FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Windsor County

WILLISTON, Vt. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open August 4 in Springfield to help Vermont residents affected by the floods kickstart their recovery. The joint DRC, a temporary facility established in partnership between Springfield, the state of Vermont and FEMA, will help survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents and answer questions in person.

The Springfield center is located at:

Springfield Health Center
100 River Street
Springfield, VT 05156

Centers are already open at:

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676

ASA Bloomer Building
88 Merchants Row, Suite 330
Rutland, VT 05701

Barre Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Flood Brook School
91 VT-11
Londonderry, VT 05148

Twinfield Union School
106 Nasmith Brook Road
Plainfield, VT 05667

Barton Memorial Building
17 Village Square 
Barton, VT 05822

All are open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and access and functional needs, and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 1-833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish). 

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be at the center to explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits, and provide information about rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

You don’t need to visit a DRC to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.  Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

thomas.wise Fri, 08/04/2023 - 11:05

Debris Update: School Mission Completed, Residential Debris Mission Ramps Up

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Typhoon Mawar debris mission for public schools has already completed debris removal from 41 schools across the island. USACE has completed this mission well ahead of their projected Aug. 8 completion date.

Two companies were contracted to carry out the debris removal project Environmental Chemical Corp. (ECC) and Pacific Federal Management (PFM). These contractors were hired by USACE to conduct the school debris mission at no cost to the schools.

Upon completion of the school debris mission, these contract teams will continue to shift to residential debris removal. Due to faster than expected progress residents in the following villages and communities should begin sorting and placing their debris in the right of way immediately.

Debris Operations Ongoing Aug. 3 through Aug. 9 in:

• Tiyan (Barrigada) 
• Wustig Rd. (Dededo) 
• Ypao (Tamuning)
• Piti

Debris Operations Begin Aug. 5 or Aug. 6 in:

• Southern School (Sånta Rita-Sumai)
• Tumon (Tamuning)
• Hågat 
• Inalåhan
• Malesso’
• Humåtak
• Sinajana
• Talo’fo’fo
• Yona

Guam residents are asked to please separate debris by type and place it within the right of way (ROW) within 10 ft of the curb prior to the start of pick-up.

Eligible storm related debris includes: vegetative debris, large appliances, construction and demolition debris and metal (cans, tin.)  

Debris should not block the roadway, fire hydrants, powerlines, utilities or transformer boxes.  In addition, debris should not be blocked by parked cars, abandoned cars, or by other means.

To make the process quick and efficient there will be separate trucks for each category of eligible debris (debris refinement, vegetative debris, appliances, construction and demolition debris and metal.) These trucks may arrive at different times in the clean-up process.

The residential debris project is a free program available for all residential properties including apartments and condominiums.

While debris assessment and refinement teams are already in the communities listed above, there is still time to sort and set your debris in the right of way (ROW). Residents are encouraged to complete their debris sorting and staging as soon as possible to make sure they can take advantage of this service. 

Households will be responsible for safely disposing of ineligible debris. Certain forms of ineligible debris may be taken to one of the three Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA) residential transfer stations in Harmon, Hagåt, and Malojloj. Transfer station operation hours are Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A nominal fee is required for disposal of household trash.

Residents are urged to dispose of their solid waste properly. Illegal dumping is a violation of Guam law. In accordance with 10 GCA §51115(b), illegal dumping is subject to fines of up to $1,000 per day, per violation, along with the clean-up cost associated with the violation.

For an FAQ answering common questions about the debris mission visit: 

U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Debris Mission FAQ | FEMA.gov

For more information on proper debris separation visit Debris Removal Guidelines for Residential Property (fema.gov)

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, please visit our website. 

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

felicia.jordan Thu, 08/03/2023 - 20:20

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Jackson County, Arkansas

DENTON, Texas – Revised Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review in Jackson County, Arkansas. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.

The 90-day appeal and comment period will begin on or around Aug. 3, 2023.

Appeals and comments may be submitted through Nov. 1, 2023, for:

• The cities of Campbell Station, Diaz and Tupelo; the towns of Jacksonport and Weldon; and the unincorporated areas of Jackson County.

