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Deadline to Apply for FEMA Assistance is Approaching
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahomans affected by the April 19-20 straight-line winds, tornadoes and severe weather have received more than $2 million from FEMA. But time is running out for survivors to apply for disaster assistance. The last day to register for FEMA is June 23.
Survivors who have insurance are encouraged to file a claim for disaster-caused damage before they apply for FEMA assistance but 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 or call 800-621-3362. Assistance is available in most languages.
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.
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 Tue, 06/20/2023 - 12:59Guam residents: Make Sure All the Necessary Paperwork is Included in Your Application
If you sustained damages or losses because of Typhoon Mawar, you may need to submit information or supporting documentation for FEMA to process an application for financial assistance.
Examples of the documentation may include:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of occupancy
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of insurance coverage
- Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
- Proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of Typhoon Mawar
You do not need to submit any pictures of damages when you submit the application.
Once you register for assistance, FEMA may schedule an inspection to verify the damages or losses to determine whether you are eligible for FEMA financial assistance.
Any pictures you have of damages can be showed to your inspector, but printed pictures are not necessary.
Please visit your mayor’s office if you need help or have questions on what to include.
If you have not 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.
felicia.jordan Tue, 06/20/2023 - 02:59FEMA’s Personal Property Assistance Available in Guam Following Typhoon Mawar
Did your personal property get damaged or destroyed because of Typhoon Mawar? If so, FEMA may be able to lend you a hand to repair or replace it.
FEMA’s Personal Property Assistance is limited to helping with your basic needs after Typhoon Mawar; it will not recover all property losses, and it is not a substitute for insurance coverage. However, FEMA’s Personal Property Assistance may repair or replace your disaster-damaged property if you meet the eligibility requirements, and the items fall within any of these categories:
- Appliances: includes common household appliances, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc.
- Clothing: essential clothing needed due to overall loss, damage, or contamination
- Home furnishings: basic furnishings found in a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room
- Tools required for work and school: equipment required for work, or necessary school items for you and your family members
- Accessible items: FEMA also provides assistance for damaged personal property required for qualified applicants with disabilities
You must meet the following conditions to receive Personal Property Assistance:
- To be eligible, these items must have been owned before the typhoon
- The item was owned and being used by occupants of the household
- FEMA does not provide assistance for furnishings and/or appliances provided by a landlord
- Items used by guests and relatives who were not members of the pre-disaster household are also not eligible for assistance
Additionally, FEMA may not repair or replace a typhoon-damaged item if you own a similar item that works.
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.
felicia.jordan Fri, 06/16/2023 - 22:17FEMA May Contact Survivors by Phone or Text
MADISON, Miss.– FEMA is reaching out to survivors of the March 24-25 tornadoes who have applied for disaster assistance. Applicants may receive a call or text message from a number they don’t recognize.
It is important for applicants to respond as soon as possible to keep their recovery moving forward. If they miss a call, or have questions about FEMA assistance, they may call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 6 a.m. to midnight daily.
For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and 4697 | FEMA.gov. On Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.
sandra.habib Fri, 06/16/2023 - 14:36Broward County Disaster Recovery Centers Closed for Holiday
LAKE MARY, Fla. – The State of Florida and FEMA are operating Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Broward County.
All Disaster Recovery Centers in Broward County will be closed Monday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.
All centers will reopen Tuesday, June 20 following a revised schedule.
Fixed center locations:
- Sadkin Community Center, 1176 NW 42nd Way, Lauderhill, FL 33313
- This center will close permanently on Saturday, June 24.
- Hortt Park, 1700 SW 14TH Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Hours for fixed centers are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays.
There is also a mobile center operating Tuesday, June 20 through Saturday, June 24 – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale
Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.
In addition to visiting a center, you can apply by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET every day. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms.
In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing communities affected by the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and to answer questions about federal assistance. DSA crews wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.
FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.
For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
For more information about recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4709 and floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.
bree-constance… Thu, 06/15/2023 - 21:08FEMA Approves $1.3 Million to Clear Storm Debris in Western Kentucky
FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA approved more than $1.3 million to reimburse the Kentucky Department of Transportation for debris removal in four Commonwealth counties following the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred from Dec. 10-11, 2021.
During the incident period, severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and tornadoes tossed debris throughout Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins and Muhlenberg counties. This created an immediate threat to property and the public’s health and safety.
