FEMA Supports Accessible Tourism as Part of the Island's Recovery

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) initiated the first federal and state project in Puerto Rico to eliminate accessibility barriers and help create tourism with greater equity and inclusion for people with functional diversity.

This initiative, created by FEMA's team of advisors from the Disability Integration (DI) office, has impacted several municipalities with strategies such as the installation of signs and menus in Braille writing, tour guides qualified in sign language, removable ramps to adapt them to various facilities, and aquatic and floating wheelchairs for use in beaches and water parks, among many other options.

In addition, the DI team provides suggestions to identify grants and recovery funds that include measures so that survivors with disabilities and access and functional needs can enjoy tourism activities under the same conditions.

“The recovery of Puerto Rico is very broad and goes beyond the allocation of funds for reconstruction work. The ongoing efforts to help the island recover provide the opportunity of collaborating with the government in this type of initiative for the equal benefit of all,” said FEMA’s Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator in Puerto Rico, José G. Baquero.

In order to have a greater impact and promote joint efforts, FEMA worked with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and the Puerto Rico Destination Management Organization, with the purpose of analyzing statistics about tourism economy and reaffirmed that improving accessibility strengthens the results in this industry.

Carlos Mercado Santiago, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, stated that one of the main goals aligned with the vision of the Government of Puerto Rico is to encourage inclusive and accessible tourism. “As part of the initiatives that we have been doing in that direction, we are pleased to join FEMA’s efforts to educate and create awareness within our tourism entrepreneurs, organizations and communities in all of the Island’s municipalities,” said Mercado.

Currently, DI continues to work directly with the municipalities and agencies to provide guidance on the importance of accessibility, its inclusive benefits and alternatives to acquire funding that make accessibility possible. Also, statistics of the population census are provided that identify the communities with disabilities in each municipality as an element to visualize how can they improve their inclusion alternatives.

In Ponce, the Director the Municipality’s Tourism Development Company, Ivan “Yuye” Rodríguez, said that the subjects of accessibility and inclusion within the Mayor’s work plan and public policy are of great importance. “Workshops like the one we received about Accessible and Inclusive Tourism, serve as a guide to develop strategies and achieve social cohesion while we work to boost economic development and tourism in our city, without losing focus on the general community’s wellbeing.” 

Furthermore, these measures also support other areas such as sports tourism, as mentioned by Jaime Rosado Villa, father of a young sports enthusiast who, during the last 10 years, has participated in various 5K races with his walker.

“In 2018, he walked two and a half miles at the Miami Marathon, on December 2020, he walked 21 kilometers in 30 days. This year, due to the pandemic, the project of doing sports tourism was born with races that go through all the municipalities and the beauties of our country so that we all have the opportunity to enjoy what Puerto Rico offers as a tourist destination,” Rosado Villa said about his athlete son’s experience.

The Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Project began to develop in 2018. During that year, FEMA had the opportunity to participate in the assessments of various public facilities in Puerto Rico, and since February 2018 it has worked with different municipalities, like Aguadilla, Arecibo, Bayamón, Isabela, Maunabo, Ponce and San Juan with the goal of providing guidance on accessible tourism.

Organizations interested in receiving orientations may email jose.carorivera@fema.dhs.gov and/or fatmee.lopeztorres@fema.dhs.gov.

To access more information on the recovery of Puerto Rico from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

 

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 11/04/2021 - 11:20

ICYMI – FEMA Administrator Travels to Louisiana to Visit Communities Recovering from Hurricane Ida, Meets with State Officials, Parish Presidents and Faith Leaders

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell traveled to Louisiana earlier this week, where she met with parish presidents and faith leaders leading Hurricane Ida recovery efforts in their communities.

The visit marked Administrator Criswell’s third trip to impacted communities since Hurricane Ida struck Louisiana in late August.

On Monday, the Administrator met with St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard and St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell at the St. Charles Emergency Operations Center (EOC). They discussed progress being made with debris cleanup, future mitigation projects and the Hurricane Ida Direct Housing Sheltering program. Afterwards, Administrator Criswell received a tour of the EOC and participated in a news conference with parish and state officials.

Administrator Criswell then traveled to a non-congregate sheltering site in Grand Isle, where she met with Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle for a tour of the island and a visit to the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. At the center, she thanked staff for the work they’ve done to support the community as they recover and rebuild.

