FEMA to Hold Open House on Revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Ontario County, NY

ONTARIO CO, NY — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is inviting Ontario County, NY, residents to an Open House on Flood Risk and Insurance on November 9, 2023. Residents will be able to talk one-on-one with FEMA representatives, to learn more about their flood risk and to get information on potential changes to their flood insurance rates and requirements.

On July 14, 2023, FEMA released preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Ontario County for public comments. Due to the map updates, some residents may be required to buy flood insurance for the first time. Other residents who were previously required to purchase flood insurance may no longer need to do so.

Residents are invited to the Flood Risk and Insurance Open House to learn if they were affected by the remapping and about what actions they can take to protect their homes in the future. The meeting will not cover FEMA grants or recovery efforts from the recent flooding. The event will be held on:

Thursday, November 9, 2023

3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

at the: 
Safety Training Facility

2914 CR 48

Canandaigua, NY 14424

 

The Open House will not have a formal presentation. Residents can attend at any time between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. Residents who already have flood insurance are encouraged to bring a copy of their declaration page. Residents can also see preliminary versions of the Flood Insurance Study report and the FIRMs here, and they can also see the updated preliminary maps compared to the old paper maps using the Old Paper Effective vs. New Digital Preliminary Data viewer. 

FEMA, in collaboration with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Ontario County, and community officials, have spent more than five years working to replace the current effective paper maps that were developed in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. The maps were not developed as a result of the recent flooding in July.

To request a reasonable accommodation (sign language, real-time captioning or other), please email Michael.Foley3@fema.dhs.gov or FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov, or call (833) 285-7448, FEMA’s Civil Rights Resource Line.

To learn more or to access the flood maps, visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. Visit floodsmart.gov to learn about flood insurance. You may also contact a map specialist at the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) at (877) 336-2627 or FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.   

For Open House questions, reach out to our outreach lead, Lisa Blake at Lisa.Blake@mbakerintl.com

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

gina.callaghan Tue, 11/07/2023 - 15:20

Keep in Contact With FEMA for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance

For those Typhoon Mawar survivors who received initial rental assistance, it’s important to stay in touch with FEMA, as you may be eligible for continued rental assistance. The initial grant is for the first two months. If you have exhausted the initial amount and need more, you may apply for continued assistance in three-month periods – up to 18 months from the President’s major disaster declaration, or Nov. 28, 2024. 

There are a few simple steps to apply for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance:

 

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 and ask for an Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance. Helpline operators can arrange interpretation in many languages if requested.
  
   
• You may upload the completed application to your disaster account at DisasterAssistance.gov, fax it to 800-827-8112, or mail it to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-8055.

 

You will need to submit the following documents with the completed application: 

• Pre- and post-disaster income for household members 18 and older. 
• Proof of pre-disaster housing costs (copy of lease and utility bills, renter’s insurance, mortgage statements, real estate taxes, homeowner’s insurance, etc.) 
• Proof of post-disaster housing costs (copy of current lease or rental agreement signed by the applicant and the landlord, rent receipts and post-disaster utility bills, renters’ insurance, etc.). 

 

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, please visit our website. 

 

Follow FEMA at X (formerly known as Twitter)and Facebook.

 

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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. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

veronica.verde Tue, 11/07/2023 - 03:55

Today is the Last Day to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance for Georgia Hurricane Idalia

ATLANTA – Today, Nov. 6, 2023, is the last day for Georgia homeowners and renters who suffered uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from Hurricane Idalia in Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Glynn and Lowndes counties to apply for FEMA assistance.

Applying for help is free

You can apply at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) where specialists from FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program help applicants in person. Highly trained specialists assist applicants through the recovery process, explaining the types of assistance available from FEMA, such as housing and other needs assistance.

This DRC is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today in Cook County, 206 East Ninth St., Adel.

If you are unable to apply in person, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., or use the FEMA mobile 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.

This is what you will need when you apply:

• 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.

If you are unable to locate important documentation, FEMA will help you identify other ways to verify this information.

