President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for Tennessee

WASHINGTON - FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Tennessee to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storm during the period of Dec. 22-27, 2022.

Funding is available to the state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm in Cocke, Coffee, Davidson, Greene, Henderson, Knox, Maury, Perry, Putnam, Shelby and Washington counties.

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

Andrew Friend 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.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 03/08/2023 - 21:13

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria to supplement the Tribal Nation’s efforts in the areas affected by an earthquake from Dec. 20, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023.

Federal funding is available to the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the earthquake.

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

Benigno (Bern) Ruiz has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested and warranted by the results of further assessments.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 03/08/2023 - 20:38

An Immense Job, a Robust Effort after Hurricane Ian

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Homes. Schools. Beaches. Fire stations. City halls. Water and sewer systems. Parks, Train stations. Marinas. Hospitals. Recreation centers. Daycare centers. Docks. Piers. Public safety buildings. Post Offices.

Hurricane Ian was an equal opportunity destroyer in Florida.

The Category 4 storm that made landfall in southwest Florida Sept. 28, 2022, was the third costliest tropical cyclone in U.S. history, the fourth largest storm to strike Florida and the worst crisis that thousands of Floridians have ever faced. Nearly six months later, it has resulted in one of the largest federal disaster response and recovery efforts in FEMA history.

Federal support as of March 6 totals $6.6 billion. FEMA Individual Assistance has provided $1.04 billion in financial help to 383,081 households in 26 counties. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $1.73 billion in disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. The National Flood Insurance Program has received 46,400 claims and paid $3.2 billion. FEMA Public Assistance has obligated $636.8 million to reimburse state and local jurisdictions for emergency response and debris removal expenses.

Damage from Hurricane Ian is estimated at $112.9 billion, including insured and uninsured losses, making it the third costliest cyclone to strike the United States, after Katrina and Harvey, according to NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC). 

“Hurricane Ian recovery is one of the largest operations the Federal Emergency Management Agency has undertaken,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Tom McCool. “We are working closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and will be on the job as long as it takes. More than 1,400 federal employees are in Florida today. This operation is locally executed, state managed and federally supported. The private sector, nonprofit organizations and the faith-based community all are active participants in helping these communities recover.”

“The Florida Division of Emergency Management remains committed to working with our local, state and federal partners to navigate the ongoing recovery process in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian,” said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie. “I want to thank my team as they continue to work diligently in our State Emergency Operations Center and on the ground in impacted communities.”

FEMA has provided rental assistance and funds for basic home repair for 73,532 households. More than 4,500 families have been provided temporary hotel stays while they look for longer-term housing, and most have found other lodging. As of March 6, 530 households have been given the keys to FEMA temporary housing, including travel trailers, manufactured housing units or apartment homes leased by FEMA for hurricane survivors. More homes are being prepared for occupancy.

The state of Florida is providing non-congregate sheltering in travel trailers with FEMA funding supporting that initiative. As of March 6, 354 households occupy state trailers. The state has allocated $150 million to Florida Housing Finance Corporation to assist families impacted by the disaster and is providing other support to survivors.

Debris removal in the hardest-hit areas was expedited when FEMA allowed for waivers in the application process by some local jurisdictions, saving as much as six months in the debris removal process.

To speed assessment of damage and inspection of applicants’ homes, FEMA used geospatial information systems and other technology in response and recovery operations.

FEMA operated 57 Disaster Recovery Centers in affected areas with 138,000 visits. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams visited 354,615 homes. SBA operated six Business Recovery Centers and two Loan Closing Centers.

Voluntary organizations have been active since the storm made landfall. More than 540 organizations have helped survivors with cleanup, financial and housing support, mental health and other types of support.

From the beginning, FEMA activated a robust Interagency Recovery Coordination mission, which brings resources from multiple federal agencies to support state and local recovery needs.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

bree-constance… Wed, 03/08/2023 - 19:54

FEMA Region 1 Hosts Multi-State Winter Disaster Response Exercise

FEMA Region 1 simulated a two-day, multi-state disaster March 1-2, which required wide-spread federal, state, and private sector disaster response coordination.