 

On Tuesday, Administrator Criswell traveled to the Beacon Light International Baptist Cathedral in Orleans Parish to attend a faith-based community roundtable. At that event, she provided an update on Hurricane Ida recovery and took questions from attendees. The Administrator highlighted FEMA’s recent changes to its Individual Assistance program and shared that the registration deadline for Hurricane Ida survivors has been extended to Nov.  29.

 

Next, Administrator Criswell visited the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, which is providing services to an average of nearly 200 survivors every day. She thanked FEMA staff and other federal partners for their efforts on the ground assisting survivors.

Before returning to Washington, the Administrator met with Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove and Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson at the Terrebonne Parish Government Tower to receive an update on the recovery process from both Hurricane Ida and other recent storms.

“Ida was a catastrophic event and it caused destruction that was larger than any of the disasters that we’ve seen here recently,” said Administrator Criswell. “It made landfall 16 years to the day from Hurricane Katrina, and there’s still a lot of recovery that’s going on from Katrina. We’ve learned a lot since then and have been able to put a lot of new processes in place to help expedite the recovery. But there are still things we can do to improve, and that’s what I’m committed to doing.”

To date, FEMA has provided more than $935 million in grants to survivors and more than $349 million in flood insurance claims. More than 4,700 households are receiving emergency shelter through provided hotel rooms.  The U.S. Small Business Administration has provided more than $915 million in low-interest loans and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has installed more than 35,600 blue roofs so families can shelter inside their home while making additional repairs. For additional recovery information please visit 4611 | FEMA.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 11/03/2021 - 18:47

100+ Days into Recovery: Federal Aid Tops More Than $270 Million

Detroit – In a little more than three months since President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for southeast Michigan following the June 25-26 severe storms, flooding and tornadoes, the federal government has approved more than $270.2 million to help Michiganders with disaster-related needs.

 

That includes a total of $150,979,037.43 in FEMA assistance to survivors, as of Oct. 31.

 

“These are impressive milestones in such a short period of time,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Scott Burgess, who oversees FEMA’s response to and recovery efforts from the late June severe storms, flooding and tornadoes. “This money goes directly into the hands of survivors in Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties and allows them to start on their road to recovery and return to a sense of normalcy.”

 

Here’s a breakdown:

 

• Nearly $151 million in Individuals and Households Program (IHP) grants have been awarded to 51,586 homeowners and renters. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage, including:
  • More than $120.4 million in housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
  • Nearly $30.6 million in Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 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.

 

• Nearly $10.6 million in housing mitigation grants have been awarded to 36,130 qualified applicants. This is a new category of IHP home repair (housing) award for qualified individuals and families with homes damaged by the late June storms, flooding and tornadoes. The funds encourage homeowners to take steps now to protect their property, reducing the likelihood of future disaster damage to their homes.

 

• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved 3,937 long-term, low-interest disaster loans for a running total of more than $119.2 million for Michigan 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 late June storms and flooding.

 

• In addition, nearly $1.5 million in claims have been paid to homeowners insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Also, FEMA mitigation experts counseled more than 10,000 individuals on flood mitigation and insurance through the agency’s Community Education and Outreach activities at disaster recovery centers and local hardware-store events. Additionally, they provided numerous free publications, including FEMA’s Protect Your Property From Flooding brochure and the agency’s Mitigation for Homeowners Fact Sheet–as well as increased awareness about the FloodSmart.gov website for flood insurance.

 

• The State of Michigan and FEMA have staffed and operated nine disaster recovery centers, which have provided one-on-one assistance to survivors. Nearly 25,000 survivors have visited the centers.
  • There have also been three drop-off centers for survivors to physically hand in their documents to FEMA. Nearly 2,190 have used these centers.

 

• FEMA sent Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams to storm-impacted neighborhoods in Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The teams visited homes, businesses and nonprofit organizations to help residents apply for assistance, identify and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to State of Michigan, local and voluntary agencies for additional support.
  • To date, DSA personnel have visited over 30,000 homes and over 1,500 businesses, and community and faith-based organizations. They have interacted with over 12,000 survivors.
  • They have assisted over 2,600 applicants in applying for FEMA assistance, updating their applications and answering their questions and concerns, and have registered over 1,500 households for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.

 

The last day survivors of Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties can apply with FEMA for federal assistance is Friday, Nov. 12, 2021.

