FEMA Awards Almost $4.7 Million to UMass Memorial Health Care for COVID-19 Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $4.7 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. for the costs of testing, acquiring equipment and hiring temporary staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $4,693,148 in Public Assistance grants will reimburse the health care system in central Massachusetts – headquartered in Worcester and affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School – for providing testing, leasing equipment, and hiring temporary staff between January 2020 and March 2022.

One grant of $3,364,294 will cover the cost of testing 107,246 people between January and July 2020, as well as the cost of hiring temporary healthcare workers; setting up tents with generators and HVAC installation for the tents; and hiring security for the facilities.

The hospital system also contracted for translation services to facilitate communication between healthcare professionals and COVID-19 patients; for transportation services to deliver items between hospital locations and transport the remains of patients who had died; and for administrative services.

A second grant of $1,328,854 will reimburse UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. for the cost of purchasing reagent dispensers, accessories for bed monitors, and bedside monitors as well as renting 945 ventilators between August 2021 and March 2022.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist UMass Memorial Health Care with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.4 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 12/01/2022 - 15:15

One Week Left to Apply for Disaster Individual Assistance

Anchorage, Alaska – Residents of the Regional Educational Attendance Areas of Bering Strait, Kashunamiut, Lower Kuskokwim and Lower Yukon have until Dec. 6 to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State of Alaska disaster assistance. To receive disaster Individual Assistance, you must apply before the deadline.

Make sure you register with both FEMA and the State of Alaska to be eligible for Individual Assistance.

• FEMA Hotline: 1-866-342-1699 (Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM AKT.)
  • • FEMA Hotline TTY users can dial 711 or, TTY users with an out-of-state area code, dial 800-770-8973 for Alaska relay service.
• State of Alaska Hotline: 1-844-445-7131 (Monday through Friday 8 AM – 4 PM AKT.)

Don’t forget – the hotline is a helpline! Call to apply, get help with an existing application, or have your questions answered.

There are other ways you can apply for disaster assistance:

• Applications for FEMA Individual Assistance can also be submitted at www.disasterassistance.gov or via the FEMA mobile app.

 

• To apply for State of Alaska Individual Assistance survivors can go online to ready.alaska.gov/IA.

 

Residents who applied for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to SBA to apply for a low-interest disaster loan as the next step in the application process. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources. You are not required to take out a loan, but failure to fill out the application may prevent you from receiving certain types of FEMA funding.

• Applicants may apply for SBA, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

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For more information about FEMA’s support to Alaska’s severe storms, flooding and landslide recovery, visit the FEMA Disaster Site. Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates.  

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

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also let staff know you require an accommodation such as spoken language resources, mobility assistance, or sign language interpreting services. If you feel you have experienced discrimination, call the FEMA Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 or 800-462-7585 (TTY/TDD) or email: FEMACivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

mary.j.edmon Thu, 12/01/2022 - 01:34

KYEM and FEMA Continue Collaborating to Help Eastern Kentuckians Recover from Floods

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The deadline for registering with FEMA has passed, but FEMA continues to work with the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to help survivors and affected communities recover from the July flooding.

FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Centers have transitioned into Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) managed by the commonwealth. Survivors can go to a MARC and still get help with their pending FEMA applications, appeals and any disaster-related questions.  

A MARC is a single “one stop shop" location where public and private organizations come together to provide assistance to those affected by a disaster. MARCs bring agencies together and are collaborative operations. The centers are a critical venue for the coordinated recovery of those affected by a disaster.

