Two Weeks Remain to Apply for FEMA Assistance

SPRINGFIELD – Homeowners and renters with disaster-related damage or loss from the July 13 – 16 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago counties have until Friday, December 13, 2024 to apply for assistance from FEMA.

FEMA assistance may include grants for temporary housing, basic home repair or replacement and other disaster-related expenses, such as moving and storage costs, primary vehicle repair or replacement, essential furniture and appliances, medical and dental costs, and childcare costs. Some homeowners may also be eligible for mitigation funds to help prevent storm-related loss in the future such as roof repairs to withstand higher winds or elevating a water heater, furnace or electrical panel to prevent flood damage.

Applicants with disabilities may be eligible for funds towards specific repairs or additions to make their home accessible, such as an exterior ramp, grab bars, and paved path to the home entrance. Improvements can be made even if these features were not present prior to the disaster, and they are needed due to a pre-existing disability or a disability caused by the disaster.

Remember, you must apply to be considered for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA mobile app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available to take your call; press option 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

To apply with FEMA, you must have a Social Security number and be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified non-citizen. At least one member in the impacted residence must meet this eligibility criteria to apply for assistance for the household. A parent or guardian, who doesn’t meet citizenship criteria, can apply on behalf of a minor child under age 18 who has a Social Security number and lives in the same household with them. FEMA does not share individuals’ personal information with other federal or local agencies.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is December 13, 2024. For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.

kimberly.keblish Wed, 11/27/2024 - 20:42

FEMA Opens Additional Disaster Recovery Center in Butts County

ATLANTA – FEMA is opening an additional Disaster Recovery Center in Butts County to provide one-on-one help for Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene. The center is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; it will be closed Sundays, and is scheduled to close permanently at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13.

All Georgia recovery centers will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29.

Center location:

Butts County
Butts Park & Recreation Building
(Ernest Biles Youth Center)
576 Ernest Biles Drive, Jackson, GA 30233

Additional centers are open in the following counties: 

Open Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 6 p.m.

Appling County

Appling County Agricultural Center
2761 Blackshear Highway

Baxley, GA 31513

Bryan County

Jacob Grant Teen Center

185 Ball Park Road

Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Chatham County

Savannah Technical College

Student Enrichment Center Building

5717 White Bluff Road 

Savannah, GA 31405

Coffee County

The Atrium 
114 N. Peterson Avenue 

Douglas, GA 31533

Emanuel County

Southeastern Technical College 

Special Programs Building

346 Kite Road, Building 1

Swainsboro, GA 30401

Jefferson County

National Guard Bid-EOC

1841 Hwy. 24 West

Louisville, GA 30434

Laurens County

Old West Laurens Middle School

338 West Laurens School Road 

Dublin, GA 31021

Lincoln County

Lincoln County Recreation Department

Walter T. Norman Gym

1962 Rowland-York Drive

Lincolnton, GA 30817

Lowndes County

City of Valdosta

4434 North Forrest Street Extension

Valdosta, GA 31605

McDuffie County

Thomson Depot                                           

111 Railroad St. 

Thomson, GA 30824

Richmond County

Hub for Community Innovation

631 Chafee Ave. 

Augusta, GA 30904

Screven County

Screven County Library

106 Community Drive

Sylvania, GA 30467

Tift County

Tift County Swimming Pool

202 Baldwin Drive

Tifton, GA 31794

Toombs County

Georgia Department of Human Services 

162 Oxley Drive

Lyons, GA 30436 

Washington County

Sandersville School Building Authority

514 North Harris St.

Sandersville, GA 31082

Wilkes County

Washington Fire Department (Training Room)

212 E. Court St. 

Washington, GA 30673

FEMA Mobile Registration Center location and hours

Burke County

Burke County Public Library

130 GA-24 South, Waynesboro, GA 30830

Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Dec. 7

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except Nov. 28 & 29)

