Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Richmond, VA

PHILADELPHIA- FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Richmond, Virginia. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on June 23, 2023. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator Eric Whitehurst eric.whitehurst@RVA.gov. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer FEMA Region 3 Mitigation Mapping and Data.

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

City of Richmond Flood Mapping Milestones

• July 28, 2021 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
• Feb. 2, 2022 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
• April 18, 2022 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
• June 23, 2023 –Appeal Period starts.
• July and August 2023 — City of Richmond will host public meetings. Visit  RVA.gov for details.
• Summer 2024* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

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

 

erika.osullivan Fri, 06/23/2023 - 18:08

Disaster Recovery Centers Closing as Deadline to Apply for Federal Assistance Approaches

LAKE MARY, Fla. – The Disaster Recovery Center at the Sadkin Community Center in Lauderhill, and the Mobile center at Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park in Fort Lauderdale are scheduled to close June 24.

If your primary residence is in Broward County and you experienced damage or loss from the severe storms and flooding in April, don’t wait any longer. The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 27, 2023.

After the centers close, residents can still apply for federal assistance, until the deadline, or update their contact information in their current application by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or by logging into their account at DisasterAssistance.gov.

The center at Hortt Park in Fort Lauderdale is scheduled to remain open through June 29.

FEMA may be able to help with rental assistance or other disaster-related expenses, and if you are a homeowner FEMA may also be able to help with essential home repairs that are not covered by insurance.  

For more information about recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4709 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

bree-constance… Fri, 06/23/2023 - 13:35

More Ways to Prove Your Ownership and Occupancy for FEMA Assistance

To receive FEMA assistance, you must be able to prove that you occupied your damaged primary residence at the time of Typhoon Mawar, in addition to meeting other requirements. To make it easier for you, FEMA is accepting a broader range of documentation to verify the ownership and occupancy for disaster assistance.

Ownership: Homeowners may provide official documentation such as, but not limited to:

• The original deed or deed of trust to the property
• A mortgage statement or escrow analysis
• Property tax receipt or property tax bill
• Manufactured home certificate or title

FEMA now also accepts a public official’s letter. The public official’s statement (e.g., police chief, mayor, postmaster, or federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal official) must include the name of the applicant or co-applicant, the address of the disaster-damaged residence, that the applicant or co-applicant owned the disaster-damaged residence at the time of the disaster, as well as the name and telephone number of the official providing the verification.

Additionally, FEMA may accept a written self-declarative statement as a last resort from survivors with heirship properties, mobile homes or travel trailers who do not have the traditional documentation of ownership.

FEMA has also expanded the date of eligible documents from three months to one year before the disaster.

Occupancy: Homeowners and renters must demonstrate that they occupied the damage dwelling at the time of Typhoon Mawar. Applicants may provide official occupancy documentation, such as, but not limited to:

• Utility bills, bank or credit card statements, phone bills, etc.
• Employer’s documents
• Written lease/housing agreement
• Rent receipts
• Public official’s documents

Additionally, FEMA now accepts motor vehicle registration, letters from local schools (public or private), federal or state benefit providers, social service organizations or court documents.

Applicants can also use a signed statement from a commercial or mobile home park owner or written self- certification for a mobile home or travel trailer as a last resort. It must include all relevant details.

For more information about what documents FEMA accept, you can call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or visit any of the four disaster recovery centers in Guam.

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 located at Guam Community College, Dededo Sports Complex, C.L. Taitano Elementary School and Inarahan Community Center.

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

felicia.jordan Fri, 06/23/2023 - 03:18

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Arkansas Closing Permanently June 28

LITTLE ROCK – The three remaining Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Arkansas will close permanently June 28 at 6 p.m.

Survivors can meet face to face with FEMA specialists at the three locations until they close. Centers are open Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; Closed Sundays.

The DRCs are located:

Pulaski County

West Central Community Center 

8616 Colonel Glenn Rd.

Little Rock, AR 72204

North Little Rock Community Center

2700 Willow St. 

North Little Rock, AR 72114

Cross County 

The Bridge Church 

209 Merriman Ave

Wynne, AR 72396

Arkansas homeowners and renters in Cross, Lonoke and Pulaski counties who sustained damage from the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on March 31 have until July 3 to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA.

