Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Hosts Third Job Fair

SANTA FE, New Mexico – The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is hosting an additional job fair to fill available job openings.

Job seekers can visit the third job fair on Jan. 10, in Mora to speak directly with recruiters to learn about the positions. Job fairs were previously held in Santa Fe and Las Vegas.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 – Mora Job Fair New County Courthouse Complex 10 County Road Mora, NM 87732 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

These positions are full-time, in-person and will support individuals, businesses and organizations impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The duty stations for these positions are in New Mexico in Las Vegas, Mora or Santa Fe. The annual pay ranges from $55,169 to $146,149.

• Chief Ombudsman (Advocate)
• Navigator
• Claims Representative
• Inventory Management Specialist
• Supply Management Specialist
• Public Affairs Specialist

Information about the duties of each position is available at fema.gov/fact-sheet/hermits-peakcalf-canyon-claims-office-now-hiring.

Candidates for all positions must be able to represent the Claims Office with integrity and compassion. They must also have customer service experience and strong organizational, written and verbal communication skills. And, they must have demonstrated experience completing high quality work within assigned timeframes.

Interviews may be conducted on site, or you may be asked to participate in an interview later. Bring enough copies of your resume to share for each job you want to apply for.

All applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older and possess a high school diploma or GED. Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes finger printing and credit check. Employees are also required to participate in mandatory direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payment.

If you are unable to attend in person, you can learn about the positions at fema.gov/fact-sheet/hermits-peakcalf-canyon-claims-office-now-hiring. You can also email your resume to: fema-hermits-peak-jobs@fema.dhs.gov on or before January 12.

About the Hermit’s Peak Fire Assistance Act: On Sept. 30, President Joe Biden signed the Hermit’s Peak Fire Assistance Act that provides funding to compensate New Mexicans and Tribal Nations impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The funding may cover eligible losses including personal injury, loss of property, business loss or financial loss. For more information, visit fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 01/06/2023 - 16:19

FEMA Awards Over $68.5 Million to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority

San Juan, Puerto Rico — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded over $68.5 million to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA, by its Spanish Acronym) for emergency protective measures taken after Hurricane Fiona.

Following the impact of Fiona, PREPA activated supplemental peaking units which help to increase energy production across Puerto Rico, thereby reducing blackout in municipalities affected by the disaster. PREPA’s immediate action led to increased energy production and helped protect residents from the impacts of the storm.

“To have a reliable and resilient electrical system is a top priority for Puerto Rico, particularly for our state government as well as federal entities. For that reason, before, during and after hurricane Fiona, we have taken prompt and direct actions to make this happen. Once again, I thank the Biden Administration for promptly addressing our needs, and FEMA who together with COR3 and PREPA have been working towards the same goal: the well-being of our citizens and the reconstruction of Puerto Rico”, said Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi, who has met with President Biden, multiple cabinet members and the FEMA administration.

Meanwhile, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper, said that “when disaster strikes, it is our foremost priority to ensure the Government of Puerto Rico has the tools necessary to respond. This includes ensuring there is a dependable power source that will sustain critical, lifesaving and life-sustaining facilities. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Partners at PREPA and COR3, FEMA is able to award this funding swiftly and help ensure Puerto Rico continues to have the resources they need”.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives and property. This $68.5 million award will provide additional resources to the local government and adds to the $670.5 million in federal funding that has been obligated to support communities, government and private non-profit entities as they recover from Hurricane Fiona.

To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

kimberly.keblish Thu, 01/05/2023 - 19:14

One Week Left for Hurricane Ian Survivors to Apply for FEMA

BRANDON, Fla. – Homeowners and renters in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, or Volusia counties who have loss and damage caused by Hurricane Ian have only one week left to apply for federal disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Jan. 12.

There are several ways to register

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The Helpline is available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).
• Download the FEMA mobile app for smartphones.
• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Several DRCs are operating throughout Florida’s disaster-damaged counties. To find one close to you, go online to: DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or text DRC along with your zip code to 43362.

If eligible, FEMA disaster assistance may include financial assistance for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your primary home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs; funds to homeowners, to help repair or replace disaster caused damage or loss to their primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges; and funds for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicle, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care and other pre-approved miscellaneous items.

Applicants who wish to apply for disaster assistance should have the following information ready for their registration: Social Security number; pre-disaster address of the primary residence; name of all occupants of the pre-disaster household, types of insurance coverage; current telephone number and mailing address; and bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of financial assistance, if eligible.

Survivors should keep their contact information updated with FEMA as the agency may need to call to schedule a home inspection or get additional information.

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.

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

###

bree-constance… Thu, 01/05/2023 - 19:09

FEMA Share Tips About Rebuilding and Protecting Homes from Future Disaster-Related Damage

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Disaster survivors who are repairing their homes after Hurricane Fiona can visit Walmart in Canóvanas and Manatí, Home Depot in Bayamón and National Lumber hardware stores in Adjuntas, Añasco, Gurabo, Juana Díaz and Villalba to talk with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to make homes stronger and safer during the rebuilding process.

FEMA mitigation specialists will share tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage, such as high winds and water. They will also provide information on topics such as selecting contractors, understanding flood insurance coverage and emergency preparedness. No appointment is needed.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be available at the following locations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 9 – 14. Puerto Rican Sign Language (PRSL) interpreters will be available.

