FEMA hosts traditional blessing and opening ceremony for new Kilohana Temporary Group Housing Site in Lahaina

LAHAINA, Maui –The Federal Emergency Management Agency opened its new Kilohana temporary group housing site today, hosting a traditional blessing ceremony and welcoming the first wildfire survivors into its modular units.

Once completed, Kilohana will offer 167 temporary homes to support survivors of the Lahaina wildfire as they rebuild their lives and work toward securing permanent housing. As of Nov. 18, 94 of the units had been delivered to the group housing site at Fleming Road and Malo Street. The units will come with basic furnishings and will provide utilities.

“Together, we are building more than a temporary housing for fire survivors,” said FEMA’s Region 9 Administrator Robert J. Fenton. “We are building a foundation for resilience, recovery, and renewal for the people of West Maui.” 

FEMA hired three companies – Dynamic, Timberline and Acuity – to manufacture the one-, two- and three-bedroom modular units in the continental United States and then ship them to Maui. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was brought in to prepare the 34-acre group housing site. 

The modular homes have been built to last 30 years or more. It is the first time that FEMA has built temporary homes – known as Alternative Transportable Temporary Housing Units – that meet local and international building codes.

FEMA would then have the option of reallocating the units once they are no longer needed for temporary housing, helping to increase Maui’s housing stock. Kilohana is located next to a state temporary housing project, Ka Laʻi Ola, which is installing prefabricated homes for up to 450 individuals and families displaced by the wildfires. 

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. 

shannon.carley Sat, 11/23/2024 - 20:31

Crisis Counseling, Mental Health Resources for Helene Survivors

RALEIGH, N.C. - FEMA and the state recognize the immense emotional toll disasters can have on individuals and families and is providing free resources to help Helene survivors access free crisis counseling and mental health support.

In coordination with state governments, FEMA’s Crisis Counseling Program offers mental health services and training activities to help disaster survivors manage stress, cope with their experiences and connect with additional resources. These services are provided at no cost to survivors affected by the disaster and are delivered in accessible locations, including survivors’ homes, shelters, temporary living sites and places of worship. Survivors can access support in both one-on-one and in group settings.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Hope4NC Crisis Counseling Program provides immediate support and crisis counseling services for North Carolinians following Helene. Survivors experiencing stress, emotional fatigue, a mental health crisis or just need someone to talk to, can call the Hope4NC Helpline 24/7 at 1-855-587-3463. Services are provided at no cost and are available to anyone residing within the declared 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, regardless of their eligibility for FEMA financial assistance.

Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline is available anytime to provide support. Survivors and responders feeling overwhelmed can call or text 1-800-985-5990 to receive free, confidential support in any language.

FEMA encourages all survivors to take advantage of these resources as they navigate the recovery process. For more information about disaster recovery resources, visit fema.gov/disaster/4827.

erika.suzuki Sat, 11/23/2024 - 14:46

Four North Carolina Disaster Recovery Centers to Close Nov. 27

RALEIGH, N.C. - In partnership with the state and local governments, FEMA will close four Helene Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) as of 6 p.m. Nov. 27. 

The Jan. 7, 2025, deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is unaffected.

The closing DRCs are:

• Alleghany County – Business Development Center, 115 Atwood St. Sparta NC, 28675
• Gaston County – Dallas Civic Center, 206 S. Oakland St. Dallas NC, 28034
• Jackson County – Jackson County Annex Building, 198 WBI Dr. Sylva NC, 28779
• McDowell County – A.C. Bud Hogan Community Center, 909 E. Main St. Old Fort NC, 28762

Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed.  To find those center locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a ZIP code to 43362. 

It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 

erika.suzuki Fri, 11/22/2024 - 23:46

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Open in Flagler County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FEMA has opened a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Flagler County to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricane Milton. Survivors of Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Debby can also be served by the center. 

