Are you #SummerReady? Stay Safe in Extreme Heat with Guidance from FEMA and HHS Region 3 Offices 

PHILADLEPHIA — Last week, the National Weather Service issued heat advisories across our region, impacting residents of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia. Baltimore, D.C., and Philadelphia saw record-breaking heat. 

“Summer is just beginning in our region. Now is the time to prepare for hot weather,” said MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator. “Make sure you are receiving local alerts, taking steps to stay cool, and checking in with loved ones and neighbors.”

Everyone can take steps to reduce risks from heat. FEMA Region 3 and HHS Region 3 encourage residents to prepare and protect themselves and their communities.

Follow local officials and receive alerts to stay informed 

Heed advice and guidance from local officials. Some states, counties, and cities share information through emergency notification systems. They may also offer resources, such as cooling centers, for residents in need. 

The FEMA app shares real-time weather and emergency alerts from the National Weather Service. The FEMA app is free and available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Understand your risk 

Type your zip code into the HeatRisk dashboard to learn how dangerous today’s heat is for your health. Much of the mid-Atlantic region has already had moderate (orange), major (red), and extreme (magenta) HeatRisk days this summer. On orange days, those more sensitive to heat should start to take precaution. On red and magenta days, everyone should take steps to protect themselves from the heat.

“Our region is facing unprecedented temperatures exacerbated by the climate crisis. This extreme heat can result in serious illness or death, especially among older adults, those with pre-existing conditions, pregnant women and their newborns,” said Dr. Dalton Paxman, HHS Region 3 Regional Health Administrator. “These new HHS tools and resources on extreme heat can help to keep our families and communities safe. While the extreme heat impacts can differ across our mid-Atlantic states, these measures can help us all to protect our health.”

For those at high risk 

Anyone can develop heat-related illness, but some groups are at a greater risk. Pregnant women, people with asthma or heart disease, those 65 years of age or older, outdoor workers, infants and young children should take extra precaution. Work with your doctor to create a Heat Action Plan.

Take steps to get and stay cool 

If you are under a heat warning: find air conditioning, check on family members and neighbors, drink fluids, avoid strenuous activities, wear light clothing, and never leave people or pets in a hot vehicle. 

You can also take steps to keep your home cooler in hot weather. Do not use a fan as a primary cooling device; fans create airflow but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses. Instead, cover windows with drapes, add insulation to keep heat out, and install air conditioners. If you are unable to afford your cooling costs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.

Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool. Find locations of cooling centers in your state or city through 2-1-1 and local media reports. 

Know the signs & symptoms of heat-related illness

Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Know the signs, symptoms, and how to respond. If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of heat stroke, call 9-1-1 and move the individual to a cooler place immediately.

If you take medication

Many common medications can make you more sensitive to heat, but don’t stop or change your medicines until you talk to your doctor. Also, some medications need to be kept out of hot places, so make sure to store them properly. If you take medication that needs to be refrigerated, have a plan for what to do if the power goes out.

Learn more at cdc.gov/extreme-heat and ready.gov/heat. 

amanda.hancher Wed, 06/26/2024 - 15:28

Review, Replenish Your Disaster Supplies Kit

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – As we start this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, now is the time to update your disaster supplies kit! You may need to survive on your own for some time after a tropical storm or hurricane makes landfall in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Your family will most likely need food, water and other emergency supplies to last for several days, even up to two weeks after a storm or other disaster. Do not wait for a storm to be here before you review the basic items your household may need for an emergency. 

Roads might be impassable, gas stations and grocery stores closed, power off and communications uncertain for several days after a storm makes landfall. Building your household’s emergency supply kit before the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season will help you avoid panic and making the wrong decisions on what to include in your kit. 

Start building your kit with items you may already have in your home, such as a flashlight, extra batteries, water and nonperishable food. When you go to the grocery store, you can pick up a few extra items that you use regularly. Then consider what unique needs your family might have, such as young children, elderly, household members with disabilities, access or functional needs and supplies for pets.

Replace expired items in your kit as needed and review what basic items you have at home, such as one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation, as well as at least a several-day supply of nonperishable food. 

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines. Keep a list of your prescriptions. Include information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs and allergies.

For more about what to stock in your emergency kit and how to maintain it, visit ready.gov, or VITEMA’s website vitema.vi.gov.