Home Depot

Home Depot Bayamón

Ave. Main 725

Plaza del Sol Shopping Center

Bayamón, PR, 00961

Walmart

Walmart Canóvanas

Carr. Núm. 3, Int. Ruta 66

Plaza Canóvanas 5802

Canóvanas, PR 00729

Walmart Manatí

Carr. Núm. 2, Km 45.8

Plaza Monte Real

Manatí, PR, 00674

National Lumber

National Lumber Añasco

Carretera Marginal

Añasco, PR 00610

National Lumber Adjuntas

Carr, 5518, Juan González

Adjuntas, PR 00601

National Lumber Gurabo

Calle Andrés Arús Rivera

Gurabo, PR, 00778

National Lumber Juana Diaz

Carretera 149, Km 66.9

Barrio Lomas

Juana Diaz, PR, 00795

National Lumber Villalba 

Carr. Núm. 151, Km 0.4

Barrio Hato Puerco

Villalba PR, 00766

 

 

kimberly.keblish Wed, 01/04/2023 - 18:51

FEMA Keeps Reaching Out to Fiona Survivors

San Juan, Puerto Rico — FEMA’s National Processing Service Center will continue to call survivors who applied for disaster assistance to follow up with their applications. Starting January 4, this auto dialer service will let the survivors know that their household has insurance, which should cover the disaster-caused losses due to hurricane Fiona.

Survivors will have up to 12 months from the date of their application to submit a signed appeal letter and the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA, to keep their application process moving forward.

If a survivor received an insurance settlement or denial, or if the insurance process is delayed more than 30 days, and still needs disaster assistance, they can:

• Upload insurance documents online at DisasterAssistance.gov

• Fax them to 1-800-827-8112

• Mail copies to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782.

The auto dialer will not make calls on Three Kings Day (Jan. 6) in observance of the local holiday.

For several weeks, FEMA has been contacting survivors who are most in need for additional support to follow up with their applications, including those who may not understand how to document ownership or occupancy, services calls, transportation, insurance, and unknown damage. To date, FEMA has made more than 21,782 of these calls, which have resulted in the approval of nearly $1.9 million disaster grants for individuals and family households still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Fiona.

To date, FEMA has provided through its Individual Assistance program nearly $592 million in disaster grants to support the recovery of nearly 722,000 Puerto Rico households.

If you have any questions or concerns about these calls, call FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

kimberly.keblish Wed, 01/04/2023 - 13:09

Three Years after the Earthquakes in the South, the Island Has over $810 Million from FEMA for its Recovery

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – After the 2020 earthquakes, which mainly affected the towns in the south of the island, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated over $810 million for this region. The funds correspond to some 750 projects, mostly for permanent works such as the reconstruction of public buildings, educational institutions and other spaces in the communities.

For the affected municipalities, the allocations represent about $45.6 million for permanent works distributed in over 200 projects. The funds will help fuel the revitalization of the area as the long-term recovery continues. 

“As part of the efforts to mitigate earthquake effects, 84 percent of the projects include funds for this purpose. The recovery represents an opportunity to build back better, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to help make this happen,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

Likewise, Dr. Víctor Huérfano, Director of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, emphasized the progress made after the earthquakes and added that “in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, we are working to have an updated map. That map is very important, because future structures that carry earthquake-resistant construction codes will depend on that map. And of course, that this restructuring that we are going to do — which has to be done well — meets the standards and that we do not have to relive those problems of 2020 or before 1918, when structures also fell.”

Among the most notable projects in the south is the Guánica City Hall, which has an obligation of over $4.1 million from FEMA to demolish, dispose of and replace its facilities. Of that amount, about $1 million goes toward reinforcing the floors and roof, as well as anchoring equipment to the roof to withstand high-velocity winds.

Regarding this work in the town known as the municipality of the twelve streets, Mayor Ismael Rodríguez Ramos indicated that the demolition of the structure will take place between January and February of this year. He added that the new city hall will have “some commercial spaces in combination with an activity center that we will be carrying out, and for which we are preparing the design.”.

On the other hand, the Ponce Campus of the University of Puerto Rico received an allocation of nearly $716,700 to repair several of its buildings: the Adelina Coppin Alvarado Library; the Ruth Fortuño de Calzada academic building; and the Student Affairs Deanship building, among others. Some work has already been completed on several of the structures, such as the plastering of the walls, the replacement of tiles and a geotechnical assessment of the Deanship building.

Projects of Historical and Cultural Value

The southern region of the island has several structures of historical and cultural value that were impacted by the earthquakes. FEMA's Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Division has worked closely with applicants from the Public Assistance Program to ensure that these projects meet current historic and environmental preservation requirements.

The La Resurrección methodist church in Ponce, built in 1907 and part of the National Register of Historic Places, is one of those projects that has received allocations that seek to preserve its historical and cultural value. In addition to repairing existing features, its FEMA-funded restoration includes carbon fiber and fiberglass-reinforced polymers that were added to the mortar and plaster inside the building to make it more resilient against future seismic events. All this, without adversely affecting the historical property.

Regarding the importance of restoring the church, the pastor of the church Jeancarlos Ortiz Peña, commented that "certainly the church community, but also the city community will be positively impacted and one of the most precious historical monuments of the urban area of Ponce will come back to life.

