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Disaster Recovery Center at C.L. Taitano Elementary School to Close July 14
The Disaster Recovery Center located at C.L. Taitano Elementary School will close permanently at 5 p.m. July 14, as the school will be making necessary arrangements for the upcoming new semester. The remaining Disaster Recovery Centers are still open during their regular hours.
Center
Location
Address
Hours
DRC 1
1 Sesame St., Building E,
Mangilao, GU 96913
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday,
9 a.m. -2 p.m., Saturday
Close, Sunday
DRC 2
Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School520 Harmon Loop Road,
Dededo, GU 96929
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday,
9 a.m. -2 p.m., Saturday
Close, Sunday
DRC 3
C.L. Taitano Elementary School170 Bien Venida Ave., Cafeteria,
Hagatna, GU 96910
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday,
9 a.m. -2 p.m., Saturday
Close, Sunday
Permanently Close at 5 p.m., July 14
At a Disaster Recovery Center, you can learn more about FEMA and other federal disaster assistance programs, understand any letters you get from FEMA, get answers to your questions about application, or get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistances.
Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is not your only option to apply for FEMA assistance. Guam residents whose homes were damaged by the Typhoon Mawar can apply for FEMA assistance, get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA Mobile App or calling 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.
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.
To view an accessible video about how to apply, please visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.
felicia.jordan Mon, 07/10/2023 - 01:48Public Squares Have FEMA Funds for Repairs
San Juan, Puerto Rico – With its theatrical performances and music events for residents and visitors, Los Fundadores Public Square in the Municipality of Santa Isabel represents one of the most important meeting places of the town. This is one of several plazas to which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted funds to boost the economic and social development of the area.
Irma Bermúdez, a resident of Santa Isabel, recalls with great enthusiasm the renowned artists who have performed in this plaza. She also said that what she enjoys most about visiting the plaza today is "the camaraderie, seeing friends and telling anecdotes."
Likewise, the Deputy Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, Andrés García Martinó, highlighted the great meaning that these areas have for Puerto Rican families. “For many years they were the commercial backbone of the municipalities and today they are part of the history of their towns, while they continue to contribute to socioeconomic development. With these funds, we seek to support renovations that continue to create opportunities for the residents of their communities,” he said.
The Municipality of Santa Isabel has over $557,000 for repairs to Los Fundadores. Some of the work already completed includes the replacement of sidewalks; the construction of a new stage and new tables in the kiosk area; and the installation of artificial grass in the grounds.
Meanwhile, the public plaza in the Municipality of Naguabo also benefited from agency awards for repairs. Nearly $47,200 will be used to paint several components of the plaza — such as the benches, fountain and stage — and to replace the granite floor tiles, among other work.
"The investment made has not only had a tangible impact on the aesthetics and functionality of our plaza, which is the heart of our town, but along with our economic and social development efforts, it has also fostered a greater sense of belonging and pride among our citizens," said Naguabo Mayor Rafael J. Burgos Santiago.
Naguabo's public square is the second largest in all of Puerto Rico. The town's original aqueduct is part of its history and today it is one of the five fountains on this structure. Other historical monuments include the statue of one of Puerto Rico's first comedians, Ramón Rivero, better known as Diplo.
The Municipality of Barranquitas also received obligations for its public square. Over $47,000 will be used for lighting, ornamental trashcans and the replacement of a glass skylight.
In that regard, Mayor Elliott Colón Blanco said, "It is of the utmost importance for us to maintain our facilities in optimal conditions for the benefit of our constituents and the thousands of people who visit our beautiful plaza".
To date, FEMA has awarded over $30.6 billion for over 10,700 Public Assistance projects aimed at rebuilding a more resilient Puerto Rico. Of this, over $3.8 billion are earmarked for over 6,400 municipality reconstruction projects throughout the island.
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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.
Los Fundadores Public Square, Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico
SANTA ISABEL, Puerto Rico (July 3, 2023) – The Plaza Los Fundadores is one of several plazas to which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted funds to boost the economic and social development of the area. Photo FEMA/Lorraine Valle Rodríguez
Los Fundadores Public Square, Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico
SANTA ISABEL, Puerto Rico (July 3, 2023) – The Municipality of Santa Isabel has over $557,000 for repairs to Los Fundadores. The Los Fundadores Public Square in the Municipality of Santa Isabel represents one of the most important meeting places of the town. Photo FEMA/Lorraine Valle Rodríguez
manuel.deleon Sun, 07/09/2023 - 16:49
FEMA to Host #SummerReady Webinar for Stakeholders Next Week on Extreme Heat Preparedness, Mitigation Projects
WASHINGTON -- In support of FEMA's first ever #SummerReady campaign, the agency will host two webinars this summer for state, local, tribal and territorial officials to help stakeholders promote preparedness and resilience against extreme heat events.
