More than $1.5M in FEMA Assistance Approved for Illinois

CHICAGO – In just one week since President Biden announced the major disaster declaration for Illinois, FEMA assistance for residents affected by the July 13 -16 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding topped $1.5 million.

Here is a snapshot of FEMA disaster assistance as of Sept. 27:

More than 300 households have been approved for FEMA grant funding totaling $1.5 million, including:

• $987,000 in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
• $560,000 approved for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental, and lost personal possessions.

More than 750 home inspections have been completed.

Reminder: Apply with FEMA 

Residents with property damage from the July 13 - 16, 2024, severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago counties are encouraged to apply for federal assistance if they haven’t done so already.

There are several ways to start the process:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. 
• Use the FEMA mobile app. 
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 

For more information about the Illinois recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.  

kimberly.keblish Fri, 09/27/2024 - 20:38

Home Repairs and Improvements for New Mexicans with Disabilities

For eligible homeowners, FEMA can help with additional repairs and improvements if you or a member of your household has a disability.

What items can FEMA help with for those with disabilities?

FEMA can help homeowners pay for the cost of items when needed such as:

• Exterior ramp.
• Grab bars.
• Paved path of travel to your home from your vehicle.

FEMA can provide money to help with some or all of these items when:

• Your home was damaged by the disaster and it already had one or more of these items, 
• Your home was damaged by the disaster and a member of your household needs one or more of these items, even if it wasn’t part of your home before the disaster,
• A member of your household has a disability or was injured and now has a disability caused by the disaster and needs one or more of these items.

Who can get help to repair or install these items?

You can get help with home repair from FEMA if:

• You or someone in your home is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or a qualified non-citizen,
• FEMA can confirm your identity,
• You own your home, and it is in a declared disaster area,
• You live in your home most of the year,
• A member of your household has a disability and needs one or more of the items listed above,
• You don’t have insurance that covers the damage to your home from the disaster, and
• A FEMA inspection confirms your home was damaged by the disaster and isn’t safe to live in

Will FEMA cover my costs?

Yes. Home Repair Assistance is not limited by a financial maximum award for the items listed above when needed to make your home safe to access for anyone in your household with a disability or injury.

My home was damaged but didn’t have these items. How can I get help?

After you apply for disaster assistance, a FEMA inspector will contact you to schedule a time to meet to see the damage to your home. You should also call FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to request more information on accessibility improvements. You may be eligible for the full cost of these improvements. If FEMA determines your home is not safe to live in without these improvements and you send the following information to FEMA:

• Receipts or estimates for items that need to be built or installed, and
• Signed statement from your medical, health care, or rehabilitation professional with their contact information that explains your need for the items.

My home was damaged and had these items. How can I get help?

After you apply for disaster assistance, a FEMA inspector will contact you to schedule a time to meet to see the damage to your home. The inspector will record the damage to your accessibility items. If you are eligible, you will receive money for your items and other repairs. If the money does not fully cover your repairs to make your home accessible, you can appeal for the full cost of those repairs.

My home wasn’t damaged, but the disaster caused someone in my household to have a disability. How can I get help?

If the disaster caused anyone in your household to have a disability or injury, FEMA can help, even if your home was not damaged in the disaster. You should contact FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to request more information on accessibility improvements. You may be eligible for the full cost of your improvements, if you send this information to FEMA:

• Receipts or estimates for items that need to be built or installed, and
• Signed statement from your medical, health care, or rehabilitation professional with their contact information that explains your need for the items and that the disaster caused the disability.

I don’t agree with FEMA’s decision. How can I appeal?

If 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.

You may use an optional Appeal Request form, which is included in the decision letter you receive from FEMA. You can also choose to write and sign a letter to send with your documents to help FEMA understand why you need help.

How can I send documents?

You can send supporting documents to FEMA by:

• Uploading to your disaster assistance account at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Mailing to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.
• Faxing to 1-800-827-8112.
• Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), if available. For location and hours, visit fema.gov/drc. No appointment needed.

How can I request an accommodation?

If you have a disability or language need that requires an accommodation to interact with FEMA staff or access FEMA programs, go to your local DRC and let them know what you need, and they will coordinate these services. If you are not near a DRC, contact FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT, to register. Help is available in most languages. 

angela.ambroise Fri, 09/27/2024 - 20:35

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Support Vermont Communities after Severe Storms and Flooding on July 29-31, 2024

Williston, Vt. – Vermonters affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from July 29-31, 2024, may be eligible to receive FEMA Individual Assistance.

