FEMA Seeks Leaders for National Youth Preparedness Council

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council, a program that brings teens together from across the nation who are interested and engaged in community preparedness.

Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities, and their potential to expand their impact as national leaders for emergency preparedness. Students in grades eight through 11 are eligible to apply.

“FEMA is committed to empowering and bringing young voices to the table when discussing ways to bolster our nation’s disaster preparedness. Our nation’s youth offer unique perspectives that are especially important considering the affect climate change and associated extreme weather events will have for generations to come,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “By joining the Youth Preparedness Council, young people from across the country will have the opportunity to learn and grow as emergency managers while helping their communities become safer and more resilient to all hazards.”

During their one-year term, council members will collaborate virtually with each other to develop projects that promote preparedness on a local and national scale. Members will also attend the council summit in July and engage with top leaders within FEMA, the federal government and national non-profit organizations.

Youths interested in applying to the council must submit a completed application form and provide two letters of recommendation. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. PT, March 6, 2023. New council members will be announced in June.

To access the application materials, read about the current council members, and for more information about the Youth Preparedness Council visit https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/youth-preparedness-council.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 01/23/2023 - 17:28

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

ATLANTA – Disaster survivors in Autauga, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore and Hale counties who applied for assistance from FEMA will receive an eligibility determination letter from FEMA in the mail or via email.

The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.

Applicants may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:

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

If you have questions about your letter, call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs.

A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary, accessible, and functional. FEMA considers the following factors in the home inspection:

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) or other heating and cooling sources.
• Access and egress, including privately-owned roads, privately-owned bridges, and privately-owned docks.
• Blocking, leveling, and anchoring of a mobile home, and reconnecting or resetting its sewer, water, electrical, oil, and fuel lines and tanks.
• The exterior of the home is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows.
• The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer or septic systems function properly.
• The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors.
• The home is capable of functioning for its intended purpose.
• There is safe access to and from the home.

FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance. FEMA assistance only provides funds for basic work to make a home habitable, including items such as toilets, a roof, critical utilities, windows and doors.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance, may submit an appeal letter and documents supporting their claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. Applicants have 60 days to send FEMA the appeal letter.

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled by submitting insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA. FEMA does not provide assistance for insurance deductibles.

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

• Applicant’s full name
• Disaster number (DR-4684 for Alabama)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
• Applicant’s current phone number and address

• The FEMA application number on all documents

If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant. Letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be submitted to FEMA by fax or mail or via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.

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

By fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA

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 Mon, 01/23/2023 - 15:03

FEMA Obligates Over $60.2 Million for Power Grid Repairs in Six Municipalities

San Juan, Puerto Rico –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) obligated over $60.2 million distributed among 12 subprojects for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) that include generation, transmission and distribution units in Bayamón, Caguas, Mayagüez, Ponce, San Juan and Toa Baja.

These federal funds are part of nearly $1.7 billion that were obligated to PREPA up to date for total of 87 approved subprojects for the energy grid under the FEMA’s Accelerated Awards Strategy, known as FAASt.

“At FEMA, we continue to work with PREPA and the Government of Puerto Rico to keep improvements moving forward. This obligation will benefit nearly 900,000 people living in these municipalities, who will be able to rely on an improved electrical grid, not only for their homes, but also for schools, hospitals and other facilities in the area. Some of these projects include hazard mitigation proposals to avoid similar damage in the future, such as the replacement of concrete poles with galvanized steel poles, among other measures,” said Deputy Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator Andrés García.

One of the facilities that completed the proposed work with FEMA funding is the Palo Seco Power Plant in Toa Baja. With an obligation of over $53.7 million for transmission works, PREPA purchased and installed three PWPS Mobile Gas Turbines, or mega generators. These turbines will be used as a temporary power source to bypass the needs of certain transmission lines and/or generation power plants. Another obligation of over $2.6 million for generation purposes, was used to complete the replacement of a demineralized water tank and stainless-steel pipes. It included other works such as a soil study and environmental compliance tests.

According to PREPA Executive Director, Engineer Josué A. Colón Ortiz, the agency was able to complete all the necessary work and tests to put the mega-generators in Palo Seco into service.

“An additional benefit of having the mega-generators in service is that these modern units are much more efficient than the existing peaking units replaced by them, resulting in a lower cost for customers in Puerto Rico,” said Colón Ortiz, who also mentioned that “with the support of FEMA and COR3, PREPA has been able to make the necessary repairs to several generating units during the past year, which has helped stabilize the generation system in Puerto Rico.”

