FEMA in the Field: Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Help Indiana Survivors

INDIANAPOLIS–  Beginning April 19, and over the next several weeks, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams will be going door-to-door in neighborhoods throughout Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, and White counties to help residents apply for FEMA assistance. DSA personnel offer survivors:

• Help registering with FEMA or updating an existing FEMA application,
• Answers to questions about federal assistance, and
• Connections to local, state, federal and voluntary agencies for additional support.

DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately. Call your local police or sheriff’s office or you can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

It is not necessary to wait for a visit from DSA team members to apply for assistance. Survivors can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362, or use the FEMA mobile app. The helpline is open and available from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Eastern Time in most languages. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

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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.

nicole.wilson Wed, 04/19/2023 - 09:06

FEMA is Hiring – Join our Team in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has an immediate need to fill temporary positions in Frankfort, Bowling Green, Mayfield, Hazard, Warren, and Chavies, Ky. to assist with recovery from the recent flooding and severe storms.

FEMA is looking for qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds to fill a number of positions in hazard mitigation and as public assistance program delivery managers. The temporary positions are for 120 days and may be extended, based on the needs of the disaster.

Kentuckians who wish to apply for these positions can go to https://tinyurl.com/FEMAjobsKY to learn more and submit their applications. Salaries range from $19.44/hour to $29.12/hour. Detailed information is provided for each position including pay and benefits.

These job postings will close May 15, if you are interested, apply as soon as possible. Applicants may be contacted via email, phone, or mail regarding the interview, hiring and selection process.

For information on Kentucky’s recovery from the floods, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 04/18/2023 - 18:10

FEMA Seeks New Members for its National Advisory Council

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is seeking qualified individuals to lend their expertise and serve on the agency’s National Advisory Council.

The council includes a geographically diverse and substantive cross-section of 40 members who advise the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management, ensuring input from, and coordination with, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, as well as the private and nonprofit sectors.

“We value the diverse backgrounds and skillsets of our members, and the experience they bring to FEMA through the advisory council is invaluable,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Their willingness to volunteer their time and expertise to further FEMA’s mission will not only benefit our singular agency, but the broader emergency management enterprise nationwide.”

Individuals appointed to the council bring their experience and diversity of views to provide the Administrator consensus recommendations on a broad range of issues. They will have the opportunity to be a part of, and help shape, the future not only of FEMA, but also the entire field of emergency management for our country.

Administrator Criswell will appoint up to nine members who will begin serving on the council in December 2023. Selected council members will guide future recommendations on topics including climate, readiness and workforce, which align to the FEMA strategic plan and projects as directed by the Administrator.

The agency is accepting applications for seven discipline-specific positions and up to two Administrator-selected positions. Discipline-specific positions include a specialty in any one of the following fields: disabilities, access and functional needs; elected tribal government official; emergency management; emergency response provider; non-elected tribal government official; health scientist; and standards setting and accrediting. For a description of each position, please go to the Charter.

Newly selected members will serve up to a three-year term on the council. If other positions open, FEMA may select qualified candidates from the pool of applications. 

If you are interested in applying to serve on FEMA’s National Advisory Council, please follow these instructions for submitting an application package no later than 11:59 p.m. ET May 21, 2023. Per the Federal Advisory Committee Act, federal employees are ineligible to apply.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 04/18/2023 - 16:16

FEMA Issues Public Notice for Counties Affected by March-April Tornadoes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A public notice has been published that addresses FEMA’s intention to reimburse eligible government agencies and nonprofit organizations in 10 Tennessee counties on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work during the March 31 to April 1, 2023, storms and tornadoes.

The public notice is posted on FEMA’s Tennessee disaster website as FEMA Public Notice and on the state website at TN Public Notice. The notice describes proposed activities that may affect historic properties and activities and critical actions that may affect wetlands and floodplains.

The president approved a major disaster declaration April 7 for the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that struck Tennessee.

Ten counties were designated for assistance under the FEMA Public Assistance program: Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne. The major disaster declaration also authorized FEMA to provide Individual Assistance in the form of financial assistance and direct services funding to eligible individuals and households in the same 10 counties.

