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Two North Carolina Disaster Recovery Centers to Close Dec. 14
In partnership with the state and local governments, FEMA will close two Helene Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) as of 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.
The Jan. 7, 2025, deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is unaffected by the closures.
The DRCs that are permanently closing are the following locations:
- Macon County – Macon County Public Health Center, 1830 Lakeside Dr., Franklin NC, 28734
- Swain County – Swain County Technology and Training Center, 45 East Ridge Dr., Bryson City NC, 28713
Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed. To find those center locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a ZIP code to 43362.
It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
kwei.nwaogu Tue, 12/10/2024 - 23:12FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens on the Crow Tribe Reservation
CROW AGENCY – FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. just west of Crow Agency to help Crow Tribe members apply for disaster assistance if they were impacted by a severe storm earlier this year.
Members of the Crow Tribe affected by the severe storm and straight-line winds that happened on August 6, 2024 are eligible to apply for assistance.
Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to explain disaster assistance programs, help people complete the application for federal assistance, and get information on additional resources at the Disaster Recovery Center, which is just off I-90 at the Dunmore exit, #503.
Disaster Recovery Center Location:
Black Lodge Community Center
6772 River Crow Road
Hardin, Montana 59034
Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon.– Sat. (Closed Sundays and holidays)
On November 14, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden Jr., granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the Crow Tribe of Montana to help the Tribal Nation recover from the severe storm and straight-line winds that occurred August 6, 2024. The declaration provides help through FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program which can help with unmet needs and damages caused by the August 6th storm. The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans that can help individual households and businesses of all sizes in their recovery.
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Contacts:
Lynn Kimbrough, FEMA External Affairs, 202-706-0833, lynn.kimbrough@fema.dhs.gov
Yvette Jeffery, U.S. Small Business Administration, 571-564-0248, yvette.jeffery@sba.gov
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only government resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov
FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished impartially, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted at FEMA-OCR-ECRD FEMA-OCR-ECRD@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.
anthony.mayne Tue, 12/10/2024 - 22:07FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Closes on December 16
ANCHORAGE, Alaska. – The 60-day registration period to apply for FEMA federal assistance for this year’s Mendenhall Glacier flooding ends December 16, 2024. Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis up to 60-days past the deadline.
December 16 is also the last day the Disaster Recovery Center will be open at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library. Impacted residents will continue to be able to connect with representatives through FEMA’s Alaska Call Center to answer questions about disaster assistance, and receive further guidance, even after the Juneau Disaster Recovery Center closes.
Juneau residents affected by flooding with questions about their application or how to appeal a FEMA decision, can contact us in the following ways:
- Visit the Juneau Disaster Recovery Center no later than December 16.
- After the recovery center and assistance application closing date, the best way to contact FEMA is by calling the Alaska Call Center at 866-342-1699 between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. AKT, Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. AKT, Saturday. Multilingual operators are available. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov for English, or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
- Use the FEMA mobile app in English or Spanish.
The Disaster Recovery Center Updated Hours:
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, December 10-13
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, December 14
The center will be open on the last day, Monday, December 16.
The address is:
Mendenhall Valley Public Library
3025 Dimond Park Loop
Juneau, AK 9980
Disaster Recovery Centers are physically accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. They are equipped with assistive and adaptive technology such as assistive listening devices, resources for low vision, and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448.
FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted at FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
mary.j.edmon Tue, 12/10/2024 - 20:20FEMA Strengthens Community-Driven Recovery through Updated National Disaster Recovery Framework
WASHINGTON – FEMA updated the National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) to enhance collaboration among disaster recovery managers and help them restore, redevelop and revitalize a variety of sectors that affect communities after disasters. The revised framework includes clear roles and responsibilities during declared disasters, ways to enhance collaboration across the whole community and practical resources to assist in recovery planning efforts.
States, Tribal Nations and territories, as well as the whole recovery community, can use this framework to more effectively lead and coordinate their disaster recovery efforts.
“Disaster recovery is complicated, but doable,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Disaster recovery requires the whole community come together, in a coordinated way, to assess, manage, and execute to help communities rebuild. The updated framework will help communities understand and navigate the complexity of disaster recovery, get the right people to the decision-making table, and help communities recover stronger than ever.”
