alerts and warnings to the public.

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

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

KIRO-AM is the 14th PEP station to complete the all-hazards upgrade. The modernization to the emergency studio includes increased sheltering capabilities, expanded broadcast capacity, and sustainable power generation for all types of hazardous events, increasing KIRO-AM’s resiliency to continue broadcasting during emergencies.

“It’s an honor for Bonneville Seattle to serve the community and we are proud to partner with FEMA. We share and salute the agency’s commitment to protecting the public,” said Darrell Brown, President, Bonneville International. “Radio is a lifeline, and the new studio and continued investment will ensure KIRO-AM 710’s resiliency during times of crisis when communication is vital.”

"For generations, the KIRO-AM signal has been designated by the federal government as the one to broadcast critical information in case of a major disaster," said Cathy Cangiano, Senior VP/Market Manager, Bonneville Seattle. "It's a responsibility we take seriously. We are committed to getting out lifesaving information when our region needs us."

If required, and in a national worst-case scenario, KIRO-AM would broadcast a message from the President or other national authorities within 10 minutes. Via FEMA’s Emergency Alert System, other radio stations in the Seattle area would begin re-broadcasting the information coming from KIRO and its news staff. Local authorities, such as the King County Office of Emergency Management, may also disseminate life-saving information by way of the new facilities installed at the KIRO tower site.

FEMA, KIRO and King County are partners in distributing life-saving emergency information to the public.

FEMA and Bonneville Seattle will hold an event on Friday, November 19, 2021, (11 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT) to unveil the upgraded KIRO-AM transmitter and PEP Site (22805 Dockton Road SW, Vashon, WA 98070.) The news conference will include FEMA and local officials, as well as a live demonstration from KIRO-AM 710 on-air hosts.

Speakers include:

• Antwane Johnson, Director, Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, FEMA
• Manny Centeno, IPAWS Program Manager, FEMA
• Brendan McCluskey, Director, King County Office of Emergency Management
• Jason Shirron, Technical Operations Coordinator, King County OEM
• Vince Maykovich, Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 10
• Cathy Cangiano, VP/Market Manager, Bonneville Seattle
• Jason Ornellas, Regional Director of Engineering, Bonneville International West Region
• Dave Ross, On-Air Host, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM

For more information about IPAWS or the PEP modernization effort, go to FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning- system/broadcasters-wireless. To learn more about Bonneville Seattle and KIRO-AM 710 Seattle, visit https://bonneville.com/our-markets/seattle/.

For more information on attending the news conference, please RSVP and direct any questions to Jenette Warne at (206) 726-7000 jwarne@bonneville.com or the FEMA Region 10 News Desk at

(425) 487-4610, FEMA-R10-NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov.

###

About FEMA:

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

About Bonneville:

Bonneville Seattle owns and operates KIRO-AM (710 ESPN Seattle), KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, AM 770 KTTH and is part of Bonneville International. Bonneville International is an integrated media and marketing solutions company dedicated to building up, connecting, informing, and celebrating families and communities.

mary.j.edmon Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:25

What’s Holding up Your Disaster Assistance? Call the FEMA Helpline and Find Out

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you applied with FEMA and have questions about your recovery process, immediate help is available.

Simply call FEMA’s Disaster Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) to find out the status of your application, what additional assistance may be available or to have other questions answered. Multilingual operators are available to take your call. The lines are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

If you haven’t heard back from FEMA since applying, a number of common problems may have delayed the application process. For example, thousands of applications from Louisiana survivors have been held up because of missing documents. Provide the needed paperwork, and the application can begin to move forward. Just call the Helpline to find out how.

Reasons to call the Helpline:

