FEMA Meeting Arkansans Where They Are

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – After a disaster, recovering from and dealing with loss can be overwhelming.

To ensure Arkansans can apply for assistance, FEMA sends Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews into disaster-affected neighborhoods, often going door-to-door to help residents.

DSA crews are currently visiting neighborhoods in Benton and Boone counties but will be visiting other disaster-affected counties. The FEMA staff may help Arkansans apply for federal assistance, identify potential needs and help make connections with local, state, federal and voluntary agencies.

These crews will be easily recognizable by their official photo identification (ID). If you meet people offering assistance, first ask to see their ID before giving them your personal information. They may have FEMA clothing, but that can be easily imitated. 

The FEMA crews can help Arkansans in these counties several ways including:

• Checking the status of an application already in the system and making minor changes to applications.
• Making callouts to faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, private sector (businesses) and public libraries that may have the capability to distribute disaster-related information to residents in the impacted counties.
• Identifying organizations providing disaster-related services and/or resources to the public for immediate and long-term recovery.
• Gathering situational awareness about impacts to communities.
• Providing flyers explaining how to apply for disaster assistance.
• Providing civil rights and disability integration assistance information to ensure equal access.

Survivors can apply to FEMA in several ways including going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central 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.

Crews will continue visiting neighborhoods damaged by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that began May 24 to May 27. Representatives may also attend community events or meetings upon request.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4788. Follow FEMA Region 6 at X.com/FEMARegion6 or at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

alexa.brown Wed, 06/05/2024 - 16:49

Rebuilt Bridges Already Support their Communities’ Resilience

Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO - The towns of Barranquitas, Jayuya, San Sebastián and Villalba have four bridges that were rebuilt with funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and have proven to be resilient by resisting the onslaught of several natural disasters since their repair.

Nearly $13 million from the agency supported the reconstruction of this infrastructure, where runoff from Hurricane María practically destroyed the original bridges.

To strengthen them and prevent residents from losing access to their communities in the event of future disasters, funding under the agency’s Public Assistance Program included over $8.6 million to address hazard mitigation. This allowed for the redesign and reconstruction of structures — originally low water crossings with integrated culverts — into concrete and steel bridges.

“These projects are a sample of permanent works already completed, where mitigation funds were invested to build improved structures that proved to be more resistant and safer for the residents of these communities,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

One of the municipal bridges transformed by the federal investment is the low water crossing in the Abrahonda sector at the Cibao neighborhood of San Sebastián. FEMA allocated nearly $5.2 million for this project, as the original structure was destroyed by the strong currents of the Guajataca River during Hurricane María. About $4.8 million of the total funds were to replace the remaining bridge with an elevated bridge.

The secretary of the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP), Eileen M. Vélez Vega, explained that the mitigation works for this infrastructure have two main objectives: to increase resilience to future natural disasters and to meet the transportation needs of the communities.

FEMA also allocated funds to repair a low water crossing in the Cerro Gordo sector of the Caonillas Abajo neighborhood in Villalba. FEMA obligated nearly $2.3 million to rebuild the structure that was destroyed by the continuous rains from Hurricane María.

“This caused an unprecedented emergency by leaving the Cerro Gordo community and adjacent areas cut off from assistance during and after the emergency,” said Orlando J. Negrón García, Villalba municipal secretary. This bridge is used by residents of the communities of Cerro Gordo, La Cruz and Quebrada María sectors of Villalba; and part of the municipality of Coamo that borders this region.

The low water crossing was replaced with a two-lane elevated bridge that allows runoff to flow in the event of heavy rains. Nearly $1.2 million of the total funds for this project addressed these hazard mitigation measures. 

“The new bridge in the Cerro Gordo community resulted in relief and peace of mind for families residing in the area, as they have the certainty that in the event of a future weather event they will be able to access the road and not be cut off,” said Negrón García. 

Likewise, a bridge located on state highway PR-770 in Barranquitas was rebuilt to withstand future floods and hurricanes. FEMA allocated over $3.6 million to DTOP to demolish the concrete low water crossing and over $2 million of these funds allowed it to be converted into an elevated bridge with a pedestrian sidewalk that allows the natural flow of the Cañabón River. 