Clinch County

Clinch County Elementary School

575 Wood Lake Drive, Homerville, GA 31634

Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Dec. 7

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except Nov. 28 & 29)

Dodge County

Public Safety Building

440 Legion Drive, Eastman, GA 31023

Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Dec. 7

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except Nov. 28 & 29)

Cook County 

Cook Farm Service Agency

204 East 9th St.

Adel, GA 31620

Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Nov. 30 | 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

(except Nov. 28 and 29)

To find center locations in the state, visit FEMA’s Hurricane Helene Georgia Page, FEMA’s DRC Locator or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

Homeowners and renters in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the State of Georgia and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.

If you are in an affected county, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages.

Disaster Assistance Teams are also on the ground in affected counties going door-to-door to help survivors register for assistance.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

larissa.hale Wed, 11/27/2024 - 20:17

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires from July 17 – Aug. 21, 2024. 

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the wildfires in the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. 

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

Yolanda J. Jackson has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribal Nation and warranted by the results of further assessments. 

amy.ashbridge Wed, 11/27/2024 - 18:37

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by remnants of Hurricane Helene from September 27-30, 2024. 

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Helene in Anderson, Bath, Bell, Bourbon, Bracken, Breathitt, Carter, Clark, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Greenup, Harlan, Harrison, Jackson, Johnson, Lawrence, Lee, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Owsley, Powell, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Washington and Wolfe Counties. 

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

Mary Hernandez-Marrero has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments. 

amy.ashbridge Wed, 11/27/2024 - 17:31

Hurricane Helene Flood Insurance Payments Surpasses $1 Billion

FEMA Encourages Florida Policyholders to Take Advantage of Extended Grace Period to Renew

WASHINGTON -- The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA, has paid policyholders over $1.4 billion for flood losses stemming from Hurricane Helene recovery, with over 56,000 policyholders having filed claims following the storm’s landfall.
 
FEMA estimates Hurricane Helene could potentially result in flood insurance claims losses between $3.5-$7 billion. These estimates are FEMA’s projections as of Nov. 12, 2024 and are subject to change. The losses include flood insurance claims received from six states, with the majority of claims coming from Florida.

Of the amount paid, more than $520 million of this amount has been in the form of advance payments, where policyholders may receive up to $20,000 prior to a visit from an insurance adjuster. Advance payments give policyholders flexibility to begin working on their recovery as they work the remainder of their claim.
 
“I am deeply committed to helping our policyholders prioritize financial resources to help speed their recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destruction,” said Jeff Jackson, the interim Senior Executive of the NFIP. “By extending the grace period for renewing policies, we are giving our policyholders some breathing room and demonstrating that the NFIP stands with them at time of tremendous heartache and difficulty.” 

FEMA announced on Oct. 10 that certain NFIP policyholders in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia who had flood damage from Helene had until Nov. 26, 2024, to renew their policies, an increase from the standard 30-day renewal grace period. Certain policyholders in Florida have until Dec. 10, 2024 to renew policies due to an additional extension from Hurricane Milton. 

Policyholders in Florida who wish to take advantage of the grace period should contact their agent or insurance company today. Policyholders who do not have their insurance agent or company’s contact information should call 877-336-2627 for assistance.

To learn more about how to file a flood insurance claim visit floodsmart.gov.

amy.ashbridge Wed, 11/27/2024 - 15:38

Historic Cabezas de San Juan Lighthouse Reconstructed with FEMA Funds

Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is supporting the ongoing reconstruction of the historic Cabezas de San Juan Lighthouse through an obligation of nearly $726,200 to the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust for damage following Hurricane María.

The lighthouse is located in the municipality of Fajardo and was built in 1880. In addition to its great historical value, it is a maritime navigation tool for the northeastern region of Puerto Rico.

“Projects like these that seek to preserve historical monuments, while caring for and educating about the preservation of our flora and fauna, are essential for the survival of our ecosystem. Our mission is for future generations to enjoy the natural beauty that defines our culture,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José Baquero.

The Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve has eleven terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including the bioluminescent lagoon (Laguna Grande), the surrounding forest, and an extensive network of reefs and seagrass beds. The organization receives between 50,000 and 60,000 visitors a year of all ages, both local visitors and tourists.

The superintendent of the Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve, Johanna Santiago Torres, explained that the organization’s mission is to protect 33 percent of Puerto Rico’s ecosystems by 2033, in collaboration with the federal and local government, private entities and the communities surrounding these spaces.

The lighthouse is one of the sites visited as part of the reserve’s tours and is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Regarding the ongoing repairs, Santiago Torres said that the restoration of the facilities strengthens the protection of ecosystems and guarantees safe spaces for environmental education, research and Puerto Rico’s natural resources.

In addition to helping reduce high temperatures and mitigate the effects of climate change, the superintendent highlighted that it is important to preserve Cabezas de San Juan because of the ecosystems that live there and because it is an oasis for the different migratory, endemic and native species that arrive. “It is very important for the community, for the people who visit us, to have a space where they feel connected to nature, because we, human beings, are part of nature, so these spaces serve for that, to connect.”

The repairs funded by the agency include the replacement of the roof waterproofing and drainage system, bricks and beams, as well as the replacement of doors, windows and wooden floors, and interior and exterior painting.

For the observatory located at the top of the lighthouse, repairs are being worked on for the floor beams, the wooden floor deck and the railing. Meanwhile, the boardwalk area will be replaced with pine wood.

Environmental interpreter Leonor Alicea Rodríguez, who has worked for the Reserve for 22 years, said that each tourist experience will depend on what people want to see or learn. “What I like about interpreting is the diversity of audiences that gives me the opportunity to present different topics or elements. With all these new climate change issues, the second restoration of the lighthouse has opened doors and knowledge that we didn’t have before,” she said.

The allocations for the lighthouse include mitigation funds to waterproof the structure, prevent corrosion and strengthen the facilities against strong winds. The reconstruction will preserve all physical and visual aspects of the original lighthouse, including design, color, workmanship and material.

To date, FEMA has approved nearly $34.3 billion for more than 11,000 projects that address the reconstruction of Puerto Rico following Hurricane María. Of these funds, the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust has over $8.1 million for the reconstruction of 16 permanent work projects.
 

manuel.deleon Wed, 11/27/2024 - 13:31

Farm Recovery Centers Will Open in Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Polk and Suwannee Counties

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The State of Florida, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and FEMA are coordinating one-day Farm Recovery Centers in Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Polk and Suwannee counties. These events have been organized to provide support for farmers affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. The Farm Recovery Centers will help Florida’s agriculture and aquaculture producers learn about disaster recovery assistance available after the hurricanes. 

USDA, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rural Development, FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration, Florida Commerce and other agencies will be onsite to answer questions about grants, loans and other resources available to support farm recovery.  

The centers will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

• Hamilton County on Dec. 3: The Ernest Courtoy Civic Center, 1129 NW 4th Street in Jasper
• Suwannee County on Dec. 5: UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension Building, 1302 11th Street SW in Live Oak
• Lafayette County on Dec. 5: Mayo Community Center, 150 NW Community Circle in Mayo
• Levy County on Dec. 6: Levy County Government Center Cafeteria, 310 School Street in Bronson
• Polk County on Dec. 9: W.H. Stuart Center, 1710 U.S. — 17S in Bartow 

Additional Farm Recovery Centers are being planned. Dates and locations will be shared once these centers are confirmed. 

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

brindisi.chan Tue, 11/26/2024 - 23:38

Disaster Recovery Centers in South Carolina To Close on Thanksgiving

All Disaster Recovery Centers in South Carolina will be closed on Nov. 28 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Most centers will be open on Nov. 29, but some will be closed. The Disaster Recovery Centers in South Carolina and their hours of operation can be found here.