• To get help with setting up an online account at DisasterAssistance.gov
• To get help with uploading documents. A Helpline operator can walk you through the process: Go to DisasterAssistance.gov and login to your online account.
  • Upload the document through the Upload Center tab at the top of the page after selecting the type of document you are submitting (appeal, verification document, etc.). Select “Upload Now” to submit the documentation or for multiple documents, select “Add Another File.” 
• You received a letter from FEMA, but no decision was given. Read the letter carefully; if you don’t understand what FEMA wants you to do, call the Helpline to find out why no decision has been made. Often you will need to provide more documentation. Call the Helpline to find out how to handle FEMA’s requests for more information.
• You received a letter and were denied assistance but don’t know why. Call the Helpline to find out why you were denied assistance and for help with appealing FEMA’s decision.
• FEMA may already have called you. FEMA staff review all applications and call survivors to verify information. These calls may come from an unlisted number. By not answering calls from an unlisted number, applicants may miss an opportunity for FEMA to assist them. When you answer an unlisted number and the caller says they are from FEMA, request a FEMA identification number from the caller. If you are unsure of the caller’s identification, or you are suspicious of someone claiming to be from FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). The same applies if you have been waiting for a home inspection call. The inspector may call from an unlisted number, and you may miss the call.
• Your circumstances have changed, and you need to update your application. For a change of address, a new phone number, updated banking information or other changes, call the Helpline.
• To update your insurance information. If you have received your insurance settlement and haven’t told FEMA yet, or it doesn’t cover your needs, call the Helpline to update your application.
• If you want more information about the recovery process, how to rebuild to make your home stronger or other recovery resources, call the Helpline. The operators can share information about additional support available from FEMA and its partners.

kiarash.ghiam Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:01

NJ Storm Survivors: FEMA Registration Deadline Approaching

TRENTON, N.J. – The deadline is approaching 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 where damage occurred
• 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 Thu, 11/18/2021 - 17:28

What to Expect in FEMA Home Inspections

PEARL, Miss. – Individuals and households who live in Amite, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson counties who were affected by Hurricane Ida from Aug. 28 – Sept. 1, 2021 and applied for federal assistance may need to have their homes inspected to verify losses.

If you have already begun repairs and replacement, damage should be documented through photos/videos. All receipts for disaster-related purchases should be kept.

If you carry homeowners insurance, FEMA may not send an inspector right away. You’ll need to submit insurance documentation to verify your coverage doesn’t meet your disaster-related needs or you have exhausted the Additional Living Expenses provided by the insurance company. FEMA cannot pay for damage covered by insurance or duplicate benefits from another source.

If you apply for FEMA assistance, a home inspector will contact you to schedule an appointment within 1 to 10 days. During that call, write down:

• The inspector's name;
• Date of call;
• Date and time of appointment; and
• Inspector’s telephone number.

The inspection generally takes 30 to 40 minutes and consists of looking at disaster-damaged areas of your home and reviewing your records. Inspectors can only verify your loss. They do not decide the outcome of your application for disaster assistance nor condemn property. FEMA inspects damaged property for disaster-recovery program purposes only. Inspectors will never ask for money.

The inspector will ask to see:

• Photo identification.
• Proof of ownership/occupancy of damaged residence such as homeowners insurance, a tax bill, mortgage-payment book or utility bill.
• Insurance documents: homeowners, mobile home, condominium and renters’ policies.
• List of household occupants living in residence at time of disaster.
• Disaster-caused damages and disaster-related losses to structural and personal property.

Your inspector will have FEMA identification in the form of a badge with a photo. If the inspector does not show you photo identification, do not proceed with the inspection.

FEMA has recently amended the criteria for which Individual Assistance is offered to disaster survivors. These include:

.

• Issuing inspections for applicants that are pending verifications for identity, occupancy, and/or ownership and providing additional support to verify these requirements at the time of inspection and through additional outreach.
• Providing financial assistance to applicants for the cost of needs (limited to wheelchair ramp, grab bars, and a paved path) due to a disaster-caused disability, when these items were not present in the home before the disaster.
• Providing financial assistance to repair property damaged by disaster-caused mold growth.

You should receive a determination letter with their eligibility decision and the reason for it by regular mail or email, typically on the same day or within 10 days after the inspection.

For those who are eligible, the letter states the dollar amount of the grant and how the money must be used. If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, the letter explains how you can appeal the decision.

Read your determination letter carefully. FEMA may need additional information or documentation from you — such as an insurance settlement showing you may not have been covered for all your essential needs — before you can be reconsidered for federal assistance.

If you have any questions, you can always contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362. Lines are open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Time. Find more details about the FEMA inspection process by visiting www.fema.gov/what-happens-inspection.

 

                                                                     ###

                       FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters

ricardo.zuniga Thu, 11/18/2021 - 17:18

Help is Still Available After Disaster Recovery Centers Close

HARRISBURG, PA – In close coordination with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, each county affected by Hurricane Ida, and FEMA, a decision was made to close the remaining Disaster Recovery Centers in Pennsylvania.

Even after the remaining Centers close on Nov. 20, FEMA will still be available to help survivors register for assistance, get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process, or check the status of their claim.