Broken tree limbs and other trash were hauled to four temporary debris staging and reduction sites and were later routed to five final disposal locations. The Commonwealth was able to quickly utilize staff, equipment and contract services to clear the storm debris because it has chosen to participate in FEMA’s Public Assistance Alternative Procedures (PAAP) program.
FEMA Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program. However, due to the magnitude of damage caused by this storm, President Biden authorized a reimbursement of 100 percent federal funding for the project. All work and costs took place between Dec. 27, 2021, to Jan. 25, 2022.
For more information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.
luther.wills-dudich Thu, 06/15/2023 - 19:08Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Offices and Helpline Closed Monday June 19 in Observance of Juneteenth
SANTA FE, N.M. -- The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims offices in Mora, Las Vegas and Santa Fe will be closed on Monday June 19, 2023, in observance of Juneteenth.
The Claims Office Helpline will also be closed in observance of Juneteenth. You are welcome to leave a voice message on the Helpline at (505) 995-7133 and we will return your call during normal business hours on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
Following the Juneteenth observance, the Claims Office and Claims Office Helpline will resume normal business operations and can be reached Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at (505) -995-7133.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 06/15/2023 - 16:17New Hours for Disaster Recovery Centers in Guam
All FEMA disaster recovery centers in Guam are adjusting their hours, starting Sunday, June 18. Below is the new schedule:
Location
Address
New hours
1 Sesame St.,Building E,
Mangilao, GU 96913
7 a.m. to 6 p.m., open daily
Harmon Loop Road,
Dededo, GU 96929
7 a.m. to 6 p.m., open daily
C.L. Taitano Elementary School
Bien Venida Ave., Cafeteria,
Hagatna , GU 96910
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., open daily
719 San Jose Ave.,
Inalahan, GU 96917
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., open daily
At a recovery center, Guam residents who were affected by Typhoon Mawar can learn more about FEMA and other federal disaster assistance programs, understand any letters received from FEMA, get answers to questions about applications, or get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistances. Use the DRC Locator to help find the nearest center.
Visiting a disaster recovery center is not the only option to apply for FEMA assistance. Disaster survivors may apply for federal assistance 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 an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, check here.
For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.
Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.
felicia.jordan Thu, 06/15/2023 - 11:22
FEMA Specialists to Offer Rebuilding Tips in Blanchard
OKLAHOMA CITY – FEMA Hazard Mitigation Outreach Specialists will be available at Ace Hardware and Garden Center in Blanchard through June 24 to offer information to Oklahomans with damage from the April 19-20 tornadoes, straight-line winds and severe storms.
Hazard mitigation outreach specialists will be on hand to answer questions about rebuilding after a disaster and protecting your home from future disaster-related damage. Some of the topics include clean up, selecting a contractor and ways to reduce risks from future disasters. This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors and no appointment is needed.
Hazard mitigation outreach specialists will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, through June 24 at:
McClain County
Ace Hardware and Garden Center
987 E Veterans Memorial Highway
Blanchard, OK 73080
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday.
If you cannot visit in person, please call 833-FEMA-4-US or 833-336-2487 to speak to a hazard mitigation outreach specialist, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All calls will be returned within one business day. If you prefer, you may email your questions to FEMA-OKMit@fema.dhs.gov or visit FEMA’s Oklahoma Mitigation home page at https://fema.connectsolutions.com/okmit
If you need to discuss your assistance application, please call the Helpline at 800-621-3362 to speak to a FEMA individual assistance specialist. Hazard mitigation outreach specialists offer general rebuilding tips and will not be able to discuss specific details of individual assistance cases.
alexa.brown Wed, 06/14/2023 - 18:19Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to Host a Community Event June 15th
SANTA FE, N.M. - The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will host a community event Thursday, June 15, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Mora High School Campus Lecture Hall to discuss and answer questions on their partnership to help claimants recovering from the Hermit’s Peak Calf/Canyon Fire and subsequent floods develop Conservation Restoration Plans for their property.
NRCS plans will be provided to claimants at no charge and can be utilized by the Claims Office to streamline the claims review process.
“We encourage all landowners with natural resources impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding to take advantage of this partnership,” said Claims Office Director Angela Gladwell. “We look forward to working with our partners at the NRCS to ensure this opportunity is fully realized and provided to landowners in their recovery.”