If you reside in the counties of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans and were affected by the severe weather, you should apply as soon as possible. 

FEMA may be able to help with temporary housing, home repairs, privately-owned roads and bridges, and other disaster-related needs – and the faster you apply, the sooner you can get aid.

There are four ways to apply:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. 
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
• Download the FEMA’s Mobile App.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. For location and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.

To watch a video about how to apply, featuring American Sign Language, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com).

Please keep in mind that the July 29-31, 2024 severe storms and flooding is separate from the July 9-11, 2024 severe storms and flooding.

For the latest information visit 4826 | FEMA.gov. Follow FEMA on X at https://x.com/femaregion1 and at facebook.com/fema.

Billy.domrose Fri, 09/27/2024 - 19:41

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for South Carolina

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of South Carolina to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene beginning Sept. 25 and continuing.  

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.  

Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support for Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Calhoun, Chester, Colleton, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, Sumter, Union and York counties. 

Federal funding is available for emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance for Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties.

Finally, federal funding is also available for emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance for Berkeley, Charleston, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Lee, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg counties. 

Brett H. Howard has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  

amy.ashbridge Fri, 09/27/2024 - 18:24

Louisiana Residents Should File Insurance Claims Now Following Francine

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana homeowners and renters in parishes who experienced losses caused by Hurricane Francine should file all insurance claims as soon as possible. 

Whether or not you are in a parish that is eligible for FEMA disaster assistance, your homeowners, renters or flood insurance policies may cover your losses. When applying for FEMA disaster assistance, if you have any kind of insurance, you’ll need to provide that information to FEMA. Be prepared to share the policy number and the name of the insurance agent or the company name. Let FEMA know if you received a group flood insurance policy as part of your FEMA disaster assistance from Hurricane Ida in 2021. 

FEMA assistance is not a substitute for insurance and is designed to kick-start your recovery, but it is not enough to restore your home to its pre-disaster condition or replace your treasured household items. It’s important you file all insurance claims as soon as possible. FEMA can’t provide money for expenses covered by insurance or duplicate benefits from another source. 

You don’t need insurance to apply for FEMA assistance. You can apply for assistance before or after you file your insurance claim, as long you apply by the deadline. Make sure to update your application as quickly as possible once you receive an insurance settlement or denial. 

If your insurance settlement is delayed more than 30 days from the time you file your claim, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. You may receive a denial for certain types of FEMA disaster assistance until all insurance documentation is submitted. FEMA needs to know how much your insurance company is providing to determine what other assistance may be available to you. 

Homeowners and Renters Insurance

FEMA can provide assistance to help both homeowners and renters who lost personal property or were displaced. If you carry any kind of insurance for the place you own or rent, such as homeowners or renters insurance or flood insurance, share that information when you apply for disaster assistance. 

Flood Insurance

If you are a homeowner, renter or business who has purchased a flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through your insurance agent, file your claim now if you haven’t already. If you think you have an NFIP policy, but can’t remember who your insurance agent is, you can call FEMA’s flood mapping and insurance exchange at 877-336-2627. 

If you are also applying for FEMA disaster assistance, be prepared to provide a copy of your declarations page, which explains what your NFIP policy covers. After your flood insurance adjuster visits your home, provide their report and your Proof of Loss form so FEMA can see what your insurance covers, and what eligible gaps you may have.

If you have questions about your flood policy, call your insurance agent. Find helpful tips about the NFIP flood claims process at floodsmart.gov/how-do-i-start-my-flood-claim.

As of Sept. 26, 1,791 flood insurance claims have been submitted for nearly $6 million paid to Louisiana residents.

Group Flood Insurance Policy

FEMA may directly purchase a 36-month Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) for eligible applicants who are required to obtain and maintain flood insurance as part of their federal disaster assistance. The 36-month GFIP policy term begins 60 days after the date of the presidential disaster declaration. However, individual coverage becomes effective 30 days following the NFIP’s receipt of the applicant’s name and premium payment from the local, state, territorial, Tribal government or FEMA.

There are 516 Hurricane Ida survivors who received a flood insurance policy as part of their FEMA assistance package. Hurricane Ida GFIP coverage expires on Oct. 28, 2024. These policyholders can make a claim for flood damage from Hurricane Francine or any other future flooding event while the policies are still effective. To start the claims process, GFIP holders should call the NFIP Direct at 1-800-638-6620. Visit https://agents.floodsmart.gov/GFIP-summary to learn more about GFIPs and the claims process.