For his part, the executive director of the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, stated that “reconstruction projects due to the earthquakes have shown progress in the past months. Currently, there are 140 permanent works in one of the execution phases that have an obligation from FEMA for approximately $44.1 million. Now, with the availability of the Working Capital Advance pilot program, there will be an increase in the execution of these permanent works that the subrecipients develop, while keeping the same priority when addressing the course of the reconstruction projects for the past hurricanes. At COR3, we will continue to implement the teamwork plan to guide them in the technical processes required by the projects”.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from the earthquakes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4773 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr y Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 01/04/2023 - 12:09

Three Years after the Earthquakes in the South, the Island Has over $810 Million from FEMA for its Recovery

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – After the 2020 earthquakes, which mainly affected the towns in the south of the island, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated over $810 million for this region. The funds correspond to some 750 projects, mostly for permanent works such as the reconstruction of public buildings, educational institutions and other spaces in the communities.

For the affected municipalities, the allocations represent about $45.6 million for permanent works distributed in over 200 projects. The funds will help fuel the revitalization of the area as the long-term recovery continues. 

“As part of the efforts to mitigate earthquake effects, 84 percent of the projects include funds for this purpose. The recovery represents an opportunity to build back better, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to help make this happen,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

Likewise, Dr. Víctor Huérfano, Director of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, emphasized the progress made after the earthquakes and added that “in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, we are working to have an updated map. That map is very important, because future structures that carry earthquake-resistant construction codes will depend on that map. And of course, that this restructuring that we are going to do — which has to be done well — meets the standards and that we do not have to relive those problems of 2020 or before 1918, when structures also fell.”

Among the most notable projects in the south is the Guánica City Hall, which has an obligation of over $4.1 million from FEMA to demolish, dispose of and replace its facilities. Of that amount, about $1 million goes toward reinforcing the floors and roof, as well as anchoring equipment to the roof to withstand high-velocity winds.

Regarding this work in the town known as the municipality of the twelve streets, Mayor Ismael Rodríguez Ramos indicated that the demolition of the structure will take place between January and February of this year. He added that the new city hall will have “some commercial spaces in combination with an activity center that we will be carrying out, and for which we are preparing the design.”.

On the other hand, the Ponce Campus of the University of Puerto Rico received an allocation of nearly $716,700 to repair several of its buildings: the Adelina Coppin Alvarado Library; the Ruth Fortuño de Calzada academic building; and the Student Affairs Deanship building, among others. Some work has already been completed on several of the structures, such as the plastering of the walls, the replacement of tiles and a geotechnical assessment of the Deanship building.

Projects of Historical and Cultural Value

The southern region of the island has several structures of historical and cultural value that were impacted by the earthquakes. FEMA's Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Division has worked closely with applicants from the Public Assistance Program to ensure that these projects meet current historic and environmental preservation requirements.

The La Resurrección methodist church in Ponce, built in 1907 and part of the National Register of Historic Places, is one of those projects that has received allocations that seek to preserve its historical and cultural value. In addition to repairing existing features, its FEMA-funded restoration includes carbon fiber and fiberglass-reinforced polymers that were added to the mortar and plaster inside the building to make it more resilient against future seismic events. All this, without adversely affecting the historical property.

Regarding the importance of restoring the church, the pastor of the church Jeancarlos Ortiz Peña, commented that "certainly the church community, but also the city community will be positively impacted and one of the most precious historical monuments of the urban area of Ponce will come back to life.

For his part, the executive director of the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, stated that “reconstruction projects due to the earthquakes have shown progress in the past months. Currently, there are 140 permanent works in one of the execution phases that have an obligation from FEMA for approximately $44.1 million. Now, with the availability of the Working Capital Advance pilot program, there will be an increase in the execution of these permanent works that the subrecipients develop, while keeping the same priority when addressing the course of the reconstruction projects for the past hurricanes. At COR3, we will continue to implement the teamwork plan to guide them in the technical processes required by the projects”.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from the earthquakes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4773 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr y Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 01/04/2023 - 12:09

Three Years after the Earthquakes in the South, the Island Has over $810 Million from FEMA for its Recovery

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – After the 2020 earthquakes, which mainly affected the towns in the south of the island, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated over $810 million for this region. The funds correspond to some 750 projects, mostly for permanent works such as the reconstruction of public buildings, educational institutions and other spaces in the communities.

For the affected municipalities, the allocations represent about $45.6 million for permanent works distributed in over 200 projects. The funds will help fuel the revitalization of the area as the long-term recovery continues. 

“As part of the efforts to mitigate earthquake effects, 84 percent of the projects include funds for this purpose. The recovery represents an opportunity to build back better, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to help make this happen,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

Likewise, Dr. Víctor Huérfano, Director of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, emphasized the progress made after the earthquakes and added that “in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, we are working to have an updated map. That map is very important, because future structures that carry earthquake-resistant construction codes will depend on that map. And of course, that this restructuring that we are going to do — which has to be done well — meets the standards and that we do not have to relive those problems of 2020 or before 1918, when structures also fell.”

Among the most notable projects in the south is the Guánica City Hall, which has an obligation of over $4.1 million from FEMA to demolish, dispose of and replace its facilities. Of that amount, about $1 million goes toward reinforcing the floors and roof, as well as anchoring equipment to the roof to withstand high-velocity winds.

Regarding this work in the town known as the municipality of the twelve streets, Mayor Ismael Rodríguez Ramos indicated that the demolition of the structure will take place between January and February of this year. He added that the new city hall will have “some commercial spaces in combination with an activity center that we will be carrying out, and for which we are preparing the design.”.