MARC locations and hours are:

• Clay County: Clay Community Center, 311 Highway 638, Manchester, KY 40962
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Friday; Closed Saturday and Sunday
• Breathitt County: Breathitt County Library, 1024 College Ave, Jackson, KY 41339
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Saturday; Closed Sunday
• Floyd County: Foley Mission Center, 6134 KY-80, Martin, KY 41649 (across from Save-A-Lot)
  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday – Saturday; Closed Sunday
• Knott County: Knott County Sportsplex, 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Saturday; Closed Sunday
• Letcher County: Letcher County Recreation Center, 1505 Jenkins Rd., Whitesburg, KY 41858
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Saturday; Closed Sunday
• Perry County: Hazard Community and Technical College, 1 Community College Dr., Hazard, KY 41701
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Saturday; Closed Sunday
• Pike County: Dorton Community Center, 112 Dorton Hill Rd., Pikeville, KY 41501     |
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday -- Saturday; Closed Sunday

If you have registered for assistance, FEMA encourages you to keep in touch to track your application or appeal. You should also notify the agency of changes to your mailing or email addresses or phone numbers, and to report insurance settlements or additional damage you may have discovered since your home inspection.

You don’t have to visit a MARC to communicate with FEMA. Here are other ways:

• Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362.  
• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App.

Since the federal disaster assistance registration period ended Oct. 28, more than $7 million in additional funding for housing repairs and critical needs has been awarded to Eastern Kentucky flood survivors. The assistance becomes available as applicants provide required documents, give FEMA up-to-date contact information and otherwise follow up on their appeals and complete their applications.

For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

amy.ashbridge Wed, 11/30/2022 - 22:38

60-Day Hurricane Ian Update: FEMA Reaching Survivors

BRANDON, Fla. – FEMA is reaching Hurricane Ian survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recovery. FEMA teams are going door-to-door in hard-hit communities, operating one-stop Disaster Recovery Centers and supporting community outreach.

In less than two months since the disaster declaration, FEMA has provided $771 million in grants to 538,028 applicants for the Individuals and Households Program, the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided

$1 billion in disaster loans, the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $793 million in claims and FEMA has provided $358 million to the State of Florida for emergency response. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have visited 261,000 homes and interacted with 129,000 individuals. More than 1,800 households are sheltered in hotels at FEMA expense.

FEMA has extended the application deadline to Jan. 12, 2023, for survivors 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.

There are multiple Disaster Recovery Centers operating throughout the impacted area. To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362.

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. - FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team visits a neighborhood impacted by Hurricane Ian, talking with resident about FEMA assistance. (FEMA photo by Jocelyn Augustino)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Disaster Survivor Assistance team members speak with local residents in neighborhoods impacted by Hurricane Ian and provide information about how to apply for federal assistance following Hurricane Ian. (FEMA photo by Jocelyn Augustino)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – A Disaster Survivor Assistance team member helps a Hurricane Ian survivor apply for assistance. (FEMA photo by Austin Boone)

SANFORD, Fla. – FEMA specialists help Hurricane Ian survivors apply for assistance at the Midway Safe Harbor Center. (FEMA photo by Bob Kaufmann)

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – Hurricane Ian survivors hear from FEMA and other agency partners about important recovery information at the First Presbyterian Church. (FEMA photo by Chrissy Gonsalves)

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – Hurricane Ian survivors receive one-on-one help from FEMA specialists at a Disaster Recovery Center. (FEMA photo by Jocelyn Augustino)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – A FEMA specialist provides information to members of the United Haitian Church. (FEMA photo by Chrissy Gonsalves)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – American Sign Language Interpreters provide recovery information for Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members at an event in Fort Myers. (FEMA photo by Austin Boone)

NAPLES, Fla. –Residents visit a Disaster Recovery Center in Collier County at Veterans Community Park. Local, state and federal agencies are on site to help survivors affected by Hurricane Ian. (FEMA photo by Jocelyn Augustino)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialists speak with residents about how to rebuild stronger against future storms. (FEMA photo by Jocelyn Augustino)

 

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

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

zella.campbell Wed, 11/30/2022 - 18:34

Biden-Harris Administration Makes $135 Million Commitment to Support Relocation of Tribal Communities Affected by Climate Change

WASHINGTON -- The Biden-Harris administration today announced the launch of a new Voluntary Community-Driven Relocation program, led by the Department of the Interior, to assist Tribal communities severely impacted by climate-related environmental threats. Through investments from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, the Department is committing $115 million for 11 severely impacted Tribes to advance relocation efforts and adaptation planning. Additional support for relocation will be provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Denali Commission.

