CHICAGO — Van Buren County and Cass County officials announce FEMA will be hosting a Flood Map Open House for Van Buren and Cass counties on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 5 – 7 PM. Local officials will be joined by FEMA who will be presenting the preliminary flood maps to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about future development and buying flood insurance.

Homeowners, renters, and business owners in Van Buren County and Cass County residents are encouraged to attend and meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.

WHAT:              Van Buren County and Cass County—Flood Map Open House 

WHEN:             Tuesday, September 10, 2024
                            5 – 7 PM

WHERE:           Board of Commissioners Chambers
                            120 N Broadway Street
                            Cassopolis, MI 49031

Digital files of the preliminary maps can be viewed and downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata. If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an email to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

For more information, contact FEMA-R5-MAP@fema.dhs.gov. You may also email the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

CHICAGO — St. Joseph County officials announce FEMA will be hosting a Flood Map Open House for the St. Joseph Watershed on September 9, 2024, from 5 – 7 PM. Local officials will be joined by FEMA who will be presenting the preliminary flood maps to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about future development and buying flood insurance.

Homeowners, renters, and business owners in the St. Joseph Watershed are encouraged to attend and meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.

WHAT:              St. Joseph Watershed—Flood Map Open House 

WHEN:             Monday, September 9, 2024
                            5 – 7 PM

WHERE:           Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce
                            1116 N. Main Street,
                            Three Rivers, MI 49093

Digital files of the preliminary maps can be viewed and downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata. If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an email to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

For more information, contact FEMA-R5-MAP@fema.dhs.gov. You may also email the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

Cape Girardeau, MO – A state/federal Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open Sept. 9 in Cassville to give Missourians impacted by the late May storms an opportunity to talk face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists. 

The center – which will be open from Sept 9-14 – will be located at the First Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 504 West St. in Cassville. Hours of operation are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  are a one-stop shop for disaster survivors who have applied with FEMA and need to provide additional documentation or have questions about the status of their cases. 

In addition to FEMA staff, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on hand to help survivors apply for low-interest disaster loans to help fund recovery efforts. 

The Barry County DRC is one of three centers serving disaster-impacted Missourians. The two other DRCs are in Sikeston at the YMCA, 511 Taylor St. and in Doniphan at the Ripley County Caring Community Partnership building, 209 West Highway St. Doniphan. Hours of operation are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until further notice. All centers are closed on Sundays. 

Homeowners, renters and self-employed business owners in 10 Missouri counties who were impacted by May 19-27 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding can visit any DRC for one-on-one help, regardless of where they live. Services at the centers are free. 

The 10 counties are: Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas.

Federal assistance to eligible individuals and households can be in the form of grants to find a temporary place to live, make minimal home repairs and/or to replace certain personal property. Eligible survivors who need accessibility equipment also may benefit from these grants. 

Survivors are encouraged to apply with FEMA before visiting a DRC to make the visit most efficient. Individuals who are having difficulty applying can go to a DRC and get help with filing their initial application. 

Here are the 3 best ways to apply: 

• Online: www.disasterassistance.gov
• Phone: 800-621-FEMA (3362) 
• Download and use the FEMA app 

Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

For more disaster-related information, visit the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency online at www.sema.dps.mo.govor FEMA at www.fema.gov and www.fema.gov/disaster/4803. 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Madison County to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricane Debby. 

Center location:

Madison County

The Bridge Church

1135 US East 90

Madison, FL 32340

Open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday

To find other center locations for Hurricane Debby go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a 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 Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the State of Florida and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.

The quickest way to apply for FEMA assistance is to go online to 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. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube. 

For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

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

The state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 11:58 p.m. PT. He determined that the Copperfield Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the eleventh FMAG declared in 2024 to help fight Oregon wildfires. 

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the community of Chiloquin. The fire also threatened active recreation areas and power transmission and distribution infrastructure. 

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 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 $985,111 will be available to Oregon 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 X and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The arrival of peak activity in the Atlantic hurricane season and the recent passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto through the U.S. Virgin Islands both underscore the importance of being ready for cyclonic events that could affect you and your family. Virgin Islanders have showcased their resilience through multiple emergencies and a pandemic since the 2017 twin hurricanes, and this hurricane season provides another opportunity to mitigate your risk and better prepare your loved ones for any disaster. 

