FEMA Assistance May Be Available to Cover Underinsured Wildfire Property Losses

HONOLULU – Maui wildfire survivors are encouraged to keep FEMA updated on the status of their insurance claim to help with their recovery.

It is also important to register with FEMA while you’re waiting for your insurance claim. The deadline to register for federal disaster assistance is Monday, Dec. 11. 

FEMA may be able to help you if the insurance settlement you received was less than FEMA’s maximum grant and did not cover all your basic disaster-related necessities. You may also be eligible for FEMA assistance if your insurance claim was turned down or if your claim was delayed more than 30 days.

The first step is to contact your insurance company. Depending on the status of your insurance claim, you must request:

• A denial letter: proof that you are not covered by your insurance company.
• A settlement letter: exactly what is covered by your insurance company.
• A delay letter: proof the insurance company has made no official decision yet on your insurance claim, and it has been more than 30 days since you filed your insurance claim. 

FEMA cannot provide assistance for damage already covered by your insurance, and FEMA does not cover insurance deductibles. However, wildfire losses not covered by your homeowner’s insurance may be eligible for grant funding within the limits of the Individuals and Households Program.

FEMA assistance provides for basic needs to make your primary home safe, accessible and functional. FEMA does not provide replacement-value awards for damaged items or assistance with non-essential items.

Approval for federal assistance is based on the specifics of each FEMA application, including documentation provided by the FEMA applicant. You have up to 12 months from the date that you registered with FEMA to submit your insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA for review. 

In addition, you have up to 12 months from the date you registered with FEMA to appeal denials because of insurance issues. Write to FEMA and explain the reason for the delayed insurance and include the letter from your insurance company.

You may also upload insurance documents to your account at DisasterAssistance.gov. Another option is to fax the documents to FEMA at 800-827-8112 or mail copies to: FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782. 

Any funds you may receive from FEMA during this process would be considered an advance, and those funds must be repaid when you receive your insurance settlement.

For more information about insurance-denial or insurance-settlement matters, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Operators are available from 1 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, and they speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

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.

scott.reuter Sat, 12/02/2023 - 01:38

FEMA Application Deadline has Passed but Help Still Available for Floridians

The Nov. 29 deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance has passed, but help is still available for Floridians who sustained loss from Hurricane Idalia. 

Applicants should stay in touch with FEMA to ensure the disaster assistance process stays on track. Missing or incorrect information could result in delays in receiving assistance. Update contact information, report additional home damage or a delay in insurance claims in the following ways:

• Call toll-free 800-621-3362, the telephone line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or;
• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
• If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

thomas.wise Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:46

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Calumet City, IL

CHICAGO – A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will open in Calumet City on Friday, Dec. 1 to help residents kickstart their recovery after the September 17 - 18 storms and flooding. 

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are at the center to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant and get their questions answered in person.

The center will be open in the following location: 
 
Calumet City                
Calumet City Public Library
660 Manistee Ave.
Calumet City, IL 60409
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Saturday, Closed Sundays

Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available. 

Additional recovery centers will be opening soon. To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA’s DRC Locator.
 
You don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749. The deadline to register with FEMA is January 19, 2024.     
 
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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
 

 

larissa.hale Thu, 11/30/2023 - 22:48

Stay in Touch with FEMA to Help Keep Your Recovery on Track

HONOLULU – Missing or wrong information could delay the delivery of FEMA assistance. That’s why FEMA encourages homeowners and renters recovering from the August wildfires on Maui to stay in touch with the agency and keep their information as current as possible.

Contact FEMA to update your application, get the status of your case or ask questions about the disaster assistance process. 

FEMA can also help connect you with services providing crisis counseling and disaster legal assistance and nonprofit programs that offer additional resources. FEMA specialists can also check if the Individual Assistance program may cover damage that your insurance does not.