By recognizing the real and immediate threat of climate change, this program is one of the first designed to coordinate closely with community leaders to help begin the process of relocating crucial community infrastructure away from imminent threats and build long-term resilience to climate impacts. These projects will yield critical information to inform replication in other communities and initiate a long-term strategy for future relocation and climate resilience efforts.

“From wildfires out west to typhoons in Alaska, I have seen firsthand the devastating affect climate change and extreme weather has on communities across the nation, especially in Indian Country. That is why FEMA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration take seriously our responsibility to provide tailored assistance to Tribal Nations before, during and after disasters,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “While FEMA continues to help Tribal Nations plan for future conditions and strengthen tribal community resilience through our suite of hazard mitigation tools and resources, we are excited to partner with our federal family on larger projects such as community-driven relocation to further support all Tribal Nations.”

“As part of the federal government’s treaty and trust responsibility to protect Tribal sovereignty and revitalize tribal communities, we must safeguard Indian Country from the intensifying and unique impacts of climate change,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “Helping these communities move to safety on their homelands is one of the most important climate related investments we could make in Indian Country.”

“The Denali Commission commends the Biden-Harris administration in recognizing the climate adaptation needs of Alaska Native Villages with the significant announcement of the demonstration project,” said Garrett Boyle, Federal Co-Chair of the Commission. “The Commission commits its support for this effort and the participating Alaska Native Villages. This effort comes at a pivotal moment of need for the Villages and the environment and builds on the Commission’s previous investments of nearly $50 million for strategic climate adaptation and resilience efforts.”

The announcement was made during the 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit, which provides an opportunity for the Administration and Tribal leaders from the 574 federally recognized Tribes to discuss ways the federal government can invest in and strengthen nation-to-nation relationships as well as ensure that progress in Indian Country endures for years to come.

Alaska Native villages are at risk of severe infrastructure damage due to climate-related environmental impacts, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion and extreme weather events. Tribal communities in the contiguous 48 states are at risk of similar threats plus threats from flooding, drought and wildland fire. A 2020 BIA study estimated that up to $5 billion will be needed over the next 50 years to address Tribal relocation infrastructure needs in response to climate change impacts.

The U.S. Department of Interior and FEMA jointly established a Community-Driven Relocation (CDR) Subcommittee as part of the White House National Climate Task Force. This interagency Subcommittee will convene agencies to explore key considerations, issues and strategies for working in partnership with communities to support voluntary movement away from high-risk regions.

The investments announced today will support two types of grants: relocation grants for severely impacted communities currently ready to implement relocation and managed retreat plans, and planning grants for communities that need additional planning support in evaluating climate threats and mitigation strategies.  

Relocation Grants

The Newtok Village and Native Village of Napakiak, both in Alaska, as well as the Quinault Indian Nation in Washington have been selected to receive $25 million each to begin community driven relocation, for a total of $75 million in funding. The initial steps for these communities will serve as demonstration projects for future climate resilience efforts by providing early learning opportunities for best practices, developing standard guidelines and tools to serve as a blueprint for future efforts, and demonstrating the success of a consolidated and coordinated interagency approach to relocation and managed retreat. The demonstration projects will focus on the relocation and establishment of core infrastructure identified by the communities to create a center of gravity for full community relocation. Community relocation will be a staged process that will occur in the coming years.

In addition to the funds dedicated by the Department of Interior, FEMA has awarded, or is in the process of awarding, approximately $17.7 million to assist the three communities in their efforts to acquire, demolish and build new infrastructure out of harm’s way.