###

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

kate.macedo Wed, 06/26/2024 - 15:10

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $185 Million in Allocations for Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams Through Investing in America Agenda

Allocations Funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

WASHINGTON -- The Biden-Harris administration is announcing $185.1 million in allocations for 32 states and one territory to make dams stronger through FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program.

The funding through the Rehabilitation Of High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) Grant Program comes from President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program provides funding for technical, planning, design and construction for rehabilitation of eligible high hazard potential dams.

“Dams provide critical, life-saving support for communities around the nation to prevent flooding and provide a predictable water supply for communities. This $185 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allows FEMA to invest in critical activities for dams to ensure this vital infrastructure receives the funding it needs to withstand climate effects,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “This way future generations will benefit from dams for the flood protection, water supply hydropower, irrigation and recreation they provide.” 

President Biden secured more than $50 billion for climate resilience and adaptation through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act and established a National Climate Resilience Framework, which is advancing locally tailored, community-driven climate resilience strategies. The High Hazard Potential Dam grant program’s objectives and eligibility requirements align with these efforts to strengthen the Nation’s resilience to climate-related hazards.

The announcement also aligns with the FEMA Year of Resilience theme to help communities build local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards from climate change.

Dams are a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure and all Americans enjoy the benefits they provide. However, the nation’s dams are aging and many are deteriorating, while downstream and upstream populations are increasing.

Grants through the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams program are available to non-federal governments and nonprofits for technical, planning, design and construction assistance to rehabilitate, remove or repair eligible high hazard potential dams. 

A breakdown of approximate allocations for states and territories is as follows:

• Arizona $2.5 million
• California $5.4 million
• Colorado $6.7 million
• Connecticut $3 million
• Georgia $6.2 million
• Hawaii $10.3 million
• Kansas $3 million
• Louisiana $2 million
• Maine $2.4 million
• Maryland $4.2 million
• Massachusetts $6.9 million
• Michigan $3 million
• Minnesota $2 million
• Mississippi $3.5 million
• Montana $3.4 million
• Nebraska $2 million
• New Hampshire $6.5 million 
• New Jersey $6.5 million
• New Mexico $3 million
• New York $9.2 million
• North Carolina $9.5 million
• Ohio $10.9 million
• Oklahoma $5.1 million
• Oregon $3.5 million
• Pennsylvania $18 million
• Puerto Rico $2.7 million
• South Carolina $5.8 million
• South Dakota $2.9 million
• Texas $10.7 million
• Utah $7.2 million
• Virginia $5.5 million
• Washington $4.6 million
• West Virginia $2.7 million
• Wyoming $2.5 million

Selected states and territories will now prioritize and determine which projects to fund based on their awards. FEMA will announce funded projects later this year.

Eligible non-federal dams are:

• Located in a state or territory with a dam safety program.
• Classified as high hazard potential by the dam safety agency in the state or territory where the dam is located.
• With a current, approved emergency action plan by the state or territorial dam safety agency.
• Failing to meet minimum dam safety standards of the state or territory or poses an unacceptable risk to the public.

FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program published two grant funding opportunities on Nov. 6, 2023, in support of state dam safety offices and dam construction projects. In total, there was about $211 million in dam safety grant funding available for the Fiscal Year 2024 Fall funding opportunities.

Earlier this year FEMA announced about $26 million in awards—also funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law -- through the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program for states and territories with enacted dam safety program. The funding helps states and territories establish and maintain effective state programs to ensure dam safety and protect communities from increasing threats from climate change.  

For more information about the National Dam Safety Program, visit FEMA.gov.

amy.ashbridge Wed, 06/26/2024 - 14:55

How to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

DENTON, Texas – Homeowners and renters in the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Lincoln and Otero counties, that were displaced by the recent South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding that began June 17, may apply for FEMA disaster 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  7 a.m. to 10 p.m. MT daily. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 

If you are applying for FEMA assistance, and are staying with friends, family or at a shelter due to mandatory evacuations, please note, you will have an opportunity to specify that the extent of your home damage is unknown when applying for disaster assistance and you can update the status of your home when it’s safe to return.

When you apply for assistance, please have the following information ready: 

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• 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 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. 

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/4795. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and facebook.com/femaregion6.

alexa.brown Tue, 06/25/2024 - 22:22

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Leon County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The State of Florida and FEMA have opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Leon County, to provide one-on-one help to people affected by the May 10 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes. The center will remain open until further notice. 

