One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance

Survivors have just one week left to apply for FEMA disaster assistance before the November 19, 2024 deadline. Homeowners and renters who had property damage or losses caused by the August 18-19, 2024 Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides in Connecticut’s Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven Counties may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. All applications received prior to or on the deadline date will be processed.

There are four ways to apply for FEMA assistance: 

• Visit the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located at the Southbury Town Hall, 501 Main Street, South, Southbury, CT 06488, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday closed. 
• Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, 
• Download and use the FEMA Mobile App. 
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to midnight (12 a.m.) daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

To check the status of an application you may visit DisasterAssistance.gov or download and use FEMA’s Mobile App. Individuals can also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to discuss their case with a FEMA representative. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to midnight (12 a.m.) seven days a week.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/12/2024 - 23:56

One Week Left to Apply for FEMA and SBA Assistance

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans with disaster-related damage or loss from the July 13 – 16 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago counties have until Tuesday, November 19 to apply for assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

To date, FEMA has approved $90.9 million in grant assistance for homeowners and renters to cover temporary housing, basic home repair or replacement and other disaster-related expenses, such as moving and storage costs, primary vehicle repair or replacement, essential furniture and appliances, medical and dental costs, and childcare costs.

If insured, you do not need to wait for a settlement letter to apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits covered by insurance or other sources, so insurance documentation will be requested, but can be submitted after applying.

The fastest way to apply for FEMA assistance is by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA mobile app or calling 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 apply. Residents can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for assistance in-person. To find a center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.

SBA Physical Disaster Loans

After you apply for FEMA assistance, don’t wait to apply for a long-term, low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) too. You aren’t required to apply for an SBA loan to be considered for FEMA grants, but you could miss out on SBA’s help with disaster-related expenses that FEMA assistance doesn’t cover. There is no cost to apply, and you are under no obligation to accept a loan if approved.

Homeowners, renters, businesses and certain private non-profit organizations can learn more about SBA long-term, low-interest Physical Disaster Loans that can go towards repairing and replacing disaster-damaged property, by going online to sba.gov/disaster. As of Oct. 15, funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended; while no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance and an SBA Physical Disaster Loan is November 19. For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.

kimberly.keblish Tue, 11/12/2024 - 22:24

Tennesseans Have Until Jan. 7 to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Homeowners and renters, including students, who had damage or losses when Tropical Storm Helene swept across Eastern Tennessee have until Tuesday, Jan. 7, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

The application deadline was extended to give more time to residents who were affected by the storm Sept. 26-30 and need help to jumpstart their recovery. You may apply for assistance if you live in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi or Washington counties. Students do not need to be permanent residents of the eight counties to be eligible for FEMA assistance, but the property damage or loss must have occurred in those counties.

FEMA’s Individuals and Households program may be able to help with basic home repair costs, temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home or residence hall, personal property loss, and repair or replacement of a vehicle. Assistance may also include funds to replace or repair tools and other job-related equipment required by those who are self-employed. FEMA may also offer room furnishings, a computer damaged in the disaster, books and other items required for school.

Funding is also available to repair or replace privately owned access routes to your home such as driveways, roads or bridges; and funds for disaster-caused expenses such as medical and dental needs, childcare, and moving and storage.

FEMA’s Applicant Services specialists are working to ensure all survivors receive assistance to rebuild and recover. They call and visit at-risk survivors to provide personalized help with the FEMA application process.

FEMA is also committed to helping meet the needs of people with disabilities and access and functional needs. Let FEMA know what accommodations you need as early as possible. FEMA’s temporary housing program offers units with features to make them safe and accessible. The program may be able to offer a variety of solutions including walk-in showers and grab bars for people with mobility issues and visual alert devices for doorbells that can help those with hearing loss.

FEMA grants are nontaxable, do not have to be repaid, and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

You are encouraged to apply for assistance before the Tuesday, Jan. 7, deadline. Here are the ways to apply: 

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service. Specialists speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
• For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube. 
• You may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center for updates about your FEMA application or answers to questions. Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema.gov)

kwei.nwaogu Tue, 11/12/2024 - 20:33

FEMA Projects up to $3.5 to $7 Billion in Hurricane Helene Flood Insurance Claim Payments

WASHINGTON – As of Nov. 7, more than 55,000 flood loss claims have been reported to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) from Hurricane Helene. The program has paid approximately $830 million in claim payments to policyholders. 