• The Newtok Village, located on the Ninglick River in Alaska, is experiencing progressive coastal erosion from ocean storms and degrading permafrost. Multiple erosion studies conclude that there is no cost-effective way to halt this process, and that the people of Newtok must relocate to a new site. At the current rate of erosion of approximately 70 feet per year, the river is expected to threaten structures within two years and the village’s critical infrastructure within four years. Mertarvik is the site of the new village, located approximately nine miles across the Ninglick River from Newtok. The new village site has roads but only a handful of homes. 
• The Native Village of Napakiak, located on the Kuskokwim River in Alaska, is experiencing serious erosion that is threatening the school, fuel farm, water supply well, airport, homes and other critical infrastructure. Severe weather, storm surges and flooding are also major concerns. The ongoing erosion is estimated to be 25-50 feet per year. Most of the current critical infrastructure is expected to be destroyed by 2030. The village has comprehensive plans for managed retreat and relocation, but implementation has been delayed by lack of funding.
• The Quinault Indian Nation, located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, seeks to relocate its Taholah Village. Taholah lies at the confluence of the Quinault River and Pacific Ocean, and is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, storm surges and river flooding. The village also faces tsunami hazards from the more frequent distant earthquakes on the Pacific rim and the more destructive local tsunamis caused by earthquakes near the western coast of the United States.  The Tribe identified an area at higher elevation for relocation. Efforts have been made to begin the relocation process, but the lack of funding has made relocation a piecemeal process.

In December, the federal government will begin a community-driven 120-day planning period that will include the Interior Department and partnering federal agencies traveling to the three communities to establish formal relationships and begin the planning process with discussions on:

• the communities’ goals and needs;
• the roles and responsibilities of the communities and Federal agencies;
• the project scope and components;
• timelines, funding, and budget; and 
• risk identification and management.

Three Tribal relocation coordinators funded by the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA) Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) annual grants will manage implementation at each community, oversee a local support team, and serve as the main points of contact. TCR will provide financial and technical assistance to support Tribal strategies and provide coordination to match the communities to federal financial and technical assistance.

Planning Grants

Eight additional communities that need further planning support to reach decisions and prepare for relocation or increased climate resilience measures will receive $5 million, for a total of $40 million. These communities face significant and widely varied climate risks, including coastal and riverine erosion, permafrost degradation, wildfire, flooding, food insecurity, sea level rise, hurricane impacts, potential levee failure and drought.

Planning grants of $5 million each are being awarded to:

• Native Village of Point Lay (Alaska).
• Huslia Village (Alaska).
• Native Village of Fort Yukon (Alaska).
• Native Village of Nelson Lagoon (Alaska).
• Havasupai Tribe (Arizona).
• Yurok Tribe (California).
• Chitimacha Tribe (Louisiana).
• Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe (Maine).

Communities were evaluated by TCR using a structured interagency evaluation that ensured a thorough review of community risk, preparedness, response plans, capacity, needs and intent.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a total of $466 million to the BIA over five years, including $216 million for climate resilience programs, provided as $43.2 million annually for five years. Of that funding, $130 million is provided for community relocation and $86 million is provided for Tribal climate resilience and adaptation projects. The Inflation Reduction Act provides BIA with an additional $220 million for climate adaptation and resilience, of which the Department anticipates spending $40 million to support Voluntary Community-Driven Relocation efforts, with the remainder supporting broader Tribal climate resilience activities.

Today’s announcement is in addition to $45 million in Tribal Climate Resilience awards made by BIA earlier this month. With support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these awards will fund a variety of climate resilience efforts, including six grants for relocation.

For more information on projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Tribal communities through the BIA, visit the BIA’s interactive map.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 11/30/2022 - 18:06

FEMA Gives Free Rebuilding Advice at Walmart and National Lumber Stores

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Disaster survivors who are repairing their homes after Hurricane Fiona can visit Walmart in Santa Isabel and National Lumber hardware stores in Quebradillas and Toa Alta 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 Walmart location from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, December 5 – December 10 at:

 

Walmart Santa Isabel

Carr. Estatal Núm. 153 Km 7.2

Barrio Jauca II

Santa Isabel, PR 00757

 

FEMA mitigation specialists will be available at the following National Lumber stores from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, December 5 – December 9 at:

National Lumber Quebradillas

Carr. Núm. 2 Km 100.1

Barrio Coco

Quebradillas, PR 00678

National Lumber Toa Alta

Plaza Aquarium Shopping Center

Carr. Núm. 165 Km 4.5

Toa Alta, PR 00953

 

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 11/30/2022 - 14:19

FEMA Expands Public Assistance to include the municipalities of Loíza, Vieques and Culebra

San Juan, Puerto Rico — FEMA announced that the Major Disaster Declaration issued on Sept. 21, 2022, has been amended to include the municipalities of Loíza, Vieques and Culebra for permanent work (Categories C-G). These municipalities are already designated for Individual Assistance (IA) and assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance (PA) program. With this addition, all 78 municipalities are now eligible to apply for reimbursement of permanent eligible work, including repairs to roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, parks, recreational and other facilities.

The executive director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3), Eng. Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, thanked the inclusion of these three towns in the Declaration of Major Disaster after the impact of Hurricane Fiona. He also recognized the work done by the COR3 team, which was important to ensure that all municipalities can soon begin to formulate their projects for permanent works.

“Fulfilling the commitment of the administration of Governor Pedro Pierluisi, together with FEMA we achieved that all municipalities could claim federal funds for the reconstruction of public infrastructure that is vital for the socioeconomic development of Puerto Rico. This is in addition to the availability of funds from the Risk Mitigation Grant program, which will contribute to resilient reconstruction,” said Laboy Rivera.

On Nov. 21, President Biden announced the federal share for Public Assistance has been increased to 90 percent of total eligible costs, except assistance previously approved at 100 percent, to further supplement territorial and local recovery costs after Hurricane Fiona.

“The expansion of permanent work reimbursement to three additional municipalities demonstrates FEMA’s full support to the Government of Puerto Rico and our local partners across the island as rebuilding continues,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper. “We’re committed to getting federal disaster assistance dollars into these communities, so they're available when needed the most.”

The PA grant program supports communities’ recovery from major disasters with assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures and restoring public infrastructure.

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 11/30/2022 - 13:17

Flood insurance Payments Top $1M for Puerto Rico Policyholders

San Juan, Puerto Rico — In just over two months, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has distributed more than $1M in claims payments to policyholders as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Fiona. Flood-insured survivors with home damage from the storm who haven’t filed a claim yet are encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to do so as soon as possible.

Important Reminders:

• The Proof of Loss Deadline has been extended from 60 to 180 calendar days from the date of loss (Sept. 17, 2022 – Sept. 20, 2022) to allow enough time for NFIP policyholders to evaluate their damage and the adjuster’s reports. The Proof of Loss is a policyholder’s sworn statement of the amount that they are claiming, including necessary supporting documentation like a building damage estimate and personal property loss inventory list.  
• The Renewal Grace Period has been extended for policies with expiration dates beginning August 17, 2022, through and including October 15, 2022. NFIP policyholders who want to take advantage of the grace period should contact their agent or insurance company to discuss their policy within 90 days of their policy expiration date.

Those who don’t have contact information for their agent or insurance company may call 1-877-336-2627. For more information about the NFIP or how to file a claim, contact your insurance provider or visit FloodSmart.gov.

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 11/30/2022 - 13:07

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of West Virginia to supplement local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from Aug. 14-15, 2022.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in Fayette County.

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

Jeffrey L. Jones has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

Damage assessments are continuing in other areas and additional counties may be designated for assistance after the assessments are completed.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/29/2022 - 23:15

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of West Virginia to supplement local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from July 12-13, 2022.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in McDowell County.

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

Jeffrey L. Jones has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

Damage assessments are continuing in other areas and additional counties may be designated for assistance after the assessments are completed.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/29/2022 - 18:02

Complete su solicitud de préstamo si FEMA lo refirió a SBA

St. Clair County, Ill. – La Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) está aceptando solicitudes hasta el 16 de diciembre de residentes en el condado de St. Clair, Illinois, cuya vivienda o propiedad personal sufrió daños por las inundaciones de julio. Hasta ahora, se han otorgado más de $18 millones en asistencia federal.