The purpose of the simulated ice storm exercise, called “Frosty Force,” was to bring together federal, state, and other disaster response capabilities in the New England region in a coordinated response. It was designed to test emergency workers in a long-duration power outage scenario — across multiple states.

The exercise primarily took place at FEMA’s Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) in Maynard, Mass. In addition, a small contingent of FEMA workers on the region’s Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) deployed to the Vermont state Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Other New England states were simulated players during the exercise, with Vermont actively participating. Lessons learned will be shared broadly amongst the New England emergency response community.

IMAT Team Leader Terence Hermans said the state EOC in Vermont was bustling with federal and state emergency responders working side by side. The end result: “By the afternoon, we helped the state [Vermont] lock down a temporary power plan, and commodity and refueling plans,” he said.

Exercise Director Kimberly Heredia said the broad goal of the simulated multi-state event was to train state and federal emergency responders to work in lockstep — should a disaster strike the New England region. She said the only way to obtain that level of preparedness is through planning and training for likely regional disasters.

“Essentially, the goal of the exercise was to get new FEMA employees and state partners in our region acclimated to responding to the RRCC for an emergency — and to creating a coordinated emergency response.” Heredia added that the exercise sought to foster innovation and collaboration ahead of regional emergencies, such as hurricanes, floods, blizzards, or pandemics. “We can find the gaps now — in this large-scale training ahead of a potential disaster — and make sure to improve on whatever we’ve found.”

For Heredia, one of the biggest take-aways of the exercise was highlighted by more of an accomplishment than a challenge: “I was amazed at how natural it was for FEMA and our partners, which included multiple federal and state agencies, to come together to execute our training exercise… and to accomplish key goals of the disaster response within one day,” she said, listing goals such as helping states institute plans of action, and effectively simulating the steps necessary to potentially save lives.

“Our partners not only performed well on the day of the training event, but they also helped us plan the training, which made it almost feel effortless,” Heredia said.

Jarrett Devine, FEMA Region 1 Response Division Director, applauded the efforts of each participating person and agency partner, adding the observation: “ I saw amazing discussions and engagement from all” who participated in the exercise.

Lori Ehrlich, Region 1 Administrator, said the success of the exercise comes from working through a disaster simulation with our state and federal partners. “Numerous federal agencies were involved, and state partners either participated or have expressed an interest in reviewing the plans and data we share as a result of the exercise,” Ehrlich said.

 

adrien.urbani Wed, 03/08/2023 - 15:06

FEMA Expands its Reinsurance Program by Transferring $275 Million in Flood Risk to Capital Markets

WASHINGTON -- FEMA continues to engage reinsurance markets to help strengthen the financial framework of the National Flood Insurance Program and promote private sector participation in flood-risk management.

On March 7, the agency transferred $275 million of the program’s financial risk to qualified investors of capital markets by sponsoring catastrophe bonds. This is the sixth time FEMA has entered into three-year reinsurance agreements with Hannover Re (Ireland) Designated Activity Company.

Reinsurance reduces the program’s need to take on additional debt in order to pay claims and creates a more financially sound program that benefits policyholders and taxpayers alike. Additionally, the financial risk transfer helps to further stabilize the program.

Combined with FEMA’s existing bond reinsurance coverage from 2021, 2022 and the 2023 traditional reinsurance placement, FEMA has transferred $1.8 billion of the flood insurance program’s risk to the private sector ahead of the 2023 hurricane season.

As part of the capital markets agreements, FEMA will pay approximately $50.4 million in premiums for the first year of reinsurance coverage. Additionally, the agreements will cover the following losses for any single flood event:

• 5% of losses between $7 billion and $8 billion.  
• 11.25% of losses between $8 billion and $10 billion.

“I’m pleased that FEMA has successfully secured favorable terms for this year’s capital market reinsurance despite the tough market conditions of 2022,” said David Maurstad, FEMA’s Acting Associate Administrator for Resilience and senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program. “The investment is vital to FEMA’s ability to transfer risk in order to stabilize the program’s claims paying capacity as the country continues to adjust to more intense and frequent flooding events.”

