The Disaster Recovery Center in Lyon County will close permanently on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. 

It is located at:

Lyon County 

City of Rock Rapids

Forster Community Center 404 1st Ave.

Rock Rapids, IA 51246 

Stay in Touch with FEMA

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download and use the FEMA app
• Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)

Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI.

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakotans who lost access to water through a private well or damaged septic system in Davison, Lincoln, Turner, and Union counties as a result of the severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding from June 16 to July 8, 2024, may be eligible for FEMA assistance.

For private wells and septic systems that supply water to your home, FEMA may reimburse you for the cost of a professional, licensed technician to visit your home and prepare an estimate detailing the necessary repairs or replacement of your disaster-damaged systems.

In addition to the technician’s estimate, FEMA may also pay for the actual repair or replacement cost of your septic system or private well, which typically are not covered by homeowner’s insurance.

If you have applied for FEMA assistance and have not had a home inspection, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. At the time of your inspection, let the FEMA inspector know you have a private well and/or septic system that may have been damaged by the storms and flooding.

If the damage is determined to have been caused by the disaster, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. 

If you have already had an inspection and damage to the well or septic system wasn’t reported, contact the FEMA Helpline to learn how to amend your application.

How to Apply for Disaster Assistance

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center in person. To search for Disaster Recovery Centers, visit www.fema.gov/drc or text DRC and your Zip Code to 43362 for a list of centers closest to you.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov for English, or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
• Use the FEMA mobile app in English or Spanish.
• Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 anytime from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.

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

FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center on Thursday, Sept. 5 in Scott County to provide one on one help to people affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding this spring.

Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

The DRC will open on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. at:

Scott County

Former Davenport Fire Station

3506 N Harrison St.

Davenport, IA 52806

Open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Closed on Sunday.

To save time, apply online or by phone before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center by:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Calling FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Using the FEMA app

All DRCs are subject to temporarily closures with no notice due to weather.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistive and adaptive technology such as amplified phones, caption phones, video phones, wheelchair ramps and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.

Anyone using a relay service, such as a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Press 2 for Spanish. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

The allocations for these projects go over half a million dollars

Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO ― Repairs to several libraries in the municipalities of Barceloneta, San Lorenzo and San Juan were recently completed with an allocation of over $652,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The projects are aimed at supporting the educational activities of these facilities, which serve over hundreds of visitors each month.

“Libraries are a fundamental tool for students, teachers and citizens in general. These spaces facilitate information and provide resources, in addition to providing learning opportunities where critical thinking, creativity and teamwork are developed. For FEMA, these are important characteristics that contribute to the comprehensive recovery of Puerto Rico, not only today, but their impact will reach the next generations,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

One of the entities that received a federal allocation to repair its facilities was the Sixto Escobar Library in Barceloneta, inaugurated in 1994 and organized by a committee of volunteers. With the obligation of over $532,000, glass and aluminum windows, light fixtures, doors, acoustic ceilings, air conditioners and several monitors, among other things, were replaced. This project included a share of nearly $102,000 for hazard mitigation measures, such as anchoring systems for the air conditioners and adding a waterproof asphalt membrane to the roof.

“The library provides services to approximately 600 to 1,800 participants each month. The repairs are extremely important because they preserve the building and, therefore, benefit tourists and the community. In addition, these repairs allow us to guarantee our collections and equipment,” said the supervisor of Federal Programs for the Municipality of Barceloneta, Berenice Reyes Machado.

Meanwhile, in the Cerro Gordo neighborhood of San Lorenzo, two educational and community service facilities received FEMA funds. The Josefa Domingo Virtual Library received an obligation of just over $61,000, while the Josefa Domingo Community Learning and Recreation Center was granted nearly $40,000. Both spaces are located in a disused school that was refurbished for this new purpose and which were named after the late educator Josefa Domingo Cordon, a native of Andalusia, Spain, who worked for many years in this facility built in 1950.