On the other hand, the Ponce Campus of the University of Puerto Rico received an allocation of nearly $716,700 to repair several of its buildings: the Adelina Coppin Alvarado Library; the Ruth Fortuño de Calzada academic building; and the Student Affairs Deanship building, among others. Some work has already been completed on several of the structures, such as the plastering of the walls, the replacement of tiles and a geotechnical assessment of the Deanship building.

Projects of Historical and Cultural Value

The southern region of the island has several structures of historical and cultural value that were impacted by the earthquakes. FEMA's Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) Division has worked closely with applicants from the Public Assistance Program to ensure that these projects meet current historic and environmental preservation requirements.

The La Resurrección methodist church in Ponce, built in 1907 and part of the National Register of Historic Places, is one of those projects that has received allocations that seek to preserve its historical and cultural value. In addition to repairing existing features, its FEMA-funded restoration includes carbon fiber and fiberglass-reinforced polymers that were added to the mortar and plaster inside the building to make it more resilient against future seismic events. All this, without adversely affecting the historical property.

Regarding the importance of restoring the church, the pastor of the church Jeancarlos Ortiz Peña, commented that "certainly the church community, but also the city community will be positively impacted and one of the most precious historical monuments of the urban area of Ponce will come back to life.

For his part, the executive director of the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, stated that “reconstruction projects due to the earthquakes have shown progress in the past months. Currently, there are 140 permanent works in one of the execution phases that have an obligation from FEMA for approximately $44.1 million. Now, with the availability of the Working Capital Advance pilot program, there will be an increase in the execution of these permanent works that the subrecipients develop, while keeping the same priority when addressing the course of the reconstruction projects for the past hurricanes. At COR3, we will continue to implement the teamwork plan to guide them in the technical processes required by the projects”.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from the earthquakes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4773 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr y Twitter @COR3pr..

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 01/04/2023 - 12:08

FEMA Provides Another $5 Million for Montana COVID-19 Response

DENVER – FEMA has approved an additional $5 million in Public Assistance funding for the Montana COVID-19 response. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 31, 2020. FEMA has now provided more than $57.2 million for Montana’s COVID-19 response with this award.

The FEMA Public Assistance funds were awarded as follows:

• $1.5 million was provided to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for the operation of COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment clinics in Missoula and Butte.  To reduce the spread of COVID-19, separate entrances, infusion stations and post-infusion observation areas were created at the two locations and additional contracted medical support staff were provided.
• $3.5 million to Montana Division of Emergency Services for the cost of managing the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work to assist their communities during this response.

To fully support this essential work, the President authorized provision of FEMA Public Assistance at 100 percent federal funding through July 1, 2022.   Beginning July 2, 2022, the federal cost share for COVID-19 projects is 90 percent of the eligible cost.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

minh.phan Tue, 01/03/2023 - 19:24

FEMA Advances Accessibility: FEMA-SBA Partnership Provides More than $38 Million in Expanded Assistance to Low-Income Survivors

WASHINGTON -- In the past year, low-income disaster survivors have received more than $38.7 million in expanded assistance because of FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s policy changes to lower the minimum household income thresholds for some types of FEMA assistance.

FEMA and SBA have programs that help survivors after a disaster, and many homeowners and renters apply for FEMA assistance and SBA loans. As one of the largest sources of federal funding for individuals and households, low-interest SBA loans are a critical piece to aid survivors rebuilding their lives after a disaster. Although low-income applicants will still be able to apply for SBA loans, these changes expand and expedite FEMA grant assistance for these survivors.

More than 2,500 hurricane Fiona and Ian survivors have benefited from these changes, resulting in $6.7 million in survivors’ pockets to help jumpstart their recovery efforts as quickly as possible.

“FEMA strives to deliver programs in a way that increases accessibility and reduces unnecessary barriers to help those impacted by disaster jumpstart their recovery, but we know we cannot do it alone. This effort requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for our partners at SBA who help us achieve this critical objective,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “The policy changes we’ve made alongside SBA to make disaster assistance more accessible for low-income families is just one example of the power of this partnership.”

“Following a disaster, many people struggle with financial demands that are not covered by insurance or other forms of assistance,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “Yet it is critical for communities to be able to rebuild and recover quickly. These changes will enable people to receive FEMA assistance faster while still giving them an opportunity to apply for an SBA loan. We are proud to partner on this with FEMA, as we believe this will deliver equitable, long-term disaster recovery for all Americans.”

The SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters located in regions affected by declared disasters. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome the economic injury of a declared disaster, even if they did not suffer any physical losses.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 01/03/2023 - 18:37

Hurricane Ian Assistance Surpasses $4.45 Billion, Thousands of Survivors Impacted by Hurricane Nicole Register for Assistance

WASHINGTON -- More than $4.45 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments have been provided to the state of Florida and households to help survivors affected by Hurricane Ian jumpstart their recoveries. FEMA has provided $859 million to households affected by Hurricane Ian and $503 million to the state for emergency response to Hurricane Ian, while the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $1.37 billion in disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $1.72 billion in claims to survivors of Hurricane Ian. FEMA has also received 3,476 valid registrations from Hurricane Nicole survivors.