The webinars will highlight the collective efforts across several federal agencies to address this issue and identify specific types of hazard mitigation projects that can effectively combat extreme heat.
"Our priority remains to engage our local, state, tribal and territorial partners on the mitigation tools and resources available that address the deadliest climate threat we know – extreme heat," said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. "I strongly encourage our emergency management partners to attend this webinar which will empower them to better help their communities both prepare for extreme heat and build resilience."
During the webinars, panelists will discuss funding opportunities, such as FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, to make communities more resilient to extreme heat. Representatives from other federal agencies will discuss climate conditions and explanation of extreme heat, impacts of extreme heat on people and infrastructure, examples of successful extreme heat projects and other funding opportunities.
Speakers will include representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and FEMA. There will also be a moderated question-and-answer session.
Climate models predict that extreme heat will become more frequent and intense in years ahead. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stated that in 2022 the United States recorded the third hottest summer ever. This followed the 2021 season which tied records for the hottest summer in the country.
FEMA's #SummerReady campaign seeks to help mitigate this risk by reaching targeted populations and boosting awareness of the impacts of extreme heat, while highlighting straightforward steps individuals and families can take to prepare. This campaign will not only offer easy-to-understand messaging and safety tips for the public but will also provide government stakeholders, emergency managers and members of the media with FEMA resources they can use to communicate these risks to residents and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat events in their communities.
The first webinar will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 12, and the second webinar will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 16.
Register online at femahmawebinars.com.
mashana.davis Fri, 07/07/2023 - 22:37President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Maine
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Maine to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding from April 30-May 1.
The President's action makes federal funding available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm and flooding in Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc, Somerset and Waldo counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in all areas within the state.
William F. Roy has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.
luther.wills-dudich Fri, 07/07/2023 - 14:28President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for South Dakota
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available for the state of South Dakota to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding that occurred from April 9 to May 5, 2023.
Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in the counties of Brown, Clark, Codington, Day, Faulk, Grant, Hand, Marshall, Potter and Roberts, and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in all areas within the state.
Kenneth G. Clark has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Hours to Change at Disaster Recovery Centers
Disaster Recovery Centers in Guam will have new hours of operation starting July 9. The centers will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and closed on Sundays.
At a Disaster Recovery Center, you can learn more about FEMA and other federal disaster assistance programs, understand any letters you get from FEMA, get answers to your questions about application, or get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistances. The DRC Locator will help you find the nearest center.
Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is not your only option to apply for FEMA assistance. Guam residents whose homes were damaged by the Typhoon Mawar can apply for FEMA assistance, get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA Mobile App or calling 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.
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.
To view an accessible video about how to apply, please visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.
felicia.jordan Fri, 07/07/2023 - 03:51FEMA Seeking Properties to Support Disaster Survivors
FEMA is looking for property management companies and owners who have furnished properties that are ready to be leased. These properties can include various types, such as vacation rentals, corporate apartments, second homes, single-family homes, cooperatives, condominiums, townhouses, and other types of readily fabricated dwellings. Additionally, FEMA is also interested in evaluating apartments within multi-family structures that may require moderate repairs and can be restored within four months, including adding accessibility modifications, using federal funding.
There is no fee for participation.
Interested parties are required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number from the System for Award Management (SAM). It may take up to 10-15 business days before the registration becomes active in the system.
To help interested parties to register on SAM and to better understand FEMA’s Direct Lease, Multifamily Lease and Repair programs, FEMA will host an Industry Day event, 9:30-10:30 a.m., July 11, at Guam Museum in Hagåtña. Pre-registration online is required for the in-person event. All registration requests must be completed by July 10. Due to limited capacity for in-person participation or webinar attendance, each company is allowed a maximum of two participants.
Follow-up questions must be submitted no later than 2 p.m., July 13, 2023. Please send your questions to FEMA-DR-4715GU-DL@fema.dhs.gov or FEMA-DR-4715GU-MLR@fema.dhs.gov. Questions and answers from the webinar may be posted to SAM at a later date.