Usted puede haber recibido notificación de que su solicitud también estaba siendo referida a la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios de EE. UU. (SBA) para obtener un préstamo por desastre a bajo interés, después de haber solicitado asistencia de FEMA. Si bien la situación de cada persona es diferente, si usted es referido a SBA para obtener un préstamo por desastre es muy importante que lo solicite, incluso si cree que no califica para un préstamo. He aquí por qué.

Si se le aprueba un préstamo a bajo interés de SBA, podría usar el dinero para:

• Daños que no estaban cubiertos por el seguro.

• Reemplazar o reparar su residencia principal.

• Reemplazar o reparar ropa, muebles, automóviles o electrodomésticos dañados.

SBA trabajará con usted para proporcionar un préstamo que se ajuste a su presupuesto personal.

Si no se le aprueba un préstamo a bajo interés de SBA, SBA enviará su solicitud de vuelta a FEMA. Los equipos de FEMA volverán a trabajar en su nombre para ver qué otros fondos pueden estar disponibles para usted.

Las solicitudes de préstamo se pueden entregar en línea, en disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. (enlace en inglés) También puede enviarla por correo postal a:

U.S. Small Business Administration

Processing and Disbursement Center

14925 Kingsport Rd.

Fort Worth, TX 76155-2243

Para obtener información adicional, comuníquese con el Centro de Servicio al Cliente de SBA al 800-659-2955 o TTY 800-877-8339, o envíe un correo electrónico a disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Para solicitar asistencia de FEMA, visite disasterassistance.gov/es. También puede llamar al 800-621-3362 o descargar la aplicación móvil de FEMA en una tableta o teléfono inteligente. Los representantes de FEMA también están disponibles en persona en los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC).

Los DRC están ubicados en:

• Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center: 6755 State St., East St. Louis, Illinois 62203
  • Horario: lunes a viernes, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., sábado, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., cerrado los domingos
• Caseyville Village Hall: 909 South Main St., Caseyville, Illinois 62232
  • Horario: lunes a sábado, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., cerrado los domingos

La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia por desastre de FEMA es el 16 de diciembre de 2022.

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o estatus económico. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sufrido discriminación, llame a FEMA al número gratuito 833-285-7448. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otros, proporcione a FEMA el número de ese servicio. Hay operadores multilingües disponibles (presione 2 para español y 3 para otros idiomas).

Para actualizaciones de FEMA, síganos en Twitter @FEMAregion5, y active las notificaciones móviles (enlace en inglés). Visite la página web del desastre en www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4676

Para actualizaciones sobre desastres de la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias de Illinois (IEMA), siga a @ReadyIllinois en Twitter, Facebook e Instagram y active las notificaciones móviles. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continúa siendo una fuente única para ayudar a los residentes de Illinois a encontrar información fácilmente y recursos relacionados con el desastre. (enlaces en inglés)

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

nicole.wilson Tue, 11/29/2022 - 14:28

FEMA Applicants Referred to SBA are Encouraged to Complete Loan Application

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, IL -- FEMA is still accepting applications through Dec. 16 from people in St. Clair County, Illinois, whose home or personal property was damaged by the July floods. More than $18 million in federal assistance has already been awarded so far.

You may have applied for FEMA assistance and were told your application was also being referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a low-interest disaster loan. While each person’s situation is different, if you are referred to the SBA for a disaster loan, it’s very important that you apply, even if you don’t think you qualify for a loan. Here’s why.

If you are approved for a low-interest SBA loan, you could use the money for:

• Damages that weren’t covered by insurance.
• Replacing or repairing your primary residence.
• Replacing or repairing damaged clothing, furniture, cars, or appliances.

The SBA will work with you to provide a loan that fits your personal budget.

If you are not approved for an SBA low-interest loan, the SBA will send your application back to FEMA. FEMA teams will then go back to work on your behalf to see what other funding may be available to you.