You are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to your home, personal property and vehicles before you apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

FEMA’s IA program is designed to help with basic, critical needs such as a safe, sanitary, and functional place to live while you look for a long-term or permanent housing solution. It is not designed to make you whole and is not a substitute for insurance coverage. FEMA IA cannot duplicate other sources of assistance. 

FEMA provides funds paid directly to eligible individuals and households. Financial Housing Assistance may include rental assistance, lodging expenses reimbursement, home repair assistance, and replacement assistance. 

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4738, follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Mon, 11/06/2023 - 22:03

FEMA and CISA Release First-Ever Cyber Incidents Planning Guidance For Emergency Managers

WASHINGTON – Today, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Jen Easterly announced the release of an important new resource guide for emergency managers. The new “Planning Considerations for Cyber Incidents: Guidance for Emergency Managers” is a foundational product that provides a roadmap for emergency managers across the nation to plan for swift and effective solutions to address the consequences of a cyber incident.

“Protecting our communities against cyberattacks is a team effort and the Department of Homeland Security is continually working with our state, local, tribal and territorial partners to support their resilience,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “This new resource guide combines the cybersecurity expertise of CISA with the emergency management experience of FEMA to provide communities with the latest information and resources to prepare for, protect against, and respond to cyber incidents. Releasing this guide is part of our continued commitment to helping emergency managers strengthen critical infrastructure and enhance the resilience of the communities they serve.”

“We all rely heavily on technology in our day-to-day lives, yet even with the best cybersecurity program in place, cyber incidents are always a risk,” said Administrator Criswell. “An interruption to one organization or system can have widespread impacts across a network, whether from natural hazards, human error, equipment failure, or malicious attacks. This new guide, created in partnership with CISA, will provide a roadmap for emergency managers to navigate the worst-case scenario, especially when lives are at risk and significant economic challenges arise.”

“Emergency managers are used to dealing with whatever is thrown at them, from natural disasters to intentional acts to everything in between,” said Director Easterly. “In today’s world, where we are increasingly connected and our critical infrastructure relies on technology, an emergency manager’s role includes planning for a significant cyber incident. This guide will help organizations develop cyber incident response plans and ensure their resilience, preventing a bad day from becoming worse. I encourage every emergency manager to review this new guide and take steps to ensure they’re ready to respond to and mitigate a cyberattack.”

This new guidance document is the result of robust community engagement with the stakeholders, designed to help, state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) emergency management personnel. The straightforward best practices and comprehensive resources within the guide may also benefit emergency managers in academia, nonprofits, or the private sector, especially if they serve on a jurisdiction’s planning team. 

Organizations and jurisdictions must have both a cybersecurity program to protect against disruptions and a cyber incident response plan to enable organizations to act quickly when interruptions occur. An effective and efficient response plan to cyber threats helps to reduce negative impacts and return functional services as soon as possible.

As FEMA and CISA continue to work together on the shared Department of Homeland Security National Preparedness Goal of maintaining a secure and resilient nation, this new tool guidance, combined with the department's national preparedness and cybersecurity grant programs, will support SLTTs with extensive cybersecurity planning and project development.

FEMA, in cooperation with CISA, will host several 60-minute webinars to provide an overview of the guide and supporting materials. To learn more about the webinar sessions and to download the guide and supporting materials, visit Planning Guides | FEMA.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 11/06/2023 - 20:30

FEMA Experts Available for Repair, Rebuilding Advice at Local Hardware Stores

ATLANTA – As Georgia residents repair and rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, FEMA continues to team up with local hardware stores to provide free information and tips on how to make hurricane-damaged homes stronger and safer. 

FEMA specialists will be available in Valdosta and Adel to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips and proven methods to help prevent or reduce damage from future disasters. They will also share techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes. Most information is aimed at do-it-yourselfers and general contractor work. There is no charge and reservations are not required. 

