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FEMA Administrator Attends COP28 for the First Time in FEMA’s History, Announces 2024 as ‘Year of Resilience’ for the Agency
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell heralded 2024 as the agency’s “Year of Resilience” at the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is the first time a FEMA Administrator has attended COP, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to climate mitigation and adaptation, and collaborating with the international community to combat the effects of climate change.
“We are already feeling the influence of climate change on a global scale as severe weather becomes stronger and more frequent,” said Administrator Criswell. “FEMA is typically recognized as a response and recovery agency, but now more than ever, we are a resilience agency. FEMA’s Year of Resilience is an opportunity to share best resilience practices, advance new innovative ideas and protect even more Americans against disasters. This was my first COP and I was excited to make new connections as well as strengthen existing partnerships with international colleagues. I’m looking forward to bringing the best practices we’ve learned back to the American people.”
While at COP28, Administrator Criswell had the privilege of meeting with UAE Civil Defense Commander in Chief His Excellency Major General Jassim Mohammed AlMarzouqi to discuss civil defense approaches in the UAE, the importance of readiness for complex crises and training standards for the emergency management workforce.
During her visit to the UAE, Administrator Criswell was also graciously welcomed by Deputy Director of Dubai Civil Defense and Deputy Commander of UAE Civil Defense His Excellency Major General Jamal bin Aded Al Muhairi. Administrator Criswell toured the UAE Civil Defense facilities and exchanged experiences on crisis management, including the importance of innovation and technology in support of management.
COP28 was a crucial opportunity for Administrator Criswell and FEMA leadership to meet with other global leaders championing climate resilience and adaptation. She also had the distinct honor of meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Alexandra Sdoukou in a high-level dialogue about shared priorities, including preparing for, responding to and recovering from frequent and severe disasters including wildfires. Other meetings included bilateral engagements with the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Japan and Chile among others.
The FEMA delegation also attended the historic establishment of the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP), an initiative bringing together government leaders representing Africa, Australia, Europe and North and South America to increase collaboration, knowledge-exchange and support among regions around the world with a Mediterranean climate experiencing drastic climate impacts.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell (middle left) meets with UAE Civil Defense Commander in Chief His Excellency Major General Jassim Mohammed AlMarzouqi (middle right) and colleagues to discuss new frameworks for civil protection and readiness for complex crises. (UAE Civil Defense Photo) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell (middle left) meets with UAE Civil Defense Commander in Chief His Excellency Major General Jassim Mohammed AlMarzouqi (middle right) and colleagues to discuss new frameworks for civil protection and readiness for complex crises. (UAE Civil Defense Photo) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (right) and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell (left) discuss the importance of resiliency in the face of worsening disasters during their brief meeting at COP28. (Dimitris Papamitsos, Official photographer to the Greek Prime Minister) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell (middle left) and Deputy Director of Dubai Civil Defense and Deputy Commander of UAE Civil Defense His Excellency Major General Jamal bin Aded Al Muhairi (middle right) met with staff to discuss disaster resilience and shared COP28 goals. (UAE Civil Defense Photo) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell (middle left) and Deputy Director of Dubai Civil Defense and Deputy Commander of UAE Civil Defense His Excellency Major General Jamal bin Aded Al Muhairi (middle right) met with staff to discuss disaster resilience and shared COP28 goals. (UAE Civil Defense Photo) erika.suzuki Thu, 12/07/2023 - 20:19More Than $10 Million in FEMA Assistance Approved for Cook County Survivors
CHICAGO – As of Thursday, December 7, FEMA assistance to Cook County survivors affected by the Sept. 17 - 18 storms and flooding topped $10 million.
Here is a snapshot of FEMA disaster assistance as of December 7:
- More than 3,000 households have been approved for FEMA grant funding totaling $10.5 million, including:
- $9.4million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
- $1.1 million approved for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental, and lost personal possessions.
- Nearly 4,800 home inspections have been completed.
- To-date, 700 Cook County homeowners and renters have been helped at two open FEMA recovery centers.
- FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance crews have visited nearly 5,800 homes and 150 businesses; they have interacted with almost 1,500 survivors and have registered 125 households for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available
For those who lost work because of the Sept. 17-18 disaster, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available. The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is now accepting applications for DUA benefits from individuals in Cook County whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to the flooding. Claimants are eligible to receive up to 35 weeks of DUA benefits as long as their unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster. Applications for DUA benefits must be filed by December 27, 2023.
To file a DUA benefits claim, individuals are encouraged to:
- Contact the IDES call center appointment line at: 217-558-0401.
- Identify they are calling related to the Cook County Flood – DUA Benefits.
- Schedule an appointment to visit the Lawrence, Pilsen, or Woodlawn American Job Center to file a DUA benefits claim.
Claimants must first apply for and be found ineligible for regular state unemployment insurance benefits before applying for DUA benefits. IDES will work with individuals on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility and payment(s) of DUA benefits. For more information, visit IDES Accepting Disaster Unemployment Assistance Applications After Cook County Flooding (illinois.gov).