Representatives from the Tierra y Montes Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will also be present at this event to answer questions and provide information on conservation efforts. Reps from the state’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency will also be present to answer questions.
NRCS Conservation Restoration Plans are comprehensive natural resource plans that provide a holistic approach to recovery. Under this partnership, NRCS plans will give claimants a pathway to restore their property in line with best practices specific to northern New Mexico.
A plan can be requested from NRCS by claimants/landowners regardless of whether they anticipate submitting the conservation/restoration plan to the Claims Office. Conservation work can be done through the utilization of governmental programs, private companies, or by the individual claimants themselves.
The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon and NRCS Community event in Mora will be held at the Mora High School campus in the Lecture Hall, Thursday, June 15, 2023, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
mayshaunt.gary Wed, 06/14/2023 - 14:47Free Legal Help Still Available to Tornado Survivors
MADISON, Miss. – FEMA and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency want survivors of the March tornadoes to know that free help remains available for legal needs related to the disaster.
Survivors with unmet legal needs can call the special Disaster Legal Services (DLS) hotline at (877) 691-6185. They may be prompted to leave a message, but a specialist will call them back.
The DLS hotline got fewer than a dozen calls from April 3 to June 6, and FEMA is urging eligible survivors to take advantage of this special service. The hotline will operate only through the end of June.
DLS lawyers can help survivors with:
- Unpaid or underpaid insurance claims for loss of property, loss of life, doctor and hospital bills, etc.
- New wills, powers of attorney, or other legal papers lost in the tornadoes.
- Problems with home repair contracts and contractors.
- Advice on problems with landlords, including land lease agreements.
- Estate administration, including guardianships and conservatorships.
- Consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures.
- FEMA appeals and other disaster-related actions.
Homeowners and renters whose primary residence is in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola or Sharkey counties with unresolved and storm-caused legal issues should consider calling. Callers should identify the storm-related issue they need legal help with, and the county where their storm-damaged property is located.
DLS attorneys are volunteers who provide survivors with free legal counseling and advice and may provide legal representation for cases that will not generate fees. They are not FEMA employees. Any services or conversations between a survivor and one of the attorneys are confidential and will not be shared with FEMA.
If the volunteer attorneys are unable to assist survivors with their legal needs, callers will be referred to independent attorneys who can provide pro-bono or low-cost services through the lawyer referral network in the affected area.
DLS is a partnership between The Mississippi Bar, The Mississippi Bar Young Lawyers Division, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and FEMA.
For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and www.fema.gov/disaster/4697. On Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4
sandra.habib Wed, 06/14/2023 - 13:00FEMA Public Assistance for Governmental Agencies and Nonprofits in Guam
Governmental agencies in Guam and certain nonprofits (including faith-based organizations) that were affected by Typhoon Mawar may be eligible for FEMA assistance to help pay for debris removal, protective measures, public buildings and equipment, public utilities, etc.
FEMA Public Assistance may be able to help Guam governmental agencies and certain nonprofits (including faith-based organizations) that provide essential social services to the public.
To be eligible, a nonprofit organization must:
- Be owned or operated by a private nonprofit organization
- Have sustained damage caused by Typhoon Mawar
- Have facilities open to the public
- Include in its application documentation of tax-exempt status, pre-disaster charter and other relevant information
Interested governmental agencies or nonprofit organizations may register and submit a Request for Public Assistance through an online recovery management channel, FEMA's Grants Portal.
All requests must be submitted via the Grants Portal. Access to the portal, a FEMA Public Assistance ID number, and a copy of Request for Public Assistance, can be obtained via emails to candise.aragon@ghs.guam.gov or jecarlo.palomo@ghs.guam.gov.
In-person assistance with Grants Portal access from the Guam Recovery Office staff will also be available during the applicant briefings.
The leadership and fiscal staff of the entities are advised to attend the following FEMA applicant briefings.
- Governmental agencies Briefing: 10 a.m. June 19, at Guam Museum; Deadline to submit Request for Public Assistance: 5 p.m. June 19.
- Autonomous and semi-autonomous agencies; Archdiocese of Agana Schools and Parishes Briefing: 10 a.m. June 21, at Guam Museum; Deadline to submit Request for Public Assistance: 5 p.m. June 21.