Residences may submit an appeal if they consider modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. 
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information — such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary — they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv 
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov.

alexa.brown Thu, 08/03/2023 - 13:26

FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for Oct. 4, 2023

Test Messages Will be Sent to All TVs, Radios and Cell Phones

WASHINGTON -- FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall.

The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.

FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.

The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11. 

The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones. 

This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).

All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:

• Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message. 
• For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
• Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration. 

Important information about the EAS test:

• The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers.
• The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 08/02/2023 - 21:10

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Orleans County

WILLISTON, Vt. – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opens at 8 a.m., Aug. 3 in Barton in Orleans County to help Vermont residents affected by the floods kickstart their recovery. The joint DRC, a temporary facility established in partnership between Barton, the state of Vermont and FEMA, will help survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents and answer questions in person.

The Barton center is located at:

Barton Memorial Building 

17 Village Square 

Barton, VT 05822 

 

Centers are already open at:

Twinfield Union School
106 Nasmith Brook Road
Plainfield, VT 05667

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676

ASA Bloomer Building
88 Merchants Row, Suite 330
Rutland, VT 05701

Barre Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Flood Brook School
91 VT-11
Londonderry, VT 05148

All are open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.                            

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

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be at the center to explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits, and provide information about rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

You don’t need to visit a DRC to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.  Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination.  FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

thomas.wise Wed, 08/02/2023 - 20:29

New Hours of Operation at Disaster Recovery Center

Effective today, the Disaster Recovery Center located at Guam Community College will be extending its hours of operation. The new hours are as follows:

 

Location

Address

Hours

Guam Community College

 

1 Sesame St., Building E,

Mangilao, GU 96913

8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday, 

9 a.m. -5 p.m., Saturday,

Closed, Sunday 

 

These expanded hours will provide greater convenience for survivors seeking in-person assistance from FEMA. 

Although the deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance has passed, the Disaster Recovery Center at Guam Community College remains open to provide vital support for ongoing recovery efforts.  You can learn more about FEMA and other federal disaster assistance programs, understand any letters you get from FEMA, get answers to questions about your application, or get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistances. 

Disaster Recovery Centers are barrier-free and provide equal access to all visitors. If you use American Sign Language or assistive technology, and if you need accommodations to communicate, please notify FEMA staff at the center immediately.

Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is not your only option to contact FEMA. You can visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA Mobile App, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. (The Helpline is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week at no cost for Guam residents). Help is available in many languages. 

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.  

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook. 

felicia.jordan Wed, 08/02/2023 - 13:01

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Porterville

A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Porterville to help residents affected by the severe winter storms. 

The center is located at:

Tule River Justice Center 

Conference Room 138

129 South Reservation Road 

Porterville, CA 93257

Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Specialists at the center will be able to help survivors with their FEMA applications and provide information on SBA low-interest loans and other available assistance. No appointment is needed.

However, residents don’t have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to sign up for FEMA assistance. They can go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators can assist in many languages. The Helpline is available from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PDT. Anyone using the video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others will need to give FEMA their number for that service. 

For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhl . 

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

jasmine.fields Tue, 08/01/2023 - 19:28

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Monroe County, WV

PHILADELPHIA- FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Monroe County, West Virginia. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period. 

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. 

The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around August 3, 2023. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. 
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Richard Miller, Senior 911/EOM Director, Monroe County, rmiller@monroecountywv.gov. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: www.arcgis.com

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov. 

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

1. Monroe County Flood Mapping Milestones

• May 31, 2022 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
• October 31, 2022— Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
• December 8, 2022 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
• On or Around August 3, 2023 –Appeal Period starts.
• June 2025* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

 

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

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

erika.osullivan Tue, 08/01/2023 - 19:26

FEMA to Highlight Hazard Mitigation Projects Nationwide, Announce Additional Climate Resilience Funding During Disaster Resilience Month

WASHINGTON -- To celebrate Disaster Resilience Month, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will travel across the country to highlight community mitigation projects nationwide throughout the month of August. 