For works on distribution, an obligation of over $3.8 million was distributed among 10 facilities located in Bayamón, Caguas, Mayagüez, Ponce and San Juan. Included in this allocation are the repairs to distribution pole and conductor of San Juan Group 8, that includes distribution feeders Venezuela, Hato Rey, Tres Monjitas, Baldrich, Las Lomas 4 and Las Lomas 5. With an obligation of more than $483,000, existing poles and hardware were removed to install new ones with concrete foundation bases in the same location. This project captures funding of nearly $106,000 for a hazard mitigation proposal to increase the wind tolerance of all materials and replace concrete poles by galvanized steel poles.

“I thank FEMA for this million-dollar obligation, which allows us to continue fulfilling the commitment of Governor Pedro Pierluisi’s administration to renew the power generation, transmission and distribution system with modern and efficient equipment. At COR3, we support PREPA and LUMA throughout the technical process required to complete their reconstruction projects. To date, some 10 permanent works have been completed and another 113 projects valued at $415.2 million are in the construction or design stage,” said the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera.

To date, FEMA has obligated over $29 billion in Public Assistance funds for roughly 10,400 projects that will support the rebuilding of a more resilient Puerto Rico.

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

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 01/23/2023 - 12:20

FEMA Teams Working in Alabama

ATLANTA – FEMA is meeting survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recovery from the Jan. 12 severe storms and tornadoes. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are going door-to-door in impacted neighborhoods to help individuals apply for FEMA assistance.

Using mobile technology, DSA personnel can help survivors apply for assistance, update a FEMA application, and answer questions about federal assistance.

DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

It is not necessary to wait for a visit from DSA to apply for assistance. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app  or call 800-621-3362, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time seven days a week. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

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

felicia.jordan Fri, 01/20/2023 - 21:51

FEMA Teams Working in Georgia

ATLANTA – FEMA is meeting survivors where they are to help jumpstart their recovery from the Jan. 12 severe storms and tornadoes. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are going door-to-door in neighborhoods impacted by the storms to help individuals apply for FEMA assistance.

Using mobile technology, DSA personnel can help survivors apply for assistance, update a FEMA application, and answer questions about federal assistance.

DSA teams wear FEMA attire and have federal photo identification badges. There is no charge for service.

It is not necessary to wait for a visit from DSA to apply for assistance. Survivors in Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Spalding, and Troup counties can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app  or call 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time seven days a week. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

For information on Georgia’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster 4685. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Fri, 01/20/2023 - 21:33

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Lee County

LAKE MARY, Fla. – FEMA and the State of Florida are opening another disaster recovery center in Lee County to assist Hurricane Ian survivors at the following location:

WHERE: 

Mt. Olive A.M.E Church

2754 Orange St.

Fort Myers, FL 33916

Hours:

Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Although the deadline to apply for assistance for damage or loss from Hurricane Ian has passed, survivors who were affected by Hurricane Ian can also get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process or check the status of their application the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. The line is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages.

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… Fri, 01/20/2023 - 21:30

Coosa, Elmore and Hale Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

ATLANTA – Coosa, Elmore and Hale counties are now eligible for FEMA assistance after the Jan. 12 storms and tornadoes in Alabama.

Individuals and households in Coosa, Elmore and Hale counties can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, which may include temporary housing assistance, basic home repairs and certain other uninsured disaster-related needs.

These counties join Autauga and Dallas counties, which were previously approved for Individual Assistance.

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, or by 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 service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

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.

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felicia.jordan Fri, 01/20/2023 - 16:06

Federal Support for Hurricane Ian Recovery Totals $5.2 Billion

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Less than four months after the major disaster declaration for Hurricane Ian, the Biden-Harris Administration has provided $5.2 billion in financial assistance, disaster loans and flood insurance for Floridians.

These efforts have been supported by more than 4,000 responders from FEMA and other federal agencies who were on the ground since landfall.

Providing safe, secure and sanitary housing is a priority for FEMA. The agency has housed 100 families in manufactured housing units and travel trailers, and 182 units are being made ready for occupancy. Site inspections have been completed for 1,235 more units. FEMA Direct Temporary Housing may be available for up to 18 months for eligible survivors.

In addition, more than 1,300 households with 3,200 members are currently staying in hotels temporarily at FEMA’s expense while they look for other lodging. Previously, 3,100 households participated in hotel stays under FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program and have found other lodging.