- Guam Department of Education Schools and Central Office; Mayor’s Council of Guam: Briefing: 10 a.m. June 23; Deadline to submit Request for Public Assistance: 5 p.m. June 23.
- Private nonprofit entities Briefing: 10 a.m. June 26, at Guam Museum; Deadline to submit Request for Public Assistance: 5 p.m. June 26.
For further questions, contact the program coordinators at the Guam Recovery Office: Aragon, Candise, Lizama, Frances, Palomo, JeCarlo, or contact the office at 671-478-1121 or via gro@ghs.guam.gov.
For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at 671-478-0208/09/10.
If eligibility is granted, please also submit the following information: a list of sites damaged, “before and after” pictures, information about any historic structures.
For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.
felicia.jordan Wed, 06/14/2023 - 08:52Two Weeks Remain 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, you have two weeks left to apply for federal assistance. Deadline for applications 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 Hortt Park in Fort Lauderdale and Sadkin Community Center in Lauderhill. (Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays.) A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center is operating through June 16 at Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park in Fort Lauderdale.
FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments but may be able to help with uninsured disaster expenses.
June 26 is the deadline for submitting disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). 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, 06/13/2023 - 21:22Reconstruction of Los Baños Hotel and Inn in Coamo Is Underway Following a Million-Dollar Allocation from FEMA
The historic site has $3.6 million to manage repairs and mitigation measures
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Residents of the municipality of Coamo and its visitors will soon be able to enjoy the renovated facilities of the historic Los Baños Hotel and Inn, following an allocation of nearly $3.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair damage after Hurricane María.
Los Baños, known for its hot springs, today celebrated its groundbreaking ceremony and construction is already underway. Funds for the repairs were awarded to the Puerto Rico Land Administration, a government entity that already has nearly $11.9 million for 10 projects.
For the Governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro R. Pierluisi, “the reconstruction and modernization of our infrastructure is the foundation of the future of Puerto Rico. And making these projects and improvements the basis for sustainable economic development is the goal that we all share here. For our administration, as well as for the municipality of Coamo and all surrounding communities, it is essential to rebuild, modernize and preserve the hotel in this important historical and tourist site, given the damage it suffered after Hurricane María. I thank FEMA for their continued support in helping Puerto Rico rebuild stronger and more resilient than ever before. You can count on us returning for the reinauguration because I have no doubt that the Hotel Baños de Coamo will once again be a great asset for Coamo and for all of Puerto Rico.”
For his part, Deputy Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator Andrés García Martinó added: “Through these funds, which today are already translated into ongoing renovations, we support socioeconomic development in the towns of the mountain, which offer a great recreational attraction for its residents and visitors. This is great news and another step forward in the rebuilding of Puerto Rico.”
Los Baños Hotel was built around 1847 and currently has 48 guest rooms. The facilities include gazebos, ballroom, bistro, café, bar, a central courtyard and the hot springs pools.
The repairs to the structure will include an electromechanical assessment of the rooms and air conditioning replacements. Also, one of the pools will be shallowed from 10 to 5 feet to follow compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), among other works. This project includes $2 million to upgrade the roof system of the facilities and install storm shutters, in order to mitigate hazards from wind and wind-driven rain.
The mayor of the municipality of Coamo, Juan Carlos García Padilla, added: “The hotel is a spearhead of economic development, it brings many people to our town. By bringing traffic, it brings consumption and that is very important. The hotel was the first hotel built in the country and had its evolution over time. It is a hotel with a lot of history, many people used it, especially in the forties, fifties and sixties. It will definitely be part of the economic engine of the city.”
The municipality of Coamo has nearly $81.4 million from the agency for more than 170 projects that will improve the lives of its residents and promote the socioeconomic development of the town. For nearly 30 public building projects, the agency destined around $1.6 million.
To date, FEMA has awarded some $30.5 billion for nearly 10,700 Public Assistance projects aimed at rebuilding a Puerto Rico that is more resilient to 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.
frances.acevedo-pico Tue, 06/13/2023 - 14:30
FEMA Allocates Millions to Restore Coral Reefs in the Coast of San Juan
This is the first allocation of the federal agency for this type of project
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated $3 million under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for the first phase of restoration for the coral reef barrier located in the San Juan Bay. This is the first allocation under HGMP to restore a natural resource to protect survivors after a disaster.