Center location:

Flagler County

Flagler County Government Services Complex
1769 E Moody Blvd. 
Bunnell, FL 32110
Hours: 9 a.m.– 6p.m. Monday-Sunday

To find other center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. If you choose to apply by phone, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

brindisi.chan Fri, 11/22/2024 - 23:19

FEMA Approves Additional $76 Million for Emergency Work Following Florida's Hurricanes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - FEMA has approved an additional $76 million to reimburse Florida communities for emergency work after Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. 

This includes: 

• $2,833,717 for the city of Oldsmar for debris removal
• $29,176,400 for the city of Tampa for debris removal
• $2,907,349 for the city of Holmes Beach for debris removal
• $1,038,219 for the city of Bradenton Beach for debris removal 
• $2,331,111 for the city of Dunedin for debris removal
• $2,872,284 for the city of Largo for debris removal
• $1,357,200 for the city of Daytona Beach for debris removal
• $2,494,914 for Lake County for debris removal
• $31,188,560 for the Florida Division of Emergency Management to reimburse the state for its non-congregate sheltering program

To date, FEMA Public Assistance has provided $820.9 million for Hurricane Milton, $370.4 million for Hurricane Helene and $102.2 million for Hurricane Debby. The money reimburses the state and local governments as well as certain nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures and debris removal. 

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Office of Civil Rights if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Office of Civil

Rights can be contacted at FEMA-OCR@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.

sixto.valentin… Fri, 11/22/2024 - 20:47

Personal Property and FEMA Assistance

Atlanta – FEMA assistance is limited to basic needs. It will not restore all property lost or damaged due to Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene. Insurance coverage is the best way to recover after a disaster. However, FEMA assistance for personal property may be available if you are uninsured or underinsured. 

Types of Assistance 

Appliances: Includes standard household appliances, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc. 

Clothing: Essential clothing needed due to loss, damage or contamination. 

Home Furnishings: Basic furnishings found in a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room. 

Tools Required for Work and School: Tools and equipment required for your job and items required for educational purposes. This assistance also applies to self-employed individuals. 

Computing Devices: This includes one personal or family computer. You may be eligible for funds for additional computers required for work or school that were damaged by the disaster. 

Accessible Items: FEMA provides assistance for damaged personal property required for eligible applicants with disabilities. 

Eligibility Conditions 

Items must have been owned prior to the Georgia disaster declarations.

• Items were owned and being used by occupants of the household.
• FEMA may not repair or replace a storm-damaged item if you own a similar item that works.
• FEMA does not provide assistance for furnishings and/or appliances provided by a landlord.
• Items used by guests and relatives who were not members of the pre-disaster household are not eligible for assistance.

There are four ways to apply for FEMA disaster assistance: call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Help on the phone line is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline for applications is Jan. 7, 2025.

To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/Georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

bree-constance… Fri, 11/22/2024 - 18:43

Monday is the Deadline for Vermonters to Apply for Federal Assistance

Vermonters affected by July’s severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides have until 10 p.m. on Monday, November 25 to apply for federal disaster assistance, which may include FEMA grants to repair homes and replace property. 

For the storms that took place July 9-11, residents in the designated counties of Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans and Washington are eligible to apply. For the July 29-31 storms, those in the designated counties of Caledonia, Essex and Orleans can apply. 

Vermonters affected by both July storms must submit separate applications for each event. 

Survivors who had loss or damage should apply with FEMA even if they don’t have repair estimates or insurance settlements yet. To be considered, people in the affected areas need to be registered in the system before the deadline. 

Here are three ways to apply: 

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. 
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), seven days a week. Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw. 
• Download FEMA’s Mobile App

Those who haven’t applied by the deadline and still want to register must submit a justification for why they missed it. Justifications may include: a record of hospitalization, illness, or disability of the applicant or an immediate family member; death for an immediate family member; or proof of personal or business travel that kept the applicant out of the area for the full application period.

adrien.urbani Fri, 11/22/2024 - 18:35

Five Safety Tips to Kick Off Your Holiday Season

CHICAGO – The holidays are here, and while it’s a time of joy and celebration, we can’t ignore the unique safety risks this time of year can bring. 