Finally, over $1.7 million supported the reconstruction of another low water crossing in the Mameyes neighborhood of Jayuya, which was devastated by runoff from Hurricane Maria. Nearly $700,000 went specifically to replace the bridge.

The executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, said that “thanks to the allocation of these funds and the diligence of the municipalities and the Department of Transportation and Public Works, these roads and bridges were reconstructed, thus making the road infrastructure more resilient. According to the Quarterly Progress Report, which covers the months of January to March 2024, there are 2,358 road reconstruction projects that are in the design acquisition to construction stages and represent a global investment of approximately $1.2 billion. Meanwhile, 986 others valued at $170.6 million have been completed.” 

To date, FEMA has allocated over $2.4 billion for more than 3,000 bridge and roadway projects across Puerto Rico.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

 

 

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 06/05/2024 - 14:34

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Cordell

OKLAHOMA CITY – A Disaster Recovery Center will open Wednesday, June 5, in Washita County to help Oklahoma residents affected by the April 25 - May 9 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding continue their recovery.

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

The center will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 5-8 and June 10-11 (closed Sunday) at:

Washita County Activity Center
1005 E. Third St.
Cordell, OK 73632

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

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

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

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

alexa.brown Wed, 06/05/2024 - 14:31

FEMA Approves More Than $1.1M for Perry County Board of Education to Replace School Contents

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA has approved more than $1.1 million in federal funding to reimburse the Perry County Board of Education for its response to the Eastern Kentucky floods on July 26, 2022.

FEMA approved $1,134,539 to replenish the interior contents of Buckhorn School, which was inundated with more than 6 feet of flood waters. These funds will help to replace furnishings, schoolbooks, computers and other contents destroyed by the floods.

The federal share for this Public Assistance project is 75% of the eligible costs, with the remaining 25% coming from other sources.

FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the Commonwealth. It is the Commonwealth’s responsibility to ensure that the eligible sub-recipients receive these awards. Following the Commonwealth's review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, they will reimburse the sub-recipients.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including eligible houses of worship.

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

sandra.habib Wed, 06/05/2024 - 12:38

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opening in Pleasant Hill

FEMA is opening a Disaster Recover Center Wednesday, June 5 in Polk County:

Riley Resource Group

4400 E. University Avenue

Pleasant Hill, IA 50327

 

Hours:

Wednesday, June 5 – 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 6 to Saturday, June 8 – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

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

To save time, apply online or by phone before visiting a DRC by:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Calling FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Using the FEMA app

If you need help, FEMA staff will be on hand to help. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI.

Disaster Recovery Centers are physically accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistance and adaptive technology such as amplified phones, caption phones, video phones, wheelchair ramps and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.

thomas.wise Tue, 06/04/2024 - 23:45

Disaster Assistance Tops $1 Million for West Virginia Survivors

DR-4783-WV NR-004
FEMA News Desk: 215-931-5597
FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

News Release

Disaster Assistance Tops $1 Million for West Virginia Survivors

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Less than two weeks after President Joe Biden issued a major disaster declaration for West Virginia, more than $1 million has been approved for homeowners and renters affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides of April 2-6, 2024.   

That total includes more than $675 thousand in housing assistance, to help homeowners and renters with expenses such as temporary housing and essential home repairs. Additionally, more than $417 thousand has been approved for other needs assistance, which covers expenses such as transportation, childcare and medical and dental costs. More than 756 households and businesses have registered with FEMA to date. 

“FEMA is pleased and proud to be able to help West Virginians recover from the devastation of those early April storms,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Jeff Jones. “We’re especially pleased to see how the updates to the Individual Assistance program have helped more people get funding they need in a faster and easier way.”

To date, five housing inspectors have completed more than 300 inspections of disaster-damaged properties to verify damage.

Federal disaster assistance is available to residents of 11 counties: Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, Marshall, Nicholas, Ohio, Putnam, Wayne and Wetzel. 