The specialists will be available on these dates and at these locations: 

Monday through Thursday, Nov. 6–9

Home Depot in Lowndes County
1825 Norman Drive 
Valdosta, GA 31601

Monday: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  | Tuesday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, Nov. 6–9 and Saturday Nov. 11

Adel Trading Co. Home Center in Cook County
313 West Fifth St, 
Adel, GA 31620

Monday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  | Tuesday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Friday Nov. 10: Not in stores in observance of Veteran's Day.

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4738, follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Mon, 11/06/2023 - 15:07

DHS Unveils New Shields Ready Campaign to Promote Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and FEMA launched the new “Shields Ready” campaign to encourage the critical infrastructure community to focus on strengthening resilience. Resilience is the ability to prepare for, adapt to, withstand and rapidly recover from disruptions caused by changing conditions. The new campaign was unveiled during a joint press conference at the Port of Long Beach, alongside speakers from the Long Beach, California, community and members of the U.S. Coast Guard.   

Shields Ready complements CISA’s successful “Shields Up” campaign, which encourages critical infrastructure stakeholders to take specific, time-sensitive actions that reduce risk in response to specific threat intelligence during cyberattacks, physical security threats, or natural disasters in response to specific threat intelligence. Shields Ready focuses more broadly and strategically on how to prepare critical infrastructure for a potential disruption and how to build more resilience into systems, facilities and processes by taking action before a crisis or incident even occurs. Shields Ready aligns with and complements FEMA’s Ready campaign. Each campaign webpage will feature and link to the other for easy reference and use. 

“In the constantly evolving threat environment that our nation faces today, our Department must remain ready and agile to prepare for and respond to threats against critical infrastructure,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The Shields Ready campaign, spearheaded by CISA and supported by FEMA, will ensure our nation’s critical infrastructure is better equipped and more resilient against all threats and hazards, ranging from cyberattacks to natural disasters. By working with our partners and providing them with the tools they need for more effective risk management and incident response, DHS is building on its critical safety and security mission and meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

“Our nation's critical infrastructure entities -- from schools to hospitals to water facilities -- must have the tools and resources to respond to and recover from disruption. As the National Coordinator for critical infrastructure security, CISA is launching the Shields Ready campaign during Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month to improve the resilience of infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “By taking steps today to prepare for incidents, critical infrastructure, communities and individuals can be better prepared to recover from the impact of the threats of tomorrow and into the future.”

“When our infrastructure partners in the public and private sector are prepared, their communities are able to respond better and recover faster after disasters,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We are excited to partner with Director Easterly and our colleagues at CISA on their new Shields Ready campaign. In coordination with FEMA’s own Ready campaign, this new approach will help us encourage critical infrastructure stakeholders to practice preparedness and build a more resilient nation by creating plans to protect people and communities alike against hazardous events.”

This focused approach highlights how critical infrastructure entities and other organizations can Resolve to be Resilient by integrating certain practices that will make themselves secure, resilient, able to bounce back quickly and build back stronger from an incident, entities should: 

• Know Your Infrastructure and Dependencies. Organizations should identify their most critical systems and assets for their operations and understand their potential dependencies on other infrastructure systems that enable the continuity of their own operations. 
• Assess Your Risks. Consider the full range of threats and hazards that could disrupt your organization’s infrastructure operations and evaluate specific vulnerabilities and consequences the threats and hazards could pose. 
• Make Actionable Plans. Organizations should develop both a strategic risk management plan to reduce the risks and vulnerabilities identified as well as actionable incident response and recovery plans to help withstand disruptions and rapidly restore operations within minimal downtime. 
• Measure Progress to Continuously Improve. Exercise incident response and recovery plans under realistic conditions and periodically evaluate and update strategic plans. An organization’s ability to prepare for and adapt to changing risk conditions starts with fostering a culture of continuous improvement, based on lessons learned from exercises and real-world incidents. 

For more information, please visit: CISA.gov/ShieldsReady. 

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 11/06/2023 - 14:56

FEMA Inspections Underway for Hurricane Idalia

LAKE MARY, Fla. –If you applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Idalia, a FEMA inspector may contact you to schedule a home inspection.

