President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for New York

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New York to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from July 9-10, 2023.

Public assistance federal funding is available to the 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 storms and flooding in Clinton, Dutchess, Essex, Hamilton, Ontario, Orange, Putnam and Rockland 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.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 07/24/2023 - 14:38

Damaged Well, Furnace or Septic System? FEMA Can Help

WILLISTON, Vt. – If you lost access to water because a private well or septic system was damaged, or if your HVAC System or furnace was damaged by the recent flooding in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance.

For private wells, HVAC Systems, furnaces and septic systems, FEMA may reimburse you for the cost of a professional, licensed technician to visit your home and prepare an estimate for necessary repairs or replacement of your disaster-damaged systems.

FEMA may also pay for the actual repair or replacement cost of your septic system or private well, which are not insurable items. 

If you applied for FEMA assistance you will be contacted for a home inspection, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 if you have not been contacted and it has been more than 7-10 days. At the time of your inspection, let the FEMA inspector know you have a private well and/or septic system that may have been damaged. If the damage is determined to have been caused by the floods, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance.

If you already had an inspection and damage to the well or septic system wasn’t reported, call the FEMA Helpline to update them on your damages. Please keep your contractor’s statement, estimates and receipts. You may refer to the FEMA decision letter you received for more information or appeals guidance if a decision has already been made. 

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

If you live in an undesignated county and have damage, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to apply and if a designation for your county occurs, your application will begin to process. 

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

thomas.wise Mon, 07/24/2023 - 11:41

FEMA Allocates Funds for the Preservation of Manatees

San Juan, Puerto Rico – In Puerto Rico, accidents with manatees are mostly caused by collisions with jet skis or motor and propeller boats, according to the director of the Manatee Conservation Center, Antonio Mignucci.

“We are noticing that people have not understood that they [manatees] share the environment with us and that we must give them that space. People with boats must understand that manatees live there and that they can’t move too fast. You must go slow near the coast, in the mangroves, in the estuaries. These are manatee areas and, in those parts, you have to go less than 5 miles per hour,” explained the Director.

As part of the efforts to increase awareness of manatees and their preservation, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted funds to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) to install signs that alert the public when they are near these marine animals.

A total of 170 signs will be placed near boat ramps around the island’s shoreline to alert of the presence of manatees in the area’s waters. The signs display information about manatee biology and behavior; and explain what boaters should anticipate and do when in the vicinity of these herbivorous animals.

“The coasts of the island are for the public’s enjoyment and that goes hand in hand with our responsibility to preserve them and preserve their animals and habitats. Manatees are an endangered species, protected by state and federal laws. Knowing our duties when encountering them is very important, so these signs are necessary to alert visitors and prevent them from taking any action that harms them,” explained Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José Baquero.

Interactions considered as harassment of manatees are prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act and the New Puerto Rico Wildlife Act; failure to comply with these laws can result in fines of up to $100,000 or one year in prison.

The funds allocated by FEMA will serve to install the signs around the north coast, which includes Isabela, Camuy, Barceloneta, Manatí, Vega Baja, Vega Alta, Dorado, Toa Baja, Cataño, San Juan, Carolina to Loíza; the east and southeast coast from Río Grande, Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba, Naguabo, Humacao, Yabucoa to Maunabo; and the south coast from Patillas, Arroyo, Guayama, Salinas to Santa Isabel. The award of over $120,000 for the signs includes mitigation measures to secure and reinforce them.

For its part, the local government also develops initiatives to rescue manatees and address any activity that puts them at risk. The DNER secretary, Anaís Rodríguez Vega, informed that the Department recently completed a study in the areas of greatest manatee conservation to document their behavior in the presence of boats and to install or relocate more floats or markers to warn of their presence; as well as to design other conservation strategies, if necessary.

Other DNER initiatives include training for teachers, law enforcement and emergency management agents; educational roundtables and talks with students; and the distribution of stickers for kayaks in areas where manatee harassment has been reported.

