President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe storms and flooding from August 8-10, 2024.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the Tribal Nation and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding.

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

Catherine O. Fan has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribal Nation and warranted by the results of further assessments.

amy.ashbridge Sat, 09/21/2024 - 00:02

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Connecticut to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from August 18-19, 2024.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven counties.

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

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

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

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using 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.

amy.ashbridge Fri, 09/20/2024 - 22:54

Application Deadline Extended for FEMA Individual Assistance

ST. PAUL–Homeowners and renters who suffered damage to their property from the severe storms and floods of June 16 -July 4 have additional time to apply for federal disaster assistance. 

FEMA has extended the application deadline to October 27, 2024, for survivors in the 21 Minnesota counties designated for Individual Assistance. 

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

Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App on your phone, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Minnesota visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4797.

kimberly.keblish Fri, 09/20/2024 - 22:18

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Illinois

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Illinois to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding from July 13-16, 2024.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will and Winnebago counties.

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

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

Darrin Ricketts has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using 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.

amy.ashbridge Fri, 09/20/2024 - 21:51

Previous Federal Disaster Assistance May Not Affect Eligibility for Hurricane Francine

BATON ROUGE, La.– Homeowners and renters in eight parishes, who have suffered losses following Hurricane Francine, are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance, even if you have applied for assistance for previous disasters. 

Residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, and Terrebonne parishes should apply regardless of your previous losses and assistance.

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

There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362 from  6 a.m. to 11 p.m. CT daily. 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.

If you have flood, homeowners or renters 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.

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

alexa.brown Fri, 09/20/2024 - 21:27

FEMA Specialists Helping Floridians Apply for Assistance After Hurricane Debby

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews continue to work in Florida neighborhoods helping people apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Debby.

The crews have worked in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor counties. Now they are beginning work in Baker, Citrus, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

DSA specialists wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. They go door to door in impacted neighborhoods using mobile devices to help residents apply for assistance, check the status of an application, identify potential needs and make connections with organizations that can provide resources. DSA specialists never ask for, or accept, money. Local law enforcement officials are informed when DSA crews work in a community and residents can verify their presence with local law enforcement.

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 most 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.

To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube. The deadline for applications is Oct. 9, 2024.

For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

kirsten.chambers Fri, 09/20/2024 - 17:16

Federal Assistance Tops $22 Million in Fires, Flooding Recovery

It has been 90 days since President Biden declared a major disaster for the state of New Mexico following the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding June 17 through Aug. 20, 2024. To date, more than $22 million in federal assistance has been approved for New Mexican families affected by the disaster.

FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) have approved grants, loans and insurance settlements for recovering homeowners, renters and businesses in Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba and San Juan counties and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. This assistance helps pay for eligible losses and disaster-related damage repair and replacement of homes and personal property, temporary housing, cleaning and sanitizing, moving and storage, childcare, medical and dental expenses and other needs of New Mexicans affected by the fires and flooding.

“We are working closely with our federal, state and local stakeholders to help those that need assistance to recover from fires and flooding,” said Federal Coordinating Officer James McPherson.

As of Sept. 19, FEMA Individual Assistance totaled more than $6.68 million in grants to eligible homeowners and renters, including:

• More than $3.99 million in housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.  
• More than $2.69 million grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious disaster-related needs, such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses. 
• The first household licensed in for Direct Housing took place on Sept. 9, with seven households currently occupying a temporary travel trailer, 14 more households are in the process of being housed.

The deadline to apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance is Oct. 19, 2024.

Public Assistance  

FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program for the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding reimburses the state, counties, local governments, tribes, and certain private nonprofits (including houses of worship) for eligible costs of disaster-related debris removal and emergency protective measures. PA is available, on a cost -sharing basis, in all five designated areas: Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba and San Juan counties and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. 