The NDRF was developed in collaboration with FEMA and the partnering Recovery Support Function National Coordinating Agencies: U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Defense, and U.S. Department of the Interior. In addition, other federal partners such as Department of Education, Small Business Administration, and Environmental Protection Agency were involved in providing specialized expertise and input to highlight diverse recovery challenges and resources. Through this concerted effort, FEMA facilitated the integration of expertise and resources across departments and agencies, fostering a unified framework to strengthen recovery coordination.
The revised framework includes feedback and recommendations from the public during a 30-day public comment period that ended in October 2024.
To learn more, visit fema.gov.
amy.ashbridge Tue, 12/10/2024 - 19:59FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips to Georgians in Savannah and Valdosta
ATLANTA -- If you are making repairs to your home after Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, you can get tips from FEMA to make your home safer and stronger at Lowe’s in Savannah and Valdosta.
FEMA Mitigation Specialists are available to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips along with proven methods to prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also offer tips and techniques on rebuilding hazard-resistant homes.
Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster. The FEMA specialists will be available at these locations during the times and dates listed below:
LOCATIONSLowe’s Home Improvement
11114 Abercorn St.
Savannah, GA 31419
Lowe’s Home Improvement
1106 N. St. Augustine Road
Valdosta, GA 31602
TIMES AND DATES8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9, through Saturday, Dec. 21, daily except Wednesdays.
For the latest information about Georgia's recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.
larissa.hale Tue, 12/10/2024 - 17:47Apply for FEMA Assistance Even If You Are Unsure You Qualify
When your home has been damaged or destroyed in a disaster and you aren’t sure what your insurance will cover or if you qualify for federal help, you may put off applying for FEMA assistance. Don’t.
Gather your documents and take time to complete an application. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Tennessee survivors of Tropical Storm Helene who live in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties may apply. FEMA may be able help with home repairs, rental assistance for your family – and for students – to stay somewhere safe while you put your house in order and grants for replacement of personal items you lost.
FEMA’s childcare assistance pays up to $200 per week for every child under age 13 for up to eight weeks and FEMA transportation assistance covers repair or replacement of the vehicle you lost in the storm.
You have several ways to apply. If you have a computer, go to DisasterAssistance.gov. If not, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service. Specialists speak many languages.
You can also update your contact information at DisasterAssistance.gov.
kwei.nwaogu Tue, 12/10/2024 - 16:59FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Franklin Fire
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 9 Administrator authorized the use of federal funds on December 10 at 1:21 a.m. PST / 4:21 p.m. EST to assist the state of California in combating the Franklin Fire, burning in Los Angeles County.
The State of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on December 10, 2024. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 2,000 homes in and around Malibu, California, of which 10% are primary residences and 90% are secondary residences. Additionally, the fire posed a direct threat to Pepperdine University and approximately 50 businesses in the area.
The Franklin fire started on December 9, 2024, and has burned over 100 acres of state and private land. The FMAG approval provides critical federal funding to assist state and local firefighting efforts aimed at containing the fire and protecting lives and property.
FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that may escalate into major incidents.
Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities related to fighting the fire. For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at x/femaregion9.
brandi.richard… Tue, 12/10/2024 - 16:47Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Greenwood County
COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center will open in Greenwood County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.
Greenwood County
United Way of the Lakelands
929 Phoenix St.
Greenwood, SC 29646
Open Dec. 10-14, Dec. 16-20, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Closed Dec. 15.
Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other South Carolina counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in South Carolina. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.
To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362.
Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.
The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.
FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
martyce.allenjr Tue, 12/10/2024 - 13:25President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for West Virginia
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of West Virginia to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Post-Tropical Storm Helene from Sept. 25-28, 2024.
The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Mercer County.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Georgeta Dragoiu has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
amy.ashbridge Mon, 12/09/2024 - 23:05FEMA Issues $292 Million in N.C. Public Assistance Grants
FEMA has obligated more than $292 million for 47 grants to support the Tropical Storm Helene recovery in North Carolina.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to local, tribal and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster-damaged public facilities and infrastructure. The program also can reimburse certain private non-profits or houses of worship for response and recovery items.
Funding for roads and bridges is distributed to the state, which reimburses the county or local government as projects are completed. The following projects were approved for emergency protective measures to eliminate or lessen immediate threats to loss of life, public health or safety:
- $146.3 million to North Carolina Emergency Management for emergency protective measures.
