FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance State-by-State Breakdown

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided more than $2.1 billion to over 320,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

Eligibility determinations are not driven by state/location; instead, they are based on when the applicant submits all required documentation.

“Applications” in the chart below reflect the number of individuals who called to begin the assistance process.

Please find state-specific information below:

State / Territory

Applications

Amount Approved

Number of Awards

Alabama

11,019

$51,822,681

7,592

Alaska

430

$1,226,070

238

American Samoa

11

$33,802

Less than 10

Arizona

8,595

$27,751,596

5,554

Arkansas

5,145

$21,718,598

3,436

California

40,505

$176,505,061

27,412

Colorado

4,637

$15,943,246

2,892

Connecticut

4,696

$23,169,733

3,379

Delaware

1,476

$6,131,404

971

District Of Columbia

739

$3,202,781

473

Florida

32,355

$127,867,804

22,662

Georgia

19,609

$92,071,227

13,360

Guam

29

$133,040

19

Hawaii

658

$2,209,387

377

Idaho

1,726

$6,054,029

1,072

Illinois

19,101

$89,436,862

13,049

Indiana

9,961

$43,552,904

6,253

Iowa

4,116

$20,046,916

2,798

Kansas

4,364

$17,970,490

2,781

Kentucky

8,701

$39,987,993

5,539

Louisiana

8,254

$38,621,962

5,609

Maine

998

$3,023,683.18

555

Maryland

8,344

$38,029,050

5,658

Massachusetts

8,857

$39,435,441

5,707

Michigan

17,051

$72,514,810

11,785

Minnesota

5,163

$23,277,018

3,406

Mississippi

7,211

$31,923,194

4,729

Missouri

9,855

$42,135,026

6,687

Montana

1,221

$4,186,290

822

Nebraska

2,169

$9,809,797

1,418

Nevada

4,237

$14,364,085

2,661

New Hampshire

1,256

$4,850,378

797

New Jersey

15,781

$77,152,434

11,211

New Mexico

3,041

$9,573,180

1,826

New York

34,483

$165,363,202

24,125

North Carolina

16,191

$71,691,989

10,954

North Dakota

1,103

$5,780,965

778

Northern Mariana Islands

30

$47,828.11

Less than 10

Ohio

20,760

$87,905,413

13,524

Oklahoma

7,545

$31,134,959

4,909

Oregon

2,302

$6,349,651

1,369

Pennsylvania

22,617

$102,260,338

15,488

Puerto Rico

2,134

$5,042,795

1,322

Rhode Island

1,603

$7,663,470

1,126

South Carolina

10,886

$50,549,249

7,431

South Dakota

1,079

$5,457,710

758

Tennessee

13,696

$64,180,863

9,434

Texas

43,901

$196,336,812

30,110

U.S. Virgin Islands

72

$291,374.59

45

Utah

2,268

$10,070,705

1,460

Vermont

262

$955,367

167

Virginia

11,206

$49,763,375

7,499

Washington

4,156

$13,540,321

2,481

West Virginia

3,605

$15,141,337

2,220

Wisconsin

8,061

$34,873,010

5,277

Wyoming

749

$2,711,529

490

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. EDT Monday, April 4, 2022.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. Please note, phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Applicants who use a relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to them for that service so that agency representatives are able to contact them.

Additional information about COVID-19 funeral assistance, including frequently asked questions, is available on FEMA.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 04/04/2022 - 21:33

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Open in Dorado and Toa Baja

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Survivors of the severe storm, flooding, and landslides that occurred Feb. 4 - 6, 2022 can meet with FEMA specialists and apply for disaster assistance at two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Dorado and Toa Baja.

Residents affected by the February storms can get help with their disaster assistance applications, upload documents and get questions answered. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also on hand at both DRCs to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, businesses, private nonprofits, and renters, and provide literature about repairs and rebuilding to make homes more disaster resistant.

Hazard Mitigation will have a Community Education Outreach Specialist on site to assist survivors in preparing for future incidents. 

The DRCs are located at:

DRC 1

Pabellón Comercial Rafael Hernández Colón

Calle Méndez Vigo #349

(in front of Residencial El Dorado)

Dorado

 

DRC 2

Junta de Inscripción Permanente de Candelaria

RR-865

Barrio Candelaria

Toa Baja, PR

 

Hours:

Monday: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday-Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Survivors from the affected municipalities of Cataño, Dorado, Toa Baja, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja are eligible to apply for disaster assistance. To find a DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: fema.gov/drc.