Location: 

LeRoy Collins Leon County Library

200 West Park Avenue

Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The center will be closed on Thursday, July 4. 

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. 

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.

In addition to visiting a center, people can apply by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app  or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET every day. 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. The deadline to apply with FEMA is Aug. 19, 2024.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4794. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

david.heckard Tue, 06/25/2024 - 19:57

FEMA Teams Visit Local Neighborhoods to Help Flood Survivors

DES MOINES, Iowa – FEMA teams will begin visiting shelters and neighborhoods in Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth, and Sioux counties on Tuesday, June 25 to help survivors of record flooding in northwest Iowa.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams will work in coordination with state and county emergency management. DSA Teams will be in impacted counties and visiting shelter locations. Additionally, DSA teams will be assisting residents in Adams, Cedar and Jasper counties. They were added to the disaster declaration for damage for severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred from May 20-31.

FEMA can provide money to eligible applicants for help with serious needs, paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs and other needs not covered by insurance.

The teams help survivors apply with FEMA and address immediate and emerging needs. They also provide application status updates and referrals to community resources.

FEMA staff can easily be identified by their federal photo identification and FEMA clothing. Residents are encouraged to ask for official photo ID before providing personal information.

How to Apply with FEMA

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Download and use the FEMA app
• FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis.
• 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 

Types of FEMA Assistance Available

FEMA is offering a wide variety of help to people affected by the recent flooding. Every homeowner and renter who suffered damage is encouraged to apply.

Money provided by FEMA does not have to be repaid and may include:

• Serious Needs: Money for lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.
• Displacement: Money to help with housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while you look for a rental unit.
• Home Repair or Replacement: Money to help you repair or replace your home damaged by the disaster. The money can also help with pre-existing damage to parts of your home where the disaster caused further damage.
• Rental Assistance: Money you can use to rent housing if you are displaced from your home because of the disaster.
• Personal Property: Money to help you repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, and a personal or family computer damaged by the disaster. This can also include money for books, uniforms, tools, medical equipment and other items required for school or work, including self-employment.
• Child Care: Money to help you pay for increased or child care expenses caused by the disaster.
• Transportation: Money to help you repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when you don’t have another vehicle you can use.
• Moving and Storage Expenses: Money to help you move and store personal property from your home to prevent additional damage.

FEMA Home Inspections

FEMA housing inspectors are working in Iowa, inspecting damage reported by people who have applied with FEMA. Inspectors will call or text to make an appointment before coming to a home. They will display official photo identification. If the official ID is not visible, it’s OK to ask to see it. This helps prevent fraud.

Apply with FEMA Whether You Have Insurance or Not

• Everyone with disaster damage should apply whether they have insurance or not.
• If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. Please stay in close contact with your insurance agency.
• 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 recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

tiana.suber Tue, 06/25/2024 - 19:16

FEMA Supports $11 Million Flood Reduction Infrastructure Project in Historic North Carolina Community

Project under Justice40 initiative providing benefits to disadvantaged communities.

WASHINGTON -- A historic, flood-prone North Carolina community will become more resilient as a result of FEMA approving an $11.2 million grant.

Princeville, located below the Tar River, has experienced repetitive flooding since it was incorporated by freed slaves in 1885. During Hurricane Floyd in 1999, the Princeville levee failed and the town was submerged. In some areas the water rose 23 feet and took 10 days to recede. The levee does not fully wrap around the town and may not fully protect the community from future significant flooding.

This grant will fund the build out of infrastructure on a 53-acre green field in Edgecombe County outside of the Tar River floodplain on higher ground. The infrastructure includes stormwater management, wastewater collection, water distribution and electric power systems to support new housing and civic services for Princeville residents.  

“Many economically disadvantaged communities like Princeville were built in places more vulnerable to flooding and critical resilience actions are needed to increase residents’ protection,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “This is why funding is so important to make the town withstand nation’s costliest natural hazard, flooding, that is only becoming more devastating due to climate change. Through the Justice 40 initiative, FEMA and the Biden-Harris Administration are making sure flood-prone communities like Princeville have more access to the necessary resources to become resilient.”

The funding comes from the first funding cycle of FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program in 2020. The program funds projects that protect people and infrastructure in communities like Princeville from natural hazards and the effects of climate change.