FEMA may enter into a lease agreement with the property owner and pay rent based on the Fair Market Rent rates identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Guam. Property management companies are responsible for:
- Establishing a lease agreement with the property owner or apartment manager on behalf of FEMA in accordance with FEMA terms and conditions.
- Handling all eviction proceedings.
- Ensuring regular documented maintenance and oversight of leased units.
- Covering all utilities and providing furnishings for the apartments or single-family homes that they provide.
- Providing monthly status reports of all properties leased on behalf of FEMA (informing FEMA of damage, move-outs, vacant units and evictions within 72 hours).
For Multifamily Lease and Repair properties, the following requirements must be met:
- The property must be previously used as a multifamily housing complex and contain two or more rental units.
- The property should be repairable within four months.
Other criteria and more detailed information can be found in the Requests For Information (RFI), which have been posted in SAM: Direct Lease RFI, Multifamily Lease and Repair RFI.
Responses and comments to the RFIs are due 5 p.m., July 23. Interested parties should monitor this site for additional information or future solicitations.
The Federal Service Desk can provide more support via live chat or by phone at 1-866-606-8220.
For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.
felicia.jordan Fri, 07/07/2023 - 01:30FEMA Encourages Communities to Purchase Flood Insurance Ahead of Peak Hurricane Season
Supports Increased Accessibility through Multilingual Campaigns
WASHINGTON -- In an effort to meet people and communities where they are, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) launched its summer-long 2023 hurricane campaign on June 19, with outreach to diverse communities in some of the nation’s hardest-hit areas that are frequently impacted by devastating floods.
The campaign aims to encourage diverse populations to learn about the benefits of flood insurance and the importance of protecting the lives they have built. This hurricane season campaign includes advertising placements and media outreach in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas, all states with a history of hurricanes.
To maximize and diversify its community outreach, the National Flood Insurance Program identified the top three languages spoken, in addition to English, in every state within the campaign area. The languages are Chinese, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. This effort aligns with FEMA’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan of instilling equity as a foundation of emergency management because it’s focused on removing barriers and enhancing accessibility to FEMA programs.
“Floods represent the number one natural hazard threat facing our nation, destroying lives and causing billions of dollars in damage last year alone,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “These threats, exacerbated by climate change, can be particularly devastating for underserved communities. As peak hurricane season approaches, we encourage all residents to recognize their risk and understand that in addition to wind and storm surge, rainfall and flooding from these events can be just as catastrophic.”
“Flood insurance, which is often not covered by homeowners or renters insurance, can be the difference between recovery and financial devastation, and it is the best way to protect your home, property and the life you’ve built,” said senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program David Maurstad. “In order to effectively communicate this risk, we must meet people where they are, in languages they understand, and communicate messages that resonate with them and their families, and that’s exactly what this year’s hurricane flood insurance campaign is all about.”
This year’s campaign theme—Keep Home—encourages potential policyholders to position flood insurance as a way to show love for their community by protecting their property with flood insurance. This is because flood insurance enables policyholders to protect their property and more quickly jumpstart their recovery from the nation’s most common and destructive threat.
The 2023 hurricane campaign includes strategic placement of radio, web and digital advertisements across various platforms, as well as interviews with local radio and television outlets. More than 353 counties are expected to receive coverage and the National Flood Insurance Program is also producing a video in American Sign Language to educate deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals on the importance of flood insurance. The video will also be amplified on FEMA's social media accounts.
Disasters impact people and communities differently. Underserved communities, which often include those whose first language is not English, can experience differences in how prepared they are to respond to disasters, how well their homes may have been adapted to mitigate against local hazards and how quickly their communities might be able to resume social and economic life after a major event.
The flood insurance program recognizes it can work toward improving outcomes that benefit all communities to prepare for the nation’s most common and costliest disasters. Reaching diverse audiences will help make America more flood resilient and build a culture of preparedness by closing the nation’s insurance gap.
Importance of Flood Insurance
The National Flood Insurance Program provides about $1.3 trillion in coverage to more than 4.7 million policyholders across the nation.
Just one inch of water in a home can cost roughly $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners and renter's insurance does not cover damage caused by flooding.
Flood insurance is the best defense against the nation’s most reoccurring natural disaster, enabling policyholders to recover from flooding more quickly and fully.
