Arkansans -- Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after a disaster. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

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

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

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

Scams

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

Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment.

Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. Agency representatives will have a photo-ID badge and your FEMA application number.

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

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department or contact the Office of the Arkansas Attorney General at (501) 682-2007 or (800) 482-8982 or email oag@ArkansasAG.gov.

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse, you can report these tips – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. You can also email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov to report a tip.

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, 06/04/2024 - 13:09

FEMA, VITEMA Complete Exercises to Prepare for Hurricane Season

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – From May 20 to May 24, the Government of the Virgin Islands and federal partners participated in a series of response and recovery workshops along with a hurricane readiness response exercise to strengthen preparedness efforts before Atlantic hurricane season. 

During the May 23 hurricane readiness exercise, participants established a unified command led by the territory and supported with federal resources from Emergency Operations Centers on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John as well as FEMA facilities in the territory. The exercise was driven by a scenario of a Category 3 hurricane, which impacted the U.S. Virgin Islands overnight with conditions allowing for a joint territorial and federal response.

On St. Croix, an expedient operations site was set up outside the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operations Center in Christiansted to support the hurricane readiness exercise by logistics from Region 2’s Incident Management Assistance Team and FEMA’s Virgin Islands Recovery Office. 

On St. Thomas and St. John, FEMA integrated with VITEMA, staff from other territorial governmental agencies as well as community partners at VITEMA’s Emergency Operations Centers in Estate Nisky and Estate Susannaberg for the hurricane readiness exercise. The territory’s Business Emergency Operations Center also integrated virtually with VITEMA’s Emergency Operations Center for the Capstone exercise.

“As the U.S. Virgin Islands prepares for this year’s hurricane season, we take great pride in knowing that the Territory’s preparedness professionals and first responders are supported by local and federal professionals who make up the Incident Command,” said Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. “Led by VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, the CAPSTONE readiness training conducted last week brought government personnel face-to-face with hazardous scenarios that may take place. We stand ready to assist and protect residents and businesses as a result of the CAPSTONE exercise,” said Gov. Bryan.

“FEMA, VITEMA and the Government of the Virgin Islands continue to lean forward with strengthening the territory’s capacity to respond to and recover from all hazards that could affect the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Aaron VanDoren, Acting Coordinator of FEMA’s Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office. “We cannot control the movement of storms in the Caribbean or other hazards that could impact the USVI, though we have the capability to review, practice and bolster response and recovery focus areas through drills and exercises,” said VanDoren. “We also urge individuals to review and update your preparedness plans so your household is ready for this hurricane season.” 

“While the exercise is designed to stress our staff in making decisions based on limited information, it is also designed to develop relationships and partnerships between our local agencies, private business sector leaders, and federal partners. Our joint mission is to ‘Save Lives and Preserve Property’ and our recurring theme this entire week was ‘Unity of Effort,’” said VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen. 

“In this year’s exercise we really demonstrated the importance of quickly assessing the need/gap locally, requesting a resource (equipment or people) to fill the gap, communicating the solution back to the requesting local government agency, and tracking the cost incurred as a result,” said Jaschen. “We even conducted an exercise press conference designed for agency leaders to provide information to the community. It is a real challenge to gather accurate information and answer questions, timely.”

This month’s workshops and exercise were the CAPSTONE event of the U.S. Virgin Islands Readiness Initiative, a nearly six-month planning effort to prepare for this hurricane season. The CAPSTONE provided opportunities to integrate lessons learned from previous response efforts in the USVI, address gaps with territorial resources and then identify federal resources necessary to respond to all hazards.

Workshops during the CAPSTONE included:

• Communications drills to strengthen the capability to operate in an environment with degraded communications, 
• Workshops on how the U.S. Virgin Islands and FEMA would collaborate on Individual Assistance and Public Assistance Preliminary Damage Assessments to streamline the disaster declaration process and jump-start the recovery process after an event.
• A focus on patient movement to validate a concept of operations on the movement of hospital patients between islands and out of the territory. 
• Strengthening the coordination between VITEMA and FEMA on the resource request process for the territory to receive the proper resources to support response operations in a timely manner.
• Temporary power restoration priorities to focus on missions to restore power to critical facilities identified by VITEMA after disasters.
• Evacuation sheltering to streamline sheltering operations, which included a focus on pet and medical special needs sheltering.
• A points of distribution workshop to ensure the proper activation of the territory’s feeding and hydration missions during a response.
• Emergency messaging to ensure the public receives timely and accurate information prior to, during and after a disaster.
• Access and functional needs to make sure there is an effective communication access for people with disabilities, access and functional needs.

