INDIANAPOLIS – The state of Indiana and FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Owen County from May 4-6 and May 15-17 to help survivors of the March 31–April 1 storms and tornadoes continue their recovery.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the center to help with FEMA applications, answer questions and provide referrals to resources.

The center will be located at:

Spencer Owen Administration Building

205 East Hillside Ave.

Spencer, IN 47460

Center hours on May 4-5 and 15-16 will be 8 a.m-6 p.m.

Hours for May 6 and 17 will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Additional recovery centers are open or will be opening soon in other impacted areas. Individuals and businesses in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, and White counties can visit any open center for help. To find a nearby center, visit fema.gov/drc.

To apply for FEMA assistance without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA your number for that service.

The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 14, 2023

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

For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4704. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMA page and Twitter at @femaRegion5.

FEMA does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

As eligible Tennessee homeowners and renters begin receiving disaster funds from FEMA for rental assistance, home repairs or other categories of assistance, it is important to keep track of your spending. Use the money for the specified reason stated in your FEMA letter.

• Approved applicants in Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne counties will receive a letter from FEMA. It will provide information about the types of assistance you are eligible to receive and the amount of assistance FEMA is providing for each eligible need.
• Types of assistance may include home repairs (e.g., structure, water well, septic and sewage systems). Homeowners approved for FEMA’s Home Repair Assistance may receive additional mitigation funding for your owner-occupied primary residences to help you rebuild stronger. Mitigation funding addresses roof repair to withstand higher winds and help prevent water seeping in. Other types of assistance may include:
  • Rental assistance for a different place to live temporarily
  • Repair or replacement of a damaged primary vehicle
  • Uninsured out-of-pocket medical expenses for an injury caused by the disaster
  • Reimbursement for increased childcare expenses
  • Repair or replacement of specialized occupational tools and essential educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies)
  • Moving and storage expenses related to the tornadoes and other disaster-related expenses

• You may spend your Home Repair grant from FEMA in ways that help make your home safe, accessible and functional. Remember to document how you used the disaster funds and keep all receipts for at least three years for verification of how you spent the money.
• Disaster grants are not for regular living expenses such as utilities, food, medical or dental bills, travel, entertainment, or any discretionary expenses not directly related to the disaster.
• Federal disaster assistance funds are tax-free.

• The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Tuesday, June 6. Here’s how to apply:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app
• Call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Daylight Time daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
• For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6
• You may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center to get help with your application. Find a center here: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator

For the latest information on Tennessee’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4701. You may also follow TN.gov/TEMA; Twitter.com/TEMA, Facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Fish Hatchery in the municipality of Maricao will have a new opportunity to continue cultivating fish species that sustain the population of aquatic life in the islands' reservoirs. The hatchery facilities, which are part of the National Register of Historic Places, will be repaired with over $6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The hatchery is considered one of the municipality's main attractions due to the large number of species that are raised and then relocated to the mountain rivers - its annual production of largemouth bass ranged from 50,000 to 200,000 fish per year.

The funds allocated to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) will address some of the damage that has kept the hatchery closed to the public since Hurricane María. The gazebos, dike walls and the main drainage channel will be replaced, including the cleaning and unclogging of drainage pipes.

“This is the only state government facility dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of diverse fish in all of Puerto Rico. This is why FEMA supports the renovation of the hatchery, which fosters scientific research related to aquaculture and in turn has an economic impact on the municipality,” said federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

According to biologist María Olmeda, leader of the hatchery project for the DNER, before Hurricane María, fish " farming" was done in almost all of the island's reservoirs. "The hatchery has been instrumental in the development of Puerto Rico's freshwater fisheries. More than collaborating in the introduction of fish, it has been key to sustain and maintain healthy fish populations already established," she said.