Here’s how to stay in touch with FEMA:

• Create an online account at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you already have one, you can log in to update your status or upload your documents.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you call. Helpline operators are available from 1 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week and they speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
• You can send a fax to FEMA at 800-827-8112 and provide a copy of your insurance settlement and your appeal letter. You may also submit documents to this address:

FEMA National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

 

When contacting FEMA, be prepared to give the specialist the nine-digit number assigned to you when you applied for disaster assistance.

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.

scott.reuter Thu, 11/30/2023 - 15:39

FEMA Appoints First Female National Advisory Council Chair, Welcomes New National Advisory Council Members

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced the appointment of 12 new members and two returning members to the agency's National Advisory Council. This year, Carrie Speranza, director of Esri’s Emergency Management Solutions, is the new National Advisory Council Chair. Speranza previously served as vice chair alongside outgoing Chair Jeff Hansen, director of the Office of Emergency Management for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

The National Advisory Council advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management, including preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation for disasters and national emergencies.

“The National Advisory Council (NAC) is charged with making recommendations to improve FEMA’s programs and services. Having a Council that has a diversity of expertise and experiences ensures we’re serving disaster survivors and communities as effectively as possible,” said Administrator Criswell. “This year, we’re appointing 14 members to the Council from across the country. I’m proud to share that, for the first time in the Council’s history, a woman will serve as NAC Chairperson. I congratulate Carrie Speranza on her appointment as she continues her career of service and dedication to the field of emergency management. I’m looking forward to working with her and the rest of the Council to continue to improve the work we do to help people before, during, and after disasters.”

The 14 council members will serve multi-year terms beginning Dec. 1 and will guide future recommendations centered around readiness, workforce, and climate resilience. The National Advisory Council is comprised of 40 geographically diverse, emergency managers, emergency responders, and subject matter experts from tribal, state, territorial, and local governments, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations.

The following 12 new members will begin their terms on Dec. 1, 2023:

• Councilman Nelson Andrews, Emergency Management Director, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe 
• The Honorable Jill Boudreau, Mayor, City of Mount Vernon 
• Mrs. Chloe Demrovsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, Disaster Recovery Institute International 
• Mr. Thomas Jenkins, Fire Chief, City of Rogers, AR, Fire Department 
• Dr. Michael Méndez, Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning & Public Policy, University of California, Irvine 
• Mr. Thomas Munoz, Deputy Director and Emergency Management Coordinator, City of Houston, Office of Emergency Management 
• Ms. Brittany Perkins Castillo, Chief Executive Officer, AshBritt, Inc. 
• Mr. Salvatore Scarpa, Fire-EMS Chief, Columbus Fire and Emergency Medical Services 
• The Honorable Frank Scott, Mayor, City of Little Rock 
• Mr. Seth Statler, Director of Government Affairs, National Fire Protection Association 
• Mr. David Thomson, Clinical Professor and Medical Director, College of Health and Human Services, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University
• Dr. Michael P. Williams, Sr., Akiak Native Community (IRA) Tribal Judge, Yupiit Nation 

The new members will be accompanied by two reappointed members: 

• Mr. Donald Bliss, Vice President, Field Operations (Ret.), National Fire Protection Association
• Mr. Brian Strong, Chief Resilience Officer and Director, Office of Resilience and Capital Planning, City and County of San Francisco

Council members concluding their terms on Nov. 30, 2023, include:

• Ms. Jeanne Abadie, PACE, Program Manager, Office of Aging and Adult Services, Louisiana Department of Health
• Dr. Sue Anne Bell, Assistant Professor, University of Michigan 
• Ms. Donna Boston, Senior Manager, Business Resilience and Emergency Planning, Southern California Edison 
• Mr. Paul Downing, Indian Township Tribal Council Member, Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township 
• Mr. Jeff Hansen, Director, Office of Emergency Management, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma 
• Dr. Anna Lang, Research Engineer, Founder, Zylient 
• Ms. Linda Long, Battalion Chief (Ret.), Philadelphia Fire Department 
• Ms. Tina Titze, Director, South Dakota Office of Emergency Management 
• Mr. James Waskom, Director (Ret.), Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness 