• Under the direction of the state, private contractors have removed 146,000 cubic yards of debris from impacted areas. This is the equivalent of 14,000 dump trucks lined up end-to-end, stretching 38 miles - the distance between Ruidoso and Tularosa, NM. 

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, to date, has settled claims for homeowners and businesses totaling more than $1.74 million.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $13.62 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations. Of that amount, more than $11.5 million was approved for homeowners and renters; the rest is approved for businesses.

Applicants may apply at https://lending.sba.gov. Business owners also may apply in-person by visiting SBA Business Recovery Center at the Ruidoso Public Library. The deadline to apply to SBA for property damage is Oct. 19, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is March 20, 2025. 

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 App for 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. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 
• Visit the Disaster Recovery Center operated by the state of New Mexico and FEMA at the Horton Complex, 237 Service Road, Ruidoso, NM. Hours are., Monday through Friday. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. 

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, visit youtube.com/watch= WZGpWI2RCNw. 

The deadline to apply to FEMA federal disaster assistance is Oct. 19, 2024.  

For more information about FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, visit  www.fema.gov/assistance/individual. 

angela.ambroise Fri, 09/20/2024 - 16:14

Monday Is Last Day To Apply for FEMA Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Monday, Sept. 23 is the last day for Kentuckians who were impacted by the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides to apply with FEMA. Survivors have until 11:59 p.m. ET, Monday to apply for FEMA assistance.

How To Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance

• Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download and use the FEMA app.

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

Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.

For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, as well as news releases, fact sheets and other helpful documents in multiple languages, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4804. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema. 

To view information about how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in American Sign Language with captioning and a voiceover, please check the YouTube link.

sandra.habib Fri, 09/20/2024 - 15:47

30 Days Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Vermonters affected by severe storm, flooding, landslides and mudslides from July 9-11, 2024, have until October 21, 2024 to apply for FEMA assistance.

This October 21 deadline is for residents of Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans, and Washington counties.

If you 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).

 

adrien.urbani Fri, 09/20/2024 - 13:16

More than $15M and Other Resources Supporting Minnesota Recovery

ST. PAUL –Minnesota residents have already been approved for more than $15 million in federal assistance to recover from the summer storms and flooding, including over $11.3 million in FEMA grants and more than $4.8 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

While federal financial assistance continues to be approved, FEMA, the state of Minnesota, and many other partners are helping in even more ways too, meeting survivors where they are to support their road to recovery.

Additional Recovery Resources Available

• Free Legal Help Hotline Now Available. Minnesota disaster survivors can be connected to free legal services by calling 1-877-MY-MN-LAW (1-877-696-6529) and leaving a message. Include your name, phone number and county of residence, so Minnesota lawyers can return your calls as soon as possible.  Learn more by visiting Minnesota Severe Storms and Flooding - LSC Disaster Website : LSC Disaster Website (ladrc.org).
• Minnesota Department of Revenue Disaster Tax Relief. Taxpayers in the federally declared counties who were affected by the recent severe storms and flooding will get extra time to file Minnesota returns and pay Minnesota taxes. Learn more by visiting Disaster Relief | Minnesota Department of Revenue (state.mn.us). 
• Other State Financial Resources. Financial disaster recovery resources may be available for individuals as well as veterans and farmers through state assistance programs. Visit Disaster Recovery - Disaster Recovery and Assistance (mn.gov) for more information. 

Prioritizing an Accessible Recovery 

• FEMA Speaks Your Language. In addition to posting translated materials into languages such as Spanish, Somali and Hmong on the disaster webpage, FEMA provides American Sign Language (ASL) and language interpreter services on FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use Video Relay Services (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages. FEMA also offers interpreting services during home inspections, at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and during visits with FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team members.
• FEMA in the Community. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have already visited more than 45,000 homes, more than 1,600 businesses and over 1,700 other locations and public spaces in affected communities to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance, get their FEMA questions answered and identify additional resources to support their recovery. These teams continue to focus their efforts in high impact areas, ensuring Minnesotans can access the recovery help they need. In addition, nine Disaster Recovery Centers have been opened across the state since early August, serving more than 1,400 individuals with one-on-one support. 