The virtual library offers internet, computer, government document processing and photocopying services. It also has a conference room, books and magazines in digital and printed format. Here, the roof waterproofing system, acoustic panels, an air conditioning unit and signs, among others, were replaced. Mitigation measures, such as the installation of a secondary waterproofing system, were carried out with a share of nearly $17,200.

Likewise, at the community center, the roof waterproofing system was replaced. The share of over $13,600 for mitigation was used to install a reinforced waterproofing system on the roof and correct a slope to prevent water accumulation; and to reinforce the roof to prevent it from being blown off by the wind.

According to the San Lorenzo Recovery Office director, Héctor Román, educational and social activities and training workshops are held at the center. In addition, it serves as the headquarters of the Community Board meetings and from where the community resilience plan is developed.

Román added that both facilities serve mostly seniors and students, at a rate of about 100 people per month. “The importance of this type of center is that it serves as a backbone for technological advancement and for adult populations in need of services.” 

Furthermore, an allocation of over $19,400 was granted to the Francisco Oller Library of the Puerto Rico School of Plastic Arts and Design (EAPD, for its Spanish acronym) for a different restoration task. The entity is located in the former Nuestra Señora de la Concepción Hospital in Old San Juan and received the funds to address a specialized cleaning: restore eight boxes of books with mold and water damage; and replace a total of 69 damaged books. Specialized repairs were also made to 21 framed pieces and one piece of 12 frames.

This library offers services to college students, researchers and the general public, such as group and individual counseling, workshops, bibliographic searches, and the loan of educational materials and audiovisual equipment. The library serves an average of 1,900 students and 100 visitors each month.

According to the EAPD Library director, Estrella Del R. Vázquez Domínguez, the library has stood out for having the most complete art and design collections in Puerto Rico.

“Both the repairs and the cleaning, disinfection and mold control service allowed our staff to return to work inside the facilities, as the priority was to protect the health of employees and users. Also, the installation of a new air conditioner allowed us to deal with the proliferation of fungi that affected our collections,” she added.

For his part, the executive director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, said that “the work carried out in these libraries, in addition to providing structural resiliency, preserves the material and tools that students need for their academic performance. According to the Quarterly Progress Report as of June 30 of this year, some 15 libraries are in the process of reconstruction at a cost of approximately $3.7 million. Our team will continue to assist the municipalities in this important process that contributes to the preservation of our island’s libraries.”

To date, FEMA has obligated nearly $34 billion for over 11,000 recovery projects in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane María 

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery,  visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

JOSEFA DOMINGO VIRTUAL LIBRARY, SAN LORENZO, PR

San Lorenzo, PUERTO RICO (September 21, 2023) — Repairs to several libraries in the municipalities of San Lorenzo, Barceloneta and San Juan were recently completed with an allocation of over $652,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The projects are aimed at supporting the educational activities of these facilities, which serve over hundreds of visitors each month. In the Cerro Gordo neighborhood of San Lorenzo, two educational and community service facilities received FEMA funds. The Josefa Domingo Virtual Library received an obligation of just over $61,000, while the Josefa Domingo Community Learning and Recreation Center was granted nearly $40,000. Photo FEMA/Eliezer Hernández

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Madison County to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricane Debby. 

Center location:

Madison County

The Bridge Church

1135 US East 90

Madison, FL 32340

Open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday

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

Homeowners and renters in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the State of Florida and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.

The quickest way to apply for FEMA assistance 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 VRS, captioned telephone service or others, 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.

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.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A public notice has been posted describing available FEMA assistance and proposed FEMA-funded actions, including activities that may affect historic properties, threatened and endangered species, critical habitat, or wetlands and floodplains in Florida. 

FEMA is required by law to provide public notice of its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities via the Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs following the major disaster declaration for Hurricane Debby. 

The public notice is posted on FEMA’s disaster web page at fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/4806-dr-fl-initial-public-notice and on the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at floridadisaster.org/public-notices/.