A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary, functional and accessible. FEMA considers the following factors when determining if an applicant is eligible for assistance:

• Is the exterior of the home structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows?
• Do the electricity, gas, heat, plumbing, sewer and septic systems function properly?
• Is the inside of the house habitable and structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors?
• Is the home capable of being used for its intended purpose?
• Is there a safe access to and from the home?

There is no charge for an inspection. The inspector will have FEMA photo ID and your application number. Be aware that the phone call may come from an unidentified number.

Applicants who are unable to meet with the inspector can have a friend or relative act on their behalf. They must submit a written and signed request for a third party to act on their behalf.

If you need accommodation for language or a disability, call 800-621-3362 in advance of the inspection and let FEMA know your needs.

If contacted by a FEMA home inspector but no one in the household applied to FEMA, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for assistance and notify FEMA by contacting the Helpline at 800-621-3362, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

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

 

johanna.strickland Mon, 11/06/2023 - 14:35

FEMA Direct Temporary Housing Program to End in Eastern Kentucky in Jan. 2024

Frankfort, Ky.– Eighteen months after a major disaster was declared for Eastern Kentucky due to severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides last summer, FEMA’s temporary housing program is scheduled to end for survivors Friday, January 29, 2024.

To date, 129 households have been licensed into temporary housing in Eastern Kentucky. Of that number, 77 households have found permanent housing with the help of this program. Temporary housing has been available in the following counties: Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Pike.

Kentuckians participating in this program have been informed via mail that this program is concluding.  They will also receive a hand-delivered letter 90 days before the program ends. The letter will state that the Direct Temporary Housing program will end on January 29, 2024. Survivors will have until then to move to alternate housing.

While this FEMA program is scheduled to end, help is still available. Homeowners and renters getting temporary housing assistance from FEMA still have options. Survivors in temporary housing are strongly encouraged to contact their Disaster Case Manager for help. They may also reach out to voluntary agencies and long-term recovery groups in their area for assistance finding suitable housing before the June deadline.

For more information, survivors are encouraged to contact their disaster case manager or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.

This housing program helps fill the need for short-term housing allowing survivors time to identify permanent housing solutions. Survivors work directly with Disaster Case Managers to assess their housing needs and help them build a permanent housing plan. 

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

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 11/03/2023 - 20:25

Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre en Austin Norte y Cicero cierran permanentemente

CHICAGO - Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) en Austin Norte y Cicero terminarán sus operaciones permanentemente el martes, 7 de noviembre a las 5 p.m. Estas dos ubicaciones son los últimos centros por desastre que operan en el Condado Cook en respuesta a las tormentas e inundaciones ocurridas del 29 de junio al 2 de julio. 

El centro Austin North, situado en el centro comercial Washington Square, 4851 W. North Ave. de Chicago, estará abierto de lunes a sábado de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. hasta que cierre definitivamente el martes, 7 de noviembre a las 5 p.m. 

El centro en Cicero, ubicado en el Morton College, 3801 S. Central Ave., estará abierto de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. de lunes a sábado hasta que cierre el martes, 7 de noviembre a las 5 p.m. 

Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre no son la única forma de obtener ayuda de FEMA. Aunque el periodo de solicitud está ahora cerrado, FEMA seguirá recibiendo y tramitando apelaciones y prestando asistencia a los solicitantes que tengan preguntas.

La Línea de Ayuda de FEMA, 800-621-3362, está atendida por operadores multilingües dispuestos a ayudar a los sobrevivientes a registrarse y a resolver cualquier otra duda que tengan. Los sobrevivientes también pueden utilizar Disasterassistance.gov/es o la aplicación de FEMA en sus teléfonos móviles. 

Para más información sobre la operación de recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite www.fema.gov/disaster/es/4728. 