FEMA is required by law to share the public notice of its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities through its Public Assistance program and its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Under Public Assistance, FEMA’s largest grant program, FEMA provides funds to assist communities as they respond to and recover from presidentially declared major disasters or emergencies. The program provides funding for emergency assistance to save lives and protect property, and if permanent work is authorized also helps fund permanently restoring community infrastructure affected by a federally declared incident. The program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures.

Under Public Assistance categories A and B, which have been authorized for this disaster, eligible applicants in the 10 counties designated in Tennessee can seek reimbursement for emergency debris removal and emergency work to protect lives and secure property. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, or funding for use in mitigating future hazards, is available statewide.

To obtain information about FEMA’s actions or a specific project, write to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency – Region IV - EHP, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, GA 30341-4112 or send an email to FEMA-R4EHP@fema.dhs.gov. Include in the subject line of the email: “DR 4701-TN.”

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.

sandra.habib Tue, 04/18/2023 - 12:45

Cómo solicitar asistencia de FEMA tras las tormentas severas y tornados en Indiana

CHICAGO – Los propietarios de viviendas e inquilinos en los condados Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan y White de Indiana que se vieron afectados por las tormentas severas, vientos en línea recta y tornados del 31 de marzo al 1 de abril, pueden solicitar asistencia por desastre de la Agencia Federal para el manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés).

Los sobrevivientes pueden solicitar por internet en DisasterAssistance.gov/es, por teléfono al 800-621-3362 o por medio de la aplicación móvil de FEMA. La línea de ayuda está abierta de 7 a.m. a 1 a.m., hora del Este, y disponible en la mayoría de los idiomas. Si usa un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), servicio telefónico con subtítulos u otros, provéale a FEMA el número de dicho servicio.

La declaración de desastre incluye Asistencia Individual para las familias de los condados Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan y White. La ayuda para pérdidas no aseguradas puede incluir alojamiento provisional, reparaciones básicas del hogar y otros gastos relacionados con el desastre.

Si tiene seguro de propietario o inquilino, debe presentar una reclamación lo antes posible. FEMA no puede duplicar los beneficios por pérdidas cubiertas por un seguro. La asistencia de FEMA no puede reemplazar todas las pérdidas, pero si su póliza no cubre todos sus gastos por desastre, usted puede ser elegible para recibir asistencia federal.

Cuando solicite asistencia, tenga disponible la siguiente información:

• Un número de teléfono actual donde puedan localizar
• Su dirección al momento del desastre y la dirección en la que se encuentra actualmente
• Su número de Seguro Social
• Una lista general de daños y pérdidas
• Información bancaria si opta por recibir un depósito directo
• Si está asegurado, el número de póliza o el nombre del agente y/o de la compañía de seguros

La fecha límite para solicitar asistencia de FEMA es el 14 de junio de 2023. Para ver un vídeo sobre cómo solicitar asistencia, visite 3 maneras para solicitar asistencia de FEMA en YouTube.

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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 de Indiana, visite fema.gov/es/disaster/4704. Síganos en nuestra página Facebook.com/FEMA y en Twitter en @femaRegion5.

FEMA no discrimina a las personas por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, sexo, orientación sexual, religión, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o situación económica.

nicole.wilson Mon, 04/17/2023 - 21:03

McNairy County Disaster Recovery Center to Open April 18

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, in McNairy County to accommodate residents who were affected by the storms and tornadoes and want to update their existing FEMA applications or learn about state and community programs and other available assistance.

Under the major disaster declaration, 10 Tennessee counties were designated for FEMA Individual Assistance, meaning residents who had uninsured or underinsured damage or losses from the March 31 to April 1, 2023, storms and tornadoes may apply for FEMA assistance. The designated counties are Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne.

You do not need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply to FEMA. But do first file a claim with your insurance company or agent before applying for FEMA assistance.

The McNairy County Disaster Recovery Center is located at:

The Latta Theater

205 W. Court Avenue

Selmer, TN 38375

Opens: 7 a.m. CDT Tuesday, April 18

Regular hours: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. CDT Sunday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT Monday to Saturday

Specialists at Disaster Recovery Centers can clarify information you have received from FEMA or other agencies; they can explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters; and they can submit your requested documents to a FEMA processing center and scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.