This may be the only public notice. Interested persons may obtain information about these actions or a specific project by writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 4, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-4112, or by email to FEMA-R4EHP@fema.dhs.gov. Please include in the subject line of the email, “DR-4806-FL EHAD.” Comments should be sent in writing within 30 days of the date of this notice.

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.

CHICAGO — Van Buren County and Cass County officials announce FEMA will be hosting a Flood Map Open House for Van Buren and Cass counties on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 5 – 7 PM. Local officials will be joined by FEMA who will be presenting the preliminary flood maps to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about future development and buying flood insurance.

Homeowners, renters, and business owners in Van Buren County and Cass County residents are encouraged to attend and meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.

WHAT:              Van Buren County and Cass County—Flood Map Open House 

WHEN:             Tuesday, September 10, 2024
                            5 – 7 PM

WHERE:           Board of Commissioners Chambers
                            120 N Broadway Street
                            Cassopolis, MI 49031

Digital files of the preliminary maps can be viewed and downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata. If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an email to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

For more information, contact FEMA-R5-MAP@fema.dhs.gov. You may also email the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

CHICAGO — St. Joseph County officials announce FEMA will be hosting a Flood Map Open House for the St. Joseph Watershed on September 9, 2024, from 5 – 7 PM. Local officials will be joined by FEMA who will be presenting the preliminary flood maps to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about future development and buying flood insurance.

Homeowners, renters, and business owners in the St. Joseph Watershed are encouraged to attend and meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.

WHAT:              St. Joseph Watershed—Flood Map Open House 

WHEN:             Monday, September 9, 2024
                            5 – 7 PM

WHERE:           Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce
                            1116 N. Main Street,
                            Three Rivers, MI 49093

Digital files of the preliminary maps can be viewed and downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata. If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an email to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

For more information, contact FEMA-R5-MAP@fema.dhs.gov. You may also email the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

Cape Girardeau, MO – A state/federal Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open Sept. 9 in Cassville to give Missourians impacted by the late May storms an opportunity to talk face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists. 

The center – which will be open from Sept 9-14 – will be located at the First Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 504 West St. in Cassville. Hours of operation are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  are a one-stop shop for disaster survivors who have applied with FEMA and need to provide additional documentation or have questions about the status of their cases. 

In addition to FEMA staff, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on hand to help survivors apply for low-interest disaster loans to help fund recovery efforts. 

The Barry County DRC is one of three centers serving disaster-impacted Missourians. The two other DRCs are in Sikeston at the YMCA, 511 Taylor St. and in Doniphan at the Ripley County Caring Community Partnership building, 209 West Highway St. Doniphan. Hours of operation are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until further notice. All centers are closed on Sundays. 

Homeowners, renters and self-employed business owners in 10 Missouri counties who were impacted by May 19-27 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding can visit any DRC for one-on-one help, regardless of where they live. Services at the centers are free. 

The 10 counties are: Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas.

Federal assistance to eligible individuals and households can be in the form of grants to find a temporary place to live, make minimal home repairs and/or to replace certain personal property. Eligible survivors who need accessibility equipment also may benefit from these grants. 

Survivors are encouraged to apply with FEMA before visiting a DRC to make the visit most efficient. Individuals who are having difficulty applying can go to a DRC and get help with filing their initial application. 

Here are the 3 best ways to apply: 

• Online: www.disasterassistance.gov
• Phone: 800-621-FEMA (3362) 
• Download and use the FEMA app 

Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

For more disaster-related information, visit the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency online at www.sema.dps.mo.govor FEMA at www.fema.gov and www.fema.gov/disaster/4803. 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Madison County to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricane Debby. 

Center location:

Madison County

The Bridge Church

1135 US East 90

Madison, FL 32340

Open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday

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

Homeowners and renters in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the State of Florida and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.

The quickest way to apply for FEMA assistance 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 VRS, captioned telephone service or others, 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. 