According to the biologist, prior to Hurricane María, the hatchery was considered one of the best and most modern in the Caribbean, where there was a historic production of fish that were transferred to the different reservoirs of the island. In addition, the group working at the hatchery was able to produce pure Florida largemouth bass, which are more resistant to the island's temperatures and live longer.

Maricao mayor Wilfredo Ruiz said the nursery has been an icon of the municipality, particularly between the 1980s and early 2000s. “The Fish Hatchery was the main attraction for tourism in Maricao. As people came to see it, it moved the economy by boosting the patronage of businesses and restaurants in the area. There were many businesses that closed because of the lack of activity due to the closure of the fish hatchery,” he recalled.

In his opinion, with the funds allocated from FEMA, the nursery will benefit sport fishing while it will also serve as a space to collaborate with research projects of the science fairs of colleges and universities in Puerto Rico and abroad. Another benefit of having a repaired facility is that it will allow for the conservation of the Puerto Rican parrot that is currently in captivity in the area.

In addition, the project has over $163,000 to prevent similar damage in the future. Some of these measures include placing a concrete base for the gazebo, installing eco-friendly retaining walls, and adding concrete under the fish hatchery, dam and bridges to give them more stability.

"Fulfilling Governor Pedro Pierluisi's commitment to support projects that promote diverse economies, as well as those aimed at scientific research, we at COR3 will assist the DNER in these efforts aimed at completing the reconstruction of this iconic Fish Hatchery in Maricao, which will provide a safe environment and infrastructure in optimal conditions for our people and members of academia," said the Executive Director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Eng. Manuel A. Laboy Rivera.

To date, FEMA has obligated nearly $30.4 billion in Public Assistance funds for roughly 10,600 projects that will support the rebuilding of a more resilient Puerto Rico.

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

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands –- Now is the time to prepare yourself and your household for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season. During Hurricane Preparedness Week, assess your personal risk, update your family's emergency communications plan, start to replenish your emergency kit, and review your personal and financial documents.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, but the time to prepare is now when you are not under pressure as storms form in the Atlantic. If you wait until a hurricane is approaching, the odds are that you will be under duress and might not make the best decision.

FEMA and its partners in the U.S. Virgin Islands will conduct a series of response exercises in the coming months to ensure we are ready to support a response to a storm, at the territory’s request. The best way to help your community recover from a disaster is by taking steps now to prepare yourself and your family before a disaster happens. Each of us can take steps to make sure we’re prepared for any disaster.

“FEMA’s partnership with the U.S. Virgin Islands on strengthening response focus areas to prepare for storms continues to flourish and we are ready for the Atlantic hurricane season,” said Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office Coordinator Mark A. Walters. “We are asking Virgin Islanders to stay informed, be ready and vigilant during hurricane season. It only takes one hurricane to change your life and your community,” said Walters.

According to VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, “Time is a very precious commodity and one we can never get back. We owe it to ourselves, our families, our friends, and our business partners to use this time before hurricane season, wisely. Having a written and shared hurricane plan for 2023 not only provides comfort, but it also guides us in the final hours before landfall and assists in surviving the days that follow.”

As you prepare, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs such as operating medical equipment.

• Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan.
• Identify any additional help needed in an emergency if you or anybody in your home is senior or has a disability, access, or functional requirement. The V.I. Department of Human Services’ Elder, Dependent Adult, and Disabled Persons Disaster Registry is open to Virgin Islanders aged 60 and over, as well as those with disabilities.
  • To register, call 340-774-0930 ext. 4018 on St. Thomas, 340-776-6334 on St. John and 340-772-7148 on St. Croix. You can download and fill out a registry form at www.dhs.gov.vi  .
• Have several ways to receive alerts. Sign up for Alert VI to receive emergency notifications in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Download the FEMA app on your smartphone and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Check the settings on your mobile devices to ensure you can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts, which require no sign-up.
  • Have an emergency charging option for your phone and other devices.
• Protect your home against storms. Declutter drains and gutters, consider hurricane shutters and leave room in your home to bring in outside furniture during a storm.
• Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household, pets, and identify where you will stay during a hurricane. Follow the instructions from territorial agencies who will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.
• Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password protected digital space. You might need your documents to apply for and receive assistance after a disaster.
• Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies, masks, pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. After a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks.
  • Replenish supplies in your emergency kit and replace expired items as needed.

Visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes , www.ready.gov/es/huracanes and www.ready.gov/ht/hurricanes  for more information on how to prepare for hurricanes, stay safe during a hurricane and returning home after a hurricane. Review Hurricane Preparedness Week’s themes, such as know your risk: wind and water and take action today at www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep-social-media-english and www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep-social-media-en-espa-ol , and follow www.vitema.vi.gov for information on local events and community readiness.

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Disaster survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after a disaster. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

If a FEMA Inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.

If you do wish to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the Helpline will assist you in creating a new application.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas impacted by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County. They carry official photo ID badges. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment.

Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. FEMA representatives will have your FEMA application number.

Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department or contact the Office of the Attorney General by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) or visit myfloridalegal.com. To file a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report (myfloridalegal.com).

If you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at:  StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.

If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4709. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

INDIANAPOLIS - El estado de Indiana y la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) abrirán un centro de recuperación por desastre en el condado White del 1 al 3 de mayo y del 11 al 13 de mayo para ayudar a los sobrevivientes de las tormentas y tornados ocurridos el 31 de marzo y 1 de abril a continuar con su recuperación.

Los especialistas de recuperación de FEMA, del estado y de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios se encontrarán en el centro para ayudar con las solicitudes de FEMA, responder preguntas y proporcionar referidos a recursos.

El centro se encontrará en:

1017 O'Conner Blvd.

Monticello, IN 47960

El horario del centro será de 8 a.m. a 6 p.m.

del 1 al 3 de mayo y 11 y 12 de mayo y de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. el 13 de mayo.

Ya se encuentran abiertos o abrirán próximamente centros adicionales de recuperación en otras áreas afectadas. Los individuos y negocios en los condados Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan y White pueden visitar cualquier centro abierto para recibir ayuda. Para encontrar un centro de recuperación abierto, visite fema.gov/drc.

Para solicitar asistencia de FEMA sin visitar un centro, llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362, ingrese en internet a Disasterassistance.gov/es o utilice la aplicación móvil de FEMA. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como un Servicio de Retransmisión de Video (VRS) o servicio de teléfono con subtítulos, proporcione a FEMA su número de dicho servicio.

La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia federal es el 14 de junio de 2023

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

Para más información sobre la recuperación en Indiana, visite fema.gov/es/disaster/4704. Síganos en nuestra página de Facebook en Facebook.com/FEMAespanol y en Twitter en @femaRegion5.

FEMA no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, orientación sexual, religión, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o situación económica.

INDIANAPOLIS - El estado de Indiana y la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) abrirán un centro de recuperación por desastre en el condado Clinton del 1 al 3 de mayo y del 11 al 13 de mayo para ayudar a los sobrevivientes de las tormentas y tornados ocurridos el 31 de marzo y 1 de abril a continuar con su recuperación.

Los especialistas de recuperación de FEMA, del estado y de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios se encontrarán en el centro para ayudar con las solicitudes de FEMA, responder preguntas y proporcionar referidos a recursos.

El centro se encontrará en:

Edificio de manejo de emergencias de Clinton

1859 S Jackson St.

Frankfort, IN 46041

El horario del centro será de 8 a.m. a 6 p.m.

del 1 al 3 de mayo y 11 y 12 de mayo y de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. el 13 de mayo.

Ya se encuentran abiertos o abrirán próximamente centros adicionales de recuperación en otras áreas afectadas. Los individuos y negocios en los condados Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan y White pueden visitar cualquier centro abierto para recibir ayuda. Para encontrar un centro de recuperación abierto, visite fema.gov/drc.