This coverage builds on FEMA’s transfer of the program’s flood risk to capital markets investors since 2018. Each placement is a three-year term:

• $450 million in February 2022.
• $575 million in February 2021.
• $400 million in February 2020.

Congress authorized FEMA to secure reinsurance through the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014.

Visit FEMA.gov for more information about the reinsurance programs for the program.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 03/08/2023 - 15:00

Disaster Recovery Center in Sumter County to Close March 10

PRATTVILLE, Ala. -- The FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center in Sumter County will close permanently March 10.

The center is currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. It will close permanently at 3 p.m. Central Time, March 10, 2023.

WHERE:

Sumter County

Emelle City Hall

123 Dailey Ave.

Emelle, AL 35459

 

Recovery specialists from FEMA, the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to provide information on available services, explain assistance programs and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications for assistance.

The centers provide one-on-one help to people affected by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

Two recovery centers remain open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Saturday.

WHERE:

Dallas County

Dr. Michael and Catherine Bullock Community Center

1428 Broad St.

Selma, AL 36701

 

Dallas County

Felix Heights Community Center

405 Medical Center Pkwy.

Selma, AL 36701

 

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

 

Survivors may also apply for assistance by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app for smartphones or calling 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

The deadline to apply for assistance for all designated counties is March 16, 2023.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.

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

felicia.jordan Wed, 03/08/2023 - 14:43

Government Benefits Unaffected by FEMA Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Applying for federal disaster assistance from FEMA will not affect other federal benefits that California survivors may receive.

 

FEMA disaster grants are not taxable income. Accepting a FEMA grant will not affect eligibility for Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and other federal welfare and entitlement programs.

 

Disaster grants help survivors pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, essential personal property replacement, including your assistive equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.) and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

 

You can apply for disaster assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov,  by calling 800.621.3362, or by using 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. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

 

The deadline for applications is March 16, 2023.

 

For an American Sign Language video on this topic, go online to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii7nc94B30c. 

 

For more information about California’s recovery from the storms and floods, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4683. You may also follow twitter.com/CalOES,  facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

 

Flood survivors who apply for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for information on how to apply for a disaster loan. It’s important to submit the loan application as soon as possible. If your application is approved, you do not have to accept the loan but failure to return the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance.

 

brindisi.chan Wed, 03/08/2023 - 01:53

FEMA Hiring Locally to Continue Disaster Recovery

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The federal agency that responds to the nation’s disasters has launched a hiring process to continue its support of California’s recovery from the winter storms and flooding.

If you are interested in a temporary position with FEMA and a variety of emergency management functions, you can apply through USAJobs.gov.  Applicants will be called for interviews at a later date.

FEMA’s mission is “helping people before, during and after disasters.” The agency recognizes the best way to do so is to employ the talents of residents already familiar with the affected communities. By hiring a multilingual workforce locally, FEMA can staff its disaster operations, allow survivors to get back to work, and aid in the long-term recovery of the local community. Local hires who represent our diverse society, including people with disabilities, bring a special understanding of the problems their fellow survivors face.

Positions are available for planners, environmentalists, and IT specialists among others in Chico, Oakland, Pasadena and Sacramento.

Working for the federal government has its perks including excellent benefits, flexible work schedules, opportunities for professional growth, stability, and lateral movement across agencies.

brindisi.chan Wed, 03/08/2023 - 01:33

FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips at Russell’s in Prattville

PRATTVILLE, Ala.– Repairing or rebuilding your home? Disaster survivors who are working on their homes after the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes can visit Russell Do It Center in Prattville to speak with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to best repair their homes.

Mitigation advisors will give tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage. Most of the information is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available between March 9 and March 14 at:

Russell Do It Center

2006 Cobbs Ford Road

Prattville, AL 36066

 

Hours:

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, March 9

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, March 10

7:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 11

7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, March 13

7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 14

 

Specialists are also available on the Mitigation Helpline, 833-336-2477 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Central Time. You may leave a voicemail at any time. Or you may email FEMA-R4-HMHELP@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

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

felicia.jordan Tue, 03/07/2023 - 19:26

Lincoln County, Oklahoma, Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on Sept. 7, 2023, for Lincoln County, Oklahoma. During the next six months, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update each floodplain ordinance and adopt these new flood maps.

Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low-to-moderate or high-risk flood zone. The current and future Flood Insurance Rate Map can be viewed on FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer at https://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.

By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation. Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.

Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if their structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding. A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and answer questions about the maps as well. Contact them by phone or online chat.

• To use the live chat service, visit floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 877-FEMA MAP (877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

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

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 03/07/2023 - 19:00

Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on Sept. 7, 2023, for Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. During the next six months, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update each floodplain ordinance and adopt these new flood maps.

Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low-to-moderate or high-risk flood zone. The current and future Flood Insurance Rate Map can be viewed on FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer at https://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.

By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation. Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.

Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if their structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding. A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and answer questions about the maps as well. Contact them by phone or online chat.

• To use the live chat service, visit floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 877-FEMA MAP (877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

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

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 03/07/2023 - 18:53

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Update

SANTA FE, NM – Claims Offices in San Miguel and Mora counties are expected to open late March – early April.

The Offices will be staffed mainly by area residents who were hired through our local job fairs. We will soon provide information about locations, hours and what you can expect when you visit an office.

We Are Building Out the Claims Process

We are designing the claims process to address your comments, submitted online and at public meetings, about the interim regulations published in November 2022. Since this is a new process, it is important for us to take time to build a solid foundation to successfully support everyone who files a claim for compensation.

Once the Claims Offices are open, we will review each submitted Notice of Loss form for completeness. If additional information is needed, a Claims Navigator will contact you to discuss your form.

Then, we will send official Notice of Loss Acknowledgement Letters and assign dedicated Claim Navigators. Your assigned Claim Navigator will be your main point of contact and will assist you with the claims process including completing your Proof of Loss form.

So that the Claims Office can determine the amount of your final claim payment in a timely way, you will have 150 days from the date of your official Notice of Loss Acknowledgment Letter to submit your Proof of Loss form. No official Notice of Loss Acknowledgement Letters have been sent. This means that the 150-day clock has not started yet, even if you have submitted your Notice of Loss form.

What You Can Do Until the Offices Open

There are things you can do as we make final preparations to open the claims offices. The first step is filing a Notice of Loss form if you haven’t already. Submitting this form means you would like to begin the claims process and that you are seeking compensation for losses from the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire through the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act.

While you’re waiting for the offices to open, you can gather information and documentation, including pictures, to ensure the Proof of Loss process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible. Your Claims Navigator can also help you determine what is needed and the best way to document your losses.

If you haven’t filled out a Notice of Loss form yet, visit fema.gov/disaster/current/hermits-peak#form for a link to download or print the form. For instructions on how to file, including where to submit your form by email or by mail, visit fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema.gov_hermits-peak-calf-canyon-fire_how-to-submit-notice-of-loss-form_20221114.pdf.

Until the Claims Offices are open, watch for additional information through local media outlets and community meetings.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act provides compensation for those impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire. Compensation may cover eligible losses, including personal injury, loss of property, business loss or financial loss. For more information, visit fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 03/07/2023 - 18:46

FEMA Provides $66.9M to Wisconsin Department of Health Services

CHICAGO – FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that $66,992,779 in federal funding has been made available to Wisconsin Department of Health Services for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration on April 4, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Wisconsin Department of Health Services for costs to distribute COVID-19 testing supplies and perform testing and lab services for K-12 schools and school community screening events statewide.

“FEMA remains committed to supporting Wisconsin’s COVID-19 recovery,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “Testing has been critical to controlling the spread of this virus, and in this case, protecting the health and safety of young people in Wisconsin.”

“We greatly appreciate FEMA’s continued support of Wisconsin’s COVID-19 recovery efforts,” said Wisconsin Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge. “Testing in our schools has been a priority and a vital part of our effort to ensure students and staff have access to this resource to protect their health and the health of their communities.”

FEMA provides a 100% federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.  

# # #

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

troy.christensen Tue, 03/07/2023 - 18:19

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Hardy County, West Virginia

FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Hardy County, West Virginia. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on March 8, 2023. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

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

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

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Melissa Scott at mscott.hardyplanner@gmail.com.