It’s important that GFIP holders purchase a new flood insurance policy when the GFIP expires, to not only be covered in the event of flood damage, but to remain compliant with the obligation to get and keep flood insurance as a condition of past FEMA disaster assistance. To learn more about the requirement, visit https://agents.floodsmart.gov/disaster-assistance-flood-insurance-requirement.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 and on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

alexa.brown Fri, 09/27/2024 - 17:24

FEMA offers free Repair and Rebuilding Advice in O’Brien County

Des Moines, Iowa — FEMA is providing free information about how to make your home stronger and safer – whether it was damaged by this summer’s severe storms or not.

FEMA will be in O’Brien County at the Downtown Hardware Hank store, 816 Third Ave., Sheldon Iowa 51201 on Oct. 1-4 from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

You can speak directly with FEMA specialists at local home improvement stores. The public can get answers to questions and discuss:

• Proven methods for preventing damage from future disasters.
• Techniques for rebuilding homes.
• Tips for reducing your disaster risk – whether you own or rent your home.
• Help is available to all homeowners, not only those affected by the recent storms.

If you have questions about how to make your home safer, call the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Helpline at 833-336-2487.

If you had flood related damage or storm-caused expenses and live or own a business in Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Humboldt, Lyon, Monona, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Scott, Sioux and Woodbury counties, FEMA assistance can provide grants to help cover temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster related needs. 

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. For Spanish, press 2. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. 

martyce.allenjr Fri, 09/27/2024 - 15:12

Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Tulsa County, Oklahoma, Ready for Public View

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

Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community residents 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 Tulsa County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Community leaders and residents can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards, development and flood insurance that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flood event.

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 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

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 floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

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 floodsmart.gov.

alexa.brown Fri, 09/27/2024 - 14:52

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Soon Closing in South Dakota – Help Will Still be Available

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in South Dakota are soon closing permanently. The Mitchell location will end operations on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. The Canton and North Sioux City locations will end operations on Friday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. 

Hours of operation up until the permanent closures are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. The Centers are closed on Sundays.

Davison County (Permanently closing Sept. 28, 4 p.m.)

Davison County Fairgrounds

3200 West Havens Ave

Mitchell, SD 57301

Lincoln County (Permanently closing Oct. 4, 6 p.m.)

Canton Depot

600 W. 5th St.

Canton, SD 57013

Union County (Permanently closing Oct. 4, 6 p.m.)

305 S Derby Lane

North Sioux City, SD 57049

After the Disaster Recovery Centers close, personalized assistance with FEMA-related questions will still be available to residents over the phone and virtually.

Many of the services that have been available at the Disaster Recovery Center are available through  DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA mobile app or by calling the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) anytime from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Shorter wait times are more likely in the mornings or evenings. 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.

Individuals can do the following online or by calling the helpline:

• Apply for federal disaster assistance
• Provide a change of address, telephone and bank account numbers, and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays
• Receive information about FEMA home inspections
• Ask questions about a letter from FEMA
• Learn how to appeal a FEMA decision

# # #

FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. 
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @femaregion8

tiana.suber Fri, 09/27/2024 - 12:54

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Ascension Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA and the State of Louisiana will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Donaldsonville on Friday, Sept. 27, to provide one-on-one help to Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Francine.

Center location:

Ascension Parish

Lemann Memorial Center

1100 Clay St.

Donaldsonville, LA 70346

Additional DRCs are open at the following locations: 

St. Mary Parish

Morgan City Municipal Auditorium
728 Myrtle St.
Morgan City, LA 70380

Terrebonne Parish

Terrebonne Parish Library

151 Library Drive

Houma, LA 70360

Lafourche Parish

Lafourche Parish Emergency Operations Center

4876 Hwy. 1

Raceland, LA 70394

The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. 

The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).

You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.

Additional options when applying include:

• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. 
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
• To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6.

alexa.brown Thu, 09/26/2024 - 22:19

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for North Carolina

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of North Carolina to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene beginning Sept. 24 and continuing.  

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.  

Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance for Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Federal funding is also available for emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support for Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Watauga and Wilkes counties. 

