Biden-Harris Administration Announces $300 Million to Strengthen Community Resilience to Flooding as Part of Investing in America Agenda

Funding Advances Biden-Harris Administration’s National Climate Resilience Framework

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced the third round of Swift Current funding, making $300 million available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help National Flood Insurance Program policyholders across the nation become more resilient to flooding. 

This funding makes $660 million that FEMA is using from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Flood Mitigation Assistance program’s Swift Current opportunity. To strengthen America’s climate resilience, 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.  

“Though Swift Current is only two years old, it’s impact in flooded communities across America has already been substantial,” said Administrator Criswell. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re able to offer another $300 million to improve resilience in recently flooded communities. I encourage states, tribes, territories and localities across the nation take flood threats seriously and consider using Swift Current funding to better prepare your communities for future flooding events.”

Swift Current aims to speed up the award of Flood Mitigation Assistance funding to states, territories, the District of Columbia and federally recognized tribal governments to reduce the damage-repair cycle of repetitively or substantially flood-damaged properties. Rather than through annual Flood Mitigation Assistance grant cycle, Swift Current provides resiliency dollars after a major disaster declaration following a flood-related disaster event to reduce risk against future flood damage.

Examples of projects eligible for this funding include property acquisition and demolition, elevation and relocation. To be eligible, buildings must be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program and have a history of repetitive or substantial damage from flooding.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $3.5 billion in Flood Mitigation Assistance grants over five years through fiscal year 2026. As part of this funding, Swift Current will help communities reduce flood damage and comply with local community requirements. Swift Current advances the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. 

In alignment with the Flood Mitigation Assistance annual grant program, Swift Current provides more equitable access to mitigation grants through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It offers tailored pre-application support to disadvantaged communities that often face challenges and provides cost share assistance up to 100% to help meet their non-federal match.

For the first Swift Current announcement in 2022, FEMA made available a total of $60 million to Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey and Pennsylvania -- after Hurricane Ida. For the second announcement in 2023, FEMA made available a total of $300 million and expanded criteria to benefit more places, which as of May 30, 2024, includes 19 states and one Tribal Nation.

This announcement follows similar criteria to the 2023 funding opportunity to increase the likelihood of eligibility. States, territories, the District of Columbia and federally recognized tribal governments will be eligible if they meet two criteria:

1. They receive a major disaster declaration for a flood-related disaster event between June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025. A flood-related disaster event includes coastal storms, hurricanes, remnants of hurricanes and floods.
2. One of the following criteria must also be met:

• The state, territory or federally recognized tribal government has at least $1 million in National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance claims paid in the 12 months prior to the disaster declaration date.
• The state, territory, District of Columbia or federally recognized tribal government has 500 or more NFIP flood insurance claims submitted in the declared flood-related event.
• The applicant is a U.S. territory or a federally recognized tribal government applying directly to FEMA.

FEMA will give special consideration if the state, territory, District of Columbia or federally recognized tribal government receives a major disaster declaration for a flood-related event from June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025, but does not meet any of the three additional conditions listed above. Refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for additional information and requirements.

FEMA will work with states, territories, District of Columbia and federally recognized tribal governments to explore their participation during this cycle. Potential applicants who have questions may contact their FEMA regional office. 

The application window opens on June 1, 2024, and the last eligible disaster declaration date is May 31, 2025. The funding opportunity is available on Grants.gov.

All applications must be submitted in FEMA Grants Outcomes (FEMA GO) and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application deadline date will be provided to the applicant. Applications received by FEMA after the deadline will not be considered for funding.  For more information, interested NFIP policyholders should contact their state or territory hazard mitigation officer.  

amy.ashbridge Thu, 05/30/2024 - 18:47

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Harris, Jasper, Jones Counties

AUSTIN -- FEMA is opening Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Harris, Jasper and Jones counties May 31 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:

Harris County

Vera B. May Community Center

2100 Wolf Road

Huffman, TX 77336

Jasper County

Jasper County Courthouse Annex

271 E Lamar St., Ste 101

Jasper, TX 75951

Jones County

Jones County Law Enforcement Center

402 2nd St.

Anson, TX 79501

The centers will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. To find the DRC nearest to you, go to fema.gov/drc.