You may also apply with FEMA through your smart phone, home computer or by phone. The fastest ways to apply for assistance are:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By phone at 800-621-3362. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. Those who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week
• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery from the February floods, visit fema.gov/disaster/4649. Follow us on social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Follow the FEMA Region 2 Twitter account at www.twitter.com/FEMAregion2.

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 04/04/2022 - 20:09

San Juan CDTs to Be Repaired with Over $21 Million from FEMA

This is the greatest amount of funds obligated for the municipality to date

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved an obligation of over $21 million to repair six Diagnostic and Treatment Centers, known as CDT for its Spanish acronym, in San Juan. In addition to repairing the buildings, the funds include hazard mitigation measures for these centers to be better prepared to face future disasters.

These medical facilities have emergency rooms, provide primary care and pediatric services, obstetrics and gynecology, apart from preventive services like radiology, laboratories and vaccination. Likewise, they provide specialized services to homeless people, and some offer mental health services at specific times.

“The health sector in San Juan will be transformed with this unprecedented allocation. And to help prevent that another storm causes similar damage again, the federal share includes nearly $1.7 million for work that will strengthen the roofs and protect electric equipment,” stated FEMA’s Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, José G. Baquero.

The health centers that will benefit from this obligation are the José S. Belaval CDT, Más Salud Dr. Gualberto Rabell Center, Dr. José López Antongiorgi CDT, Dr. Olivera Guerra CDT, Dr. Enrique Koppisch CDT and the Dr. Manuel Quevedo Báez CDT. To date, FEMA has obligated more than $168 million to the Municipality of San Juan for emergency and permanent work.

“Today is a great day for the residents of San Juan and for public health in Puerto Rico. The obligation will allow us to update important centers that provide comprehensive and accessible care to the individuals and families of the Capital City, whether residents, neighbors or visitors, regardless of their financial situation or migratory status. [They] offer direct services that are essential to accomplishing the quality of life that we aim for our town. This will also allow us to improve the work areas of our talented and committed medical faculty, as well as administrative staff, essential to continue improving the service to our town,” said Miguel A. Romero Lugo, the mayor of San Juan.

For the Más Salud Dr. Gualberto Rabell Center in Santurce, which specializes in mental health services, over $10.4 million are earmarked to remove doors, the acoustic panels, the air conditioning units and the condenser, among others. These works have already been completed and lighting work, the installation of membranes on the roof, waterproofing of windows and improvements to the drain systems to prevent leaks are pending.

Moreover, at the Dr. Enrique Koppisch CDT in Río Piedras, some works were completed like the repair of the emergency generator, the removal and replacement of the air conduits, acoustic panels, luminaries, among others. Within the share of $2.8 million approved for this facility, over $460,000 were addressed towards hazard mitigation measures like the installation of membranes on the roof.

Likewise, the residents of the Sabana Llana area will have a repaired health center. The Dr. Olivera Guerra CDT, which has offered services for over 55 years, has completed part of its repairs, like the replacement of the air conditioning units. The work will continue with the replacement of gates, LED lighting and windows with over $2.7 million assigned.

The projects for the S. Belaval CDT and Más Salud Dr. Gualberto Rabell Center are covered under the Bipartisan Budget Act, which ensures that Puerto Rico rebuilds its critical services facilities according to the current industry standards without having to consider their conditions prior to the disaster.

For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane María, please visit fema.gov/es/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow our social media pages at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr

frances.acevedo-pico Sun, 04/03/2022 - 13:23

Happening Today: FEMA’s Podcast Relaunches with New Focus, Format

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced that FEMA is relaunching the agency’s podcast, “Before, During & After” across multiple platforms today.

The podcast will offer a new format with information and insights tailored to the nation’s emergency management community. The first of the relaunched episodes is a one-on-one interview with Administrator Criswell, setting the stage with a robust discussion of the agency’s priorities in the years ahead.

“It is FEMA’s priority to engage and empower all communities to help us become a more prepared and resilient nation,” Criswell said. “The podcast will provide listeners with insight into where emergency management is headed, how we are preparing today for the threats of tomorrow and how each of us has a role in keeping our communities safe from future disasters.”