Assess your needs today and see what items you might need to replenish in your disaster supply kit in the wake of Ernesto to give your household time to take the steps to prepare for the next weather event that forms in the Atlantic. You should prepare to be self-sufficient in the immediate aftermath of a tropical storm or hurricane and take steps today to prepare your home or business.

To raise awareness about the importance of preparedness, FEMA and the USVI will join the nation in observing National Preparedness Month this September. This annual campaign encourages individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take proactive steps to ensure their readiness in the event of emergencies or natural disasters. Start a conversation today and take simple steps to strengthen your preparedness for the peak of hurricane season.

“Tropical Storm Ernesto’s path over the U.S. Virgin Islands earlier this month was a wake-up call for Virgin Islanders to assess how self-sufficient they might be in the immediate days after a storm makes landfall,” said FEMA Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office Acting Coordinator Aaron VanDoren. “National Preparedness Month provides an excellent opportunity for families and businesses to practice their emergency plans. Take steps today to replenish emergency supplies used during Ernesto and ask friends and neighbors if they need help with their preparedness plans.” 

The weekly themes for this year’s Preparedness Month are:

1. Know your risks. Knowing the disasters and emergencies that can happen where you live is important to mitigate risk. Being aware of what could happen will help you understand the steps to take to have what is needed to stay safe.
2. Have a plan. Talk about the plans you’ve made and ask if family members need help doing so for themselves. Your plan can include contact information to stay in touch during a disaster, where you and your pets will stay if you must leave home and the latest safety info to share with friends and family.
3. Community Preparedness. Your friends and neighbors can help each other be ready no matter what happens. Share what’s worked for you and your family on your preparedness journey.
4. Protect what you love. There are many ways to strengthen your home from disasters. You can protect important documents and heirlooms through proper storage. Consider other protections such as keeping your homeowner’s insurance policy in force.

You can learn more about National Preparedness Month and hurricane preparedness at www.ready.gov/september.

According to VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, “For those who prepared early this Hurricane Season, both physically with their home survival kits and mentally with creating and sharing your emergency plan with your family and friends, thank you very much! For those choosing to procrastinate, please act now and follow our weekly themes to prepare yourself and your families, as we are now in the peak of Hurricane Season. Don’t forget to Include your pet’s needs in your survival kit and plans.”

To support preparedness efforts, FEMA and VITEMA and other local agencies have organized a series of events and initiatives. These include workshops, emergency drills, public service announcements and training. Residents are encouraged to participate actively, assemble emergency supplies, and develop communication plans with their families. 

FEMA and VITEMA remind residents of the key elements of emergency preparedness, including:

• Create an emergency supply kit with essential items such as non-perishable food, water, prescription medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
• Develop a family emergency plan that includes communication methods, evacuation routes, and a designated meeting point.
• Stay informed by monitoring local weather forecasts, emergency alerts, and official announcements.
• Secure important documents and make digital copies of vital records.
• Protect your property by securing loose objects, trimming trees, and reinforcing doors and windows.
• Plan for an extended power outage. Make an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out.
• Sign up for Alert VI at VITEMA - Public - Sign In (everbridge.net).

It is critical for everyone to remain vigilant not only during the peak of hurricane season, but for any weather or 
man-made events that may disrupt our lives and community. 

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

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now open in Island Pond in the town of Brighton, at the Brighton Town Hall Gym from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The joint DRC, a temporary facility established in partnership between Brighton, the state of Vermont and FEMA, has disaster assistance specialists available to help disaster survivors apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person.

The DRC is located at:

• Brighton Town Hall Gym - 49 Mill Street, Island Pond, VT 05846
• Sunday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

You do not need an appointment to visit a DRC.

Other DRCs open include:

• Lyndonville Public Safety Facility - 316 Main St., Lyndonville, VT 05851
• Waterbury Armory - 294 Armory Blvd, Waterbury, VT 05676
• Barre Auditorium - 20 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
• Goddard College - 123 Pitkin Road. Plainfield, VT 05667

All locations are open Sunday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

FEMA specialists and representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which can provide low-interest disaster loans to survivors, will be on hand at all DRCs to discuss available assistance. 