You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. 

To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. 

Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.

The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.

FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. u

kwei.nwaogu Tue, 11/26/2024 - 21:44

FEMA Assistance Available for Personal Property Losses, Including Musical Instruments

Tennesseans love their music! So, it is good news that musicians, and other residents who had damage or losses from Tropical Storm Helene Sept. 26-30, may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, or Washington counties are encouraged to apply.

FEMA assistance covers basic needs. It will not restore all disaster-related property loss. Insurance coverage is the best means to recover after a natural disaster. However, FEMA assistance may repair or replace disaster-damaged property if conditions meet the eligibility requirements, and the item(s) may fall within any of these categories:

• Appliances: includes standard household appliances, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc.
• Clothing: essential clothing needed due to overall loss, damage, or contamination.
• Home furnishings: basic furnishings found in a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room.
• Tools required for work and school: tools and equipment (including musical instruments) required for your job and items required as a condition of an applicant’s or household member’s education. This assistance also applies to self-employed individuals.
• Computing devices: funds to cover replacement of one personal or family computer. Funds for additional computers required for work or school may be approved.
• Accessible items: FEMA also provides assistance for damaged personal property required for qualified applicants with disabilities. FEMA assistance for these items do not count toward the Housing Assistance financial maximum.

Conditions for Eligibility

• To be eligible, these items must have been owned prior to Hurricane Helene and have been damaged by the declared disaster.

To apply for FEMA assistance, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone or other service, you can provide FEMA your number for the service. You may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.

To watch an accessible video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com).

You may also qualify for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. To learn more or apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955.

kwei.nwaogu Tue, 11/26/2024 - 20:41

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to Close Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28 and 29, for Thanksgiving Holiday

All FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024 and Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. 

The centers will resume normal operations on 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 except for Greenville, which will reopen on Monday.

Disaster Recovery Center Locations and Hours are:

Monday at 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday

• Carter County: 1749 Highway 19 E., Elizabethton, TN 37643
• Cocke County: Cocke County Recreation Department 466 Learning Road/Learning Way, Newport, TN 37821
• Greene County: Greene County Courthouse/Annex 204 N. Cutler St., Greeneville, TN 37745
• Hamblen County: Utility Commission Conference and Training Center 441 Main St., Morristown, TN 37814
• Johnson County: Tennessee National Guard Armory, 1923 S. Shady St., Mountain City, TN 37683
• Unicoi County: National Guard Armory/Unicoi Emergency Operations Center 615 South Main Ave., Erwin, TN 37650
• Washington County: Cherry Grove Baptist Church, 104 Cherry Grove Rd., Jonesborough, TN  37659

kwei.nwaogu Tue, 11/26/2024 - 20:27

FEMA Deadline Passed but Assistance is Still Available

While the deadline to register with FEMA passed on Nov. 25 for those affected by July’s severe storms, agency representatives are still available to answer questions and help Vermonters complete their applications. The agency also encourages applicants to stay in touch, especially if they have a change of address or other updates to their applications. 

To update your application or get answers to questions, call FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), seven days a week. Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 

Vermonters were eligible to apply for two separate disaster declarations. The first took place July 9-11 in the designated counties of Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans and Washington. The second incident occurred July 29-31 in the designated counties of Caledonia, Essex and Orleans. 

Vermonters affected by both July storms were required to submit separate applications for each event.

Those who haven’t applied by the deadline and still want to register must submit a justification for why they missed it. Justifications may include: a record of hospitalization, illness, or disability of the applicant or an immediate family member; death of a family member; or proof of personal or business travel that kept the applicant out of the area for the full application period.

FEMA assistance specialists continue to follow up with applicants to make sure they are receiving all the funding to which they are entitled. So far, of the total 2,282 applicants who registered for the July 9-11 incident, FEMA has followed up with 1,706 and approved an additional $1.4 million. For the July 29-31 incident, specialists reached out to 245 registrants out a total of 313 and approved an additional $220,000.

