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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Waldo County
The State of Maine and FEMA have opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Waldo County. The DRC is a temporary facility established to help survivors recover from the severe storms and flooding from January 9-13. The location of the DRC is:
Former Superior Courthouse
137 Church Street
Belfast, ME 04915
The hours of operation for all centers are 9:00 am–5:00 pm, Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays.
Other DRCs currently open to assist survivors:
York County: Wells Fire Station, 585 N Berwick Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Hancock County: Moore Community Center, 125 State St, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Cumberland County: Old Orr’s Island Schoolhouse, 1594 Harpswell Islands Road, Orr’s Island, ME 04066
Washington County: University of Maine, Torrey Building, 40 University Drive, Machias, ME 04654
DRCs provide disaster survivors with information from Maine state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.
DRCs are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.
It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Survivors can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 1 a.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. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
kwei.nwaogu Thu, 05/02/2024 - 15:47FEMA Approves More Than $1.3 Million for City of Rolling Fork
MADISON, Miss. – FEMA has approved $1,308,485 to reimburse the city of Rolling Fork for debris removal following the March 24-25, 2023, severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes.
The severe storms left debris throughout the city and created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the residents. The work completed included the removal of:
- 192,742 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris
- 7,841 cubic yards of vegetative debris
- 4,869 cubic yards of concrete debris
All work and expenses took place between May 26 and Sept. 22, 2023.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grant reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster-damaged public facilities and infrastructure.
For the latest information on recovery from the March tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4697. On X/Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.
Gaynell.Tinsey Thu, 05/02/2024 - 15:08One Week Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance; Deadline is May 8
LANSING, Mich. – Survivors of the Aug. 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties have just one week left to apply for federal assistance.
The registration period for federal disaster assistance ends on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
If you had storm-related expenses and live or own a business in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties, you should apply as soon as possible. FEMA assistance can provide grants and SBA may offer loans for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related needs.
To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.
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FEMA does not treat people differently because of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. FEMA provides free aids and services to people to help them communicate with us and understand FEMA programs:
- Information available in Braille, large print, or audio.
- Information available in accessible electronic formats on FEMA’s website.
- Qualified sign language interpreters.
- Qualified multilingual interpreters.
- Information written in other languages.
If you need assistance to access a FEMA program or service or a program or service funded by FEMA or want to report a concern or complaint of discrimination, please contact FEMA at (833) 285-7448 [Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish, 3 for the Language Line] or email FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.
darrell.habisch Wed, 05/01/2024 - 19:03FEMA Seeking Public Comment on Alerting and Notification Plan in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Alerting and Notification exercise scheduled for the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station
PHILADELPHIA – The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a public meeting to seek public comment on a significant plan change to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s alert and notification system for nuclear power plant emergencies within the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station emergency planning zone. FEMA will conduct an exercise to evaluate the new system on May 9, 2024.
“FEMA is seeking the public’s comments on the proposed plan change to replace sirens with wireless emergency alerts via cellular phones as the primary alert and notification system. This drill will test the government’s ability to alert and notify the public with the new system in the event of an emergency at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess the plan changes that replace the sirens with wireless emergency alerts received through cellular phones within the emergency planning zone of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station.”
FEMA will use the exercise results to make its decision on approving the significant plan change.
FEMA will hear from members of the public and present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 10:00 a.m. on May 10, 2024. The meeting will be conducted Talen Energy East Mountain Business Center, 1190 East Mountain Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre, PA. Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA.
At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:
MaryAnn Tierney
Regional Administrator
FEMA Region 3
615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.
REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.
More information about FEMA IPAWS/WEA can be found at Integrated Public Alert & Warning System.
Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.
amy.ashbridge Wed, 05/01/2024 - 18:54One Week Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance; Deadline is May 8
LANSING, Mich. – Survivors of the Aug. 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties have just one week left to apply for federal assistance.