Loan applications can be submitted online at disasterloan.sba.gov. Applications can also be mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration

Processing and Disbursement Center

14925 Kingsport Rd.

Fort Worth, TX 76155-2243

For additional information, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. You may also email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

To apply for FEMA assistance, go to disasterassistance.gov. You may also call 800-621-3362 or download the FEMA app on a tablet or smartphone. FEMA representatives are also available in-person at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC).

The DRCs are located at the:

• Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center: 6755 State St., East St. Louis, IL 62203
  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Closed Sundays
• Caseyville Village Hall: 909 South Main St., Caseyville, IL 62232
  • Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Closed Sundays

The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is December 16, 2022.

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

For disaster updates from FEMA, follow @FEMAregion5 on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4676.

For disaster updates from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), follow @ReadyIllinois on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and turn on mobile notifications. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continues to be a go-to, single source to help Illinois residents easily find information and disaster-related resources.

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

nicole.wilson Tue, 11/29/2022 - 14:23

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Seminole Tribe of Florida Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA announced that additional disaster assistance is available to the Seminole Tribe of Florida by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures undertaken as a result of Hurricane Ian, beginning Sept. 23, 2022, and continuing.

The time period for 100% federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, has been extended for an additional 30-day period through Nov. 22, 2022.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 11/28/2022 - 22:17

St. Clair County, Illinois Disaster Recovery Center Hours Change Monday, Nov. 28

The St. Clair County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) hours will change at both locations starting Monday, November 28.

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

Hours beginning Monday, November 28

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed on Sundays 

Caseyville Village Hall 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

Hours beginning Monday, November 28

Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed on Sundays 

If a DRC is not open, homeowners and renters can also apply for assistance or check the status of their application by calling 1-800-621-3362, going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, or downloading and applying on the FEMA App.

For disaster updates from FEMA, follow @FEMAregion5 on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4676.

For disaster updates from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), follow @ReadyIllinois on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and turn on mobile notifications. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continues to be a go-to, single source to help Illinois residents easily find information and disaster-related resources.

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

nicole.wilson Mon, 11/28/2022 - 18:46

Horario de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre del condado de St. Clair, Illinois cambia el lunes, 28 de noviembre

El horario de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre del condado de St. Clair (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) cambiará en ambas ubicaciones a partir del lunes, 28 de noviembre.

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

Horario a partir del lunes, 28 de noviembre

lunes a viernes: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

sábado: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cerrado los domingos 

Caseyville Village Hall 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

Horario a partir del lunes, 28 de noviembre

lunes a sábado: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cerrado los domingos 

Si un DRC no está abierto, los propietarios e inquilinos también pueden solicitar asistencia o verificar el estado de su solicitud llamando al 1-800-621-3362, ingresando en línea a disasterassistance.gov/es, o descargando y solicitando en la aplicación móvil de FEMA.

Para actualizaciones de FEMA sobre desastres, siga a @FEMAregion5  en Twitter y active las notificaciones móviles. Visite la página web del desastre en www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4676.

Para actualizaciones sobre desastres de la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias de Illinois (IEMA), siga a @ReadyIllinois en Twitter, Facebook e Instagram y active las notificaciones móviles. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continúa siendo una fuente única para ayudar a los residentes de Illinois a encontrar fácilmente información y recursos relacionados con el desastre. (enlaces en inglés)

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

nicole.wilson Mon, 11/28/2022 - 18:41

Horario de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre del condado de St. Clair, Illinois cambia a partir de la próxima semana

St. Clair County, Ill. – El horario de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) del condado de St. Clair cambiará en ambas ubicaciones a partir de la próxima semana.

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

Horario a partir del lunes, 28 de noviembre

lunes a viernes: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

sábado: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cerrado los domingos 

Caseyville Village Hall 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

Horario a partir del lunes, 28 de noviembre

lunes a sábado: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cerrado los domingos 

Si un DRC no está abierto, los propietarios e inquilinos también pueden solicitar asistencia o verificar el estado de su solicitud llamando al 1-800-621-3362, ingresando en línea a disasterassistance.gov/es, o descargando y solicitando en la aplicación móvil de FEMA.