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.

BOTHELL, Wash. -  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Copperfield Fire burning in Klamath County, Oregon. 

The state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 11:58 p.m. PT. He determined that the Copperfield Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the eleventh FMAG declared in 2024 to help fight Oregon wildfires. 

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the community of Chiloquin. The fire also threatened active recreation areas and power transmission and distribution infrastructure. 

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire. 

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $985,111 will be available to Oregon through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.  

###

Follow FEMA Region 10 on X and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The arrival of peak activity in the Atlantic hurricane season and the recent passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto through the U.S. Virgin Islands both underscore the importance of being ready for cyclonic events that could affect you and your family. Virgin Islanders have showcased their resilience through multiple emergencies and a pandemic since the 2017 twin hurricanes, and this hurricane season provides another opportunity to mitigate your risk and better prepare your loved ones for any disaster. 

Assess your needs today and see what items you might need to replenish in your disaster supply kit in the wake of Ernesto to give your household time to take the steps to prepare for the next weather event that forms in the Atlantic. You should prepare to be self-sufficient in the immediate aftermath of a tropical storm or hurricane and take steps today to prepare your home or business.

To raise awareness about the importance of preparedness, FEMA and the USVI will join the nation in observing National Preparedness Month this September. This annual campaign encourages individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take proactive steps to ensure their readiness in the event of emergencies or natural disasters. Start a conversation today and take simple steps to strengthen your preparedness for the peak of hurricane season.

“Tropical Storm Ernesto’s path over the U.S. Virgin Islands earlier this month was a wake-up call for Virgin Islanders to assess how self-sufficient they might be in the immediate days after a storm makes landfall,” said FEMA Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office Acting Coordinator Aaron VanDoren. “National Preparedness Month provides an excellent opportunity for families and businesses to practice their emergency plans. Take steps today to replenish emergency supplies used during Ernesto and ask friends and neighbors if they need help with their preparedness plans.” 

The weekly themes for this year’s Preparedness Month are:

1. Know your risks. Knowing the disasters and emergencies that can happen where you live is important to mitigate risk. Being aware of what could happen will help you understand the steps to take to have what is needed to stay safe.
2. Have a plan. Talk about the plans you’ve made and ask if family members need help doing so for themselves. Your plan can include contact information to stay in touch during a disaster, where you and your pets will stay if you must leave home and the latest safety info to share with friends and family.
3. Community Preparedness. Your friends and neighbors can help each other be ready no matter what happens. Share what’s worked for you and your family on your preparedness journey.
4. Protect what you love. There are many ways to strengthen your home from disasters. You can protect important documents and heirlooms through proper storage. Consider other protections such as keeping your homeowner’s insurance policy in force.

You can learn more about National Preparedness Month and hurricane preparedness at www.ready.gov/september.

According to VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, “For those who prepared early this Hurricane Season, both physically with their home survival kits and mentally with creating and sharing your emergency plan with your family and friends, thank you very much! For those choosing to procrastinate, please act now and follow our weekly themes to prepare yourself and your families, as we are now in the peak of Hurricane Season. Don’t forget to Include your pet’s needs in your survival kit and plans.”

To support preparedness efforts, FEMA and VITEMA and other local agencies have organized a series of events and initiatives. These include workshops, emergency drills, public service announcements and training. Residents are encouraged to participate actively, assemble emergency supplies, and develop communication plans with their families. 

FEMA and VITEMA remind residents of the key elements of emergency preparedness, including:

• Create an emergency supply kit with essential items such as non-perishable food, water, prescription medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
• Develop a family emergency plan that includes communication methods, evacuation routes, and a designated meeting point.
• Stay informed by monitoring local weather forecasts, emergency alerts, and official announcements.
• Secure important documents and make digital copies of vital records.
• Protect your property by securing loose objects, trimming trees, and reinforcing doors and windows.
• Plan for an extended power outage. Make an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out.
• Sign up for Alert VI at VITEMA - Public - Sign In (everbridge.net).