The Centers at the Bedford Fire Department, 248 W Penn St, Bedford, and Manchester Township Municipal Building, 3200 Farmtrail Rd, York will cease operations on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 5:00 p.m.

The Deadline to register for assistance is Dec. 10. You will still be able to register until that time:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov  
• Through the FEMA App that you can download from Google Play or the Apple App store.  
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST.

After the registration deadline, FEMA will continue to be available, as above, to answer questions and provide updates about your registration status.

Recovery officials encourage Pennsylvania residents who registered for disaster assistance with FEMA to stay in touch. If survivors change addresses or phone numbers, they should contact FEMA to update their information. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in receiving assistance.

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

valerie.amato Thu, 11/18/2021 - 15:47

Keep Your Recovery on Track – Stay in Touch with FEMA

Connecticut residents who registered with FEMA for help after severe storms and flooding caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida, should stay in touch with FEMA to ensure the disaster assistance process stays on track.

Whether you need to update contact information, provide documents, or file an appeal, it’s important that you stay in touch with FEMA and update information as soon as possible.

Having accurate contact information on file is especially important, as FEMA may need to reach you to perform home inspections or ask for additional information needed to complete the application process.

FEMA encourages survivors to request direct deposits of disaster assistance to their checking or savings accounts. Survivors should let FEMA know as soon as possible of any changes to their banking information.

It’s important to note that FEMA disaster assistance checks cannot be forwarded. If you cannot access your home address, you can request the postal service to hold your mail.

Survivors who registered with FEMA may update contact information the following ways:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Downloading the FEMA app
• Calling 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.

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/18/2021 - 15:36

FEMA Commemorates National Native American Heritage Month

WASHINGTON -- November is National Native American Heritage Month in which we observe and honor the rich history, culture and contributions of our nation's first peoples.

As President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. highlights in his 2021 National Native American Heritage Month proclamation, American Indian and Alaska Native peoples have represented unyielding perseverance, “Despite a painful history marked by unjust federal policies of assimilation and termination.”

“Every day, we are working to advance our mission to ensure our programs are fully accessible to all communities,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Tribal nations remain at the forefront of those efforts, and we are committed to helping meet their unique needs which have been exacerbated by climate change and the pandemic.”

With 574 federally recognized tribal nations that govern an estimated 100 million acres of indigenous land across the United States, native peoples have confronted the effects of climate change using innovative and traditional key mitigation measures dating back thousands of years. As a nation, and as an agency, we have the opportunity to develop future mitigation efforts that are inspired by techniques implemented by native peoples.

Administrator Criswell has heard directly from tribal leaders and community members throughout the year about the first-hand impacts and challenges they continue to face as a result of climate change. They voiced the ongoing threats to their ecosystems, water infrastructure, public safety, heritage, traditions and the need for increased funding and technical assistance to address these disproportionate impacts.

Through pre-disaster programs such as FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and the $6.8 billion in funding provided through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, tribal nations can access the resources needed to assist in mitigating the current and future impacts of climate change.

The observance of National Native American Heritage Month is also representative of FEMA's dedication to further racial equity and uplift the agency's core values -- compassion, fairness, integrity and respect. This month and every month, FEMA remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting tribal nations as they build resilient and prepared communities.

FEMA also recognizes its Tribal Employee Resource Group (FERG), established earlier this year to help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Tribal FERG is a voluntary, employee-led group that will assist with recruitment and outreach events, organize networking and mentoring opportunities and host commemorative, cultural, educational and social events.

amy.ashbridge Wed, 11/17/2021 - 15:27

FEMA Approves Over $142 Million for Schools Affected by Earthquakes

The sum includes $24.4 million to repair schools in Guánica, Mayagüez, Peñuelas, Ponce, San Germán and Yauco

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated over $24.4 million during October and November to repair and reinforce various schools in the South and West regions of Puerto Rico that experienced structural damage caused by the 2020 earthquakes. To date, over $142 million has been obligated to the Puerto Rico Department of Education for 115 permanent work projects that address damage related to the tremors.

Due to the amount of structural damage caused by the earthquakes, most of the allocated funds will be used for mitigation works such as installing supports and steel structural reinforcements to protect the buildings in case of a future seismic event.

“Investing in construction works related to education has a ripple effect in Puerto Rico’s recovery. Although it’s true that the construction industry plays a vital role in any country’s economy, when the works relate to education, the impact is even greater because the education of children and youths is one of our most important assets, it is the future of Puerto Rico,” said FEMA Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico, José G. Baquero.