The project seeks to reduce flooding and protect some 800 structures surrounding the communities of Escambrón, Condado, Ocean Park and Puntas Las Marías. The initiative consists of two phases, for a total of approximately $38.6 million.
The Governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro R. Pierluisi, said that with this allocation, “We continue to support our public policy for the protection and preservation of our natural resources that seeks to mitigate the impact of climate change on our Island. With these federal funds, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) will create a system of hybrid coral reefs, including artificial coral and native living coral. This is an integral part of the initiatives we are working on to further the goals of our Ecological Emergency Declaration of 2021 to address the stony coral tissue loss disease and our Executive Order establishing a State of Emergency on Coastal Erosion. I reiterate my gratitude to FEMA and the Biden Administration for all their support to improve resiliency in Puerto Rico.”
In turn, Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero said, “Coral reefs are natural barriers that prevent the loss of life and property by reducing the risk of flooding and erosion of infrastructure due to high energy wave and current impact. This historic obligation will undoubtedly open the door for similar initiatives that address the effects of climate change and its impact on communities.”
Coral reefs act as naturally submerged breakwaters. They are very effective, since they reduce the energy of the waves that reach the coasts. These structures defend communities from coastal flooding, whether during storms or from rising sea levels.
Local stressors around the San Juan Bay have affected the optimal levels of protection of the current system. As a result, this 5-kilometer area is subject to continuous coastal flooding and erosion, to the impact of strong surges, as well as to other effects of future storms. This disrupts public and private infrastructure and endangers lives along San Juan’s metropolitan coastline.
“Without healthy reefs, this coast would suffer from coastal flooding, loss of infrastructure and loss of beach for recreation and for nesting endangered sea turtles, such as the leatherback, which return to these shores from March to July, where they were born, to leave their nests,” said Hilda Benítez Álvarez and Aida Balzac, the president and vice-president of the Tortuguero de San Juan 7 Quillas Group. Both grew up in the Ocean Park and Punta Las Marías areas and have witnessed how much the offshore zone has shortened and the significant increase in storm surges that cause coastal flooding.
The funds allocated to the DNER seek to increase the three-dimensional structure of the coral reef, reducing wave energy. The action plan will install a mix of cement structures similar to artificial coral and native living coral at 0.8 kilometers off the coast of San Juan.
Similarly, in another section, a new artificial reef with three segments will be built. There, the necessary measures will be taken to limit the effects on the seabed and its ecosystem. This will reduce the number of drownings attributed to rough surf and dangerous currents in the Condado Beach area.
For her part, DNER Secretary Anaís Rodríguez Vega mentioned that another important element of the reefs is their function as a habitat and nursery for organisms of commercial value, such as fish, lobsters and other organisms on which fishermen depend. “This project recognizes the importance of coral reefs as infrastructure that protects our coastline. It allows us to invest even more and carry out a restoration effort on scales that we have not been able to do before. It is an unprecedented project that will protect our community and support community awareness efforts about the services coral reefs provide.”
To date, FEMA has awarded over $3.1 billion for 150 HGMP projects that will address mitigation measures for a more resilient Puerto Rico.
For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.
frances.acevedo-pico Tue, 06/13/2023 - 14:17Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to Host a Community Event June 13th
SANTA FE, N.M. - The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will host a community event Tuesday, June 13, 6 - 8 p.m. on the New Mexico Highlands University campus to discuss and answer questions on their partnership to help claimants, recovering from the Hermit’s Peak Calf/Canyon Fire and subsequent floods, develop Conservation Restoration Plans for properties.
NRCS plans will be provided to claimants at no charge and can be utilized by the Claims Office to streamline the claims review process.
“We encourage all landowners with natural resources impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding to take advantage of this partnership,” said Claims Office Director Angela Gladwell. “We look forward to working with our partners at the NRCS to ensure this opportunity is fully realized and provided to landowners in their recovery.”
Representatives from the Tierra y Montes Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will also be present at this event to answer questions and provide information on conservation efforts.
NRCS Conservation Restoration Plans are comprehensive natural resource plans that provide a holistic approach to recovery. Under this partnership, NRCS plans will give claimants a pathway to restore their property in line with best practices specific to northern New Mexico.