Residents in Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Eastland, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, 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 register 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. You do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register for assistance.

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

For the latest information about the disaster, visit fema.gov/disaster/4781. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 or at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

alexa.brown Thu, 05/30/2024 - 13:31

As National Dam Safety Day Approaches, FEMA Region 8 Announces Funding for Colorado Dam Safety Efforts

DENVER – FEMA Region 8 has awarded Colorado $705,473 in National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program funds to enhance dam safety efforts. This announcement comes in advance of National Dam Safety Awareness Day on May 31.

Dams come in all shapes and sizes from the largest like Hoover Dam to the earthen embankment at your local pond. They play a vital role in the nation’s overall infrastructure, providing water, power, flood control, recreation, and economic opportunities.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day seeks to encourage individual and community responsibility and best practices for dam safety, promote the benefits dams offer to communities, as well as what steps can be taken to prevent future dam failures. 

In the United States, the average age of dams is 61 years. While the age of a dam is not necessarily a direct indicator of its condition, it could indicate that it was not built to today's standards. This funding is meant to address some of these concerns. To learn more about the dams in your area, visit the Colorado Dam Safety page.

The National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is available for any state or territory with an enacted dam safety program. These grants establish and maintain effective state programs to ensure dam safety and protect communities from increasing threats from climate change.

This investment for the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This infrastructure funding will strengthen local resilience, avoid disaster costs, and help protect communities from flooding. This release aligns with the FEMA Year of Resilience theme to build local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day was established to commemorate the failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 

Visit FEMA’s dam safety webpage on FEMA.gov.

anthony.mayne Wed, 05/29/2024 - 21:14

As National Dam Safety Day Approaches, FEMA Region 8 Announces Funding for South Dakota Dam Safety Efforts

DENVER – FEMA Region 8 has awarded South Dakota $224,962 in National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program funds to enhance dam safety efforts. This announcement comes in advance of National Dam Safety Awareness Day on May 31.

Dams come in all shapes and sizes from the largest like Hoover Dam to the earthen embankment at your local pond. They play a vital role in the nation’s overall infrastructure, providing water, power, flood control, recreation, and economic opportunities.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day seeks to encourage individual and community responsibility and best practices for dam safety, promote the benefits dams offer to communities, as well as what steps can be taken to prevent future dam failures. 

In the United States, the average age of dams is 61 years. While the age of a dam is not necessarily a direct indicator of its condition, it could indicate that it was not built to today's standards. This funding is meant to address some of these concerns. To learn more about the dams in your area, visit the South Dakota Dam Safety page.

The National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is available for any state or territory with an enacted dam safety program. These grants establish and maintain effective state programs to ensure dam safety and protect communities from increasing threats.  

This investment for the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This infrastructure funding will strengthen local resilience, avoid disaster costs, and help protect communities from flooding. This release aligns with the FEMA Year of Resilience theme to build local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day was established to commemorate the failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 

Visit FEMA’s dam safety webpage on FEMA.gov.

anthony.mayne Wed, 05/29/2024 - 21:09

As National Dam Safety Day Approaches, FEMA Region 8 Announces Funding for Wyoming Dam Safety Efforts

DENVER – FEMA Region 8 has awarded Wyoming $444,804 in National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program funds to enhance dam safety efforts. This announcement comes in advance of National Dam Safety Awareness Day on May 31.

Dams come in all shapes and sizes from the largest like Hoover Dam to the earthen embankment at your local pond. They play a vital role in the nation’s overall infrastructure, providing water, power, flood control, recreation, and economic opportunities.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day seeks to encourage individual and community responsibility and best practices for dam safety, promote the benefits dams offer to communities, as well as what steps can be taken to prevent future dam failures. 

In the United States, the average age of dams is 61 years. While the age of a dam is not necessarily a direct indicator of its condition, it could indicate that it was not built to today's standards. This funding is meant to address some of these concerns. To learn more about the dams in your area, visit the Wyoming Dam Safety page.

The National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is available for any state or territory with an enacted dam safety program. These grants establish and maintain effective state programs to ensure dam safety and protect communities from increasing threats.  