Finally, federal funding is also available for emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance for Alamance, Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Cabarrus, Camden, Carteret, Caswell, Chatham, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Davidson, Davie, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gates, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Scotland, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Tyrrell, Union, Vance, Wake, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wilson and Yadkin counties. 

E. Craig Levy, Sr. has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

amy.ashbridge Thu, 09/26/2024 - 21:55

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Georgia

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Georgia to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene beginning Sept. 24 and continuing.  

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.  

Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance for Atkinson, Baker, Banks, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Dawson, Decatur, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Grady, Habersham, Hall, Irwin, Jackson, Lanier, Lee, Lowndes, Lumpkin, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Pickens, Pulaski, Quitman, Rabun, Randolph, Schley, Seminole, Stephens, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Towns, Turner, Union, Webster, White, Wilcox and Worth counties.

Federal funding is also available for emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support for Appling, Bacon, Baldwin, Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Bleckley, Brantley, Burke, Butts, Camden, Carroll, Catoosa, Charlton, Chattahoochee, Chattooga, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Coweta, Crawford, Dade, DeKalb, Dodge, Douglas, Elbert, Emanuel, Fayette, Floyd, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Gordon, Greene, Gwinnett, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Hart, Heard, Henry, Houston, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, McDuffie, Meriwether, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Murray, Muscogee, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Peach, Pierce, Pike, Polk, Putnam, Richmond, Rockdale, Screven, Spalding, Talbot, Taliaferro, Taylor, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Troup, Twiggs, Upson, Walker, Walton, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, Whitfield, Wilkes and Wilkinson counties. 

Finally, federal funding is also available for emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance for Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Tattnall counties. 

Kevin A. Wallace, Sr. has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

amy.ashbridge Thu, 09/26/2024 - 21:32

FEMA is Hiring in South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – FEMA has an immediate need for temporary local hires to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts in Sioux Falls, SD. Local Hire employees are typically local residents who aid in recovery and help their fellow residents in the recovery process.

FEMA is currently seeking people with experience in media relations, digital communications, and writing & editing. These positions may last up to 120 days or longer, depending on the operational needs of the disaster.

FEMA Local Hire employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Health insurance for individual or family coverage. Employer contribution is 75% of premium. Local Hire employees are eligible for enrollment in health insurance coverage as of the official hire date/employment date with FEMA.
• Flexible spending accounts
• Federal long-term care insurance
• Ability to earn 4 hours of paid sick leave per pay period.
• Holiday pay
• Worker’s compensation

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, and must possess a high school diploma or GED. Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes fingerprinting and credit check, be able to provide their own transportation to and from work and live within 50 miles of the Sioux Falls office. Employees are also required to participate in mandatory direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payment.

Current job openings include:

• EA Digital Communications Specialist (closes 10/01/24)
  • https://www.usajobs.gov/job/809354800
• EA Creative Specialist (closes 10/02/24)
  • https://www.usajobs.gov/job/809375600
• EA Media Relations Specialist (closes 10/02/24)
  • https://www.usajobs.gov/job/809367500

The jobs will close when FEMA has received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing dates listed.

As the disaster operational needs shift, new positions will be posted on USAJOBS. Applicants can be notified when FEMA Local Hire positions post. For instructions on how to save a job search, please visit: USAJOBS Help Center - How to save a search

# # #

FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. 
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @femaregion8

tiana.suber Thu, 09/26/2024 - 20:24

UPDATE: Weather closing FEMA W.Va. Disaster Recovery Centers

Sept. 26, 2024
DR-4787-WV MA-011
FEMA News Desk: 215-931-5597
FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

Media Advisory

Weather closing FEMA W.Va. Disaster Recovery Centers 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The state-federal Disaster Recovery Centers in Boone and Roane counties will be closed Friday, Sept. 27, because of forecast inclement weather.

The centers are located at:

Boone County Disaster Recovery Center

Madison City Hall

255 Washington Ave.

Madison, WV 25130

Hours of operation:

Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Closed Sundays

Closed Friday, Sept. 27, 2024

Roane County Mobile Disaster Recovery Center

Old National Guard Armory Parking Lot

206 E Main St.

Spencer, WV 25276

Hours of operation:

Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Closed Sundays

Closed Friday, Sept. 27, 2024

Pending any effects from the weather, the centers are scheduled to reopen at 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28.

Survivors do not have to visit a disaster center to register with FEMA. They can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. They can also go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA app on their smartphone.

The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Nov. 2, 2024.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page,www.fema.gov/disaster/4787 and www.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.