“This has been an extraordinary effort,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Tom McCool. “We are working closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management in their sheltering mission. We know how badly people are hurting and this brings a sense of urgency to our mission. We will be here until the mission is complete.”

Federal assistance to Florida includes:

• $906 million in FEMA awards to 372,000 individuals and households, including $566 million for rental of temporary housing and basic repair of damaged dwellings
• $1.5 billion in U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans
• $2.3 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments to policy holders
• $504 million in FEMA Public Assistance to reimburse local and state expenses for emergency response and debris removal

To meet survivors where they are, FEMA is operating 18 Disaster Recovery Centers in communities affected by Hurricane Ian. More than 118,000 people have visited these centers and 20 others that operated to help jumpstart survivors’ recovery from the storm. Another center in Dunbar opens Saturday.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have visited 345,000 homes and interacted with 153,000 individuals to help them apply for assistance.

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

bree-constance… Fri, 01/20/2023 - 14:18

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Increase in Disaster Assistance for California

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to California by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for emergency work undertaken as a result of severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, beginning on Dec. 27, 2022 and continuing.

Under the President’s major disaster declaration for California issued on Jan.14, 2023, federal funding for the approved cost-share programs was made available at 75% of the total eligible costs. 

Under the President’s order today, the federal share increased to 100% of the total eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program, for 60 days from the start of the incident period.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 01/19/2023 - 21:18

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

ATLANTA – Disaster survivors should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after a disaster. In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from survivors.

If a FEMA Inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance but receive a letter from FEMA, please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline will submit a request to stop any further processing of that application.

If you do wish to apply for FEMA assistance after stopping an application made in your name without your knowledge, the Helpline will assist you in creating a new application.

Scams

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials will be working in areas impacted by the Jan. 12 severe storms and tornadoes. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment.

Be wary of unexpected phone calls or visits to your home from people claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors or people claiming they work for FEMA. FEMA representatives will have your FEMA application number.

Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff’s department or contact the Georgia Office of the Attorney General by calling 800-869-1123. To file a fraud complaint, go online to the Georgia Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division.

If you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at:  StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, fax: (202) 212-4926 or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.

If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov.

For information on Georgia’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster 4685. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

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felicia.jordan Thu, 01/19/2023 - 21:07

Wilson County, Texas, Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on July 19, 2023, for portions of the cities of Elmendorf and La Vernia; and unincorporated areas of Wilson County, Texas. 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.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 01/19/2023 - 20:00

Bexar County, Texas, Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on July 19, 2023, for portions of the cities of China Grove, Elmendorf, San Antonio and St. Hedwig; and unincorporated areas of Bexar County, Texas. 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.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 01/19/2023 - 19:48

FEMA Awards Over $5.8 Million to Keene State College for COVID Testing Costs

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending more than $5.8 million to the State of New Hampshire to reimburse Keene State College for the cost of providing testing for students, faculty and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $5,847,714 FEMA Public Assistance grant to the public liberal arts college in Keene will reimburse it for  purchasing nearly 165,000 COVID-19 antigen tests between January 2021 and March 2022.

The college also paid for 1,328 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, as well as courier services for the tests to be transported to a laboratory for analysis.

“FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Keene State College 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 $189 million in Public Assistance grants to New Hampshire to reimburse the state for pandemic-related expenses.

adrien.urbani Thu, 01/19/2023 - 17:21

Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Counties Added to Major Disaster Declaration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties have been added to the major federal disaster declaration for California’s severe storms and flooding, meaning residents who had damage or losses from the storms may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

President Biden approved an emergency declaration after the Golden State was hit by waves of atmospheric river storms beginning Dec. 27. A major disaster declaration was approved Jan. 14, allowing FEMA to provide direct support to individuals and households in Merced, Sacramento and Santa Cruz counties under its Individual Assistance program. Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, three counties further south along the coast, were added Jan. 17.

Homeowners and renters in the six counties who had damage or losses as a direct result of the storms are encouraged to apply for assistance. Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare, and moving and storage expenses.

If you have insurance, first file a claim with your insurance provider. FEMA provides assistance to applicants for your uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs.

Applicants are required to let FEMA know about all insurance coverage including flood, homeowners and vehicle. By law, FEMA cannot provide you a grant when any other source – insurance, crowdfunding or financial assistance from voluntary agencies – has covered expenses for the same disaster-related need.

To apply for FEMA assistance, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

The deadline to apply to FEMA is Thursday, March 16.

You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4683. You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES, facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, twitter/FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/FEMA.