FEMA Continues to Help Floridians Affected by Hurricane Ian

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida affected by Hurricane Ian. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for Individual Assistance. Deadline for applications is Jan. 12, 2023.
• FEMA is meeting survivors affected by Hurricane Ian where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have visited nearly 352,000 homes and interacted with more than 152,000 survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance after Hurricane Ian.
• 22 Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in areas affected by Hurricane Ian, with nearly 104,400 visits by survivors.
• FEMA is providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance in 26 counties designated after Hurricane Ian to survivors eligible for temporary hotel stays. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,625 households with 3,978 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed more than 256,000 home inspections for Hurricane Ian survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• FEMA is providing temporary housing to eligible Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, Sarasota and Volusia counties. FEMA approved Direct Temporary Housing Assistance to provide options for those whose homes are uninhabitable because of the hurricane. FEMA determined that rental assistance is insufficient to meet the housing need in those counties because of a lack of available housing resources. FEMA will notify applicants who are eligible for direct housing. It will take time to transport, permit, install and inspect these units before they are available. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance may be provided for up to 18 months from Sept. 29, 2022, the date of the federal disaster declaration, to March 28, 2024.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $1.37 billion in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Ian. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee and Seminole counties.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 45,500 flood insurance claims and paid more than $1.72 billion to policyholders affected by Hurricane Ian.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of whether it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• FEMA is conducting local hiring for more than 300 jobs in Brandon, Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Orlando and Sarasota. These positions are full-time, 120-day appointments that may be extended depending on operational needs. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through USAJobs.gov.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof installed 20,119 roofs in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. (Mission completed.)
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from Hurricane Ian have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, 2022 through Oct. 23, 2022. Policyholders whose renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days. For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide.

Federal Assistance Now Available for Hurricane Nicole Survivors

• Homeowners and renters in Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Putnam, St. Johns or Volusia counties who were affected by Hurricane Nicole are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance because of President Joseph R. Biden’s approval of the State of Florida’s request for a major disaster declaration.
• FEMA has six disaster recovery centers open in the counties affected by Hurricane Nicole.
• Brevard, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Martin, Nassau, Palm Beach, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Volusia counties were authorized for Public Assistance in the initial Hurricane Nicole disaster declaration issued Dec. 13, 2022.
• Additional 51 Florida counties affected by Hurricane Nicole are now eligible for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program. The counties are Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla and Washington; and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
• FEMA Individual and Households Program has approved $1.8 million for Hurricane Nicole survivors, of which $1.6 million has been distributed.
• FEMA has received 3,476 valid registrations for individual assistance by Hurricane Nicole.
• FEMA teams working in neighborhoods have visited 5,591 homes affected by Hurricane Nicole.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $1.5 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Nicole.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 01/03/2023 - 18:27

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Signs Major Declaration for the Havasupai Tribe

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced federal emergency aid has been made available to the Havasupai Tribe to supplement Tribal response and recovery efforts in areas affected by flooding from Oct. 1-2, 2022.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to Tribal and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding.

Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Havasupai Tribe.

Benigno “Bern” Ruiz has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations for the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the Tribal nation and warranted by the results of further assessments. 

amy.ashbridge Sun, 01/01/2023 - 17:24

Two Weeks Left to Submit Comments Online About Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Regulations; Three Public Meetings Remain

SANTA FE, New Mexico – The public comment period remains open online until Jan. 13, 2023, if you would like to provide feedback on the process to implement the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act.

The Act provides compensation for those impacted by the fire. Compensation may cover eligible losses, including personal injury, loss of property, business loss or financial loss. FEMA’s Interim Final Rule guides the claims process and describes necessary documentation, evaluation criteria and compensation available for those impacted by the fire and subsequent flooding.

The rule also provides additional guidance for appeal rights, arbitration and judicial review. FEMA published the interim regulations in the Federal Register on Nov. 14, 2022, which opened a 60-day window requesting public comment on the rule.

You can submit your comments online and review information posted about the Act by visiting regulations.gov/ and typing in FEMA-2022-0037 in the search bar at the top of the screen where it says, “Search for dockets and documents on agency actions.”

Attend a public meeting if you prefer to give your comments in person.

Three public meetings have already been held to collect information and three more remain. There is no need to register in advance. When you arrive to the meeting, put your name on a list to sign up to speak. ASL and Spanish will be available.

Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

Peñasco Independent School Complex

13 School Road

Peñasco, NM 87553

5:30 – 7 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)

 

Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023

Mora High School

10 Ranger Road

Mora, NM 87732

5:30 – 7 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)

 

Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

New Mexico Bank & Trust Community Room

1st National Place

Angel Fire, NM 87710

5:30 – 7 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)

 

Submitting your comments online or at an in-person meeting is an opportunity for your feedback to shape the final regulations.

About the Hermit’s Peak Fire Assistance Act: On Sept. 30, President Joe Biden signed the Hermit’s Peak Fire Assistance Act to provide funding to compensate New Mexicans and Tribal Nations impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The funding may cover eligible loss including personal injury, loss of property, business loss or financial loss. For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/current/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/disaster/current/hermits-peak.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 12/30/2022 - 16:47

FEMA Advances Global Emergency Management Cooperation

WASHINGTON -- In the face of growing global threats such as climate change and extreme weather events, FEMA increased and elevated its strategic international partnerships in 2022. This unprecedented level of international engagement both advances the agency’s role as a global leader in emergency management, while enhancing global safety, security and stability, which ultimately keeps people safe here in the United States and abroad.

In keeping with this strategic objective, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell attended meetings with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in April and November of this year to emphasize the importance of global preparedness and share lessons learned in order to strengthen the U.S. and global disaster resilience posture. Her visit marked the first time in over five years that a FEMA Administrator has engaged directly with NATO and represents the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening this critical alliance. As the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO’s Resilience Committee, FEMA leads, shapes and implements the U.S. government’s NATO Resilience policies and priorities.