Reminder: Apply with FEMA
Residents of Cook County with uninsured or under insured losses from the September 17 - 18 severe storms and flooding are encouraged to apply for federal assistance if they haven’t done so already.
There are several ways to start the process:
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Use the FEMA mobile app.
- Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
- Visit a disaster recovery center. The centers serve as one-stop shops for survivors who need one-on-one help. Survivors can visit any center for assistance. To find center locations and current hours, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.
For more information about Cook County’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is January 19, 2024.
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
larissa.hale Thu, 12/07/2023 - 19:57Cuidado con el fraude por desastre
CHICAGO – Luego de los desastres, la actividad fraudulenta suele incrementar, los estafadores pueden intentar obtener su dinero o preguntarle sobre su información personal para intentar robar su identidad. Si su vivienda o propiedad personal sufrieron daños por las tormentas e inundaciones ocurridas el 17 y 18 de septiembre, tenga cuidado al compartir su información personal.
Recuerde, la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés), la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) y otros trabajadores federales y estatales de desastre nunca le solicitarán dinero ni exigirán un pago de cualquier tipo.
Solicitudes fraudulentas
Si un inspector de FEMA se presenta en su vivienda y usted no envió una solicitud de FEMA, su información puede haber sido utilizada sin su consentimiento para crear una solicitud de FEMA. Si esto sucede, infórmele al inspector que usted no solicitó asistencia de FEMA, para que pueda enviar una solicitud para detener el curso del procesamiento de la solicitud.
Si usted no solicitó asistencia, pero recibió una carta de FEMA, llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión de video, teléfono con subtítulos u otro servicio, proporcione a FEMA su número de dicho servicio. La línea de ayuda enviará una solicitud para detener el posterior procesamiento de esa solicitud.
Otras estafas por desastre
Los equipos, inspectores de viviendas y otros funcionarios de FEMA trabajarán en las zonas afectadas por las tormentas e inundaciones ocurridas el 17 y 18 de septiembre. Siempre solicite ver una identificación. El personal de FEMA siempre tiene una credencial oficial de identificación.
Tenga cuidado con las llamadas telefónicas inesperadas o las visitas a su vivienda de personas que dicen trabajar para FEMA. Si tiene dudas, contacte a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362 para verificar.
Tome medidas
Si considera que usted es víctima de una estafa, repórtelo de inmediato a la policía local.
Si conoce fraudes o estafas que involucren a las operaciones de ayuda por desastre de FEMA, puede reportar esto a FEMA:
- Por correo electrónico: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov
- Por teléfono: 866-223-0814
- Por correo postal: 400 C Street SW, Suite &SW-1009, Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.
Para reportar y obtener ayuda para la recuperación del robo de identidad, visite RobodeIdentidad.gov.
Para obtener más información sobre las operaciones de recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite https://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4749.
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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin importar la raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés ni la situación económica. Acomodos razonables, incluso traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano mediante servicio de retransmisión de video, estarán disponibles para garantizar una comunicación efectiva con los solicitantes que no tengan un buen dominio del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido objeto de discriminación, llame a la línea libre de cargos de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Si usted usa un sistema de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión por vídeo (VRS), servicio telefónico con subtítulos u otros servicios, debe proveerle a FEMA el número para ese servicio.
larissa.hale Jue, 07/12/2023 - 16:56Centro de Recuperación por Desastre inicia operaciones en Burnham y el centro en Calumet City extiende su horario
CHICAGO – Un Centro temporal de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) de FEMA iniciará operaciones en Burnham el martes 5 de diciembre para ayudar a los residentes a impulsar su recuperación tras las tormentas e inundaciones ocurridas el 17 y 18 de septiembre. El centro estará disponible durante siete días y cerrará permanentemente a las 5 p.m. del lunes 11 de diciembre.
Además, el Centro de Recuperación por Desastre en la Biblioteca Pública de Calumet City ahora estará abierto los siete días de la semana, de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. para brindar servicio a los sobrevivientes durante el proceso de asistencia.
Especialistas de FEMA y de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) estarán presentes en el centro para ayudar a los sobrevivientes a solicitar asistencia federal por desastre, cargar documentos, informarse sobre cómo hacer su propiedad más resistente a los desastres y obtener respuesta a sus preguntas en persona.
El nuevo centro en Burnham estará ubicado en:
Burnham
Burnham Community Center
14020 S. Torrence Avenue
Burnham, IL 60633
Horario: 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. desde el martes 5 hasta el lunes 11 de diciembre, cierra permanentemente a las 5 p.m. del lunes 11 de diciembre
En estos centros se ofrece asistencia en otros idiomas distintos del inglés, incluido el Lenguaje de Señas Americano, y materiales traducidos. Las ubicaciones de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre se eligen por su accesibilidad, con el objetivo de llegar al mayor número de personas posible. En todos los centros hay estacionamientos accesibles.
Ya están abiertos varios centros de recuperación. Para encontrar el centro más cercano, visite la página de FEMA Localizador de DRC.
No es necesario visitar un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre para solicitar asistencia de FEMA. Para solicitar la asistencia sin visitar un centro, llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362, visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es, o descargue la aplicación móvil de FEMA. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión como el servicio de retransmisión por video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés), el servicio telefónico subtitulado u otros, deberá facilitar a FEMA el número de dicho servicio cuando solicite asistencia.