Here are the ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

• Go to 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 are available 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
• As Disaster Recovery Centers open across western Tennessee, you may decide to visit any recovery center to get help. To find one near you, go to:  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.

sandra.habib Mon, 04/17/2023 - 19:33

Use FEMA Grants for Intended Purposes

LITTLE ROCK – FEMA reminds Arkansas residents, who receive federal disaster assistance for the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred March 31, to use the money for its intended purpose and to keep all receipts.

Disaster assistance is intended to help survivors pay for basic expenses caused by the disaster. A letter explaining what the payment is to be used for arrives within a day or two of the check or direct deposit payment.

Approved uses for grants include:

• Repairs to make a home livable;
• Rental assistance to temporarily pay for a place to stay;
• Repair or replacement of a disaster-damaged essential vehicle;
• Medical care for an injury caused by the disaster;
• Replacing clothing, occupational tools and educational materials; and
• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster.

Disaster grants should not be used for travel, entertainment, regular living expenses or any discretionary expenses not related to the disaster. If applicants spend the payment on anything other than the purpose for which it is intended, they may be denied future disaster assistance. In some cases, FEMA may ask that the money be returned.

Those receiving assistance are urged to keep receipts for their disaster spending for three years to document the money was used to meet disaster-related expenses. If you receive an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, you must reimburse FEMA. Audits are conducted to confirm funds were spent properly.

Survivors in Cross, Lonoke and Pulaski counties can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app. 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.

alexa.brown Mon, 04/17/2023 - 18:16

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Indiana Severe Storms and Tornadoes

CHICAGO –  Indiana homeowners and renters in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, and White counties who were affected by the March 31 – April 1 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

Survivors can apply by going online at DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362, or using the FEMA mobile app. The helpline is open and available from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Eastern Time in most languages. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

The disaster declaration includes Individual Assistance to households in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, and White counties. Assistance for uninsured losses may include temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.

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

When you apply for assistance, please have the following information ready: 

• 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
• 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

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is June 14, 2023. For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

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

nicole.wilson Mon, 04/17/2023 - 17:33

Tipton County Disaster Recovery Center to Open April 16

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 16, in Tipton County to accommodate residents who were affected by the storms and tornadoes and want to update their existing FEMA applications or learn about state and community programs and other available assistance.

Under the major disaster declaration, 10 Tennessee counties were designated for FEMA Individual Assistance, meaning residents who had uninsured or underinsured damage or losses from the March 31 to April 1, 2023, storms and tornadoes may apply for FEMA assistance. The designated counties are Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne.

You do not need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply to FEMA. But do first file a claim with your insurance company or agent before applying for FEMA assistance.

The Tipton County Disaster Recovery Center is located at:

Dyersburg State Community College

Public Library

3149 Highway 51 South

Covington, TN 38019

Opens: 1 p.m. CDT Sunday, April 16

Regular hours: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. CDT Sunday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT Monday to Saturday

Specialists at Disaster Recovery Centers can clarify information you have received from FEMA or other agencies. They can also discuss with you other FEMA grants that don’t have to be repaid, including funding if you had to stay in a hotel temporarily or funding for basic home repairs if, as a homeowner, your primary residence was damaged in the storms.

Here are the ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

• Go to 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 are available 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
• As Disaster Recovery Centers open across western Tennessee, you may decide to visit any recovery center to get help. To find one near you, go to:  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.

sandra.habib Mon, 04/17/2023 - 12:33

FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at The Home Depot in Vicksburg

PEARL, Miss. – Repairing or rebuilding your home? Disaster survivors who are making home repairs after the March 24-25 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes can visit The Home Depot in Vicksburg to speak with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to best repair their homes.