“All of these opportunities to educate and enlist the support of boaters are invaluable, as boat strikes are the number one killer of manatees. Manatees can be considered sentinel species that let us know how our marine ecosystems are doing. The actions we take to preserve them will result in healthy marine ecosystems. Furthermore, they are a conservation icon that helps us raise awareness of how important it is to protect these species to maintain a diverse world,” said Rodríguez Vega. 

Meanwhile, Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), said: “Recognizing the importance of this reconstruction project, the COR3 team will assist the DNER in the technical procedures required for this work to install these signs in the coastal municipalities to safeguard the life and preservation of manatees, an endangered species.”

Some recommendations from the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center when running into manatees is that it is important to look at them without touching them; and to avoid interrupting their habitat or altering their natural feeding patterns.

By chasing, touching, feeding and watering a manatee, people alter the mammal’s behavior in its natural environment. If the manatee is frightened, it may move away from its favorite places to feed itself, drink fresh water or rest. The Center also advises against diving or swimming near manatees, as the cubs could die if separated from their mothers.

People who come across an injured manatee should immediately call the DNER Vigilant Corps at 787 724 5700; by only posting the information on social networks, the rescue response could be delayed.

To date, FEMA has awarded over $30.6 billion for over 10,700 Public Assistance projects aimed at rebuilding a more resilient Puerto Rico. 

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery,  visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

 

 

 

frances.acevedo-pico Sun, 07/23/2023 - 19:14

Caledonia, Orange Counties Residents Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance

WILLISTON, Vt. – Federal funding is now available to help individuals in two additional Vermont counties recover from the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from July 7, 2023 and continuing.

Residents of Caledonia and Orange counties who suffered damage to their homes or personal property may apply for disaster assistance with FEMA. Additional counties may be added at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

These two counties are in addition to the six counties already designated for Individual Assistance: Chittenden, Lamoille, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor.

Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

To apply for assistance, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.; go online to DisasterAssistance.gov; or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. 

For the latest information on Vermont’s recovery, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4720. Follow the FEMA Region 1 account on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion1, the FEMA Facebook page at facebook.com/FEMA, or the Vermont Emergency Management Agency on Twitter at twitter.com/vemt and on Facebook at facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement.

thomas.wise Sat, 07/22/2023 - 14:31

FEMA, DEMA, and Senator Carper Host Hurricane Preparedness Event in Sussex County, DE

PHILADELPHIA - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell, FEMA Region 3 Administrator MaryAnn Tierney, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Delaware Emergency Management Agency Director A.J. Schall, and Sussex County Emergency Operations Center Director Joe Thomas joined together today at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center to highlight how individuals can prepare themselves, their homes and their families for severe weather this hurricane season. 

“It is never too early to prepare for severe weather and the many impacts of hurricanes. Identify your risks, have a plan and act today. The best way to help yourself, your family and your community recover after a disaster is by taking steps now, before it’s too late,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Just because your area may not have been impacted by hurricanes in recent years does not mean it will not happen.”

FEMA works year-round in close partnership with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and local emergency managers to ensure individuals and communities are prepared for when extreme weather strikes. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. The peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season often occurs later in the season, with most activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October.

“As climate change continues to fuel more intense hurricane seasons, it’s critical for families and businesses to have emergency preparedness plans in place,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “At the same time, it’s not enough to repair and rebuild after storms—we must address the threat of climate change and invest in more resilient infrastructure. Thanks to historic investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, we are making significant progress in building thriving, resilient communities that run on clean energy and can withstand extreme weather. Still, we must continue our efforts to preserve our one and only planet and ensure the safety of our most vulnerable when disasters strike.”   

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney added. “It calls for the involvement of everyone — not just the government — in preparedness efforts. By working together, in a whole-of-community approach, everyone can help ensure that our communities stay safe and resilient.”