Para más información sobre las operaciones de recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4749. La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia de FEMA es el 19 de enero de 2024.
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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin discriminación por motivos de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del idioma inglés o situación económica. Se brindará acomodo razonable, incluyendo traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de Vídeo, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido víctima de discriminación, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Si utiliza un Servicio de Retransmisión de vídeo, servicio de teléfono subtitulado u otro, brinde a FEMA su número asignado para ese servicio.
darrell.habisch Mié, 06/12/2023 - 18:36Beware of Disaster Fraud
CHICAGO – After disasters, fraudulent activity typically increases, and con artists may try to get money from you or ask for your personal information to try and steal your identity. If your home or personal property was damaged in the September 17 – 18 storms and flooding, be careful when giving out your personal information.
Remember, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and other federal and state disaster workers will never ask for money and never require payment in any form.
Fraudulent Applications
If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If this happens, inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance, so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.
If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. The Helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.
Other Disaster-Related Scams
FEMA crews, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas affected by the September 17 - 18 storms and flooding. Always ask to see I.D. FEMA personnel always have an official identification badge.
Be careful of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming they work for FEMA. If unsure whether a visit or call is legitimate, contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify.
Take Action
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department.
If you have knowledge of fraud or scams involving FEMA’s disaster relief operations, report it to FEMA:
- Email: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov
- Phone: 866-223-0814
- Mail: 400 C Street SW, Suite &SW-1009, Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.
To report and get help recovering from identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov.
For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4749.
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
darrell.habisch Wed, 12/06/2023 - 16:51Centro de Recuperación por Desastre inicia operaciones en Burnham y el centro en Calumet City extiende su horario
CHICAGO – Un Centro temporal de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) de FEMA iniciará operaciones en Burnham el martes 5 de diciembre para ayudar a los residentes a impulsar su recuperación tras las tormentas e inundaciones ocurridas el 17 y 18 de septiembre. El centro estará disponible durante siete días y cerrará permanentemente a las 5 p.m. del lunes 11 de diciembre.
Además, el Centro de Recuperación por Desastre en la Biblioteca Pública de Calumet City ahora estará abierto los siete días de la semana, de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. para brindar servicio a los sobrevivientes durante el proceso de asistencia.
Especialistas de FEMA y de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) estarán presentes en el centro para ayudar a los sobrevivientes a solicitar asistencia federal por desastre, cargar documentos, informarse sobre cómo hacer su propiedad más resistente a los desastres y obtener respuesta a sus preguntas en persona.
El nuevo centro en Burnham estará ubicado en:
Burnham
- Burnham Community Center
- 14020 S. Torrence Avenue
- Burnham, IL 60633
- Horario: 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. desde el martes 5 hasta el lunes 11 de diciembre, cierra permanentemente a las 5 p.m. del lunes 11 de diciembre
En estos centros se ofrece asistencia en otros idiomas distintos del inglés, incluido el Lenguaje de Señas Americano, y materiales traducidos. Las ubicaciones de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre se eligen por su accesibilidad, con el objetivo de llegar al mayor número de personas posible. En todos los centros hay estacionamientos accesibles.
Ya están abiertos varios centros de recuperación. Para encontrar el centro más cercano, visite la página de FEMA Localizador de DRC.
No es necesario visitar un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre para solicitar asistencia de FEMA. Para solicitar la asistencia sin visitar un centro, llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362, visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es, o descargue la aplicación móvil de FEMA. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión como el servicio de retransmisión por video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés), el servicio telefónico subtitulado u otros, deberá facilitar a FEMA el número de dicho servicio cuando solicite asistencia.
Para más información sobre las operaciones de recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4749. La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia de FEMA es el 19 de enero de 2024.
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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin discriminación por motivos de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del idioma inglés o situación económica. Se brindará acomodo razonable, incluyendo traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de Vídeo, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido víctima de discriminación, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Si utiliza un Servicio de Retransmisión de vídeo, servicio de teléfono subtitulado u otro, brinde a FEMA su número asignado para ese servicio.
darrell.habisch Mié, 06/12/2023 - 15:33Don’t Wait, Look to Purchase Flood Insurance Just in Case
Many Florida residents believe they don't need to buy flood insurance. They don't live in a high-risk flood zone. But flooding can happen anywhere, often to the surprise of residents who thought they were covered for disaster. When flooding happens, the damage is typically not covered by most standard homeowners' insurance policies. One inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 of damage in a home.
Flooding in Florida is common. After Hurricane Idalia, more than 5,000 flood claims were filed through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) with a total payout over $300 million to date, closing over 85% of the NFIP claims in the first 90 days after the event. In all, the Hazard Mitigation Community Education & Outreach has counseled over 11,000 survivors on the NFIP and other mitigation measures. The flood insurance program has more than 1.7 million policyholders across the state with total coverage exceeding $448 billion.