Mitigation advisors will give tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage. Most of the information is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available from April 17 to April 25 at:

The Home Depot

50 Halls Ferry Park Road

Vicksburg, MS 39180

Hours:

7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, April 17 and 18

7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday, April 20 and 21

8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 22

1 p.m.  to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 23

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, April 24 and 25

Specialists are also available on the Mitigation 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.

sandra.habib Mon, 04/17/2023 - 12:17

FEMA Reaches Historic $30 Billion Milestone for the Recovery of Puerto Rico

These funds represent over 10,600 projects that will address damages after the passage of Hurricane María

San Juan, Puerto Rico –Highways, parks, hospitals, educational institutions, water and electricity infrastructure. These are just some of the areas included in projects amounting to $30 billion in allocations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The assistance is destined for the reconstruction of Puerto Rico after the passage of Hurricane María, to address these and other social and essential service facilities.

Over 10,600 projects cover various categories under Public Assistance funds to address infrastructure whose renovations will benefit the entire island.

“We celebrate the $30 billion milestone because this translates into an unprecedented and comprehensive reconstruction for this and future generations. Through these funds, Puerto Rico will experience a resilient recovery, so essential in planning for future atmospheric events,” explained Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

One of the main development drivers of the country is the University of Puerto Rico. With over $750 million to optimize their structures, the university’s campuses will continue to train world-class professionals and promote important academic research; and the Río Piedras Botanical Garden will provide rest and recreational areas for its visitors, while serving as a living laboratory to study tropical plants and various bird species.

Another outstanding project in post-secondary education is the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, which is already under construction. Due to its historical value, the facilities of this specialized public university had a damage assessment that addressed the reconstruction of a 19th century building, to which FEMA allocated over $1.5 million.

Meanwhile, due to its importance for recreational and socioeconomic development, Las Cascadas Park in Aguadilla had close to $1 million to reopen its doors. The over 40-year-old park is one of the economic engines of the municipality. On the other hand, the Roberto Clemente Walker Stadium in Carolina is already receiving the public, following the allocation of nearly $18.4 million from the agency. This reconstruction not only benefits professional baseball and the home of the Gigantes, but also welcomes over 100 teams of preparatory tournaments for children’s leagues.

Within road infrastructure, the Abra Honda Low Water Crossing in the municipality of San Sebastián is a project under construction that will benefit the community and that is focused on mitigating risks during future events. The Guajataca River washed away the previous road during Hurricane María and the agency allocated close to $5.2 million to rebuild it; mitigation measures will raise the road with a single-span bridge above flood level in the area. The bridge will provide a direct route from the Guacio neighborhood to most of the jobs, hospitals and supermarkets located in the urban center of San Sebastián.

Both the island’s roads and bridges, as well as water and electricity services are the main resources to begin emergency response work. With that in mind, one of the agency’s newly assigned projects includes the dredging of the Carraízo Reservoir. At about $88.7 million, the funds for the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority will allow the removal of some 2.6 million cubic yards of sediment from the reservoir. The project —which included an environmental assessment in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act— will provide a larger water reserve for some 492,000 consumers in the municipalities of Caguas, Gurabo, Juncos, Las Piedras, San Juan, San Lorenzo and parts of Trujillo Alto. Carraízo provides around 90 million gallons of water daily to its customers.

Additionally, among the $9.5 billion for the generation, transmission and distribution of the island’s electric system under the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), $16.3 million stand out for permanent repairs to the Mayagüez Hydro-Gas Plant. The work for this generation plant includes the repair of units 1A and 1B of the gas turbine, and the replacement of the control water pump, among other tasks.

The Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3) is an ally in the efforts of moving forward permanent work once the municipalities, government agencies and non-profit organizations receive the obligations from FEMA, which today amount to $30 billion. Given this, COR3 Executive Director Manuel A. Laboy Rivera thanked the commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration with Puerto Rico, by supporting key initiatives that have allowed the start of thousands of permanent works.

“Since the Governor Pedro Pierluisi Administration began, at COR3 we have focused our efforts on executing specific initiatives with the endorsement of FEMA. As a result of these efforts, the subrecipients have revealed through their Quarterly Progress Reports a substantial increase in the execution of permanent works when comparing the periods of December 2021. Aware of the importance of expediting disbursements, we implemented affirmative changes that allowed us to reimburse or advance some $513 million, in the first quarter of this year, exceeding the total payments made in the years 2020 and 2021”, said COR3’s executive director

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.

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 04/17/2023 - 10:56

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Indiana to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from March 31-April 1.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan and White 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.