“We’re all busy, but it’s worth taking a few moments to prepare, so you can fully enjoy the season,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “Reducing the risk of emergencies through smart traveling, cooking and heating practices can be simple, yet effective for keeping your celebrations safe during the weeks ahead.” 

• Be a prepared traveler. Know the risk of inclement weather for your trip before you leave home. Listen to the radio or television for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions. If bad weather is forecast, drive only if necessary and always keep your gas tank at least half full. Talk with family about who to call and where to meet in an emergency. Visit www.ready.gov/plan for tips to get started.
• Pack an emergency supply kit. If you’re driving, keep an emergency supply kit in your vehicle with necessities you may need in case you’re stranded somewhere. 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. Put working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside sleeping areas. Before guests arrive for the holidays check your smoke and CO alarm batteries.   
• Practice smart cooking. Did you know Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires? 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.  
• Heat your home safely. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from fireplaces, wood stoves, portable heaters and radiators. Always plug space heaters directly into an outlet, and make sure its cord isn’t damaged or frayed. When you leave a room or go to bed, turn heaters off or unplug them. 

Learn more about fire safety by visiting the U.S. Fire Administration’s website Prevent Home Fires. You can find even more tips to be #WInterReady this season by visiting our website #WinterReady | Ready.gov.

kimberly.keblish Fri, 11/22/2024 - 15:37

FEMA Approves $1 Billion for Homeowners and Renters in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –FEMA has approved more than $1 billion in federal disaster assistance to help homeowners and renters recover from Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. This includes:

• $449.2 million approved for Hurricane Milton 
• $516.6 million approved for Hurricane Helene 
• $49.8 million approved for Hurricane Debby

Under FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, homeowners and renters affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby may be eligible for assistance for basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses.

Floridians can still apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

Survivors may also visit a disaster recovery center for in-person, one-on-one help applying for disaster assistance. To find center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

###

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Office of Civil Rights if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Office of Civil

Rights can be contacted at FEMA-OCR@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.

sixto.valentin… Fri, 11/22/2024 - 14:48

FEMA Opens Additional Disaster Recovery Centers in Lincoln and Wilkes Counties

ATLANTA – FEMA is opening additional Disaster Recovery Centers in Lincoln and Wilkes counties to provide one-on-one help for Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene. The centers are open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m.

All recovery centers will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29. 

Center locations: 

Lincoln County 
Lincoln County Recreation Department 
Walker T. Norman Gym 
1962 Rowland-York Drive 
Lincolnton, GA 30817 

Wilkes County 
Washington Fire Department (Training Room) 
212 E. Court St. 
Washington, GA 30673 

Additional centers are open in the following counties:

Open Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 6 p.m.

Appling County
Appling County Agricultural Center 
2761 Blackshear Highway
Baxley, GA 31513Bryan County
Jacob Grant Teen Center
185 Ball Park Road
Richmond Hill, GA 31324Chatham County
Savannah Technical College
Student Enrichment Center Building
5717 White Bluff Road
Savannah, GA 31405Coffee County
The Atrium 
114 N. Peterson Avenue
Douglas, GA 31533Emanuel County
Southeastern Technical College
Special Programs Building
346 Kite Road, Building 1
Swainsboro, GA 30401Jefferson County
National Guard Bid-EOC
1841 Hwy. 24 West
Louisville, GA 30434Laurens County
Old West Laurens Middle School
338 West Laurens School Road
Dublin, GA 31021Lowndes County
City of Valdosta
4434 North Forrest Street Extension
Valdosta, GA 31605McDuffie County
Thomson Depot 
111 Railroad Street
Thomson, GA 30824Richmond County
Hub for Community Innovation
631 Chafee Avenue
Augusta, GA 30904Screven County
Screven County Library
106 Community Drive
Sylvania, GA 30467Tift County
Tift County Swimming Pool
202 Baldwin Drive
Tifton, GA 31794Toombs County
Georgia Department of Human Services
162 Oxley Drive
Lyons, GA 30436Washington County
Sandersville School Building Authority
514 North Harris Street
Sandersville, GA 31082