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. 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).

issa.mansaray Thu, 09/26/2024 - 19:41

Biden-Harris Administration Prepared for Multi-State Event as Hurricane Helene Approaches, FEMA Encourages People in Storm’s Path to Listen to Local Officials

At the Direction of President Biden, FEMA Administrator to Travel to Florida to Survey Impacts

WASHINGTON -- Hurricane Helene is a massive, dangerous storm and FEMA is prepared for anticipated multi-state impacts. In advance of Hurricane Helene’s landfall in Florida, the Biden-Harris Administration approved pre-landfall emergency declarations for Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. These declarations enable FEMA to provide federal resources to the states for emergency protective measures like reimbursement for evacuations and sheltering and aid initial response and recovery efforts.

FEMA urges people in the path of Hurricane Helene to take immediate action to protect themselves as the storm approaches. Hurricane Helene is expected to continue strengthening and bring life-threating storm surge and hurricane conditions to Florida starting today. There is also the risk for dangerous flash and flooding in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

"The Biden-Harris Administration is ready for this event. We are prepared and postured for response," said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. "People in Hurricane Helene's path need to take this seriously. Listen to your state and local elected officials. If they tell you to evacuate, evacuate. If they tell you to shelter in place, stay where you are. These decisions can save lives."

FEMA, the entire federal family and partner organizations are actively coordinating response efforts across Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. There are over 1,100 personnel actively supporting from across the federal government, which include Urban Search and Rescue Teams, Coast Guard, the Department of Defense and power restoration teams from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. An additional 700 FEMA team members already deployed across the region from previous events. To help people who may need to evacuate, the American Red Cross is actively standing up shelters in the areas likely to feel the impacts from Helene.

Safety Tips During the Storm

Residents in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina can find a list of state, tribal and local resources such as evacuation, shelter and important storm updates on FEMA.gov.

• Pay attention to local officials. Weather conditions can change quickly. Make sure to heed their warnings and evacuate immediately if told to do so.
• NOW is the time to finish preparations. Today is the day to prepare for this storm. Take action immediately to protect yourself, your family, your pets and your home. Finish gathering any supplies like food, water, medication, flashlights and food for your pets now. If possible, include cash in your emergency kit, as ATMs may not work after the storm.
• If you did not evacuate, stay safe at home. Gather your supplies including flashlights, battery operated radio and food and water and keep them on a high shelf or upper level. Find a safe location to ride out the storm, such as a designated storm shelter or interior room for high winds.
• Be in the know about your evacuation route. Several counties in Florida issued mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders. Visit Evacuation Orders | Florida Disaster to see the full list. Florida residents can call 800-729-3413 for shelter locations. People in Florida, Alabama and Georgia should be prepared to evacuate quickly if they are in the path of this storm and are told to do so.
• Have several ways to receive alerts. People in areas along Florida’s Panhandle, west coast and into Alabama and Georgia should follow the forecast carefully and instructions of state and local officials by monitoring local radio or television stations for updated emergency information. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which require no sign up. You can also download the free FEMA App available in English and Spanish languages to receive real-time weather alerts and find local emergency shelters in your area.
• Your neighbors are your lifeline. Check on your neighbors, especially older adults or those who may need additional assistance, to make sure they have what they need to ride out the storm. Have a plan to remain in contact during and after the storm.
• Power outage and generator safety. If you lose power, use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for emergency lighting. If using a generator, remember to always use them outdoors and keep it at least 20 feet from doors and windows. Additionally, make sure to keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture and put up hurricane shutters if you have them.
• Stay out of floodwater. Walking, swimming or driving through flood waters is extremely dangerous. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines or contain hazards such as wild or stray animals, human and livestock waste and chemicals that can lead to illness.
• Turn Around. Don’t Drown™. Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous. Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas at bridges and at highway dips. As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle or fall if you are walking through it. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.
• Keep important documents safe. Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records and insurance papers in a safe, dry place. Keep important documents in a waterproof container and create password-protected digital copies. Take photos or videos of your belongings and property on your phone or upload them to the internet. Move valuables like photo albums, heirlooms and other treasured items to higher levels.

mashana.davis Thu, 09/26/2024 - 18:09

Understand your FEMA Letter

HARRISBURG, Pa. – If you applied for FEMA assistance, you will receive a letter explaining FEMA's decision within 10 days after the inspector's visit. 