- $20.49 million to North Carolina Emergency Management for disaster management costs.
More than $78 million in debris removal funding has been obligated. This includes:
- $7.5 million to Avery County.
- $48.3 million to Buncombe County.
- $2.6 million to Burke County.
- $3.7 million to McDowell County.
- $9.9 million to Mitchell County.
- $1.1 million to Rutherford County.
- $4.9 million to Watauga County.
More than $47.3 million in federal funds have been obligated to North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for repairs to roads and bridges in the following counties:
- $3.64 million to Ashe County.
- $1.63 million to Avery County.
- $4.07 million to Buncombe County.
- $1.25 to Cleveland County.
- $2.08 million to Haywood County.
- $2.23 million to Henderson County.
- $3.17 million to Madison County.
- $3.3 million to McDowell County.
- $4 million to Mitchell County.
- $1.71 million to Polk County.
- $1.2 million to Rutherford County.
- $4.8 million to Watauga County.
- $14.3 million to Yancey County.
New Interagency Resources Highlight Federal Support of Community-Driven Relocation
WASHINGTON -- The Department of the Interior and FEMA, in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Office of Science and Technology Policy, are pleased to announce the release of Opportunities for Federal Support of Community-Driven Relocation and Community-Driven Relocation: Guide for Communities to Federal Programs and Resources. These two resources were produced by the federal interagency Community-Driven Relocation Subcommittee, co-led by the Interior Department and FEMA with representation from 14 federal agencies and seven Executive Offices of the President.
The Opportunities for Federal Support of Community-Driven Relocation report provides an overview of the current landscape of community-driven relocation in the United States. The phrase “community-driven relocation” is deliberate—the intent is to collectively reinforce that it is essential for the consideration or implementation of planned relocation projects be grounded in a community’s ability to define and determine their future. The report identifies next steps for federal agencies in developing an all-of-government strategy for holistically supporting communities that are relocating or considering relocating. The report also seeks to highlight that the federal government must consider challenges that may exist in the areas that individuals are relocating to (i.e., receiving communities) in order to establish holistic support of community-driven relocation.
This is the first federal report that begins to lay out an approach for building an all-of-government strategy for considering all the needs of a community when choosing community-driven relocation – and it is the first time that climate and legacy pollution-based relocation have been considered together. This report represents the next step to advance collaborative interagency support of communities seeking to relocate out of harm’s way.
Report Highlights- Establishes a whole-of-government approach to community-driven relocation, outlining a unified vision, goals, and guiding principles for the federal government to follow.
- Details what community-driven relocation is, describing the challenges and the importance of the adaptation strategy.
- Examines how the federal government can support communities through existing federal authorities and programs.
- Presents actions for the federal government to improve support for community-driven relocation through a series of near-term, intermediate-term, and long-term actions.
An additional resource, the Community-Driven Relocation: Guide for Communities to Federal Programs and Resources, was created as a tool for communities considering relocation to explore available federal resources. The guide includes details on programs, activities, and eligibility to help communities understand the range of opportunities that may be available to them.
To learn more visit FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions and Historic Progress Supporting Tribal Nations and Native Communities Ahead of Fourth Annual White House Tribal Nations Summit.
amy.ashbridge Mon, 12/09/2024 - 22:21President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Increases Federal Cost Share for Florida
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Florida to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Milton from Oct. 5 to Nov. 2, 2024.
The President authorized the federal cost-share to be increased to 100% for debris removal and emergency measures, including direct federal assistance for a period of 120 days of the state’s choosing within the first 180 days from the start of the incident period. The major disaster declaration made federal funding available for public assistance, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and other needs assistance for total eligible costs.
amy.ashbridge Mon, 12/09/2024 - 22:10FEMA Specialists Offer In-Person Advice on Rebuilding
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, North Carolinians can benefit from free advice from FEMA experts on how to rebuild stronger and safer. FEMA mitigation specialists will be present in stores in Buncombe and Henderson counties to offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters.