As of November 25, Vermonters affected by the July flooding have received the following assistance: 

• For incident period July 9-11, more than $9.1 million has been approved. 
  • $5,395,139 for Housing Assistance  
  • $3,253,144 for Other Needs
  • $505,500 for low-interest disaster loans from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
• For incident period July 29-31, more than $1.2 million has been approved. 
  • $728,185 for Housing Assistance
  • $477,183 for Other Needs
  • $31,200 for low-interest disaster loans from SBA

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/26/2024 - 18:25

FEMA Awards $1.9M to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to Develop Code Training and Outreach Programs

CHICAGO – Through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, FEMA has awarded $1.9 million to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The funds will be used to support the development and implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing building code compliance across the state, including assessing the needs of local governments and building inspectors, developing educational materials on building code updates and delivering training and outreach programs.

“FEMA’s BRIC program seeks to shift the focus from reactive disaster spending towards proactive investment in community resilience,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “Investing in building codes is a proactive investment that will reduce natural hazard risk and support families and businesses across Michigan.”

“A strong building code framework is vital for the safety of our communities and the stability of the construction industry,” said LARA Director Marlon Brown. “These funds will help our Bureau of Construction Codes expand support and training to local code enforcement jurisdictions, skilled trades licensees, and design professionals while advancing LARA’s mission to protect people and support business growth.”

The BRIC program provides funds to states, communities, tribes, and territories for eligible mitigation measures that support a more resilient nation, reduce disaster suffering, and avoid future disaster costs. For this project, FEMA will pay 71% of the $2.756 million total cost, while the Bureau of Construction Codes will contribute the remaining 29%, or $756,159.76. FEMA will also provide $95,238 for the sub-recipient management costs.

In the BRIC program’s fourth year, a total of $1B in mitigation funding was made available. Fiscal Year 2023 initial project selections were announced in July 2024. To learn more about FEMA’s BRIC program visit www.fema.gov/bric.

kimberly.keblish Tue, 11/26/2024 - 17:55

FEMA Aid Tops $2.9 Million for Response Costs and Infrastructure Repairs Following 2024 South Dakota Flooding

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.– In just over three months since President Biden’s major disaster declaration for South Dakota, FEMA has approved more than $2.9 million in aid to South Dakota communities. 

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program (PA) is a grant program which provides funding for rebuilding necessary infrastructure to state and local governments and certain types of private nonprofit organizations following a presidential disaster declaration. Assistance is also available for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to promote public safety. The federal cost share for eligible work is no less than 75 percent. 

The PA program was approved for 25 South Dakota counties - Aurora, Bennett, Bon Homme, Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Clay, Davison, Douglas, Gregory, Hand, Hanson, Hutchinson, Jackson, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn, Tripp, Turner, Union, and Yankton. FEMA and the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management have been working with a total of 219 eligible applicants identifying infrastructure damage and response costs for potential reimbursement. Applicants can include jurisdictions such as counties, cities, townships, school districts and others, as well as certain private non-profits organizations.

FEMA, the state, and the individual applicant work together to review disaster impact and create projects to reimburse the applicant. Site inspections are then conducted to document damage and develop a scope of work for the project. Once this is completed, projects are reviewed at a central processing site with additional supporting documentation collected prior to funding approval. All initial site inspections for the South Dakota disaster have been completed. To date, 84 projects have been approved with a total federal cost share of $2,922,482.18. When all work is completed, more than 400 projects are expected statewide.

To learn more about FEMA’s Public Assistance program, go to www.fema.gov/assistance/public. For more information on the South Dakota disaster recovery go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4807. 

Brian.Hvinden Tue, 11/26/2024 - 16:54

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Hampton County

A Disaster Recovery Center has just opened in Hampton County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.  