It is critical for everyone to remain vigilant not only during the peak of hurricane season, but for any weather or 
man-made events that may disrupt our lives and community. 

###

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

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now open in Island Pond in the town of Brighton, at the Brighton Town Hall Gym from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The joint DRC, a temporary facility established in partnership between Brighton, the state of Vermont and FEMA, has disaster assistance specialists available to help disaster survivors apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person.

The DRC is located at:

• Brighton Town Hall Gym - 49 Mill Street, Island Pond, VT 05846
• Sunday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

You do not need an appointment to visit a DRC.

Other DRCs open include:

• Lyndonville Public Safety Facility - 316 Main St., Lyndonville, VT 05851
• Waterbury Armory - 294 Armory Blvd, Waterbury, VT 05676
• Barre Auditorium - 20 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
• Goddard College - 123 Pitkin Road. Plainfield, VT 05667

All locations are open Sunday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

FEMA specialists and representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which can provide low-interest disaster loans to survivors, will be on hand at all DRCs to discuss available assistance. 

Those affected by the disaster do not have to visit a DRC in order to apply. Survivors can also register in one of the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The FEMA website is accessible and includes language translation options. 
• By phone at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
• Download FEMA’s Mobile App. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation 

FEMA Extends Direct Housing Program for Hurricane Ian Survivors

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Because of a shortage of affordable rental housing and delays in repair contractor availability, FEMA has approved the state of Florida’s request to extend the federal direct housing program by six months.

Survivors temporarily living in FEMA-provided manufactured housing units in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, Sarasota and Volusia counties now have until March 29, 2025 to complete their permanent housing plan, if they remain eligible.

Those continuing to live in FEMA temporary housing units after Sept. 29, 2024 must:

• Make timely rent payments;
• Document their progress toward a permanent housing plan;
• Work with their housing advisor for recertification at least every two weeks; and,
• Follow health, safety, and other terms and conditions in the licensing agreement.

Survivors will receive a letter from FEMA about their individual situation and can contact their housing advisor with any questions. Disaster case managers are also working one-on-one with survivors to support permanent housing plan completion.

Since Hurricane Ian, FEMA has provided temporary housing units for more than 1,300 displaced families in the state. Working with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and local partners, more than 80 percent of families have found a permanent home. 

For the latest information on Florida's recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673 Follow FEMA on X at  FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) and at facebook.com/fema.

FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Oakland on Tuesday, Sept. 3 in Pottawattamie County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding this spring.

Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications.

The DRC will open in Oakland on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. at:

Pottawattamie County

Oakland Community Center

614 Dr. Van Zee Rd.

Oakland, Iowa 51560

 Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

until Saturday, Sept. 7

To save time, apply online or by phone before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center by:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Calling FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Using the FEMA app

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistive and adaptive technology such as amplified phones, caption phones, video phones, wheelchair ramps and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.

Anyone using a relay service, such as a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated 

against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Press 2 for Spanish. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In the two weeks since President Biden’s major disaster declaration for South Dakota, federal agencies have approved more than $4.9 million in grants and loans to assist in recovery as of August 29, 2024.

To date, a total of 703 people in Davison, Lincoln, Turner, and Union counties have applied with FEMA for assistance. FEMA has approved $4,112,755.86 through the Individuals and Households program, consisting of $2,957,964.80 in Housing Assistance for home repairs and rental expenses, and $1,154,791.06 in Other Needs Assistance for repair or replacement of personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving expenses and other disaster-related needs.

In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $795,500 in low interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses.

Federal/state disaster recovery centers are currently operating at 600 W. 5th St. in Canton and at 305 S Derby Lane, North Sioux City. The centers are open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. Starting September 3, hours for recovery centers will change to 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

How to Apply for Disaster Assistance

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center in person. 
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov for English, or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
• Use the FEMA mobile app in English or Spanish.
• Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 anytime from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.