Some of the tips for residents and businesses include: 

• Know your flood risk. Are you in a flood zone? Find out at de.gov/floodrisk. If you are, you might be asked to evacuate in advance of a severe weather event. Know what the evacuation plan will be by checking the DelDOT State Evacuation Routes.
• FEMA’s Ready Campaign recently published a low and no-cost preparedness webpage with tips to help preparedness for a variety of disasters and emergencies. 
• Know how you will receive emergency alerts. Delaware’s primary system for public warnings and emergency alerts, DENS allows local 911 centers or emergency managers to send messages directly to residents affected by an event — but only if you’re registered. Visit PrepareDE.org for more information. 
• The FEMA App allows you to receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters in your area, prepare for common hazards, and more.
• Building your emergency supply kit over time, starting with items you may already have in your home -- like a flashlight, extra batteries, copies of important documents, water and non-perishable food.
• Take family members with access and functional needs into account. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters. Ready.gov/disability has additional resources to help in these planning considerations.
• Storing important documents and items like passports, birth certificates, maps and electronics in a flood-safe place, like a high shelf or upper floor in resealable water-tight plastic bags to help waterproof them. 
• Your pets are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan. Ready.gov/Pets has additional considerations for how to prepare your family pets. The DHSS Office of Animal Welfare and Delaware Animal Response Program has resources for animals and emergencies.
• If you have insurance, now is the time to review your policies. Not all policies are the same, so review them to understand what coverage you have. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance.
• FEMA’s Ready Business Hurricane Toolkit helps business owners take action to protect employees, protect customers, and help ensure business continuity as well.
• Visit Ready.gov/hurricane for specific additional tips to prepare for hurricane systems.

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

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

charles.elison Fri, 07/21/2023 - 21:18

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Rutland, Washington Counties

WILLISTON, VT – Two Disaster Recovery Centers will open at 8 a.m., July 22, in Rutland and Washington counties to help residents affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides kickstart their recovery. The joint state-FEMA centers are temporary facilities that will help survivors apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents needed for their application and answer questions in person.

The Rutland County center is located at:

ASA Bloomer Building
88 Merchants Row
Rutland, VT 05701

The Washington County center is located at:

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

The centers are accessible to people with disabilities and access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. Survivors who need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter may call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish). 

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

You don’t need to visit a recovery center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET; go online to DisasterAssistance.gov; or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

For the latest information on Vermont’s recovery, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4720. Follow the FEMA Region 1 account on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion1, the FEMA Facebook page at facebook.com/FEMA, or the Vermont Emergency Management Agency on Twitter at twitter.com/vemt and on Facebook at facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement.

thomas.wise Fri, 07/21/2023 - 20:35

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Town Hall Meeting Set for July 26 in Mora

SANTA FE, N.M. -- The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office will be hosting a town hall meeting on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 6-7:30pm at the Mora High School Lecture Hall. Claims Office representatives will be on hand to inform claimants of recent Claims Office developments, particularly updates to flood insurance coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), managed by FEMA, provides flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses. 

In response to the fire damages, subsequent flooding and increased flooding risks caused by the Hermit’s Peak/ Calf Canyon fire, the Claims Office is pleased to announce a partnership with the NFIP that will enable eligible claimants to receive up to five years of flood insurance protection, with premiums paid by the Claims Office. 

The town hall will also allow Claims Office leadership to highlight and discuss another recent partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Claims Office has partnered with the NRCS to offer claimants the opportunity to request a comprehensive NRCS Conservation Restoration Plan, tailored to recovering from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent floods, at no cost. Under this partnership, NRCS plans will include cost estimates for recovery actions eligible for compensation under the Claims Office.  The meeting will also include an active question and answer portion following the presentation. Event information can be found below:

What:            Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Town Hall

When:            Wednesday, July 26, 2023 

Time:             6- 7:30 p.m. 

Location:        Mora High School Lecture Hall, 10 Ranger Rd., Mora, NM 87701

For those unable to attend the meeting, questions and concerns can also be addressed by calling your Navigator or the Claims Office Helpline at (505) 995-7133.