Hampton County
Bull Durham Center
380 Railroad Ave.
Estill, SC 29918
Open Nov. 26-27, Nov. 29-30, Dec. 2-5, Dec.7 and Dec. 9, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.   
Closed Nov. 28, Dec. 1, Dec. 6, Dec. 8.

Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other South Carolina counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in South Carolina.  You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. 

To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. 

Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.

The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.

FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 

kwei.nwaogu Tue, 11/26/2024 - 16:15

FEMA Thanks Partners and Volunteers this Thanksgiving; Disaster Recovery Centers will Close on Thursday

BRISTOL, Va.– As you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, please remind friends, family members and neighbors who were impacted by Hurricane Helene to apply for disaster assistance. The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Dec. 2, 2024.

“The past two months have been extremely difficult on the residents of southwest Virginia as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene,” said State Coordinator of Emergency Management Shawn Talmadge. “During this week of Thanksgiving, we would like to thank all the southwest Virginia residents on their steadfast strength, resolve, and patience as we navigate the recovery process. We will be with you until the end.”

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on what we are grateful for and share our gratitude with others.

“Thank you to southwest Virginia for welcoming FEMA into your communities and giving us the opportunity to work with you. I want to extend a special thanks to our partners and all of the volunteers who have supported ongoing Helene recovery efforts,” shared FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) Timothy Pheil. 

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Virginia will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, and will re-open on Friday, Nov. 29 at 8 a.m. 

A DRC is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, get help understanding and responding to a FEMA letter, receive referrals to local assistance, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans, and much more. To find the DRC close to you, including addresses and hours, visit FEMA.gov/drc or text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362.  

There are other ways to stay in touch with FEMA. You can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. You can register or access your application online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App on your phone.

“Our Individual Assistance deadline is approaching next week so I encourage you to apply if you have not already,” said FCO Pheil. “Even though the deadline is coming up, FEMA will continue to be here as we work with state and local partners on long-term recovery plans for southwest Virginia.” 

FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response.

For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA.  

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

To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to 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 have a complaint of discrimination.  FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted at FEMA-OCR-ECRD@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the civil rights of persons with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by the federal government, federal contractors, and by recipients of federal financial assistance. Any recipient or sub-recipient of federal funds is required to make their programs accessible to individuals with disabilities. Its protections apply to all programs and businesses receiving any federal funds. This applies to all elements of physical/architectural, programmatic and communication accessibility in all services and activities conducted by or funded by FEMA. FEMA intends to comply with the Rehabilitation Act in all federally conducted and assisted programs in alignment with the principals of whole community inclusion and universal accessibility.

amanda.hancher Tue, 11/26/2024 - 15:52

Keep Kitchen Safety as Your Main Ingredient for Thanksgiving

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — From mashed potato stuffing to turkey or curry goat to leftovers, everyone has a favorite Caribbean Thanksgiving dinner menu. As you plan your holiday meal, follow these turkey tips from FEMA and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency. They will help you keep your Thanksgiving dinner delicious and safe.

Cooking is the biggest cause of home fires and fire injuries, and Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires. So, there’s no better time to focus on safety.

“We look forward to everyone having a blessed and safe Thanksgiving this year in the Virgin Islands. As you and your loved ones gather to cook your holiday meals, please include safety as your main ingredient,” said FEMA Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office Coordinator Aaron VanDoren.

Start with these prevention tips:

• Make your cooking area safe. Move things that can burn away from the stove. Turn pot handles toward the back so that they can’t be bumped.
• Watch what you are cooking. Use a timer when roasting a turkey, ham or baking pies.
• Be prepared. Keep a large pan lid or baking sheet handy in case you need to smother a pan fire.
• Stay awake and alert while you are cooking. If you see smoke or the grease starts to boil in your pan, turn the burner off.
• Prevent burns. Wear short sleeves when you cook or roll them up. Do not lean over the burner. Use potholders and oven mitts to handle hot cookware.