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Minnesota, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4797 or Disaster Recovery - Disaster Recovery and Assistance (mn.gov).   

kimberly.keblish Thu, 09/19/2024 - 20:26

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisianans should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after Hurricane Francine. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create an application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance, but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.

If you want to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the helpline will assist you in creating a new application.

Scams

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams, housing inspectors and other officials are working in areas impacted by the hurricane. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. They don’t represent FEMA.

Don't give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

How to Report Fraud

If you believe you are the victim of fraud or a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department or contact the Office of the Louisiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-351-4889.

If you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at:  StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.

If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov. 

To view an accessible video about fraud, visit: FEMA Accessible: Fraud FEMA (youtube.com).

For the latest information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and facebook.com/femaregion6.

alexa.brown Thu, 09/19/2024 - 19:49

Disaster Recovery Center in Taylor County to Close Sept. 20

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The Disaster Recovery Center in Taylor County will close permanently at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20.

Center location:

Taylor County
Loughridge Park
1100 W. Hampton Springs Ave.
Perry, FL 32347
Open 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday-Friday

For other Disaster Recovery Center locations, go online to fema.gov/drc.

For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

kirsten.chambers Thu, 09/19/2024 - 19:26

FEMA Announces $25 Million to Help New York and Puerto Rico Communities Address Impacts from Growing Flooding Threats

NEW YORK - As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce flooding impacts, FEMA announced that New York is eligible for up to $20 million and Puerto Rico is eligible for $5 million in funding to reduce flood risks. The funding is available through the Fiscal Year 2024 Swift Current funding opportunity, totaling $300 million, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

“Swift Current, a Flood Mitigation Assistance initiative, allows FEMA to expedite funding to help communities build resilience against future flooding events,” said Region 2 Administrator David Warrington. “As storms continue to intensify across the United States, accelerating flood mitigation dollars is critical to supporting disaster survivors after an event and better preparing communities for future events.” 

Dedicated funding is distributed on a rolling basis to state, local, territorial and Tribal governments for projects after presidentially declared flood events. Eligible projects include property acquisition, demolition, elevation and relocation for buildings insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Visit FEMA.gov for a full list of FY24 Swift Current activations.

FEMA will distribute funding on a rolling basis as eligible applicants submit applications until the total available funding amount of $300 million is exhausted. These are the first activations for this funding cycle which closes in late-May 2025. 

This is the third round of Swift Current funding. Visit FEMA.gov for more information. 

Swift Current is designed to get funding distributed as soon as possible after a declared flood-related disaster to help communities implement resilience activities to reduce their flood risk. This funding will support National Flood Insurance Program policyholders who have experienced repetitive or substantial flood-damage to eligible buildings. New York and Puerto Rico had a presidentially declared major disaster related to flooding since June 2024. 

FEMA continues to help build local capacity to withstand future events. The announcement aligns with the FEMA 2024 Year of Resilience theme to build local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards.

Swift Current provides more equitable access to mitigation grants by increasing the federal cost share for eligible applicants above the standard 75% cost share up to 100% to support disadvantaged communities that often face challenges meeting their non-federal match. 

As flood declarations occur through May 2025, FEMA will work with states, territories, the District of Columbia and Tribal Nations to explore their participation during the Fiscal Year 2024 application period. Potential applicants who have questions may contact their FEMA regional office, while interested subapplicants should contact their state or territory hazard mitigation officer. 

 

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

kate.macedo Thu, 09/19/2024 - 18:20

Duplication of Benefits: What it Means

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – When determining the amount of federal disaster assistance provided by FEMA to applicants affected by this summer’s severe storms and flooding, part of FEMA’s process is to verify there is no “duplication of benefits”.