In June and July, territorial and federal partners will concentrate on corrective actions that need to be strengthened for response and initial recovery focus areas.

gina.callaghan Mon, 06/03/2024 - 18:54

FEMA Provides Millions for Utah Flood Recovery

DENVER – FEMA has now approved more than $6 million in Public Assistance grant funds as part of ongoing recovery work from flooding in Utah last year. 

A major disaster declaration was granted for five Utah counties on December 23, 2023 for flooding that occurred in May 2023. In the five months since the declaration, the state and FEMA have worked together to help communities in Iron, Morgan, Sanpete, Utah, and Wasatch counties with recovery projects. 

• Utah County debris removal – 
  • $1,200,000 for debris removal in the Hobble Creek Basin and the Payson Basin. Approximately 40,000 cubic yards of sand, mud, silt, gravel, rocks, and boulders will be removed and hauled to permitted final disposal sites. 
  • $3,930,000 for debris removal from Thistle Debris Basin. An estimated 128,000 cubic yards of sand, soil, and mud debris and 3,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris will be removed to protect the county’s flood control works.
  • $1,200,000 for debris removal in the Santaquin Debris Basin. Approximately 42,000 cubic yards of sand, silt, mud and boulders will be removed. 
• Morgan County culvert replacement - $31,162 in federal funding for replacement of a large culvert that is a critical part of the county’s storm water drainage infrastructure. 
• Wasatch County debris barriers - $160,962 in federal funding for replacement of damaged debris barriers along Guardsman Pass. 

FEMA continues working closely with the state of Utah to formulate and submit projects for funding approval from each of the declared counties.

anthony.mayne Mon, 06/03/2024 - 17:07

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Hours Change and Two Centers to Close This Weekend

COLUMBUS – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Ohio will have new hours of operation starting Tuesday, June 4. The three centers will now be open 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. during weekdays and Saturdays. The centers in Auglaize and Delaware counties will follow updated hours until permanent closure through Saturday, June 8. 

The centers in Auglaize and Delaware counties are located at:

Auglaize County Administration Building
209 S. Blackhoof St. 
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Tues. June 4 – Sat. June 8
 

The Journey Fellowship
70 N. Walnut St. 
Galena, OH 43021
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Tues. June 4 – Sat. June 8
 

The center in Logan County will remain open until further notice at:

Indian Lake EMS District Building 
280 N. Oak St.
Lakeview, OH 43331
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday, Closed Sundays.
 

At the Disaster Recovery Centers, Ohioans with damage or loss from the March 14 tornadoes can meet face to face with specialists from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and state and local agencies to learn about services and assistance programs available. In addition, survivors may apply for FEMA or SBA assistance, submit documents needed for their applications, learn the status of their applications, receive information on how to appeal, and have their questions about disaster assistance answered. Survivors may visit any center for assistance. No appointment is necessary to visit; walk-ins are welcome.

Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance before the July 1 deadline. To apply without visiting a center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

If you have questions about your application, you can also call the FEMA Helpline. In addition to visiting a recovery center, you can submit documents for FEMA review by mail or fax or by uploading them to your DisasterAssistance.gov account. To set up a FEMA online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Ohio, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4777.

grace.jack Mon, 06/03/2024 - 16:56

Media Advisory: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nicholas County

     
June 1, 2024
DR-4783-WV-MA-001
FEMA News Desk: 215-931-5597
FEMA-R3-NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

Media Advisory

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nicholas County

CHARLESTON, W.Va.– A state-federal Disaster Recovery Center will open Monday, June 3, 2024, at 8 a.m. at the Nicholas County Office of Emergency Management in Nicholas County to help West Virginia residents affected by the April 2-6 severe storms. Individuals in Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, Marshall, Nicholas, Ohio, Putnam, Wayne and Wetzel counties can apply for assistance from FEMA.  
Residents can get help with their disaster assistance applications, upload documents and get questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

The center is located at:

Nicholas County
Nicholas County Office of Emergency Management
449 Water Street
Summersville, WV 26651  

Hours of operation:
Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Other recovery experts from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be available at the Disaster Recovery Center to address additional needs.