The funds include nearly $1.2 million to repair the Segundo Ruiz Belvis elementary school – built during the 1940’s – over $2.7 million for the Eugenio María de Hostos High School and nearly $3.9 million for the Dr. Pedro Perea Fajardo Vocational Superior Public School, all three located in Mayagüez. Between the three campuses there is an enrollment of approximately 1,870 students who will benefit from the reconstructed spaces.

“School infrastructure improvement work is at the top of our work agenda through our Reconstruction Office.  We have moved forward with several auctions of these projects which will allow permanent improvements to begin at the schools.  Our vision is to make school environments safe and comfortable in a way that facilitates better outcomes for our students,” said the Acting Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education, Eliezer Ramos Parés.

Another school building that was earmarked to receive federal funding was the Josefa Vélez Bauzá High School at the Cotto neighborhood in Peñuelas. This is the only high school in town and the third in the southern region with the greatest school enrollment with over 700 students. With the obligation of nearly $2.9 million, funds were budgeted to reinforce shear walls and columns with steel beams and supports. “This is the best news I’ve received,” said the school’s Director, Miguel Rodríguez. “The school is a safe area, the only space where we provide meals and safety to many students. Also, this allows us to continue the expansion that we had planned,” he added.

Likewise, Peñuelas Mayor Gregory Gonsález Souchet commented that the allocation of funds for the repair of schools is fundamental in the reconstruction aspects of the municipality.  “We are aware that each job takes time. We are confident that the reconstruction of our schools will be carried out in a short time and that our youth will be able to return to their classrooms regularly,” the mayor said.

In addition, funding approved to Ponce includes nearly $2.1 million for the Eugenio Le Compte Benitez, over $2.1 for the Manuel González Pató Middle School at la Rambla urbanization, $1.9 million for Bethzaida Velázquez Andújar High School at the Las Delicias sector and over $1.4 million for Aurea E. Rivera Collazo Elementary School, located at the El Madrigal neighborhood.

All four schools have similar damage –broken walls and columns and damage to their facade and common areas. As in the other schools, most of the allocation will cover mitigation works to reinforce the columns and shear walls to reduce possible damage in case of a future earthquake.

Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3), said, this multi-million-dollar obligation will have a significant impact not only on the earthquake recovery process, but also on the lives of thousands of students who are eager to resume their school life by returning to their classrooms. “Our team at COR3 will continue to assist in these efforts to provide school communities with resilient and safe spaces that allow for the socioeconomic development of Puerto Rico”, he added.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from the earthquakes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4773 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr y Twitter @COR3pr..

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 11/17/2021 - 11:47

Six Disaster Recovery Centers to Close Permanently Nov. 18-20

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Disaster Recovery Centers at the following locations will close permanently this week.

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 centers until they close permanently.

DRCs Closing Nov. 18 DRCs Closing Nov. 19 DRCs Closing Nov. 20

Convent Senior Center

5775 Hwy. 44 Convent, LA 70723

• Closes at 6 p.m.

Plaquemines Parish Government Complex

333 F. Edward Hebert Blvd. Belle Chasse, LA 70037

• Closes at 6 p.m.

St. Helena Parish 5th Ward Recreation District (parking lot)

31676 Hwy. 16 Amite, LA 70442

• Closes at 6 p.m.

AMVETS Post 68

26890 Hwy. 42 Springfield, LA 70462

• Closes at 6 p.m.

Port Sulphur YMCA

278 Civic Center Dr. Port Sulphur, LA 70083

• Closes at 5 p.m.

   

American Legion Home

63349 Hwy. 10 Bogalusa, LA 70427

• Closes at 6 p.m.

 

 

sandra.habib Tue, 11/16/2021 - 15:47

Two FEMA Recovery Centers Open in Fairfield County

Hartford, Conn.– Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) opened today in Bridgeport and Greenwich (Fairfield County) 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 explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about FEMA letters and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

The DRCs are located at:

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

Hours for the Bridgeport location are: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; Noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and Closed Sunday

Greenwich: Glenville Fire Station, 266 Glenville Rd., Greenwich, CT 06831

The Greenwich location will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday Nov. 16, normal hours of operation are as: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; Closed Sunday.

Help is still available on Sunday 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.