During August, the agency will also announce the final project selections for the FY2022 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities and Flood Mitigation Assistance annual grant programs, along with funding allotments for the 2023 funding cycle for both programs. In total, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $7 billion for FEMA to help communities build resilience and reduce disaster loss and suffering, including $900 million last funding cycle.

“Helping people before, during and after disasters starts with ensuring communities across the country have the resources they need to build with resilience. That’s why this Disaster Resilience Month we will be hitting the road to showcase hazard mitigation projects that protect people and property from natural disasters,” said Administrator Criswell. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we will be able to make these historic investments in communities nationwide.”  

FEMA will also announce the preliminary Community Disaster Resilience Zone designations so federal financial support can target resilience projects that will help communities reduce the impact of climate change and other natural hazards. FEMA regions will also host local events highlighting the importance of climate resilience. 

Follow along on FEMA.gov for announcements and related content regarding this month’s activities, grant selections and funding announcements. 

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 08/01/2023 - 14:39

FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding and Repair Tips at New Sites in Guam

As part of a continued effort to help residents in Guam rebuild following Typhoon Mawar, FEMA Mitigation specialists are offering free tips and advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer at several locations around the island. 

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance staff will also be on-hand to help with FEMA registration case review, application status check, and more. 

Each site will have an Assistive Listening Device for customers who may have hearing difficulty.  

The joint team of Mitigation and Disaster Survivor Assistance will be present at the following locations on the following dates: 

 

 

Benson Do it Best 

(Mongmong-Toto-Maite) 

Pay-Less Supermarket (Mangilao) 

  

Pay-Less Supermarket  

(Maite) 

 

779 Route 8, 

Maite, Guam 96913 

 

121 Jesus Mariano Street 

Mangilao, Guam 96913 

 

751 Chalan Machaute 

Maite, Guam 96910 

Saturday, July 29 through Friday, Aug. 11 

Saturday, July 29 through Friday, Aug. 5 

 

  Saturday, July 29 through    

        Friday, Aug. 4 

 

Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Monday, off 

 

Tuesday-Saturday ,8 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Sunday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. 

Monday, off 

 

Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Sunday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. 

Monday, off 

 

FEMA is still here in Guam to help Typhoon Mawar survivors, even after the July 28 deadline for FEMA Individual assistance registration. If you were unable to register for FEMA assistance prior to the deadline, you may be able to a submit a late application.  

If you need to update information for your application, or check the application status, please visit the Discovery Recovery Center at Guam Community College, log onto disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or call 800-621-3362 (The Helpline is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week at no cost for Guam residents).  

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.   

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.  

felicia.jordan Tue, 08/01/2023 - 01:39

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Eagle Bluff Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. -  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Eagle Bluff Fire burning in Okanogan County, Washington. 

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at 8:55 a.m. PT. He determined that the Eagle Bluff Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the fifth FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight Washington wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the community of Oroville. The fire also threatened public buildings, businesses, utilities, an airport, golf course, multiple parks, recreational facilities, local roads, vineyards, orchards, farms, water reservoirs, U.S. Border Patrol communication towers and Canadian high pressure natural gas pipeline. 

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire. 

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $1,225,032 will be available to Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.  

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

 

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

mary.j.edmon Tue, 08/01/2023 - 00:39

FEMA Approves $5.6 Million for Debris Removal in Mayfield

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA has approved more than $5.6 million for the city of Mayfield to cover costs associated with an additional phase of storm debris removal after the emergency mission of clearing streets, common areas and public rights of way was completed following the Dec. 10-11, 2021 storms and tornadoes.

During the incident period, severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and tornadoes made landfall with force winds, heavy rain and storm surge, tossing debris across the city. This created a public health and safety threat.

FEMA will now reimburse Mayfield for the cost of removing 106,152 cubic yards of vegetative, construction, and demolition debris from roads and public property, including rights of way and canals. To put that into perspective, a cubic yard is the equivalent of 27 cubic feet. A measurement of 106,152 cubic yards equates to more than 42,460 standard size pickup trucks, each hauling a full load of trash.

The storm debris was initially taken to a permitted temporary debris staging and reduction site. From there, it was removed to two permitted final disposal areas. 