For the latest information on the Claims Office, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hermits-peak  (for Spanish, visit https://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/current/hermits-peak) or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice/. For media inquiries call the Claims Office News Desk at 505-995-7035 or email us at ClaimsOffice@fema.dhs.gov anytime. The meetings will be staffed by English and Spanish translators and American Sign Language interpreters.

This meeting will have American Sign Language interpreters present.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 07/21/2023 - 18:13

DHS Announces Funding Allocations for Fiscal Year 2023 Preparedness Grants

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced final allocations of $605 million in six Fiscal Year 2023 competitive preparedness grant programs. These allocations, together with the almost $1.4 billion in non-competitive grant funding announced earlier this year, total more than $2 billion in FY 2023 to help prepare our nation against threats and natural disasters.

The grant programs provide funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, nonprofit agencies, and the private sector to build and sustain capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters. The total amount for each grant program is set by Congress and the allocations are made by the Department.

“DHS remains committed to strengthening America’s security and resilience,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “This year, DHS will prioritize six critical areas: cybersecurity, soft targets and crowded places, intelligence and information sharing, domestic violent extremism, community preparedness and resilience, and election security. The grants announced today will support our communities and help improve our readiness to prepare, respond to and recover from major disasters, terrorist attacks and other emergencies.”

Preparedness Grant Program Allocations for Fiscal Year 2023

The following grants are competitive, with allocations announced today: 

Operation Stonegarden: provides $90 million to enhance cooperation and coordination among state, local, tribal, territorial and federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders.

Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program: provides $15 million to eligible tribal nations to implement preparedness initiatives to help strengthen the nation against risk associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program: provides $305 million to support target hardening and other physical security enhancements for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack. This year, $152.5 million is provided to nonprofits in Urban Area Security Initiative-designated areas and $152.5 million is provided to nonprofits outside those designated urban areas located in any state or territory.

Port Security Grant Program: provides $100 million to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management and maintain or re-establish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.

Transit Security Grant Program: provides $93 million to owners and operators of public transit systems to protect critical surface transportation and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure. 

Intercity Bus Security Grant Program: provides $2 million to owners and operators of intercity bus systems to protect surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure. 

The following non-competitive grants were announced earlier this year to recipients based on a number of factors:

State Homeland Security Program: provides $415 million to support the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based state homeland security strategies to address capability targets. Awards are based on statutory minimums and relative risk as determined by DHS/FEMA’s risk methodology.

Urban Area Security Initiative: provides $615 million to enhance regional preparedness and capabilities in 31 high-threat, high-density areas. Awards are based on relative risk as determined by risk methodology.

Emergency Management Performance Grant: provides $355.1 million to assist state, local, tribal and territorial emergency management agencies in obtaining the resources required to support the National Preparedness Goal’s associated mission areas and core capabilities to build a culture of preparedness.

Intercity Passenger Rail: provides $10 million to Amtrak to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and increase the resilience of the Amtrak rail system. Award made per congressional direction.

More information on preparedness grant programs is available at www.dhs.gov and www.fema.gov/grants.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 07/21/2023 - 17:56

ICYMI: White House Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi and FEMA Administrator Criswell Encourage Action during Youth Preparedness Council Summit

WASHINGTON -- On July 18, National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, Assistant to the President and head of the White House Climate Policy Office, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell presented remarks at the 2023 FEMA Youth Preparedness Council Summit at FEMA Headquarters. 

“We are facing an unprecedented number of disasters in this country today and we can only expect that number to increase in the months and years to come,” said Administrator Criswell. “One of our biggest opportunities to effectively mitigate the impacts of disasters is to stay focused on building the emergency management workforce of the future. And that is where you come in. You offer the fresh perspectives and unconventional approaches that can advance the way we deliver our assistance to communities who need it the most.” 