Survivors can ask questions or seek further information in person at the DRC, in addition to online or by phone. Survivors can visit any of the DRC locations and can also find their closest location through the FEMA App.  To download the FEMA App please visit the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

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.

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.

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

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4629. Follow the FEMA Region 1 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMAregion1.

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

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/16/2021 - 15:08

Infrastructure Deal Provides FEMA Billions for Community Mitigation Investments

WASHINGTON -- President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act today. The legislation takes decisive action, allowing $1.2 trillion to tackle the climate crisis and strengthen the nation’s resilience, including underserved communities that are most vulnerable.

The threat from climate change cannot be overstated and this Act provides $6.8 billion that FEMA will invest in communitywide mitigation to reduce disaster suffering and avoid future disaster costs in the face of more frequent and severe events arising from wildfires and droughts to hurricanes, tornados and floods. 

“The pace and severity of natural disasters in this country are undeniably increasing. The resources required to respond and recover from these events requires bold action from across the federal government,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

“The bipartisan infrastructure deal provides FEMA an additional $6.8 billion to continue to address climate change through mitigation projects and establishes a new Cybersecurity Grant program. These resources will greatly assist in our Agency’s rigorous efforts to help communities build resilience and bolster their preparedness for future events.”

These funds are complementing previous award programs that FEMA has amplified to make the nation more resilient. In August 2021,  FEMA committed $3.46 billion through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program across the 59 major disaster declarations issued due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. FEMA also committed $1.16 billion earlier this year for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities and Flood Mitigation Assistance grant programs in the Fiscal Year 2021 application cycle.

In line with the White House’s Justice40 Initiative created by the Executive Order 14008 in January 2021, these investments will advance environmental justice, reduce community disaster vulnerability, promote individual and community safety and strengthen our ability as a nation to adapt to changing conditions.

Highlights

FEMA is establishing guidelines to access this significant influx of funding and looking forward to collaborating and supporting state, local, tribal and territorial partners to implement this additional funding.

The Act enables FEMA to take action now so that individuals and communities will be better positioned to adapt to climate change and recover more quickly. The impacts are alarming, and the suffering of those impacted by a disaster is devastating, especially for socially vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected. This Act supports FEMA’s focus and commitment to help make disadvantaged communities more resilient.

The threat from climate change cannot be overstated and this Act will fund mitigation actions that will directly impact the future. We must move away from incremental mitigation measures and focus on system-wide critical lifelines and large projects that protect infrastructure and community systems. Mitigation actions and more resilient infrastructure means communities will be safer from the impacts.

Flood Mitigation Assistance

FEMA makes federal funds available through the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program to states, local communities, tribes and territories to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program.

The Act provides $3.5 billion in Flood Mitigation Assistance grants over five years -- $700 million per year, for Fiscal Years 2022 – 2026.  In previous years, the annual grant cycle for the Flood Mitigation Assistance program ranged from $150-$200 million a year. The Act more than triples the amount available for future flood mitigation.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) supports states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards.

The Act provides $1 billion over five years, which is in addition to the funding FEMA provides through setting aside up to 6% of the assistance the agency provides following major disaster declarations through the Public Assistance and Individuals and Households Program. The funding is based off an estimated 180 days after each declaration and does not include funding made available through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.

Dam Safety

Dams play a vital role in the nation’s overall infrastructure. They contribute to the economic development of the United States and to the social welfare of the American public.  For the next five years, $733 million is awarded to FEMA in dam safety grants to states and territories to enhance dam safety and rehabilitate or remove aging dams.

Safeguarding Tomorrow Through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act

The STORM Act was signed into law on Jan. 1, 2021 and authorizes FEMA to provide capitalization grants to states or eligible tribal governments to establish revolving loan funds to provide hazard mitigation assistance to local governments to reduce risks to disasters and natural hazards.

The Infrastructure Act provides $500 million to the STORM Act, or $100 million per year for five years. This new FEMA grant program may finance water, wastewater, infrastructure, disaster recovery, community and small business development projects.

Cyber Security

The Biden administration also recognizes strong cyber security practices are needed to support states, local communities, tribes and territories.  The Act provides $1 billion over the next four years in a whole-of-nation effort to combat cyber threats and enhance cybersecurity grant programs.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/16/2021 - 00:21

Second FEMA Recovery Center Opens in New London County

Hartford, Conn. – A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opened today in Norwich (New London County) 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 explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about FEMA letters and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

The DRC is located at:

New London County: Three Rivers Community College, 574 New London Turnpike (E Wing building, enter from north entrance), Norwich, CT 06360

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; Closed Saturday and Sunday

Help is still available on the weekend 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 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.