FEMA Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program. Due to the magnitude of damage caused by this storm, President Biden authorized a cost share reimbursement of 90 percent federal funding for this project. All work and expenses took place between July 1, 2022, and Sept. 15, 2022. It is important to note FEMA does not oversee debris removal missions, but it does cover many of the costs.

For more information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema. 

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 07/31/2023 - 20:13

FEMA Hosts Hurricane Season Media Tour Ahead of the Peak Part of Season

PHILADELPHIA – On July 31st, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 3 hosted a media tour of the Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) led by Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney to highlight the importance of preparedness ahead of the peak of hurricane season. 

Region 3 Administrator MaryAnn Tierney talks about hurricane preparation during media tour of the Regional Response Coordination Center. 

In June, the National Weather Service issued its 2023 Hurricane Season outlook, which predicted a near-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, with most activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October.

Peak season storms such as Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020 and Hurricane Ida in September 2021 had devastating impacts on parts of the region including Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Hurricanes are not just a coastal threat. They can bring heavy rain, flooding, and high winds to communities inland as well.   

“Hurricanes today are developing faster and intensifying more rapidly than they have in the past,” said FEMA Region 3 Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “We’re seeing more tornadoes across the mid-Atlantic than we have in the past as well as increased risk of inland flooding far from the coast. Individuals and communities should know their risk and start planning now for how to get emergency information and what to do when severe weather strikes.

Preparedness is a whole community effort. FEMA works year-round in close partnership with state and local emergency managers to ensure individuals and communities are prepared for when storms hit the region. It only takes one storm to change your life and your community.  That’s why FEMA is encouraging residents to take action now ahead of severe weather. 

“Preparing your family today means you’ll be ready when severe weather strikes,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Ensure your family is ready by creating plan, packing a go-bag, and knowing your evacuation route.”

 

Some of the tips for residents and businesses include: 

• Know your flood risk. Just because you don’t live near the coast doesn’t mean you’re not at risk of hurricanes or the remnants of tropical systems. The remnants of tropical systems can also bring tornadoes, extreme rainfall, and life-threatening flooding to areas hundreds of miles inland from the coast. 
• FEMA’s Ready Campaign recently published a low and no-cost preparedness webpage with tips to help preparedness for a variety of disasters and emergencies. 
• The FEMA App allows you to receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters in your area, prepare for common hazards, and more.
• Building your emergency supply kit over time, starting with items you may already have in your home -- like a flashlight, extra batteries, copies of important documents, water and non-perishable food.
• Take family members with access and functional needs into account. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters. Ready.gov/disability has additional resources to help in these planning considerations.
• Storing important documents and items like passports, birth certificates, maps and electronics in a flood-safe place, like a high shelf or upper floor in resealable water-tight plastic bags to help waterproof them. 
• Your pets are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan. Ready.gov/Pets has additional considerations for how to prepare your family pets. 
• If you have insurance, now is the time to review your policies. Not all policies are the same, so review them to understand what coverage you have. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance.
• FEMA’s Ready Business Hurricane Toolkit helps business owners take action to protect employees, protect customers, and help ensure business continuity as well.
• Visit Ready.gov/hurricane for specific additional tips to prepare for hurricane systems.

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

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

erika.osullivan Mon, 07/31/2023 - 17:57

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Plainfield

WILLISTON, Vt. – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open in Plainfield on July 31 to help Vermont residents affected by the floods kickstart their recovery. The joint DRC, a temporary facility established in partnership between Plainfield, the state of Vermont and FEMA, will help survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents and answer questions in person.

The Plainfield center is located at:

Twinfield Union School
106 Nasmith Brook Road
Plainfield, VT 05667

Centers are already open at:

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676

ASA Bloomer Building
88 Merchants Row, Suite 330
Rutland, VT 05701

Barre Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Flood Brook School
91 VT-11
Londonderry, VT 05148

All are open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and access and functional needs, and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 1-833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish). 