The project qualifies as a Justice40 project, a Biden-Harris Administration initiative that aims to provide 40% of federal climate grants to disadvantaged communities through various FEMA programs. Project obligations like the one in Princeville -- located in a disadvantaged community -- help the administration meet this goal. 

Disadvantaged communities like Princeville have been marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment. Increased funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping FEMA direct money toward more communities like Princeville so they can develop projects to better withstand the growing climate threat.

Last year, FEMA announced more than $1.2 billion -- 71% -- in BRIC national competition selections and approximately 53% of all BRIC and Flood Mitigation Assistance selections -- $1.6 billion -- will benefit disadvantaged communities. FEMA expects to announce the next round of funding selections later this summer.  

FEMA is providing 90% of the cost share at $10.1 million and the remaining 10% will be funded by the state of North Carolina. 

Visit FEMA’s YouTube channel to access a video about Princeville’s resiliency story. 

amy.ashbridge Tue, 06/25/2024 - 18:04

Renters May Be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY – Renters whose home or personal property was damaged in the back-to-back April and May storms, floods and tornadoes may be eligible for FEMA assistance.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance grants are available for eligible renters, including students, as well as homeowners. These grants, which do not have to be repaid, can help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related needs, including:

• Rent while you are displaced – which can be used for a house, apartment, recreational vehicle or manufactured home
• Money to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while you look for a rental unit
• Repair or replacement of appliances, room furnishings, and a personal or family computer damaged by the disaster
• Money for books, uniforms, tools, computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment
• Repair or replacement of a vehicle
• Medical, dental, childcare, moving and storage and funeral expenses

To apply for FEMA assistance:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
• Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA App.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center for in-person help. To find the center closest to you, visit fema.gov/drc. Centers are currently open at:
  • Early Childhood Learning Center, 401 S. 10th St., Barnsdall, OK 74002
  • Bartlesville High School, 1700 Hillcrest Dr., Bartlesville, OK 74003 
  • Murray County Extension Office, 3490 Highway 7 West, Sulphur, OK 73086
    (The Extension Office is the smaller building at this address.)

Renters should not overlook the long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which is the primary source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. As of June 18, 2024, the SBA has offered more than $3.87 million to businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters affected by these storms. To contact the SBA:

• Go online to MySBA Loan Portal 
• Call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955
• Email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov
• Visit the SBA’s Business Recovery Center at Mary Parker Memorial Library, 500 W. Broadway Ave., Sulphur, OK 73086

For additional information on how renters can access federal disaster funds, go to FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance (youtube.com).

For the latest information about Oklahoma’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4776 or fema.gov/disaster/4791. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted at FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available. 

martyce.allenjr Tue, 06/25/2024 - 16:56

Renters May Be Eligible for FEMA Assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY – Renters whose home or personal property was damaged in the back-to-back April and May storms, floods and tornadoes may be eligible for FEMA assistance.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance grants are available for eligible renters, including students, as well as homeowners. These grants, which do not have to be repaid, can help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related needs, including:

• Rent while you are displaced – which can be used for a house, apartment, recreational vehicle or manufactured home
• Money to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while you look for a rental unit
• Repair or replacement of appliances, room furnishings, and a personal or family computer damaged by the disaster
• Money for books, uniforms, tools, computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment
• Repair or replacement of a vehicle
• Medical, dental, childcare, moving and storage and funeral expenses

To apply for FEMA assistance:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
• Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA App.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center for in-person help. To find the center closest to you, visit fema.gov/drc. Centers are currently open at:
  • Early Childhood Learning Center, 401 S. 10th St., Barnsdall, OK 74002
  • Bartlesville High School, 1700 Hillcrest Dr., Bartlesville, OK 74003 
  • Murray County Extension Office, 3490 Highway 7 West, Sulphur, OK 73086
    (The Extension Office is the smaller building at this address.)

Renters should not overlook the long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which is the primary source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. As of June 18, 2024, the SBA has offered more than $3.87 million to businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters affected by these storms. To contact the SBA:

• Go online to MySBA Loan Portal 
• Call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955
• Email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov
• Visit the SBA’s Business Recovery Center at Mary Parker Memorial Library, 500 W. Broadway Ave., Sulphur, OK 73086

For additional information on how renters can access federal disaster funds, go to FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance (youtube.com).