The fastest and easiest way to apply for assistance is by visiting disasterassistance.gov.

If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

July 3 is also the final deadline to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan. These loans are available to businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, homeowners and renters. Businesses and residents can apply online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

alexa.brown Thu, 06/22/2023 - 19:09

New Equipment for the Puerto Rico Veterinary and Agrological Laboratory Following FEMA Allocation

FEMA awarded over $1.6 million for these and other Department of Agriculture facilities

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated nearly $670,000 to replace equipment for the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture’s (PRDA) Veterinary and Agrological Laboratory, due to damage after Hurricane María. The facility performs all tests and certification of animals exported and imported into Puerto Rico to ensure that they are free of disease.

The federal funds are part of other FEMA obligations to the Department of Agriculture, which already has over $18 million for its permanent work projects.

“These laboratories are unique in Puerto Rico due to the services they offer to the agricultural community on the island and abroad. The monitoring and tests performed here have a direct effect on the control of diseases in the food chain and animal population in Puerto Rico,” explained Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

The veterinary laboratory handles animal disease control and various bacteriological, chemical, immunological and pathological analysis tests. Meanwhile, the agrological laboratory inspects and tests plants, soil and water; studies various crop diseases; controls pests and pesticides; and operates machinery for testing and certifying food, concentrated food for livestock and fertilizer tests, among others.

PRDA Secretary Ramón González Beiró noted that “in terms of safety, agriculture and for consumers, these replacements are extremely significant, starting with the tests carried out on animals, tests carried out on food and on fertilizers. We’re making sure that farmers are getting what it actually says on the label and that we’re not putting something in the ground that is against the law.”

The agency’s funds are earmarked to replace a fire alarm as well as hematology equipment and testing instruments for viral diseases, among other electrical and technical equipment.

Other FEMA Obligations to the Department of Agriculture

Meanwhile, the Marketing Warehouse in Ciales is already under reconstruction after over $582,000 from the agency. This is one of the centers where the Department of Agriculture buys products from farmers—such as plantains, bananas, pumpkins, lettuce and tomatoes—to sell to hospitals and school cafeterias. The structure, which resumed operations in August 2022, employs about 10 people.

The work for this facility involves painting and replacement of lighting, fan extractors, water tanks and other infrastructure elements, such as doors, windows and air conditioning. Mitigation measures for this project will reinforce the equipment to make it more resistant to strong winds.

Meanwhile, Finca Monterey in Dorado will benefit from about $360,500 for improvements to its facilities, mainly for the roof, air conditioners and water pumps. This is one of the few places on the island that produce pumpkin, plantain and bean seeds, among others, to sell to farmers. The farm employs 12 people and has a garage, several warehouses and a machine shop.

“Through the reconstruction of the Department of Agriculture's facilities around Puerto Rico, we support the development of various industries related to food production and farming. The acquisition of this new equipment will strengthen the operations of this laboratory where crucial analyses that contribute to the food safety of our people are performed. At COR3, we are committed to continue assisting them in this important process until the resilient transformation of their infrastructure is completed,” said the Executive Director for the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency. Manuel A. Laboy Rivera.

To date, FEMA has awarded nearly $30.5 billion for some 10,700 Public Assistance projects aimed at rebuilding a more resilient Puerto Rico for future weather events.

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.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (June 6, 2023) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated nearly $670,000 to replace equipment for the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture’s (PRDA) Veterinary and Agrological Laboratory, due to damage after Hurricane María. The facility performs all tests and certification of animals exported and imported into Puerto Rico to ensure that they are free of disease.  Photo FEMA/Eliezer Hernández

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (June 6, 2023) – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded nearly $670,000 to replace equipment for the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture’s (PRDA) Veterinary and Agrological Laboratory. The veterinary laboratory handles animal disease control and various bacteriological, chemical, immunological and pathological analysis tests. Meanwhile, the agrological laboratory inspects and tests plants, soil and water; studies various crop diseases; controls pests and pesticides; and operates machinery for testing and certifying food, concentrated food for livestock and fertilizer tests, among others.  Photo FEMA/Eliezer Hernández

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 06/22/2023 - 14:02

Disaster Recovery Center in Dededo Relocating to Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School

To better serve the Typhoon Mawar survivors, the disaster recovery center in Dededo will transition from Dededo Sports Complex to Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School at 520 Harmon Loop Road, Dededo, beginning Saturday, June 24, open daily, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.  

