Renters in Broward County Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Renters in Broward County whose homes and property were damaged by the April 12–14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding can apply for federal disaster assistance.

FEMA Individual Assistance is available to renters, including students, as well as homeowners. Federal financial assistance can help pay for temporary housing. The initial rental assistance is for a one-month or two-month period and can be reviewed for further assistance.

Renters may also qualify for assistance under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for uninsured essential personal property losses and other disaster-related expenses. These may include:

• Replacement or repair of necessary personal property, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, textbooks, or school supplies.
• Replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment required by the self-employed.
• Primary vehicles.
• Uninsured or out-of-pocket medical, dental, childcare, moving and storage expenses.

Survivors of the severe storms and flooding who apply for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for information on how to apply for a disaster loan. It’s important to submit the loan application as soon as possible. If your application is approved, you do not have to accept the loan but failure to return the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration, FEMA’s federal partner in disaster recovery, may also be able to help. Businesses, nonprofit organizations and homeowners may be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan to repair or replace land improvements not covered by insurance. These improvements include: a private road or bridge necessary to access the property (i.e., primary residence), repair retaining walls, etc.

Businesses can apply directly on SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. Homeowners and renters should first register with FEMA. To obtain more information, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659- 2955. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services, or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

Renters in Broward County can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362.  The helpline is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. 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.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance

For information on Florida’s recovery, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4709. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Wed, 05/17/2023 - 14:05

We Are FEMA’s USVI Team

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – The recovery from the 2017 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, is progressing and FEMA is still here assisting the Territory with the efforts. During the next several weeks, FEMA will be posting the “We Are FEMA USVI” series on their FEMA U.S. Virgin Islands Facebook page. The posts will highlight programs/groups, staff and recovery projects in the territory.

“This series is an opportunity for the USVI community to learn more about what we do,” said Kristen A. Hodge, FEMA’s USVI Recovery Director. “There is so much more to FEMA that people may not know.  Our USVI Facebook page will highlight information about the various programs that are working behind the scenes to continue helping with the recovery in the USVI,” Hodge added.

While many may know about our Individual Assistance or Public Assistance programs, there are other programs within FEMA that assist in the recovery. Interagency Recovery Coordination is a FEMA program that works with local agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, houses of worship and other federal agencies to look for funding resources for projects that are not eligible for FEMA programs. Disability Integration ensures that FEMA funded projects are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The DI team also works to provide recovery information to the disability and access and functional needs community in collaboration with the USVI Office of Territorial ADA Coordinator.

Our FEMA USVI St. Croix and St. Thomas recovery office could not operate without their Safety, Security, Logistics, and Information Technology teams. Learn how these internal programs provide services to the FEMA staff so we can better serve the community and the recovery. Planning is vital to keeping the records and providing reports. Finance and Administration incorporates Human Resources and Contracting.

Environmental and Historic Preservation is FEMA’s program that monitors the impact recovery projects have on the environment and helps preserve the history of the projects and the surrounding areas where the project is being repaired or constructed. Hazard Mitigation’s role is to work with the Territory to find ways or take action to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from hazards and their effects.

FEMA’s programs work in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, Office of Disaster Recovery, VITEMA’s Mitigation and Public Assistance programs, and other governmental agencies in the USVI.

Visit the FEMA U.S. Virgin Islands Facebook page for more in-depth information on the programs, meet the staff, and learn about recovery projects.

gina.callaghan Tue, 05/16/2023 - 15:58

New Virtual Reality Experience Tests Users’ Fire Safety Skills

WASHINGTON -- In partnership with Meta, FEMA’s Ready Campaign, the Ad Council and the U.S. Fire Administration co-launched a new virtual reality experience promoting fire safety awareness.

In “The Escape Plan,” users must work through various obstacles to make a timely escape from an apartment building fire. The free virtual reality experience lets users practice their fire escape skills on their own time and in a safe, controlled environment and can be used with virtual reality equipment. At the end of the experience, users can create their own fire escape plan and visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov in Spanish language to further prepare for home fires and other hazards.

While virtual reality equipment is recommended, but not required, a desktop version of “The Escape Plan” allows users to participate in the experience and practice fire safety anywhere there is internet connectivity.