For the latest information about Oklahoma’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4776 or fema.gov/disaster/4791. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted at FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available. 

martyce.allenjr Tue, 06/25/2024 - 16:37

FEMA ArtWorks Supported Exhibition to Open in Denver

DENVER – An upcoming art exhibition highlighting climate change and resilience will open in Denver on June 28. The exhibition is part of FEMA’s ArtWorks initiative. Three artists are featured in an upcoming exhibition investigating and sharing the stories of resilience in a changing climate. From sublime foreshadowing to documentation of the real ways natural hazards affect our lives; artists shine a light on stories of loss and resilience.

The first stop of a three-city tour, the exhibition will be at RedLine Contemporary Arts Center, 2350 Arapahoe Street, Denver from June 28 - July 28, 2024. An opening night event will be held on June 28. The exhibition will also travel to Dickinson, N.D. and to Ogden, Utah.

Documentary Photographer Tamara Susa utilizes different times of exposure to underscore that climate change happens continuously and overtime and we are all connected to the change.

Painter and Sculptor Bill Nelson’s “Fragile” brings into frame the vulnerable lands to grab our attention.  As we gaze through his steel viewfinder, we are encouraged to meditate on our role as stewards of the environment.

Independent Filmmaker Emilie Upczak’s film “Silt” is a climate justice story about a Diné botanist, grieving the death of a beloved aunt, who travels to northern Mexico, where she is nourished by images of the last trip they took together traversing the Colorado River.

FEMA ArtWorks is designed to raise risk awareness and start dialogues on the value of natural hazard mitigation. It does this through partnerships between FEMA, artists, and local communities.

Brian.Hvinden Tue, 06/25/2024 - 16:23

Changes Coming for Arkansas Disaster Recovery Centers

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – FEMA and the State of Arkansas have opened a new Disaster Recovery Center in Fulton County and are adjusting hours for other centers to better provide one-on-one help to Arkansans affected by the May 24-27 severe storms and tornadoes. 

Residents of Baxter, Benton, Boone, Fulton, Greene, Madison, Marion and Randolph counties can visit any open disaster recovery center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with many Arkansas departments and other community partners.

The following locations are open to anyone in the declared counties with no appointment necessary:

Baxter County - *UPDATED HOURS*

Food Bank of North Central Arkansas 

1042 Highland Circle 

Mountain Home, AR 72653

Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Benton County

Northwest Arkansas Community College

Becky Paneitz Student Center, SC 108 

1211 SE Eagle Way

Bentonville, AR 72712

Parking available at 1202 Water Tower Road in the adjacent multi-level parking garage on levels 2 and 3

Hours: Daily 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Fulton County - *NEW LOCATION*

Fulton County Courthouse

123 South Main Street

Salem, AR 72576

Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Each center is accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and is equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call FEMA’s Civil Rights Resource Line: 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish). Line is open Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.

Additional one-on-one support is available in Boone, Greene, Madison, Marion and Randolph counties by appointment only. Disaster case workers are contacting survivors who have applied for FEMA assistance through the phone number listed on their application to provide additional support and determine if an in-person appointment is needed.

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 10 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/4788. Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6.

alexa.brown Tue, 06/25/2024 - 14:45

Hinds County Disaster Recovery Center Moving to a New Location

MADISON, Miss. –The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and FEMA will permanently close the Mobile Disaster Recovery Center at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Miss., at 6 p.m. June 25. 

This center will relocate and open in Bolton, Miss., at 8 a.m. June 27 to help survivors affected by the April 8-11, 2024, severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. 

Specialists from FEMA, the State of Mississippi and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the center to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, check the status of their application, answer questions and provide referrals to resources.

The mobile center will now be located at:
Hinds County Public Works Department parking lot (look for the FEMA and MEMA signage)
10000 I-20 Frontage Road
Bolton, MS 39041

Opening: 8 a.m. June 27
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The center is closed on Sunday.

In addition, the following recovery centers are already open:

Hinds County
Smith-Wills Stadium parking lot (look for the FEMA and MEMA signage)
1200 Cool Papa Bell Drive
Jackson, MS 39216

Humphreys County
Humphreys County Multipurpose Building (look for the FEMA and MEMA signage across the street from Willard Jack Trucking)
417 Silver City Road
Belzoni, MS 39038

Madison County
Karl M. Banks Emergency Services Complex (look for the FEMA and MEMA signage)
1633 West Peace St.
Canton, MS 39046

Neshoba County
Dixon Volunteer Fire Department (look for the FEMA and MEMA signage)
14800 Highway 21 South
Philadelphia, MS 39350

Scott County
The Usry Voting Precinct, District 2 Building (look for the FEMA and MEMA signage)
5335 Old Highway 80
Forest, MS 39074

All recovery centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Centers are closed on Sunday. 