Find a flood insurance provider online at floodsmart.gov.
luther.wills-dudich Thu, 07/06/2023 - 19:00FEMA Approves More Than $173 Million to Florida Division of Emergency Management
LAKE MARY, Fla. – FEMA Public Assistance has approved $173,113,639.73 to reimburse the Florida Division of Emergency Management for emergency protective measures following Hurricane Ian.
In response to Hurricane Ian, FDEM utilized contract services to purchase 8,550 non-congregate sheltering (NCS) travel trailer units which were placed on commercial or private property for individuals and families displaced by the hurricane. The contracts also included assistance for movement of the travel trailers, call center support for registration, case management, NCS transportation management, and project management.
As of July 3, 2023, Public Assistance grants for Hurricane Ian applicants in Florida total $1.2 Billion.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. These funds support the removal of debris, costs of emergency protective measures and restoration of public facilities, helping disaster survivors resume life in their communities.
Applicants work with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) after final approval. Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to complete the grant process and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/infoand fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
bree-constance… Thu, 07/06/2023 - 15:26President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for North Dakota
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available for the state of North Dakota to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding that occurred from April 10 to May 6, 2023.
Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in the counties of Barnes, Burke, Dickey, Dunn, Golden Valley, Grand Forks, Hettinger, LaMoure, McHenry, Mercer, Morton, Mountrail, Nelson, Pembina, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Towner, Walsh and Wells.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Kenneth G. Clark has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
luther.wills-dudich Thu, 07/06/2023 - 13:38FEMA Funding Low-Carbon Materials in Public Assistance Projects in Guam
FEMA is starting to fund low-carbon materials in public assistance projects, thanks to the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The presidential declaration of Typhoon Mawar in Guam is the first instance that this initiative is being put into action.
The IRA was signed into law on Aug. 16, 2022, and it provides an opportunity for FEMA to support state, tribal, territorial and local partners in their efforts to build resilient communities and reduce climate effects by encouraging investments in greenhouse-gas reduction strategies, such as the use of low-carbon materials.
The low-carbon materials eligible for funding through Public Assistance are limited to concrete, asphalt, glass and steel. These four materials have been recognized as significantly more eco-friendly compared to conventional options, particularly in terms of their potential impact on climate change. FEMA may fund the use of certain low-carbon materials in disasters declared between May 22, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2026, even if the cost associated with low-carbon materials may be more expensive than conventional materials.
This initiative may benefit various public assistance projects in Guam, for instance, applicants for FEMA public assistance may consider replacing wooden power poles damaged by Typhoon Mawar with concrete alternatives.
It is important to note that the use of low-carbon materials in public assistance projects is optional and depends on the applicant's choice. To take advantage of this initiative, applicants for FEMA public assistance should provide comments in “My projects” section of FEMA's Grants Portal, indicating their interest or intention of using the low-carbon materials. Recipients of FEMA public assistance grants can work with the assigned program delivery manager to maximize the inclusion of low-carbon materials in their project applications.
Governmental agencies in Guam and certain nonprofits that were affected by Typhoon Mawar will have more time to apply for FEMA public assistance to help pay for debris removal, protective measures, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, etc. The deadline to apply for FEMA public assistance has been extended to July 15.
More Information
- Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
- IRA Implementation Memo for Section 70006
- Inflation Reduction Act IRA 70006 For SLTT - YouTube
- Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities | FEMA.gov
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) | FEMA.gov
- Federal Buy Clean Initiative
For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visitour website.
felicia.jordan Thu, 07/06/2023 - 03:27FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Diamond Fire
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) regional administrator authorized the use of federal funds on June 27 to assist the state of Arizona to combat the Diamond Fire burning in Maricopa County.
On June 27, the state of Arizona submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). At the time of the request, the fire threatened 100 homes in and around Scottsdale and required the mandatory evacuation of more than 1,100 people. The fire also threatened a fire station, horse barns, golf courses and the McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to become a greater incident.
Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.
For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.
robert.barker Wed, 07/05/2023 - 20:11FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight McEwan Fire in Washington
BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the McEwan Fire burning in Mason 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 Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at 11:28 p.m. PT. He determined that the McEwan Prairie Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the second FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight wildfires in Washington.
At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the community of Shelton. The fire also threatened highways, local ancillary roads, Mason County PUD infrastructure, Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines, Burlington-Santa Fe rail lines, communications towers, parks and hiking trails, and numerous businesses contributing to the manufacturing, mining, and agricultural industries.