By law, FEMA cannot provide financial assistance when any other source, such as insurance, charities, or crowdfunding, has provided assistance for the same disaster-caused need or when that funding is available from another source.

Note: If the crowdfunding campaign is for general disaster recovery and not for a specific item FEMA provided, then it is not considered a duplication.

Example of a duplication of benefits: FEMA cannot pay for home repairs if a homeowner already is receiving sufficient funds from their insurance company for the same repairs.

FEMA assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by this summer’s severe storms and flooding. Grants from FEMA are intended to meet basic needs and supplement an applicant’s disaster recovery needs.

Insured applicants must provide documentation to FEMA that identifies their insurance settlements or benefits before FEMA will consider their eligibility for some programs that may be covered by insurance.

FEMA may provide money to help meet an applicant’s immediate needs when their insurance benefits are delayed for 30 days or more through no fault of their own.

Applicants who have received FEMA funds are urged to keep receipts of their disaster spending for three years to document that the money was used to meet disaster-related needs. If a recipient receives an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, they must reimburse FEMA. Applicants’ cases may be reviewed to confirm money was spent properly.

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

tiana.suber Thu, 09/19/2024 - 17:30

FEMA Continues Collaboration with Territorial and Federal Partners to Strengthen Recovery from 2017 Hurricanes

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – Seven years have passed since hurricanes Irma and Maria impacted the U.S. Virgin Islands, and FEMA remains steadfast in its commitment to provide financial assistance to the territory as it continues the rebuilding process. Long-term recovery requires continued coordination and collaboration among multiple federal and territorial partners. FEMA’s partnerships with the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) aim to ensure support for the whole community with an emphasis on building back in a more resilient manner, thanks in part to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA) which allows FEMA to fund non-disaster damages, restoring the facility to industry standards.

“FEMA continues to leverage resources in support of the Territory's mission to strengthen infrastructure as long-term recovery efforts from the 2017 hurricanes continue. Our partnerships with the Office of the Governor, the Office of Disaster Recovery, and VITEMA pave a path toward making critical facilities better able to withstand the effects of future storms,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Recovery Director Kristen Hodge.

As of September 1, $11.9 billion has been obligated for 1,539 projects through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, including funding for emergency protective measures, permanent work, and management costs. Emergency work includes debris removal and emergency power restoration; permanent work comprises repair or replacement of damaged facilities, while management costs help the Territory and applicants manage and administer their PA grants/subgrants. 

Public Assistance funding has been obligated toward key areas including:

• $1.68 billion for energy, $988 million for housing, $3.94 billion for education, and $2.84 billion for health and medical facilities.

1. Hazard Mitigation (406) proposals applied to Public Assistance projects include culvert upsizing, composite poles, electrical undergrounding, and applying upgrades to roads near waterways to make them less susceptible to flooding and erosion. These measures are intended to directly reduce the potential of future, similar disaster damage to the eligible facility. 

• $1.07 billion in Hazard Mitigation funds (406) has been approved for eligible projects including roads and bridges, buildings and equipment, parks, and recreation facilities, as well at protective measures for utilities. 

The BBA allows FEMA to provide PA Section 428 assistance to restore industry standards to disaster-damaged facilities or systems that provide critical services regardless of the pre-disaster condition. This authority was issued exclusively to the USVI and Puerto Rico following the 2017 major disaster declarations from Irma and Maria. In the USVI, 81 projects have been found eligible for BBA funding, allowing permanent facilities such as potable and wastewater systems, schools, hospitals, and clinics to be repaired or replaced to current industry standards.

1. FEMA's 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to the USVI to develop mitigation plans to reduce future disaster losses in our communities. An example of this grant program is to fund projects to include resilience measures such as safe rooms to be used as community shelters during wind-driven events.

• To date, $199.4 million has been obligated through the 404 HMGP program for projects including solar micro-grids, drainage/culvert improvements, retrofitting or hardening of structures as well as erosion stabilization efforts across the territory.