Read your letter carefully and completely. The letter will explain: 

• whether you are approved for assistance
• how much assistance you will receive
• how the assistance must be used
• how to appeal FEMA’s decision if you do not agree with it

The letter will be sent to you by email or mail based on what you selected when you completed your application.

The FEMA letter will provide additional information on what you will need to provide if you choose to appeal FEMA’s initial decision. These can include documents. 

For example, if you are appealing for additional assistance to help repair your home, you will want to provide FEMA with any receipts, bills, insurance information or repair estimates received for the repairs. 

When submitting any documentation or information to FEMA, you must include your name, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your FEMA application number, and the disaster number (DR-4815-PA) on every page.

If you have any questions about a letter from FEMA, we encourage you to visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. FEMA staff are standing by to answer your questions. 

For more information on Pennsylvania’s disaster recovery, visit the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Facebook page, fema.gov/disaster/4815 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.

 

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. 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).

erika.osullivan Thu, 09/26/2024 - 17:21

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Middletown, CT – Homeowners and renters in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties who were affected by the severe storm, flooding, landslides, and mudslides on August 18-19, 2024 may apply for FEMA disaster assistance. 

Three ways to apply: 

1. Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. 
2. Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. 
3. Call toll-free 1-800-621-3362. The line is open 7 a.m. to midnight (12 a.m.) ET every day. Help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

 

Applicants will need to provide the following information: 

• Your contact information.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security number. 
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit. 
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

 

If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. 

FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Disaster assistance may include financial help with immediate needs, temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses. 

For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance go to,  https://youtu.be/HhtlyTX49RE.

Billy.domrose Thu, 09/26/2024 - 17:07

Weather closing Roane County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

Sept. 26, 2024
DR-4787-WV MA-011
FEMA News Desk: 215-931-5597
FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

Media Advisory

Weather closing Roane County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The state-federal Disaster Recovery Center in Roane County will be closed Friday, Sept. 27, because of forecast inclement weather.

The center is located at:

Roane County Mobile Disaster Recovery Center

Old National Guard Armory Parking Lot

206 E Main St.

Spencer, WV 25276

Hours of operation:

Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Closed Sundays

Closed Friday, Sept. 27, 2024

Pending any effects from the weather, the center is scheduled to reopen at 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28.

Residents of all affected counties can continue to visit the disaster center in Boone County. The center is located at: 

Boone County Disaster Recovery Center

Madison City Hall

255 Washington Ave.

Madison, WV 25130

Hours of operation:

Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Closed Sundays

To locate center nearest you, check the FEMA app or visit fema.gov/drc. The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Nov. 2, 2024.

Survivors do not have to visit a disaster center to register with FEMA. They can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. They can also go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA app on their smartphone.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page,www.fema.gov/disaster/4787 and www.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.

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. 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).

issa.mansaray Thu, 09/26/2024 - 17:01

Louisiana Survivors Can Apply for an SBA Loan

Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Louisiana businesses and residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes as a result of Hurricane Francine.

FEMA partners with other agencies to help meet the needs of disaster survivors. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans not only to businesses and nonprofits, but also to homeowners and renters in a declared major disaster area. 

You may have been referred to SBA after applying for FEMA disaster assistance. If you still have unmet needs, loans may help with home repair or replacement, personal property, vehicles, mitigation, business losses, and working capital for small business and most private nonprofits.

Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $500,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $100,000 to replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster. SBA staff are available at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers. To find the location closest to you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage.

To assist survivors and business owners, SBA has also established four Business Recovery Centers. 

Ascension Parish

Ascension Credit Union

 2256 LA-70 

Donaldsonville, LA 70346

Open Wednesday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ascension Credit Union Small Business Center 

2430 S. Burnside Avenue 

Gonzales, LA 70737 

Open Monday and Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

St. Mary Parish 

St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce 

727 Myrtle Street 

Morgan City, LA 70380 

Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Terrebonne Parish

Terrebonne Parish Library (North Branch) 

4130 W Park Avenue Gray, LA 70359 

Open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. These loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources. Survivors should not wait for an insurance settlement before submitting an SBA loan application. They may discover they were underinsured for the deductible, labor and materials required to repair or replace their home.

Even if your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA loan. 

You may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. There is no cost to apply for an SBA disaster loan. 

Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

alexa.brown Thu, 09/26/2024 - 14:23

FEMA Announces Nearly $1.9 Million to Help Communities in Region 3 Build Resilience to Flooding Disasters Through Investing in America Agenda

This funding announcement marks the 30th anniversary of the Flood Mitigation Assistance program, dedicated to addressing the nation’s costliest annual disaster

PHILADELPHIA— Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe due to climate change, leading to increased response and recovery missions across the nation. This week, FEMA announced nearly $1.9 million in new project selections to eliminate or reduce flood damage in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The funding comes through the Flood Mitigation Assistance program to help communities across the nation enhance resilience to extreme weather events. This is the 30th anniversary of the Flood Mitigation Assistance program, created in 1994. Over the past 30 years, approximately $2 billion has been obligated by FEMA to address the nation’s costliest annual disaster. 

Through this program, FEMA provides funding to states, local communities, Tribal Nations and territories to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. 

There are three categories of funding which include:

• Capability and Capacity Building Activities, such as project scoping to develop project plans and designs.
• Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects, which help build resilience to flooding at the community level, including floodplain management, wetland, marsh, riverine and coastal restoration and protection.
• Individual Flood Mitigation Projects, which protect individual homes and buildings from flooding, including by buying out or elevating properties above flood levels.

This home in Hampton, Virginia was elevated through Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) funding. (Credit: Nicholas Monteleone/ FEMA)

The announcement also aligns with FEMA’s 2024 Year of Resilience campaign, as well as the goals of the National Climate Resilience Framework, and will help build capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards. 

“The projects selected in Region 3 are an example of the many different ways that FMA funding can be used to make communities more resilient to flooding,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “While we look forward at the impact these future projects will have, it is also important to take a moment and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the FMA program and the difference it has made for communities not just here in Region 3, but across the country.”

Region 3 Flood Mitigation Assistance FY23 Selections:

State

Number of Selections

Total Funding for Selections (rounded)

Maryland

2

$851, 195

Pennsylvania

4

$832,605

West Virginia

1

$202,125

West Virginia: Division of Emergency Management Strategic Flood Plan

$202,125

This project will develop a framework for long-term Flood Mitigation Assistance projects through the development of the state’s strategic flood mitigation plan. The plan aims to identify and profile flood hazards, analyze vulnerabilities, and implement capability assessment to address at-risk communities. It will focus on repetitive loss structures and aligns strategic mitigation actions with future grant funding opportunities. A key goal of the plan is to link grant funding to flood hazards identified in the State Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan creation process includes setting goals, assessing existing mitigation actions, analyzing data, identifying new actions, and prioritizing grant submissions. 

Projects in Maryland and Pennsylvania will include elevating and reconstructing homes to make them more resilient to flooding and creating engineering plans for future projects to protect communities from flooding. Additionally, FEMA is funding the voluntary acquisition of properties that have been flooded repeatedly.

In total, FEMA selected 197 projects in National Flood Insurance Program-participating communities in 25 states. In addition to flood control activities, the selections will reduce risk to individual properties through actions like elevations, acquisitions and mitigation reconstruction of buildings insured by NFIP. 

The selections complement a July announcement of $1 billion nationwide through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and the current $300 million funding opportunity through Flood Mitigation Assistance’s Swift Current—another important part of the President’s Investing in America Agenda—to make the nation more resilient to natural hazards. Both programs provide climate resilience funding to help address increased demand for federal funds to address the climate crisis. 

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

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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 twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

 

 

erika.osullivan Thu, 09/26/2024 - 14:05

Free Legal Help Available for South Dakotans Affected by Summer Storms

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A Disaster Legal Services hotline is now available to provide legal assistance to South Dakotans impacted by this summer’s severe storms and flooding. The hotline connects residents in Davison, Lincoln, Turner, and Union counties with free legal services for those who cannot afford an attorney.

Residents can reach the hotline at 605-444-3719 during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers can also
leave a message outside of business hours, and a representative will return your call.

The hotline may provide help with legal issues such as:

▪ Home repair contracts and property insurance claims
▪ Redoing wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
▪ Price gouging, scams, or identity theft
▪ Landlord and tenant problems, or threats of foreclosure
▪ Disability related access to federal state and local disaster programs
▪ FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration financial benefits

The hotline cannot help in all cases. For example, they cannot take cases where a settlement could include legal fees or an award, but they may refer those cases to other legal help. The service is a partnership between the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, FEMA, and East River Legal Services.

tiana.suber Thu, 09/26/2024 - 13:39