Release of the podcast is being done on the agency’s 43rd anniversary, marking the date President Jimmy Carter signed an executive order on April 1, 1979 establishing FEMA.

“Before, During & After - a Podcast from FEMA” is available on Apple iTunes, Google Play or www.FEMA.gov/podcast to stream or download. Approximately 20 to 30 minutes in length, the podcast will be updated with a new episode on a bi-weekly basis. By subscribing, new episodes will automatically update on a listener’s device.

Each podcast is fully accessible to listeners within the deaf and hard of hearing community, with subtitle text uploaded to all platforms alongside the audio. Transcripts of episodes are also posted on FEMA.gov/podcast.

Future podcast episodes will cover FEMA’s work in climate resilience and adaptation, how equity is being instilled into emergency management, recent disaster recovery efforts and resources available to better prepare for future disaster risks.

For more information about “Before, During & After - a Podcast from FEMA” or to provide ideas for future episodes, visit www.FEMA.gov/podcast.   

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 04/01/2022 - 14:59

Door County Residents Invited to Attend Virtual Flood Map Information Open House

CHICAGO – Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a virtual Flood Map Information Open House for communities in Door County, Wisconsin, on April 7 and 12, 2022, from 5 – 8 p.m. CT. The open house will give residents the chance to review preliminary versions of a recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1-percent-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within areas of the county and offer information that public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain.

Experts at the virtual open house will help residents understand flood risk and flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the mapping process. Residents can meet with experts one-on-one to view their own addresses on the new maps. They’ll learn about their specific risk and ways to help prevent flood loss.

Once effective, the maps will inform flood insurance rates and local floodplain management rules adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA encourages public officials to use the maps to assist planning processes and prepare communities to quickly respond to and recover from future events. 

WHAT:              Door County virtual Flood Map Information Open House  

WHEN:             April 7 and April 12, 2022, 5 – 8 p.m. CT

WHERE:          Visit www.zoom.com and enter the following meeting ID and passcode:                          Meeting ID: 161 776 8604, Passcode: 2022

You may also call into the meeting using the following telephone number and entering the meeting ID and passcode shown above. Long-distance charges may apply.

                          669-254-5252

Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload/.

If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please send an e-mail to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill.

For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.

# # #

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

troy.christensen Fri, 04/01/2022 - 13:01

Apply for FEMA disaster assistance today

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Homeowners and renters in the five municipalities that were approved for federal disaster assistance for the recent severe storms, flooding and landslides that occurred from February 4 to 6, 2022 may apply for assistance from FEMA, TODAY.

Survivors from the affected municipalities of Cataño, Dorado, Toa Baja, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance, using any of the following options:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
• By phone at 800-621-3362 (FEMA); Multilingual operators are available. Press 2 for Spanish and press 3 for other languages. Telephone lines are open from 7:00a.m. to 11:00pm.
• Use the FEMA Mobile App or en español for Spanish.

FEMA grants can supplement what is available from the Government of Puerto Rico. You must apply with FEMA to be considered for FEMA assistance, which may include:

• Temporary housing, including rental assistance, if the home is unlivable.
• Replacing uninsured personal property.
• Medical, dental, funeral expenses, transportation, childcare, moving, storage and other serious emergency needs not covered by insurance or other federal, Government of Puerto Rico and charitable aid programs.

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yuisa.rios Thu, 03/31/2022 - 21:52

FEMA Region 3 Helps Bereaved Families, Reaches COVID Funeral Cost Milestone

PHILADELPHIA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s mission is to help people. In doing so, FEMA Region 3 has marked an important milestone in its COVID-19 operation: funeral assistance funds provided to families of applicants have topped $208 million.

The funds have gone to more than 30,000 bereaved families in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Here are the totals as of March 25, 2022:

DC: $4,507,961

DE: $5,773,609

MD: $34,278,813

PA: $103,879,215

VA: $44,667,929

WV: $14,983,540

Region 3 staff members have gone the extra mile to spread the word about the funeral assistance program, working extensively with government colleagues at all levels, as well as private sector partners.

“Our hearts go out to the thousands of families in Region 3 that have suffered financial stress due to funeral expenses for their loved ones,” FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney said. “We want to assure families that we’re here to help.” Reaching the $200 million mark is a tangible sign of our commitment to the grieving families in our region.”