The fastest and easiest way to apply for assistance is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov
.
Additional Disaster Recovery Centers will be opening in impacted counties. Visit the FEMA DRC Locator page for more details on open centers in West Virginia.

If it is not possible to visit the Disaster Recovery Center or to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4783, and www.facebook.com/FEMA. 
###

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

FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Follow us on X at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

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

 

issa.mansaray Mon, 06/03/2024 - 13:27

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Calhoun County

AUSTIN -- FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Calhoun County June 3 to provide one-on-one help to Texans affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding and straight-line winds that began April 26.

The center is located at:

Calhoun County

Calhoun County Public Library

200 W. Mahan St

Port Lavaca, TX 77979

The center will 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 Bell,Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Eastland, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, 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.
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.

For more information, 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 Sun, 06/02/2024 - 14:48

FEMA Assistance Available for Craig, Johnston, McClain, Nowata and Ottawa County Survivors

OKLAHOMA CITY –Craig, Johnston, McClain, Nowata and Ottawa Counties have been added to the major disaster declaration for Oklahomans who sustained damage from the April 25-May 9 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding.

Residents of these counties may be eligible for disaster assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. Applicants may qualify for rental assistance, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other expenses related to storm damage. Survivors living in Carter, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Washington and Washita counties may also be eligible for assistance. Additional counties may be added later.

FEMA assistance 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, additional computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment.
• Child Care: Money to help you pay for increased or new 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.
• Group Flood Insurance Policy: If your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area and you have flood damage caused by the disaster, FEMA may purchase a Group Flood Insurance Policy on your behalf that gives you three years of coverage.
• Clean and Sanitize Assistance: Up to $300 to help you pay for minor damage caused by the disaster to prevent additional loss and health or safety concerns. This is available if you had property damage but are not eligible for Home Repair or Replacement Assistance because FEMA determines you can still live safely in your home.

How to Apply

To apply for FEMA assistance, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. Help is available in most languages; if you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

For in-person help, visit a Disaster Recovery Center – locations and hours are listed at fema.gov/drc.

To watch a video about how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4776. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/. 

alexa.brown Sat, 06/01/2024 - 19:36

Assistance Available for Storm Survivors in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – FEMA’s disaster assistance offers benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors when needed the most. In addition, a simplified process and expanded eligibility allows Arkansans access to a wider range of assistance and funds for serious needs.

If you have serious needs due to the May 24-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding, you may qualify for a one-time payment per household through FEMA’s Serious Need Assistance (SNA). This payment would be in addition to any other assistance. 

SNA is money to pay for emergency supplies like water, food, first aid, breastfeeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, or fuel for transportation. It is available in all disasters declared for Individual Assistance and is available to eligible survivors who apply within the first 30 days after the disaster was declared. To qualify for SNA, you must be displaced, need shelter or have other emergency costs due to the disaster on your application.

Another benefit is FEMA’s Displacement Assistance which includes 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.

These benefits are available to eligible survivors living in Benton, Boone and Marion counties who apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance.

Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance require an inspection to confirm eligibility before funds are provided to applicants.

Apply to FEMA

Survivors can apply to FEMA in several ways including online at DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices, or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

You may be eligible if:

• You complete a FEMA application;
• FEMA can confirm your identity;
• The home where you live most of the year is in a declared disaster area;
• FEMA confirms the disaster damage from an inspection or documents you send; and
• You apply for FEMA assistance while Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance are available.

To watch an accessible video about Serious Needs Assistance, go to FEMA Accessible: Serious Needs Assistance (youtube.com).

For the latest information about Arkansas’ recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4788. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

alexa.brown Sat, 06/01/2024 - 17:15

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Harris County

AUSTIN -- FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Harris County June 2 to provide one-on-one help to Texans affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding and straight-line winds that began April 26.

The center is located at:

Harris County

Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center

6402 Market St.

Houston, TX 77020

The center will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. To find locations of centers near you go to fema.gov/drc.

Residents in Bell,Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Eastland, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, 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.
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.

For more information, 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 Sat, 06/01/2024 - 16:55

FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for Arkansans

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansans who sustained damage from the recent severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding from May 24 to May 27, 2024, may be eligible for disaster assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. Currently, residents living in Benton, Boone and Marion counties may be eligible for disaster assistance. 

FEMA’s disaster assistance offers benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors when needed the most. In addition, a simplified process and expanded eligibility allows Arkansans access to a wider range of assistance including serious needs.