The disaster recovery center at Dededo Sports Complex will permanently close at 6 p.m. Friday, June 23.

At any disaster recovery center, you can learn more about FEMA and other federal disaster assistance programs, understand any letters you get from FEMA, get answers to your questions about your application, or get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistances. The DRC Locator will help you find the nearest center.

Visiting a disaster recovery center is not your only option to apply for FEMA assistance. You can go online to disasterassistance.gov, download FEMA app to your cellphone, or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages.

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

felicia.jordan Thu, 06/22/2023 - 13:03

Comment Period Closing on Proposed Changes to the National Flood Insurance Program in Oregon

BOTHELL, Wash. – The public comment period on proposed changes to the implementation of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in Oregon is closing next week.

These changes may have significant impacts on Oregon communities, individuals, and businesses that intend to develop in the floodplain. FEMA encourages participation during the comment period.

Following findings that the NFIP in Oregon may harm salmon, steelhead, Southern Resident Killer Whale, and additional endangered and threatened fish species, FEMA was required to make changes to how the NFIP is implemented in the state. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, FEMA is currently developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to identify potential social and economic impacts of the proposed changes.

As part of this process, FEMA seeks public input relevant to proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to address in the EIS. The initial Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS was published on March 6, 2023 and opened a 60 day public scoping process that ended May 5, 2023. To accommodate additional public input, the comment period reopened May 25, 2023, for an additional 32 days, closing June 26, 2023.

Additional information about the EIS can be found on the project website. Instructions to submit a comment can be found in the NOI.

FEMA administers the NFIP, a nationwide program that reduces future flood damage by requiring minimum floodplain management standards and provides protection for property owners against potential flood losses through insurance.

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

mary.j.edmon Thu, 06/22/2023 - 04:00

FEMA Announces First #SummerReady Extreme Heat Campaign to Promote Preparedness and Resilience This Summer

WASHINGTON -- On the first day of summer, and for the first time in FEMA history, the agency’s Ready Campaign announced its "#SummerReady" campaign to help promote preparedness and resilience against extreme heat events throughout the Summer. The announcement includes the launch of FEMA’s official #SummerReady website, which provides extreme heat safety tips for individuals, as well as helpful information and graphics for media and other stakeholders.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stated that, in 2022, the United States recorded the third hottest summer ever. This follows the 2021 season, which tied records for the hottest summer in the country and climate models predict that extreme heat will become more frequent and intense in years ahead.

The #SummerReady campaign seeks to help mitigate this risk by reaching targeted populations and boosting awareness of the impacts of extreme heat, while highlighting straightforward steps individuals and families can take to prepare. This campaign will not only offer easy-to-understand messaging and safety tips for the public but will also provide government stakeholders, emergency managers and members of the media with FEMA resources they can use to communicate these risks to residents and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat events in their communities.

“As we enter the summer months, the National Weather Service has already issued more than 100 heat advisories and warnings throughout portions of the country including record temperatures in Puerto Rico and Texas,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We know extreme heat temperatures lead to more heat-related illnesses and deaths, especially among already vulnerable populations. The #SummerReady campaign is another example of FEMA leaning forward to ensure that communities, and the leaders that serve them, have the resources and information needed to protect against extreme heat and other hazards.”

Ahead of the #SummerReady official kick-off, last month, FEMA’s Region 5 offices in Chicago hosted the first annual heat summit, where representatives from all the agency’s 10 regions, along with partners from several federal agencies, discussed the potential impacts of extreme heat and how to reduce them beforehand. The agency will host additional regional events to engage local stakeholders on extreme heat and promote cross-sector, cross-government coordination and message alignment, with a special focus on regions that are not accustomed to warmer weather.