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 Wed, 07/05/2023 - 19:47Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Hays County, Texas
DENTON, Texas – Revised Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review in Hays County, Texas. 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 periods.
The following 90-day appeal and comment periods will begin on or around July 5, 2023:
Appeals and comments may be submitted through Oct. 3, 2023, for:
- Cities of Buda, Kyle and San Marcos; Village of Bear Creek; and the unincorporated areas of Hays County
Comments only may be submitted through Oct. 3, 2023, for:
- Cities of Austin, Hays and Mountain City
The following 90-day appeal and comment period will begin on or around July 6, 2023:
Appeals and comments may be submitted through Oct. 4, 2023, for:
- Cities of Dripping Springs, Wimberley and Woodcreek
Residents 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 Wed, 07/05/2023 - 17:54Stay in Touch with FEMA
LAKE MARY, Fla. – If you applied for FEMA assistance after the Broward County severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, ensure that FEMA has your current contact information. FEMA may need to contact you for additional information.
If your contact information has changed, you should update your FEMA application immediately.
To update your information, you can create an account at DisasterAssistance.gov and click the green icon titled “Check Status,” and follow the prompts to create an account or access your account. You can also call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET, seven days a week.
Applicants should update FEMA concerning changes in insurance, current housing situation, phone number, mailing address and your payment preference. Missing or incorrect information could delay the financial assistance you may be eligible to receive. When contacting FEMA, refer to the nine-digit number assigned to you when you applied.
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… Wed, 07/05/2023 - 14:41FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Tunnel Five Fire in Washington
BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Tunnel Five Fire burning in 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 2, 2023, at 10:01 p.m. PT. He determined that the Tunnel Five Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the first 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 Underwood. The fire also threatened businesses, Skamania County Public Utility District infrastructure, Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines, fish hatcheries, and campgrounds and recreational facilities. Additionally, a Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation warning was issued for the nearby city of White Salmon.
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 Mon, 07/03/2023 - 19:11$1 Billion in FEMA Public Assistance Supports Florida Recovery from Hurricane Ian
LAKE MARY, Fla. – In nine months since Hurricane Ian struck Florida, FEMA Public Assistance has approved $1 billion in funding for emergency response, debris removal and repair or replacement of public facilities.
The most recent obligation of $22 million reimbursed Charlotte County for debris removal.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. These funds support the removal of debris, costs of emergency protective measures and restoration of public facilities, helping disaster survivors resume life in their communities.
Applicants submitted 6,323 projects for federal reimbursement. Some of the projects, large and small, approved to date include:
- $20 million to Lee County School District for temporary power, safety inspections, debris staging, emergency infrastructure repairs, and other emergency work
- $20 million to Charlotte County School District for temporary repairs, water extraction, climate stabilization, temporary power, removal of damaged building components and other emergency work
- $5.9 million for construction of an emergency sand berm in Fort Myers Beach
- $78,000 to Sarasota Housing Authority for structural repairs
- $160,000 for structural repairs to Lee County fire stations
- $120 million to Lee County Electric Cooperative for emergency restoration of electric power
- $79 million to Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) for mosquito control after the storm
Of the funds obligated to date, $629 million were for emergency response, $328 million for debris removal and $45 million for repair or replacement of public facilities such as roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings, utilities, public parks, recreational facilities, and others.
“While we have provided $1.1 billion in assistance to households, it is equally important that FEMA help the state and communities with the cost of responding to the storm and rebuilding afterward,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Brett Howard. “FEMA Public Assistance is a long-term operation. We are working with the state and communities on restoring city halls, libraries, fire stations, public beaches, schools – all kinds of facilities that serve the public.”
“The Division continues to work diligently with our federal partners to help impacted communities and survivors recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian.” said FDEM Executive Director/State Coordinating Officer Kevin Guthrie. “I want to thank FEMA for their continued support and partnership throughout the recovery process.”
Applicants work with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval, at a minimum 75 percent cost share. Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to complete the grant process and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
FDEM and FEMA continue to review proposed projects.
For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/infoand fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
bree-constance… Mon, 07/03/2023 - 15:46FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Open July 4 and July 21
To better serve the survivors of Typhoon Mawar, all Disaster Recovery Centers throughout Guam will be open on Independence Day (July 4) and Liberation Day (July 21).