To find the location of all centers, visit fema.gov/drc. Homeowners and renters can visit any center for help.

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA mobile app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 
800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 

For the latest information on recovery from the April tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4790. On X/Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.

Gaynell.Tinsey Tue, 06/25/2024 - 14:03

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

WASHINGTON-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Iowa to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes beginning June 16, 2024, and continuing.  

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth and Sioux counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. 

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, O'Brien, Osceola, Plymouth and Sioux counties.

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

DuWayne Tewes has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage 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 Tue, 06/25/2024 - 13:58

More Than $1 Million Approved for April Tornado Survivors in Mississippi

MADISON, Miss. – Two weeks after a federal disaster declaration was issued for Mississippi, more than $1.3 million in FEMA assistance has been approved for survivors of the April 8-11, 2024, severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. 

These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage to eligible homeowners and renters across Hancock, Hinds, Humphreys, Madison, Neshoba and Scott counties. The total includes:

• More than $906,000 in Housing Assistance to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance.
• More than $476,000 in Other Needs Assistance to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs, such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare and medical and dental expenses.

Survivors have until August 9, 2024, to apply for assistance. 

1. How to Apply for Assistance

Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance the following ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download the FEMA mobile app  
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time in most languages. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find the location of all open centers, visit fema.gov/drc.

For the latest information on recovery from the April tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4790. On X/Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.

Gaynell.Tinsey Tue, 06/25/2024 - 13:33

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight the Slide Ranch Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. -  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Slide Ranch Fire burning on Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation tribal land and in Yakima County, Washington. 

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 10:48 p.m. PT. He determined that the Slide Ranch Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the first FMAG declared in 2024 to help fight Washington wildfires. 

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes and tribal cultural resources in and around the communities of White Swan and Harrah.

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 the state’s 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 $1,313,482 will be available to Washington 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.  

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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.

mary.j.edmon Mon, 06/24/2024 - 22:17

Previous FEMA Help Doesn’t Affect Eligibility

DENTON, Texas – Homeowners and renters in Lincoln County may have applied for FEMA Assistance following the 2022 wildfires, flooding, mudflows and straight-line winds, but previous FEMA assistance will not affect your eligibility for any disaster assistance resulting from the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding that began June 17.

Residents in Lincoln and Otero counties and members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance if you were impacted by the recent fires that began June 17.

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  7 a.m. to 10 p.m. MT daily. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, 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 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/4795. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and facebook.com/femaregion6.

alexa.brown Mon, 06/24/2024 - 20:23

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for Kentucky Disaster Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – For residents in Boyd, Carter, Fayette, Greenup, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Mason, Oldham, Union and Whitley, if you had a loss of income due to the April 2 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) may provide you with much-needed help.

Even if you are self-employed, you may be eligible for DUA. DUA is available to individuals who:

• Worked or were self-employed, or were scheduled to begin work or self-employment;
• Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of a disaster, which can also include the physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to its closure by the federal, state or local government in immediate response to the disaster;
• Establish that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income;
• Do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits from any state;
• Cannot work or resume self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster; or
• As a result of the disaster, became the breadwinner or major support of a household because of the death of the head of the household.

To qualify for DUA benefits, claimants in eligible counties must show that their employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of the April 2 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides. 

How to File a Claim

Affected individuals should visit the Kentucky Career Center website at kcc.ky.gov or call 502-875-0442 to file their initial claim. The deadline to apply for this assistance is Aug. 12, 2024.

Homeowners and renters in the designated counties can apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the April 2 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4782. Follow FEMA on X, formerly called Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Mon, 06/24/2024 - 19:22

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Terrell County

AUSTIN -- FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Terrell County June 25 to provide one-on-one help to Texans affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding and straight-line winds April 26-June 5. The center will close permanently at 7 p.m. July 3.

The center is located at:

Terrell County Courthouse

105 E. Hackberry St.

Sanderson, TX 79848

All centers operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. To find the center location nearest you go to fema.gov/drc.

Residents in Austin, Bell, Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Falls, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Hockley, Jasper, Jones,  Kaufman, Lamar, Leon, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Navarro, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, Smith, Terrell, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt, Walker and Waller counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.