“Although we may stand on different soils, existential threats like climate change impact all nations. That’s why we must work with our international partners and allies to prepare for both future and immediate risks in order to keep people safe at home and abroad,” said Administrator Criswell.  “Across the globe, FEMA is fostering strategic partnerships with counterpart organizations, working together to build global resilience to emergencies and disasters -- both natural and manmade. FEMA’s commitment to helping people before, during and after disasters here in the United States is only strengthened by the recognition that in our increasingly interconnected world, crises don’t discriminate, and they don’t care about lines on a map.”

Throughout 2022, FEMA established new agreements with Belgium and El Salvador and renewed agreements with New Zealand, Romania, Israel and the Directorate General for the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. These mutually beneficial agreements strengthen resilience and response capabilities through strategic exchange of expertise and real-time operational coordination.

FEMA further demonstrated its global emergency management leadership through its support of trainings and technical exchanges with strategic bilateral partners, such as Mexico.

Back at FEMA headquarters, FEMA resumed hosting high-level delegations after a COVID-19 pandemic hiatus.  Administrator Criswell and other senior FEMA leaders met with officials from Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Greece, Israel, Kenya, Norway, Sweden and Vietnam, as well as the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction, among other foreign partners. These meetings also included technical exchanges with subject matter experts on topics ranging from pandemic preparedness to early alerts and warnings, disaster risk reduction and flood mitigation. 

“If there is any lesson to be taken from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that we are all in this together. The partnerships we’re forging across the globe strengthen both the United States and the entire global community by increasing stability and ensuring we are all ready when disaster strikes,” said Administrator Criswell. “A better prepared world means a safer United States, and the only way we can do that is by leveraging our shared resources, our shared knowledge and experiences and our shared sense of purpose.”

In 2022, FEMA also represented the United States in multilateral forums, participating in the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction Global Platform and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG) meetings. This year also marked the first time that FEMA attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Multilateral engagements are crucial opportunities for FEMA to demonstrate its leadership in advancing global climate change mitigation and adaptation, including through the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and other global climate accords. FEMA will lead EPWG meetings and Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum as part of the U.S. 2023 APEC host year.

Under Criswell’s leadership, FEMA continues to strengthen its collaboration with counterpart emergency management organizations and ministries, advancing FEMA’s commitment to international cooperation to bolster global emergency readiness and response capabilities, which ultimately makes the United States and the world a safer place.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 12/30/2022 - 15:28

Mitigation Experts Continue to Offer Rebuilding Advice in Lee and Charlotte Counties

BRANDON, Fla. – As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricane Ian can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be in Lee and Charlotte counties to answer questions and offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster. The FEMA specialists will be available at the following locations:

HOME DEPOT

14655 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL 33912

HOME DEPOT

19690 Cochrane Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Hours for both locations:

Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sundays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

The FEMA Mitigation line is available to survivors who are interested in talking with a mitigation specialist about rebuilding stronger. Survivors can call 833-336-2487 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

Homeowners and renters in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia counties can apply for FEMA assistance in the following ways:

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a nearby center, visit fema.gov/drc
• Apply online by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages.

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.

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bree-constance… Thu, 12/29/2022 - 18:57

FEMA’s National Preparedness Report Underscores Continued Threat of Climate Change

WASHINGTON -- FEMA released the 2022 National Preparedness Report today, revealing the impacts that climate change and associated natural disasters continue to have on emergency management capabilities and communities across the country. 

This year’s report presents preparedness data through the lens of risks and capabilities and underscores the challenges that emergency managers face in addressing a continuously expanding risk environment, the ingenuity they have shown to rise to those challenges and opportunities that remain to better prepare the nation. Emergency managers and whole-community partners across the nation can look to this year’s report to help support decisions about program priorities, resource allocations and community actions.

“This report was developed during a pivotal time in emergency management. The range and complexity of the disasters our nation faces continue to rapidly evolve, fueled in part by climate change. Our ‘new normal’ also includes pandemics, domestic terrorism and cyberattacks,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “These changing risks shift expectations on the emergency management community, but I know they will rise to the occasion, as will the dedicated workforce here at FEMA. The National Preparedness Report details these areas of change and remains a critical marker of national preparedness, highlighting our areas of strength and those in which we can improve as a whole community in becoming a more resilient nation.”

What does the 2022 report say about the state of the nation’s preparedness?

The report summarizes the state of national preparedness, discussing the risks the nation faces and how those risks drive whole-community emergency management capability requirements. The report includes the following findings, among others:

• Climate change continues to impact the nation and worsen existing vulnerabilities. The report found that in 2021, 92% of communities identified at least one natural hazard associated with climate change as being most stressful to emergency management capabilities in their assessments. The U.S. experienced a total of $20 billion climate and weather-related disasters.
• The nation may not be adequately prepared to provide sufficient Body Recovery/Storage and Medical Care in the face of a catastrophic disaster. When comparing total Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR) data from 2021 against the National Capability Targets, the nation overall has the lowest capability in the Body Recovery/Storage and Medical Care target areas.
• Factors such as poverty, lack of access to transportation and over-capacity housing occupancy continue to weaken the ability of individuals and communities to prevent injury, death and financial loss in a disaster.