At any Disaster Recovery Center, survivors can learn more about FEMA and other federal disaster assistance programs, understand any letters they receive from FEMA, get answers to their questions about their application, or referred to agencies that may offer additional assistance. Center locations and hours are listed below or use the DRC Locator to find the nearest recovery center.
- Guam Community College: Building E, 1 Sesame St. Mangilao, GU 96913.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
- Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School: 520 Harmon Loop Rd. Dededo, GU 96929
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
- CL Taitano Elementary School: 170 Bien Avenida Ave. Sinajana, GU 96910
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Inalåhan Mayor’s Office/Community Center: 719 San Jose Ave. Inalåhan, GU 96917
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is not the only option to apply for FEMA assistance. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, download FEMA app to their cellphone, or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages.
For more information on Guam’s recovery from Typhoon Mawar, visit fema.gov/disaster/4715. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 9 (@femaregion9)/Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
felicia.jordan Mon, 07/03/2023 - 00:53Inalåhan Disaster Recovery Center to Close July 5, Help is Still Available
Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense, FEMA and the Village of Inalåhan, will close the Disaster Recovery Center in Inalåhan, but help is still available.
The following Disaster Recovery Center will cease operations at the close of business July 5, 2023.
- Inalåhan Mayor’s Office/Community Center: 719 San Jose Ave. Inalåhan, GU 96917
DRC Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Although this center is closing, that does not mean FEMA is leaving. Survivors whose homes were damaged by the Typhoon Mawar can still get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process or check the status of their claim the following ways:
- Visit any remaining DRC located at Guam Community College, Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School or C.L. Taitano Elementary School;
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362;
- Log into their account at DisasterAssistance.gov; or
- Use the FEMA Mobile App
If you haven’t applied for federal disaster assistance yet, please do so at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, by calling 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.
felicia.jordan Mon, 07/03/2023 - 00:28Investing in America: FEMA Administrator Highlights Climate Resilient Infrastructure Investments Provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
WASHINGTON -- In support of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell traveled to Michigan to discuss critical infrastructure investments FEMA is making to make communities more resilient to climate-fueled disasters. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FEMA was provided with nearly $7 billion to help communities reduce disaster loss and suffering by helping them build with resilience.
Later in the week, the Administrator spoke with Washington Post Live about extreme weather events, disaster preparedness and what the Biden-Harris Administration is doing to help communities adapt to the “crisis of our generation.”
FEMA Administrator Criswell speaks with Washington Post Live on Disaster Preparedness | C-SPAN.org
“And with the additional funding that's coming through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it's really giving us a lot of opportunity to go out and help these communities with these larger system-based, community-wide projects that are going to have a broader impact,” said FEMA Administrator Criswell.
In Michigan, Administrator Criswell met with tribal leaders from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, as well as the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, to discuss emergency preparedness and funding opportunities for mitigation and climate resilience grants available for tribes.
Last month, FEMA announced $160 million in additional funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for states, local communities, tribes, territories and the District of Columbia to build climate and disaster resiliency, including the selection of more than 400 resilience projects and activities. This funding included $54 million set-aside for Tribal Nations that applied.
FEMA Administrator Criswell, Region 5 Administrator Thomas C. Sivak and FEMA Tribal Affairs Advocate Kelbie Kennedy meet with Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in Michigan. (FEMA Photo)
FEMA Administrator Criswell and FEMA’s Tribal Affairs Advocate Kelbie Kennedy discuss disaster resilience with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Michigan. (FEMA Photo)
During her visit to Michigan, the Administrator further highlighted this Administration’s commitment to investing in America during a keynote speech at an event hosted by AFFEW Friends for the Environment at the West Shore Community College. During her remarks, the Administrator focused on climate change, emergency management and the critical infrastructure investments provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law designed to help communities build resilience.
Specifically, the Administrator showcased several mitigation projects in the region that have benefitted from FEMA mitigation funding, protecting people and property from climate change and associated extreme weather events.
“Through multibillion-dollar investments in our mitigation programs like Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, President Biden and Congress have helped provide the tools and resources we need to reduce the cost and timeline of disaster recoveries,” said Administrator Criswell.
FEMA Administrator Criswell delivers keynote remarks on climate change and mitigation at West Shore Community College in Michigan. (FEMA Photo)
luther.wills-dudich Fri, 06/30/2023 - 18:33Pages