The registration period for federal disaster assistance ends on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
If you had storm-related expenses and live or own a business in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties, you should apply as soon as possible. FEMA assistance can provide grants and SBA may offer loans for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related needs.
To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.
kirsten.chambers Wed, 05/01/2024 - 17:44FEMA Continues to Streamline Recovery in Puerto Rico, Enhances Resilient Outcomes and Equitable Solutions
The Puerto Rico Region 2 Interim Progress Report was published today and highlights recovery on the ground and FEMA’s ongoing efforts to build back better.
Washington -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell today announced the agency published its first-ever Puerto Rico Interim Progress Report to highlight progress on the island after hurricanes María and Fiona, and the earthquakes in 2020. FEMA’s efforts to help rebuild are paving the way for an unprecedented recovery and, in coordination with the Government of Puerto Rico, the pace of the recovery has gained momentum in the last several years as new infrastructure, permanent repairs and reconstruction can be seen across the island.
“Collectively, we are working on over 11,000 recovery projects from these disasters that will dramatically impact the everyday lives of residents,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “With each site that is rebuilt, we are investing in Puerto Rico’s economy and helping to build the Island’s resilience to severe weather events. This critical work will also help boost the Island’s recovery and response capabilities for future generations—ensuring communities are safer and more secure in this increasingly challenging disaster landscape.”
FEMA is maximizing this historic opportunity to ensure the island is built back in a way that is stronger and can lessen the impacts of other natural disasters in the future. By partnering with communities and local leaders to understand their vulnerabilities, FEMA is leading the way to find equitable solutions that help advance equity and climate adaptation and ensure recovery is community-driven. Through funding to implement current building codes across the island and other rebuilding projects to mitigate historic flooding in the Caño Martín Peña community in San Juan, for example, FEMA is ensuring recovery efforts result in resilient outcomes. Residents in this community will benefit from improvements to the sanitary sewer system and stormwater infrastructure in the area, among other significant permanent work.
The entire federal family is helping to boost island’s resiliency efforts through innovative practices that will strengthen communities and better serve the island’s residents. Working closely with other federal agencies, recovery partners and the communities, FEMA is focused on ensuring efforts on the ground are community-driven and support the unique needs and challenges of residents. Partnerships with the University of Puerto Rico to assess hurricane damage along the island’s coast and the U.S. Department of Energy to help the island reach 100% renewable energy by 2050, among others. are helping inform the way forward through the lens of climate change and climate adaptability.
“Puerto Rico continues to recover due to our workforce’s commitment to the task of rebuilding a resilient island. While preserving its historic and environmental heritage, they take great pride in knowing that their efforts contribute to building a strong, beautiful and resilient island for future generations,” said Regional Administrator David Warrington, FEMA Region 2. “With each project that is rebuilt, the island moves closer to becoming an example of resilience in the Caribbean.”
FEMA, together with local communities and whole of government, is committed to Puerto Rico’s longterm recovery and will continue to offer unwavering support as the island and its people build towards a bright and resilient future.
frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 05/01/2024 - 16:54President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oklahoma
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Oklahoma to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding beginning on April 25, 2024 and continuing.
The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Hughes, Love and Murray counties. 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, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance in Hughes, Love and Murray counties.
Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Benjamin Abbott has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.
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 1-800-621-FEMA (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 the number for that service.
amy.ashbridge Wed, 05/01/2024 - 14:58To Qualify for Federal Assistance, You Must Apply with FEMA
Survivors in Cumberland, Hancock, Lincoln, Knox, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington and York counties who had loss or damage from the severe storms and flooding that occurred Jan. 9-13, 2024, may have already reported their damages to the State of Maine, spoken to someone from FEMA, or registered for assistance with a community organization. That does not mean they have applied for federal assistance with FEMA.
In order to be eligible for federal assistance, you must apply directly with FEMA before the May 20 deadline.
Once you complete the application for federal assistance with FEMA, you will receive a FEMA registration number which will confirm your enrollment.