FEMA has projected Hurricane Helene could potentially generate National Flood Insurance Program claims losses between $3.5 to $7 billion (initial estimate), including loss adjustment expenses. The losses include flood insurance claims received from six states, with the majority of claims coming from Florida.

The agency based the initial estimate on several data points. These include policy information, daily reports of claims and payments made, significant historical events patterns of reported claims and payments, current economic conditions and claim adjuster observations. 

As NFIP flood insurance claims are submitted for payment, these are paid from the National Flood Insurance Fund and Reserve Fund. The program also has authority to borrow an additional $9.9 billion in funds. 

In addition, FEMA currently holds $1.92 billion of reinsurance coverage for Fiscal Year 2024. If a covered flood event results in NFIP claim payouts that equal or exceed an agreed upon amount, then reinsurers agree to pay a certain percentage of NFIP flood risk. 

FEMA’s reinsurance program includes an annual traditional reinsurance program with a $7 billion or more trigger for a percentage of coverage and three capital market placements with a coverage beginning at $6.52 billion in received claims payments. To recoup the full amount of reinsurance coverage, the National Flood Insurance Program would need to incur at least $11.5 billion in flood insurance claims losses from Hurricane Helene. 

The NFIP reinsurance program helps FEMA manage the future exposure of the NFIP through the transfer of NFIP flood risk to private reinsurance companies and through a transformer reinsurer to private capital market investors. By securing reinsurance at a fair and reasonable cost, FEMA has an additional method to fund payment of flood claims after catastrophic flood events. 

Insurance providers, such as the NFIP, pay premiums to reinsurers. In exchange, reinsurers provide coverage for losses incurred up to a specified amount for covered events like Hurricane Helene. 

While Hurricane Helene is a significant flood insurance event that may trigger reinsurance payments, it will take many months for FEMA to determine if the NFIP is able to collect under its reinsurance agreements.   

Additional information on FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program can be found at on FEMA.gov.

mashana.davis Tue, 11/12/2024 - 19:41

FEMA Extends Deadline for Local Governments and Nonprofits in Georgia to Request Public Assistance Funding to Recover and Rebuild

ATLANTA – At the request of the state of Georgia, FEMA extended the time that local governments, houses of worship and other private nonprofit organizations in counties designated for Public Assistance have to submit Requests for Public Assistance (RPA) until Dec. 6, 2024. Submitting a request is the first step for public and private nonprofit organizations to apply for federal disaster assistance to help with emergency costs like debris removal and other recovery work. 

Unlike FEMA’s Individual and Households program, where people can apply for assistance to help with home repairs and other emergency needs related to the storm, FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides grants to state, tribal, territorial and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, to help them quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. These funds support community recovery with activities like removal of debris, repairing and restoring critical infrastructure, public buildings, roads and other facilities.

Eligible entities can apply for assistance through the State of Georgia by contacting Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency or sending an email to publicassistance@gema.ga.gov.

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

larissa.hale Tue, 11/12/2024 - 19:27

FEMA Encourages Helene Survivors in Va. to Apply for Disaster Assistance; More Than $10 Million Has Been Approved to Date

BRISTOL, Va.— More than $10 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for over 3,549 households in Virginia following the impacts of Hurricane Helene. This milestone is accompanied by other important moments in disaster assistance and recovery.

"Our focus during the Hurricane Helene recovery in Southwest Virginia will always be helping the survivors rebuild their lives," said State Coordinator of Emergency Management Shawn Talmadge. "We will continue to work diligently in assisting survivors with both the Individual and Public Assistance programs as our Southwest Virginia communities show their resilience."

SCOTT COUNTY, Va. —FEMA and VDEM staff assisting Hurricane Helene Survivors at the Disaster Recovery Center in Duffield, Va. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (FEMA Photo by Johannes Webb)

 

“This funding is one of the ways that we are helping individuals and households rebuild their lives and restore their communities,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy Pheil. “Our work here is not done. We remain dedicated to ensuring that every survivor receives the help they need to recover.”

The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is December 2, 2024. Impacted individuals in Bedford, Bland, Carroll, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe counties and cities of Galax and Radford can apply today by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, calling 1-800-621-3362 or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. 

 

WYTHE COUNTY, Va.— Exterior of the Wytheville Disaster Recovery Center on opening day, Oct. 23, 2024. (FEMA Photo by Johannes Webb)

 

Over 3,400 people have visited a Disaster Recovery Center in southwest Virginia. And, more than 9,500 Virginians have now registered with FEMA for assistance. FEMA has opened ten Disaster Recovery Centers since the major federal declaration was approved for Virginia. Currently, nine DRCs remain open; the most recent DRC opened on Tuesday, Nov. 5, in Duffield. Staff from federal, state, and local agencies are at DRCs to help survivors answer questions about FEMA applications as well as access other resources and support.