• The State and FEMA have opened two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Kanawha and Nicholas counties, with Putnam and Wetzel counties scheduled to open this week, and more opening soon. The centers report 114 visitors to date. The DRCs are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The centers and addresses are below:

Kanawha County Disaster Recovery Center 

Tyler Mountain Fire Department

5380 Big Tyler Road 

Charleston, WV 25313

Hours of operation:

Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

PLEASE NOTE: The Kanawha County DRC site will be open through Saturday, June 8. Future sites serving Kanawha County will be announced weekly as the locations are established.

Nicholas County Disaster Recovery Center

Nicholas County Office of Emergency Management

449 Water Street

Summersville, WV 26651 

Hours of operation:

Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

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

The fastest and easiest way to apply for assistance is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov

In support of the State of West Virginia, FEMA has deployed six Disaster Survivor Assistance teams to canvass shelters and visit storm-damaged homes in hard-hit areas to register people and answer their questions about disaster assistance. 

Other help available to individuals:

• Additional Disaster Recovery Centers will be opening in impacted counties. Visit the FEMA DRC Locator page for more details on open centers in West Virginia.
• For those who lost work as a result of the storms, Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available. For more information, visit Work Force West Virginia at workforcewv.org 

Disaster assistance grants from FEMA are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps and several other programs. Disaster grants are just that—grants that do not have to be paid back to the government.

One of FEMA’s federal partners in disaster recovery, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property. 

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online via SBA’s secure website at http://www.sba.gov/disaster. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

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

###

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

Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

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

 

issa.mansaray Tue, 06/04/2024 - 21:11

Disaster Assistance Tops $1 Million for West Virginia Survivors

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Less than two weeks after President Joe Biden issued a major disaster declaration for West Virginia, more than $1 million has been approved for homeowners and renters affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides of April 2-6, 2024.   

That total includes more than $675 thousand in housing assistance, to help homeowners and renters with expenses such as temporary housing and essential home repairs. Additionally, more than $417 thousand has been approved for other needs assistance, which covers expenses such as transportation, childcare and medical and dental costs. More than 756 households and businesses have registered with FEMA to date. 

“FEMA is pleased and proud to be able to help West Virginians recover from the devastation of those early April storms,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Jeff Jones. “We’re especially pleased to see how the updates to the Individual Assistance program have helped more people get funding they need in a faster and easier way.”

To date, five housing inspectors have completed more than 300inspections of disaster-damaged properties to verify damage.

Federal disaster assistance is available to residents of 11 counties: Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, Marshall, Nicholas, Ohio, Putnam, Wayne and Wetzel. 

• The State and FEMA have opened two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Kanawha and Nicholas counties, with Putnam and Wetzel counties scheduled to open this week, and more opening soon. The centers report 114 visitors to date. The DRCs are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The centers and addresses are below:

1. Kanawha County Disaster Recovery Center 

Tyler Mountain Fire Department

5380 Big Tyler Road 

Charleston, WV 25313

Hours of operation:

Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

 

PLEASE NOTE: The Kanawha County DRC site will be open through Saturday, June 8. Future sites serving Kanawha County will be announced weekly as the locations are established.

1. Nicholas County Disaster Recovery Center

Nicholas County Office of Emergency Management

449 Water Street

Summersville, WV 26651  

Hours of operation:

Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

 

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

The fastest and easiest way to apply for assistance is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov

In support of the State of West Virginia, FEMA has deployed six Disaster Survivor Assistance teams to canvass shelters and visit storm-damaged homes in hard-hit areas to register people and answer their questions about disaster assistance. 

Other help available to individuals:

• Additional Disaster Recovery Centers will be opening in impacted counties. Visit the FEMA DRC Locator page for more details on open centers in West Virginia.
• For those who lost work as a result of the storms, Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available. For more information, visit Work Force West Virginia at workforcewv.org 

Disaster assistance grants from FEMA are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps and several other programs. Disaster grants are just that—grants that do not have to be paid back to the government.

One of FEMA’s federal partners in disaster recovery, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property. 