Those affected by the disaster do not have to visit a DRC in order to apply. Survivors can also register in one of the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The FEMA website is accessible and includes language translation options. 
• By phone at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
• Download FEMA’s Mobile App. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation 

FEMA Extends Direct Housing Program for Hurricane Ian Survivors

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Because of a shortage of affordable rental housing and delays in repair contractor availability, FEMA has approved the state of Florida’s request to extend the federal direct housing program by six months.

Survivors temporarily living in FEMA-provided manufactured housing units in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, Sarasota and Volusia counties now have until March 29, 2025 to complete their permanent housing plan, if they remain eligible.

Those continuing to live in FEMA temporary housing units after Sept. 29, 2024 must:

• Make timely rent payments;
• Document their progress toward a permanent housing plan;
• Work with their housing advisor for recertification at least every two weeks; and,
• Follow health, safety, and other terms and conditions in the licensing agreement.

Survivors will receive a letter from FEMA about their individual situation and can contact their housing advisor with any questions. Disaster case managers are also working one-on-one with survivors to support permanent housing plan completion.

Since Hurricane Ian, FEMA has provided temporary housing units for more than 1,300 displaced families in the state. Working with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and local partners, more than 80 percent of families have found a permanent home. 

For the latest information on Florida's recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673 Follow FEMA on X at  FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) and at facebook.com/fema.

FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Oakland on Tuesday, Sept. 3 in Pottawattamie County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding this spring.

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

The DRC will open in Oakland on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. at:

Pottawattamie County

Oakland Community Center

614 Dr. Van Zee Rd.

Oakland, Iowa 51560

 Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

until Saturday, Sept. 7

To save time, apply online or by phone before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center by:

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

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistive and adaptive technology such as amplified phones, caption phones, video phones, wheelchair ramps and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated 

against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Press 2 for Spanish. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In the two weeks since President Biden’s major disaster declaration for South Dakota, federal agencies have approved more than $4.9 million in grants and loans to assist in recovery as of August 29, 2024.

To date, a total of 703 people in Davison, Lincoln, Turner, and Union counties have applied with FEMA for assistance. FEMA has approved $4,112,755.86 through the Individuals and Households program, consisting of $2,957,964.80 in Housing Assistance for home repairs and rental expenses, and $1,154,791.06 in Other Needs Assistance for repair or replacement of personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving expenses and other disaster-related needs.

In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $795,500 in low interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses.

Federal/state disaster recovery centers are currently operating at 600 W. 5th St. in Canton and at 305 S Derby Lane, North Sioux City. The centers are open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. Starting September 3, hours for recovery centers will change to 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

How to Apply for Disaster Assistance

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center in person. 
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov for English, or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
• Use the FEMA mobile app in English or Spanish.
• Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 anytime from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.

For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI

FEMA Public Assistance

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 available for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to promote public safety. The federal cost share for eligible work is no less that 75 percent. The state is conducting informational briefings for potential applicants on how to apply for this assistance.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – FEMA will operate a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center serving Davison and Turner Counties over the next month. The Center will alternate operations between Mitchell and Viborg, initially opening in Mitchell on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The full schedule for September is below. 

The center provides one-on-one assistance for people affected by the recent severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding. Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain disaster assistance programs, help people complete or check the status of applications for federal assistance, and get information on additional resources offered by the State of South Dakota.

Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Locations and Dates: 

Table 1: Davison and Turner County Disaster Recovery Centers Schedule.

Davison County Fairgrounds- V-Tel Room 

3200 West Havens Ave

Mitchell, SD 57301

Tuesday, Sept 3 – Sunday, Sept 8

8 a.m. – 7 p.m.*

*Sept 3 hours begin at 1 p.m.

Viborg Community Center

101 East Sorenson St. 

Viborg, SD 57070

Monday, Sept 9 – Friday, Sept 20 (closed Saturday, Sept 14)

8 a.m. – 7 p.m.*

*Sept 9 & Sept 15 hours begin at 1 p.m.

Davison County Fairgrounds- V-Tel Room 

3200 West Havens Ave

Mitchell, SD 57301

Monday, Sept 23 – Sunday, Sept 29

8 a.m. – 7 p.m.*

*Sept 23 hours begin at 1:00 p.m.