Residential and business property owners as well as renters can protect themselves from financial losses by having a flood insurance policy through the NFIP to insure buildings and/or their contents. Flood insurance coverage is available regardless of federal disaster declarations. There is a 30-day waiting period before new policies go into effect, so don't wait to obtain a policy.
In Florida, 468 communities participate in the NFIP; 10 communities do not. Residents can purchase a flood insurance policy if their community participates in the NFIP, no matter their flood risk. Coverage is available for residential and commercial buildings and the contents therein:
- Up to $250,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 in contents coverage for single-to-four family residential structures.
- Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $500,000 in contents coverage for five-or-more family residential structures.
- Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $500,000 in contents coverage for businesses.
As part of its disaster assistance, FEMA has provided Group Flood Insurance Policies (GFIP) to homeowners and renters after Hurricane Idalia. The group policies are 36-month NFIP insurance certificates for disaster survivors who live in a high-risk flood zone, sustain flood damage, do not have flood insurance, and receive FEMA disaster assistance. When a GFIP certificate expires, the survivor is responsible for obtaining and maintaining flood insurance. Failure to maintain flood insurance will affect their eligibility for future disaster assistance.
To purchase a policy, contact your insurance company or agent. In addition to the NFIP, flood insurance is also available from some private insurance providers. For an agent referral, call 800-427-4661 or visit https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance.
FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX)Specialists at the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) Customer Care Center can help you with questions about flood mapping and insurance. The FMIX provides the full range of information you need to make informed decisions about both insurance and risk to protect the life you’ve built. The FMIX also connects customers with technical experts specializing in subjects like modeling, GIS mapping, insurance underwriting and claims, and the Hazus loss-estimation software.
Contact Us: 1-877-336-2627
Email: FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov
For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.
Learn more at fema.gov
thomas.wise Wed, 12/06/2023 - 15:12FEMA’s National Preparedness Report Highlights Cyber Security, Building Codes and Individual Preparedness for a Resilient Nation
WASHINGTON -- FEMA released the 12th annual National Preparedness Report, which provides an overview of the nation’s current disaster risk and capability landscape and outlines progress toward achieving the national preparedness goal of a secure and resilient country. This year’s report continues to highlight the reality of rising costs, frequency and severity of disasters due to climate change as a challenge being faced across all levels of government.
From analyzing 2022 data and looking at trends over decades, FEMA identified preparedness for ongoing community-level risk factors from large-scale disasters and cyber threats, gaps in individual and household preparedness and the lack of building code adoption as key areas for improvement to increase national resilience.
“As the threats to our homeland continue to evolve, the Department of Homeland Security will continue to meet its mandate of identifying and mitigating our country’s security vulnerabilities,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The annual National Preparedness Report helps us do exactly that. In outlining the current disaster risk and capability landscape, this report will guide critical Department work in the years ahead -- from equipping communities with the resources and information necessary to prepare for modern homeland security threats, to improving our Departmental disaster response and recovery efforts. I am grateful to FEMA and the many regional, state and local stakeholders whose continued partnership and leadership are essential to our shared goal of building a more secure, more resilient America.”
For over a decade, FEMA has been reporting on the state of national preparedness to identify the risks and opportunities that inform emergency management decision-making. This report offers practical insights into preparedness and capabilities at the federal, state, local, tribal and territorial levels as well as the individual household level to inform decisions about program priorities and resource allocations that increase community resilience.
“The 2023 National Preparedness report makes one thing clear: We all have a part to play when it comes to making sure our communities are prepared for when disaster strikes," said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. "At FEMA, we've been working hard to target our preparedness efforts to make the biggest impact at the individual level. From our Ready Campaign's focus on older adult preparedness to grants designed to help update building codes, I'm incredibly proud of the work we've done with our partners to fill some of the gaps identified in this year's report and increase our nation's resilience."
What does the 2023 report say about the state of the nation’s preparedness?The 2023 National Preparedness Report covers calendar year 2022 and captures trends based on data from the 2022 National Household Survey on Disaster Preparedness and National Risk and Capabilities Assessments, including the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment and the National Stakeholder Preparedness Review. The evolving threat and hazard landscape includes:
- Lack of Standardized Building Code Adoption: The inconsistent adoption of building codes is one of the most significant factors that compound risk and increase costs from natural hazards. Two out of three communities in the United States need to incorporate the latest building codes.
- High Community-Level Risk: Communities identified cyberattacks, pandemics and floods as most likely to occur and cyberattacks, pandemics and earthquakes as most stressful for one or more capabilities. Long-term housing, relocation assistance and community sheltering capabilities continue to be a challenge in higher-risk areas throughout the nation.
- Ongoing Individual and Household Preparedness Gaps: The 2022 National Household Survey on Disaster Preparedness found that 43% of households surveyed indicated that they intend to prepare in the future but have not started yet and 14% of survey participants indicated they did not intend to prepare.
To respond to these challenges, FEMA has undertaken a series of initiatives to ensure the nation is better prepared when disaster strikes.
- In Oct. 2023, FEMA made $1.8 billion available for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance grant programs designed to help communities increase their resilience to the impacts of climate change, including activities that incorporate eligible building code adoption. Aligned with the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Initiative to Advance Building Codes, FEMA set aside $25 million for federally recognized tribes and $2 million for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories that are committed to building code activities.
- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) plays a vital role in ensuring continuity of operations during conditions such as cyberattacks, severe weather or incidents caused by human error. In Nov. 2023, CISA and FEMA launched two large efforts to increase cyber preparedness:
- The new Shields Ready Campaign empowers the critical infrastructure community to prepare for, adapt to, withstand and rapidly recover from disruptions caused by changing conditions. Shields Ready builds on CISA’s Shields Up Campaign, which helps critical infrastructure stakeholders take specific, time-sensitive actions that reduce risk during cyberattacks, physical security threats or natural disasters.
- FEMA and CISA also released the first-ever Cyber Incidents Planning Guidance for Emergency Managers, which provides a roadmap for emergency managers across the nation to plan for swift and effective solutions to address the consequences of a cyber incident.
- This year as part FEMA’s Ready Campaign focused on individual preparedness, FEMA launched the first ever #SummerReady and #WinterReady initiatives to promote preparedness and resilience against extreme heat and cold. As part of the 2023 National Preparedness Month, FEMA focused on empowering older adults and their caregivers to increase their preparedness while encouraging them to spread preparedness in their communities. FEMA also released the Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults and signed an MOU with the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers as part of the ongoing commitment to increasing preparedness for this large part of the U.S. population.
Building community-wide resilience sets the foundation for successful response and recovery efforts. Governments need to work with non-governmental partners and the private sector to ensure holistic preparedness and a full understanding of both the impacts of disasters and the capabilities needed to manage them. This year’s report provides concrete recommendations that partners and stakeholders across the whole community can take to increase the nation’s resilience.
The National Preparedness Report was established in Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-8, signed on March 30, 2011, which required the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit to the President the first national preparedness report based on the National Preparedness Goal.
To read the full report, go to fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness#reports.
amy.ashbridge Tue, 12/05/2023 - 22:04FEMA Awards Over $1.1 Million to MIT for COVID Testing Costs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the cost of testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1,146,544 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private land-grant research university in Cambridge for the costs of contracting for temporary staff for its testing program between August 2020 and January 2022.
A total of 60 temporary staff were contracted to work a total of 37,447 hours at various testing sites set up on campus to serve students, faculty and staff, performing test check-in/registration, test observation, unobserved test collection, test consolidation and transport preparation, and supervision of front-line staff.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Tue, 12/05/2023 - 14:35FEMA Awards Nearly $8.3 Million to Massachusetts for COVID Vaccination Costs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $8.3 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for the cost of providing vaccinations and preventative treatment to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $8,251,189 in Public Assistance grants will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the costs of contracting to both operate a statewide network of mobile vaccination sites and to provide in-home vaccinations and treatments to homebound patients between July 2022 and May 2023.
One grant of $3,553,090 will cover the cost of contracting with CDR Health Care to provide 24 Registered Nurses for 6,659 hours, and 31 Certified Nursing Assistant/Licensed Practical Nurses for 7,948 hours, as well as costs such as meals, hotel, per diem, wages and mileage.
Those nurses performed telephone outreach, scheduled vaccinations, and provided vaccinator staffing to administer 3,457 vaccinations and 74 therapeutic preventive treatments.
A second grant of $4,698,099 will provide reimbursement for contracting with several firms to operate vaccination sites at 419 locations around the state and provide 19,444 vaccinations to individuals who met certain eligibility criteria.
Services provided included screening patients, administering the vaccine, vaccine storage compliance, documenting procedures, and personal protective equipment protocol compliance.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Massachusetts with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Tue, 12/05/2023 - 14:31FEMA Awards Nearly $3.7 Million to Babson College for COVID Prevention Costs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $3.7 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Babson College for the cost of steps taken to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $3,695,999 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private business school in Wellesley for the costs of contracting for cleaning services and purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) between June 2020 and June 2022.
The college purchased of 134,450 face masks, 896 face shields/goggles, 566,300 gloves, and 700 N95 masks that were distributed among the students, staff, faculty, temporary nurse practitioners, and authorized visitors and vendors while on the campus.
In addition, Babson College also purchased thermometers, at-home antigen COVID testing kits, anti-bacterial hand sanitizers and dispensers, disposable coveralls, alcohol & Lysol wipes, and Kleenex, and hired contracted temporary custodial help for the cleaning and disinfection of campus buildings such as the COVID testing sites, administrative buildings, dining areas, and common areas.
“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Babson College with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.
So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.
adrien.urbani Tue, 12/05/2023 - 14:28December Deadline to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance Nears
HONOLULU – Time is winding down for homeowners and renters to apply for FEMA disaster assistance if they had damage or losses to their property from the August wildfires on Maui. You may also apply for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration, a FEMA partner in Maui’s recovery.
For both federal agencies, the deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 11.
Disaster survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage or losses to their primary homes, personal property and vehicles before applying for FEMA assistance. You may even apply for FEMA assistance while waiting to hear about your insurance claim. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid and FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.