 

For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4607. FEMA assistance is currently available to residents in Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Nov. 12, 2021.

###

 

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service, will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

 

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

troy.christensen Wed, 11/03/2021 - 16:07

FEMA Hosts Public Meetings for Comment about Minimum Floodplain Management Standards Request for Information on Federal Register until Dec. 13

WASHINGTON -- FEMA will conduct two 90-minute virtual public meetings to gather public feedback on the National Flood Insurance Program. The meeting will focus on the program's floodplain management standards for land management and use and an assessment of the program's impact on threatened and endangered species and their habitats.

Initially published in the Federal Register on Oct. 12, this request of information is to gather comments on opportunities to update the program’s minimum floodplain management standards to help communities become safer, stronger and more resilient. It also seeks input on minimum floodplain management standards that will promote conservation of threatened and endangered species and their habitats consistent with the Endangered Species Act, Section 7(a)(1).

Each meeting is open to the public and will cover the same content. Participants must register in advance and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis to provide a verbal comment. Registration is open for the following public meetings:

• The first public meeting will be held from 2:30 – 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, Nov. 4. Visit this webpage to register.
• The second public meeting will be held from 3:30 – 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, Nov. 15. Visit this webpage to register.

On the registration page, registrants can indicate if they have an interest in providing a three-minute verbal comment during a meeting.

Additional Information About the Request for Information

The type of feedback that is most useful to the agency includes feedback that:

• Identifies opportunities for the agency to improve the minimum floodplain management standards for land management and use.
• Identifies specific program components that promote conservation of threatened and endangered species and their habitats.
• Refers to specific barriers to community participation.
• Aligns the program with the improved understanding of flood risk and flood risk reduction approaches.
• Identifies better incentives for communities and policyholders, particularly for Endangered Species Act-listed species and critical habitats.
• Offers actionable data.
• Specifies viable alternatives to existing approaches that meet statutory obligations.

In addition to providing verbal comments at the public meetings, any interested person can submit written comments to the Federal Register notice.  Written comments can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal using Docket ID: FEMA-2021-2024. Click on the “Comment” button and complete the form. The comment period closes on Dec. 13. 

amy.ashbridge Tue, 11/02/2021 - 20:42

Safeguard Your Home When Daylight Saving Ends This Sunday

CHICAGO –  On Sunday, November 7, daylight saving time ends, and we set our clocks back an hour. Take advantage of the extra time to ensure your family and home are best prepared for possible emergencies or unexpected disasters.

“This weekend is a good time to reset and get ready for the winter months ahead—reassess your home’s safety and family preparedness in case of an emergency,” said Moises Dugan, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, make sure your family knows what to do if something happens, and confirm your home is protected from the risks in your community.”  

1. Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detector. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing the equipment to ensure it is functioning appropriately. Invest in new detectors if they’re near or past the manufacturer’s recommended replacement age. 

2. Ready your home and verify your insurance coverages adequately protect your property. Keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping and learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Review your insurance policies and talk to your agent to ensure your property is fully covered for the hazards in your area.

3. Update your family’s emergency plan. Make sure each family member knows how they will receive emergency alerts and warnings and how to stay in touch with each other if something happens and you’re not together.   

Visit Ready.gov to learn how to prepare for disasters and what to do during an emergency. Download the FEMA mobile app to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide, share notifications with loved ones via text, email and social media, and prepare for disasters with a customizable emergency kit checklist and emergency family plan.

 

# # #

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

troy.christensen Tue, 11/02/2021 - 20:03

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided over $1.2 billion to more than 196,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

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

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

Please find state-specific information below:

State/Territory

Applications

Amount Approved

Number of Awards

ALABAMA

8,073

$29,949,370

4,356

ALASKA

224

$552,883

97

AMERICAN SAMOA

Less than 10

$22,968

Less than 10

ARIZONA

5,376

$16,817,632

3,313

ARKANSAS

3,573

$13,178,159

2,060

CALIFORNIA

30,940

$126,977,882

19,537

COLORADO

2,529

$8,677,995

1,535

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

Less than 10

$4,344

Less than 10

CONNECTICUT

3,414

$17,169,574

2,485

DELAWARE

940

$3,921,943

628

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

575

$2,334,858

340

FLORIDA

23,563

$64,464,543

11,388

GEORGIA

13,553

$51,542,932

7,432

GUAM

20

$69,162

Less than 10

HAWAII

380

$1,082,658

186

IDAHO

880

$2,538,033

438

ILLINOIS

12,559

$56,429,286

8,260

INDIANA

5,675

$24,736,558

3,541

IOWA

2,638

$13,755,608

1,910

KANSAS

2,623

$11,978,953

1,830

KENTUCKY

4,987

$19,822,278

2,764

LOUISIANA

6,346

$25,881,750

3,765

MAINE

450

$1,437,838

264

MARYLAND

5,778

$26,164,066

3,895

MASSACHUSETTS

5,788

$27,886,989

4,008

MICHIGAN

10,089

$41,428,011

6,791

MINNESOTA

2,951

$14,450,536

2,110

MISSISSIPPI

5,378

$20,385,185

3,004

MISSOURI

6,230

$23,717,789

3,767

MONTANA

668

$1,803,255

351

NEBRASKA

1,307

$6,525,485

923

NEVADA

2,875

$8,775,733

1,575

NEW HAMPSHIRE

708

$2,956,243

485

NEW JERSEY

12,024

$55,593,274

8,040

NEW MEXICO

1,700

$5,260,886

1,022

NEW YORK

26,201

$117,385,834

17,010

NORTH CAROLINA

10,443

$40,497,902

6,080

NORTH DAKOTA

716

$3,807,606

513

OHIO

11,016

$45,817,859

7,077

OKLAHOMA

4,843

$18,482,859

2,883

OREGON

1,250

$3,071,782

591

PENNSYLVANIA

13,462

$62,495,718

9,484

PUERTO RICO

1,484

$2,709,117

737

RHODE ISLAND

1,177

$5,481,004

799

SOUTH CAROLINA

7,308

$28,496,699

4,104

SOUTH DAKOTA

744

$3,977,432

543

TENNESSEE

9,044

$33,960,310

4,913

TEXAS

30,839

$118,593,661

18,191

U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

42

$143,714

22

UTAH

1,324

$5,572,291

795

VERMONT

154

$636,820

109

VIRGINIA

6,925

$28,589,278

4,304

WASHINGTON

2,387

$7,330,615

1,322

WEST VIRGINIA

1,894

$7,154,879

1,054

WISCONSIN

4,763

$21,181,922

3,229

WYOMING

361

$1,240,699

217

 

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

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

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

amy.ashbridge Mon, 11/01/2021 - 21:39

Tips for Storm Survivors to Avoid Contractor Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – With many residents in Middle Tennessee repairing and rebuilding their properties after damage from the August storms and flooding, federal and state recovery officials encourage those hiring a contractor to be aware of fraud. Disasters bring out fraudsters and con artists, many of whom claim to be affiliated with FEMA when they’re not. FEMA does not certify contractors.

Other tips to keep in mind when hiring a contractor:

• Do your research. Scam artists will usually come to you to offer their services — either at your door, on the phone or through email — so be especially wary of solicitors.
  • Don’t offer personal financial information over the phone. Know who you are dealing with and always ask for identification.
  • Get estimates from multiple contractors and your insurance company. Reject any offer that seems too good to be true.
  • Ask for references from past customers.
  • Use the Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org, and internet search engines. Fraudulent firms change names frequently, so search the web for their address and phone number, and include terms like “review,” “scam” and “complaint”.
  • Verify insurance. Contractors should have disability and workers' compensation insurance. If they don’t, you may be liable for accidents on your property.
  • Make sure contractors have the proper licensing and are bonded.
  • Ensure contractors obtain the necessary permits to do the job.
  • Demand satisfaction. Don’t sign completion papers or make final payment until the work is done correctly.
• Don’t wire money or use reloadable debit or gift cards. There is no legitimate reason to use this form of payment.
• Get agreements in writing. Read the contract carefully, and if you don’t understand every word, take it to an expert. Never sign a contract with blank spaces to be filled in. 
  • Make sure the contract details all work to be performed, the costs, projected completion date and how to negotiate changes and settle disputes.
• Take a picture of your contractor, their vehicle and license plate and/or the contractor’s business card and driver’s license.
• Report your concerns. Potential fraud should be reported to your local law enforcement agency. You can also visit the Tennessee Dept. of Commerce and Insurance and file an online complaint form File a Complaint (tn.gov) or call the free FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 available 24-hours a day.