“From our user-friendly FEMA App that provides real-time weather alerts and helps people prepare for common hazards, to the use of geospatial tools to identify the hardest hit communities following a disaster, FEMA continues to use every tool at our disposal to help people before, during and after disaster,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We are excited to partner with Meta and the Ad Council on this new virtual reality tool and we are eager to further leverage technology to protect people and save lives.”

“You don’t have much time to act in the event of a fire,” said Michelle Hillman, Ad Council Chief Campaign Development Officer. “Being able to practice a fire safety and evacuation plan before the emergency arises will reduce the chance of panic and ultimately save lives.”

“At Meta we are building for the next generation of the internet, which is why our partnership with FEMA and the Ad Council to develop immersive experiences in Virtual and Augmented Reality like the Escape Plan is so important,” said Caitlin Ryan, VP Creative Shop EMEA – Meta. “In VR, mistakes can be made without real-world consequences, ensuring individuals can safely learn and are better prepared, ready to act quickly in a real emergency. The VR version of this product creates the sensation of being present in a virtual three-dimensional environment, allowing you to experience and learn what you need to do to escape a home fire. While the Escape Plan is a virtual experience, the impact will be real.”

Virtual reality is emerging as an effective way to augment professional and personal emergency training and can have advantages over large-scale training programs that take extensive time and resources. Experiences can be developed to simulate an environment, whether the setting be in an office, emergency room or in your own home, rather than placing the trainee in the potential path of harm. 

“Proven technology like automatic fire sprinklers, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors save the lives of civilians every day, and the U.S. Fire Administration has long advocated for the use of immersive learning tools to protect our nation’s fire fighters and increase public safety education,” said U.S. Administrator Moore-Merrell. “It is our hope that ‘The Escape Plan’ and other technological advancements will protect even more people and help us to further address America’s persistent fire problem.”

“The Escape Plan” joins a suite of digital tools leveraged by FEMA to help people before, during and after disasters. Last year, the Ready Campaign launched an easy-to-use digital form to help individuals and families create an emergency plan on their phone or laptop. The form can be saved onto any device and emailed to other members of their family and is available in both English and Spanish languages. And just last year, FEMA updated its mobile app to give users increased personalization options and help them take charge of disasters. The new app is more accessible, with increased functionality and innovative features to help people prepare for, protect against and recover from disasters.

To create your family’s emergency plan, or to learn more about disaster preparedness and home fire escape plans, visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 05/16/2023 - 15:51

Crisis Counseling Available to California Residents Affected by Recent Storms and Flooding

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Crisis-counseling services are available to Californians affected by the severe storms and flooding that took place in February and March in Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne counties.

Survivors can call 800-985-5990, a disaster helpline sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The helpline is free and immediately connects callers to trained and caring professionals from the nearest crisis counseling center in a nationwide network of centers. 

Helpline staff members provide confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services. Spanish-speakers can press “2” for bilingual support. Callers can also connect with counselors in more than 100 other languages via third-party interpretation services by indicating their preferred language to the responding counselor. A videophone option with direct crisis counseling and support for deaf or hard-of-hearing American Sign Language users is also available. 

FEMA also provides funding to Cal Hope, which offers crisis counseling services to residents after a federal declaration. For more information and referral services call 833-317-4673 or go to www.calhope.org. Cal Hope is part of the California Mental Health Services Authority through a partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services and local mental health providers and partners.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4699.  You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES, facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 05/15/2023 - 22:43

Disaster Legal Services Available to California Residents After the Recent Storms and Flooding

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Homeowners and renters in disaster-designated counties affected by the recent severe winter storms and flooding may now have access to free legal advice for disaster-related legal issues. Residents can call a Disaster Legal Service hotline at 888-382-3406 or go to http://freelegalanswers.org.

Callers may be asked to leave a message and a specialist will get back to them as soon as possible. Callers should identify their storm-related issue and the county where their storm-damaged property is located.

Some of the issues the legal service can provide help with include:

• Insurance claims for medical bills, loss of property, and loss of life.
• New wills, powers of attorney, and other legal papers lost during the disaster.
• Home repair contracts and contractors.
• Problems with landlords.
• Proof of home ownership.
• FEMA appeals.