The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/yCKLr.

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Hardy County Flood Mapping Milestones 

• September 15, 2021 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data. 
• April 14, 2022 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released. 
• June 21, 2023 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance. 
• March 8, 2023 – Appeal Period starts. 
• Winter 2024* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.) 

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs 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

 

 

 

erika.osullivan Tue, 03/07/2023 - 17:51

County Disaster Recovery Center to Close March 17

ATLANTA – The Spalding County Disaster Recovery Center in Griffin will close at 6 p.m. Friday, March 17, but those who have an ongoing need for FEMA assistance can still get information about available recovery programs after the closing.

FEMA specialists are continuing their work in Georgia to help survivors of the Jan. 12 storms and tornadoes. You don’t have to be a county resident to visit the recovery center and you can still get answers to your questions by calling the FEMA Helpline. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Monday, March 20.

The Disaster Recovery Center in Spalding County is located at:

• Spalding County Senior Center, 885 Memorial Dr., Griffin, GA 30223

• Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday

FEMA is continuing its work with the state and other partners to help Georgia residents recover from the storms. FEMA specialists are available to help update information in your accounts and direct you to federal, state and community programs and assistance.

As of March 6, more than 2,100 people have visited the seven Disaster Recovery Centers that were opened to support Georgia’s recovery. They have received information or referrals to programs offered by FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other federal, state and local agencies and organizations.

As the disaster recovery operation progresses, it is important to stay in touch with FEMA if you change your address or phone number, even if only temporarily. Missing or wrong information could delay the assistance you may be eligible to receive.

If you haven’t yet applied, here are the ways to do so:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA mobile app
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
• For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6

For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes, visit fema.gov/disaster/4685. You may also follow @GeorgiaEMAHS/Twitter, Facebook.com/GeorgiaEMAHS, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

felicia.jordan Tue, 03/07/2023 - 16:00

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Ontario, Rialto and Riverside

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for unincorporated Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Ontario, Rialto and Riverside. The maps identify revised flood hazards along the Santa Ana River, Highgrove Channel, Warm Springs Tributary C, Benton Creek and Pyrite Channel. The new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from March 4, 2023 to June 2, 2023. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and the cities mentioned above, worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

For more information, contact Riverside County at (951) 955-1265 or haelhadd@rivco.org and San Bernardino County at (909) 387-7906 or bbiggs@dpw.sbcounty.gov. Other community information is available for the cities of Chino at (909) 334-3535 or ajakher@cityofchino.org, Chino Hills at (909) 364-2800 or publicworks@chinohills.org, Colton at (909) 370-5065 or vortiz@coltonca.gov, Corona at (951) 736-2266 or savat.khamphou@coronaca.gov, Eastvale at (951) 703-4479 or morme@eastvaleca.gov, Jurupa Valley at (951) 332-6464 or ptoor@jurupavalley.org, Norco at (951) 270-5677 or snelson@ci.norco.ca.us, Ontario at (909) 395-2188 or tespinoza@ontarioca.gov, Rialto at (909) 820-8040 or apaiva@rialtoca.gov; and Riverside at (951) 826-5345 or cscully@riversideca.gov.

robert.barker Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:58

FEMA Awards Over $1.3 Million to Massachusetts for COVID-19 Vaccination Supplies

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1.3 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for the cost of vaccination supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,343,707 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for the cost of vaccination supplies.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our partners on the front lines of the pandemic fight is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

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 $1.5 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. To learn more about the COVID-19 response in Massachusetts, please visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4496

adrien.urbani Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:17

FEMA Awards Over $1 Million to State of New Hampshire for COVID Vaccination Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $1 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse the state for the cost of providing vaccine staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,067,182 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will reimburse it for the cost of vaccine staffing.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist the State of New Hampshire with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

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 $194 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:17

FEMA Awards Almost $1.5 Million to State of New Hampshire for COVID Training Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $1.5 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse the state for the cost of training during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,480,077 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will reimburse it for the cost of training.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist State of New Hampshire with these costs,” said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. “Providing resources for our institutions of higher education to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to their success, and to our success as a nation.”