 

GRAYSON COUNTY, Va.— FEMA staff assisting Helene Survivors at the first Agriculture Recovery Resource Day in Grayson County, Va. on Oct. 29, 2024. (FEMA Photo by Johannes Webb)

 

If you have already applied for FEMA assistance and have questions about the status of your application or about appealing a FEMA determination letter you have received, visit a DRC near you for one-on-one assistance or call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. FEMA staff are ready to answer your questions.

 

State, federal, local, and nonprofit agencies are also partnering on Agriculture Recovery Resource Days where participating organizations share information with farmers and agribusinesses impacted by Hurricane Helene in southwest Virginia. To learn more about upcoming dates please visit Hurricane Helene Virginia Agriculture Recovery Resource Day | FEMA.gov. 

 

Below are highlights of FEMA staff in communities throughout southwest Virginia: 

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va.— Impacted producers at an Agriculture Recovery Resource Day on Nov. 7 in Washington County, Va. (FEMA Photo by Johannes Webb)

SCOTT COUNTY, Va.— FEMA staff assisting Hurricane Helene survivors at the newest Disaster Recovery Center in Duffield, Va. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (FEMA Photo by Johannes Webb)

WYTHE COUNTY, Va.— FEMA staff member at the Disaster Recovery Center in Wytheville, Va. on Oct. 26, sharing information about FEMA programs. (FEMA Photo by Johannes Webb)

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va.— FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialist talking to a Helene survivor at a community event on Oct. 19. (FEMA Photo by Johannes Webb)

WASHINGTON, Va.— FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialists sharing information about FEMA programs with a resident in Independence, Va. on Oct. 5, 2024. (FEMA Photo by Nicholas Monteleone)  

GRAYSON COUNTY, Va.— FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialists sharing information about FEMA disaster assistance with a resident in Independence, Va. on Oct. 10, 2024. (FEMA Photo by Nicholas Monteleone)  

GRAYSON COUNTY, Va.— FEMA staff at the Disaster Recovery Center in Independence, Va. on Oct. 10, sharing information about FEMA programs. (FEMA Photo by Nicholas Monteleone)

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

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

###

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

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

amanda.hancher Tue, 11/12/2024 - 17:03

West Virginia recovering 160 days after floods and landslides

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia has taken significant steps toward recovery following the April 11-12, 2024, severe storms, floods and landslides.

More than 160 days after the May 24, 2024, presidential disaster declaration, the response to help West Virginia’s disaster survivors has been marked with dedication and effort.

To date, survivors have received more than $2.9 million in federal disaster assistance for a variety of recovery purposes. 

• More than $2.1 million in grants has been approved to make essential repairs for homes to be safe, secure and functional and for a place to stay for homeowners and renters whose residences were uninhabitable. 
• More than $829,000 in grants has gone to homeowners and renters to repair and replace certain household items and for disaster-related medical and dental expenses. 
• More than $925,000 of the $2.9 million in grants approved was the result of follow-up communications from FEMA staff to help submit missing documentation and identify additional recovery needs.
• With the average grant totaling more than $7,660, West Virginians are well above the national average for disaster grant awards.
• Homeowners, renters and businesses have received more than $226,000 in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to repair, rebuild and replace damaged property and contents. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources.
• NFIP policyholders have received more than $200,000 in claims to repair and rebuild flood-damaged property. 

But dollar amounts don’t tell the whole story.

Recovery takes the whole community to repair and rebuild better, stronger and safer. This effort is only possible when all levels of government work together and leverages the power of local media, voluntary groups, the private sector and faith- and community-based organizations to notify survivors of available assistance. 

FEMA worked closely with state and local emergency management and regional planning and development councils in identifying impacted communities in the affected counties, as well as locating disaster recovery center sites to help residents affected by the floods and landslides apply for federal assistance. Applicants at the recovery centers frequently cited word of mouth and news broadcasts leading to their visits.