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

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

robert.barker Wed, 01/18/2023 - 21:20

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Merced County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Merced County, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can update your FEMA applications and learn about state and community programs and other available assistance.

The Merced County center is located at:

Merced County Fairgrounds, Yosemite Building 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced, CA 95341 Hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

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

Residents who had uninsured or underinsured damage and losses resulting from the severe storms and flooding are encouraged to apply to FEMA, although you do not need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Here are other ways to apply:

Go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4683. You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES, facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, twitter.com/FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/FEMA.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

robert.barker Wed, 01/18/2023 - 20:47

FEMA Surpasses 100 Public Events to Discuss Disaster Assistance

LAKE MARY, Fla. – FEMA continues to schedule open public forums throughout Southwest Florida in its mission to inform hurricane survivors of available state and federal recovery programs. Over the past three months, FEMA has supported more than 100 community meetings throughout a 20-county area in which Subject Matter Experts were available to discuss programs, state initiatives, disaster assistance, community resources, and updates.  These public events have been a way for people to learn more about how to best prepare for the next storm, receive answers to questions regarding the National Flood Insurance Program, and clear up confusion surrounding storm debris removal from personal property.

The meetings ensure FEMA meets people where they are.  For many survivors who were not able to travel to a Disaster Recovery Center due to work or other constraints, some events were held at offices and work locations during the lunch hour. Other meetings took place in the evenings at art markets, town halls, and church socials. 

The events were scheduled wherever requested; however, multiple public forums have taken place in DeSoto, Hillsborough, Lee, Monroe, Polk, Seminole and Volusia counties. FEMA also supported virtual meetings sponsored by the state of Florida to discuss temporary housing options and has partnered with the Polk County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to organize public meetings in historically underserved communities. American Sign Language interpreters have been present when requested and public forums have been held solely for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

FEMA also supports open public forums in languages other than English. For instance, events have been organized in which Haitian Creole, Spanish and Vietnamese were the predominant language. In addition, FEMA offers information in many languages, including, but not limited to French, German, Haitian Creole, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

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

bree-constance… Wed, 01/18/2023 - 18:05

Hopkins County Approved for Nearly $3 Million in Federal Funding

FRANKFORT, Ky. – FEMA has approved nearly $3 million in federal funding to reimburse Hopkins County for debris removal, as a result of the Dec. 10-11, 2021, tornadoes.

FEMA approved $2,919,033 for debris removal throughout Hopkins County for the periods of Dec. 10 through 26, 2021 and Jan. 27 through June 10, 2022. During this time period, contractors removed 143,385 cubic yards of debris throughout Hopkins County that posed a threat to public health and safety.

This project was funded at a 90% cost share. This means FEMA reimburses applicants at 90% of eligible costs with the remaining 10% covered by the Commonwealth.

FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the Commonwealth. It is the Commonwealth’s responsibility to ensure the eligible sub-recipients receive these awards. Following the Commonwealth's review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, it will reimburse the sub-recipients.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including eligible houses of worship.

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

amy.ashbridge Wed, 01/18/2023 - 16:41

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Lonoke County, Arkansas

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

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

The 90-day appeal and comment period will begin on or around January 18, 2023. 

Appeals and comments may be submitted through April 18, 2023, for:

• The City of Cabot; and the unincorporated areas of Lonoke County

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

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

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

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

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

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

For more information about the flood maps:

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

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

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 01/18/2023 - 16:30

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Georgia Tornadoes

ATLANTA – Georgia homeowners and renters in Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Spalding and Troup counties who were affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred Jan. 12, 2023, may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362. The helpline is open, and help is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

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

• A current phone number where you can be contacted
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• Your Social Security number
• A general list of damage and losses
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the tornadoes. If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses.

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

For information on Georgia’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster 4685. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

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felicia.jordan Wed, 01/18/2023 - 15:33

Hurricane Ian Federal Assistance Climbs Past $5 Billion; Thousands of Floridians Affected by Hurricane Nicole Register for Assistance

WASHINGTON -- More than $5 billion in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments has been provided to the state of Florida and to households affected by Hurricane Ian to help survivors jumpstart their recovery.

FEMA has provided $896 million to households affected by Hurricane Ian and $504 million to the state for emergency response to Hurricane Ian, while the U.S. Small Business Administration has provided $1.47 billion in disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $2.2 billion in claims to Hurricane Ian survivors.

Additionally, FEMA has also received 5,010 valid registrations from Hurricane Nicole survivors.