All 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).

Texans do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply, homeowners and renters can:

• Go online to disasterassistance.gov
• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 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.

Deadline to apply is July 16.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofit organizations and businesses of any size. The SBA disaster loan program is designed to help survivors with their long-term recovery needs. Texans can apply for an SBA disaster loan online at SBA.gov/disaster or by calling 800-659-2955.  SBA representatives are available to provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants at Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the affected area. 

For more information about Texas disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4781. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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

alexa.brown Mon, 06/24/2024 - 19:22

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Union, Polk and Pottawattamie Counties

DES MOINES, Iowa --- FEMA is opening Disaster Recovery Centers in Union, Polk and Pottawattamie counties 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.

UNION COUNTY

Emergency Management Agency

705 E. Taylor St.,

Creston, IA 50801

 

 

Open 1-7 p.m. June 25

8 a.m.-6 p.m.June 26-28

POLK COUNTY

Riley Resource Group

4400 E. University Ave.,

Pleasant Hill, IA 50327

 

 

 

Open 1-6 p.m. June 26

8 a.m.-6p.m. June 27-29

POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

Charles Lakin Human Services Campus – North Parking Lot

815 N. 16th St.,

Council Bluffs, IA 51501

 

Open 1-6 p.m. June 26

8 a.m.-6p.m. June 27-29

 

 

Beginning Wednesday, June 26, all DRCs will close at 6 p.m. and will be closed on Sundays.

FEMA funding is available to homeowners and renters for severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 20-31 in Adair, Adams, Cedar, Jasper, Montgomery, Polk and Story counties. FEMA funding is also available for homeowners and renters in Clarke, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby and Union counties for the April 26-27 tornadoes and storms. Iowans can visit any open DRC for assistance if needed.

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.

tiana.suber Mon, 06/24/2024 - 19:16

Houses of Worship May Be Eligible for FEMA Help to Cover Tornado Damage

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Qualifying private nonprofit houses of worship in Arkansas may be eligible for FEMA grants to cover expenses related to the May 24-27 severe storms and tornadoes.

Grants through FEMA’s Public Assistance program may cover costs to repair or replace facilities damaged during the storms.

FEMA defines religious facilities as a church, synagogue, mosque, temple or other house of worship without regard to the religious character of the facility. No religious facility or house of worship may be excluded from this definition because leadership or membership in the organization is limited to persons who share a religious faith or practice.

Help with repairs and replacement costs may be available to houses of worship in Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Madison, Marion, Nevada, Randolph, and Sharp counties.

To be an eligible applicant, a house of worship must:

• Be owned or operated by a private nonprofit organization. 
• The facility must be open to the public.
• Have been damaged by the May 24-27 severe storms and tornadoes.
• Have either not received funding or received insufficient funding after applying for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan to repair or replace a facility.

The application must include state and/or U.S. Internal Revenue Service documentation of tax-exempt status, pre-disaster charter and other documentation.

The U.S. Small Business Administration can loan to qualified houses of worship up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property. 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. 

The deadline to apply for property damage is Aug. 12, 2024.

Applicants 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. 

All applicants – even if they must wait for an SBA loan decision -- are encouraged to make a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) as soon as possible by contacting their local emergency management office. Some activities regarding Emergency Work that was performed in preparation or response to the storm may be eligible without or while pending an SBA decision. The deadline to file an RPA is within 30 days of your county being designated in the declaration.

Other Resources:

Houses of worship administrators can contact their county emergency management office for more information on how to submit a FEMA request for Public Assistance.

• Public Assistance Policies - Official guidance, policies, news advisories and related publications that govern the program include:
• Public Assistance Program & Policy Guide (version 4 applicable to emergencies and major disasters declared on or after June 1, 2020.)
• Public Assistance Program Delivery Guide (draft document published September 2022.)
• Video: https://youtu.be/JgHWcA5LnOc .
• Web page: Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster | FEMA.gov
• Procurement Guide: Purchasing under a FEMA Award: Resources for Private Nonprofits and Religious    Organizations
• Downloadable FEMA Fact Sheet: Public Assistance: Private Nonprofit Eligibility Factsheet (fema.gov)
• Downloadable FEMA Fact Sheet: Mitigate Disaster Damage with FEMA Public Assistance

alexa.brown Mon, 06/24/2024 - 18:45