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

FEMA Public Assistance

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program (PA) is a grant program which provides funding for rebuilding necessary infrastructure to state and local governments and certain types of private nonprofit organizations following a presidential disaster declaration. Assistance is available for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to promote public safety. The federal cost share for eligible work is no less that 75 percent. The state is conducting informational briefings for potential applicants on how to apply for this assistance.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – FEMA will operate a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center serving Davison and Turner Counties over the next month. The Center will alternate operations between Mitchell and Viborg, initially opening in Mitchell on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The full schedule for September is below. 

The center provides one-on-one assistance for people affected by the recent severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding. Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain disaster assistance programs, help people complete or check the status of applications for federal assistance, and get information on additional resources offered by the State of South Dakota.

Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Locations and Dates: 

Table 1: Davison and Turner County Disaster Recovery Centers Schedule.

Davison County Fairgrounds- V-Tel Room 

3200 West Havens Ave

Mitchell, SD 57301

Tuesday, Sept 3 – Sunday, Sept 8

8 a.m. – 7 p.m.*

*Sept 3 hours begin at 1 p.m.

Viborg Community Center

101 East Sorenson St. 

Viborg, SD 57070

Monday, Sept 9 – Friday, Sept 20 (closed Saturday, Sept 14)

8 a.m. – 7 p.m.*

*Sept 9 & Sept 15 hours begin at 1 p.m.

Davison County Fairgrounds- V-Tel Room 

3200 West Havens Ave

Mitchell, SD 57301

Monday, Sept 23 – Sunday, Sept 29

8 a.m. – 7 p.m.*

*Sept 23 hours begin at 1:00 p.m.

To search for Disaster Recovery Centers, visit www.fema.gov/drc or text DRC and your Zip Code to 43362 for a list of centers closest to you.

As of August 29, 2024, FEMA has approved over $4.1 million in assistance to individuals for the South Dakota disaster recovery.

How to Apply for Disaster Assistance

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

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov for English, or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
• Use the FEMA mobile app in English or Spanish.
• Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) anytime from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.

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

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

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.

As New Mexicans continue to repair and rebuild after the South Fork and Salt Fires as well as the flooding, FEMA is making a return visit to Village Ace Hardware in Ruidoso to provide free information and tips on how to make homes damaged by natural disasters stronger and safer. 

FEMA specialists, who visited with Ruidoso homeowners here in early August, will again be available to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to help prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also share techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. Most information is aimed at do-it-yourselfers and general contractor work. 

Residents with fire or flood-impacted homes will pick up tips on re-building smart, strong and safe to prevent future damage. Smart building includes mitigating damage against floods, strong winds and even tornadoes. Visitors will learn how such simple mitigation measures as elevating electrical and heating systems and anchoring fuel storage tanks can provide protection against severe conditions, and much more. Bring your questions.

In addition, FEMA Hazard Mitigation insurance specialists from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will be on hand to answer questions about flood insurance.

These experts will be available Saturday, Aug. 31 through Saturday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. excluding Sundays and this Monday, Sept. 12 due to the Labor Day Holiday at:

Village Ace Hardware
2815 Sudderth Dr.
Ruidoso, NM 86345
 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The Disaster Recovery Center in Levy County will close at noon Aug. 31 and reopen in a new location Sept. 3.

Current location: 

Inglis Town Hall
135 Highway 40 W
Inglis, FL 34449

Open 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- noon Saturday, closed Sunday

New location Sept. 3: 

Chiefland City Hall 

214 East Park Ave.

Chiefland, FL 32626

Open 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- noon Saturday, closed Sunday

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.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– A Disaster Recovery Center in Hamilton County will close permanently at noon Sept. 1.

Center location:

Hamilton County

Court House Annex/Chamber of Commerce 

1153 NW U.S. Highway 41

Jasper, FL 32052

Open 4 p.m.–8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.--12 p.m. Saturday

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.