 

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell responding to a question from an audience member at the 2023 Youth Preparedness Council Summit. (FEMA photo)

The FEMA Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) consists of student leaders in grades 8-11 who devote a year to learn about emergency management and support FEMA’s commitment to promote and sustain a prepared nation. The council provides FEMA with an avenue to engage young people and gain direct insights on ways to consider their perspectives, feedback and opinions.

 

WASHINGTON -- White House Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi presents remarks during the 2023 Youth Preparedness Council Summit. (FEMA photo)

National Climate Advisor Zaidi urged the young people in attendance to advocate for climate issues important to them and make their voices heard through advocacy and policy. 

“Here today, are young people who see this climate crisis in front of us, and in it, they see an opportunity and that they can be part of the solution,” National Climate Advisor Zaidi said. “The president's climate agenda is one that's focused on empowering the American people, empowering young people, to step up and be part of this society-wide effort to take on a crisis of a magnitude we've never seen before, but one we can solve, one we can get right, if all of us stand together.”

 

WASHINGTON -- White House Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi (center) with YPC member attendees of the 2023 Youth Preparedness Council Summit. (FEMA photo)

While on the council, national Youth Preparedness Council members work on team issue projects on national preparedness topics, such as climate impacts and education, to support FEMA’s commitment to promote and sustain a prepared nation. 

Read more information about the council.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 07/21/2023 - 13:55

SBA Disaster Loan Is Another Key to Recovery From Typhoon Mawar

FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration work closely to help survivors in Guam. SBA is the largest source of federal disaster recovery funding for rebuilding, replacement or repair of disaster damaged businesses and homes. As of July 21, SBA has approved more than $100.6 million in federal disaster loans for Guam businesses and residents impacted by Typhoon Mawar, including $5,148,900 for businesses and $95,548,400 for residents to help rebuild and recover from this disaster.

FEMA collaborates with the SBA in determining applicant eligibility for some types of disaster assistance programs.  If you have applied for FEMA disaster assistance, FEMA may refer you to SBA for consideration for a low-interest, long-term disaster assistance loan. 

If you are referred to SBA, it is important to submit the loan application as soon as possible. If your application is approved, you don’t have to accept an SBA loan. However, failure to return the application may disqualify you from some possible FEMA assistance. If you are determined by SBA to be ineligible for a low-interest, long-term disaster loan, FEMA may provide you with additional assistance to meet your other needs, including Personal Property Assistance, Transportation Assistance and Group Flood Insurance Policy. 

As for a SBA disaster loan, applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

If you haven’t applied for federal disaster assistance yet, please register before the deadline of July 27 by visiting disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, calling 800-621-3362 (the Helpline is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week at no cost for Guam residents), or stopping by a Disaster Recovery Center at Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School or Guam Community College. Hours of operation at DRCs: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday, closed. 

For an accessible video on reasons to apply for an SBA loan, click this. 

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visitour website. 

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

felicia.jordan Fri, 07/21/2023 - 12:13

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Minnesota

WASHINGTON-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Minnesota to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding from April 11-30, 2023. 

Public assistance federal funding is available to the state, eligible local and tribal 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 storms and flooding in Aitkin, Big Stone, Carlton, Chippewa, Clay, Grant, Houston, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Morrison, Norman, Pine, Pope, Renville, Roseau, St. Louis, Stevens, Swift, Traverse and Wilkin counties and the Prairie Island Indian Community.

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

Joseph P. Cirone has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments. 

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 07/20/2023 - 16:39

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oklahoma

WASHINGTON-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Oklahoma to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from June 14-18, 2023. 

Public assistance federal funding is available to the state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes in Beaver, Cimarron, Comanche, Cotton, Craig, Creek, Delaware, Harper, Jefferson, Love, Major, Mayes, McCurtain, Payne, Pushmataha, Rogers, Stephens, Tulsa and Woodward counties.

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

Adam D. Burpee has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments. 