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o estatus económico. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sufrido discriminación, llame a FEMA al número gratuito 833-285-7448. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otros, proporcione a FEMA el número de ese servicio. Hay operadores multilingües disponibles (presione 2 para español y 3 para otros idiomas).

Para actualizaciones de FEMA sobre desastres, siga a @FEMAregion5  en Twitter y active las notificaciones móviles. Visite la página web del desastre en www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4676.

Para actualizaciones sobre desastres de la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias de Illinois (IEMA), siga a @ReadyIllinois en Twitter, Facebook e Instagram y active las notificaciones móviles. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continúa siendo una fuente única para ayudar a los residentes de Illinois a encontrar fácilmente información y recursos

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

nicole.wilson Mon, 11/28/2022 - 18:38

St. Clair County, Illinois Disaster Recovery Center Hours Change Starting Next Week

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. – The St. Clair County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) hours will change at both locations starting next week.

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

Hours beginning Monday, November 28

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed on Sundays 

Caseyville Village Hall 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

Hours beginning Monday, November 28

Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed on Sundays 

If a DRC is not open, homeowners and renters can also apply for assistance or check the status of their application by calling 1-800-621-3362, going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, or downloading and applying on the FEMA App.

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

For disaster updates from FEMA, follow @FEMAregion5 on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4676.

For disaster updates from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), follow @ReadyIllinois on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and turn on mobile notifications. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continues to be a go-to, single source to help Illinois residents easily find information and disaster-related resources.

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

nicole.wilson Mon, 11/28/2022 - 18:35

St. Clair County, Illinois Disaster Recovery Center Hours Change Monday, Nov. 28

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. – The St. Clair County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) hours will change at both locations starting Monday, November 28.

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center 6755 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

Hours beginning Monday, November 28

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed on Sundays 

Caseyville Village Hall 909 South Main Street, Caseyville, Illinois 62232

Hours beginning Monday, November 28

Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed on Sundays 

If a DRC is not open, homeowners and renters can also apply for assistance or check the status of their application by calling 1-800-621-3362, going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, or downloading and applying on the FEMA App.

For disaster updates from FEMA, follow @FEMAregion5 on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4676.

For disaster updates from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), follow @ReadyIllinois on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and turn on mobile notifications. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continues to be a go-to, single source to help Illinois residents easily find information and disaster-related resources.

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

nicole.wilson Mon, 11/28/2022 - 18:23

Federal Support for Hurricane Ian Nears $3 Billion; FEMA Extends Deadline for Applications

WASHINGTON -- More than $2.97 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments has been provided to the state of Florida and to households after Hurricane Ian, with FEMA providing $769 million to households and $358 million to the state for emergency response. The U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $1 billion in disaster loans, while the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $793 million in claims.

FEMA also recently announced it has extended the period for applications from survivors to Jan. 12, 2023.

How FEMA is helping Floridians:

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida. 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 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 261,000 homes and interacted with more than 129,000 survivors in counties designated for Individual Assistance.
• 33 Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in impacted areas, with more than 75,000 visits by survivors.
• FEMA is providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance in 26 counties to survivors eligible for temporary hotel stays. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,807 households with 4,430 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 231,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• FEMA is providing temporary housing to eligible Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee and Sarasota 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 billion in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee and Seminole counties.
• As of Nov. 28, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 44,700 flood insurance claims and paid more than $793 million to policyholders.
• 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 the hurricane 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.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 11/28/2022 - 17:55

FEMA Awards Over $6.7 Million to Cape Cod Hospital for COVID-19 Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $6.7 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Cape Cod Hospital for the costs of testing and purchasing medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $6,702,490 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the non-profit regional medical center located in Hyannis for providing 35,413 tests between June 2020 and September 2021, as well as the cost of purchasing testing supplies, temperature screening supplies, and medical gowns.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Cape Cod Hospital with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and our success as a nation.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.4 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 11/28/2022 - 15:35