FEMA Mobile Registration Center location and hours

Bacon County
Southern Georgia Regional Commission
120 East 4th St., Alma, GA 31510
Statesboro, GA 30458
Monday, Nov. 18 – Saturday, Nov. 23
8 a.m. to 7 p.m.Brooks County
Brooks County AG Building
400 E. Courtland Ave.,
Quitman, GA 31643
Thursday, Nov. 21 – Saturday, Nov. 23
8 a.m. to 7 p.m.Effingham County
Effingham County Recreation Complex
808 SR-119, Springfield, GA 31329
Monday, Nov. 18 – Saturday, Nov. 23
8 a.m. to 7 p.m.Wheeler County
Old Wheeler County Elementary School
63 Commerce St., Alamo, GA 30411
Monday, Nov. 18 – Saturday, Nov. 23
8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To find center locations in the state, visit FEMA’s Hurricane Helene Georgia Page, FEMA’s DRC Locator or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.

Homeowners and renters in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the State of Georgia and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.

If you are in an affected county, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages.

Disaster Assistance Teams are also on the ground in affected counties going door-to-door to help survivors register for assistance.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

bree-constance… Fri, 11/22/2024 - 13:40

Floods Displaced You from Your Home? FEMA May Help with Rent

Renters and homeowners who live in Chaves County and whose primary residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible, because of the Oct. 19-20, 2024, severe storm and flooding, may be eligible for federal rental assistance for temporary housing. Grants are being made available to eligible New Mexicans through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. 

FEMA pays rent, including a security deposit, at a place other than your damaged home. Your rental can be a house, apartment, hotel, or recreational vehicle that can keep you near your job, home, school, and place of worship. The assistance includes essential utilities such as electricity and water, but not cable TV or Internet.  

The approved rental amount will be based on fair market rates for your area as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As a homeowner or renter, you may qualify for assistance, but you must first apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance. 

If you receive housing assistance through your insurance company, by federal law, FEMA cannot duplicate housing benefits. However, if you exhaust housing assistance funds from your insurance company, FEMA may then be able to provide you with temporary rental assistance.  

A FEMA inspector must determine that your house or apartment is uninhabitable due to damage caused by the storm and flooding. If your home is uninhabitable or inaccessible you may be eligible for one month of rental assistance.  

• FEMA assistance is a grant that New Mexicans do not have to repay.  
• Chaves County residents needing more than two months of temporary rental assistance must call FEMA for extended assistance and must demonstrate to FEMA their continued financial need. 
• If FEMA cannot meet your housing needs, you may be referred to charitable or volunteer groups in your community for assistance.  

How to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

The first step for individuals and households to receive assistance is to apply to FEMA for federal assistance. There are no costs involved to apply for, or receive, FEMA assistance. There are four ways to apply:

• Go online to disasterassistance.gov/
• Download the FEMA Appfor mobile devices at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. MT. Help is available in most languages.

• Visit the Disaster Recovery Center located at Roswell Mall, 4501 N Main St. Roswell, NM 88201 in Chaves County, next to Bath & Body Works store. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

   

For an American Sign Language (ASL) video on how to apply for assistance, visit youtube.com/watch?v=hUrdKaE9SVQ.

angela.ambroise Fri, 11/22/2024 - 08:18

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Jasper County

A Disaster Recovery Center has just opened in Jasper County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.  

Jasper County

Hardeeville Recreation Center 
285 John Smith Road
Hardeeville, SC 29927

Open Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Nov. 22-23, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.  

Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other South Carolina counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in South Carolina. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. 

To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. 

Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.

The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.

FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 

kwei.nwaogu Thu, 11/21/2024 - 21:02

Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance are Available to Storm and Flooding Survivors in Chaves County

If you have an immediate or serious emergency need because of the Oct. 19-20, 2024, severe storm and flooding, you may qualify for a one-time $770 payment per household from FEMA’s Serious Needs Assistance (SNA) program. 

In addition, FEMA’s Displacement Assistance (DA) program offers eligible New Mexicans up to two weeks of funds to help with housing needs if your home is uninhabitable because of the storm. This money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family or friends, or other available options.

Both SNA and DA benefits are in addition to other federal disaster assistance you may be eligible for and require a home inspection to confirm the eligibility. 

Immediate or serious needs are lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.

SNA is available to eligible survivors whose storm damaged primary residence is in Chaves County who apply for FEMA assistance within the first 30 days after the disaster was declared: by Dec. 1, 2024. 

You may be eligible for Serious Needs and Displaced Assistance if:

• You complete a FEMA application;
• FEMA can confirm your identity;
• You or someone in your home is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen
• The home where you live most of the year is in Chaves County;
• FEMA confirms the disaster damage from a home inspection or your documentation;
• You tell FEMA you are displaced, need shelter or have other emergency costs due to the disaster on your application; and
• You have applied for FEMA assistance while Serious Needs Assistance is available.

If your situation has change, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Calls are accepted every day from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT. Help is available in most languages.

To watch an American Sign Language (ASL) video about Serious Needs Assistance, visit  FEMA Accessible: Serious Needs Assistance (youtube.com).

For the latest information about the storm and flooding recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4843. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

 

angela.ambroise Thu, 11/21/2024 - 15:29

Disaster Recovery Centers to Close on November 23

The Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) located at the Hinesburg Town Hall (on Route 10632) and the Lyndon Public Safety Facility (316 Main Street) are scheduled to permanently close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. Operating hours for the centers until then are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The centers were opened for residents affected by the storms and flooding that took place July 9-11 and July 29-31 and who wanted to speak to FEMA and other disaster recovery specialists in person. 

Residents don’t need to visit the DRC to apply for FEMA assistance. Other ways to register before the Nov. 25th deadline include:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• With the FEMA mobile app
• Calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in multiple languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or another relay service, give FEMA your number for that service when you call. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.                    

After the deadline, FEMA specialists will still be available to help applicants. Those who have already applied to FEMA, can ask questions, update contact information and applications and get advice on appealing a FEMA determination by calling the helpline.

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/21/2024 - 15:12

Farmers, Ranch Hands May Be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

Tennessee farmers and ranch hands whose tools or equipment were damaged by Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible for disaster assistance. FEMA assistance is available to replace disaster-damaged essential tools, supplies, equipment and items required for employment or self-employment.

Coverage For Tools and Equipment

Family-owned farms typically have a variety of equipment needed to conduct business. These include, but are not limited to, tractors, plows, seeders or planters, harvesters, sprayers, hay balers and utility vehicles. These items are all potentially eligible for FEMA disaster assistance if you can show the following:

• Items were damaged by the disaster;
• You do not have another working item that can meet this need;
• The loss of the item was not covered by insurance. 

Crops and livestock are not “tools and equipment” because they are the products of a farming operation, whereas tools and equipment are the means of production.

Ranch hands may be eligible for assistance to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment not covered by insurance when you can show these items are required by your employer.

Disaster-damaged tools, supplies, equipment and items required by an employer as a condition of employment or required for education may be eligible for assistance. This includes personal property required for a specific trade or profession that is not provided or supplied by an employer.

Many of these items have substantial costs, but it is important to remember that assistance for uninsured or underinsured occupational tools is limited to the maximum amount of Other Needs Assistance you may receive. Additional assistance to help meet these needs may also be available from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Apply for FEMA Assistance

To apply for FEMA assistance, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone or other service, you can provide FEMA your number for the service. You may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.

To watch an accessible video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com).

You may also qualify for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. To learn more or apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955.