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

felicia.jordan Mon, 11/01/2021 - 20:16

باقي أسبوعان لتقديم طلب الحصول على مساعدات FEMA

ديترويت - سكان جنوب شرق ميشيغان لن يتم إغفالهم. احصل على المساعدة التي تحتاجها.

 

الموعد النهائي لتقديم طلب الحصول على مساعدة FEMA هو يوم الجمعة، 12 نوفمبر 2021، لسكان مقاطعات أوكلاند وماكومب وواشتناو وواين الذين عانوا من أضرار أو خسائر من العواصف والفيضانات والأعاصير الشديدة التي وقعت في 25-26 يونيو.

 

تم تصنيف مقاطعات واشتناو وواين مؤهلة لبرنامج FEMA للمساعدة الفردية بموجب إعلان الكوارث الكبرى الذي وقعه الرئيس جو بايدن في 15 يوليو. وقد تمت إضافة مقاطعات أوكلاند وماكومب إلى الإعلان باعتبارها مؤهلة لبرنامج FEMA  للمساعدة الفردية بموجب إعلان الكوارث الكبرى المعدل في 24 سبتمبر.

 

قد تتضمن مساعدات FEMA منحًا للإسكان المؤقت وإصلاحات المنزل الطارئة لجعل منزلك آمنًا وسهل الوصول إليه ومؤمنًا. FEMA لا تقبل ازدواجية مدفوعات التأمين. إذا كان لديك بوليصة تأمين خاصة بمالكي المنازل، تقدم بمطالباتك التأمينية قبل التقدم بطلب إلىFEMA . إذا كنت مؤمنًا جزئيًا، فقد تتلقى المساعدة بعد تسوية مطالبات تأمينك طالما تقدمت بطلب بحلول الموعد النهائي.

 

حتى ولو قمت بإبلاغ وكالة أو منظمة أخرى عن الضرر الذي لحق بك، فلا يزال يتعين عليك التقدم بطلب إلى FEMA إذا كنت تريد الحصول على المنح الفيدرالية الخاصة بالكوارث وقروض الكوارث منخفضة الفائدة المقدمة من إدارة الأعمال الصغيرة الأمريكية (SBA).

 

لتقديم طلب الحصول على المساعدة:

• قم بزيارة DisasterAssistance.gov. يجب إكمال الطلبات عبر الإنترنت في موعد أقصاه منتصف ليل 12 نوفمبر بالتوقيت الشرقي.

• اتصل على 800-621-3362 (جهاز اتصال نصي TTY 7585-462-800) العاملون يتحدثون عدة لغات والمكالمات يتم الرد عليها من الساعة 7 صباحًا حتى

الساعة 11 مساءً بالتوقيت الشرقي، سبعة أيام في الأسبوع.

• استخدم تطبيق FEMA.

لمزيد من المعلومات حول تعافي ميشيغان، تفضل بزيارة fema.gov/disaster/4607. الموعد النهائي للأفراد لتقديم طلب للحصول على المساعدة في حالات الكوارث هو 12 نوفمبر 2021.

###

 مساعدات التعافي من الكوارث تقدم بدون تمييز على أساس العرق أو الدين أو الأصل القومي أو الجنس أو العمر أو الإعاقة أو إتقان للغة الإنجليزية أو الوضع الاقتصادي.  ستكون التسهيلات المعقولة، بما في ذلك خدمات الترجمة ومترجمي لغة الإشارة الأمريكية عبر خدمة ترحيل الفيديو، متاحة لضمان التواصل الفعال مع المتقدمين ذوي المعرفة المحدودة باللغة الإنجليزية وأصحاب الإعاقات والوصول والاحتياجات الوظيفية. إذا تعرضت أنت أو أي شخص تعرفه للتمييز، فاتصل بـ FEMA على الرقم المجاني 3362-621-800 (بما في ذلك 711 أو ترحيل فيديو). إذا كنت أصم أو تعاني من ضعف في السمع أو لديك إعاقة في النطق وتستخدم هاتفًا نصيًا، فاتصل على 7585-462-800.

إن مهمة FEMA هي مساعدة الناس قبل وأثناء وبعد الكوارث.

troy.christensen Mon, 11/01/2021 - 14:52

Quedan dos semanas para solicitar asistencia de FEMA

Detroit — Los residentes en el sudeste de Michigan, no se den por perdidos. Obtenga la ayuda que necesita.