This investment for the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This infrastructure funding will strengthen local resilience, avoid disaster costs, and help protect communities from flooding. This release aligns with the FEMA Year of Resilience theme to build local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day was established to commemorate the failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 

Visit FEMA’s dam safety webpage on FEMA.gov.

anthony.mayne Wed, 05/29/2024 - 21:04

As National Dam Safety Day Approaches, FEMA Region 8 Announces Funding for Utah Dam Safety Efforts

DENVER – FEMA Region 8 has awarded Utah $389,332 in National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program funds to enhance dam safety efforts. This announcement comes in advance of National Dam Safety Awareness Day on May 31.

Dams come in all shapes and sizes from the largest like Hoover Dam to the earthen embankment at your local pond. They play a vital role in the nation’s overall infrastructure, providing water, power, flood control, recreation, and economic opportunities.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day seeks to encourage individual and community responsibility and best practices for dam safety, promote the benefits dams offer to communities, as well as what steps can be taken to prevent future dam failures. 

In the United States, the average age of dams is 61 years. While the age of a dam is not necessarily a direct indicator of its condition, it could indicate that it was not built to today's standards. This funding is meant to address some of these concerns. To learn more about the dams in your area, visit the Utah Dam Safety page.

The National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is available for any state or territory with an enacted dam safety program. These grants establish and maintain effective state programs to ensure dam safety and protect communities from increasing threats.  

This investment for the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This infrastructure funding will strengthen local resilience, avoid disaster costs, and help protect communities from flooding. This release aligns with the FEMA Year of Resilience theme to build local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day was established to commemorate the failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 

Visit FEMA’s dam safety webpage on FEMA.gov.

anthony.mayne Wed, 05/29/2024 - 20:59

As National Dam Safety Day Approaches, FEMA Region 8 Announces Funding for North Dakota Dam Safety Efforts

DENVER – FEMA Region 8 has awarded North Dakota $320,000 in National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program funds to enhance dam safety efforts. This announcement comes in advance of National Dam Safety Awareness Day on May 31.

Dams come in all shapes and sizes from the largest like Hoover Dam to the earthen embankment at your local pond. They play a vital role in the nation’s overall infrastructure, providing water, power, flood control, recreation, and economic opportunities.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day seeks to encourage individual and community responsibility and best practices for dam safety, promote the benefits dams offer to communities, as well as what steps can be taken to prevent future dam failures. 

In the United States, the average age of dams is 61 years. While the age of a dam is not necessarily a direct indicator of its condition, it could indicate that it was not built to today's standards. This funding is meant to address some of these concerns. To learn more about the dams in your area, visit the North Dakota Dam Safety page.

The National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is available for any state or territory with an enacted dam safety program. These grants establish and maintain effective state programs to ensure dam safety and protect communities from increasing threats.  

This investment for the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This infrastructure funding will strengthen local resilience, avoid disaster costs, and help protect communities from flooding. This release aligns with the FEMA Year of Resilience theme to build local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day was established to commemorate the failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 

Visit FEMA’s dam safety webpage on FEMA.gov.

anthony.mayne Wed, 05/29/2024 - 20:51

As National Dam Safety Day Approaches, FEMA Region 8 Announces Funding for Montana Dam Safety Efforts

DENVER – FEMA Region 8 has awarded Montana $893,165 in National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program funds to enhance dam safety efforts. This announcement comes in advance of National Dam Safety Awareness Day on May 31.

Dams come in all shapes and sizes from the largest like Hoover Dam to the earthen embankment at your local pond. They play a vital role in the nation’s overall infrastructure, providing water, power, flood control, recreation, and economic opportunities.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day seeks to encourage individual and community responsibility and best practices for dam safety, promote the benefits dams offer to communities, as well as what steps can be taken to prevent future dam failures. 

In the United States, the average age of dams is 61 years. While the age of a dam is not necessarily a direct indicator of its condition, it could indicate that it was not built to today's standards. This funding is meant to address some of these concerns. To learn more about the dams in your area, visit the Montana Dam Safety page.

The National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is available for any state or territory with an enacted dam safety program. These grants establish and maintain effective state programs to ensure dam safety and protect communities from increasing threats.  