Assistance Available

• Serious Needs Assistance (SNA) provides funding for households to cover important items like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, fuel for transportation or other emergency supplies for eligible households.
  • To qualify for SNA, you must be displaced, need shelter or have other emergency costs due to the disaster on your application.
• Displacement Assistance (DA) provides people with up-front funds to assist with immediate housing options of their choice, to keep people housed. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options.

Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance are both funded after a completed inspection confirms eligibility.

Apply to FEMA
Arkansans can apply to FEMA in several ways including online at DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices, or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Additional Assistance and Benefits

• Streamlined Application Requirements so people can apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and FEMA assistance at the same time.
  • Support for Underinsured People to help with aspects of home repair that insurance companies won’t cover, but they can’t afford on their own.
• Simplified Assistance for Entrepreneurs by providing self-employed people with some initial financial support to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment to help them land on their feet.
  • Ex.: computers if you are a gig worker, lawnmower if you are a landscaper
• Expanded Habitability Criteria to help people make their homes safer and cleaner post-disaster and so they can repair all aspects of their home post-disaster.
  • Previously, if a home had a leaky roof pre-disaster, that area of the home wouldn’t qualify.
• Make Accessibility Improvements to help people with disabilities improve their living conditions by making their homes even more accessible than they were pre-disaster.
• Streamlined Temporary Housing Assistance Applications by reducing documentation requirements for applicants who need to extend their stay in FEMA-supported temporary housing.
• Simplified the Process for Appeals so people who wish to appeal FEMA’s decisions will no longer need to provide a signed, written appeal letter to accompany the supporting documentation.
• Computer Assistance for people who need to repair or replace disaster-damaged computers.

Rental Assistance for Temporary Housing

If you currently reside in Benton, Boone and Marion counties and suffered damage to your primary residence, FEMA may be able to provide rent for a temporary place to live while you are displaced. Rental assistance is intended to cover monthly rent, security deposit and cost of essential utilities such as electricity and water.

Major Repairs and Out-of-Pocket Expenses

FEMA’s Individuals and Household Program assistance is intended to help jumpstart your recovery. Here are some examples of basic needs:

• Home Repair Assistance may be provided to homeowners to repair the structural parts of your home. This includes windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system (HVAC), utilities (electrical, plumbing and gas systems) and entrance ways. FEMA may also reimburse for the actual cost to repair or replace your furnace, private well and septic system that was damaged or destroyed by the disaster.

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 Fri, 05/31/2024 - 23:27

Greenfield Disaster Recovery Center Moving to Elementary School

FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center at Greenfield City Hall will relocate to the nearby Nodaway Valley Elementary School on Sunday, June 2. Until then, the recovery center will continue to be open at City Hall from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., including Saturday.

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

New Disaster Recovery Center location: 

Greenfield – FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

Nodaway Valley Elementary School

324 NW 2nd St 

Greenfield, IA 50849

 

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., starting Sunday, June 2.

FEMA can provide money to eligible homeowners and renters for help with serious needs, paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs and other needs not covered by insurance. To save time, please apply with FEMA online or by phone before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

How to Apply with FEMA

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call FEMA directly at 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 an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI
• Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

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 amplified phones, caption phones, video phones, wheelchair ramps 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.

thomas.wise Fri, 05/31/2024 - 21:03

FEMA Deputy Administrator Visits National Hurricane Center, Highlights Preparedness Actions for Individuals and Communities

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks today visited the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami and was joined by NHC Director Michael Brennan and Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz to brief the media on preparedness ahead of the June 1 start of the Atlantic hurricane season. The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity, with NOAA forecasting an above-normal season, with up to 25 named storms, including up to 13 hurricanes.

During the event, Deputy Administrator Hooks debuted FEMA’s Be in the Know campaign, which underscores the importance of understanding what to do in an evacuation. 

“This hurricane season, we want to make sure everyone is ready and equipped with their evacuation plans,” said FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks. “We want people to know where to go, what to bring, and where to get good information. Preparation is always our best ally and our strongest defense. Together, we can ensure our communities are ‘In the Know’ and risk-ready this hurricane season.”