Remember, renters and homeowners must apply with FEMA to be eligible for federal assistance. Businesses can only apply to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for assistance.
FEMA’s Individual Assistance may be able to help with:
- Lodging Expense Reimbursement
- Rental Assistance for Temporary Housing
- Repairs and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance:
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center near you, go online to: DRC Locator, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Ex: DRC 04074)
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. The Helpline is available daily from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET.
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).
- Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), available at Google Play or the Apple App Store.
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. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
For information about how an SBA loan may benefit you, visit sba.gov/disaster, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-877-8339. Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov.
kwei.nwaogu Wed, 05/01/2024 - 12:59FEMA’s 2024 Hurricane Season Campaign Communicates Flood Risk with Emphasis on Outreach to Multicultural Audiences
Campaign to Target New Audiences in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Haitian and Vietnamese Languages
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will launch its 2024 Hurricane Season Campaign on April 29 and will target new communities using culturally competent messaging. The campaign communicates flood risk messages in six languages to residents in some of the nation’s most vulnerable locations affected by tropical storms and flooding.
“Given that hurricanes are intensifying and becoming more frequent, one of the most important steps homeowners and renters can take to prepare is to purchase flood insurance,” said Administrator Criswell. “Along with financial protection, flood insurance also brings peace of mind and we want multiple communities in hurricane-prone states along the coast to take advantage of these benefits. This is why we’re working to take cultural differences into consideration and add additional languages to our marketing for this important program. Our hope is to make flood insurance more accessible and common in households across America—especially in communities susceptible to flooding.”
Going into hurricane season, when flooding increases heavily, the six-month campaign encourages residents in hurricane-prone states to learn about the rising risk of flooding and obtain a quote for a flood insurance policy to help residents protect themselves financially. The campaign includes multicultural outreach to residents in hurricane-prone counties across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.
This year’s campaign theme—Your Winning Choice— frames the choice to get flood insurance as actionable and transformative, since protecting yourself from loss is itself a big win. It shows that people should make a winning choice to get flood insurance and achieve peace of mind prior to a potential hurricane.
The 2024 hurricane campaign includes multilanguage strategic placements of radio, web and digital advertisements, interviews with local radio and television outlets, emails to insurance agents, new social media content and graphics and other materials targeting 48 million residents in more than 195 counties.
Multi-language ApproachTo optimize and diversify its community outreach, the NFIP identified multiple languages spoken in each state targeted. To date, campaign advertisements have been created to connect with new audiences in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Haitian and Vietnamese languages.
Vietnamese consistently appears in the top three languages across nearly all the campaign’s target states. To reach Vietnamese-speaking communities, the campaign includes banner advertisements, social media posts and a landing page on floodsmart.gov in the Vietnamese language to complement the English and Spanish language webpages.
This is the first time the National Flood Insurance Program has created a webpage in any language other than English and Spanish. Additionally, FEMA will pitch audio news releases touting the benefits of flood insurance to Vietnamese-speaking media.
The outreach is designed to be inclusive of multicultural audiences by delivering important information to a variety of different communities and aligning with FEMA’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan of instilling equity as a foundation of emergency management. The NFIP also offers print publications in these languages.
Importance of Flood InsuranceThe National Flood Insurance Program provides about $1.2 trillion in coverage to approximately 4.7 million policyholders across the nation.
Over the past 20 years, 99% of counties in the United States have experienced a flood event. Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance does not cover damage caused by flooding.
“Flood insurance can be the difference between recovery and financial devastation,” said senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program David Maurstad. “No one can control when flooding happens, but we can take control of how to protect our homes, possessions and businesses. With the climate landscape we now face, don’t delay another day, call an insurance agent and get the coverage you need ahead of this hurricane season.”