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online via SBA’s secure website at http://www.sba.gov/disaster. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

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

###

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

Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

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

amanda.hancher Tue, 06/04/2024 - 20:58

Ohioans Affected by March 14 Tornadoes: Key Reasons to Fill Out an SBA Application

COLUMBUS – FEMA partners with other agencies, such as The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), to help meet the needs of disaster survivors. If you are a homeowner, renter or business owner affected by the March 14 tornadoes, SBA may be able to offer a low-interest disaster loan to support your recovery. 

After you apply for FEMA assistance, don’t wait to apply for a loan from the SBA too. You aren’t required to apply for a SBA loan to be considered for FEMA grants, but an SBA loan could help with any unmet needs for disaster-related expenses. 

Individuals in one of Ohio’s designated counties, whose homes and property were damaged by the March 14 tornadoes, have until July 1 to apply for assistance from FEMA and the SBA.

SBA programs can help homeowners and renters, as well as large and small businesses (including apartment owners) and nonprofit agencies.

Homeowners may be eligible for up to $500,000 in low-interest loans to repair or replace their home. Renters and homeowners who lost personal goods in the disaster may be eligible to borrow up to $100,000 to replace the things they need like clothing or furniture – even a vehicle.

If you are a business owner in one of Ohio’s designated counties who was affected by the March 14 tornadoes and are in need of assistance following the disaster, there is a good chance the SBA can help, but you must apply first. 

Low-interest disaster rates are available.

SBA can offer a loan that fits your personal budget. For applicants unable to obtain credit elsewhere, the interest rates are 2.5 % for home loans, 4.0% for business loans and 2.375% for nonprofit organizations. Your first payment will not be due for 12 months, and no interest will be charged for the twelve months. You may have up to 30 years to pay and there is no pre-payment penalty or fees.

If you already have a mortgage on damaged property, SBA specialists can help with a low-interest loan you can afford. In some cases, SBA can refinance all or part of an existing mortgage.

SBA is the largest source of recovery funds.

SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. SBA disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance, FEMA grants or other resources. Survivors should not wait for an insurance settlement before submitting an SBA loan application. They may discover they were underinsured for the deductible or labor and materials required to repair or replace their home.

Funds to reduce future disaster risks may be available.

Eligible SBA disaster loan borrowers may choose to receive expanded funding to help mitigate their home or business against future disasters. SBA disaster loans can be increased up to 20% to make building upgrades.

Whether you’re recovering from a declared disaster or planning ahead and thinking about how to protect your home and family, business, and employees, mitigation assistance not only helps you rebuild and get back to business, but the money can also be used to make property improvements that eliminate future damage or save lives.

SBA approval of mitigating measures is required before any loan increase can be made. There is no cost to apply, and you are under no obligation to accept a loan if approved.

Even simple things can strengthen your home or business today to avoid damage and unplanned costs in the future.

Learn more about SBA disaster assistance a www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.  Visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4777for more information about the disaster recovery in Ohio. 

 

grace.jack Tue, 06/04/2024 - 19:20

FEMA Offers Assistance for April 2 Storms Survivors in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA is offering a wide variety of help to people affected by April 2 severe storms in Kentucky. Every homeowner or renter who suffered damage or loss is encouraged to apply. Money provided by FEMA does not have to be repaid.

FEMA can provide money to eligible applicants for help with serious needs, paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs and other needs not covered by insurance.

Money provided by FEMA may include:

• Serious Needs: Money for lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.
• Displacement: Money to help with housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while you look for a rental unit.
• Home Repair or Replacement: Money to help you repair or replace your home damaged by the disaster. The money can also help with pre-existing damage to parts of your home where the disaster caused further damage.
• Rental Assistance: Money you can use to rent housing if you are displaced from your home because of the disaster.
• Personal Property: Money to help you repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, and a personal or family computer damaged by the disaster. This can also include money for books, uniforms, tools, additional computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment.
• Child Care: Money to help you pay for increased or childcare expenses caused by the disaster.
• Transportation: Money to help you repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when you don’t have another vehicle you can use.
• Moving and Storage Expenses: Money to help you move and store personal property from your home to prevent additional damage.