Brian F. Schiller has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Residents who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling (800) 621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.

mashana.davis Sun, 04/16/2023 - 00:58

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to Close Early Saturday Due to Severe Weather

Media Advisory

LITTLE ROCK – Faced with potential severe weather Saturday for portions of Arkansas, FEMA will close all five Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) early for the safety of survivors and employees.  

Locations in Pulaski County will close today, April 15 at 3 p.m.:

Pulaski County – Jacksonville

1st United Methodist

308 W. Main St.

Jacksonville, AR 72076

Pulaski County – Sherwood

Wildwood Center & Medical Tower

2404 Wildwood Ave.

N. Little Rock, AR 72207

Pulaski County - Little Rock

West Central Community Center

8616 Colonel Glenn Road

Little Rock, AR 72204

Pulaski County – North Little Rock

North Little Rock Community Center

2700 Willow St.

North Little Rock, AR 72114

The location in Cross County will close today, April 15 at 5 p.m.:

Cross County – Wynne

Ridgeview Church

999 US Hwy 64 East

Wynne, AR 72396

FEMA reminds Arkansans you can continue to register for disaster assistance regardless of weather. The fastest and easiest way to apply for assistance is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov.

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

FEMA will resume normal DRC hours when it is safe to do so.

alexa.brown Sat, 04/15/2023 - 16:05

Filing False FEMA Applications Costly to Deserving Survivors

PEARL, Miss. – If you apply for FEMA assistance and purposely claim disaster damage that never happened you are taking money away from those who truly need help and you may be charged with a serious crime.

FEMA must make sure taxpayer dollars go only to Mississippi homeowners and renters who suffered genuine loss caused by the March 24-25 storms; the agency takes payment of funds to the true survivors very seriously.

Those who are caught filing a false application for FEMA assistance can be charged with a felony and, if convicted, face a maximum 30-year prison term and up to $250,000 in fines.

If you know of someone who is filing a fraudulent application, report this or other instances of fraud, waste or abuse.

You may contact the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at 800-323-8603.

You also may fill out a fraud complaint online at the OIG’s website (www.oig.dhs.gov) or mail to: DHS Office of Inspector General: Mail Stop 0305; Department of Homeland Security; 245 Murray Drive SW; Washington DC 20528-0305, mark it for the attention of the Office of Investigations – Hotline.

You also may call FEMA’s Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO) Tip line at 866-223-0814 or email to FEMA-OCSO-Tipline@fema.dhs.gov.

Your call may be answered by a recorded message. You will be asked a few questions. The information will be entered into the data system and given to a field investigator. If you leave a name and phone number, it will be the investigator who will call back, not the person who took your call. An inspector has 90 days to confirm the complaint.

Conducting audits and investigating possible fraudulent activities is done in all federal disaster operations. The U.S. Department of Justice prosecutes cases that result in criminal charges.

Any applicant who has made a mistake when reporting damage or has misrepresented losses may correct or cancel their claim. Individuals need to call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to withdraw or correct an application and prevent prosecution. The helpline accepts calls seven days a week from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Time. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, 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. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Fri, 04/14/2023 - 19:18

Three Months Later, Recovery Continues in Alabama

PRATTVILLE, Ala. – Three months after President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for the state of Alabama following the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, more than $16.6 million in federal assistance has been approved by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support the disaster recovery in Alabama.

Individual Assistance

As of April 14, FEMA has approved more than $7.7 million in grants to survivors in Autauga, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Morgan, Mobile, Sumter and Tallapoosa counties under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage to eligible homeowners and renters in the 10 Individual Assistance designated counties. These grants include:

• More than $6.2 million in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
• More than $1.3 million in rental assistance.
• More than $1.5 million in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs-such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare and medical and dental expenses.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams canvassed the 10 Individual Assistance designated counties to help survivors apply for assistance and identify immediate and emerging needs. Teams visited more than 11,000 homes and made 2,500 referrals to other local, state and voluntary agencies for additional support.

The state and FEMA staffed and operated 11 Disaster Recovery Centers in nine counties that provided one-on-one assistance to survivors. While operational the centers had more than 2,300 visits by survivors.