To better respond to these factors, FEMA has undertaken a series of initiatives to ensure that more communities, especially those that are the most vulnerable to the impacts of disasters, are better prepared when disaster strikes. For example, during this year's National Preparedness Month, FEMA and the Ad Council created new Public Service Announcements developed specifically to reach Black and African American communities as part of FEMA’s ongoing approach to advance accessibility and cultural competency in boosting the nation’s preparedness. This campaign built on last year’s campaign, which was designed to resonate with Latino communities. As a direct result of that campaign, Listo.gov -- the Spanish version of Ready.gov -- had a 500% increase in visits to the "Make a Plan" page and a 400% increase in visits to the "Build a Kit" page.

Additionally, FEMA released its first-ever National Tribal Strategy this year to better address its responsibilities to federally recognized tribal nations when responding to and preparing for disasters affecting tribal lands. A key part of the strategy includes providing culturally competent services to Tribal Nations and translating FEMA products into Native American languages to ensure that everyone across Indian Country is prepared when disaster strikes.

Earlier this year, FEMA also implemented one of the largest updates in the past 10 years to its mobile app, largely driven by critical customer feedback. The updated app -- in English and Spanish -- gives users increased personalization options and helps them take charge before, during and after disasters. This tool and others demonstrate FEMA’s continued commitment to meeting people where they are by providing the resources they need in a user-friendly way, with the ultimate goal of increasing disaster preparedness.

These initiatives represent just a few examples of actions the agency is taking to sustain a ready FEMA and a prepared nation.

The National Preparedness Report was established in Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-8, signed on March 30, 2011, which required the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit to the President the first national preparedness report based on the National Preparedness Goal. The THIRA/SPR methodology has changed since FEMA published the first report in 2012 and will not allow for measurement of percentage change in capability levels over the past decade. However, the most significant increases in community capability achievement are evident in areas related to 1) intelligence and information sharing, 2) supply chain integrity and security and 3) access control and identity verification.

The report provides management opportunities outlining steps that can be taken by the whole community to address risks and capability gaps. These include detailed discussions regarding resources and best practices related to 1) building community-wide resilience to climate change impacts, 2) reducing physical and technological risks to critical infrastructure and 3) increasing equity in individual and community preparedness.

The information in this report was compiled from open-source research, analysis of community THIRA/SPR data and an interagency data call of more than 50 offices throughout federal government.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 12/28/2022 - 20:11

FEMA Disaster Assistance Application Deadline Approaches

BRANDON, Fla. – More than $4.4 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments have been provided to the state of Florida and to households affected by Hurricane Ian. But time is running out for Hurricane Ian survivors to apply for disaster assistance. If your primary residence is in one of the 26 counties designated for federal disaster assistance and you incurred storm-related loss or damage caused by Hurricane Ian, you have until Jan. 12, 2023, to complete your application.

Survivors who have insurance are encouraged to file a claim for disaster-caused damage before they apply for FEMA assistance. You do not need to wait for your insurance settlement to submit a disaster assistance application. FEMA may provide financial assistance to eligible survivors who have uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused damage or loss.

Apply online at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. Assistance is available in most languages. Calls are answered every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Survivors can also register at any Disaster Recovery Center operating throughout Florida’s disaster-damaged counties. To find one nearby, go online to: DRC Locator.

The Jan. 12 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, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

FEMA's Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance grants for medical, dental, and funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants referred to SBA must complete and submit an SBA loan application to be considered for additional forms of disaster assistance. Applicants who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be referred back to FEMA to be considered for aid under the Other Needs Assistance provision. The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center’s number is 800-659-2955. Help is also available by sending mail to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov. Survivors may apply online at SBA's secure website: disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/

Businesses that have not yet submitted an SBA disaster business loan application, may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ under SBA declaration #17644. Businesses, homeowners, renters, and non-profits may visit the Business Recovery Center or Disaster Recovery Center for help in submitting an application or in seeking reconsideration of their loan decision.

Disaster loan information and application forms can be obtained from the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 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 by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Jan. 12, 2023. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 29, 2023.

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

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bree-constance… Wed, 12/28/2022 - 18:33

Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board Allocates $75 Million for Humanitarian Assistance

WASHINGTON -- The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board voted on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, to allocate $38.9 million to 21 local governments and service organizations to assist with humanitarian needs related to migrant families and individuals encountered by the Department of Homeland Security at the U.S. southern border. With this step, all $75 million (less administrative expenses) in FY23 Continuing Resolution (CR) Emergency Food and Shelter Program - Humanitarian (EFSP-H) funds have been allocated by the EFSP National Board.

On Dec. 13, 2022, the EFSP National Board awarded $31.7 million of the $75 million award to 18 groups, and on Dec. 22, 2022, the National Board awarded $39 million of the $75 million award to 21 groups. Funding was prioritized for those service organizations in the southern border states with the most urgent needs.  Some funding was also allocated to non-border entities that play an important role in assisting migrants as they relocate to other locations.  It takes up to three weeks for disbursement of funds.

For further information regarding the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, including the guidance governing the FY23 humanitarian funds, please refer to the EFSP Website (unitedway.org).

The EFSP National Board is committed to providing further guidance on application procedures as swiftly as possible, once future funds become available. In January 2023 the EFSP National Board will establish application procedures and deadlines for any additional funds appropriated to the humanitarian program.