The hotline is run by the Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative, a coalition of nonprofits, legal aid organizations, government entities and law firms in California working together to offer free legal services to communities in the aftermath of natural disasters.

FEMA provides funding to the collaborative but the attorneys are not FEMA employees. The services they provide are confidential and they do not share information with FEMA.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4699. You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES, facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 05/15/2023 - 22:33

30 Days Left to Register with FEMA for Disaster Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Survivors with losses caused by the severe storms, floods, landslides and mudslides that began Feb. 21 have less than 30 days to register for federal disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for assistance is Monday, June 5.

Disaster assistance is available to eligible individuals and households in the disaster-designated counties of Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne.

FEMA assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for:

• Temporary housing for those displaced from their disaster-damaged primary homes.
• Essential repairs to owner-occupied primary homes including structural components such as foundation, exterior walls and roof, and interior areas such as ceiling and floors.
• Replacement of personal property including specialized tools for employment, household items, appliances and vehicle repair or replacement.
• Other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance including medical, dental, moving and child-care expenses and funeral and transportation expenses.

Flood survivors should register for assistance even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

Applying for disaster assistance is a two-step process that ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans. First, register with FEMA. Then complete and return the SBA loan application, if referred to SBA.

 Survivors with losses from the February and March storms may apply for federal assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA mobile app. Applicants can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4699. You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES,  facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 05/15/2023 - 22:18

Additional Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Stops in Broward County

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will be making several stops in Broward County to meet survivors of the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

The Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will be at the following locations:

Through Monday, May 15:

• Orangebrook Golf & Country Club - Parking Lot, 400 Entrada Drive in Hollywood
• St. George Community Park, 3501 NW 8th Street in Lauderhill

Wednesday, May 17 through Saturday, May 20:

• Dania Beach Library/City Hall, 100 W Dania Beach Blvd. in Dania Beach
• Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale

Additional stops will be announced as they are confirmed.

The hours for all stops will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There is also a fixed center at Hortt Park, 1700 SW 14TH Court in Fort Lauderdale

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays.

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

In addition to visiting a center, you can apply by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app  or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET every day. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

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

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing communities affected by the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and to answer questions about federal assistance. DSA crews wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

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

For more information about recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4709 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

bree-constance… Mon, 05/15/2023 - 18:04

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Cleveland County

OKLAHOMA CITY – FEMA and the State of Oklahoma will open a joint Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Cleveland County on Saturday, May 13 to help survivors affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred April 19-20.

The new center joins DRCs previously opened in Pottawatomie and McClain counties.

Survivors can meet face to face with specialists from FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and state and local agencies to have their questions about disaster assistance answered. They may also upload any documents needed for their applications at the centers.

The DRC in Noble will open at 8:30 a.m.

Cleveland County
12 Corners Baptist Church
15601 E Etowah Road
Noble, OK 73068
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday.
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed Sunday.

 

DRCs remain open in Pottawatomie and McClain counties:

Pottawatomie County
130 N Louisa Ave.
Shawnee, OK 74801
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week

McClain County
Cole Community Center
26887 Main Street
Blanchard, OK 73010
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., seven days a week.

When visiting a DRC, Oklahoma residents can get additional help with the following:

• Apply for assistance.
• Learn the status of your FEMA application and get information on how to appeal your status if needed.
• Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
• Get answers to questions or update information in your FEMA application.
• Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
• Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance loan programs.

No appointments are necessary.

FEMA also has teams canvassing in the most heavily impacted areas as determined by local officials.

You do not have to visit a disaster recovery center to apply for assistance. The fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov.

If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4706. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 05/12/2023 - 20:42

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Survivors who applied for assistance from FEMA after the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding will receive a determination letter from FEMA in the mail or via email.

The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.

Applicants who were initially found ineligible or disagree with the amount of assistance approved can appeal FEMA’s determination. Applicants may only need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to process an appeal for financial assistance. See instructions below for filing an appeal. Examples of missing documentation may include:

• Proof of insurance coverage
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy
• Proof of ownership
• Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster

If you have questions about your letter, call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs.