“I can’t say enough about how important our relationships were with local and state partners in getting assistance to our survivors,” Deputy Disaster Recovery Manager James Young said. “The support in reaching out to individuals and affected communities has been both inspiring and instrumental in carrying out our mission”

“Recovery is a long journey, and the progress we’ve seen in these 160 days is a testament to the resilience and unity of West Virginians,” said GE McCabe, Director of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division. “The progress is only possible through the combined efforts of our federal, state, and local partners, as well as community organizations and every resident who has stepped up to help. We remain dedicated to supporting our communities every step of the way, ensuring a stronger, safer future for all impacted by these disasters.”

The following highlights recovery progress made in the 160 days since the disaster was declared and how disaster survivors and affected communities are overcoming challenges:

• Survivors in 11 counties – Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, Marshall, Nicholas, Ohio, Putnam, Wayne and Wetzel – were immediately eligible to apply for help under FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program. 
• Local, county and state government infrastructure and certain private nonprofit organizations in ten counties – Boone, Brooke, Doddridge, Gilmer, Hancock, Lincoln, Marshall, Ohio, Tyler and Wetzel– were eligible to receive funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program to repair and rebuild certain eligible disaster-damaged facilities. Seventy-seven projects are in development for state and local entities covering a range of public works from water infrastructure to road repair and debris removal. 
  • The PA program benefits everyone in the affected communities because essential services like roads, utilities, schools and hospitals are often restored stronger than they were before the disaster. FEMA relieves burdens of local and county governments and the state by paying 75 percent of the eligible costs. 
• More than 698 West Virginia households have registered with FEMA for assistance. 

Disaster recovery officials interacted with survivors in a variety of ways to help them recover: 

• More than 630 survivors visited six Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). The first centers opened within days of the presidential disaster declaration. 
• At this writing, more than 660 FEMA housing inspections have been completed. 
• Teams of FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists visited more than 5,000 residences in all 11 disaster counties to encourage residents to register for help, provide recovery information and listen to their concerns. In addition, the survivor assistance teams held events with more than 800 community organizations, including faith-based groups and local governments.
• A team of specialists with Enhanced Applicant Services followed up with more than 700 survivors by phone to answer questions and provide information pertaining to their applications and their next steps.

Whole community partners continue to collaborate to find solutions to enable West Virginia’s recovery and will be here as long as it takes.

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

Graphic FEMA support by the numbers West Virginia DR-4787

###

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

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

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

amanda.hancher Tue, 11/12/2024 - 14:15

Managing FEMA Applications and Submitting Late Applications After Registration Deadline

Tuesday November 12, 2024 is the final day for residents in Union, Lycoming, Tioga and Potter counties to apply for FEMA Assistance if they had damages on August 9 and 10 due to Tropical Storm Debby. The last day to visit and apply for assistance at the Disaster Recovery Center in the Valley Christian Church, (146 Maple Street, Westfield Penn.) is TUESDAY, NOV. 12, 2024. For those who have applied, you can continue to manage your application with FEMA. For those who have not applied yet, there are rare cases in which you may be eligible to submit a late application. The following information outlines what to do after the Tuesday November 12 deadline.

Ongoing FEMA Assistance (Post Disaster Recovery Center Closure)

Although the application deadline has passed, you can continue to update your application, submit additional documentation, and check your application status online or by phone.

• The easiest way to contact FEMA is to call the Helpline. 
  • Call toll-free 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, daily.
  • Multilingual operators are available to answer questions, update applications and assist with appeals.
• You have access to FEMA 24/7/365 on the website and mobile app.
  • Apply for FEMA assistance, update information, submit documents and file an appeal at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Use the FEMA Mobile App to apply and review application progress.
    1. Eligibility for Late Application

FEMA may consider a late application if extraordinary circumstances kept you from applying before the November 12 deadline.

Late Application Process

You have 60 days from the FEMA application deadline of November 12, 2024, to complete a late application. There are several ways you can submit a late application for FEMA disaster assistance:

• Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download and use the FEMA mobile app to apply.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 7 a.m. 10 p.m. ET, daily.
  • If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. The Helpline is open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Press 2 for Spanish or 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

Non-Federal Assistance Available

Local non-profit and private organizations may be able to offer additional assistance if you’re ineligible for federal assistance or if you didn’t receive enough assistance to cover your disaster related expenses. 

You can call 2-1-1 if you need help with:

• Childcare
• Employment
• Food
• Healthcare
• Housing
• Insurance
• Transportation, and
• Other basic needs.