This investment for the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This infrastructure funding will strengthen local resilience, avoid disaster costs, and help protect communities from flooding. This release aligns with the FEMA Year of Resilience theme to build local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day was established to commemorate the failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 

Visit FEMA’s dam safety webpage on FEMA.gov.

anthony.mayne Wed, 05/29/2024 - 20:41

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Simmons Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 9 Administrator authorized the use of federal funds on May 29 at 10:30 a.m. PDT / 1:30 p.m. EDT to assist the state of Arizona to combat the Simmons Fire burning in Pinal County.

On May 29, the state of Arizona submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 57 homes in and around Kearny, AZ, population 2,000. 180 individuals are under mandatory evacuation and 540 individuals are under voluntary evacuation.

100% percent of the threatened homes are primary residences and 0% are secondary residences. The fire is also threatening 3 businesses, 2 schools, 1 school district office, a water treatment plant, an airstrip, a railroad line, electrical distribution and transmission lines for three utility companies, the Pinal County Watershed, and a copper mine in the area.

The fire is 0% percent contained. The fire started on May 28, 2024, and has burned more than 450 acres of State and private land. There are 5 larges fires burning uncontrolled within the State.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to become a greater incident.

Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

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

brandi.richard… Wed, 05/29/2024 - 19:42

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Hardin, Montgomery, Walker Counties

AUSTIN -- FEMA is opening Disaster Recovery Centers in Hardin, Montgomery and Walker counties on May 30 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:

Hardin County

Hardin County Courthouse Annex

1135 Redwood St.

Kountze, TX 77625

Montgomery County

East Montgomery County Community Development Center

16401 1st St. 

Splendora, TX 77372

Walker County

Walker Storm Shelter

455 TX 75 N

Huntsville, TX 77320

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 Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Eastland, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, 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. You do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register for 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/4781. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

alexa.brown Wed, 05/29/2024 - 13:39

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Barnsdall

OKLAHOMA CITY – A Disaster Recovery Center will open Wednesday, May 29, in Osage County to help Oklahomans affected by the April 25 - May 9 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding continue their recovery.

Residents and businesses in Carter, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Washington, and Washita counties can visit the center to apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents, learn about available resources and get their questions answered in person. Recovery specialists from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other organizations will be available to meet with visitors – no appointment is needed.

The center will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily starting May 29 at:

Early Childhood Learning Center
401 S. 10th St
Barnsdall, OK 74002

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

For more information about Disaster Recovery Centers open near you, visit fema.gov/drc.

To apply for FEMA assistance without visiting a center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA your number for that service when you call.

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 Wed, 05/29/2024 - 13:35

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Ardmore

OKLAHOMA CITY – A Disaster Recovery Center will open Wednesday, May 29, in Carter County to help Oklahomans affected by the April 25 - May 9 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding continue their recovery.

Residents and businesses in Carter, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie, Washington, and Washita counties can visit the center to apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents, learn about available resources and get their questions answered in person. Recovery specialists from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other organizations will be available to meet with visitors – no appointment is needed.

The center will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily starting May 29 at:

Carter County Health Department
405 S. Washington St.
Ardmore, OK 73401

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

For more information about Disaster Recovery Centers open near you, visit fema.gov/drc.

To apply for FEMA assistance without visiting a center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA your number for that service when you call.

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 Wed, 05/29/2024 - 13:32

COFA Citizens Have Until May 31 to Apply for FEMA Assistance

HONOLULU – The deadline is fast approaching for COFA citizens who were affected by the Aug. 8 wildfires on Maui to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The 60-day application period ends Friday, May 31.

Among those eligible to apply for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program are citizens of the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

To apply, COFA citizens should call 808-784-1952 or visit the Lahaina Disaster Recovery Center at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, 200 Nohea Kai Drive. Phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HST Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. HST Saturday; closed Sundays.

Survivors who are waiting to be placed in units offered under FEMA’s Direct Lease program can also call 808-784-1600. Leave your nine-digit FEMA registration number and a phone number where you can be reached, and a caseworker will return your call within 24 hours.

FEMA assistance may address a range of serious disaster-related needs including temporary housing and replacement of essential personal property when the damage is not covered by insurance. It also covers disaster-related funeral, medical, dental, moving-and-storage and childcare expenses. 

FEMA grants are nontaxable, do not have to be repaid, and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits. 