FEMA specialists will be at the following locations on the following dates and times:
Home Depot (Store #3645)
127 Acton Circle
Asheville NC 28806
8 a.m-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9-Saturday, Dec. 14
Home Depot (Store #3625)
795 Fairview Road
Asheville NC 28803
8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16-Saturday, Dec. 21
Home Depot (Store #3637)
401 Linda Vista Drive
Hendersonville NC 28792
8 a.m.-6 pm. Monday, Dec. 23; Tuesday, Dec. 24; and Thursday, Dec. 26-Saturday, Dec. 28
Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance in addition to attending these events. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Jan. 7, 2025.
FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses.
Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to apply for assistance, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed. To find center locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a ZIP code to 43362.
A DRC is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for federal assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and more.
It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
kwei.nwaogu Mon, 12/09/2024 - 20:48Affordable Housing Listening Session for Developers, Nonprofits
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and FEMA will conduct a listening session to engage with local non-profit and for-profit housing developers in Western North Carolina.
The purpose of the session is to gain input from public and private entities about, obstacles and best practices that may allow for the restoration of Helene-damaged housing and the development of new, disaster-resistant housing to improve community housing stock.
Recovering communities should have a range of affordable housing options. Local developers have important experience that will help ensure that North Carolina communities are resilient and meet the housing needs of all populations. Local perspectives allow the federal government to develop meaningful action plans for recovery.
This session will take place 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9. Interested developers can attend this session in person, online or by phone.
Affordable Housing Listening Session
The Western Piedmont Council of Governments
1880 2nd Ave. NW
Hickory NC 28601
Online via Microsoft Teams at Affordable Housing Listening Session – Passcode ZC9AN2tR or by calling 202-510-9533, Conference ID 867728588#.
kwei.nwaogu Mon, 12/09/2024 - 20:41There is Still Time to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance After Hurricane Helene in South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Helene in South Carolina have until 11:59 p.m., Jan. 7, 2025, to apply for federal disaster assistance. FEMA urges survivors in designated areas to apply as soon as possible.
FEMA assistance may include funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs; funds to support the repair or replacement of your primary home, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges; and funds for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care and other miscellaneous items.
Also, farmers, farm employees, self-employed individuals and foresters may be eligible for assistance to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment not covered by insurance when they can show these items are required by their employer.
After the deadline of Jan. 7, you may still submit documents, update your contact information and stay in contact with FEMA regarding your application, but you must apply before the deadline.
How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceHomeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation who were affected by Hurricane Helene are eligible to apply for FEMA assistance.
The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.
FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
martyce.allenjr Mon, 12/09/2024 - 20:33President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Increases Federal Cost Share for Florida
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Florida to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene from Sept. 23 to Oct. 7, 2024.
The President authorized the federal cost-share to be increased to 100% for debris removal and emergency measures, including direct federal assistance for a period of 120 days of the state’s choosing within the first 180 days from the start of the incident period. The major disaster declaration made federal funding available for public assistance, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and other needs assistance for total eligible costs.
amy.ashbridge Mon, 12/09/2024 - 19:32President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Increases Federal Cost Share for Virginia
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the Commonwealth of Virginia to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Helene from Sept. 25 to Oct. 3, 2024.
The President authorized the federal cost-share to be increased to 100% for debris removal, including direct federal assistance for a period of 120 days of the commonwealth’s choosing within the first 180 days from the start of the incident period. The major disaster declaration made federal funding available for public assistance, the Hazard Mitigation Grant program and other needs assistance for total eligible costs.
amy.ashbridge Mon, 12/09/2024 - 19:22
FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Advice in Cocke and Hamblen Counties
If you are repairing or rebuilding your home after Tropical Storm Helene, you can get free advice from FEMA to make your home safer and stronger in Cocke and Hamblen counties Dec. 9-21.
Mitigation Specialists will be on-hand to answer questions and offer home-improvement advice, along with proven methods to prevent or reduce damage from disasters. They will also offer tips and techniques on rebuilding hazard-resistant homes and provide information on flood insurance and elevating utility systems.
The specialists will be available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the following locations:
Cocke County
Lowe’s Home Improvement
120 Epley Road
Newport, TN 37821
Hamblen County
The Home Depot
1930 West Andrew Johnson Highway
Morristown, TN 37814
Maintain Your Focus on Safety During the Holiday Season
From traditions such as decorating a dried century plant, to stringing ornaments and lights around an inkberry tree or a modern flair to dazzling decorations on an imported North American pine – many of us enjoy the glow of the holidays. It’s a festive time of year.