A plan can be requested from NRCS by claimants/landowners regardless of whether they anticipate submitting the conservation/restoration plan to the Claims Office. Conservation work can be done through the utilization of governmental programs, private companies, or by the individual claimants themselves.
The event will be held on the New Mexico Highlands University campus in the Student Center, on the corner of National Ave. and 8th St., Las Vegas, NM, Rooms 321-322. The event will be June 13, 2023, 6 - 8 p.m.
mayshaunt.gary Tue, 06/13/2023 - 12:55FEMA Offers Program to Prepare Children for Emergencies
MADISON, Miss.– Want to teach your children how to better prepare for emergencies? FEMA’s Mitigation team is providing 15-minute presentations to children that deal with emergency preparedness.
The Mitigation for Kids program is a tool to provide young children with tips, activities and a story to help them prepare for emergencies. This program teaches children how to stay informed, pack emergency kits and make a communication plan. Presentations will be held June 13 to June 15.
Carroll County
- Providence Baptist Church, 1516 County Road 316, Carrollton, MS 38917
- 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 13
- Marshall Elementary School, 802 Marshall Road, North Carrollton, MS 38917
- 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 14
Panola County
- Batesville Public Library, 206 US-51 North, Batesville, MS 38606
- 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 14
Monroe County
- Evans Memorial Library, 105 N. Long St, Aberdeen, MS 39730
- 9 a.m., Thursday, June 15
No registration is required.
For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and 4697 | FEMA.gov. On Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.
sandra.habib Tue, 06/13/2023 - 12:48Use FEMA Grants for Intended Purpose
Guam residents who have received federal disaster assistance for Typhoon Mawar should remember to use the grant only for its intended purpose – expenses to help make your home safe, sanitary and functional.
Be sure to document how you used those disaster funds and keep all receipts for at least three years.
Disaster grants intended for home repairs are not for regular living expenses, such as utilities, food, medical or dental bills, travel, entertainment, or any expenses not directly related to the disaster.
If residents spend the payment on anything other than the intended purpose, they may be denied future disaster assistance. In some cases, FEMA will ask that the money be returned.
If you receive an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, you should pay FEMA back.
If you haven’t applied for federal disaster assistance yet, you may 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 (open seven days a week 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Multilingual specialists are available.
For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, check here.
For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit our website.
felicia.jordan Tue, 06/13/2023 - 04:05Additional Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Residents of San Luis Obispo County who experienced damage from the severe storms and flooding that took place in February and March can now apply for federal disaster assistance.
In addition, Plumas, Solano and Sonoma counties are now eligible for FEMA Public Assistance, which reimburses local and state government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations, including Houses of Worship, for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure.
San Luis Obispo County joins the previously designated counties of Butte, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, San Bernardino, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne in being eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.
Survivors in these counties may be eligible for grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such replacement of damaged personal property and expenses for transportation, childcare, moving and storage.
To apply for this assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. Applicants can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
Plumas, Solano and Sonoma counties join the following designated counties for Public Assistance for the February/March storms and flooding: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Sacramento, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, Santa Barbera, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Trinity, Tulare and Tuolumne.
The federal cost share for Public Assistance projects is 75 percent with 25 percent covered by the state or local governments. Applicants with questions about making a Request for Public Assistance should email: DisasterRecovery@CalOES.CA.gov.
For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4699. You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES, facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.
luther.wills-dudich Mon, 06/12/2023 - 18:00Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Broward County Continues Operations
LAKE MARY, Fla. – The State of Florida and FEMA are operating Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Broward County.
The mobile disaster recovery center at Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale will continue operations through Friday, June 16, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weather permitting.
Survivors can also go to one of two fixed disaster recovery center locations for help with their disaster recovery needs:
- Sadkin Community Center, 1176 NW 42nd Way, Lauderhill, FL 33313
- Hortt Park, 1700 SW 14TH Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Hours for fixed centers are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays.
Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.
In addition to visiting a center, you can apply by going online to disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET every day. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms.
In addition to the centers, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing communities affected by the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County to help residents apply for FEMA assistance and to answer questions about federal assistance. DSA crews wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.
FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.
For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
For more information about recovery in Florida, visit fema.gov/disaster/4709 and floridadisaster.org/. Follow us on Twitter: @FLSERT and @FEMARegion4.
martyce.allenjr Mon, 06/12/2023 - 17:18Pages