For additional information on the council, visit FEMA.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 11/29/2023 - 19:24

Equipos de FEMA trabajan en comunidades suburbanas del sur

CHICAGO – Los equipos de Asistencia a Sobrevivientes del Desastre (DSA, por sus siglas en inglés) de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) están visitando de puerta en puerta en las comunidades suburbanas en la región sur del condado de Cook para ayudar a que los residentes afectados por las tormentas e inundaciones ocurridas el 17 y 18 de septiembre puedan navegar el progreso de asistencia federal. Los equipos comenzaron las visitas en Calumet City, Dolton y Riverdale, mientras tienen planificado trasladarse a otras comunidades afectadas durante las próximas semanas. 

Estos equipos visitarán hogares, viviendas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro en las áreas afectadas para ayudar a los residentes a inscribirse para recibir asistencia; identificar y atender las necesidades inmediatas y emergentes; y referir a otras agencias locales, estatales y voluntarias para obtener apoyo adicional. 

Los equipos de DSA jamás le pedirán o aceptarán dinero y siempre llevarán una identificación de FEMA con foto. Una camisa de FEMA, un chaleco o un abrigo no son prueba de identidad. Al asistirle durante la inscripción, le pedirán información personal, que incluye el número de seguro social, ingreso anual e información bancaria. Se exhorta a los residentes a que soliciten una identificación antes de proveer información personal. También pueden llamar a la Línea de Ayuda de FEMA al 1-800-621-3362 para verificar si una visita de FEMA es legítima. 

Los residentes del condado Cook no necesitan esperar por un equipo de DSA para inscribirse para asistencia. Para inscribirse, descargue la aplicación móvil de FEMA, visite DisasterAssistance.gov/es o llame al 1‑800‑621‑3362. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otros, provea a FEMA el número de ese servicio cuando solicite. 

Para más información sobre la recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite fema.gov/es/disaster/4749. 

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La asistencia de recuperación en desastre se brinda sin discrimen por raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o situación económica. Habrá acomodo razonable —que incluye traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano por medio de un servicio de retransmisión de video— para garantizar una comunicación efectiva con los solicitantes que tengan un dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades o necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce tiene una queja por discriminación, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 1-800-621-3362 (incluye 711 o retransmisión por video). Si es una persona con sordera o con discapacidad auditiva o del habla y utiliza TTY, llame al 1-800-462-7585.

darrell.habisch Mié, 29/11/2023 - 16:59

FEMA Teams Working in South Suburban Neighborhoods

CHICAGO - Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews from FEMA are going door-to-door in south suburban neighborhoods of Cook County, helping residents affected by the September 17-18 storms and flooding navigate the federal assistance process. Crews have started in Calumet City, Dolton, and Riverdale, with plans to move to other impacted communities in the weeks ahead. 

These crews will be visiting homes, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in affected areas to help residents register for assistance, identify, and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, state, and voluntary agencies for additional support. 

DSA crew members will never ask for or accept money and will always be wearing a FEMA identification badge with a photograph. A FEMA shirt, vest or jacket is not proof of identity. While helping someone register, they will ask for personal information, including social security number, annual income and bank information. Residents are encouraged to ask for identification before providing any personal information. They can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify a FEMA visit is legitimate.

Cook County residents don’t have to wait for a DSA crew to register for assistance. To register, download the FEMA Mobile App, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749.    

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

darrell.habisch Wed, 11/29/2023 - 16:51

November 29 is Last Day for Floridians to Apply for FEMA Assistance

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Tomorrow is the last day for Floridians who sustained loss from Hurricane Idalia to apply for federal assistance before the deadline. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET Wednesday, November 29, 2023, to be considered for assistance.

If you sustained loss from Hurricane Idalia and live in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee or Taylor counties, FEMA may be able to help. You may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses. 