In preparation for the upcoming hurricane season, there are four steps everyone should take to Be in the Know: 

1. Know Your Risk – Identify the specific hazards you face, which can vary according to the community in which you live.   
2. Know When and Where to Go – Make an evacuation plan and learn your state and local evacuation zones by visiting your state and county emergency management websites. Download the FEMA App to use the Text-to-Shelter feature, which can let you know how to find shelter during an evacuation by texting “shelter” and your ZIP code to 43362.  
3. Know What to Bring – Build a go-bag with all the essentials you might need. Before a disaster strikes, knowing what to bring will help you evacuate quickly and safely.
4. Know Your Information Sources – Identify where you can access reliable information so you can make informed decisions before, during, and after a disaster. Subscribe to alerts from FEMA, your local emergency management agencies and the National Weather Service to stay informed on safety procedures and updates. 

In addition, NHC Director Michael Brennan shared information on what the public can expect this hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30.  

“As we head into the 2024 hurricane season tomorrow, now is the time for everyone to prepare and know your risk,” said Dr. Brennan. “Don’t wait until a storm threatens your area to start thinking about your evacuation and preparedness plan. Take action now to keep you and your loved ones safe this hurricane season.”

FEMA reminds individuals and communities that the best time to prepare is before an emergency or disaster strikes. Consider the following to make sure you and your family are protected this season: 

Gather supplies

• After a hurricane, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Take some time to make sure you have what you’ll need to say safe and comfortable whether you must evacuate or can stay at home.
• Have enough supplies for your household, including food, water and other supplies to last for several days. Be sure to include any medication, cleaning, and pet supplies as well as any important documents you may need.  Visit Ready.gov/kit for a printable list you can take to the store when stocking up. 
• Every family is unique, so consider your everyday needs when making a kit. This is especially important if you or anyone in your household is an individual with a disability identify if you may need additional help during an emergency.

Make a plan

• Make sure you have a plan to keep your family connected during and after a hurricane. Visit Ready.gov/plan and use the easy, sharable "Make a Plan" fillable form with your family and loved ones.
• Remember, hurricanes create hazards for more than coastal areas. You may experience rain, flooding and wind far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall.

Check your insurance coverage

• Review your homeowners, renters and business insurance policy so you understand what kind of damage is covered. 
• Remember, standard homeowner’s and renter’s insurance doesn’t cover flooding. You can get flood coverage from your insurance company or the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

amy.ashbridge Fri, 05/31/2024 - 20:23

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Lamar, Polk Counties

AUSTIN -- FEMA is opening Disaster Recovery Centers in Lamar and Polk counties June 1, to provide one-on-one help to Texans affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding and straight-line winds that began April 26.

The centers are located at:

Lamar County 

Chisum Elementary School

3250 S. Church St

Paris, TX 75460

Polk County

Livingston Public Library

707 N. Tyler Avenue 

Livingston, TX 77351

The centers will 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 Bell, Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Eastland, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, 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.
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.

For more information, 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 Fri, 05/31/2024 - 18:27

FEMA and SBA Assistance Tops $3.7 Million for Ohio Tornado Survivors

COLUMBUS – Just under a month since President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for the state of Ohio following the March 14, 2024 tornadoes, more than $3.7 million in federal assistance has been provided by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support disaster recovery. 

Homeowners and renters whose homes and property were damaged by the storms, and who still need to apply for federal assistance, have until July 1, 2024, to do so.

As of May 31, Ohio’s recovery assistance includes:

• More than $2.4 million in FEMA’s Individual and Households Program (IHP) grants awarded to eligible homeowners and renters in eleven Ohio counties. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage, including:
  • More than $1.5 million in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
  • More than $951,000 in Other Needs Assistance grants 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.
• More than $1.3 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for homeowners and renters to help repair, rebuild or replace disaster-damaged physical property and to cover economic injury for businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations.

The eleven Ohio counties designated for FEMA assistance in this disaster are: Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland and Union.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams have been visiting storm-affected neighborhoods in designated counties to help residents apply for FEMA assistance, identify and address immediate needs, and make referrals to other local, state and voluntary agencies for additional support. To date, DSA personnel have visited more than 7,500 households and 370 businesses to connect survivors with assistance.

In addition, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers have been opened in affected counties to provide one-on-one support to survivors. At the centers, recovery specialists from FEMA, the state of Ohio and the U.S. Small Business Administration provide information on available services, explain assistance programs, and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications for assistance. No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Walk-ins are welcome.

To find a Disaster Recovery Center nearest you, visit www.FEMA.gov/DRC. Any center may be visited for assistance.