The #SummerReady campaign follows the Biden-Harris Administration’s recent announcement highlighting historic investments to build community climate resilience nationwide. To further promote the administration’s efforts in building resilient infrastructure throughout the nation, FEMA will host webinars during the next several weeks and months to help emergency managers complete successful pre-disaster mitigation grants applications to build resilience against hazards, including extreme heat events. The website will be updated with future webinars as they become available.  

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 06/21/2023 - 19:56

Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance is Friday

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahomans in Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties affected by the April 19-20 straight-line winds, tornadoes and severe weather have until Friday, June 23 to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA.

Survivors who have insurance are encouraged to file a claim for disaster-caused damage before they apply for FEMA assistance. You do not need to wait for your insurance settlement to apply. FEMA may provide financial assistance to eligible survivors who have uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused damage or loss.

Apply online at disasterassistance.gov. The site is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To apply by phone, call 800-621-3362. Assistance is available in most languages. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

The June 23 deadline also applies to applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

FEMA's Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance grants for medical, dental, and funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants referred to SBA must complete and submit an SBA loan application to be considered for additional forms of disaster assistance.

The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center’s number is 800-659-2955. Help is also available by sending mail to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Survivors may apply online at SBA's secure website: disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/.

alexa.brown Wed, 06/21/2023 - 19:43

FEMA Awards Over $1.1 Million To Bridgeport Hospital for COVID Care Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.1 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse Bridgeport Hospital for the additional costs of operating safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,125,303 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the Yale New Haven Health System-affiliated hospital will reimburse it for some of the additional costs of operating in a pandemic environment between January 2020 and June 2022.

Those costs included overtime for Bridgeport Hospital personnel; contracting for additional staff; purchasing materials such as personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, face shields, and gowns), oxygen concentrators and oxygen supplies, and testing supplies.

The hospital also installed edge guards and negative air machines to create additional COVID-19 treatment space; provided transportation for patients between hospitals for treatment, and purchased IT hardware and software for its COVID-19 call center.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Bridgeport Hospital with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $813 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/21/2023 - 15:19

FEMA Awards Over $125 Million to Connecticut for COVID Personal Protective Equipment

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $125 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse it for the cost of purchasing and distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $125,510,157 in Public Assistance grants will reimburse the Connecticut Department of Corrections for serving as the state Logistic and Resource Support coordinator in purchasing and distributing emergency supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Between April 2020 and July 2021, the Corrections Department purchased and distributed emergency supplies and operated distribution centers around the state in coordination with the Connecticut National Guard.

The state procured and distributed approximately 78 million PPE items including masks, face shields, respirators, gowns, gloves, and shoe coverings.

The state leased two warehouse facilities to receive and organize these PPE shipments before distribution to over 30 healthcare agencies, emergency medical services and first responders, state agencies, and other non-patient care facilities around the state. Additionally, the state contracted to purchase and warehouse a 60-day PPE stockpile in the event of a PPE supply chain disruption during a future public health emergency.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of Connecticut with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $813 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/21/2023 - 15:11

FEMA’s Proactive Outreach to Tornado Damaged Communities

Madison, Miss.- FEMA and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are committed to ensuring that the people affected by the March tornadoes have access to the help available to them from the federal government and the State of Mississippi. Because of this commitment, since the federal disaster declaration on March 26, our proactive outreach has included:

Face-to-face Outreach

• Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams visiting almost 14,000 homes, 545 businesses, 108 community-based organizations, 37 government agencies and 936 faith-based groups.
• Taking information directly to survivors. Because so many homes were severely damaged or destroyed, many survivors temporarily relocated to nearby communities. DSA teams and other FEMA personnel visited those areas, offering help, registering survivors for FEMA assistance and conducting needs assessments.
  • Many Rolling Fork survivors relocated to hotels in Greenville because of limited housing in Rolling Fork. FEMA worked with MEMA to locate a mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Greenville, and arranged for Mississippi Vital Records and the Department of Motor Vehicles to be there to help survivors.
• Reaching out to survivors who were living in cars. DSA teams connected with them to verify contact information, assist with application updates, and provide information about shelters and rehousing opportunities.
• Identifying and contacting applicants traditionally challenged by the application and appeals process – those with hearing and vision problems, mobility issues, mental or emotional distress, or who are over age 65. FEMA’s Enhanced Applicant Services team contacted them and helped them complete their applications.
  • In total, the EAS team contacted more than 4,000 applicants, which resulted in an additional $2.2 million in assistance to survivors.

Town Halls

Supporting eight informational town hall events:

• Three hosted by Rep. Bennie Thompson and attended by more than 200 people each. FEMA and MEMA staff were onsite to answer questions and help people register.
• Five other town halls, organized by the NAACP, the Center for Justice and local governments, attended by a total of about 800 people.
• Ensuring American Sign Language interpreters attended community meetings so the deaf and hard of hearing could learn about the assistance available to them.

Media Relations

• Identifying and engaging specific media outlets, including those that are locally-owned.
• Completing 75 interviews and inquiries from various media outlets.
• Placing ads on six local radio stations with coverage of the most-impacted areas, in addition to sending public service announcements to all radio stations covering impacted areas.
• Placing ads in seven newspapers, including two in non-declared counties where survivors were staying in hotels, with circulation to almost 41,000 people.

Houses of Worship

• Reaching out to 172 houses of worship to ensure assistance information was getting to their members. FEMA teams also told the leaders about federal assistance available to houses of worship that experienced losses.

Results

To date this outreach has resulted in more than $11.2 million in federal grants to more than 3,600 survivors in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola and Sharkey counties.

 

For the latest information on recovery, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and fema.gov/disaster/4697. On Twitter, follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4).

sandra.habib Wed, 06/21/2023 - 14:52

FEMA Awards Over $17.2 Million to MidState Medical Center for COVID Equipment and Staffing

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $17.2 million to the State of Connecticut to reimburse MidState Medical Center (MMC) for the cost of purchasing materials and hiring temporary staff needed to safely treat patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $17,218,586 FEMA Public Assistance grant will reimburse the 156-bed acute care hospital – a Hartford HealthCare Partner located in Meriden – for the costs of safely opening and operating the hospital between March 2020 and June 2022.

The grant will reimburse MidState Medical Center for the cost of paying 169 temporary employees – registered nurses, surgical techs, respiratory therapists, and administrative staff – for a total of 89,605 regular hours and 3,046 overtime hours. This staff supported the hospital with the treatment and screening of COVID patients during the pandemic.

Additionally, MMC purchased medical gloves, air filtration systems, flow meters and flow sensors, hemostatic solution, infusion pumps, IVs and supplies for fluid delivery, freestanding plexiglass dividers, and testing kit supplies. Equipment purchases included air scrubbers, COVID-19 signage, morgue trailers, patient monitors and accessories, and software.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist MidState Medical Center with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $813 million in Public Assistance grants to Connecticut to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/21/2023 - 14:24

FEMA Awards Nearly $26 Million to Northeastern University for Testing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $26 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Northeastern University for the cost of testing students, faculty and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $25,979,246 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private research university in Boston for opening and operating three testing sites and a diagnostic laboratory between June 2020 and September 2021.

The university operated three COVID-19 test sites on the Northeastern University campus – Cabot Testing Center, Huntington Testing Center, and Life Sciences Testing Center – seven days a week, 12 hours per day, and tested on average 3,500 individuals per day. Northeastern completed 1,701,000 COVID-19 tests for students, staff and faculty.  

In order to operate these testing sites, Northeastern provided supplies which included personal protective equipment such as N95 respirators, medical gloves, masks, gowns and coveralls, as well as specimen storage and diagnostic processing,

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Northeastern University with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/21/2023 - 14:19

FEMA Awards Over $2.1 Million to Lowell General Hospital for COVID-19 Labor Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $2.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Lowell General Hospital for the cost of overtime labor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $2,123,735 Public Assistance grant will reimburse Lowell General Hospital – part of the Tufts Medicine health system – for the cost of employees working overtime hours at both the Main Campus and Saints Campus.