Call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App for mobile devices. The telephone line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

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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, economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

alberto.pillot Tue, 11/28/2023 - 21:01

FEMA Awards Nearly $3.3 Million to Providence College for COVID Sheltering Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $3.3 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse Providence College for the cost of providing non-congregate medical sheltering for students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,284,809 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private Catholic university in Providence for the cost of renting hotel rooms to quarantine and/or isolate students between August 2020 and May 2022.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) issued a letter to Providence College authorizing them to conduct non-congregate sheltering (NCS) and support services. The college rented 485 rooms for a total of 555 nights at the Providence Marriott Downtown and Hilton Providence.

The college also provided approximately 20,000 meals for students, as well as facility disinfection, laundry services, and medical/security staffing. 

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $774 million in Public Assistance grants to Rhode Island to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/28/2023 - 20:28

FEMA Awards Nearly $5.5 Million to Rhode Island for COVID Sheltering Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $5.5 million to the State of Rhode Island to reimburse it for the cost of providing non-congregate medical sheltering for homeless populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $5,486,072 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Rhode Island Office of Housing and Community Development for the cost of renting hotel rooms and providing wraparound services to homeless populations at risk of COVID-19 between March and October 2021.

The state rented 963 rooms for 1,869 individuals at 17 hotels statewide, as well as providing services such as transportation, food, laundry, security, cleaning/disinfecting services, and administrative staff expenses.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $774 million in Public Assistance grants to Rhode Island to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/28/2023 - 20:27

FEMA Awards Over $1.1 Million to Boston University for COVID Testing Staff Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Boston University for the cost of testing students, staff and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,132,655 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private research university in Boston for the cost of hiring extra staff and paying existing staff to operate the school’s inhouse testing program between July 2020 and June 2021.

Boston University set up its own testing program that included both collection sites at its three campuses as well as a testing laboratory that was able to process over 5,000 tests per day and deliver results within 24 hours.

To staff the program, the college hired an assistant director for collections site operations, a collection site supervisor, a collection site service specialist, and an inventory control manager, who were part of a team of 23 employees who worked at total of 30,391 hours.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/28/2023 - 20:25

FEMA Awards Over $6.1 Million to UMass Memorial Health Care for COVID Overtime Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $6.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. for the cost of paying overtime for staff to handle increased patient loads during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $6,136,867 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the health care system in central Massachusetts – headquartered in Worcester and affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School – for the cost of paying overtime to staff between July and December 2022.

The 3,261 staff impacted included licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, houseworkers, ambulatory services representatives, medical administrative secretaries, and executive secretaries who worked a total of 264,088 hours.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/28/2023 - 20:22

FEMA Awards Almost $3.5 Million to Massachusetts for COVID Vaccination Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending nearly $3.5 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for the cost of providing vaccinations to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3,494,771 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the cost of contracting to operate a statewide network of mobile vaccination sites between June and December 2022.

The contractor operated at 285 locations around the state and provided 73,455 vaccinations to individuals who met certain eligibility criteria. Services provided included screening patients, administering the vaccine, vaccine storage compliance, documenting procedures, and personal protective equipment protocol compliance.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.6 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Tue, 11/28/2023 - 19:42

Remaining Disaster Recovery Centers Closing November 29 at End of Registration Period

LAKE MARY, Fla. – The remaining Disaster Recovery Centers will be permanently closing at the end of the day on Wednesday, Nov. 29. This date marks the end of the registration period for disaster assistance. 

Sites Permanently Closing:

• Lafayette County: Mayo Community Center, 150 NW Community Cir., Mayo, 32066, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Madison County: Suite 693G, 705 E Base St., Madison, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Taylor County Mobile Registration Intake Center: Taylor County Sports Complex, 1685 US-19 S, Perry, 32347, 
  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Help with disaster assistance will remain available via the FEMA Helpline, where FEMA representatives are available to answer questions on application status, the appeals process or other disaster-related inquiries. Survivors may contact the FEMA Helpline by calling 800-621-3362 or may also go online at disasterassistance.gov or use the FEMA mobile app for information on their applications. The phone line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 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, you may provide FEMA your phone number to utilize the service. 