There is typically a 30-day waiting period for a flood insurance policy to take effect. To find a flood insurance agent online go to floodsmart.gov/find.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 04/30/2024 - 21:57FEMA Approves $6.4M for Hurricane Ian Debris Removal in Orange County
LAKE MARY, Fla. – FEMA has approved $6,419,944 in grant funding to reimburse Orange County for debris removal expenses after Hurricane Ian.
The storm left extensive debris, resulting in a threat to public health and safety. Approximately 115,165 cubic yards of vegetative debris and 250,802 cubic yards of hurricane-generated debris were removed from roads and public property.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, local, territorial and tribal governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
Applicants work with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to the Florida Division of Emergency Management after final approval. Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to complete the grant process and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/infoand fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA on X, formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.
david.heckard Tue, 04/30/2024 - 14:04Two Disaster Recovery Centers Set to Close May 1
LANSING, Mich. – Two Disaster Recovery Centers in Wayne (South East) and Wayne (Detroit) County are scheduled to close permanently May 1.
Recovery centers help residents in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties continue their recovery after the Aug. 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.
The registration period for federal disaster assistance ends on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
You don’t need to visit a disaster recovery center to apply for FEMA assistance or to check on the status of your application.
The easiest way to reach FEMA is to call the toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to help you apply, answer your questions and provide referrals to resources. Language translation is available. 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.
You also may go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App.
The two remaining disaster recovery centers will close permanently at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 1. They are located at:
Wayne County Community College
Downriver Campus
21000 Northline Road
Taylor, MI 48180
Butzel Family Recreation Center
7737 Kercheval Ave.
Detroit, MI 48214
Hours are 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, except for the Wayne County (South East) center in Taylor, which closes at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Both centers are closed Sundays. You may visit either center for assistance through May 1.
FEMA and the SBA specialists at the disaster recovery centers can help you upload documents, answer questions and provide information on available resources. The centers serve as one-stop shops for survivors who need one-on-one help.
For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.
kirsten.chambers Mon, 04/29/2024 - 18:52President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for Washington
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available for the state of Washington to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides from Jan. 5-29, 2024.
Public assistance federal funding is available to 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, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides in the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Ferry, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Skagit, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Lance E. Davis has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.
amy.ashbridge Mon, 04/29/2024 - 15:37FEMA Helpline Hours Changing
San Diego, Calif. — FEMA is reducing the hours of its helpline -- 800-621-3362 -- the number people can call to update their FEMA application or check its status as they continue their recovery from the Jan. 21-23 flooding.
- FEMA specialists will be available daily 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. PT moving forward.
Anyone affected by the January flooding can still call 800-621-3362 with updates to their application or questions. By calling the helpline, survivors can get help with topics including:
- Applying for continued temporary rental assistance.
- Appealing a FEMA determination.
- Making a late application due to extenuating circumstances.
- Examples of extenuating circumstances may include:
- Hospitalization, illness, or disability of the applicant or an immediate family member.
- Death for an immediate family member.
- Personal or business travel that kept the applicant out of the area for the full application period.
- Examples of extenuating circumstances may include:
Help is available in most languages. If you use a Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
On the GroundFEMA home inspectors are continuing to work in San Diego. They are contacting applicants, scheduling home inspections, and verifying damage. Applicants who have not had their home inspected should call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to check on the status of their application.
By The NumbersTo date, more than 3,000 households have been approved for FEMA grants totaling more than $23 million.
- $19.1 million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
- $3.9 million approved for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical expenses and lost personal possessions.
For the latest FEMA information on the Jan. 21-23, 2024 San Diego County severe storms and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4758.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).
camille.schuetze Mon, 04/29/2024 - 15:29President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for Kansas
WASHINGTON – FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available for the state of Kansas to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe winter storm from Jan. 8-16, 2024.
Public assistance federal funding is available to 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 storm in the counties of Butler, Chase, Cloud, Edwards, Ford, Geary, Gray, Hodgeman, Morris, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Shawnee, Stafford, Trego and Wabaunsee.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
DuWayne Tewes has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.
amy.ashbridge Mon, 04/29/2024 - 15:21State and Federal Centers to Open April 29 in Lahaina
HONOLULU – Survivors now have two new Lahaina locations where they can receive information or referrals to organizations offering help after the August wildfires on Maui.