Apply with FEMA Whether You Have Insurance or Not

Everyone with disaster damage should apply whether they have insurance or not.

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. Please stay in close contact with your insurance agency.

FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Only damage and needs related to the April 2 severe storms are eligible.

How to Apply with FEMA

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Call FEMA directly at 800-621-3362.
• Download and use the FEMA app.
• FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis.
• Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

For information on Kentucky’s recovery from the flooding, visit fema.gov/disaster/4782. Follow FEMA on X, formerly called Twitter, at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Tue, 06/04/2024 - 18:40

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Boyd County

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Boyd County to assist Kentucky survivors who experienced loss from the April 2 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides.

The Disaster Recovery Center is located at: Boyd County Emergency Management Office, 12327 Anthony Drive, Ashland, KY 41102. Working hours are 10 a.m. -7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Saturday; and 1-5 p.m., Sunday, Eastern Time.  

Survivors in Boyd, Carter, Fayette, Greenup, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Mason, Oldham, Union and Whitley counties can apply for FEMA assistance at the disaster recovery center. FEMA representatives will help with applications for federal assistance and provide information about other disaster recovery resources. 

FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses.

In addition to FEMA personnel, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration and agencies from the Commonwealth will be available to assist survivors.

It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in Boyd, Carter, Fayette, Greenup, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Mason, Oldham, Union and Whitley counties can go online to disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app to apply. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

sandra.habib Tue, 06/04/2024 - 18:35

Compensation for Mental Health Treatment is Available for Individuals Impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire

SANTA FE, N.M. – Individuals impacted by the Hermit’s Peak Calf/Canyon Fire are eligible to receive compensation for mental health treatment for conditions resulting from, or worsened by, the fire and subsequent flooding. Compensation can reimburse claimants for out-of-pocket medical and mental health expenses or compensate them for future mental health treatment by a licensed mental health professional. 

Individuals must submit claims for treatment by November 14, 2024. Medical and mental health conditions identified before November 14, 2024, may be eligible for advanced payments after this date with documentation showing treatments are or will be ongoing.

“The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire was devastating to the members of our community in many ways, not just their houses and land, but also their mental health,” said Jay Mitchell, Director of Operations of FEMA’s New Mexico Joint Recovery Office. “Experiencing a disaster as well as the stress of navigating recovery can have a significant impact on one’s mental wellbeing. We want all community members to know that the cost of treatment for both mental health and medical conditions caused by the fire are eligible for compensation.”

Claimants must submit supporting documentation that includes treatment costs and confirms mental health treatment is directly related to conditions resulting from, or worsened by, the fire. The Claims office will not ask for details of a claimant’s treatment or any personal medical information. Documentation examples include an explanation of benefits from a medical insurance carrier showing costs for appointments or treatments; appointment records, including dates of treatment appointments; and itemized receipts for gas to document required travel to and from treatment appointments.

In addition to mental health conditions and treatments, claimants can also submit claims for other medical expenses resulting from the fire and subsequent flooding, such as medical stays for personal injury, insurance deductibles and co-pays, medications, and transportation expenses related to medical care. 

FEMA hopes that the compensation for mental health and medical treatment will further the path to recovery for many community members. 

Questions about mental health and medical coverage can be addressed by contacting the Claims Office Helpline at 505-995-7133.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. At the time of publication, the FEMA Claims Office has paid $729 million to claimants. FEMA is only permitted to pay claims that have a signed Proof of Loss form and supporting documentation.  

Anyone impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding is encouraged to visit any one of our three Claims Offices. Visit fema.gov/disaster/current/hermits-peak/contact-us for locations and hours.

For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice.

erika.suzuki Tue, 06/04/2024 - 16:40

FEMA Recognizes National Dam Safety Awareness Day

Video Highlights Ohio Community, Recipient of $38 Million Resilient Grant for Dam Rehabilitation

WASHINGTON -- Local dam safety officials are addressing ways to prevent dam failure in communities across the nation. Dam upgrades help meet modern construction techniques and seismic activity considerations and help protect communities downstream.