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 $194 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:16

Road Renovations in Mountain Towns with FEMA Funds

The reconstructed roadways will benefit over 382,000 residents that live in the Cordillera Central

Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO — Puerto Rico’s Cordillera Central and the public roads that connect the 15 municipalities that are part of it have received —to date— obligations totaling over $672 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair bridges and roads in the area. These roads are a key element for the safe transportation of residents and for the small businesses that surround this area of touristic and cultural value.

“The reconstruction in this area brings with it other collateral benefits, such as activity in the surrounding businesses. We understand the positive impact of these reconstructed roads on other sectors and that is why 95 percent of these projects have funds assigned for mitigation activities to prevent this type of damage from happening again," said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

In Jayuya, FEMA allocated nearly $268 million for 123 projects aimed at repairing municipal roads. One of these projects entails the repair of two municipal roads in the Limón Sector at Mameyes neighborhood with nearly $3 million. Here the asphalt and concrete curbs and gutters will be replaced, and gabion walls and metal rails will be installed.

The mayor of Jayuya, Jorge González Otero, said that the road repairs in this agricultural coffee-growing area not only benefit the residents, but also have an impact on the economic sector, since near this area is the Tierra Alta Agrotourism Project, a coffee plantation where an aerostatic balloon was located, among other attractions.

“People see the difference in those places where these works have been developed with new asphalt, curbing, walls, metal railing and mitigation measures. The transformation is like night and day compared to how our roads were left after María, especially in this neighborhood that is the home of more than 100 families, most of them with limited resources,” said González Otero.

Mitigation measures increase resilience in projects, which was the case of Naranjito. There, FEMA obligated nearly $36 million for several road projects, like the El Banco Road in the Cedro Arriba neighborhood. About $418,000 of the allocation was assigned for mitigation measures that included a concrete curb along the road to collect and direct runoff water away and prevent erosion. Also, over 2,500 plants were planted to protect the embankment fill and a jute mesh was placed over slopes to reduce the effects of erosion, among other measures.

According to the deputy mayor of Naranjito, José Rafael Rodríguez, mitigation measures translate into a strengthened municipality, which was demonstrated when the rainfall associated with Hurricane Fiona did not affect the project. Likewise, this roadway serves as an alternate route in case of emergencies or when there is heavy traffic, making the repairs a source of relief for the more than 100 families that drive on the road.

“This area has schools, academies and about ten to twelve businesses. In addition, there is a positive impact for tourism because many people take this road to visit several well-known restaurants in the area visited by people from all over the island. Also, by making the road wider, there is more space for vehicles, and it is much safer, something very important for residents,” said Rodríguez.

On the other hand, for small businessowner Aníbal Luis López Vásquez, owner of a restaurant operating on Carr. 809 for the last six years, the damage to these roads limited access to the site and, therefore, visits from customers and tourists to his business. “It’s very important that these funds are allocated because they make the roads accessible to people who are nervous about road safety. Having roads in good condition and well-built, clean and safe gives confidence to people. These repairs have a positive impact because it makes tourists and clientele feel safe, so they can enjoy our businesses and our town,” he said.

The Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Carlos Mercado, said his agency is pleased with FEMA’s contribution to repair roads in the mountain area, which he considers “one of the most attractive for local tourism and to receive tourists from abroad.” “It is gratifying to have safe and accessible roads so that our citizens and visitors can enjoy the natural beauties, exquisite gastronomy, historical and cultural attributes found in this region. This project will contribute to enhance the visitor experience and strengthen the tourism industry as an economic development tool for these municipalities and for all of Puerto Rico,” said Mercado.

According to engineer Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, Executive Director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, or COR3, per the Quarterly Progress Report from October to December 2022, municipalities are leading close to 2,000 projects, most of which are developments in the Central Cordillera area, and there is an increase of projects under execution in the category of roads and bridges. “At COR3 we will continue our efforts to provide the right tools for municipalities to continue advancing their reconstruction projects so necessary for the wellbeing of our citizens,” said Laboy Rivera.

To date, FEMA has obligated over $29 billion under its Public Assistance program to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane María. 

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

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 03/06/2023 - 11:51