###

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

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

erika.osullivan Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:32

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

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

Allendale County
James Brandt Building
398 Barnwell Highway
Allendale, SC 29810

Open Nov. 11-15 and Nov. 18-24, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.; closed Nov. 16-17 

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

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

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

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

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

kwei.nwaogu Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:26

FEMA Registration Deadline is Five (5) Days Away

BATON ROUGE, La. – Now is the time to apply for assistance from FEMA. The Nov. 16 deadline is just five days away for Louisiana residents with damage from Hurricane Francine who live in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes.

Survivors with a loss or damage should apply with FEMA even if they don’t have repair estimates or insurance settlements yet. To be considered, people in the impacted areas need to register with FEMA to begin the process. FEMA will work with survivors to identify what information is needed to determine eligibility.

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. 
• Visit the Disaster Recovery Center in Terrebonne Parish at:

Terrebonne Parish Library

151 Library Dr.

Houma, LA 70360

• Call toll-free 800-621-3362. The FEMA Helpline is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. CDT, and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

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

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

alexa.brown Mon, 11/11/2024 - 18:15

Rental Assistance Available for Homeowners, Renters in N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Homeowners and renters in North Carolina may be eligible for FEMA Rental Assistance if they cannot live in their homes because of damage due to Tropical Storm Helene.

FEMA Rental Assistance is a grant to provide survivors with a temporary place to live while they repair or rebuild their home. This money can be used to rent a place to live, such as a house, apartment, hotel room, RV or other options while your home is repaired, or while you look for a new place to live.

Rental Assistance can cover:

• Temporary housing while you are unable to live in your permanent residence.
• Rent, security deposits and the cost of essential utilities (gas, water and electric).
• Short-term hotel stays while you look for a place to rent.

If you are deemed eligible for FEMA Rental Assistance, the initial grant is for two months. The first step in receiving any assistance from FEMA is to apply for federal assistance. You can do this in several ways: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via the FEMA App or by calling 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

erika.suzuki Mon, 11/11/2024 - 17:35

FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips to Georgians in Lowndes County

ATLANTA -- If you are making repairs to your home after Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, you can get tips from FEMA to make your home safer and stronger.

FEMA Mitigation Specialists will be available to answer questions and offer home improvement tips along with proven methods to prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also offer advice and techniques on rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. 

Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster. FEMA specialists will be available during the following dates and times: 

LOCATION

Home Depot

1825 Norman Drive

Valdosta, GA 31601

TIMES AND DATES 

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Wednesdays

Monday, Nov. 11 through Friday, Nov. 29 (except Wednesday, Nov. 13, 20 and 27). There will be no FEMA specialists available on Thanksgiving Day. 

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

larissa.hale Mon, 11/11/2024 - 15:37

Two Weeks Left for Vermonters to Apply for Federal Assistance

Vermonters affected by July’s severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides have two weeks to apply for federal disaster assistance, which may include FEMA grants to repair homes and replace property or low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The application deadline is November 25, 2024.

For the storms that took place July 9-11, residents in the designated counties of Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans and Washington are eligible to apply. For the July 29-31 storms, those in the designated counties of Caledonia, Essex and Orleans can apply. 

Vermonters affected by both July storms must submit separate applications for each event. 

Survivors who had loss or damage should apply with FEMA even if they don’t have repair estimates or insurance settlements yet. To be considered, people in the affected areas need to register with FEMA to begin the process. FEMA will work with survivors to identify what information is needed to determine eligibility.

For those who would like to speak to a disaster recovery specialist face-to-face, two Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Vermont. These centers are located at the Hinesburg Town Hall (10632 Route 116) and the Lyndon Public Safety Facility at 366 Main Street. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Residents don’t need to visit a DRC to apply to FEMA. Here are three ways to apply: 

Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. 

Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), seven days a week. Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw..

Download FEMA’s Mobile App

To Apply to SBA:

• Apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster
• Call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. 
• For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the SBA Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new SBA Disaster loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, SBA remains committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

adrien.urbani Sun, 11/10/2024 - 16:59

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Lafayette County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Lafayette County to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricanes Helene and Debby. Survivors of Hurricane Milton can also be served by the center.

Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App. FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers.

Center location:

Lafayette County

Mayo Community Center

150 NW Community Circle

Mayo, FL 32066

9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday-Sunday. All Disaster Recovery Centers are closed Monday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. 

To find other center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. If you choose to apply by phone, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

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

###

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

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Office of Civil Rights if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Office of Civil Rights can be contacted at FEMA-OCR@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.

wesley.lagenour Sun, 11/10/2024 - 15:16

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Seminole County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Seminole County to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricane Milton. Survivors of Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Debby can also be served by the center. 

Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for assistance. Survivors are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App. FEMA does not distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers.

Center location:

Seminole County

Seminole State College Automotive Center
100 Weldon Blvd. 
Sanford, FL 32773
Hours: 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday. All Disaster Recovery Centers are closed Monday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.

To find other center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. If you choose to apply by phone, please understand wait times may be longer because of increased volume for multiple recent disasters. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

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

###

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

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Office of Civil Rights if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Office of Civil Rights can be contacted at FEMA-OCR@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.

wesley.lagenour Sun, 11/10/2024 - 15:09

FEMA Extends Deadline to Apply for Helene Assistance

RALEIGH, N.C. -  The deadline for North Carolinians in 39 counties to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance after Tropical Storm Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025.

Homeowners and renters in the following counties may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for serious needs, displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and Yancey counties, along with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina, with losses from Tropical Storm Helene. 

Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, which is the quickest way to apply. Survivors can also apply using the FEMA App on mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362. The Helpline is open every day, and help is available in most languages. Those who use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, should give the FEMA representative their number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube. 

krystin.ventura Sat, 11/09/2024 - 23:02

New Hours for the Disaster Recovery Center in Mitchell County

RALEIGH, N.C. -  The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Bakersville is no longer open Sundays after coordination with the Mitchell County government and a review of current needs in the community.  

The new hours of operation are:

Mitchell County Senior Center
152 Ledger School Road
Bakersville, NC 28705
Open: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday

It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest option is to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA App. You may also call FEMA at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

A DRC is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and much more. To find additional DRC locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a ZIP code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses. 

Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed.  

krystin.ventura Sat, 11/09/2024 - 22:18

Statement from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on Employee Misconduct

WASHINGTON -- More than 22,000 FEMA employees every day adhere to FEMA’s core values and are dedicated to helping people before, during and after disasters, often sacrificing time with their own families to help disaster survivors. Recently, one FEMA employee departed from these values to advise her survivor assistance team to not go to homes with yard signs supporting President-elect Trump. This is a clear violation of FEMA’s core values and principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation. This was reprehensible. 

I want to be clear to all of my employees and the American people, this type of behavior and action will not be tolerated at FEMA and we will hold people accountable if they violate these standards of conduct.

We take our mission to help everyone before, during and after disasters seriously. This employee has been terminated and we have referred the matter to the Office of Special Counsel. I will continue to do everything I can to make sure this never happens again. 

luther.wills-dudich Sat, 11/09/2024 - 22:09

You Can Appeal Your FEMA Decision

BRISTOL, Va.— If you’ve recently received a determination letter from FEMA regarding your disaster assistance application and you disagree with the decision or assistance amount, don’t worry—you have the right to appeal.

Appeals are a common part of the assistance process. FEMA may require more information or supporting documentation from the applicant in order to approve the application or approve additional types of assistance. The process does not end when you get your FEMA letter.

Keep the following in mind when preparing an appeal: 

• Carefully read your determination letter.
• Act quickly: appeals must be filed within 60 days from the date on the determination letter.
• Keep an organized record of your documentation to submit with your appeal.

If applicants have questions regarding their determination letter or how to appeal, they may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 with questions. If applicants use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or other communication services, they should be ready to provide their service number.

Applicants can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) where FEMA staff can talk you through your FEMA letter. For example, FEMA Individual Assistance Specialists can provide personalized support by looking at your letter, helping you upload additional documents to your application, and discussing your next steps. To find the DRC closest to you, including addresses and hours, visit FEMA.gov/drc or text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362.  

To learn more about what should go in an appeal, please visit How to Appeal a FEMA Individual Assistance Decision | FEMA.gov. 

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

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

### 

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3. 

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

melissa.wiehenstroer Sat, 11/09/2024 - 16:34

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Beaufort, Edgefield, Lexington Counties

Three Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Beaufort, Edgefield and Lexington counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.  

Beaufort County
Burton Wells Recreation Center 
1 Middleton Recreation Drive 
Beaufort, SC 29906
Open Nov. 10-13, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.  

Edgefield County
Edgefield Scout Hut Building
312 Penn St.
Edgefield, SC 29824
Open Nov. 10-18, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. 

Lexington County
Batesburg-Leesville Fire Station 
537 W. Church St.
Batesburg, SC 29006
Open Nov. 10-22, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. 

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

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

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

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

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

kwei.nwaogu Sat, 11/09/2024 - 16:30