Nationally, FEMA has provided over $2 billion to more than 300,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

Sample expenses that qualify for reimbursement.

•  Transportation to identify the deceased individual        •   The transfer of remains
•  A burial plot or cremation niche                                     •   A marker or headstone
• Clergy or officiant services                                             •   The use of funeral home equipment or staff
• Cremation or interment cost

 Information needed before contacting FEMA to apply:

• Name, social security number, date of birth, mailing address and contact phone numbers.
• Name, social security number and date of birth for each deceased individual.
• Location or address where the deceased individual passed away.
• Documentation and receipts for any assistance already received from other sources, including burial or funeral insurance, donations, voluntary agencies, other government programs or non-profit organizations.
• The name and information of any co-applicant(s) if anyone besides yourself incurred funeral expenses for the deceased individual(s)

How to apply for assistance:

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline: 844-684-6333

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time

Visit FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance page for more information about this program and how to apply.

 

###

 

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.  

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

 Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

amanda.hancher Wed, 03/30/2022 - 16:23

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Washington to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides from Jan. 1-15, 2022.

The President's action makes federal funding available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities in Cowlitz, Franklin, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Skagit, Skamania, Thurston and Wahkiakum counties; and the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Hoh Indian Tribe, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Quinault Indian Nation, Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, Skokomish Indian Tribe, Squaxin Island Indian Tribe, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe.

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

Toney L. Raines 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 warranted by the results of damage assessments.

zella.campbell Tue, 03/29/2022 - 20:16

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding and landslides from Feb. 4-6, 2022.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the municipalities of Cataño, Dorado, Toa Baja, Vega Alta and Vega Baja. 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 throughout the Commonwealth.

Robert Little III 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 warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

zella.campbell Tue, 03/29/2022 - 19:36

FEMA Administrator Criswell Headlines NEMA Mid-Year Event

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell addressed emergency management colleagues today at the opening of the National Emergency Management Association’s Mid-Year Forum in Alexandria, Virginia.

Administrator Criswell focused her remarks on enhanced partnership initiatives tied to equity, resilience and a ready and prepared nation, hallmarks of the “2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan.”

“Last year, we embarked on an incredibly aggressive journey to develop the agency’s new strategic plan,” she said. “A plan that commits to helping communities, like the ones you lead, become more prepared and resilient.”

Administrator Criswell’s remarks were a call to action to increase collaboration with FEMA to share expertise, increase readiness and enhance collaboration. New programs highlighted included the Maryland Department of Energy’s revolving loan fund, FEMA’s emergency manager exchange program and the agency’s Swift Current initiative.

She ended her remarks with a challenge for her emergency management partners, to plan for future disaster resilience.

“I challenge you to inspire your local partners to adopt a future-based mindset,” Criswell said. “This will help fuel innovative thinking that will help us anticipate risks that are 10, 20, 30 years down the road.”

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 03/29/2022 - 17:50

SBA Loans Can Help Your Disaster Recovery

FRANKFORT, Ky. – U.S. Small Business Administration loans hold many benefits for survivors of the Dec. 10-11 tornadoes in Kentucky who apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

SBA loans are not just for businesses. In a presidentially declared disaster, these long-term, low-interest loans are available to homeowners and renters as well as businesses of all sizes. SBA loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors.

In planning your recovery from the storms and tornadoes, give yourself the widest possible set of options, which includes an SBA loan.

The opportunity to apply for an SBA loan is part of the process of submitting an application for federal disaster assistance. After you apply with FEMA, you may receive a letter referring you to SBA. Even if you think you won’t qualify for a loan, you should complete the loan application and return it anyway.

You are not obligated to accept the loan.

Remember, if you’re turned down for a loan or receive a loan that won’t cover your needs, you may be referred back to FEMA for additional assistance. If you choose not to accept the loan, those additional resources may not be available to you.

FEMA may be able to compensate you for necessities such as disaster-related car repairs, essential household items and other serious disaster-related expenses.

You may apply online using SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. Email FOCE-Help@SBA.gov for more information on SBA’s disaster assistance program.

You may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800-877-8339.

Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or working capital.

The filing deadline for homeowners and renters to return applications for property damage was March 14, but SBA will accept a late application if you have a reasonable explanation for the delay. (Maybe there’s a medical reason you applied late; maybe you were waiting for an insurance settlement.)