 If you sustained loss from Hurricane Idalia and live in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee or Taylor counties, FEMA may be able to help. You may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses. The deadline to apply is November 29, 2023.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

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

virginia.case2 Tue, 11/28/2023 - 13:22

One Week Remains for Floridians to Apply for FEMA Assistance

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Floridians who sustained loss from Hurricane Idalia have one week to apply for federal assistance. The deadline is Nov. 29, 2023.

If you sustained loss from Hurricane Idalia and live in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee or Taylor counties, FEMA may be able to help. You may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses. 

Call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App for mobile devices. The telephone line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit floridadisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

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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, economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

virginia.case2 Tue, 11/28/2023 - 13:16

Over $40 Million from FEMA to Repair Water Infrastructure

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded over $40 million to the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) to repair infrastructure and replace equipment damaged by Hurricane María that is intended to provide water management and services for several communities on the island. 

“These renovations will greatly improve the quality of life and health of many communities. Municipalities will be able to prevent or reduce sewage overflows along their roads and PRASA will have the resources to ensure that drinking water meets local and federal standards,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

FEMA allocated over $37 million to repair a trunk sewer that originates in Isabela, passes through Aguadilla, Moca and Aguada, and reaches Rincón. The Isabela-Aguada sanitary trunk sewer, which provides wastewater services to over 18,000 residents, is approximately 10 kilometers long, with pipes ranging from 21 to 54 inches in diameter.

This project will be carried out with a non-invasive technology known as Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP), which consists of covering the inside of the pipe with a polyester or fiberglass lining. “It is a method that does not require excavation, which minimizes the possible impact on traffic due to these works and extends its useful life for about 50 years,” said PRASA Executive President Doriel Pagán.

To date, PRASA has successfully used CIPP technology to repair other sanitary pipes in areas such as Guayama, Ponce, Carolina and Loíza.

Meanwhile, PRASA’s Caguas Central Laboratory also received an allocation of over $3 million to replace various analysis and testing equipment. This facility is the main water testing plant on the island and performs over 200,000 sampling tests each year for the benefit of the Authority’s 1.4 million customers.

“Continuous sampling allows us to calibrate the plant’s operation and thus be able to confirm compliance with all applicable federal and state drinking water laws and regulations,” Pagán said.

The equipment to be replaced includes an incubator, laboratory freezers, centrifuges and environmental chambers, among others. Its function is to analyze samples of both drinking water and sanitary sewage to validate the compliance of each treatment plant’s processes with regulatory parameters. 

This equipment benefits PRASA’s operation because it allows it to perform and expand the number of water quality tests performed at the corporation, which minimizes the need to resort to private laboratories. “We are already in the process of purchasing, installing and calibrating the specialized water quality analysis equipment,” said the executive president.

This obligation is part of the over $33.6 million that the agency has granted PRASA for the Central Laboratory, whose construction is in its final phase. For this project being developed in the city of Caguas, the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3) has reimbursed over $20.6 million.

COR3 Executive Director Manuel A. Laboy Rivera explained that “the PRASA team that is leading the reconstruction and modernization of the aqueduct system is doing an excellent job, making way for the reconstruction of several of its facilities with FEMA funds.”

Laboy added that “many of these works have been carried out through the Working Capital Advance (WCA) pilot program, through which PRASA has received $241.1 million. Of this, over $10 million corresponds to six permanent works for which the public corporation has requested the second WCA advance for a total of 50 percent of the funds allocated by the federal agency for these projects.”