The American Red Cross, another vital FEMA partner, is providing financial assistance, temporary housing in hotels and other services, including assisting survivors who may be ineligible for certain FEMA programs. The Red Cross invites you to schedule an appointment at RedCross.org/HIhelp, or speak to a Red Cross representative at a Disaster Recovery Center, or call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767). Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema.gov).
FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is designed to help you with basic, critical, disaster-related needs such as a safe, sanitary and accessible place to live. Assistance includes rental assistance, lodging expenses reimbursement, and home repair and replacement assistance.
To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. Helpline operators are available from 1 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, and they speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6. You may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center to get answers to your questions.
FEMA works closely with the U.S. Small Business Administration, which provides low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses. Some applicants may be referred to the SBA to apply for a disaster loan. Homeowners may borrow up to $500,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property.
For SBA disaster assistance, you may apply online and download applications at https://www.sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires. Applicants may also receive information by calling SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
For SBA applicants who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications may be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires.
mary.j.edmon Tue, 12/05/2023 - 03:30Centro de Recuperación por Desastre inicia operaciones en Burnham y el centro en Calumet City extiende su horario
CHICAGO – Un Centro temporal de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) de FEMA iniciará operaciones en Burnham el martes 5 de diciembre para ayudar a los residentes a impulsar su recuperación tras las tormentas e inundaciones ocurridas el 17 y 18 de septiembre. El centro estará disponible durante siete días y cerrará permanentemente a las 5 p.m. del lunes 11 de diciembre.
Además, el Centro de Recuperación por Desastre en la Biblioteca Pública de Calumet City ahora estará abierto los siete días de la semana, de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. para brindar servicio a los sobrevivientes durante el proceso de asistencia.
Especialistas de FEMA y de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) estarán presentes en el centro para ayudar a los sobrevivientes a solicitar asistencia federal por desastre, cargar documentos, informarse sobre cómo hacer su propiedad más resistente a los desastres y obtener respuesta a sus preguntas en persona.
El nuevo centro en Burnham estará ubicado en:
Burnham
Burnham Community Center
14020 S. Torrence Avenue
Burnham, IL 60633
Horario: 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. desde el martes 5 hasta el lunes 11 de diciembre, cierra permanentemente a las 5 p.m. del lunes 11 de diciembre
En estos centros se ofrece asistencia en otros idiomas distintos del inglés, incluido el Lenguaje de Señas Americano, y materiales traducidos. Las ubicaciones de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre se eligen por su accesibilidad, con el objetivo de llegar al mayor número de personas posible. En todos los centros hay estacionamientos accesibles.
Ya están abiertos varios centros de recuperación. Para encontrar el centro más cercano, visite la página de FEMA Localizador de DRC.
No es necesario visitar un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre para solicitar asistencia de FEMA. Para solicitar la asistencia sin visitar un centro, llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362, visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es, o descargue la aplicación móvil de FEMA. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión como el servicio de retransmisión por video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés), el servicio telefónico subtitulado u otros, deberá facilitar a FEMA el número de dicho servicio cuando solicite asistencia.
Para más información sobre las operaciones de recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4749. La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia de FEMA es el 19 de enero de 2024.
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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin discriminación por motivos de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del idioma inglés o situación económica. Se brindará acomodo razonable, incluyendo traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de Vídeo, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido víctima de discriminación, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Si utiliza un Servicio de Retransmisión de vídeo, servicio de teléfono subtitulado u otro, brinde a FEMA su número asignado para ese servicio.
larissa.hale Lun, 04/12/2023 - 23:40Temporary Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Burnham + Extended Days of Operation at Calumet City Center, IL
CHICAGO – A temporary FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will open in Burnham on Tuesday, Dec. 5 to help residents kickstart their recovery after the September 17 - 18 storms and flooding. The center will be open for seven days, closing permanently at 5 p.m., Monday, December 11.
Additionally, the Disaster Recovery Center at the Calumet City Public Library will now be open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, to serve survivors as they navigate the assistance process.
Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are at the centers to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant and get their questions answered in person.
The new center in Burnham will be open in the following location:
Burnham
Burnham Community Center
14020 S. Torrence Avenue
Burnham, IL 60633
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5 – Monday, Dec. 11, closing permanently Monday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m.
Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available.
Additional recovery centers will be opening soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA’s DRC Locator.
You don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749. The deadline to register with FEMA is January 19, 2024.
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
larissa.hale Mon, 12/04/2023 - 18:06Reconstruction of Recreational and Natural Areas for Social Enjoyment Is Underway
FEMA has awarded nearly $5.7 million for natural reserves and lighthouses around the island.
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Aldo Escabi is a frequent visitor to the Cabezas de San Juan nature reserve in the municipality of Fajardo. He enjoys the contact with nature and the landscapes, since from there he can appreciate the old structure of the lighthouse, different small islands and even the island municipalities of Vieques and Culebra.
For Escabi, it is important to preserve the nature reserve's facilities because “they foster a sense of adventure and raise awareness among new generations about how to protect our natural resources.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated nearly $5.7 million for damage following Hurricane María to repair diverse recreational and natural areas that will support the preservation, tourism and economic development of its communities.