To search for Disaster Recovery Centers, visit www.fema.gov/drc or text DRC and your Zip Code to 43362 for a list of centers closest to you.

As of August 29, 2024, FEMA has approved over $4.1 million in assistance to individuals for the South Dakota disaster recovery.

How to Apply for Disaster Assistance

Residents can apply for disaster assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center, or in the following ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov for English, or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
• Use the FEMA mobile app in English or Spanish.
• Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) anytime from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.

For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI

Disaster Recovery Centers are physically accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistive and adaptive technology such as assistive listening devices, resources for low vision, and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448.

As New Mexicans continue to repair and rebuild after the South Fork and Salt Fires as well as the flooding, FEMA is making a return visit to Village Ace Hardware in Ruidoso to provide free information and tips on how to make homes damaged by natural disasters stronger and safer. 

FEMA specialists, who visited with Ruidoso homeowners here in early August, will again be available to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to help prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also share techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. Most information is aimed at do-it-yourselfers and general contractor work. 

Residents with fire or flood-impacted homes will pick up tips on re-building smart, strong and safe to prevent future damage. Smart building includes mitigating damage against floods, strong winds and even tornadoes. Visitors will learn how such simple mitigation measures as elevating electrical and heating systems and anchoring fuel storage tanks can provide protection against severe conditions, and much more. Bring your questions.

In addition, FEMA Hazard Mitigation insurance specialists from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will be on hand to answer questions about flood insurance.

These experts will be available Saturday, Aug. 31 through Saturday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. excluding Sundays and this Monday, Sept. 12 due to the Labor Day Holiday at:

Village Ace Hardware
2815 Sudderth Dr.
Ruidoso, NM 86345
 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The Disaster Recovery Center in Levy County will close at noon Aug. 31 and reopen in a new location Sept. 3.

Current location: 

Inglis Town Hall
135 Highway 40 W
Inglis, FL 34449

Open 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- noon Saturday, closed Sunday

New location Sept. 3: 

Chiefland City Hall 

214 East Park Ave.

Chiefland, FL 32626

Open 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- noon Saturday, closed Sunday

For other Disaster Recovery Center locations, go online to fema.gov/drc.

For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– A Disaster Recovery Center in Hamilton County will close permanently at noon Sept. 1.

Center location:

Hamilton County

Court House Annex/Chamber of Commerce 

1153 NW U.S. Highway 41

Jasper, FL 32052

Open 4 p.m.–8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.--12 p.m. Saturday

For other Disaster Recovery Center locations, go online to fema.gov/drc.

For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA invites you and your children to visit "Kids Korner" at the Disaster Recovery Centers in Kentucky. This family-focused initiative offers fun and interactive activities to help your family prepare for emergencies.

At the Disaster Recovery Center, families can engage in hands-on learning about disaster preparedness. Children can participate in educational activities, including getting a disaster preparedness coloring book filled with important safety information presented in a fun, child-friendly way.

Parents are encouraged to join their children in these activities. In addition to engaging with FEMA representatives, parents will learn how to enhance their family’s safety plan. These activities not only educate children on emergency response but also empower parents to play an active role in ensuring their family's safety.

This “Kids Korner” initiative is part of a broader effort to build stronger, more resilient communities by empowering families with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe during emergencies.

To find your nearest Disaster Recovery Center, please visit fema.gov/drc. At the DRC, you can also get in-person assistance with applying for federal disaster assistance. 

Other ways to connect with FEMA:

• Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download and use the FEMA app.

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

Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.

AUSTIN -- FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Harris County on Aug. 31 to provide one-on-one help to Texans affected by Hurricane Beryl. 

Center location:  

Crosby Community Center

409 Hare Road

Crosby, TX 77532

Disaster Recovery Centers operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Saturday, closed Sunday. Any DRC can help with both Hurricane Beryl and the April 26 - June 5 storms and flooding. To find a center location near you, go to fema.gov/drc.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

Residents in Austin, Bowie, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Walker, Waller and Wharton counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.

To shorten wait times at Disaster Recovery Centers, Texans are encouraged first to apply to FEMA online, by phone or using the FEMA App. To apply, homeowners and renters can:

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

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

For more information about Texas disaster recovery, visit: fema.gov/disaster/4798. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now open in Lyndon, at the Lyndonville Public Safety Facility from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The joint DRC, a temporary facility established in partnership between Lyndon, the state of Vermont and FEMA, has disaster assistance specialists available to help disaster survivors apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person.