Know what to do if you have a cooking fire:

• If you have a fire in your oven, turn it off. Let the contents cool before cleaning.
• If you have a fire in your oven and flames escape it, leave your home and call 911.
• If a small grease fire starts in a pan, slide the pan lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan has cooled.

There’s nothing more satisfying than cooking a good meal for the people we love. Make safety a priority in your kitchen at Thanksgiving and all year long.

For additional fire safety and burn prevention information, visit www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/ and https://go.dhs.gov/UhB . 

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

gina.callaghan Tue, 11/26/2024 - 14:52

Public Assistance Aiding Community Recovery after Francine

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program provides funding to help communities pay for emergency work to save lives and protect property, debris removal, and repairs to roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings, public utilities, parks and recreational facilities.

PA is FEMA’s largest grant program and can reimburse eligible applicants on a cost-sharing basis to help clean up communities affected by disaster. FEMA is reimbursing Louisiana applicants 75% of eligible costs associated with the cleanup and repair efforts after Hurricane Francine. 

Although funds are awarded to government entities and certain private nonprofits, the PA program is intended to benefit everyone — neighborhoods, cities, parishes and states. 

Under the program, there are two general categories, emergency work and permanent work. Emergency work projects can include debris removal and emergency protective measures, which assist with emergency operations such as sheltering and threats to public health and safety. Permanent work projects can include repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, such as roads, bridges, public utilities, including water treatment and electrical plants, government buildings and parks.

The parishes designated for Public Assistance are Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington and West Feliciana.

The deadline for applicants to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) is Dec. 22, 2024.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6.

alexa.brown Tue, 11/26/2024 - 14:48

FEMA Opens Additional Disaster Recovery Center in Butts County

ATLANTA – FEMA is opening an additional Disaster Recovery Center in Butts County to provide one-on-one help for Georgians affected by Hurricane Helene. The center is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; it will be closed Sundays, and is scheduled to close permanently at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13.

All Georgia recovery centers will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29.

Center location:

Butts County
Butts Park & Recreation Building
(Ernest Biles Youth Center)
576 Ernest Biles Drive, Jackson, GA 30233

Additional centers are open in the following counties:

Open Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 6 p.m.

Appling County
Appling County Agricultural Center
2761 Blackshear Highway
Baxley, GA 31513Bryan County
Jacob Grant Teen Center
185 Ball Park Road
Richmond Hill, GA 31324Chatham County
Savannah Technical College
Student Enrichment Center Building
5717 White Bluff Road
Savannah, GA 31405Coffee County
The Atrium
114 N. Peterson Avenue
Douglas, GA 31533Emanuel County
Southeastern Technical College
Special Programs Building
346 Kite Road, Building 1
Swainsboro, GA 30401Jefferson County
National Guard Bid-EOC
1841 Hwy. 24 West
Louisville, GA 30434Laurens County
Old West Laurens Middle School
338 West Laurens School Road
Dublin, GA 31021Lincoln County
Lincoln County Recreation Department
Walter T. Norman Gym
1962 Rowland-York Drive
Lincolnton, GA 30817Lowndes County
City of Valdosta
4434 North Forrest Street Extension
Valdosta, GA 31605McDuffie County
Thomson Depot
111 Railroad St.
Thomson, GA 30824Richmond County
Hub for Community Innovation
631 Chafee Ave.
Augusta, GA 30904Screven County
Screven County Library
106 Community Drive
Sylvania, GA 30467Tift County
Tift County Swimming Pool
202 Baldwin Drive
Tifton, GA 31794Toombs County
Georgia Department of Human Services
162 Oxley Drive
Lyons, GA 30436Washington County
Sandersville School Building Authority
514 North Harris St.
Sandersville, GA 31082Wilkes County
Washington Fire Department (Training Room)
212 E. Court St.
Washington, GA 30673