A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary, accessible and functional. FEMA considers the following factors in the home inspection:

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC).
• Access and egress, including privately-owned roads, privately-owned bridges, and privately-owned docks.
• Blocking, leveling, and anchoring of a mobile home, and reconnecting or resetting its sewer, water, electrical, oil, and fuel lines and tanks.
• The exterior of the home is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows.
• The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer or septic systems function properly.
• The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors.
• The home is capable of functioning for its intended purpose.
• There is safe access to and from the home.

FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance. FEMA assistance only provides funds for basic work to make a home habitable, including items such as toilets, a roof, critical utilities, windows and doors.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance, may submit an appeal letter and documents supporting their claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs, or missing documents as described in the determination letter.

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled, by submitting insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA. FEMA does not provide assistance to pay insurance deductibles.

Appeals must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include:

• Applicant’s full name
• Disaster number (DR-4709 for Broward County severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
• Applicant’s current phone number and address
• The FEMA application number on all documents

If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a statement signed by the applicant authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant. 

Appeal letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Letters and supporting documents may be submitted to FEMA by fax, mail or via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.

By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055

By fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance.

For information on Florida’s recovery, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4709. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Fri, 05/12/2023 - 18:18

FEMA Administrator Remembers Those Lost to COVID-19, Recognizes Agency Workforce, First Responders for Unprecedented Service During Pandemic

WASHINGTON -- In a video released today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell thanked first responders, survivors, agency staff and others who stood strong in the face of unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will always remember all of the lives that were lost, all of the lives that were upended as a result of this pandemic,” Criswell said in the video, released to coincide with the end of the Public Health Emergency and National Emergency declarations related to COVID-19. “I think that we will also take the lessons from COVID-19 and put them to use to prepare us for what the next emergency will be.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA has provided more than $104 billion in assistance to state, local, tribal and territorial governments, as well as non-profit organizations and survivors. Of those funds, almost $60 billion in funding went to a number of state, local, tribal and territorial governments and eligible private non-profits for more than 23,000 emergency projects. Another $2.9 billion was awarded in funeral assistance for more than 400,000 individuals and families, $37 billion in lost wages assistance and $386 million in crisis counseling services. 

Criswell added: “I think what was unique about our response to COVID-19 is it really brought out the value that our emergency managers bring in leading the coordination of complex problems.”

While the COVID-19 incident period comes to an end today, FEMA will continue to provide funeral assistance until Sept. 30, 2025, to those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 05/12/2023 - 15:42

Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Stopping in Broward County

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will be making several stops in Broward County to meet survivors of the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

The Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will be at the following locations:

Friday, May 12 – Monday, May 15:

• Orangebrook Golf & Country Club - Parking Lot, 400 Entrada Drive in Hollywood
• St. George Community Park, 3501 NW 8th street in Lauderhill

Additional stops will be announced as they are confirmed.

The hours for all stops will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There is also a fixed center at Hortt Park, 1700 SW 14TH Court in Fort Lauderdale

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays.

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

In addition to visiting a center, you can apply by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app  or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET every day. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

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

In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing communities affected by the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and to answer questions about federal assistance. DSA crews wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

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

For more information about recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4709 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

bree-constance… Thu, 05/11/2023 - 21:52

Disaster Recovery Center Revisits White County

INDIANAPOLIS – A Disaster Recovery Center will revisit White County on May 11-13 to help survivors of the March 31–April 1 storms and tornadoes continue their recovery.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the center to help with FEMA applications, answer questions and provide referrals to resources.

The center will be located at:

1017 O’Conner Blvd. Monticello, IN 47960

Center hours on May 11-12 will be 8 a.m-6 p.m. Hours for 13 will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Additional recovery centers are open in other impacted areas. Individuals and businesses in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan and White counties can visit any open center for help. To find a nearby center, visit fema.gov/drc.

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

The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 14, 2023.

###

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

For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4704. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMA page and Twitter at @femaRegion5.

FEMA does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

nicole.wilson Thu, 05/11/2023 - 21:35

Disaster Recovery Center Revisits Clinton County

INDIANAPOLIS – A Disaster Recovery Center will revisit Clinton County on May 11-13 to help survivors of the March 31–April 1 storms and tornadoes continue their recovery.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the center to help with FEMA applications, answer questions and provide referrals to resources.