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 07/20/2023 - 13:38

One Week Left To Apply For FEMA Assistance

If you have sustained damage or loss because of Typhoon Mawar, you may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance. Acting quickly is important, as the deadline of July 27 is just one week away. FEMA strongly encourages Typhoon Mawar survivors to apply as soon as possible. 

FEMA assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters pay for:

• Temporary housing for those displaced from their disaster-damaged primary homes.
• Essential repairs to owner-occupied primary homes including structural components such as foundation, exterior walls and roof, and interior areas such as ceiling and floors.
• Replacement of personal property including specialized tools for employment, household items, appliances, disability equipment (i.e., wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.) and vehicle repair or replacement.
• Other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance, including medical, dental, moving and child-care expenses and funeral and transportation expenses.

Typhoon Mawar survivors should register for assistance even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

If you haven’t applied for federal disaster assistance yet, please do so at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, by calling 800-621-3362 (The Helpline is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week at no cost for Guam residents) or by stopping by a Disaster Recovery Center at Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School or Guam Community College. Disaster Recovery Centers are barrier-free and provide equal access to all visitors. If you use American Sign Language or assistive technology, and if you need accommodations to communicate, please notify FEMA staff at the center immediately.

Hours of operation at DRCs: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday, closed. 

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

felicia.jordan Thu, 07/20/2023 - 10:42

Strengthen Your Home Against Hazards from Hurricanes

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – Having a plan in place to protect your home from the flying debris and wind-driven rain caused by tropical storms and hurricanes will give you a head start to protecting one of your greatest investments. 

Our homes are where we raise families, store family heirlooms and where many of life’s milestones occur. Taking steps now to strengthen your roof, windows, downspouts, shutters and other parts of your home against hazards from storms can mean the difference between minor damage and destruction. 

Below are steps you could take to harden and protect your property against storms:

• Review home insurance policies to ensure proper coverage and take photos of property.
  • Losses caused by flooding are not typically covered by standard homeowners’ insurance polices. Learn more about the National Flood Insurance program at www.floodsmart.gov .
• Prepare to store anything from your property that could be picked up by hurricane winds and turned into a harmful object. 
• Trim trees to remove dead limbs and secure rain gutters and downspouts. 
• Make sure porches, decks or sheds are sound and firmly attached. 
• Fasten down roofs with hurricane straps or clips and install strong bolts at the top and bottom of exterior doors. Buy or make storm shutters for windows.

Complete your home inspection to determine which areas of your home need to be strengthened this hurricane season. Learn more about strengthening your home from hazards storms pose from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) at Resilience – #HurricaneStrong. FEMA is a founding and legacy partner with FLASH.

Learn more from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency about basic hurricane preparedness tips, preparing your home against hurricanes and storm notifications and alerts at Hurricanes (vi.gov) . Sign up for Alert VI to receive real-time notifications for emergencies in the U.S. Virgin Islands at VITEMA - Public - Sign In (everbridge.net).

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

 

delia.husband Wed, 07/19/2023 - 20:50

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

BURLINGTON, VT – Vermont residents who applied for assistance from FEMA for the severe storms and flooding, July 7, 2023 and continuing, will receive a determination letter from FEMA. It may say you are ineligible for assistance, but that is not a denial.

It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. The letter will also explain your application status and advise what you need to do to appeal an unfavorable decision.

Often, you need only send more information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue reviewing your application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:

• Proof of insurance coverage
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy
• Proof of ownership
• Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster.

If you have questions about your letter, call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available seven days a week, 365 days a year, with language translation services available. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance provided, you can submit an appeal letter and documents supporting your claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to send FEMA your appeal.

By law, FEMA cannot provide you a grant when any other source – insurance, crowdfunding or financial assistance from voluntary agencies – has covered expenses for the same disaster-related need. In other words, FEMA cannot pay for home repairs if you already received funds from your insurance company for the same repairs.

However, those who are underinsured may receive assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled. While FEMA may be able to help with basic needs, it does not provide assistance to cover insurance deductibles.