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 11/20/2024 - 23:59

Work with FEMA to Help Tennessee Recover from Helene

FEMA is hiring! Join the team that helps people in need before, during and after disasters.

FEMA is seeking to fill multiple positions that help Tennessee residents recover from Tropical Storm Helene. Jobs are available in Knoxville and Nashville, and candidates with diverse experiences are encouraged to apply.

These temporary positions start as 120-day appointments, which may be extended based on the needs of the recovery mission.

To apply for a position or see a list of open positions, visit this link: USAJOBS - Search; go to USAJobs.gov, type “FEMA” and “local hire” in the keywords section and “Tennessee” for location.

All positions will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date or when 100 applications are received.

For tips, including how to prepare your resume and navigate the website, visit USAJOBS Help Center - Application Process.

Hiring locally helps build FEMA’s disaster recovery workforce. Many career FEMA employees began as local hires.

All applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, and possess a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma. Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes fingerprinting and a credit check. Employees are also required to participate in direct deposit or electronic funds transfer for salary payment. If you are found qualified, you may be called for an interview.

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 11/20/2024 - 23:56

One Month Later: Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Flooding Disaster Recovery Update

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – One month since President Joseph R. Biden declared a major disaster in the State of Alaska for flooding on August 5-6, a total of 248 people in The City and Borough of Juneau have applied with FEMA for assistance as of November 19, 2024. 

FEMA has approved $2,601,363.88 through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), consisting of $1,330,957.10 in Housing Assistance (HA) for home repairs, and $1,270,406.78 in Other Needs Assistance (ONA) for repair or replacement of personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving expenses and other disaster-related needs.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is December 16, 2024.

National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has provided $2,425,391 on 31 flood insurance claims for the Alaska disaster as of November 18, 2024.

Public Assistance Program

FEMA and the State of Alaska are meeting with the City and Borough of Juneau to identify eligible costs related to the disaster. FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program provides assistance to governmental agencies and certain eligible private nonprofits providing critical and certain non-critical services. The program provides a reimbursement grant of at least 75% of eligible costs, with the state sharing the 25% balance.

Although PA dollars are awarded to the eligible government entities and nonprofits, PA benefits the whole community. PA dollars help clean up debris and repair or rebuild disaster-damaged public streets and highways, bridges, dams, parks and recreation facilities, water-treatment plants, hospitals, fire stations, public schools and universities that have been impacted by disaster.

Disaster Recovery Center

As of November 16, 155 applicants have been assisted at the Disaster Recovery Center for a total of 263 visits. Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have been and will continue to provide information on available services and explain disaster assistance programs. Tlingit & Haida Community Navigators are also on site at the library ready to assist tribal citizens.

Location:
Mendenhall Valley Public Library 
3025 Dimond Park Loop
Juneau, AK 99801

Hours:
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday

Disaster Recovery Centers are physically accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistive and adaptive technology such as assistive listening devices, resources for low vision, and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.

How to Apply for Disaster Assistance

Residents can apply for disaster assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center, or in the following ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov for English, or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
• Use the FEMA mobile app in English or Spanish.
• Call the Alaska Call Center at 866-342-1699 between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. AKT, Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. AKT, Saturday. Multilingual operators are available. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.

For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Applicants are encouraged to submit their SBA loan applications promptly for review. Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. For more information, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955. 

For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. TTY users may call 800-877-8339, email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visit SBA’s website at https://lending.sba.gov. 

amy.ashbridge Wed, 11/20/2024 - 22:35

Don’t Throw it Away: Tips to Save Family Treasures

ATLANTA – Georgians who had family treasures, heirlooms, photos and books damaged during Tropical Storm Debby (Aug. 4--20) and Hurricane Helene shouldn’t throw them away just yet. They may be salvageable and expert advice is available to help.