Between September 2020 and September 2021, a total of 847 employees incurred 32,922 overtime hours to provide care for COVID-19 infected patients who were experiencing advanced respiratory illness and required isolation precautions.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Lowell General Hospital with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments – as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities – for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation’s ongoing recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $1.7 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Wed, 06/21/2023 - 14:18

Clarifying Common Questions and Misconceptions About Federal Disaster Aid

Although Guam residents who were affected by Typhoon Mawar may be eligible for federal disaster assistance, misconceptions can sometimes stand in the way of getting all the help possible. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.

Q: Does my income need to be below a certain dollar amount to qualify for disaster aid?

A: No. FEMA’s Housing Assistance program is available, regardless of income, to anyone who suffered damage or losses in Guam. To be considered for other types of grants that cover losses such as personal property, vehicle repair or replacement and moving and storage expenses, you must apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan first. Homeowners and renters who don’t qualify for an SBA loan may be referred to FEMA for consideration of additional grant assistance.

Q: Will FEMA buy me the actual clothing, furniture, or appliances to replace or repair my lost or damaged personal property?

A: No. FEMA Personal Property Assistance is a form of financial assistance. You should keep receipts when replacing lost items for the purpose of reimbursement from FEMA. FEMA calculates the award amount for each eligible item according to the consumer price index data for items of average quality, size and capacity.

Also, please note that the assistance is intended to meet basic needs and may not cover the complete restoration of all personal property items to their pre-disaster condition.

Q: Is FEMA able to repair or place my medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, CPAP, hearing aids) that was lost or damaged as a result of Typhoon Mawar?

A: Potentially, yes.  If you have medical insurance, please file a claim for repair or replacement first.  If you do not have medical insurance or your insurance does not cover those medical expenses, FEMA may be able to assist.  Medical reimbursement is not income-dependent, but it does require a medical doctor’s note.

Q.  I have already cleaned up and repaired my property. Am I still eligible to register with FEMA?

A.  Yes. You may be eligible for reimbursement for clean-up, repair and other expenses. Taking both before and after photos of the damaged property can help expedite your application for assistance and should be on hand at the time of your FEMA housing inspection.

Q: How can I check the status of my case after I register with FEMA?

A: You may go online to disasterassistance.gov or call the toll-free FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you need face-to-face assistance, please visit one of the four Disaster Recovery Centers in Guam.

Q: Will FEMA pay for all home repairs and contract work?

A: No. FEMA does not pay to return your home to its pre-disaster condition. FEMA provides grants to qualified homeowners to repair damage not covered by insurance to make the home habitable, safe, sanitary and secure. However, an SBA low-interest disaster loan may provide the means to return a home to its pre-disaster condition.

Q: I don’t speak or understand English, can FEMA still help me?

A: Yes. FEMA has many ways to meet your language needs. Some FEMA employees are bilingual or multilingual and can assist you with registration in your primary language at community meetings and at Disaster Recovery Centers. Translation services, including sign languages, are also available at all Disaster Recovery Centers. Multilingual operators are available when you call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. It is helpful if someone who speaks English can assist you when making the call.

You can find the answers to additional questions some other frequently asked questions here.

If you have more questions or concerns, let FEMA know. You ask; we listen, and we answer.

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 located at Guam Community College, Dededo Sports Complex, C.L. Taitano Elementary School and Inarahan Community Center.

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

felicia.jordan Wed, 06/21/2023 - 12:48

Guam Residents Urged to Stay in Contact with FEMA

Guam residents who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance after Typhoon Mawar are encouraged to stay in contact with FEMA to resolve issues, provide updates on their applications or submit new information.

Applicants changing addresses, phone numbers or banking information should notify FEMA immediately. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in receiving assistance.