SBA

The SBA has approved more than $8.9 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations to repair, rebuild or replace disaster-damaged physical property and to cover economic injury from the Jan. 12 storms and tornadoes.

Public Assistance

FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program provides supplemental Federal grant to State, local, Territorial, or Tribal, and local (SLTT) governments, and certain types of private nonprofit (PNP) organizations for eligible   disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures and restoration of disaster-damaged facilities, such as roads, bridges, public utilities, including water treatment and electrical plants, government buildings and parks.

Eleven Alabama counties have been designated for some form of Public Assistance.

• Greene and Sumter counties have been designated for PA categories A and B: debris removal and emergency protective services.
• Autauga, Barbour, Chambers, Conecuh, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Hale and Tallapoosa have been designated for categories A-G. These categories include debris removal and emergency protective services and the restoration of disaster-damaged facilities.

As of April 14, FEMA has found 29 applicants eligible for Public Assistance and has obligated more than $765,000.

President Biden authorized 100% federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures for 30 days within 120 days of Jan. 12.

Lonn-Term Recovery

Alabama Voluntary Organizations are active in the disaster recovery. The Long-Term Recovery Committees/Groups are made up of concerned community members working to assist individuals and families as they recover from a disaster. Currently, there are active Long-Term Recovery Groups in Autauga/Elmore, Coosa, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Mobile, Morgan and Tallapoosa counties.

Keep in touch with FEMA

While the March 16 deadline for applying for FEMA Individual Assistance has passed, but that does not mean FEMA is leaving. FEMA will continue working with Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) to help survivors and communities in the recovery process.

If you live in one of the 10 Individual Assistance designated counties and applied for help with FEMA due to damage from the Jan. 12 storms, FEMA encourages to you keep in touch.

This way you can track the progress of your case, notify the agency of changes to your mailing or email addresses or phone numbers, and report insurance settlements or additional damage you may have discovered since your home inspection.

Here's how to reach FEMA:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week, in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App

For information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4684. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Fri, 04/14/2023 - 18:30

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee residents who applied for assistance from FEMA for the March 31-April 1, 2023, storms and tornadoes will receive a determination letter from FEMA. It may say you are ineligible for assistance, but that is not a denial.

It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. The letter will also explain your application status and advise what you need to do to appeal an unfavorable decision.

Often, you need only send more information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue reviewing your application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:

• Proof of insurance coverage
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy
• Proof of ownership
• Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster

If you have questions about your letter, call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available from 6 a.m. to midnight Central Daylight Time every day. Help is available in most languages. 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.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

 

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance provided, you can submit an appeal letter and documents supporting your claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to send FEMA your appeal.

By law, FEMA cannot provide you a grant when any other source – insurance, crowdfunding or financial assistance from voluntary agencies – has covered expenses for the same disaster-related need. In other words, FEMA cannot pay for home repairs if you already received funds from your insurance company for the same repairs.

However, those who are underinsured may receive assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled. While FEMA may be able to help with basic needs, it does not provide assistance to cover insurance deductibles.

Appeals must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include:

• Applicant’s full name
• Disaster number (DR-4701-TN)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
• Applicant’s current phone number and address
• Your nine-digit FEMA application number on all documents

If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.

Appeals must be postmarked within 60 days of the date noted on your FEMA determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be uploaded to your personal FEMA online account. To set up an account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and follow the directions.

Other ways to submit documents include:

Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055

Fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA

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

If you didn’t apply for assistance but you received a letter from FEMA, call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you believe you’re a victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police department. Consumers may also file a fraud complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General’s office at:  https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/attorneygeneral/working-for-tennessee/consumer/file-a-complaint.html.

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.

sandra.habib Fri, 04/14/2023 - 16:43

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Jacksonville and Sherwood

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.– FEMA and the State of Arkansas will open joint Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Jacksonville and Sherwood, Arkansas, on Friday, April 14 to help survivors affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on March 31.

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 DRCs opening Friday, April 14 at 7 a.m. include:

Pulaski County — Jacksonville

1st United Methodist Church

308 W Main St.

Jacksonville, AR 72076

Hours: Mon-Sun: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Pulaski County — Sherwood

Wildwood Center & Medical Tower

2402 Wildwood Ave.

North Little Rock, AR 72207

Hours: Mon-Sun: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

DRCs are also open in several other locations.