Here are some tips on how to save some of your family treasures:

• Flood water may be contaminated. Wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles.
• If an object is still wet, rinse it gently with clean water. If dry, remove silt and other foreign material with a soft brush or damp cloth.
• Air dry wet things indoors. Sunlight might be too intense. Keep humidity as low as possible to prevent mold accumulation.
• Don’t try to separate photos or negatives that are stuck together. Soak them in water for up to 48 hours until you can safely pull them apart. Hang them with clips or clothespins to dry.
• Put wet books in a sturdy covered plastic container, spine side down. Place the container in a freezer and keep it there for several weeks, even months. Then remove and let dry.
• With fabrics or textiles, remove mud and debris with gently flowing clean water or fine spray from a hose. Press out the excess water with your hand. Do not try to wring out the water. Allow to dry.
• Clean wooden objects (like furniture) with a damp sponge; blot and let dry slowly inside the house, not under the sun.
• Rinse metal objects with clear water and blot dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth. Fans or low-heat hairdryers will hasten drying rate.
• For broken pottery or ceramics, put all the pieces in an open container and mark what it is. Don’t try to glue the pieces back together until they are dry. And watch for mold. If mold appears, spray the pieces with Mold-Ex or a similar product.

American Institute for Conservation and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation provides advice on the proper care and maintenance of family heirlooms as well as a search tool to find local conservation professionals that can help salvage photos, books, textiles, paintings, wooden furniture and other valuable objects.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

bree-constance… Wed, 11/20/2024 - 14:52

Hurricane Helene Survivors in Va. May Be Eligible for Reimbursement for Damage-Related Home Repairs

BRISTOL, Va.— If you completed home repairs due to damage from Hurricane Helene in Virginia, FEMA may be able to reimburse you. 

Submit receipts to FEMA for home repair work not covered by insurance or other sources. FEMA may be able to reimburse impacted households in Bedford, Bland, Carroll, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe counties and the cities of Galax and Radford.  

FEMA may be able to pay for the following as part of the Individual Assistance program:  

• Cost of a professional, licensed technician who visited your home and prepared an estimate for repairs or replacement of disaster-damaged systems and uninsured or underinsured losses.  
• Costs to rebuild or make basic repairs so your home is safe, sanitary, and functional. This includes replacing or repairing disaster-damaged: 
  • Furnaces, hot water heaters, refrigerators, and stoves 
  • Leaks in a roof that damaged ceilings 
  • Subfloors in occupied parts of the home  
  • Broken windows 
  • Well and septic systems
  • The purchase or renting of generators or chainsaws due to damage from the storm.  

When you submit documents, make sure to include your name, disaster number (DR-4831), and your FEMA application number on all documents that you send to FEMA. Keep original documents; you only need to provide copies to FEMA, which can include photos or an insurance claim. Make sure that documents such as receipts and cost estimates contain the contact information of the service provider.

If you lost a receipt, you can still provide that information to FEMA. You can reach out to your credit card company, the store you visited, or the contractor you worked with to ask for billing statements and receipts. You can also ask a company or contractor to write a letter stating what work was done. 

If you have already applied for FEMA assistance and want FEMA to consider new expenses, you can make changes to your application. If you already received a FEMA determination letter and you don’t agree with FEMA’s decision, you can appeal by showing why you need FEMA assistance. The decision letter you get from FEMA will have more information about the types of documents you should send. 

Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to get one-on-one help with next steps specific to your application. To find the DRC closest to you, including addresses and hours, visit FEMA.gov/drc or text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362.   

How can I send documents or receipts? 

You can send supporting documents and receipts to FEMA by:

• Bringing them to a Disaster Recovery Center where a FEMA specialist can help you upload them to your application.  
• Uploading them yourself on DisasterAssistance.gov or on the FEMA mobile app. 
• Mailing them to FEMA at P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055. 
• Faxing them to 1-800-827-8112 and mark Attn: FEMA on the fax sheet. 

FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response | FEMA.gov. 

For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov,  the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA.  

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination.  FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted at FEMA-OCR-ECRD@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.