The center will be located at:

Clinton Emergency Management Building 1859 S Jackson St. Frankfort, IN 46041

Center hours on May 11-12 will be 8 a.m-6 p.m. Hours for May 13 will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Additional recovery centers are open in other impacted areas. Individuals and businesses in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan and White counties can visit any open center for help. To find a nearby center, visit fema.gov/drc.

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

The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 14, 2023.

###

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

For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4704. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMA page and Twitter at @femaRegion5.

FEMA does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

nicole.wilson Thu, 05/11/2023 - 21:32

Disaster Recovery Center Revisits Howard County

INDIANAPOLIS –A Disaster Recovery Center will revisit Howard County on May 11-13 to help survivors of the March 31–April 1 storms and tornadoes continue their recovery.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the center to help with FEMA applications, answer questions and provide referrals to resources.

The center will be located at:

220 North Main St. Kokomo, IN 46901

Center hours on May 11-12 will be 8 a.m-6 p.m. Hours for May 13 will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Additional recovery centers are open in other impacted areas. Individuals and businesses in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan and White counties can visit any open center for help. To find a nearby center, visit fema.gov/drc.

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

The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 14, 2023.

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

For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4704. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMA page and Twitter at @femaRegion5.

FEMA does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

nicole.wilson Thu, 05/11/2023 - 21:30

FEMA Administrator Remembers Those Lost to COVID-19, Recognizes Agency Workforce, First Responders for Unprecedented Service During Pandemic

WASHINGTON -- In a video released today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell thanked first responders, survivors, agency staff and others who stood strong in the face of unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will always remember all of the lives that were lost, all of the lives that were upended as a result of this pandemic,” Criswell said in the video, released to coincide with the end of the Public Health Emergency and National Emergency declarations related to COVID-19. “I think that we will also take the lessons from COVID-19 and put them to use to prepare us for what the next emergency will be.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA has provided more than $104 billion in assistance to state, local, tribal and territorial governments, as well as non-profit organizations and survivors. Of those funds, almost $60 billion in funding went to a number of state, local, tribal and territorial governments and eligible private non-profits for more than 23,000 emergency projects. Another $2.9 billion was awarded in funeral assistance for more than 400,000 individuals and families, $37 billion in lost wages assistance and $386 million in crisis counseling services. 

Criswell added: “I think what was unique about our response to COVID-19 is it really brought out the value that our emergency managers bring in leading the coordination of complex problems.”

While the COVID-19 incident period comes to an end today, FEMA will continue to provide funeral assistance until Sept. 30, 2025, to those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 05/11/2023 - 21:18

Disaster Damaged Houses of Worship May Be Eligible for FEMA Funding

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Houses of worship (HOW) and other private nonprofit organizations may be eligible for FEMA assistance to help reimburse costs for emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoration of facilities damaged by storms, straight-line-winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides affecting Kentucky between February 15-20, 2023.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program may provide financial assistance to certain private nonprofit organizations – including houses of worship – to restore facilities damaged or destroyed in this disaster. The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the non-federal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the sub-recipients such as houses of worship.

Eligibility Requirements for Houses of Worship

• Be located within the designated counties; and experienced property damage caused by February’s severe weather
• Provide a current ruling letter from the IRS granting tax exemption under Section 501 (c) (d) or (e) of the IRS Code of 1954, or documentation from the Kentucky Secretary of State indicating nonprofit status
• Provide proof of ownership or lease documents which establishes whose legal responsibility it is to repair incident-related impacts
• Eligible applicants must first apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan before FEMA can determine if the organization is eligible for assistance.

SBA disaster loans are a critical part of the application process

• FEMA will provide financial assistance only if the house of worship is denied an SBA loan - or if the loan authorized is insufficient to cover repair costs.
• FEMA may only provide funding for eligible “Permanent Work” costs an SBA disaster loan does not cover.
  • Permanent work includes, but is not limited to, roads, bridges, dams, reservoirs, levees, floodwalls and other water-control facilities, as well as buildings and equipment.
    • Permanent Work usually has to be completed within 18-months from the date of disaster declaration, which was signed on May 9, unless an extension is authorized.

The first step is to submit a Request for Public Assistance, which needs to happen by June 8, 2023.