1. FEMA’s Interagency Recovery Coordination (IRC) team supports the territory by coordinating with nine other federal agencies that address unmet needs of the USVI and local businesses. Coordination workgroups include health, housing, economic recovery, natural and cultural resources, transportation, utilities, and philanthropy coordination. IRC continues to collaborate with federal and local transportation and utility agencies on several projects. 

• The nine other federal agencies have obligated more than $2.3 billion to the territory to support recovery.

1. IRC was also instrumental in coordinating the Insular Areas Act (IAA) Technical Assistance in early 2024. This technical assistance provided project and construction management services through staff augmentation, project management and project-specific technical services for the territory. In addition, the support provides recommendations for tools, solutions, and strategies to streamline processes to help advance disaster recovery in the USVI.

According to Office of Disaster Recovery Director, Adrienne Williams-Octalien, “So far, the Territory has completed 990 emergency and permanent repair projects, expending over $3.5 billion to recovery from the devastating 2017 hurricane season. As reconstruction efforts continue, there are approximately 400 projects in various stages of the construction phase. ODR is working closely with local and federal partners as it continues its mission to build a resilient Virgin Islands.”

“The recovery and rebuilding of the U.S. Virgin Islands after the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria is steadily progressing, thanks to the unwavering commitment and partnership of FEMA and our federal and territorial agencies. Together, we are not only restoring critical infrastructure but making it more resilient to withstand future challenges. As we continue moving forward, these efforts are a testament to the strength and determination of our people and our collective resolve to build a stronger, safer future for the territory,” said Governor Albert Bryan Jr.

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

gina.callaghan Thu, 09/19/2024 - 16:59

FEMA Enhanced Customer Service Strives to Leave No One Behind

FRANKFORT, Ky. — FEMA is providing enhanced customer service in Kentucky to help all survivors of the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides receive much-needed assistance. The FEMA team calls at-risk survivors directly to provide personalized assistance with the FEMA application process.

Calls from FEMA

Kentuckians who have applied for FEMA assistance, may receive a call, text or email from the customer service team. A call from FEMA may come from an unknown number, but applicants are encouraged to answer these calls. Beware of fraud calls — only FEMA knows an applicant’s nine-digit application number. FEMA representatives can provide this number to verify it is a legit FEMA call. 

The first calls applicants receive after applying for assistance are from home inspectors. The inspectors call applicants a maximum of three times to set up appointments. When applicants do not answer these calls, they will miss this important step in the assistance process. If applicants are still waiting for an inspection, they should call the FEMA helpline to make an appointment.

Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available daily, 7 a.m.-midnight ET. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

Personalized Assistance

Disasters can be traumatic for everyone, but issues can be more serious for some older adults or people with disabilities. Whether the problem is a lack of digital access, an inability to respond, or simply a reluctance to do so, these applicants may benefit by a boost from the FEMA’s enhanced customer service team.

This team is tasked with revisiting cases and locating applicants who are challenged with navigating the application and appeals process. The team proactively identifies survivors who reported on their application that they had hearing and vision problems, mobility difficulties, mental or emotional distress.

FEMA’s enhanced customer service team ensures that all survivors, particularly those with additional needs, receive the assistance they need to rebuild and recover. The team also follows up to learn about additional disability-related needs, such as medical support assistance, medical equipment repairs, or replacement of assistive technology lost or damaged during the severe storms. In some cases, nonprofit organizations are involved to address survivors' needs, ensuring comprehensive support.

For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, as well as news releases, fact sheets and other helpful documents in multiple languages, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4804. Follow FEMA at x.com/femaregion4and facebook.com/fema. 