Para solicitar asistencia de FEMA sin visitar un centro, llame a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362, ingrese en internet a Disasterassistance.gov/es o utilice la aplicación móvil de FEMA. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como un Servicio de Retransmisión de Video (VRS) o servicio de teléfono con subtítulos, proporcione a FEMA su número de dicho servicio.

La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia federal es el 14 de junio de 2023

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

Para más información sobre la recuperación en Indiana, visite fema.gov/es/disaster/4704. Síganos en nuestra página de Facebook en Facebook.com/FEMAespanol y en Twitter en @femaRegion5.

FEMA no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, orientación sexual, religión, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o situación económica.

MADISON, Miss. – FEMA has approved the State of Mississippi’s request for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Panola, Sharkey and Montgomery counties.

This assistance was authorized because of limited temporary housing for survivors of the March storms.

Working with Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, FEMA will provide recreational vehicles (RVs), mobile homes (manufactured housing units/MHUs) and leased homes for eligible applicants in the six counties.

MEMA and FEMA will work with local jurisdictions to ensure that units are placed in accordance with all state and local zoning and permitting requirements, or other regulations.

FEMA will notify applicants who are eligible. There is no need to apply separately from the application for FEMA Individual Assistance.

FEMA may provide Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for up to 18 months from March 26, 2023, the date of the declaration, to September 26, 2024. This process takes time. Before an applicant can be given the keys to a temporary home, several actions must occur:

• FEMA conducts applicant placement interviews.
• FEMA inspects the site where the temporary unit will be placed.
• Site meets local ordinances and local permits are obtained.
• Workers hook up electricity, water, and sewer.

In addition to providing the units for temporary housing, FEMA also will allow sale of units to occupants.

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App for mobile devices, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, or call toll-free 800-621-3362  from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and 4697 | FEMA.gov.fema.gov/. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

OKLAHOMA CITY – FEMA and the State of Oklahoma will open two joint Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in McClain and Pottawatomie counties on Tuesday, May 2 to help survivors affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred April 19-20.

Survivors can meet face to face with specialists from FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and state and local agencies to have their questions about disaster assistance answered. They may also upload any documents needed for their applications at the centers.

The DRC in Pottawatomie County will open at 8 a.m.

130 N Louisa Ave.

Shawnee, OK 74801

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

The DRC in McClain County will open at 8:30 a.m.

Cole Community Center

26887 Main Street

Blanchard, OK 73010

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., seven days a week.

When visiting a DRC, Oklahoma residents can get additional help with the following:

• Apply for assistance.
• Learn the status of your FEMA application and get information on how to appeal your status if needed.
• Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
• Get answers to questions or update information in your FEMA application.
• Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
• Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance loan programs.

No appointments are necessary.

FEMA also has teams canvassing in the most heavily impacted areas as determined by local officials.

You do not have to visit a disaster recovery center to apply for assistance. The fastest and easiest way to apply 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.

LAKE MARY, Fla. – FEMA outreach 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.

The teams, known as Disaster Survivor Assistance crews, are visiting door-to-door to quickly identify survivors’ needs and to assist with registration. The teams can help with:

• Submitting applications for federal assistance.
• Checking application status or making minor changes to the application.
• Providing civil rights and disability integration information to ensure that all survivors have equal access to FEMA assistance.

You may have several disaster assistance representatives visiting your property, such as insurance agents, damage inspectors, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration staff.

FEMA outreach staff wear FEMA attire, always have FEMA photo identification, and never charge for assistance.

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

INDIANAPOLIS – The state of Indiana and FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Howard County from May 1-3 and May 11-13 to help survivors of the March 31–April 1 storms and tornadoes continue their recovery.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the center to help with FEMA applications, answer questions and provide referrals to resources.

The center will be located at:

220 North Main St.

Kokomo, IN 46901

Center hours on May 1-2 and 11-12 will be 8 a.m-6 p.m.