To apply for FEMA assistance without visiting a center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Ohio, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4777.

grace.jack Fri, 05/31/2024 - 17:37

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Arkansas to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding from May 24-27, 2024.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Benton, Boone and Marion 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, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding in Benton, Boone and Marion counties.    

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

Roland W. Jackson has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if 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 Fri, 05/31/2024 - 16:52

Bell, Henderson, Tyler Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

AUSTIN -- Homeowners and renters in Bell, Henderson and Tyler counties are now eligible for FEMA assistance after the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that began April 26.

Eligible applicants may qualify for serious needs assistance, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other eligible expenses related to storm damage. Previously, households in Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Eastland, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker and Waller counties were approved for 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.
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.

For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4781. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and 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 Thu, 05/30/2024 - 23:54

FEMA Region 3 Highlights Dam Safety on Anniversary of the Historic Johnstown Dam Failure

Philadelphia, Pa.- National Dam Safety Awareness Day occurs on May 31 of each year in remembrance of the devastating failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1889. It was the worst dam failure in the history of the United States and resulted in the loss of more than 2,200 lives. 

The National Dam Safety Program (NDSP), authorized by Congress in 1996, is a national program that targets the improvement of dams and the safety of those who live in surrounding communities. National Dam Safety Awareness Day was created to encourage and promote individual and community responsibility for dam safety as well as to provide information on what steps can be taken to prevent future structural dam failures. A secondary goal is to promote the benefits dams offer to communities. 

In FEMA Region 3, there are nearly 5,300 dams in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Across the U.S., there are over 90,000 dams that provide water, power, flood control, recreation, and economic opportunities for local communities. Dams play a vital role in the Nation’s overall infrastructure and it is critical that they remain resilient in the face of emergencies such as natural hazards or man-made threats. 

For over 30 years, the federal government has been working to protect communities from dam failure through FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program (NDSP) State Assistance Grant Program. The program is a partnership of states, federal agencies, and other partners to encourage individual and community responsibility for dam safety. The program provides funding for dam safety training while also enhancing dam inspection requirements. 

Additionally, FEMA provides funding for technical planning, design, and construction assistance for rehabilitation of eligible high hazard potential dams through the High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD) Grant. FEMA also offers Collaborative Technical Assistance (CTA) to help communities with dams better understand their risk and the consequences of dam-related emergencies. 

While dams provide many benefits to communities, such as the storage of drinking water and the improvement of wildlife habitats, they can also pose a significant flood risk if they fail. Dam safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone is encouraged to know their risk, know their role, and take action.  

Be Prepared:

• Know Your Risk: The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has a National Dam Inventory where you can search your area to see if you live near a dam.
• Sign up for local alerts and warnings, and enable wireless emergency alerts on your phone, so you are notified of an imminent dam failure.
• Have a go-kit ready with supplies that you can grab quickly if you are asked to evacuate.
• Know your evacuation route. This information can be found through your local and county emergency management office.
• Have a family communications plan ready should your family become separated while evacuating.
• Be vigilant about potential risks, especially in the event of dam failure; some smaller dams are now considered high hazard due to increased development.

If a Dam Fails:

• Evacuate as soon as possible.
• Don’t attempt to drive or walk through rushing water.
• If you cannot evacuate, get to the highest part of your home, and call 911 for help.

Additional information on national dam safety is available at: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/dam-safety/resources-general-public.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Follow us on X at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

amanda.hancher Thu, 05/30/2024 - 19:30

FEMA Administrator Announces 2024 National Preparedness Theme Focused on Preparing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Communities for Risks and Disasters

WASHINGTON -- In honor of President Biden proclaiming May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island Heritage month, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell today announced in a new video this year’s National Preparedness Month 2024 theme will focus on empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities to act today to prepare for future risks and disasters. National Preparedness Month is in September and FEMA is announcing this new theme early to encourage communities and our partners to help over the summer months to engage this community as we are about to kick-off the upcoming hurricane season and ready ourselves for all hazards our communities face. 

“The Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community is a large, diverse group that spans across many cultures, languages and unique circumstances that must be considered when developing strategies to engage communities on disaster preparedness,” said Administrator Criswell. “We’re committed to understanding the realities of such a broad and diverse community to improve how messaging and resources reach people and help deliver our mission in a powerful, long-lasting and impactful way.”