The deadline for businesses to return economic injury applications is Sept. 12, 2022.

SBA has opened four Business Recovery Centers in Western Kentucky to assist survivors – homeowners, renters and business owners -- with their loan applications:

• Western Kentucky University Business Accelerator Center, 2413 Nashville Road, Room 118, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT Monday-Friday. Closing permanently April 29.  

• Kummer/Little Recreation Center, 333 College St., Bowling Green, KY 42101

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT Monday-Saturday. Closing permanently April 29.

• Hopkins Emergency Management, 130 N. Franklin St., Madisonville, KY 42431

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT Monday-Saturday. Closing permanently April 29.

• Joe Creason Community Center, 1600 Park Ave., Benton, KY 42025

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT Monday-Saturday. Closing permanently April 29

 

For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4630. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

sandra.habib Tue, 03/29/2022 - 13:06

FEMA Cost-Share Adjustment Grants More Assistance for Alaska

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional assistance available to the state of Alaska by authorizing an increase in federal funding for public assistance projects undertaken as a result of an earthquake on Nov. 30, 2018.   

Under the major disaster declaration issued for the state of Alaska on Jan. 31, 2019, federal funding was made available for public assistance, hazard mitigation and other needs assistance at 75% of the total eligible costs. Under the President's order today, the federal share for public assistance has been increased to 90% of the total eligible costs.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 03/28/2022 - 22:50

Thomas C. Sivak Appointed FEMA Region 5 Administrator

CHICAGO – Thomas C. Sivak, recently appointed as regional administrator of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), began his service on Monday, March 28, 2022.  As Region 5’s administrator, Sivak will lead and coordinate all activities in support of FEMA’s mission with the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin and 34 federally recognized tribes in the region.

“I’m honored by this opportunity to lead the FEMA Region 5 office, building from my emergency management experiences serving the beautiful and diverse neighborhoods of Cook County and city of Chicago to join a team of seasoned responders dedicated to helping people across our Great Lakes states before, during and after disasters,” said Sivak.  “I firmly believe we will continue achieving FEMA’s mission while finding innovative ways to foster communities that are safer and more resilient to future disaster risks.”

Prior to joining FEMA, Sivak was the Deputy Director of Operations for Cook County, Illinois Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security and served for six years as the Deputy Director for Emergency Management at Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communication. Throughout Sivak’s 15-year emergency management and public safety career, he has proudly worked for private, urban area and county public sector organizations and filled leadership roles during major activations, including the 2012 Super Bowl, 2018 Mercy Hospital active shooter incident, COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest in May and August 2020, and presidential election consequence management.  

Sivak is a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers and a graduate of the Executive Leadership Program at the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security. He holds a Master of Science in Public Service Leadership from DePaul University as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University and is originally from East Cleveland, Ohio.

# # #

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

troy.christensen Mon, 03/28/2022 - 14:11

FEMA Approves $1.26 Million for Douglas County COVID-19 Response

FEMA Approves $1.26 Million for Douglas County COVID-19 Response

DENVER – FEMA has approved another $1.26 million in Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020. FEMA has now approved more than $1.71 billion in Public Assistance grant funds for Colorado’s COVID-19 response to date with this additional funding.   

FEMA approved the grant funds to Douglas County as reimbursement for the cost of emergency measures undertaken by the county during the COVID-19 pandemic.  This includes the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 respirators, isolation gowns and nitrile gloves.  This PPE was used for hospitals, medical and dental facilities within Douglas County, as well as for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to keep staff safe during the pandemic.  In addition, FEMA’s grant includes the cost of COVID-19 testing services from May 1 to December 30, 2020.  

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow state and local governments to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, tribal and local officials work to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

# # #

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

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jamie.casterton Fri, 03/25/2022 - 21:50

FEMA Issues Public Notice for Counties Affected by Dec. 31-Jan. 2 Tornadoes

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A public notice is now available that addresses FEMA’s intention to reimburse eligible applicants in 13 counties in Kentucky on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair and/or replacement of facilities damaged in the Dec. 31-Jan. 2 tornadoes and flooding.

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

On Feb. 27, the president approved a disaster declaration for Kentucky for the late December-early January tornadoes and flooding.

The following 13 counties were designated for the FEMA Public Assistance program: Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Christian, Clay, Floyd, Green, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Owsley, Pike and Taylor.