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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin tener en cuenta la raza, el color, la religión, la nacionalidad, el sexo, la edad, la discapacidad, el dominio del inglés o la situación económica. Se dispondrá de acomodo razonable, incluyendo traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de Vídeo, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido víctima de discriminación, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 800-621-3362 (incluido el 711 o el Servicio de Retransmisión de vídeo). 

darrell.habisch Vie, 03/11/2023 - 20:13

Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre en Austin Norte y Cicero cierran permanentemente

CHICAGO - Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) en Austin Norte y Cicero terminarán sus operaciones permanentemente el martes, 7 de noviembre a las 5 p.m. Estas dos ubicaciones son los últimos centros por desastre que operan en el Condado Cook en respuesta a las tormentas e inundaciones ocurridas del 29 de junio al 2 de julio. 

El centro Austin North, situado en el centro comercial Washington Square, 4851 W. North Ave. de Chicago, estará abierto de lunes a sábado de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. hasta que cierre definitivamente el martes, 7 de noviembre a las 5 p.m. 

El centro en Cicero, ubicado en el Morton College, 3801 S. Central Ave., estará abierto de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. de lunes a sábado hasta que cierre el martes, 7 de noviembre a las 5 p.m. 

Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre no son la única forma de obtener ayuda de FEMA. Aunque el periodo de solicitud está ahora cerrado, FEMA seguirá recibiendo y tramitando apelaciones y prestando asistencia a los solicitantes que tengan preguntas.

La Línea de Ayuda de FEMA, 800-621-3362, está atendida por operadores multilingües dispuestos a ayudar a los sobrevivientes a registrarse y a resolver cualquier otra duda que tengan. Los sobrevivientes también pueden utilizar Disasterassistance.gov/es o la aplicación de FEMA en sus teléfonos móviles. 

Para más información sobre la operación de recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite www.fema.gov/disaster/es/4728. 

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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin tener en cuenta la raza, el color, la religión, la nacionalidad, el sexo, la edad, la discapacidad, el dominio del inglés o la situación económica. Se dispondrá de acomodo razonable, incluyendo traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de Vídeo, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido víctima de discriminación, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 800-621-3362 (incluido el 711 o el Servicio de Retransmisión de vídeo). 

darrell.habisch Vie, 03/11/2023 - 20:12

Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre en Austin Norte y Cicero cierran permanentemente

CHICAGO - Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) en Austin Norte y Cicero terminarán sus operaciones permanentemente el martes, 7 de noviembre a las 5 p.m. Estas dos ubicaciones son los últimos centros por desastre que operan en el Condado Cook en respuesta a las tormentas e inundaciones ocurridas del 29 de junio al 2 de julio. 

El centro Austin North, situado en el centro comercial Washington Square, 4851 W. North Ave. de Chicago, estará abierto de lunes a sábado de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. hasta que cierre definitivamente el martes, 7 de noviembre a las 5 p.m. 

El centro en Cicero, ubicado en el Morton College, 3801 S. Central Ave., estará abierto de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. de lunes a sábado hasta que cierre el martes, 7 de noviembre a las 5 p.m. 

Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre no son la única forma de obtener ayuda de FEMA. Aunque el periodo de solicitud está ahora cerrado, FEMA seguirá recibiendo y tramitando apelaciones y prestando asistencia a los solicitantes que tengan preguntas.

La Línea de Ayuda de FEMA, 800-621-3362, está atendida por operadores multilingües dispuestos a ayudar a los sobrevivientes a registrarse y a resolver cualquier otra duda que tengan. Los sobrevivientes también pueden utilizar Disasterassistance.gov/es o la aplicación de FEMA en sus teléfonos móviles. 

Para más información sobre la operación de recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite www.fema.gov/disaster/es/4728. 

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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin tener en cuenta la raza, el color, la religión, la nacionalidad, el sexo, la edad, la discapacidad, el dominio del inglés o la situación económica. Se dispondrá de acomodo razonable, incluyendo traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de Vídeo, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido víctima de discriminación, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 800-621-3362 (incluido el 711 o el Servicio de Retransmisión de vídeo). 

darrell.habisch Vie, 03/11/2023 - 20:12

Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre en Austin Norte y Cicero cierran permanentemente

CHICAGO - Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés) en Austin Norte y Cicero terminarán sus operaciones permanentemente el martes, 7 de noviembre a las 5 p.m. Estas dos ubicaciones son los últimos centros por desastre que operan en el Condado Cook en respuesta a las tormentas e inundaciones ocurridas del 29 de junio al 2 de julio. 