 

La fecha límite para solicitar la asistencia de FEMA es el viernes, 12 de noviembre de 2021, para los residentes en los condados Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw y Wayne que sufrieron daños o pérdidas por las tormentas, inundaciones y tornados ocurridos del 25 al 26 de junio.

 

Los condados Washtenaw y Wayne fueron designados elegibles para el Programa de Asistencia Individual de FEMA bajo la Declaración de Desastre Mayor firmada por el presidente Joe Biden el 15 de julio. Los condados Oakland y Macomb se agregaron a la declaración como elegibles para el Programa de Asistencia Individual de FEMA bajo la Declaración de Desastre Mayor enmendada el 24 de septiembre.

 

La asistencia de FEMA puede incluir subvenciones para alojamiento temporal y reparaciones de emergencia a la vivienda para que sea segura y accesible. FEMA no puede duplicar los pagos del seguro. Si tiene una póliza de seguro de vivienda, presente su reclamación de seguro antes de solicitar a FEMA. Si tiene seguro insuficiente, puede recibir ayuda después de que se hayan resuelto sus reclamaciones de seguro, siempre que presente la solicitud antes de la fecha límite.

 

Incluso si informó su daño a otra agencia u organización, debe presentar una solicitud ante FEMA si desea que se le considere para subvenciones federales por desastre y préstamos por desastre a bajo interés de la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa.

 

Para solicitar ayuda:

• Visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es. Las solicitudes en línea deben completarse antes de la medianoche, hora del este, del 12 de noviembre.

• Llame al 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Los operadores son multilingües y las llamadas se atienden de 7:00 a.m. a 11:00 p.m. hora del este, los siete días de la semana.
• Utilice la Aplicación móvil de FEMA.

 

Para más información sobre la recuperación en Michigan, visite fema.gov/es/disaster/4607. El plazo para que las personas soliciten la asistencia por desastre finaliza el 12 de noviembre de 2021.

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La asistencia por desastre está disponible sin importar la raza, color, religión, origen nacional, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio limitado del inglés o situación económica. Se ofrecerán acomodos razonables, incluida la traducción y los intérpretes de lenguaje de señas americano a través del servicio de retransmisión por video, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes que tengan un dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades de acceso y funcionales. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido discriminado, llame a la línea gratuita de FEMA al 800-621-3362 (incluidos los usuarios del 711 o servicio de retransmisión por video). Si usted es una persona sorda, con dificultades auditivas o tiene alguna discapacidad del habla y usa el servicio de TTY, llame al 800-462-7585.

troy.christensen Mon, 11/01/2021 - 14:50

FEMA Approves $1.1 Million Grant for Panama City Beach Utility Mitigation Project

PENSACOLA, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,102,418 for the city of Panama City Beach to study a proposal to convert existing overhead utility and communication lines to underground facilities along Front Beach Road between Lullwater Drive and Crane Street. FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will fund the study, which will include surveying, engineering, design, planning and the bidding for the suggested work.

Once approved, the project would include the planned removal of sections of the existing roadway or sidewalk, the digging of an underground trench, installation of the electrical and communication lines, restoring the local power connections and re-installing the roadway and sidewalk.

When completed, the project will provide long-term protection for the underground lines and, in turn, the community from the direct impact of severe storm events, including flooding.

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 Mon, 11/01/2021 - 13:22

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Connecticut

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Connecticut to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida during the period of Sept. 1-2, 2021.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Fairfield and New London counties, including the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Nation.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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

Robert V. Fogel has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Fogel said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

You can apply for disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800.621.3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as a videophone, InnoCaption, or CapTel, give FEMA the number for that service.

luther.wills-dudich Sat, 10/30/2021 - 21:39

Free Crisis Counseling Available to Middle Tennessee Storm Survivors

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In the weeks and months after disaster strikes, the path to recovery can pose many uncertainties and cause stress and anxiety. FEMA approved more than $116 thousand in grant funding to the state of Tennessee for crisis counseling services to help residents struggling with the aftermath of the August storms and flooding in Middle Tennessee.

Those in the designated counties of Dickson, Hickman, Houston and Humphreys can reach out to Centerstone, a nonprofit organization at 888-460-4351. They can provide short-term supportive counseling as well as referrals for long-term counseling and other recovery resources, such as food banks, housing and legal services.