To date, FEMA has awarded nearly $31.5 billion for about 10,900 projects to address Puerto Rico’s recovery. Of this, over $3.6 billion were approved for PRASA through FEMA’s Accelerated Award Strategy (FAASt) to repair water distribution and treatment facilities throughout 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 Mon, 11/27/2023 - 11:33

FEMA Provides $4 Million to Montana for Flood Recovery

DENVER – FEMA has approved more than $4 million in Public Assistance funding for road repairs and debris removal costs related to the 2022 Montana floods. FEMA has approved roughly $37 million in Public Assistance funding for the 2022 Montana flooding recovery to date.

FEMA is providing $1,998,589.49 to Stillwater County for repairs to North Stillwater Road, which was washed out in multiple locations by the flooding. The repairs will consist of replacing fill and gravel at six different sites along the road. In addition, geotextiles will be placed in the roadbed and riprap will be placed along embankments to minimize potential flooding in the future.

Montana Disaster and Emergency Services has been awarded $2,029,500.00 for debris removal efforts in Carbon County. The funding will provide for clearing rock and gravel debris from 32 waterway sites in the county.

This FEMA funding represents 75 percent of the cost of the project with the remaining cost share the responsibility of the State of Montana and Stillwater County. 

The FEMA Public Assistance program provides funding to governmental agencies and certain private non-profits for eligible disaster response costs and to repair or replace damaged public infrastructure. For more information about the Public Assistance program, visit: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public/program-overview.

jamie.casterton Wed, 11/22/2023 - 21:37

FEMA Provides $1.3 Million to Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative for Winter Storm Recovery

DENVER – FEMA has approved more than $1.3 million to the Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative for repairs following the November 2022 winter storm. This assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued February 5, 2023. FEMA has now approved more than $1.8 million in Public Assistance grant funds to North Dakota for this disaster response.

The November 9-11 severe winter storm caused widespread damage to Dakota Valley Electric’s infrastructure. The FEMA funding will reimburse the cooperative for replacing 431 power poles, 210 cross arms, 31 transformers and affiliated repairs at locations across 3 counties. This work helped to restore electric service to Dakota Valley Electric members.

This project was federally funded at 75 percent of the eligible cost. 

The FEMA Public Assistance program provides funding to governmental agencies and certain private non-profits for eligible disaster response costs. For more information about the Public Assistance program, visit: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public/program-overview.

jamie.casterton Wed, 11/22/2023 - 21:16

FEMA Awards Nearly $37 Million to Massachusetts for COVID Administrative Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $37 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for some of the administrative costs incurred responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will receive a total of $36,547,871 in federal funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program to reimburse the cost of administering grants FEMA provided to the commonwealth for such expenses as COVID vaccinations and testing, non-congregate sheltering, and providing meals to vulnerable populations.

The direct and indirect administrative costs of activities included tracking, charging, and accounting for items related to eligible projects for this incident. The administrative costs are calculated as a percentage of the grants provided.

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

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

So far, FEMA has provided more than $2.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Wed, 11/22/2023 - 19:10

Disaster Damage from the September Storms and Flooding? Apply for Federal Assistance

CHICAGO - Cook County residents affected by the severe storms and flooding of September 17- 18, 2023, may now call or go online to register for disaster assistance from FEMA.  

If you have insurance coverage, first file a claim. If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, contact FEMA by going online to disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. When calling the FEMA Helpline, multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). 

Federal assistance may include temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.

Have the following information ready when you register with FEMA: 

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• Your social security number (or the social security number of a minor child in your household, if you’re applying on their behalf).
• A general list of damage and losses
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

 
When registering, one member of a household needs to comply with citizenship criteria. That means a minor child who is a citizen, non-citizen national or qualified non-citizen can have a parent or guardian who is not eligible apply for assistance on the child’s behalf.   

Getting help to those who need it most is our priority. Recovery teams will be out soon in the neighborhoods affected by the disaster to provide one-on-one support to individuals. Recovery centers will also be opening for individuals to get additional in-person help. For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749. 

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 Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

nicole.wilson Wed, 11/22/2023 - 16:00