“Puerto Ricans frequent local events and excursions that allow us to enjoy diverse cultural offerings throughout the country, especially this holiday season. The agency continues to support municipalities, agencies and nonprofit entities in order to rebuild these spaces for the physical and emotional health of the communities, while supporting local merchants,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, José Baquero.
Las Cabezas de San Juan is part of the group that has funding from the agency. The Puerto Rico Conservation Trust has approved over $701,000 for repairs to the lighthouse building, observation deck and boardwalk, including mitigation measures to protect the facilities from infiltration, soil erosion and wind. The nonprofit has already completed repairs to the administration office, visitor's pavilion and other areas with over $24,000 in additional obligations. Construction on the lighthouse and observation platform is underway, while repairs to the boardwalk are in the planning process.
While in Fajardo, residents and visitors can also enjoy sunbathing and the warm waters of the Seven Seas resort, which is currently in the auction process to be able to rebuild gazebos, a camping area and trailers, lifeguard towers and lighting, among other work, after an allocation of nearly $2.7 million.
Further south, the Punta Tuna Lighthouse in the municipality of Maunabo will also get improvements. The impact of Hurricane María caused damage to this 150-year-old historic building and FEMA granted nearly $660,000 to paint walls and ceilings. The infrastructure will also be repaired to match all aspects, including design, color, equipment, and labor.
Furthermore, to the north of the island in Vega Baja is the Tortuguero Lagoon, which offers open spaces with gazebos and seven miles of trails for community recreation. The agency allocated nearly $486,000 to the municipality to repair the nature reserve from water damage to its buildings and hiking trails.
According to Vega Baja resident Ramses Rivera Sánchez, visiting the lagoon brings a sense of peace and helps to recharge one's batteries. “Spending a day in this place is to experience happiness and respite from the daily routine.” Rivera Sánchez explained that the reserve was greatly affected with the passage of Hurricane María and understands that its preservation is important because, in addition to being the habitat of many species, it fosters physical activity and community togetherness. “It is important to take action to remodel these facilities. There is a lot of potential to take advantage of for the well-being of the entire community and the country.”
And, if historic buildings, music and crafts are on the agenda for the day, Old San Juan will provide that cultural offering at Plaza Dársenas and Paseo La Princesa. Ludiscari Negrón is one of the area's artisans and has been offering her products in the plaza and the promenade for 25 years. Her clientele is varied: visitors from all over the world and residents, particularly the elderly who share with her their struggles and tales of overcoming adversity.
Meanwhile, María Santiago, a 15-year resident of the urban center, reaffirms the importance of the repairs because of their historical relevance. The musical activities for senior citizens at Paseo La Princesa and the artisan events are part of her most significant memories. She also enjoys walking the promenade and drinking coffee in the plaza.
FEMA allocated over $1.1 million to the Tourism Company for lighting, painting and repairs to the cement walls and water fountain of the Plaza and Paseo, among other already completed work.
For his part, the Executive Director of the Central Office for Puerto Rico Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3) Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, noted that “as part of the assistance we offer, COR3 disbursed approximately $958,000, per the subrecipients' request, through the Working Capital Advance pilot program get work underway at the Seven Seas beach in Fajardo, the Punta Tuna Lighthouse in Maunabo, and the Tortuguero Lagoon Nature Reserve in Vega Baja. We will continue to work as a team to ensure that these projects are completed in compliance with applicable regulations.”
To date, FEMA has allocated over $31.5 billion for nearly 10,900 projects to address Puerto Rico's recovery.
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.
SEVEN SEAS BEACH, FAJARDO, PUERTO RICO
FAJARDO, Puerto Rico (June 21, 2023) – Residents and visitors can also enjoy sunbathing and the warm waters of the Seven Seas beach in Fajardo, which will benefit from rebuilt gazebos, a camping area and trailers, lifeguard towers and lighting, among other work, after an allocation of nearly $2.7 million. Photo FEMA/Eduardo Martínez
frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 12/04/2023 - 12:07
Centro de Recuperación por Desastre inicia operaciones en Calumet City, IL
CHICAGO – Un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) de FEMA iniciará operaciones en Calumet City el viernes 1 de diciembre en la Biblioteca Pública de Calumet para ayudar a los residentes a iniciar su recuperación tras las tormentas e inundaciones ocurridas el 17 y 18 de septiembre.
Especialistas de FEMA y de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) estarán presentes en el centro para ayudar a los sobrevivientes a solicitar asistencia federal por desastre, cargar documentos, informarse sobre cómo hacer su propiedad más resistente a los desastres y obtener respuesta a sus preguntas en persona.
El centro estará ubicado en:
Calumet City
Biblioteca Pública de Calumet
660 Manistee Ave.
Calumet City, IL 60409
Horario: lunes a sábado de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m., cerrado los domingos
En estos centros se ofrece asistencia en otros idiomas distintos del inglés, incluido el Lenguaje de Señas Americano, y materiales traducidos. Las ubicaciones de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre se eligen por su accesibilidad, con el objetivo de llegar al mayor número de personas posible. En todos los centros hay estacionamientos accesibles.