Other resources for those in crisis include:

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a 24/7, year-round, confidential, multi-lingual crisis counseling and emotional support resource for survivors, responders, and anyone in the U.S./territories struggling with distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Individuals can call or text 800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish) to connect with a trained mental health professional. ASL users can also call 800-985-5990 through their videophone to connect with trained DDH counselors fluent in ASL or access the “ASL Now” option via the DDH website at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

The Tennessee Statewide Crisis Phone Line. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 1-855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471) to speak with a caring, trained mental health professional, 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week, You can also text TN to 741741.

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

felicia.jordan Fri, 10/29/2021 - 19:29

Two Weeks Remain to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Detroit— Residents of Southeast Michigan, don’t get overlooked. Get the help you need.

 

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, for residents of Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties who experienced damage or losses from the June 25-26 severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes.

 

Washtenaw and Wayne counties were designated eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program under the Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Joe Biden on July 15. Oakland and Macomb counties were added to the declaration as eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program under the amended Major Disaster Declaration on Sept. 24.

 

FEMA assistance may include grants for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. If you have a homeowners insurance policy, file your insurance claim before applying to FEMA. If you are underinsured, you may receive assistance after your insurance claims have been settled, as long as you apply by the deadline.

 

Even if you reported your damage to another agency or organization, you should still apply with FEMA if you want to be considered for federal disaster grants and U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans.

 

To apply for assistance:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov. Online applications must be completed no later than midnight EDT on Nov. 12.

• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Operators are multilingual and calls are answered 7 a.m. to

11 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.

• Use the FEMA App.

 

For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4607. The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Nov. 12, 2021.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service, will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

troy.christensen Fri, 10/29/2021 - 18:15

Preliminary Flood Maps for Guadalupe County, Texas Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the cities of New Braunfels and Seguin, and unincorporated areas of Guadalupe County, Texas.

Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.

For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Guadalupe County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.

FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Carmen.Castro Fri, 10/29/2021 - 16:40

Preliminary Flood Maps for Gonzales County, Texas Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the City of Gonzales and unincorporated areas of Gonzales County, Texas.

Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.

For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Gonzales County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.

FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Carmen.Castro Fri, 10/29/2021 - 16:21

Preliminary Flood Maps for Comal County, Texas Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the City of New Braunfels and unincorporated areas of Comal County, Texas.

Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.

For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Comal County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.

FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Carmen.Castro Fri, 10/29/2021 - 16:16

Get Home Repair Advice Nov. 1-6 at Lowe’s in Queens

NEW YORK – As the people of New York repair and rebuild their homes, FEMA has teamed with Lowe’s home-improvement store in Queens to provide free information and tips on how to make homes damaged by natural disasters stronger and safer.

FEMA specialists will be available at the location listed below to answer questions and offer tips and techniques for building hazard-resistant homes to help prevent or reduce damage from disasters. Most information is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation advisors are available Monday, Nov. 1 to Saturday, Nov. 6:

Lowe’s

253-01 Rockaway Blvd.

Rosedale, NY 11422

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Free reference booklets with information about protecting a home from flood damage will also be available to survivors. More information about protecting property can be found at fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management.

For the latest on New York’s Hurricane Ida recovery efforts, visit fema.gov/disaster/4615. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion2 and facebook.com/fema.

thomas.wise Fri, 10/29/2021 - 13:16

60 Days Since Ida, Louisiana Recovery Continues to be Whole Community Effort

BATON ROUGE, La. –  It’s been 60 days since Hurricane Ida made landfall. The first months of disaster recovery are often intense, stressful, and sometimes chaotic. That has not slowed down the effort to assist those affected by Ida. Efforts to rebuild and come back from such devastation come from the whole community; one agency cannot do it alone. Through the utilization of state and local resources, volunteer agencies, as well as federal partners, Louisianians have been able to continue to return to some form of normalcy.

Houma, LA. – Mother and son at a Disaster Recovery Center, where survivors affected by Hurricane Ida can get help with their disaster assistance applications, upload documents and get questions answered. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also on hand to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters.  Photo by Julie Joseph, FEMA.

 

Montegut, LA – Members of a FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crew walk door to door (or boat to boat) to help residents apply for assistance after Hurricane Ida.  Photo by Julie Joseph, FEMA.

 

Thibodaux, LA -- FEMA mitigation specialists give tips to Hurricane Ida survivors on how to rebuild and protect their homes from future disaster-related damage. Photo by Julie Joseph, FEMA.