Callers to the FEMA Helpline should refer to the nine-digit number they were issued at registration. This number is on all correspondence applicants receive from FEMA and is a key identifier in tracking assistance requests.

Survivors can also call the helpline to:

• Update insurance information.
• Receive information on the home inspection process.
• Add or remove the name of a person designated to speak for the applicant.
• Find out if FEMA needs more information about their claim.
• Update FEMA on the applicant’s housing situation.
• Learn how to appeal an eligibility determination.
• Get answers to other questions about their applications.

Applicants may update their information the following ways:

• Online at disasterassistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA mobile app.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

Survivors can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center, which are located at Guam Community College, Dededo Sports Complex, C.L. Taitano Elementary School and Inarahan Community Center.

Keeping in touch with FEMA allows survivors to keep their recovery on track.

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).

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

felicia.jordan Wed, 06/21/2023 - 03:08

Prepare Now Ahead of Tropical Storm Bret

WASHINGTON -- As Tropical Storm Bret continues developing in the Atlantic, FEMA urges residents and visitors in the Caribbean to prepare now, pay attention to the evolving forecast and listen to instructions from local authorities.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center stress that it is too early to know the exact location and magnitude of the storm’s hazards, so residents and visitors in the Caribbean need to monitor the storm’s development.

To be prepared for any potential landfall, FEMA is in close coordination with the Government of Puerto Rico and the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is ready to assist with any needs or support to territorial and local officials. The agency is mobilizing Incident Management Assistance Teams, logistics staging teams and other resources to supplement personnel based in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed three power teams to support planning and response to potential power outages or damage to the power grid.

Tropical Storm Bret is a clear reminder that the Atlantic hurricane season is here and everyone living or visiting near a shoreline needs to be prepared. Residents living further inland are also at risk of coastal flooding and other impacts from tropical storms.

Prepare Now for a Hurricane

• Monitor the storm’s path closely; know your local evacuation zone and listen to instructions from local authorities.
• Create a plan with your family. Visit Ready.gov/plan and use the new Make A Plan form to begin your plan, also available in Spanish language. Be sure to consider your household’s unique needs, including children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets.
• Ensure you have enough supplies for your household, including items like medication, nonperishable food, water and other supplies you may need in case the storm affects the area where you live.
• Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the free FEMA App (available in English and Español) to receive real-time emergency alerts from the National Weather Service and your local authorities, find a nearby shelter and apply for assistance if you are impacted by a disaster.
• Visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov in Spanish language for more information and tips on how to prepare your family, your community and your pets.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 06/20/2023 - 18:09

One Week Remains to Apply for Federal Assistance in Broward County

LAKE MARY, Fla. – If your primary residence is in Broward County and you experienced damage or loss from the severe storms and flooding in April, don’t wait any longer. The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 27, 2023.

FEMA may be able to help with rental assistance or other disaster-related expenses, and if you are a homeowner FEMA may also be able to help with essential home repairs that are not covered by insurance.  

Homeowners and renters in Broward County can call 800-621-3362, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App.

Disaster Recovery Centers are operating at Sadkin Community Center in Lauderhill through June 24 and Hortt Park in Fort Lauderdale through June 29. (Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays)

A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center is operating 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park in Fort Lauderdale through June 24.

The deadline for submitting a disaster loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is June 26. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

The deadline to return SBA economic injury applications is Jan. 29, 2024.

For more information about recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4709 and  floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.

bree-constance… Tue, 06/20/2023 - 17:31

Two Weeks Remain to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance After March 31 Severe Storms and Tornadoes

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas homeowners and renters in Cross, Lonoke and Pulaski counties who sustained damage from the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on March 31 have until July 3 to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA.

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs along with other programs to assist families recovering from effects of the event.

The fastest and easiest way to apply for assistance is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov.

If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Individuals can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply and meet with FEMA specialists in person. To locate a center, check the FEMA app or visit fema.gov/DRCLocator.

July 3 is also the final deadline to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan. These loans are available to businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, homeowners and renters. Businesses and residents can apply online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance.

alexa.brown Tue, 06/20/2023 - 13:39