The DRC is located at:

• Lyndonville Public Safety Facility - 316 Main St., Lyndonville, VT 05851
• Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

You do not need an appointment to visit a DRC.

Other DRCs open include:

• Waterbury Armory - 294 Armory Blvd, Waterbury, VT 05676
• Barre Auditorium - 20 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
• Goddard College - 123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield, VT 05667

All locations are open Sunday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

FEMA specialists and representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which can provide low-interest disaster loans to survivors, will be on hand at all DRCs to discuss available assistance. 

Those affected by the disaster do not have to visit a DRC in order to apply. Survivors can also register in one of the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The FEMA website is accessible and includes language translation options. 
• By phone at 1-800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
• Download FEMA’s Mobile App. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

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

Aug. 30, 2024
DR-4787-WV MA-010
FEMA News Desk: 215-931-5597
FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

Media Advisory

Two West Virginia Disaster Recovery Centers Open Labor Day 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Boone and Roane counties will be open Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, to help West Virginia residents of Boone, Hancock, Kanawha, Marshall, Ohio, Roane, Wetzel and Wood counties impacted by the April 11-12, 2024, storms and flooding. The deadline to apply is Nov. 2, 2024.

The recovery centers are located at:

Madison City Hall

255 Washington Ave.

Madison, WV 25130

Hours of operation:

Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Closed Sundays

Old National Guard Armory Parking Lot

206 E Main St.

Spencer, WV 25276

Hours of operation:

Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Closed on Sundays

Survivors do not have to visit a center to register with FEMA. They may do so by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. They can also go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA app on their smartphone.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page,www.fema.gov/disaster/4787 and www.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.

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

Cape Girardeau, MO – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster operation in Missouri is making service adjustments in observance of the upcoming Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. 

• Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Sikeston and Doniphan will be closed on Labor Day. The centers already are closed on Sundays. Both DRCs will reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday and resume operating hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Fri.; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. 
• The Sikeston DRC is located at the YMCA, 511 Taylor Street in Sikeston. 
• The Doniphan DRC is located at 209 West Highway St. Doniphan. 
• The Disaster Recovery Center in Dexter at the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission building, 105 E North Main Street closes permanently at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30. 

• FEMA inspections of storm-damaged properties that have already been scheduled for Monday, Sept. 2 at the request of the applicantwill take place.  
• FEMA inspectors will not be calling to schedule inspections for Monday, Sept. 2. 
• FEMA inspectors also will not be making phone calls on Monday to schedule inspections for a later date. Those calls will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 3. 

• There are just three weeks left to apply for FEMA Assistance. Deadline is Sept. 23. 
• Anyone who was impacted by the May 19-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding living in one of 10 Missouri counties is eligible to apply for FEMA assistance.  
• The 10 counties are: Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas.
• Labor Day will not affect a person’s ability to apply for FEMA. There are 3 ways to apply: 
  • Online at www.disasterassistance.gov
  • Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) 
  • Download the FEMA App and apply using a mobile device. 
  • Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI.
• FEMA assistance for individuals and households is in the form of grants that can help pay for eligible, disaster-related costs associated with a temporary place to stay, minimal home repairs and/or other serious needs not covered by insurance or other programs. The grants also can pay for features to help persons with a disability to repair or improve accessibility to their houses.  

• FEMA has a toll-free Helpline available to provide disaster survivors the ability to call agency representatives directly to register for assistance, update the contact information for an existing application and/or ask questions about their cases.
• Helpline Number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT 
• The FEMA Helpline will operate on Labor Day during its regular business hours and can take new applications. 
• Disaster case specialists will not work on existing applications on Labor Day. That work will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 3. 

For more disaster-related information, visit the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency online at www.sema.dps.mo.gov or FEMA at www.fema.gov and www.fema.gov/disaster/4803. 

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available for the state of New York to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm, tornadoes and flooding from July 10-11, 2024.  

Public assistance 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 severe storm, tornadoes and flooding in Cortland, Essex, Hamilton, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. 

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

Lai Sun Yee 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 assessments.