Hours for May 3 and 13 will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Additional recovery centers are open or will be opening soon in other impacted areas. Individuals and businesses in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, and White counties can visit any open center for help. To find a nearby center, visit fema.gov/drc.

To apply for FEMA assistance without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA your number for that service.

The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 14, 2023

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

For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4704. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMA page and Twitter at @femaRegion5.

FEMA does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after a disaster. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

If a FEMA Inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance, but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.

If you do wish to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the Helpline will assist you in creating a new application.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials are working in areas impacted by the storms. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment.

Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. FEMA representatives will have a photo-ID badge and your FEMA application number.

Don't give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department or contact the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General at 833-681-1895 or email consumerprotection@oag.ok.gov. For additional information on disaster-related scams or fraud, visit www.oag.ok.gov/sites/g/files/gmc766/f/disaster_scam_prevention_packet.pdf

You can also report insurance fraud or scams to the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Anti-Fraud Unit at fraud.stoppers@oid.ok.gov or 1-800-522-0071. 

If you have knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse, you can report these tips - 24 hours a day, seven days a week - to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. You can also email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov to report a tip.

If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov) or IdentityTheft.gov.

INDIANAPOLIS – The state of Indiana and FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center in White County from May 1-3 and May 11-13 to help survivors of the March 31–April 1 storms and tornadoes continue their recovery.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the center to help with FEMA applications, answer questions and provide referrals to resources.

The center will be located at:

1017 O’Conner Blvd.

Monticello, IN 47960

Center hours on May 1-2 and 11-12 will be 8 a.m-6 p.m.

Hours for May 3 and 13 will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Additional recovery centers are open or will be opening soon in other impacted areas. Individuals and businesses in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, and White counties can visit any open center for help. To find a nearby center, visit fema.gov/drc.

To apply for FEMA assistance without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA your number for that service.

The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 14, 2023

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

For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4704. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMA page and Twitter at @femaRegion5.

FEMA does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

INDIANAPOLIS – The state of Indiana and FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Clinton County from May 1-3 and May 11-13 to help survivors of the March 31–April 1 storms and tornadoes continue their recovery.

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the center to help with FEMA applications, answer questions and provide referrals to resources.

The center will be located at:

Clinton Emergency Management Building

1859 S Jackson St.

Frankfort, IN 46041

Center hours on May 1-2 and 11-12 will be 8 a.m-6 p.m.

Hours for May 3 and 13 will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Additional recovery centers are open or will be opening soon in other impacted areas. Individuals and businesses in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, and White counties can visit any open center for help. To find a nearby center, visit fema.gov/drc.

To apply for FEMA assistance without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA your number for that service.

The deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 14, 2023

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

For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4704. Follow us on our Facebook.com/FEMA page and Twitter at @femaRegion5.

FEMA does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

CHICAGO – May is Building Safety Month, and this year’s campaign, “It Starts with You,” reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly updated building codes, and helps individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures.

“One of the most effective ways to safeguard our communities against natural disasters is to adopt and follow hazard-resistant building codes,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “As climate change causes more frequent, intense weather events, smart construction codes and standards have become imperative to saving lives, protecting property and building disaster resilience in the places we call home.”

To see what codes your community has adopted to protect you, you can visit sites like www.InspectToProtect.org. Once you know this information, reach out to your community’s decision makers to implement changes in your area that help make your community safer and stronger.