El centro Austin North, situado en el centro comercial Washington Square, 4851 W. North Ave. de Chicago, estará abierto de lunes a sábado de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. hasta que cierre definitivamente el martes, 7 de noviembre a las 5 p.m. 

El centro en Cicero, ubicado en el Morton College, 3801 S. Central Ave., estará abierto de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. de lunes a sábado hasta que cierre el martes, 7 de noviembre a las 5 p.m. 

Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre no son la única forma de obtener ayuda de FEMA. Aunque el periodo de solicitud está ahora cerrado, FEMA seguirá recibiendo y tramitando apelaciones y prestando asistencia a los solicitantes que tengan preguntas.

La Línea de Ayuda de FEMA, 800-621-3362, está atendida por operadores multilingües dispuestos a ayudar a los sobrevivientes a registrarse y a resolver cualquier otra duda que tengan. Los sobrevivientes también pueden utilizar Disasterassistance.gov/es o la aplicación de FEMA en sus teléfonos móviles. 

Para más información sobre la operación de recuperación por desastre en Illinois, visite www.fema.gov/disaster/es/4728. 

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La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin tener en cuenta la raza, el color, la religión, la nacionalidad, el sexo, la edad, la discapacidad, el dominio del inglés o la situación económica. Se dispondrá de acomodo razonable, incluyendo traducción e intérpretes de Lenguaje de Señas Americano a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de Vídeo, para garantizar una comunicación eficaz con los solicitantes con dominio limitado del inglés, discapacidades y necesidades funcionales y de acceso. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido víctima de discriminación, llame al número gratuito de FEMA al 800-621-3362 (incluido el 711 o el Servicio de Retransmisión de vídeo). 

darrell.habisch Vie, 03/11/2023 - 20:12

Austin North and Cicero Disaster Recovery Centers Closing Permanently

CHICAGO – The Disaster Recovery Centers in Austin North and Cicero will end their operations permanently Tuesday, November 7 at 5 p.m. These two locations are the last disaster centers operating in Cook County in response to the June 29 – July 2 storms and flooding. 

The Austin North center, located in the Washington Square Mall, 4851 W. North Ave., Chicago will be open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday until it permanently closes Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. 

The Cicero center, located at Morton College, 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday until it closes Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. 

Recovery Centers are not the only way to get help from FEMA. While the application period is now closed, FEMA will continue to receive and process appeals and assist applicants with questions. The FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362, is staffed by multilingual operators ready to assist survivors with registrations and any other questions they have. Survivors can also use Disasterassistance.gov or the FEMA App on their smart device. 

For additional information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728. 

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). 

darrell.habisch Fri, 11/03/2023 - 20:00

Survivors Won’t Lose Benefits If They Receive FEMA Assistance

ATLANTA – Georgia survivors who suffered losses during Hurricane Idalia needn’t worry that applying for federal disaster assistance will cause them to sacrifice their Social Security or Medicare benefits, pay more taxes or give up income-based benefit programs. A grant from FEMA does not add to your taxable income as long as the grant is to help recover from a disaster like Idalia.

“Hurricanes affect everyone,” said Judy Kruger, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer for Georgia. “We want to reassure Georgia residents not to be afraid to apply for federal assistance. Receiving a disaster grant will not cause anyone to miss out on assistance from other programs.”

“We urge survivors who sustained hurricane damage to go ahead and apply,” Kruger said.  

The deadline to apply for federal assistance is Nov. 6, 2023. 

Applying for assistance also does not affect a person’s eligibility for Medicaid, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or other state and federal programs. Recipients do not have to repay FEMA grants. 

• To apply for FEMA assistance, survivors who live in Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Glynn or Lowndes county can visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 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. Press 1 for English. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for other languages.  