 

Hahnville, LA – Members from Team Rubicon Disaster Response Team assess damage caused by Hurricane Ida. Photo by Julie Joseph, FEMA.

 

Reserve, LA – Volunteers put together hot lunches at the Tchoupitoulas Chapel to feed those affected by Hurricane Ida. Photo by Keith Jones, FEMA.

 

Houma, LA – Members of a FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crew walk door to door to help residents of Houma apply for assistance after Hurricane Ida.  Photo by Julie Joseph, FEMA.

 

Carmen.Castro Thu, 10/28/2021 - 21:47

Federal Disaster Assistance in Louisiana Exceeds $2 Billion Two Months after Hurricane Ida

BATON ROUGE, La. – Since Hurricane Ida barreled across Southeast Louisiana two months ago, leaving dozens of parishes with severe damage and losses, disaster survivors have received more than $889 million in federal grants and been approved for more than $816 million in low-interest loans to enhance their recovery. Another $297 million has been paid to survivors in National Flood Insurance Program claims.

Survivors – and their communities – continue to clean up, begin to repair or rebuild their homes with future disasters in mind, and support their neighbors. The response by the state of Louisiana, FEMA and local and nonprofit partners has helped to put Louisiana on the road to recovery, and survivors can be sure FEMA and its partners will continue to work together to help those affected by Ida rebuild their lives and communities. The deadline to apply with FEMA for assistance has been extended to Nov. 29, 2021.

As of Oct. 28, total federal disaster assistance includes:

More than $889 million in total financial help and direct services to those who have necessary eligible expenses following the disaster and are unable to meet those needs through insurance or other means.

$492 million of that amount includes housing assistance to help homeowners repair or replace residential property damage from the disaster and/or for a safe place to stay while they recover.

$396 million is for Other Needs Assistance to cover necessary, disaster-related expenses such as medical bills, cleaning, repair or replacement of essential household items or vehicles and other non-housing needs.

More than $816 million approved in U.S. Small Business Administration loans, with more than $782 million for homeowners and renters and more than $34 million for businesses to repair, rebuild and replace damaged property and contents and for economic injury.

More than $297 million in claims paid to more than 4,500 National Flood Insurance policyholders.

Federal housing assistance is providing:

Rental assistance for more than 179,000 homeowners and renters.

Direct Temporary Housing assistance for 10 of the most impacted parishes, making available several housing solutions for Louisiana survivors.

As FEMA’s direct temporary housing gains momentum, the state is assisting survivors in the most heavily impacted parishes who have immediate sheltering needs. Survivors interested in the state-run Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program can visit idashelteringla.com or call 844-268-0301 to register.

In another milestone, contractors for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have installed 33,200 "blue roofs" in the storm-affected area, enabling survivors to live in their own homes while they make repairs.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers have received nearly 33,269 visitors seeking disaster assistance or information, while Disaster Survivor Assistance outreach teams have visited 143,544 homes, made 27,812 referrals to various community resources and helped 15,254 individuals apply with FEMA.

The fastest ways to apply for FEMA assistance remain applying 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.

SBA representatives are also available at disaster recovery centers, and businesses and residents can also visit Disaster assistance (sba.gov), call SBA’s customer service center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information to apply.

If you have questions about how to repair and rebuild safer and stronger, FEMA’s mitigation specialists can help. To learn more call 833-FEMA-4-US to speak with a Mitigation Specialist or visit https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lamit, for Spanish https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-es-mit, for Vietnamese https://fema.connectsolutions.com/la-vie-mit.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

kwei.nwaogu Thu, 10/28/2021 - 21:33

Two Weeks Left to Register for FEMA Assistance

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

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Nov. 10, 2021, and the deadline to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan is Nov. 9, 2021.

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

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. The easiest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors who may need to request an accommodation or have additional questions can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT, seven days a week. Help is available in most languages.

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.

The primary source of federal funding for long-term disaster recovery not covered by insurance is the Small Business Administration. SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome an economic injury. 

Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan of up to $200,000 for their primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding and homeowners and renters with up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster. Businesses and nonprofit organizations may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million for physical damage and working capital needs to stay in business.

For information on the SBA process, visit DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing can call 800-877-8339.

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

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

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

valerie.amato Thu, 10/28/2021 - 21:12