Consider taking additional steps to help make your home safer and stronger:

1. Elevate and anchor utilities. Elevate and anchor your critical utilities, including electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems to reduce the risk of flood waters damaging them.
2. Waterproof your basement. Install a water alarm and maintain a working sump pump to protect your basement. Install a battery-operated backup pump in case of power failure. Consider also installing a back-flow valve, to push the flow of water & sewer backup away from your property.
3. Protect windows during high-wind events. Consider adding storm shutters, shatter-resistant film or stormproof high-impact glass to reduce the risks of glass breaking from flying debris.
4. Fortify your roof. Re-adhere any loose shingles and consider impact-resistant shingles on your roof. Install roof strappings to anchor the roof framing to the wall framings so the wind can’t lift your roof off your house.
5. Take advantage of insurance incentives. Many insurance policies offer financial incentives for risk reduction measures. For example, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will cover up to $1,000 in reasonable expenses incurred to protect your insured property. Call your insurance agent for more information about benefits that may be available to you.

 For more information about Building Safety Month or ways to increase awareness about building safety visit 2023 Building Safety Month - ICC (iccsafe.org). Learn even more about how to prepare before a disaster strikes by visiting www.Ready.gov.

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

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Homeowners and renters in Broward County who were affected by the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Florida. Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses.

Homeowners and renters in Broward County can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362.  The helpline is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

When applying, you will need to provide:

• Your current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your current address and your address at the time of the disaster.
• Your Social Security number.
• A general description of damage and losses caused by the disaster.
• Banking information, if you are eligible for disaster assistance and you’d like to receive funds directly deposited into your bank account.  
• If insured, the types of insurance you have, and when available the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

For an accessible video about how to apply, go online to Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

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

Document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

For information on Florida’s recovery, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4709. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Florida to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 12-14, 2023.  

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Broward County. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County.  

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

Brett H. Howard has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made if warranted by the results of damage assessments.  

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Nevada to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides March 8-19, 2023.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in Douglas, Eureka, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral and Storey counties.

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

Maona M. Ngwira has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Houses of worship and other private nonprofit organizations may be eligible for FEMA assistance to help reimburse costs for emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoration of facilities damaged by storms, straight-line-winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides affecting Kentucky between March 3-4, 2023.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program may provide financial assistance to certain private nonprofit organizations – including houses of worship – to restore facilities damaged or destroyed in this disaster. The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the non-federal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the sub-recipients such as local and county governments.

To be eligible, private non-profits must:

• Be located within the designated counties; and incurred impacts as a result of the event:
• Provide a current ruling letter from the IRS granting tax exemption under Section 501 (c) (d) or (e) of the IRS Code of 1954, or documentation from the Kentucky Secretary of State indicating nonprofit status;
• Provide proof of ownership or lease documentation establishing legal responsibility to repair incident-related impacts; and
• For non-critical private nonprofits seeking Public Assistance reimbursement for permanent work, applicants must apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a loan and receive a determination.

Applicants whose facilities were damaged in March storms can apply for assistance through the Commonwealth. For more information on submitting a Request for Public Assistance, click on this link: How to Apply for Public Assistance. Applicants should contact their county Emergency manager or KY Division of Emergency Management, or email pa.help@KY-em.org.

The deadline to submit a Request for Public Assistance Is May 10, 2023.

MADISON, Miss. – Repairing or rebuilding your home? Disaster survivors who are working on their homes after the March 24-25 severe weather can learn about reducing risks from future disasters by visiting the Rolling Fork True Value hardware store to speak with a FEMA Community Education and Outreach specialist.

Advisors will give tips on rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage. The advice includes topics like cleaning after a disaster, do-it-yourself repairs and working with general contractors.

FEMA specialists will be available in Rolling Fork for two days this week:

Rolling Fork True Value

19999 U.S. Hwy. 61                                                                      

Rolling Fork, MS 39159

Hours:

7:30 a.m. to noon, Friday, April 28

7:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 29

Specialists are also available on the FEMA Community Education and Outreach Helpline, 833-336-2487 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Central Time. You may leave a voicemail at any time. Or you may email FEMA-R4-HMHELP@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

For the latest information on recovery from Mississippi tornadoes, visit March 24 2023 Severe Weather Disaster Information - MEMA (msema.org) and 4697 | FEMA.gov. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.