This past National Dam Safety Awareness Day, FEMA posted a video highlighting how one Ohio community was recently selected for a $38 million mitigation project to strengthen the Mineral Ridge Dam.  

The improvements and modifications to this dam will provide several benefits to more than 200,000 residents in local jurisdictions between Mineral Ridge and Weathersfield Township, Ohio.  In addition, this upgrade ensures the dam can withstand the maximum flood levels from a 500-year storm. To learn more about this infrastructure upgrade project from state emergency management and local dam officials, visit FEMA’s YouTube channel. 

May 31 is a day of remembrance and in memoriam to the 2,220 people who lost their lives in the 1889 South Fork Dam failure near Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Every year, National Dam Safety Awareness Day seeks to encourage and promote individual community responsibility and best practices for dam safety. FEMA encourages government entities to continue to educate and take actions around the importance of dam safety.  

This year’s awareness day theme is Building Resilience: Safeguarding Our Nation's Dams and Empowering Communities. This complements FEMA’s Year of Resilience to enhance response capabilities at all levels of government and build local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards. 

These dam safety actions include investing in infrastructure, having routine inspections and proper maintenance, completing necessary upgrades and implement an Emergency Action Plan to protect the public health, safety and welfare of individuals and communities.

Funding for this project comes from the fiscal year 2022 funding cycle for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program where a historic $2.3 billion was available. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law -- which provides a total $1 billion to BRIC for grants in fiscal years 2022-2026, provides additional infrastructure funds to support efforts like the Mineral Ridge Dam. This type of resilience project reduces disaster impacts and minimizes future disaster costs.

In support of National Dam Safety Awareness Day, you can make a difference in your community and join FEMA in support of these efforts throughout the year.

amy.ashbridge Tue, 06/04/2024 - 14:29

Arkansans -- Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

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

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

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

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

Scams

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

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

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

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

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

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

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4788. Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

alexa.brown Tue, 06/04/2024 - 13:09

FEMA, VITEMA Complete Exercises to Prepare for Hurricane Season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Workshops during the CAPSTONE included:

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

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

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

FEMA Provides Millions for Utah Flood Recovery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The centers in Auglaize and Delaware counties are located at:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Media Advisory: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nicholas County

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

Media Advisory

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Nicholas County

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

The center is located at:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Calhoun County

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

The center is located at:

Calhoun County

Calhoun County Public Library

200 W. Mahan St

Port Lavaca, TX 77979

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

Residents in Bell,Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Eastland, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, and Waller counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.

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

Texans do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply, homeowners and renters can:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. 
• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. 
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.

For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4781. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

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

alexa.brown Sun, 06/02/2024 - 14:48

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

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

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

FEMA assistance may include: 

• Serious Needs: Money for lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation. 
• Displacement: Money to help with housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while you look for a rental unit. 
• Home Repair or Replacement: Money to help you repair or replace your home damaged by the disaster. The money can also help with pre-existing damage to parts of your home where the disaster caused further damage.
• Rental Assistance: Money you can use to rent housing if you are displaced from your home because of the disaster.
• Personal Property: Money to help you repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, and a personal or family computer damaged by the disaster. This can also include money for books, uniforms, tools, additional computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment.
• Child Care: Money to help you pay for increased or new child care expenses caused by the disaster.
• Transportation: Money to help you repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when you don’t have another vehicle you can use. 
• Moving and Storage Expenses: Money to help you move and store personal property from your home to prevent additional damage.
• Group Flood Insurance Policy: If your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area and you have flood damage caused by the disaster, FEMA may purchase a Group Flood Insurance Policy on your behalf that gives you three years of coverage.
• Clean and Sanitize Assistance: Up to $300 to help you pay for minor damage caused by the disaster to prevent additional loss and health or safety concerns. This is available if you had property damage but are not eligible for Home Repair or Replacement Assistance because FEMA determines you can still live safely in your home.

How to Apply

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

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

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

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

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

Assistance Available for Storm Survivors in Arkansas

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

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

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

Another benefit is FEMA’s Displacement Assistance which includes money to help with housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options.

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

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

Apply to FEMA

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

You may be eligible if:

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

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

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

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