Ya están abiertos varios centros de recuperación. Para encontrar el centro más cercano, visite la página de FEMA Localizador de DRC.
No es necesario visitar un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre para solicitar asistencia de FEMA. Para solicitar la asistencia sin visitar un centro, llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362, visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es, o descargue la aplicación móvil de FEMA. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión como el servicio de retransmisión por vídeo (VRS, por sus siglas en ingles), el servicio telefónico subtitulado u otros, deberá facilitar a FEMA el número de dicho servicio cuando solicite.
Para más información sobre las operaciones de recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4749. La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia de FEMA es el 19 de enero de 2024.
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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin discriminación por motivos de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del idioma inglés o situación económica. Se brindará acomodo razonable, incluyendo traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de Vídeo, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido víctima de discriminación, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 800-621-3362 (incluido el 711 o el Servicio de Retransmisión de vídeo).
FEMA Assistance May Be Available to Cover Underinsured Wildfire Property Losses
HONOLULU – Maui wildfire survivors are encouraged to keep FEMA updated on the status of their insurance claim to help with their recovery.
It is also important to register with FEMA while you’re waiting for your insurance claim. The deadline to register for federal disaster assistance is Monday, Dec. 11.
FEMA may be able to help you if the insurance settlement you received was less than FEMA’s maximum grant and did not cover all your basic disaster-related necessities. You may also be eligible for FEMA assistance if your insurance claim was turned down or if your claim was delayed more than 30 days.
The first step is to contact your insurance company. Depending on the status of your insurance claim, you must request:
- A denial letter: proof that you are not covered by your insurance company.
- A settlement letter: exactly what is covered by your insurance company.
- A delay letter: proof the insurance company has made no official decision yet on your insurance claim, and it has been more than 30 days since you filed your insurance claim.
FEMA cannot provide assistance for damage already covered by your insurance, and FEMA does not cover insurance deductibles. However, wildfire losses not covered by your homeowner’s insurance may be eligible for grant funding within the limits of the Individuals and Households Program.
FEMA assistance provides for basic needs to make your primary home safe, accessible and functional. FEMA does not provide replacement-value awards for damaged items or assistance with non-essential items.
Approval for federal assistance is based on the specifics of each FEMA application, including documentation provided by the FEMA applicant. You have up to 12 months from the date that you registered with FEMA to submit your insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA for review.
In addition, you have up to 12 months from the date you registered with FEMA to appeal denials because of insurance issues. Write to FEMA and explain the reason for the delayed insurance and include the letter from your insurance company.
You may also upload insurance documents to your account at DisasterAssistance.gov. Another option is to fax the documents to FEMA at 800-827-8112 or mail copies to: FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782.
Any funds you may receive from FEMA during this process would be considered an advance, and those funds must be repaid when you receive your insurance settlement.
For more information about insurance-denial or insurance-settlement matters, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Operators are available from 1 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, and they speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires.
scott.reuter Sat, 12/02/2023 - 01:38FEMA Application Deadline has Passed but Help Still Available for Floridians
The Nov. 29 deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance has passed, but help is still available for Floridians who sustained loss from Hurricane Idalia.
Applicants should stay in touch with FEMA to ensure the disaster assistance process stays on track. Missing or incorrect information could result in delays in receiving assistance. Update contact information, report additional home damage or a delay in insurance claims in the following ways:
- Call toll-free 800-621-3362, the telephone line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages.
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or;
- Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
- If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.
thomas.wise Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:46Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Calumet City, IL
CHICAGO – A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will open in Calumet City on Friday, Dec. 1 to help residents kickstart their recovery after the September 17 - 18 storms and flooding.
Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are at the center to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant and get their questions answered in person.
The center will be open in the following location:
Calumet City
Calumet City Public Library
660 Manistee Ave.
Calumet City, IL 60409
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Saturday, Closed Sundays
Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available.
Additional recovery centers will be opening soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA’s DRC Locator.
You don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749. The deadline to register with FEMA is January 19, 2024.
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
larissa.hale Thu, 11/30/2023 - 22:48
Stay in Touch with FEMA to Help Keep Your Recovery on Track
HONOLULU – Missing or wrong information could delay the delivery of FEMA assistance. That’s why FEMA encourages homeowners and renters recovering from the August wildfires on Maui to stay in touch with the agency and keep their information as current as possible.
Contact FEMA to update your application, get the status of your case or ask questions about the disaster assistance process.
FEMA can also help connect you with services providing crisis counseling and disaster legal assistance and nonprofit programs that offer additional resources. FEMA specialists can also check if the Individual Assistance program may cover damage that your insurance does not.
Here’s how to stay in touch with FEMA:
- Create an online account at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you already have one, you can log in to update your status or upload your documents.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you call. Helpline operators are available from 1 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week and they speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
- You can send a fax to FEMA at 800-827-8112 and provide a copy of your insurance settlement and your appeal letter. You may also submit documents to this address:
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
When contacting FEMA, be prepared to give the specialist the nine-digit number assigned to you when you applied for disaster assistance.
For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires.
scott.reuter Thu, 11/30/2023 - 15:39Pages