Beginning Monday, April 29, survivors can meet with federal support staff, including language interpreters, and community organizations at the Disaster Recovery Center at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa at 200 Nohea Kai Drive. Hours are: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; closed Sundays. After meeting with specialists at the recovery center, be sure to get your Hyatt Regency parking ticket validated.
The recovery center at the Lahaina Civic Center Gymnasium, 1840 Honoapi‘ilani Highway, will operate until 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, before moving to the Hyatt Regency.
Also beginning Monday, April 29, the State of Hawaiʻi is opening a Community Resources Center at the Royal Lahaina Resort and Bungalows at 2780 Keka‘a Drive. Hours are: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; closed Sundays.
The Community Resources Center can help survivors identify new resources to meet long-term recovery needs. Survivors can also get masks, Maui County Right-of-Entry forms and vehicle placards allowing them entry to the burn zone. And they can receive information about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for purchasing food items at grocery stores and other authorized retailers.
Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities and those with access and functional needs. They are staffed with FEMA personnel as well as specialists from the U.S. Small Business Administration and community organizations.
Interpreters at the recovery center provide assistance in American Sign Language, Chamorro, Chuukese, Hawaiian, Ilocano, Kosraean, Palauan, Pohnpeian, Marshallese, Spanish and Tongan. A schedule is posted at the center showing what days specific languages are offered.
It is important to keep in touch with FEMA if you change your address or phone number, even if only temporarily. Missing or wrong information could delay your assistance.
If you are unable to visit a Disaster Recovery Center, help from FEMA is just a phone call away. Survivors who need continuing rental assistance can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Operators speak many languages and can answer your questions from 2 a.m. to 9 p.m. HST, seven days a week.
Individuals and families who are waiting to be placed in units offered under FEMA’s Direct Lease program can call 808-784-1600. Leave your nine-digit FEMA registration number and a phone number where you can be reached. A case worker will return your call within 24 hours.
Survivors can also update FEMA about changes to their personal information by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. Use the same email you provided when you applied for assistance.
Survivors can meet with SBA specialists at the Hyatt Regency location to file applications, get status updates and get answers to questions.
The last day for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations to apply for an SBA economic injury disaster loan is Friday, May 10. SBA is accepting late physical damage loan applications online or in person until Tuesday, June 11, without explanation. Survivors may also apply at https://www.sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires, call the Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information.
For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires.
nicole.timonshipman Sat, 04/27/2024 - 19:57ICYMI: Biden-Harris Administration, Highlights Faith-and Community-Based Partnerships at Multi-Faith Leader Climate Resilience Roundtable
WASHINGTON – FEMA and the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships co-hosted a Multi-Faith Leader Climate Resilience Roundtable last week. The event brought together more than 25 agencies and organizations to address climate change and convene with faith-based organizations focused on climate resilience. This event helps organizations build local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards.
"We at FEMA could not do this work without you," said FEMA’s Office of External Affairs Associate Administrator Justin Knighten addressing the event attendees. "With the intensity of disasters on the rise, to get ahead, we need to make an orchestrated effort to work together now and with unshakable commitment. People-centered design and strategies must be our north star."
In alignment with the White House National Climate Resilience Framework, the Climate Round Table provided a forum for federal and non-profit planning and coordination.
"Today's climate emergency requires nothing less than a whole-of-government approach," said DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Director Marcus Coleman. "Preparing our communities to be climate resilient in this changing world requires a coalition-driven approach and it will take all of us joining working together to do so now."