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be at the center to explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits, and provide information about rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

You don’t need to visit a DRC to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.  Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination.  FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

thomas.wise Mon, 07/31/2023 - 16:14

Over $150 Million from FEMA for Repairs to the El Maestro Hospital

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated $151.6 million to El Maestro Hospital, institution that has served the communities of San Juan since 1960, for permanent work on its structure due to damage following the impact of Hurricane María.

Following the award, the hospital will be able to address repairs that include the installation of a central air conditioning system for the entire building. They will also replace parts of the infrastructure and electrical equipment, remedy mold problems, repair the stucco and paint the structure.

The award includes nearly $6.2 million to prevent similar damage from future weather events. Among the measures, the roof slope will be corrected to improve drainage; and windows and doors will be replaced with high-impact resistant units.

“Hospital institutions are part of the country's essential services, especially during emergency season. This award to the El Maestro Hospital will support a strengthened and suitable infrastructure that will sustain the work of health professionals and the medical services that have been offered here for over 60 years,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

Meanwhile, the hospital’s executive director, Yarimir Rodríguez Díaz, explained that the institution is located in an extremely privileged area, since it is in the center of Hato Rey, next to Las Américas highway and shopping malls. The residents of around six neighboring homes for the elderly — such as Égida del Maestro, La Merced, Perpetuo Socorro and Égida de los Abogados — also benefit from the services of the medical institution.

El Maestro Hospital treats patients requiring hospitalization and outpatient care; it has a pediatric and adult emergency room, and an operating room for general and orthopedic surgery. Other services include oncology, urology, gastroenterology, physical and respiratory therapy, laboratory, imaging center and biopsy center.

The institution has approximately 300 employees and has an impact on some 150 indirect jobs, which does not include its suppliers and service providers, according to the executive director.

“El Maestro Hospital is a community hospital, so it would have been very difficult for us to get those funds to make the improvements that our patients and visitors need. All these improvements we are making will definitely result in a safer service. With the service we offer, which is a quality service that distinguishes us, patients will feel much more comfortable coming to Hospital del Maestro,” said Rodríguez Díaz.

To date, FEMA has awarded nearly $30.7 billion for over 10,700 Public Assistance projects aimed at rebuilding a more resilient 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 Mon, 07/31/2023 - 00:25

Clean and Sanitize Assistance Available for Flood-Damaged Homes

If your home was damaged by Vermont’s recent floods but you can still live in it safely, FEMA may be able to provide up to $300 to help with cleanup. This Clean and Sanitize Assistance is intended to help homeowners and renters quickly address contamination from floodwaters to prevent additional losses and safety concerns.

You may qualify for Clean and Sanitize Assistance if:

• You live in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham or Windsor County.
• Based on a FEMA inspection, your home has disaster damage; or, if you are a renter, the inspection notes cleanup actions are needed or have already been done.
  • If you have already cleaned up, save your receipts from any supplies, materials or paid help.
• The damage is not covered by your insurance.
• FEMA determines your disaster-damaged primary residence is safe to occupy.

For advice about what to do if your house has mold, visit fema.gov/fact-sheet/mold-problems-and-solutions.

To register for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call 1-800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination.  FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

adrien.urbani Sun, 07/30/2023 - 15:09

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Opens in Londonderry

WILLISTON, Vt. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Londonderry on July 28 to help Vermont residents affected by the floods kickstart their recovery. The joint DRC, a temporary facility established in partnership between Londonderry, the state of Vermont and FEMA, will help survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents and answer questions in person.

The Londonderry center is located at:

Flood Brook School
91 Vermont – 11
Londonderry, VT 05148

Centers are already open at:

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676

ASA Bloomer Building
88 Merchants Row
Rutland, VT 05701

Barre Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

All are open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and access and functional needs, and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 1-833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish). 

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be at the center to explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits, and provide information about rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

You don’t need to visit a DRC to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.  Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination.  FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

thomas.wise Fri, 07/28/2023 - 20:25

FEMA Mitigation Funds Help Homeowners Rebuild Stronger

LAKE MARY, Fla. – To date 1,928 Florida homeowners have received funds from FEMA to rebuild their homes stronger after the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes in Broward County.