This focus responds to trends that show the importance and the barriers of connecting with this community. According to census data analyzed by the Pew Research Center, the Asian population in the U.S. grew 81% from 2000 to 2019, from roughly 10.5 million to a record 18.9 million people and according to FEMA’s 2023 National Household Survey, 65% of the Asian Americans and 58% of Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders surveyed reported that they don’t believe that taking a step to prepare will make a difference and were not confident in their ability to prepare. This community has always been a priority for FEMA before, during and after disasters including our active response and recovery efforts in Hawaii and Guam, and our work to reach people nationwide. FEMA is now prioritizing this community and delivering preparedness information in a new way.

As we head toward September, FEMA will develop materials for AANHPI communities written, visual and host summer long activities and webinars to help people prepare for extreme weather events. FEMA is committed to using a data-driven approach to preparedness message development. Through coordination with the Ad Council, research and analysis and direct feedback from community, FEMA will help with the development of creative ads to further ensure culturally competent resources are available to help motive Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities to take steps to prepare. 

“Our nation’s Ready Campaign continues to focus on reaching all communities with the information they need to be prepared for whatever comes their way. As we embark on this important new effort with the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community, we will be engaging with this diverse community and investing in culturally competent preparedness materials so we can reach them where they are,” said Administrator Criswell.

This year’s campaign builds on FEMA’s ongoing approach to advance accessibility and cultural competency in boosting the nation’s preparedness. Over the past several years, FEMA and the Ad Council created PSA’s designed to resonate with Latino communities called “Prepare to Protect,” PSA’s for the Black and African American community called “A Lasting Legacy,” and older adults who are rural, have limited resources and disabilities called “Take Control.” 

“We are proud to collaborate with FEMA to empower Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities with culturally competent resources,” said Michelle Hillman, chief campaign development officer at the Ad Council. “Our goal is to help everyone take steps to prepare for disasters and deliver long-lasting messaging that resonates across communities.”

Empower your preparedness journey today by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.gov for tips, advice and resources before an emergency or disaster. 

amy.ashbridge Thu, 05/30/2024 - 19:26

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Leominster

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now officially open in Leominster, Worcester County. Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have been stationed at Leominster’s city hall for the last two days helping residents affected by the storms and flooding that took place on Sept. 11-13, 2023 to apply for disaster assistance. As of Friday, May 31, more specialists and resources will be available with a larger footprint at the location to answer questions and provide more information on disaster assistance.

The joint DRC is a temporary facility established in partnership between Massachusetts and FEMA and is accessible to people with disabilities or who may not speak English well or need American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services. The facilities are equipped with assistive technology equipment, including, Video Remote Interpreting, large print or braille material and amplified listening systems. If you need a reasonable accommodation, sign language interpreter, or translation or interpreter assistance, please let a FEMA specialist at the center know. If a disaster survivor cannot travel to the DRC, FEMA will arrange a home visit.

Disaster assistance specialists at the center can help residents apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person. SBA specialists can provide information on low-interest disaster loans available to homeowners, renters businesses and nonprofits. SBA loans provide the largest source of federal disaster assistance.

The DRC is located at:

Leominster City Hall 25 West Street

Leominster, MA 01453

Monday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

You do not need an appointment to visit a DRC.

Those affected by the disaster do not have to visit a DRC to apply for disaster assistance. 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.

adrien.urbani Thu, 05/30/2024 - 19:18

Be Sure to Apply With FEMA

OKLAHOMA CITY – Only residents who apply directly with FEMA may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. Registering with state, religious or volunteer agencies will not make you eligible for FEMA assistance.

There are four ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, and talk with one of the multilingual operators. The Helpline is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Use the FEMA app.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center, where you can talk one-on-one with officials from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, other federal agencies and Oklahoma state officials.
  • Recovery centers are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at:
    • Carter County Health Department
      405 S. Washington St.
      Ardmore, OK 73401
    • Early Childhood Learning Center
      401 S. 10th St
      Barnsdall, OK 74002
  • And 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at:
    • Murray County Extension Office
      3490 Highway 7 West
      Sulphur, OK 73086
  • As more centers open, you can find the nearest one at fema.gov/drc.

Remember: you can only be eligible for federal disaster assistance from FEMA by applying with FEMA.

A useful video called “Registering for Disaster Assistance,” which features American Sign Language, is available online at FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com). For more information about FEMA assistance, visit FEMA Accessible: Disaster Assistance in Your Community (youtube.com).

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

alexa.brown Thu, 05/30/2024 - 18:48