The roundtable is a follow up to several previous engagements focused on the intersection of faith-based communities and climate resilience. Attendees included National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; Environmental Protection Agency; National Endowment for the Arts; National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters; the Extension Disaster Education Network; Build Strong Coalition of America; American Meteorological Society Committee on Spirituality, Multi-Faith Outreach, and Science; Resilient Nation Partnership Network; and representatives from faith- and community-based organizations and other nonprofits.
UNITED SIKHS CEO Gurpreet Sodhi highlighted the importance of the event to his organization, "It is essential that we act with urgency and determination to ensure a future where prosperity is safeguarded through resilience, biodiversity, debt sustainability, and climate stability. Collaboratively, we must foster a culture of building and progressing towards a common goal, as we champion the cause of ‘climate justice.’"
The roundtable provided a platform for sharing resources, including FEMA’s Guide to Expanding Mitigation: Making the Connection to Faith-Based Partners and discussing FEMA and other federal agency opportunities that provide technical assistance on climate-related outreach and engagement to facilitate stronger faith and community collaboration.
"The American Meteorological Society Committee on Spirituality, Multifaith Outreach, and Science is pleased to be a part of these important discussions with FEMA," said National Science Foundation American Association for the Advancement of Science, Science & Technology Policy Fellow Carlos J. Martinez, PhD. “As several faith-based communities and organizations have and continue to play a significant role in providing shelter, crisis management, and volunteerism during impactful extreme events, it is imperative that the weather, water, and climate professional community work with faith-based communities to enhance climate resilience. I believe that the foundation for any type of community-based engagement are relationships, and I felt that was the core principle of the roundtable.”
Roundtable attendees learned about updates on programs, initiatives and activities where the federal government and non-government organizations can work together to lead whole community climate resilience. The following is additional feedback from attendees:
"The climate crisis is pervasive, requiring us to integrate mitigation, preparation, and adaptation into our everyday lives. Capacity building through partnerships is paramount for Tzu Chi's circular economy initiative,” said Debra Boudreaux from the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation.
"Faith groups are at the heart of communities throughout the United States and serve as a trusted pathway for setting the stage for climate adaptation, building community-based networks and disseminating information," said Church World Service Director of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Zach Wolgemuth. "Climate resilience requires a whole community approach that engages the faith community along with the public and private sectors with intensive local participation that is fully inclusive of the unique populations within each community. CWS’s Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery program is committed to leaning into our network partnerships and decades of expertise to ensure the nuanced needs of newcomer populations are included in a whole community approach to climate resilience and disaster preparedness."
FEMA appreciates the collaboration with our partners and looks forward to future endeavors as together we work toward protecting our future and building a more equitable, sustainable and resilient nation.
FEMA and the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships co-hosted a Multi-Faith Leader Climate Resilience Roundtable. (FEMA photo)FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks greets Gurpreet Singh Sodhi, Chief Executive Officer, United Sikhs. (FEMA photo) luther.wills-dudich Fri, 04/26/2024 - 19:45
A Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Warwick
WARWICK, R.I. – The state of Rhode Island and FEMA have opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Warwick in Kent County to help Rhode Island residents affected by the severe storms and flooding that took place from December 17-19, 2023, and January 9-13, 2024. At the center, survivors will be able to apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents and get answers to questions in person. The location of the DRC is:
Warwick Fire Department, Station 10
225 Potowomut Road
Warwick, Rhode Island 02818
The hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Other DRCs currently open to assist survivors:
- Coventry Town Hall Annex, 1675 Flat River Rd, Coventry, RI 02816
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 am -- 6:30 pm, Saturday, 8 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. Closed Sundays. - Cumberland Public Library (tents outside), 1464 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI 02864
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Sundays. Inclement weather could change the hours. - Knightsville Manor (Community Room), 85 Briggs Street, Cranston, Rhode Island 02920
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
DRCs provide disaster survivors with information from state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.
All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please let a FEMA specialist at the center know.
Residents don’t need to visit a DRC to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, register with FEMA in one of the following ways: Call 1-800-621-3362. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week. Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Online at DisasterAssistance.gov , or download the FEMA Mobile App available at Google Play or the Apple App Store.