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You can also get disaster assistance information from the U.S. Small Business Administration and download an application at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires. 

shannon.carley Wed, 05/29/2024 - 01:35

Texans May Be Eligible for Transitional Sheltering in Hotels

AUSTIN –FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for Texans displaced by recent storms in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties.

Residents in these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA. Applicants do not need to request this assistance. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance.

Applicants may be eligible if they cannot return to their disaster-damaged home and their housing needs cannot be met by insurance, shelters or rental assistance provided by FEMA or another agency.

Under the TSA program, FEMA pays the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. Pet fees will only be paid up to the approved limit of assistance for individual rooms. Survivors are responsible for all other costs, including laundry, restaurant/room service, parking, telephone, or movie rental. 

Continued eligibility is determined on an individual basis. When eligibility ends, survivors will be notified by FEMA seven days prior to checkout date.

TSA is limited to participating hotels and motels in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties or the counties that border them. This includes participating hotels in Angelina, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Houston, Jefferson, Madison, Tyler and Waller counties. Applicants must find a hotel by visiting femaemergencyhotels.com/ and entering their FEMA registration number. 

TSA participants may also be eligible for other FEMA financial help, including Displacement Assistance, Rental Assistance, Home Repair Assistance and other aspects of the Individual Assistance program.

To apply for FEMA assistance, 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 the latest information on Texans’ recovery from the storms that began April 26, visit fema.gov/disaster/4781. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or 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 Tue, 05/28/2024 - 21:48

4 Ways to Apply for FEMA Assistance

FEMA disaster recovery funds may be available for eligible individuals in Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, Marshall, Nicholas, Ohio, Putnam, Wayne and Wetzel counties who were impacted by the April 2-6, 2024 storms. 

Residents who sustained storm-related property damage should register with FEMA.

To do so, survivors can:

Apply Online

• Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Apply with the FEMA App

• Download the FEMA mobile app, available through Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Apply by Phone at 800-621-3362

• Call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362, open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.             Eastern Time, Sunday through Saturday, with language translation available. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA with your number for that service when you apply.

Apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center  

• For locations and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.

1. 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.

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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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for  Spanish and 3 for other languages).

amanda.hancher Tue, 05/28/2024 - 20:00

New FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Delaware and Logan Counties

COLUMBUS – New FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in Delaware and Logan counties to help residents kickstart their recovery after the March 14 tornadoes.

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant, and get their questions answered in person.

The Delaware County center is open temporarily at the following location, days and hours:  

The Journey Fellowship​

70 N. Walnut St. ​

Galena, OH 43021

Hours: Tues. May 28 – Sat. June 8, 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., This center will close Saturday, June 8 at 6:30 p.m. 

The Logan County center is open at the following locations, days and hours:

Indian Lake EMS District Building 

280 N. Oak St.

Lakeview, OH 43331

Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday, Closed Sundays.

To find a Disaster Recovery Center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Survivors may visit any center for assistance.

Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available at all centers. 

Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for or receive FEMA assistance. 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. 

nicole.wilson Tue, 05/28/2024 - 18:39

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

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Nebraska to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe winter storm and straight-line winds from April 6-7, 2024.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by a severe winter storm and straight-line winds in Banner, Cheyenne, Dawes, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff and Sioux counties.

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

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

amy.ashbridge Tue, 05/28/2024 - 16:18

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

WASHINGTON ­-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Maine to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe winter storm from April 3-5, 2024.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm in Cumberland and York counties.

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

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

amy.ashbridge Tue, 05/28/2024 - 15:44

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of West Virginia to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from April 11-12, 2024.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in Boone, Brooke, Doddridge, Gilmer, Hancock, Lincoln, Marshall, Ohio, Tyler and Wetzel counties.

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

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

amy.ashbridge Tue, 05/28/2024 - 15:38

Collin, Cooke, Denton, Montague Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

AUSTIN – Homeowners and renters in Collin, Cooke, Denton and Montague 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, survivors in Calhoun, Eastland, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker and Waller counties were approved for assistance. Additional counties may be added.

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 the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4781. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/. 

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

FEMA Civil Rights Office works to ensure assistance is distributed equitably, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.  Any disaster survivor and member of the public may contact the Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination.  FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contact toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available by pressing #2 for Spanish.

larissa.hale Tue, 05/28/2024 - 01:46