In person assistance is also available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday until further notice at the Norwich Fire Station, 10 N. Thames St., Norwich, CT. 07055.

Survivors can ask questions or seek further information in person at the DRC, in addition to online or by phone. Survivors can visit any of the DRC locations and can also find their closest location through the FEMA App. To download the FEMA App please visit the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

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.

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.

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

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4629. Follow the FEMA Region 1 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMAregion1.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 11/15/2021 - 21:21

Two Weeks Remain to Apply for Hurricane Ida Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Survivors of Hurricane Ida still have two weeks left to apply for individual assistance from FEMA. The final deadline to apply is Monday, Nov. 29.

FEMA assistance for individuals and families affected by Hurricane Ida can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

The easiest way to apply for FEMA assistance is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Phone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., seven days a week. Individuals can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply and meet with FEMA specialists in person. To locate a center, check the FEMA app or visit fema.gov/DRCLocator.

Nov. 29 is also the final deadline to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan. SBA representatives are available at disaster recovery centers. Businesses and residents can also visit sba.gov/disaster-assistance, call SBA’s customer service center at 800-659-2955 (TTY) 800-877-8339, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information or to apply.

Anyone requiring 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. All DRC centers follow COVID-19 precautions. Masks are required for all visitors, employees and volunteers.

kiarash.ghiam Mon, 11/15/2021 - 16:47

FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Open in New London County

Hartford, Conn.– A FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Center opened today in Norwich (New London county) 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 explain disaster assistance programs, answer questions about FEMA letters and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

The MDRC is located at:

New London County:  Norwich Fire Station, 10 N. Thames St., Norwich, CT. 07055.

Hours: Open every Saturday until further notice, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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.

Survivors can ask questions or seek further information in person at the MDRC, in addition to online or by phone. Survivors can visit any of the DRC locations and can also find their closest location through the FEMA App.  To download the FEMA App please visit the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

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.

The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.

If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate 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.

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

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4629. Follow the FEMA Region 1 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMAregion1.

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

adrien.urbani Fri, 11/12/2021 - 20:24

Two Months into Recovery, Federal Funding Tops $518 Million for New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. – In a little more than two months since President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in New Jersey for the remnants of Hurricane Ida, more than $518 million in federal funds have been provided to New Jersey residents to aid in their recovery.

“FEMA and our state and federal partners are committed to the recovery in New Jersey,” said Patrick Cornbill, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the New Jersey disaster recovery operation. “The funding will help communities, households and businesses here in the Garden State start their recovery off on the right foot. Survivors also have additional time, until Dec. 6, to apply for the assistance they need.”

Here’s a breakdown, by the numbers:

• Nearly $178 million in Individual Assistance (IA) program grants provided to 35,388 homeowners and renters in Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren counties. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage, including:
  • More than $163 million in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
  • More than $14.6 million in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs—such as moving and storage fees, and medical and dental expenses.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved 3,845 long-term, low-interest disaster loans for a total of $180 million for New Jersey homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations to repair, rebuild or replace disaster-damaged physical property and to cover economic injury from the Sept. 1-3 storms.
• In addition, $160.8 million in claims have been paid to homeowners statewide insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA mitigation specialists have provided advice to 4,560 individuals on flood mitigation and insurance through FEMA’s outreach activities at local hardware stores and Disaster Recovery Centers.
• FEMA has staffed and operated 16 Disaster Recovery Centers and 11 mobile centers in each of the counties designated for Individual Assistance. At the centers, survivors can speak to representatives from FEMA Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs, and SBA to get answers to disaster assistance questions. Literature is available on repairs and rebuilding to make homes disaster resistant. The centers had 8,512 visits by survivors.
• FEMA has sent Disaster Survivor Assistance teams to storm-affected neighborhoods in all IA-declared counties. These teams help residents register for assistance, identify and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, state and voluntary agencies for additional support.

To date, the teams have visited 131,708 homes, interacted with 26,805 survivors and registered 4,211 households for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

• The last day for survivors to register with FEMA for federal assistance is Monday, Dec. 6, 2021.
• The following are ways survivors can apply for disaster assistance:
  • 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, click on the FEMA DRC link: fema.gov/drc.

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

amir.nijem Fri, 11/12/2021 - 18:11