FEMA Continues to Help Floridians Affected by Hurricane Ian

• FEMA has made individual assistance available to 26 counties in Florida affected by Hurricane Ian. Residents in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties are eligible to apply for individual assistance.
• FEMA is meeting survivors affected by Hurricane Ian where they are to help jumpstart their recoveries. Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists are going door-to-door in Florida neighborhoods to help individuals register for assistance. These teams have visited more than 354,000 homes and interacted with more than 153,000 survivors in counties designated for individual assistance after Hurricane Ian.
• 18 Disaster Recovery Centers are operating in areas affected by Hurricane Ian, with 116,500 visits by survivors.
• FEMA is providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance in 26 counties designated after Hurricane Ian to survivors eligible for temporary hotel stays. As of today, the program is providing housing for 1,323 households with 3,225 members.
• Hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed more than 265,000 home inspections for Hurricane Ian survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance.
• FEMA is providing temporary housing to eligible Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, Sarasota and Volusia counties. FEMA approved Direct Temporary Housing Assistance to provide options for those whose homes are uninhabitable because of the hurricane. FEMA determined that rental assistance is insufficient to meet the housing need in those counties because of a lack of available housing resources. FEMA will notify applicants who are eligible for direct housing. It will take time to transport, permit, install and inspect these units before they are available. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance may be provided for up to 18 months from Sept. 29, 2022, the date of the federal disaster declaration, to March 28, 2024.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $1.47 billion in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Ian. Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee and Seminole counties.
• As of Jan. 17, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 45,800 flood insurance claims and paid more than $2.2 billion to policyholders affected by Hurricane Ian.
• NFIP policyholders may receive up to $1,000 to reimburse the purchase of supplies like sandbags, plastic sheeting and lumber. They may also receive up to $1,000 in storage expenses if they moved insured property. Policyholders should file a claim for flood loss avoidance reimbursement, regardless of whether it was successful in preventing flood damage.
• FEMA is conducting local hiring for more than 300 jobs in Brandon, Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Orlando and Sarasota. These positions are full-time, 120-day appointments that may be extended depending on operational needs. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through USAJobs.gov.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to eligible survivors. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian by going to Disaster Unemployment Assistance - FloridaJobs.org and selecting “Apply for Hurricane Ian DUA,” visiting a local CareerSource Career Center, or calling  800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
• Low-income Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Survivors can find more information on Florida’s D-SNAP program by visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Hurricane Ian Response & Recovery website.
• Operation Blue Roof installed 20,119 roofs in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Lee and Sarasota counties. (Mission completed.)
• National Flood Insurance Program Florida policyholders who had flood damage from Hurricane Ian have a 90-day window to renew their policies. The extension applies to policies with renewal dates beginning Aug. 25, 2022 through Oct. 23, 2022. Policyholders whose renewal date is in this range should contact their agent or insurance company. FEMA also extended the proof of loss requirement for flood insurance policyholders in Florida who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days. For more information on how to file a flood insurance claim, visit How to Start Your Flood Insurance Claim.
• If you or a member of your household uses adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for those items. For homeowners, items can include an exterior ramp, grab bars and a paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle. Awards do not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards. For more information for homeowners and renters, visit Update to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide.

Thousands of Floridians Affected by Hurricane Nicole Register for Assistance

• Homeowners and renters in Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Putnam, St. Johns or Volusia counties who were affected by Hurricane Nicole are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance because of President Joseph R. Biden’s approval of the state of Florida’s request for a major disaster declaration.
• FEMA has seven disaster recovery centers (including one mobile disaster recovery center) open in the counties affected by Hurricane Nicole.
• Brevard, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Martin, Nassau, Palm Beach, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Volusia counties were authorized for Public Assistance in the initial Hurricane Nicole disaster declaration.
• Additional 51 Florida counties affected by Hurricane Nicole are now eligible for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program. The counties are Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, and Washington; and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
• FEMA Individual and Households Program has approved $2.9 million for Hurricane Nicole survivors, of which $2 million has been distributed.
• FEMA has received 5,010 valid registrations for individual assistance by Hurricane Nicole.
• FEMA teams working in neighborhoods have visited 9,766 homes affected by Hurricane Nicole.
• As of Jan. 9, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 1,400 flood insurance claims and paid more than $13.2 million to policyholders affected by Hurricane Nicole.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $2.8 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners affected by Hurricane Nicole.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 01/17/2023 - 19:00