Under its current structure, the EFSP National Board operates independently, awarding the funds provided by FEMA to local nonprofit, faith-based, and governmental organizations for the purposes of providing shelter and other services to families and individuals encountered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the southern U.S. border. FEMA awards the funds in full to the program’s National Board which is chaired by FEMA and composed of six national nonprofit organizations.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 12/27/2022 - 20:33

FEMA Gives Free Rebuilding Advice in Municipalities Across the Island

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Disaster survivors who are repairing their homes after Hurricane Fiona can visit Walmart in Carolina, Manatí and Mayagüez, Home Depot in Bayamón and Ponce and National Lumber hardware stores in Cabo Rojo, Juana Díaz and San Lorenzo to talk with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to make homes stronger and safer during the rebuilding process.

FEMA mitigation specialists will share tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage, such as high winds and water. They will also provide information on topics such as selecting contractors, understanding flood insurance coverage and emergency preparedness. No appointment is needed.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be available at the following locations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 02 – Jan. 7.  Puerto Rico Sign Language (PRSL) interpreters will also be available.

Walmart

Walmart Carolina

Carr. Núm. 3, Parque Escorial

Barrio San Antón

Carolina, PR 00987

PRSL available: Jan. 3

Walmart Manatí

Carr. Núm. 2, Km 45.8

Plaza Monte Real

Manatí, PR 00674

PRSL available: Jan. 2

Walmart Mayagüez

Carr. Núm. 2, Km 149.5

Western Plaza

Mayagüez, PR 00682         

PRSL available: Jan. 4

Home Depot

Home Depot Bayamón

Rexville Town Center

Carr. 167 Ave. Las Cumbres

Bayamón, PR 00060

PRSL available: Jan. 3

Home Depot Ponce

Ave. Baramaya 3305

Reyna del Sur Shopping

Ponce, PR 00728

PRSL available: Jan. 5

National Lumber

National Lumber Cabo Rojo

Carr. Núm. 100

Cabo Rojo, PR 00623

PRSL available: Jan. 4

National Lumber Juana Díaz

Carr. Núm. 149, Km 66.9

Barrio Lomas

Juana Díaz, PR 00795

PRSL available: Jan. 5

National Lumber San Lorenzo

Carr. Núm. 203

San Lorenzo Shopping Mall

San Lorenzo, PR 00754

PRSL available: Jan. 2

kimberly.keblish Tue, 12/27/2022 - 19:04

Hurricane Ian Assistance Surpasses $4 Billion, Thousands of Survivors Impacted by Hurricane Nicole Register for Assistance

WASHINGTON -- More than $4.4 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments have been provided to the state of Florida and to households affected by Hurricane Ian to help survivors jumpstart their recovery.

FEMA has provided $847 million to households affected by Hurricane Ian and $496 million to the state for emergency response to Hurricane Ian, while the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $1.35 billion in disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $1.72 billion in claims to survivors of Hurricane Ian.

Additionally, FEMA has also received 3,516 registrations from Hurricane Nicole survivors.

FEMA Continues to Help Floridians Affected by Hurricane Ian 

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida affected by Hurricane Ian. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for Individual Assistance. Deadline for applications is Jan. 12, 2023.
• FEMA is meeting survivors affected by Hurricane Ian where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have visited more than 351,000 homes and interacted with nearly 152,000 survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance after Hurricane Ian.
• 24 Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in areas affected by Hurricane Ian, with nearly 101,000 visits by survivors.
• FEMA is providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance in 26 counties designated after Hurricane Ian to survivors eligible for temporary hotel stays. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,616 households with 3,900 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed more than 252,000 home inspections for Hurricane Ian survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• FEMA is providing temporary housing to eligible Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, Sarasota and Volusia counties. FEMA approved Direct Temporary Housing Assistance to provide options for those whose homes are uninhabitable because of the hurricane. FEMA determined that rental assistance is insufficient to meet the housing need in those counties because of a lack of available housing resources. FEMA will notify applicants who are eligible for direct housing. It will take time to transport, permit, install and inspect these units before they are available. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance may be provided for up to 18 months from Sept. 29, 2022, the date of the federal disaster declaration, to March 28, 2024.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $1.35 billion in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Ian. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee and Seminole counties.
• As of Dec. 27, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 45,500 flood insurance claims and paid more than $1.72 billion to policyholders affected by Hurricane Ian.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of whether it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• FEMA is conducting local hiring for more than 300 jobs in Brandon, Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Orlando and Sarasota. These positions are full-time, 120-day appointments that may be extended depending on operational needs. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through USAJobs.gov.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof installed 20,119 roofs in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. (Mission completed.)
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from Hurricane Ian have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, 2022 through Oct. 23, 2022. Policyholders whose renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days. For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide.

Federal Assistance Now Available for Hurricane Nicole Survivors

• Homeowners and renters in Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Putnam, St. Johns or Volusia counties who were affected by Hurricane Nicole are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance because of President Joseph R. Biden’s approval of the State of Florida’s request for a major disaster declaration.
• FEMA has six disaster recovery centers open in the counties affected by Hurricane Nicole.
• Brevard, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Martin, Nassau, Palm Beach, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Volusia counties were authorized for Public Assistance in the initial Hurricane Nicole disaster declaration issued Dec. 13.
• Additional 51 Florida counties affected by Hurricane Nicole are now eligible for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program. The counties are Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla and Washington; and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
• FEMA Individual and Households Program has approved $1.27 million for Hurricane Nicole survivors, of which $896,400 has been distributed.
• FEMA has received 3,516 registrations for individual assistance by Hurricane Nicole, including 2,534 registrations from designated counties.
• FEMA teams working in neighborhoods have visited 3,249 homes affected by Hurricane Nicole.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $958,000 in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Nicole.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 12/27/2022 - 17:56