Residents may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance. To find a center near you, text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362 or visit fema.gov/drc. For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, visit youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

When you apply, you will need to provide: 

• 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 you have homeowners or renter’s insurance, you must also file a claim with your insurance company. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. You will need to provide your insurance claim information and policy number (or the agent and/or the company name) to FEMA to determine eligibility for federal assistance.

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4738, follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Fri, 11/03/2023 - 14:33

Monday is the Last Day to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance for Georgia Hurricane Idalia

ATLANTA – Monday, Nov. 6 is the deadline for Georgia homeowners and renters who suffered uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from Hurricane Idalia in Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Glynn and Lowndes counties to apply for FEMA assistance.

Applying for help is free

You can apply at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) where specialists from FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program help applicants in person. Highly trained specialists assist applicants through the recovery process, explaining the types of assistance available from FEMA, such as housing and other needs assistance.

This DRC in Cook County, 206 East Ninth St., Adel, is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6.

If you are unable to apply in person, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 
10 p.m., or use the FEMA mobile 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. 

This is what you will need when you apply:

• 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.

If you are unable to locate important documentation, FEMA will help you identify other ways to verify this information.

We encourage you to file insurance claims for damage to your home, personal property and vehicles before you apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

FEMA’s IA program is designed to help with basic, critical needs such as a safe, sanitary, and functional place to live while you look for a long-term or permanent housing solution. It is not designed to make you whole and is not a substitute for insurance coverage. FEMA IA cannot duplicate other sources of assistance. 

FEMA provides funds paid directly to eligible individuals and households. Financial Housing Assistance may include rental assistance, lodging expenses reimbursement, home repair assistance, and replacement assistance. 

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4738, follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Fri, 11/03/2023 - 13:10

Consolidated Debris Removal Program Open to Property Owners

FEMA encourages all property owners affected by the Aug. 8 wildfires to request participation in the Consolidated Debris Removal Program by submitting a Right-of-Entry form to Maui County. This will help to ensure cultural and historic properties are protected during debris removal operations and eliminate potential runoff of toxic ash into Maui’s sensitive watersheds.

• Under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, FEMA is required to review the Consolidated Debris Removal Program, also known as the Private Property Debris Removal program. In Hawaiʻi, the program invites participation from all affected property owners including privately owned commercial properties. 
• In coordination with the State Historic Preservation Division, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and Native Hawaiian organizations, FEMA followed the expedited emergency notification process and developed an Archaeological Treatment Plan. It outlines how debris removal activities should be conducted on properties that are included in the Consolidated Debris Removal Program.
  • The Archaeological Treatment Plan also outlines a process to avoid, minimize or mitigate potential adverse effects to cultural and historic properties. Its goal is to limit operational delays and conduct debris removal activities in a way that aligns with and respects local culture. 
• Because of the scale and complexity of debris removal operations, previously documented and undocumented historic properties and cultural resources within the burn zone may be impacted by the operation.
• Currently, about 1,600 individual properties are eligible for the Consolidated Debris Removal Program. FEMA covers 100% of all eligible costs for debris removal, building stabilization and structural support. 
• For properties designated as National Historic Landmarks, listed on the National Register of Historic Places or contributing to the National Historic Landmark District, owners must submit separate Right-of-Entry forms to Maui County: one for stabilization, another for debris removal operations. 
• It is important to note that there will be concurrent debris removal, construction activities and various recovery operations taking place within the burn zone alongside Consolidated Debris Removal Program operations. These other activities are not funded by FEMA and are not considered part of the federal program.
• Non-FEMA funded projects, activities and recovery operations are exempt from Archaeological Treatment Plan protocols. 
• Property owners who wish to participate in the Consolidated Debris Removal Program may submit a Right-of-Entry form to Maui County at Fire Debris Removal (mauirecovers.org).

zella.campbell Fri, 11/03/2023 - 03:12

Million-Dollar Allocation from FEMA to Rebuild Municipal Roads

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Residents of several communities in the towns of Yabucoa, Lares and Orocovis will benefit from repairs to more than ten municipal roads, following the allocation of over $12 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damage after Hurricane María. 