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 the Public Assistance program, FEMA reimburses eligible applicants for eligible costs to repair and/or replace publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private nonprofit organizations that sustained damage in the Dec. 31-Jan. 2 tornadoes. The program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures.

Under Public Assistance Category A-G, eligible applicants in the 13 counties can seek reimbursement for emergency debris removal; emergency work to protect lives and secure property; and for permanent work projects.

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. Please include in the subject line of the email “DR 4643-KY.”

sandra.habib Fri, 03/25/2022 - 13:15

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the State of Alaska

WASHINGTON — FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Alaska to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms and straight-line winds from Dec. 25–27, 2021.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe winter storms and straight-line winds in Denali Borough, Fairbanks North Star Borough and the city of Nenana.

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

Thomas J. Dargan has been named as 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 assessments.

mashana.davis Fri, 03/25/2022 - 00:36

Federal Assistance for Flooding Survivors Tops $11 Million

Lacey, Wash. - Nov. 5 through Dec. 2, 2021, severe storms threatened Clallam, Skagit, Whatcom counties and Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Quileute Tribe by bringing the largest and, for some areas, most severe, disaster to occur in history. As a result, over 1000 individuals were forced to evacuate.

In response to Governor Inslee’s request, President Biden approved a major disaster declaration Jan. 5, 2022. Since the declaration more than $11.2 Million in federal assistance has been approved for Washington homeowners, business owners and renters. The following is a snapshot of other numbers of significance as of March 22.

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) dispersed $5.85 Million dollars in aid to individuals eligible for assistance. Within this program, $5.19 Million in aid was used under Housing Assistance and $652,865 for other needs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, the federal government’s primary source of money for long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property, approved $11.26 Million in loans to Washington homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations. The $11.26 Million dollars approved includes $9.5 Million in home applications and $1.7 Million in Business/ Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) loans.

The National Flood Insurance Program provided $19.83 Million to claimants affected by the flooding. This again proves that Flood Insurance is the best tool for protecting one financially from the devastating effects of flooding.

FEMA's Individual Assistance program completed 1,686 home inspections and awarded 1,062 households with assistance.

A total of 1,414 survivors were assisted at the 12 local Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) operating in Clallam, Skagit, Whatcom counties and Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Quileute Tribe. Each of these centers are now closed, but residents are reminded to keep in touch with FEMA by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Over the past three months, FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams helped more than 1,700 survivors apply for FEMA assistance and performed updates and inquiries to their accounts.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance, funded by FEMA and administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Washington Employment Security Department was approved for this disaster. This program provides funding for Washington survivors who lost their jobs or have been unable to work due to the landslide and flooding. The program’s application deadline has been extended until April 8, 2022. Individuals that still have disaster-related unemployment needs can contact the Washington Employment Security Department by calling (855) 952-9988.

The Washington Pro Bono Council and the American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division initiated the Disaster Legal services program during this disaster. This service allows callers to receive limited legal assistance from a volunteer lawyer. Disaster survivors facing legal issues related to the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides may call the hotline at 509-557-0301. Callers may also leave a message.

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, state, county and local governments as well as private nonprofit organizations and houses of worship may be eligible for reimbursement of eligible emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. In all, 61 applicants have filed requests for Public Assistance to cover repairs and rebuilding.

Survivors who have questions about their FEMA application can contact FEMA by visiting online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

For more information about Washington flood and mudslide recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4635. Follow the FEMA Region 10 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion10.

                                                                                 

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. The Washington State Military Department’s Emergency Management Division leads and coordinates mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in Washington State to minimize the impact of disasters and emergencies on the people, property, environment and economy.

tiana.suber Thu, 03/24/2022 - 22:25

FEMA Provides $3 Billion to Mid-Atlantic States for COVID-19 Costs

PHILADELPHIA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region 3 has provided more than $3 billion to local and state agencies, school districts, nonprofits and other public entities in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia for costs related to saving lives and protecting people during the COVID-19 mission.

The federal grant funding is being provided to reimburse costs associated with emergency protective measures taken to protect the public before vaccines were developed and distributed to the public, and actions taken to store, handle, transport, distribute and administer vaccines to reduce the spread the of the virus.