Appeals must be in writing in a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include: 

• Applicant’s full name 
• Disaster number (DR-4720 -VT)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence 
• Applicant’s current phone number and address 
• Your nine-digit FEMA application number on all documents

If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant. 

Appeals must be postmarked within 60 days of the date noted on your FEMA determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be uploaded to your personal FEMA online account. To set up an account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and follow the directions. 

Other ways to submit documents include:

Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055

Fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA 

For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1a6lYO5hgY 

For the latest information on Vermont’s recovery from the severe storms and flooding, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4720. You may also follow facebook.com/FEMA.

thomas.wise Wed, 07/19/2023 - 17:30

Senator Carper, FEMA to Give Hurricane Preparedness Tips Friday in Sussex County, DE

On July 21, 2023, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) will join FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell, FEMA Region 3 administrator MaryAnn Tierney, and Delaware emergency management officials to provide tips to the public on how to be prepared for extreme weather this hurricane season at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center. 

Members of the media are invited to join for remarks and tour of the county emergency operations/911 center. 

Event Details:

• When: July 21, 2023, at 10:30 AM EDT
• Where: Sussex County Emergency Operations Center - 21911 Rudder Lane Georgetown DE 19947
• Key Attendees Include:
  • Senator Tom Carper 
  • Sussex County Office of Emergency Management, Director Joe Thomas 
  • Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Director AJ Schall
  • FEMA Administrator, Deanne Criswell
  • FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator, MaryAnn Tierney

Contact Us:

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs: 

FEMA Region 3 Congressional Affairs at FEMA-R3-CongQ@fema.dhs.gov

FEMA Region 3 News Desk at 215-931-5597 or at FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

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

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

charles.elison Wed, 07/19/2023 - 16:19

FEMA Adding Sites to Offer Free Rebuilding and Repairs Tips in Guam

FEMA is adding sites to its roster of locations offering free mitigation advice. As part of a continued effort to help residents in Guam rebuild from Typhoon Mawar, FEMA is offering free tips and advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms. 

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance staff will also be on-site to provide assistance for FEMA disaster assistance registration and application reviews. 

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

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

Guam Home Center

 

(Dededo)

Pay-Less Supermarket Micronesia Mall

(Dededo)

Yigo Pay-less Supermarket

(Yigo)

282 E. Marine Corps Drive

Dededo, GU 96929

1088 W. Marine Corps Drive

Dededo, GU 96929

525 Chalan Ramon Haya

Yigo, GU 96929

July 22-23 and July 25-28

(Note: close on July 24)

July 22-23 and July 25-28

(Note: close on July 24)

July 22-27 

(Note: close on July 28)

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday.

To extend assistance to more survivors, the joint team is planning to incorporate additional sites soon. 

If you haven’t applied for federal disaster assistance yet or need to update a pending application contact FEMA by visiting disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362 (The Helpline is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week at no cost for Guam residents). 

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook. 

felicia.jordan Wed, 07/19/2023 - 12:33

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Increases Federal Cost Share for Vermont

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Vermont to supplement state, local and tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe flooding beginning on July 7, 2023, and continuing. 

The President authorized the federal cost-share for emergency protective measures to be increased from 75% to 100% for a 30-day period of the state’s choosing within the first 120 days from the start of the incident period. The major disaster declaration made funding available for individual assistance, public assistance, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and other needs assistance for total eligible costs. 

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 07/18/2023 - 15:53

Free Rebuilding and Repair Tips Offered by FEMA at Guam Hardware Stores

As Guam residents begin to rebuild, survivors of Typhoon Mawar can get tips and advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand at three locations in Dededo to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of the disaster. These mitigation specialists will be available at the following locations on the following dates:

Location

Dates

Times

Guam Home Center, Dededo

Saturday, July 15, through Friday, July 28

 

Tuesday-Saturday 

8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m 

 

Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

 

Closed on Mondays

Pay-Less Supermarket Micronesia Mall, Dededo

 

Saturday, July 15, through Friday, July 21

Pay-Less Supermarket, Dededo

In addition, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance staff will be on hand to offer in-person FEMA registration and application reviews to Guam survivors with questions about FEMA assistance.