Cross County – Wynne

Ridgeview Church

999 US Hwy 64 East

Wynne, AR 72396

Hours: Monday - Saturday 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Sunday: 1–7 p.m.

Pulaski County – Little Rock

West Central Community Center

8616 Colonel Glenn Rd.

Little Rock, AR 72204

Hours: Monday - Sunday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Pulaski County – North Little Rock

North Little Rock Community Center

2700 Willow St.

North Little Rock, 72114

Hours: Monday - Sunday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Residents of any of the three counties approved for individual assistance, Cross, Lonoke and Pulaski may visit any open disaster recovery center in Arkansas. No appointments are necessary. You may also get help to do the following:

• Apply for assistance.
• Learn the status of your FEMA application.
• Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
• Find housing and rental assistance information.
• Get answers to questions or resolve problems.
• Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
• Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs.

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.

alexa.brown Thu, 04/13/2023 - 22:09

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available in Mississippi

PEARL, Miss. – Mississippi residents who couldn’t work as a direct result of the March 24-25 severe weather and tornadoes may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

Eligible residents who live or work in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola or Sharkey counties can file a claim with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to request benefits. You must have been unemployed for more than one week following the March storms to be eligible. Each claim will be reviewed to determine eligibility. FEMA funds DUA, but the Mississippi Department of Employment Security administers the program.

Self-employed and unemployed individuals may qualify. In addition, residents who were unable to reach their place of business because the disaster prevented their travel, or those who were scheduled to begin work, but couldn’t because of the storms, may also apply.

Others who may be eligible for DUA include those who:

Became the major wage earner for the household because of a disaster-related death;

Cannot work because of an injury caused as a direct result of the storms;

Could not work or lost work because of physical damage or destruction of a business, or

Are unable to work because of the physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to its closure.

 

To apply for DUA, visit www.mdes.ms.gov or call 601-493-9428 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance is May 8, 2023.

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.

sandra.habib Thu, 04/13/2023 - 20:50

It’s Important to Submit an SBA Disaster Loan Application

PEARL, Miss. – Survivors of Mississippi’s March 24-25 storms and tornadoes who apply for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with information on how to apply for a long-term, low interest disaster loan.

If your damaged home is in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola, or Sharkey counties it’s important to submit the loan application as soon as possible. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA loan but failure to apply for the loan may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance.

SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds for disaster survivors. SBA offers long-term, low interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations. SBA disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources.

You should not wait for an insurance settlement before submitting an SBA loan application. You may discover you were under-insured for the deductible or labor and materials required to repair or replace their home.

You can apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) on the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. You may also apply at any of the Disaster Assistance Recovery Centers supporting Mississippi tornado survivors. To find a center, go to https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace storm-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace storm-damaged or destroyed personal property.

SBA makes Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to qualified businesses and private nonprofit organizations. These loan proceeds may be used for the repair or replacement of real property, machinery, equipment, fixtures, inventory, or leasehold improvements.  SBA business disaster loans are available to companies and nonprofits in all the declared counties. EIDLs are also available in the contiguous Mississippi counties of Attala, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clay, Grenada, Holmes, Issaquena, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Leflore, Lowndes, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, Washington, Webster, Yalobusha, and Yazoo; and for economic injury only in the contiguous Alabama counties of: Lamar and Marion. For an American Sign Language video, visit “Reasons to Apply for an SBA Loan” online at youtube.com/watch?v=0pvfgBaA6_Q.

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.

sandra.habib Thu, 04/13/2023 - 20:33

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Tulsa County, Oklahoma

DENTON, Texas – Revised Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review in Tulsa County, Oklahoma. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.

The 90-day appeal and comment period will begin on or around April 13, 2023. 

Appeals and comments may be submitted through July 12, 2023 for: the cities of Bixby, Broken Arrow and Tulsa; and the unincorporated areas of Tulsa County.

Residents may submit an appeal if they consider modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

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

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

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov.

alexa.brown Thu, 04/13/2023 - 20:24