“This milestone shows FEMA’s commitment to providing critical funding to our state, local and nonprofit partners,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “The crucial work of the federal family and the whole response and recovery community has helped the nation reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protected residents and frontline medical workers. FEMA will continue to work hand in hand with all of our federal, state and tribal partners until this mission is complete.”

Totals for each state and the District of Columbia provided are:

Delaware: $181.6 million

District of Columbia: $452.1 million

Maryland: $1.1 billion

Pennsylvania: $574.8 million

Virginia: $616.8 million

West Virginia: $54.2 million

Scores of projects comprise the $3 billion total. A few recent projects that FEMA Region 3 provided funding for include:

District of Columbia

D.C. Office of Contracts and Procurement – $49,181,756.50

• Purchased equipment, materials, supplies, and services in response to COVID-19, which included services for monitoring of positive COVID-19 cases/contact tracing and providing N95 protective mask fit testing. Additional projects included building out the Medical-Surgical unit at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, St. Elizabeth’s hospital expansion for additional patient beds, and supporting morgue operations and victim identification.

Delaware

Delaware Emergency Management Agency – $159,636,781.83

• Provided test kits, rapid test analyzers, community-based testing locations, and PPE.

Maryland

Mercy Health Services, Baltimore - $14,198,513.13

• Provided Emergency Medical Care through the capacity expansion of an existing medical facility adding 32 beds.

Pennsylvania

City of Philadelphia – $17,774,703.45

• Provided non-congregate isolation and quarantine sheltering with site management and wraparound services for high-risk individuals.

Virginia

Valley Health, Winchester – $6,773,758.00

• Provided temporary medical facilities and sheltering for the response to the COVID-19 pandemic at Valley Health. One section of Winchester Medical Center was converted into a COVID ward during the pandemic. To ensure that only authorized personnel entered the area, they installed a temporary door, door frame, and partition wall to close off the corridor.

“These funds made a great difference to people and communities throughout our region, and continue to have a positive impact,” Tierney said. “The funds enabled medical staffs to care for more people. They provided vital equipment and supplies to protect frontline workers and the public. They saved lives.”

Grants for emergency protective measures are funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant program, which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments and certain private non-profit organizations.

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If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.  

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

 Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

charles.elison Wed, 03/23/2022 - 13:25

FEMA Awards North Carolina Grant to Increase Resilience

ATLANTA – North Carolina Department of Public Safety has been awarded a $5.4 million grant from FEMA to protect the City of Hickory’s Northeast Wastewater Treatment facility from future disasters.  

The FY 2020 grant is funded through a new mitigation program, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), to help local communities, states, tribes, and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards.

“This project will increase the resilience of the community and help protect the residents of Hickory and Catawba County. We are excited to see it awarded,” said North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray.  “Floodwaters have risen increasingly higher near this facility over the past several years, and this mitigation work will better protect the plant during future flood events.”

A protective berm around the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility influent pump station will be elevated, and. stream and bank stabilization will be improved along 2,000 feet of Falling Creek.  

The total project cost is $7,186,898. FEMA will pay 75 percent of the eligible project cost with a federal share of $5,407,285. The remaining 25 percent, or $1,779,613, will be matched by the City of Hickory.

“With the frequency, intensity and cost of weather events FEMA wants to help protect communities before disaster strikes. Mitigation funding for projects like this will protect the health and safety of residents when there is a flood,” said FEMA Region 4 Administrator Gracia Szczech. said FEMA Region 4 Administrator Gracia Szczech.

The BRIC funding helps meet the increased demand for hazard mitigation across the nation and will enhance FEMA’s work to reach historically underserved communities. To learn more about the BRIC grant program, visit www.fema.gov/bric.

 

crystal.paulk-… Wed, 03/23/2022 - 13:01

FEMA Provides Another $128 Million for Colorado COVID-19 Response

DENVER – FEMA has approved more than $128 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020. FEMA has now approved more than $1.71 billion in Public Assistance grant funds to Colorado for the COVID-19 response.

The $128.99 million to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will cover the cost of providing COVID-19 testing and analysis from January 1 through March 31, 2022. CDPHE projects that more than 2.16 million COVID-19 tests will be administered during the 90-day timeframe.  The award provides funding for contracted testing and lab services including supplies and equipment, along with the transportation and processing of tests.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow state and local governments to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, tribal and local officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

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

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jamie.casterton Tue, 03/22/2022 - 21:25