 

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the civil rights of persons with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by the federal government, federal contractors, and by recipients of federal financial assistance. Any recipient or sub-recipient of federal funds is required to make their programs accessible to individuals with disabilities. Its protections apply to all programs and businesses receiving any federal funds. This applies to all elements of physical/architectural, programmatic and communication accessibility in all services and activities conducted by or funded by FEMA. FEMA intends to comply with the Rehabilitation Act in all federally conducted and assisted programs in alignment with the principals of whole community inclusion and universal accessibility.

amanda.hancher Wed, 11/20/2024 - 14:43

Health Centers in the South Repaired with FEMA Funds

Organizations provide primary health services and home visits, among other assistance

Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO — Juan Abreu is a patient of the Patillas Primary Health Services Center (CSPS, in Spanish). Abreu has a condition that prevents him from walking and the Center offers him medical services through its home visit program.

Mildred Morel Ortiz, executive director of the CSPS, said that the patient and family support the services of the institution, which includes a health education program that they broadcast on the radio.

“He is the first to call, where he communicates that he likes the program and how happy he is with the center, his doctor and nurse.” “Our wish is that God grants him years of life. He cannot move, but he can communicate his feelings and opinions,” said Morel Ortiz.

CSPS is one of several healthcare facilities serving communities in the southern region that were recently repaired with nearly $345,000 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to address damages caused by Hurricane María.

“Health is vital to all aspects of our society and it’s part of Puerto Rico’s comprehensive recovery plan. Being able to have health centers that adequately serve the population in repaired facilities and in optimal conditions is part of our mission at FEMA,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

The CSPS received nearly $103,000 to repair its centers in Patillas and Maunabo. These centers offer outpatient services and primary medicine, pediatrics, psychology, vaccinations and pharmacy, among others. They also visit communities with a mobile unit.

For Morel Ortiz, “an infrastructure in good condition guarantees patients and employees better access to treatment areas, preventive and emergency medical services, in good working order and have comfortable and clean waiting spaces. This improves the patient’s experience, reduces stress and increases patient satisfaction,” she added.

The Patillas Center also houses the administrative offices and has 260 regular employees and 25 professional service employees. FEMA funds allowed the replacement of equipment such as an X‑ray machine, acoustic ceiling panels and a security camera. Likewise, the windows shutters were removed and reinstalled and the roof was waterproofed.

On the other hand, at the Maunabo Clinic, repairs were carried out for the windows and the roof. An allocation of $15,000 were earmarked for risk mitigation measures that include waterproofing the roof, installing drains and voltage protectors for the X-ray machine.

Another entity that that received funds was the Dr. Julio Palmieri Ferri, Inc. Family Health Center. The agency allocated nearly $242,000 for work at its centers located in Guayama and Arroyo. They offer services such as emergency room seven days a week, telemedicine, teleconsultation, dental care, obstetrics and prenatal care. 

They also have a Women’s Clinic, the Ryan White Program for HIV/AIDS patients and the Healthy School program, a clinic located at the Natividad Rodríguez González de Arroyo High School that offers general medicine, health education, psychology and nutrition services.

Some of the repairs in the Guayama center included the replacement of several light fixtures and a roof treatment to prevent leaks. Meanwhile, at the Arroyo center, several illuminated signs, security cameras, backup batteries, power distribution units, air conditioners, an X-ray film reader and an electrical transformer, among others, were replaced.

For his part, the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, said that “each of these projects that were developed addressed the damages caused by Hurricane María and implemented risk mitigation measures to provide resilience to the infrastructure. Our COR3 team will continue to assist the municipalities, government agencies and non-profit organizations that oversee the reconstruction work associated with the health sector for the benefit of our people.”

To date, FEMA has obligated nearly $34.3 billion for over 11,000 recovery projects in Puerto Rico following Hurricane María.

Follow us at:

www.fema.gov/hurricane-maria

www.facebook.com/femapuertorico 

www.twitter.com/femaregion2

 

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 11/20/2024 - 14:17