For more information on submitting a Request for Public Assistance, click on this link: How to Apply for Public Assistance. Applicants should also contact their county emergency manager, Kentucky Emergency Management or email pa.help@KY-em.org.

For the latest information on disaster recovery in Kentucky, visit fema.gov/disaster/4711 and follow FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion4. You can also visit the Governor’s website at governor.ky.gov/disaster-response/flood-response.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 05/11/2023 - 20:23

Disaster Recovery Centers to Close but FEMA Help Still Available

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Disaster Recovery Centers serving survivors of the recent storms and tornadoes will begin closing Saturday, May 13. But FEMA specialists are still available to answer your questions, provide updates about your case and direct you to federal, state and community programs and assistance.

Three Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers in Haywood, Lewis and Rutherford counties will close permanently at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 13. Three other recovery centers in McNairy, Tipton and Wayne counties will remain open for another week, until 5 p.m. Saturday, May 20.

Disaster Recovery Centers are a one-stop shop where survivors of the March 31 to April 1, 2023, tornadoes can get information and advice about community, state and federal agencies and other available assistance. The centers are accessible to people with disabilities and those with access and functional needs.

Even with the scheduled closings, FEMA specialists are just a phone call away. Survivors may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is important to stay in touch with FEMA if you change your address or phone number, even if only temporarily. Missing or wrong information could delay your assistance.

Locations and hours for the Disaster Recovery Centers are:

DRCs by County

Address

Hours of Operation/Days (Central Daylight Time)

 

McNairy

The Latta Theater

205 W. Court Avenue

Selmer, TN 38375

May 11 and May 12: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

May 13: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 15 to May 19: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

May 20: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closes 5 p.m. Saturday, May 20

 

Tipton

Dyersburg State Community College

Public Library

3149 Highway 51 South

Covington, TN 38019

May 11 and May 12: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

May 13: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 15 to May 19: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

May 20: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closes 5 p.m. Saturday, May 20

 

Wayne

Lincoln Brass Works

309 Hurricane Meadows Drive

Waynesboro, TN 38485

May 11 and May 12: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

May 13: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 15 to May 19: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

May 20: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closes 5 p.m. Saturday, May 20

MOBILE DRCs by County

Address

Hours of Operation/Days (Central Daylight Time)

Haywood

Haywood County Justice Complex

100 S. Dupree Avenue

Brownsville, TN 38012

May 11 and May 12: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

May 13: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closes 5 p.m. Saturday, May 13

Lewis

Lewis County 911 Center

116 Commerce Street

Hohenwald, TN 38462

May 11 and May 12: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

May 13: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closes 5 p.m. Saturday, May 13

Rutherford

Rockvale Community Center

9972 Rockvale Road

Rockvale, TN 37153

May 11 and May 12: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

May 13: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closes 5 p.m. Saturday, May 13

 

The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Tuesday, June 6. Here’s how to apply:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Daylight Time daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
• For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6
• If you need help to apply, you may visit any Disaster Recovery Center. Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema.gov)

For the latest information on Tennessee’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4701. You may also follow TN.gov/TEMA; Twitter.com/TEMA, Facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

sandra.habib Thu, 05/11/2023 - 17:12

FEMA Approves Nearly $6 Million for Lee County Beach Work

LAKE MARY, Fla. – On April 6, FEMA Public Assistance approved a grant of $5,978,207 to reimburse Lee County for emergency work after Hurricane Ian at Fort Myers Beach.

The Sept. 28, 2022, storm caused extensive damage to the beach. The county constructed emergency berms with 86,969 cubic yards of sand and 29,100 native plants to stabilize the beach and protect it from a 5-year storm. The work covers 28,000 linear feet of beach.

With this grant, FEMA Public Assistance funding for Lee County to date totals $35.9 million (federal share). The total for all applicants within Lee County is $144.3 million.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

Applicants work with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) after final approval. Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to complete the grant process and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

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

bree-constance… Thu, 05/11/2023 - 16:33

Museums Will Be Restored to Preserve Puerto Rican History and Culture

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Several museums in Ponce have already been allocated funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair these structures tasked with preserving historic treasures. The approval represents nearly $2.1 million earmarked for repairs after Hurricane María; and over $379,000 to address damages after the 2020 Earthquakes.