These allocations are part of nearly $1.8 billion earmarked for bridges and roads projects in all of the municipalities in Puerto Rico.

“Roads provide access to various needs of the population, especially during times of emergency. These reconstructions will guarantee greater safety for the communities because, in addition to repairs, they will include measures to prevent future damage in the event of other natural events,” explained Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José Baquero.

The municipality of Yabucoa received an allocation of over $6 million to repair nine roads that provide access to state roads 918, 920 and 182. These repairs will provide safer traffic for around 300 families in the Calabazas neighborhood. Although the road is still in use, drivers must use caution to avoid landslides and in certain sites cars can only pass in one direction to avoid landslides.

In addition to asphalt and infrastructure repairs, over $2.1 million of this allocation will go to mitigation measures to prevent erosion, which include the installation of gabion walls with netting to support drainage; wider gutters to increase and redirect water collection; as well as wingwalls and a catch basin with grate.

Other roads within these allocations are the Cooperativismo and Regino roads in the municipality of Lares, which have over $4.1 million and will benefit nearly 50 families of the Castañer village, which is located at a considerable distance from downtown. Repairs to these roads include replacing asphalt and repairing the embankment with a gabion wall. Funds within the project include over $1 million for mitigation: roadside swales will be installed to help reduce rain runoff and the gabions will now be green to help protect the road from erosion.

Likewise, the municipality of Orocovis has over $1.8 million in agency funds for the restoration of one of its municipal roads off of PR-1155. The repair has over $215,400 for hazard mitigation measures that will reduce erosion, such as adding an infiltration trench along the roadway and planting live stakes and deep-rooted grass over embankments.

Six years after Hurricane María, Puerto Rico has over $31.3 billion in FEMA allocations for nearly 10,800 projects that will address its reconstruction. Of these, over 6,400 projects are aimed at the recovery of municipalities, for a total of over $4 billion.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

manuel.deleon Thu, 11/02/2023 - 18:00

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.6 Million to Anna Maria College for COVID Testing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.6 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Anna Maria College for the cost of testing students, staff and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,593,306 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private Catholic college in Paxton for the cost of setting up and operating a testing center on campus between January 2020 and May 2022.

Using both its own employees and contracted labor, Anna Maria College opened and operated an on-campus testing center that administered 62,987 COVID-19 tests to students, faculty, and staff.

The college also purchased and distributed 1,620 COVID-19 antigen rapid self-tests, and provided gloves, masks, gowns, thermometers, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer for its testing activities.

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

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

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

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 17:51

FEMA Awards Over $5.1 Million to Babson College for COVID Testing Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $5.1 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Babson College for the cost of testing students, staff and faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $5,120,936 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the private business school in Wellesley for the cost of purchasing at-home test kits and providing on-campus testing between July 2020 and June 2022, as well as other associated costs.

Using both its own employees and contracted labor, Babson opened and operating an on-campus testing center that administered 193,195 COVID-19 tests to students, faculty, staff, visitors and vendors.

The college also purchased and distributed 5,776 COVID-19 antigen rapid self-tests, and provided provide gloves, masks, face shields, gowns, fit test kits, thermometers, test tube labels, plexiglass, stanchions, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer for its testing activities.

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

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

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

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 17:50

FEMA Awards Over $4 Million to Tufts Medical Center for COVID Staffing

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $4 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse Tufts Medical Center for the cost of providing temporary clinical staffing to care for COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. 

The $4,006,882 grant will reimburse the teaching hospital in Boston affiliated with Tufts University School of Medicine for the cost of hiring temporary staff to accommodate the surge of COVID-19 patients and to fulfill the need for additional healthcare providers. 

Between July and October 2022, 59 registered nurses worked 28,421 hours to provide care for COVID-19 patients, including testing, treatment, triage and daily temperature checks, increased monitoring visits, checking venting and feeding tubes, continued disinfection of patient rooms, and providing supportive care for COVID-19 complications. 

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

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

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

adrien.urbani Thu, 11/02/2023 - 17:48