If you haven’t applied for federal disaster assistance yet or need to update a pending application, contact FEMA by visiting disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362 (The Helpline is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week at no cost for Guam residents). 

Federal Assistance to Mawar Survivors Continues to Grow, Tops $100 Million
Now, more than a month after Typhoon Mawar devastated the island territory, Guam residents continue down their road to recovery with the help of federal funding from the U.S.  Small Business Administration and FEMA. To date, nearly $112 million in low-interest disaster loans from the SBA and direct disaster assistance through FEMA have flowed into the community to help jumpstart the recovery process.  

Small Business Administration 
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $62.2 million in low-interest disaster loans. The SBA is the number one source of federal disaster recovery funding. Through low-interest disaster loans, the SBA provides recovery loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters.  

For homeowners and renters, the SBA has approved 651 disaster loans totaling nearly $59.2 million. These loans can be used to repair or replace a survivor’s disaster-damaged home and personal property. Additionally, 45 businesses and private non-profits have been approved for loans totaling more than $3 million. These funds will help these businesses and organizations recover by replacing real estate, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets.  

Individuals and Households Program 
When it comes to FEMA assistance, more than 16,000 homeowners and renters have been approved for more than $49.7 million in federal awards through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. Unlike SBA loans, this money does not have to be paid back. This includes: 

▪ More than $11 million in repair and replacement assistance to help survivors rebuild, or make basic repairs to make their homes safe, sanitary, and functional and provide funds to owners whose primary residences were destroyed due to Typhoon Mawar. 

▪ Nearly $14.5 million in rental assistance was provided to more than 4,700 applicants. FEMA rental assistance is intended to help survivors pay for somewhere to live while they repair or rebuild their disaster-damaged homes. FEMA awards eligible applicants an initial Rental Assistance payment based on the Fair Market Rent established by the U.S.  Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for where their pre-disaster residence is located and the number of bedrooms the household requires. 

Other Needs Assistance 
Other Needs Assistance (ONA) provides financial assistance for disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs that are not covered by insurance or provided by any other source. More than $24.3 million in ONA has been awarded to Guam survivors. This includes critical needs assistance, transportation assistance, personal property assistance, moving and storage, disaster-related medical and dental assistance, and money to clean and sanitize a disaster-damaged home. 

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook. 

 

felicia.jordan Tue, 07/18/2023 - 14:34

Army Corps of Engineers to Begin Removing Mawar Debris from Public Schools

Beginning July 21, a new program will address removing Typhoon Mawar debris from local public schools ahead of the coming school year. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Debris Removal Program is a collaboration between USACE, FEMA and the office of Governor Guerrero. 

When it comes to bringing a sense of normalcy back to the lives of children affected by disaster, returning to school provides routine, friends and a community of peers who have experienced many of the same challenges. That’s why this program is so important to the recovery of a community. 

With classes starting Aug 9, the debris program is arriving just in time.

The first step of this program begins on the ground with the public schools themselves. Schools will sort their eligible storm related debris by type (vegetative debris, large appliances, construction debris, metal) and bring it to the right of way within ten feet of the curb. USACE teams will then go school-by-school, making one pass per school, and load debris onto trucks to be hauled away.

This program is for storm related public school debris only. Regular household trash, debris from local businesses, asbestos contaminated debris, pressure treated wood and electronic waste are not eligible and will not be picked up.

What about Debris for Private Property?

USACE will soon start going street by street to remove eligible typhoon Mawar debris from private property as well. More information will be available in the coming days, including what debris is eligible/ineligible, and how to properly sort debris to make sure you can fully take advantage of the program. 

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook. 

felicia.jordan Tue, 07/18/2023 - 02:28