The museums that will benefit tell Puerto Rican history from various angles: the development of trade and agriculture, the remembrance of significant events and the preservation of popular music.

“Museums are an essential component to learn about our ancestors and the origins of the traditions that define who we are today. The restoration of these museums will contribute to the economic recovery of the municipalities and will allow them to reaffirm their identity and history, to which Hurricane María and the earthquakes definitely added a footprint,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

One of the main attractions of the Stately City is the Museum Castillo Serrallés, which welcomes about 4,000 visitors a month. Once the residence of businessman Juan Eugenio Serrallés Colón and his family, today it’s a museum that exhibits the development of the sugar industry.

Over $385,000 were allocated for repairs to windows, slabs and other parts of the museum due to damage after Hurricane María; while $26,000 were allocated to seal cracks in parts of the structure as a result of the 2020 Earthquakes, both for the museum and the Cruceta El Vigía.

Frances Torruella de Alustiza, president of the Castillo Serrallés Board of Trustees, said it is important to preserve the castle because it is one of the few remaining architectural jewels in Puerto Rico. She added that the castle has a great economic impact because it attracts a lot of tourism and business.

“A lot of weddings are celebrated here. People stay in hotels, use the caterers, the music bands... they also celebrate quinceañeros, graduations; everything. [We also] have a tour where people come to see how rum is made,” Torruella said.

Also within the municipality’s urban area is the Museum of Puerto Rico Music, which promotes the island’s cultural traditions and popular art. The facilities have $1.7 million assigned to the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (ICP) to repair damage caused by Hurricane María. The work includes the replacement of ceiling panels, electrical transformers, lighting fixtures and the elevator, among other tasks.

Meanwhile, the Folkloric Research Center, headquartered in the Casa Paoli, will benefit from over $230,000 to address the damage caused by the 2020 Earthquakes to this neoclassical building with 20th century elements. The Casa Paoli, which opened in 1976, is part of Puerto Rico’s general heritage and was once home to Puerto Rican tenor Antonio Paoli. Today, the space is a cultural center for exhibitions, workshops and public events, and is filled with historical archives on the life and work of great island artists, musical genres and folklore.

For his part, Néstor Murray Irizarry, executive director and founder of the Center, said: “These funds are important because we have to preserve the cultural heritage we have here. We have to repair the serious problems we have in order to continue to serve our people more effectively and to provide the services we have traditionally offered, such as exhibitions, concerts, book presentations and recitals.”

On the other hand, the municipality also has nearly $123,000 for the repair of other museums, among them the Ponce History Museum — or the Casas Salazar and Zapater — and the Casa Mameyes, a museum that houses the history of the Mameyes landslides; a tragedy that took the lives of some 120 people in the early morning of October 7, 1985.

Meanwhile, the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, said: “Recently, with the executive director of the ICP, Carlos Ruiz, I visited several museums in Ponce that will soon begin their reconstruction. At COR3 we are committed to continue supporting them in the development of their permanent works aimed at preserving the history and culture of Puerto Rico. Currently, ICP leads 48 permanent works that have $32.6 million obligated by FEMA.”

To date, FEMA has allocated nearly $30,400 million in Public Assistance funds to over 10,600 projects that will contribute to the reconstruction of a more resilient Puerto Rico.

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

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 05/11/2023 - 13:41

Just Two Weeks Left for Mississippi Storm Survivors to Apply for Federal Support

MADISON, Miss. – Mississippi homeowners and renters who sustained damage to their primary property from the March 24-25 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes have just two weeks left to apply for federal assistance. The deadline is May 25, 2023.

FEMA assistance for individuals affected by the March storms may cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is non-taxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, or other benefits.

Homeowners and renters in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola and Sharkey counties can apply for assistance the following ways:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline is open and help is available from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Time daily 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.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find a center closest to you, go online to: fema.gov/drc.
• Download the free FEMA mobile app for smartphones.

Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

SBA Disaster Loans Application Deadline

The May 25 deadline also applies to applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repair or rebuilding efforts and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained from the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to https://youtu.be/LU7wzRjByhI

For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and www.fema.gov/disaster/4697. On Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4).

Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Thu, 05/11/2023 - 12:47