For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.
For the latest information visit 4765 | FEMA.gov or 4766 | FEMA.gov. Follow FEMA on Twitter (X) at twitter.com/femaregion1 and at facebook.com/fema.
For updates on Rhode Island’s response and recovery operations, follow the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency on Twitter (X) twitter.com/RhodeIslandEMA and Facebook facebook.com/RhodeIslandEMA.
barbara.murien… Fri, 04/26/2024 - 17:49Texas Offers April Sales Tax Holiday for Emergency Supplies
DENTON, Texas – FEMA Region 6 encourages Texans to stock up on emergency supplies during this year’s tax-free weekend starting April 27.
Residents can buy supplies and equipment to use in emergencies or natural disasters during the Texas Comptroller’s 2024 Emergency Preparation Sales Tax Holiday. No sales tax will be collected for eligible purchases made from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27 to midnight on Monday, April 29.
Eligible items are helpful during hurricanes, flash floods, wildfires, power outages or other emergencies. Examples include portable generators, emergency ladders, hurricane shutters and fire extinguishers.
For general emergency preparedness needs, Texans may also buy batteries, flashlights, first aid kits and ice chests/coolers.
Purchases can be made in-store or online. There is no limit on the number of items purchased, but there are sales price limits. For example, a rescue ladder must cost less than $300. If one cost $299, plus a $10 delivery charge, the ladder would not qualify. With a total purchase price of $309, the consumer would be charged sales tax.
For a complete list of tax-free items and more information, visit Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday (texas.gov). Learn how to build an emergency preparedness kit supplies at Build A Kit | Ready.gov.
Hurricane Season begins June 1.
luther.wills-dudich Fri, 04/26/2024 - 17:02Get Repair and Rebuilding Advice April 29 to May 11 in Kahului
HONOLULU – Mitigation specialists from FEMA have partnered with The Home Depot to offer free advice and tips on how to rebuild homes stronger and safer as Maui residents begin repairing, rebuilding and making improvements to their homes after the August wildfires.
FEMA specialists will be available from Monday, April 29, to Saturday, May 11, at this location:
The Home Depot
100 Pakaula St.
Kahului, HI 96732
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays only.
The specialists are available to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips and proven methods to help reduce damage from disasters. Most information is aimed at general contractors or those who do the work on their own.
For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires.
nicole.timonshipman Thu, 04/25/2024 - 18:30FEMA Announces More Than $103 Million Available to Assist Emergency Operations Centers Nationwide
WASHINGTON -- FEMA today released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year 2024 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant Program. The program provides more than $103 million to eligible state, local and tribal governments for equipping, upgrading or constructing emergency operations center projects determined by Congress.
“Emergency operations centers are the heart of disaster preparedness and response, and support communities across the nation during their greatest time of need,” said Pamela Williams, Assistant Administrator of the Grants Program Directorate. “Our emergency operations center grants are providing more than $103 million for these critical coordination hubs, helping communities nationwide be more resilient when facing all types of hazards.”
The EOC Grant Program improves emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure, strategically located and fully interoperable EOCs with a focus on addressing identified deficiencies and needs. Fully capable emergency operations facilities at the state, local and tribal levels are an essential element of a comprehensive national emergency management system and are necessary to ensure continuity of operations and continuity of government in major disasters or emergencies caused by any hazard.
Only State Administrative Agencies (on behalf of state and local units of government) and Federally Recognized Tribes with projects identified in Appendix A of the funding notice are eligible to apply. The EOC Grant Program is congressionally directed spending with Congress determining the funded projects.
The application period will remain open until 5 p.m. ET on June 7, 2024. Application submissions must be made through FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO). The NOFO is available on Grants.gov (Assistance Listings Number 97.052), as well as on the FEMA website.
luther.wills-dudich Thu, 04/25/2024 - 16:16Pages