To view information about how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in American Sign Language with captioning and a voiceover, please check the YouTube link.

sandra.habib Thu, 09/19/2024 - 15:32

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Santa Barbara County

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for Santa Barbara County, and the Cities of Santa Barbara, Solvang, Buellton, and Carpinteria, California. The maps identify revised flood hazards along multiple flooding sources. The new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from September 19 to December 18, 2024. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

 Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA and Santa Barbara County worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

For more information, contact Santa Barbara County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, at (805) 568-3440 (main line) or fccontact@countyofsb.org.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at x/femaregion9.

brandi.richard… Thu, 09/19/2024 - 14:03

Hurricane Ian: Two Years into Recovery

Two years after Hurricane Ian, federal support tops $10.2 billion for households, businesses, communities and flood insurance policy holders. Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa, Florida, Sept. 28, 2022, as a Category 4 storm. According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Ian was the costliest cyclone in Florida records and the third costliest in the United States. FEMA continues to work with the State of Florida, other federal agencies, local governments, private sector and voluntary organizations on recovery from the storm.

1. FEMA Assistance

• $1.15 billion for 387,139 households for home repairs, lodging expenses, rental assistance and other needs. 
• $2.3 billion to reimburse state, local and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations for costs of emergency response, debris removal and repair or replacement of infrastructure.
  • $1.4 billion for emergency response
  • $701 million for debris removal
  • $101 million for permanent work
• $25 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds to help communities rebuild in a way that reduces loss from future disasters.
• To support individuals and households, FEMA operated 57 Disaster Recovery Centers and specialists visited 354,600 homes to help Floridians apply for assistance.

1. National Flood Insurance Program

• $4.67 billion paid to approximately 47,000 policyholders to restore homes and businesses.

1. U.S. Small Business Administration

• 25,400 applicants approved for $2.1 billion in low-interest disaster loans.
  • $1.6 billion in loans to 22,600 households
  • $498 million in loans to 2,800 businesses and private nonprofit organizations

vernice.casey Thu, 09/19/2024 - 13:40

Disaster Recovery Center in Muhlenberg Closing Friday

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Muhlenberg County will end operations this week. Help is still available online or by phone. 

The following Disaster Recovery Center will close at 5 p.m. Sept. 20:

• Muhlenberg County (DRC): Muhlenberg County Training Center, 61 Career Way, Central City, KY 42330. Working hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., CT, Wednesday through Thursday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., CT, Friday. 

Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance or Check the Status of an Application

• Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download and use the FEMA app.

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

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Sept. 23.

Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.

For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, as well as news releases, fact sheets and other helpful documents in multiple languages, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4804. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4and at facebook.com/fema.

To view information about how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in American Sign Language with captioning and a voiceover, please check the YouTube link.

sandra.habib Wed, 09/18/2024 - 19:32

FEMA is Assisting Louisiana Residents Where They Are

BATON ROUGE, La. – Recovering after Hurricane Francine may be difficult and overwhelming. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are meeting Louisiana residents where they are to help them apply for FEMA assistance and to assist them on their road to recovery.

To ensure Louisianians can apply for assistance, FEMA sends Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams into disaster-affected neighborhoods, often going door-to-door to help residents.

DSA teams are currently visiting neighborhoods in Ascension, Assumption, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes but will be visiting other disaster-affected parishes. The FEMA staff may help Louisiana residents apply for federal assistance, identify potential needs and help make connections with local, state, federal and voluntary agencies. 

These teams are easily recognizable by their official photo identification (ID). If you meet people offering assistance, first ask to see their ID before giving them your personal information. They may have FEMA clothing, but that can be easily imitated. 

The FEMA teams can help Louisiana residents in several ways including:

• Checking the status of an application already in the system and making minor changes to applications.
• Providing registration assistance.
• Identifying organizations providing disaster-related services and/or resources to the public for immediate and long-term recovery.
• Gathering situational awareness about impacts to communities.
• Providing civil rights and disability integration assistance information to ensure equal access.

Louisianians can apply to FEMA in several ways: 

• Going online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices.
• Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the 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 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and facebook.com/femaregion6.

alexa.brown Wed, 09/18/2024 - 19:02