As part of its commitment to increase resilience, FEMA has provided more than $628 thousand for mitigation assistance to homeowners.

Homeowners who are approved for home repair assistance through the agency’s Individuals and Households Program may receive additional funds for specific mitigation measures. Funding for mitigation measures is awarded for owner-occupied primary residences with specific damaged items and causes of damage. For more information visit: Hazard Mitigation Under the Individuals and Households Program | FEMA.gov

 Because disasters can happen unexpectedly, taking steps to strengthen, repair and rebuild is vital for community and personal resilience. The following mitigation measures may be covered for eligible applicants:

• Roof repair to withstand higher wind speed and help prevent water infiltration.
• Elevating a water heater or furnace to avoid future flood damage.
• Elevating or moving an electrical panel to avoid future flood damage.

These measures will allow homeowners to reduce disaster damage in the future and the likelihood that future federal assistance will be needed.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Broward County severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4709. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Fri, 07/28/2023 - 19:43

FEMA Obligates $9 Million to Rebuild Nebraska Rodeo

Nebraska’s largest rodeo is getting its historic structures rebuilt after suffering major damage from May 2022 severe storms that resulted in a Presidential Disaster Declaration. 

Severe storms and straight-line winds affected multiple Nebraska counties on May 12, 2022. The Garfield County Frontier Fair Association, also known as the Burwell Rodeo, sustained major damages to its north grandstand and other structures. Almost immediately, the Burwell Rodeo began working with Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a thorough damage assessment of the impacts. Once the disaster declaration was received, these partners expanded upon their work and the Rodeo submitted an application for FEMA public assistance to rebuild.

“It’s incredibly important for all of us to work together to make sure we rebuild responsibly and quickly after a disaster,” FEMA Region 7 Administrator Andrea Spillars said. “It’s wonderful to see this federal, state, and local partnership achieve real results that will benefit the community.”

FEMA obligated $9.08 million to rebuild the north grandstand, just in time to celebrate the opening of their 2023 season. Of the approximately $9 million awarded for the project, the federal share is $7.35 million, State of Nebraska share is $1.225 million, and local share is $1.225 million.

Burwell Rodeo held its opening night on July 27 with Governor Jim Pillen kicking off the celebration and announcing the obligation.

“There is cause to celebrate,” said Erv Portis, NEMA Deputy Director. “Thanks to FEMA and NEMA staff, and our local partners at Garfield County, the Burwell Rodeo’s historic structures will be reborn and ready for the next 100 years of Nebraska’s Big Rodeo.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides grants to state and local governments and certain non-profit entities to assist them with the response to and recovery from disasters. Specifically, the program provides assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent restoration of infrastructure.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 07/28/2023 - 19:05

Starting Soon: Five Villages Added for Residential Mawar Debris Removal

As The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues working to collect Typhoon Mawar related residential debris throughout the island of Guam, residential pick-up will begin in Santa Rita, Umatac and Yigo on July 31. Pick-up will begin in Dedado on Aug. 1 and in Inalåhan Aug. 4. Residents in these villages are encouraged to separate debris by type and place it within the right of way (ROW) within 10 ft of the curb prior to the start of pick-up. 

Although this program is beginning this week in certain parts of the island, exact dates for each village will be communicated on a local level and debris should not be placed in the ROW until the community is notified.

The speed and success of the mission will depend on residents properly sorting the debris prior to contractors arriving. All storm debris must be sorted by residents into four categories (vegetative debris, large appliances, construction and demolition debris and metal) and brought to the ROW.

Debris should not block the roadway, fire hydrants, powerlines, utilities or transformer boxes.  In addition, debris should not be blocked by parked cars, abandoned cars, or by other means.

It is important to sort and place debris in the ROW prior to the pick-up date listed for your village to avoid missing the crews that will be working their way through the community. 

To make the process quick and efficient there will be separate trucks for each category of eligible debris (debris refinement, vegetative debris, appliances, construction and demolition debris and metal.) These trucks may arrive at different times in the clean-up process.

This is a free program available for all residential properties including apartments, condominiums.

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.  

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook. 

felicia.jordan Fri, 07/28/2023 - 11:50