FEMA Mobile Registration Center location and hours

Burke County
Burke County Public Library
130 GA-24 South, Waynesboro, GA 30830
Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Dec. 7
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except Nov. 28 & 29)Clinch County
Clinch County Elementary School
575 Wood Lake Drive, Homerville,, GA 31634
Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Dec. 7
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except Nov. 28 & 29)Dodge County
Public Safety Building
440 Legion Drive, Eastman, GA 31023
Monday, Nov. 18 – Wednesday, Nov. 20
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except Nov. 28 & 29)Cook County
Cook Farm Service Agency
204 East 9th St.
Adel, GA 31620
Monday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Nov. 30 | 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except Nov. 28 and 29)

To find center locations in the state, visit FEMA’s Hurricane Helene Georgia Page, FEMA’s DRC Locator or text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.

Homeowners and renters in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the State of Georgia and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.

If you are in an affected county, you are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages.

Disaster Assistance Teams are also on the ground in affected counties going door-to-door to help survivors register for assistance.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

bree-constance… Tue, 11/26/2024 - 14:23

FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program

HICKORY, N.C. – FEMA is granting additional time for Helene survivors to stay in short-term, emergency sheltering in hotels and motels.

FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance was originally authorized for 60 days, until Dec. 3, but has been extended until Dec. 12. This will allow households additional time to identify another housing solution or make repairs to their home.

FEMA will continue to evaluate the need to extend the program as individuals’ housing plans develop. Applicants are encouraged to maintain contact with the state, voluntary agencies, local organizations, long-term recovery groups and other partners to find suitable housing.

FEMA will notify participants three to seven days before their checkout dates after determining if they are able to return to their residences. Notification is by automated phone call, text message and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected when originally applying for assistance. A message is also sent to their participants’ disaster assistance accounts if they have set them up on Disasterassistance.gov.

To date, 10,129 households have sheltered in Transitional Sheltering Assistance participating hotels; 4,950 have found suitable, longer-term housing and moved on with their recovery. As of Nov. 25, 5,179 households remain checked in to hotels.

Participants may no longer be eligible for this program if they:

• Have withdrawn from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.
• Have missed a scheduled FEMA property inspection or been unreachable to set up one.
• Declined FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing Assistance.
• Were not referred to FEMA’s Individuals and Households program.
• Are insured.
• Made duplicate or linked applications.
• Are registered as having no home damage.
• Have no disaster-caused damage.
• Received rental assistance from FEMA.

This program is one of several ways FEMA is helping Helene survivors with emergency non-congregate sheltering. In addition to sheltering survivors in private living spaces like hotels or motels, FEMA is providing financial help and direct housing assistance in some jurisdictions:

• Rental Assistance Homeowners and renters in North Carolina may be eligible for FEMA Rental Assistance if they cannot live in their homes because of damage due to Helene. This money provides survivors with a temporary place to live while they repair or rebuild their home. The initial grant is for two months and can be used to rent a place to live, such as a house, apartment, hotel room, RV or other options while your home is repaired, or while you look for a new home. Contact FEMA if you still have a housing need after two months.
• Direct Temporary Housing Assistance may be available to individuals and households where there is a lack of available housing resources due to Helene. This assistance is offered as an interim solution to survivors’ permanent housing needs, and is provided in three forms: Direct Lease, Multifamily Lease and Repair and Transportable Temporary Housing Units.

For more information, survivors should contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA-DR-4827-NC-NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov.

Follow Us

For the latest information about North Carolina’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4827. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

krystin.ventura Tue, 11/26/2024 - 01:13

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Aiken County

A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Aiken County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.  

Aiken County
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
17519 Atomic Road
Aiken, SC 29803

Open from Nov. 26, 2024, through Jan. 7, 2025, Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Closed on Nov. 28 for Thanksgiving.

Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other South Carolina counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in South Carolina.  You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. 

To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. 

Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.

The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.

FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 

kwei.nwaogu Mon, 11/25/2024 - 23:45