Whether listening to “Ma Ma bake your Johnny Cake” by Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights or gathering with family for an Old Time Crucian Christmas, the holidays present a great time to unwind from everyday life. Though we must not let our guard down when it comes to safety.
“The Atlantic hurricane season is officially behind us and many of us are preparing to gather with friends and family to mark the holidays and the arrival of a new year in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said FEMA Virgin Islands Caribbean Area Office Acting Coordinator Aaron VanDoren. “We wish everyone a peaceful and joyful holiday season though it is important for Virgin Islands residents and visitors to maintain their focus on safety as they ring in the new year.”
There are some simple ways to make sure we decorate our homes and shop safely for gifts online.
For decorating safely:
- Make sure to have working smoke alarms close to where anyone may be sleeping.
- Keep candles 12 inches away from things that can burn throughout the holiday season. Consider using flameless candles during Kwanzaa or Hanukkah celebrations.
- Inspect lights for frayed wire or other defects before use. Turn your holiday lights off before leaving home or going to bed. Every. Single. Time.
- Don't overload extension cords.
- Keep your Christmas tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources.
- Water your Christmas tree every day and unplug lights on your Christmas tree before you go to bed. A dry tree is dangerous because it can catch on fire easily. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNjO3wZDVlA
For online shopping vigilance:
- Connect with care. Do your online shopping at home, and make sure your home wireless network is protected. www.ready.gov/cybersecurity.
- Be cautious online. During the holidays, scammers may send fake emails that are too good to be true. Don't click on links! CISA Insights - Cyber: Enhance Email & Web Security
- Set strong passwords and change your password often. Do not set passwords that will be easy for cyber criminals to guess. Strengthen Your Passwords With Three Simple Steps
- Too good to be true? It probably is. Shop online through trusted retailers to avoid getting scammed.
- For more tips for happy holiday shopping go to FTC's tips for happy holiday shopping | Consumer Advice.
VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen reminds us that with the holidays comes visitors to the Territory, “Please use caution on the roadways and especially at traffic lights as we will have many visitors who are not familiar with our driving on the left side of the road, know where existing potholes are located, and are unaccustomed to right-hand turns onto the left lanes. Nighttime driving will be even more challenging for visitors, so be sure to keep alert and stay safe.”
And the same goes with the ocean, “Many visitors during this holiday season rent boats but are not familiar with navigating our waterways. Boating safety is everyone’s responsibility, so keep your eyes and ears alert, and look out for swimmers, kayakers, paddle boarders, scuba divers and other boaters enjoying our beautiful waters.”
For visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are a few simple ways to stay in tune with real-time weather alerts, marine hazards, emergency notifications and prepare for common hazards while in the USVI.
Sign up for Alert VI from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) to receive emergency notifications for up to five addresses within the USVI. Download the FEMA app on your smartphone to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service and learn basic preparedness strategies such as how to create a family emergency communication plan. Check the settings on your mobile devices to ensure you can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts, which require no sign-up.
Staying alert and vigilant should ensure your family’s holiday celebrations are both meaningful and safe this year in the U.S. Virgin Islands. See more details on how to avoid scams this holiday season from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency and get prevention messages from the U.S. Fire Administration to put a freeze on holiday fires.
kate.macedo Mon, 12/09/2024 - 15:51Federal Disaster Assistance for Connecticut Tops $10 Million
More than $10 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for over 2,454 households in Connecticut following the August 18-19, 2024 Severe Storm, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides.
As of December 5, Connecticut’s recovery assistance from FEMA includes:
- $10,083,522 million in FEMA’s Individual and Households Program (IHP) grants awarded to eligible homeowners and renters in three Connecticut counties. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage, including:
$6,120,771 million in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
$3,962,751 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.
While the deadline to register with FEMA passed on November 19 for those affected by August’s severe storms, FEMA representatives are still available to answer questions and help Connecticut survivors complete their applications. FEMA also encourages applicants to stay in touch, especially if they have a change of address or other updates to their applications.
To view the status of your application, update your application or get answers to questions, survivors can view their application online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by downloading and using FEMA’s Mobile App. You may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to discuss your case with a FEMA representative. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight) seven days a week.
adrien.urbani Mon, 12/09/2024 - 14:57Pages
