Jefferson Parish Eligible for FEMA Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Homeowners and renters in Jefferson Parish are now eligible for FEMA assistance to help them recover from Hurricane Francine. 

Jefferson Parish joins Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes, which were previously approved for Individual Assistance. 

Assistance for eligible survivors can help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Also, low-interest disaster loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available for businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private nonprofits, homeowners and renters.

How to Apply to FEMA

Homeowners and renters in Jefferson Parish and other designated parishes can apply several ways:

• Go online to disasterassistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. CT. Help is available 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.
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.

View an accessible video about how to apply at Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

Parishes Eligible for Public Assistance

Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes are now eligible for permanent work (Categories C-G); these parishes were previously designated for Individual Assistance and assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.

East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Helena, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Washington and West Feliciana parishes are now eligible for Public Assistance Categories A-G.

Visit fema.gov/assistance/public/process to learn more about FEMA’s Public Assistance program including eligibility and the categories of work. 

For the latest information visit fema.gov/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at  x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/femaregion6/. 

alexa.brown Tue, 09/24/2024 - 12:17

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $715 Million to Help Communities Across the Nation Build Resilience to Flooding Disasters Through Investing in America Agenda

WASHINGTON -- Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe due to climate change leading to increased response and recovery missions across the nation. Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said during Climate Week NYC that the agency will announce approximately $715 million in new project selections to eliminate or reduce flood damage supported by historic funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda. The funding, which comes through FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance program will help communities across the nation enhance resilience to extreme weather events. 

The Biden-Harris Administration has provided record funding to this program thanks to Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the Flood Mitigation Assistance program. Total funding for project selections increased nearly five times from the amount available—$160 million—for the FY21grant cycle before the law. In total, funding from this legislation over five years for the Flood Mitigation Assistance program is $3.5 billion.

“Flooding is already the nation’s most costly and frequent disaster and climate change is only making it worse,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Additional funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing communities more critical resources to withstand increasing flood threats. Whether it’s elevating or acquiring flood-prone properties, these dollars are going to make communities more prepared and reduce disaster suffering for future generations.” 

“As flooding occurs more frequently and with greater severity, flood mitigation is more important than ever,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “For 30 years, FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program has provided communities with access to federal support to protect against flood risk. Through the funding announced today, FEMA will continue to help states, local communities, Tribal Nations and territories analyze their risk of flooding and take forward-looking steps to protect their communities before a disaster strikes.”

Through this program, FEMA provides funding to states, local communities, Tribal Nations and territories to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. There are three categories of funding which include: 

• Capability and Capacity Building Activities, such as project scoping to develop project plans and design.
• Localized Flood Risk Reduction Projects, which help build resilience to flooding at the community level, including floodplain management, wetland, marsh, riverine and coastal restoration and protection.
• Individual Flood Mitigation Projects, which protect individual homes and buildings from flooding, including by buying out or elevating properties above flood levels.

Today’s selections further underscore the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice by assisting the most disadvantaged communities in building resilience to climate change and extreme weather events. Aligning with the President’s Justice40 Initiative, these efforts will advance the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain covered federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.  For this cycle, FEMA almost tripled the amount of funding for disadvantaged communities from 16% in FY21 to more than 50% for a total of $367 million. 

The announcement also aligns with FEMA’s 2024 Year of Resilience campaign, as well as the goals of the National Climate Resilience Framework and will help build capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards. As part of FEMA’s strategic goal to promote and sustain a ready nation, FEMA enhanced geographic distributions with more than 60 new selections.

This is the 30th anniversary of the Flood Mitigation Assistance program, created in 1994. Approximately $2 billion has been obligated by FEMA to address the nation’s costliest annual disaster.

The selections complement a July announcement of $1 billion through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and a recent $300 million in funding through Flood Mitigation Assistance’s Swift Current opportunity—another important part of the President’s Investing in America Agenda—to make the nation more resilient to natural hazards. Both programs provide climate resilience funding to help address increased demand for federal funds to address the climate crisis. 

Flood Mitigation Assistance

More than 775 buildings will be protected to prevent future strain on homeowners and reduce future claims payments from the National Flood Insurance Program.

The number of projects selected by state with approximate totals:

State or TerritoryNumber of Projects SelectedTotal Funding for Projects Selected (rounded)Alabama5$19.1 millionArizona5$5.9 millionCalifornia3$51.8 millionConnecticut8$2.6 millionFlorida33$20.7 millionIllinois2$27.2 millionIowa3$14.1 millionKansas1$254,000Kentucky4$1.6 millionLouisiana31$206 millionMaryland2$851,000Massachusetts1$646,000Missouri1$2 millionNew Jersey12$41.6 millionNew York9$5.8 millionNorth Carolina11$23.4 millionOhio5$24.7 millionOregon3$20 millionPennsylvania4$832,000South Carolina4$1.9 millionSouth Dakota1$5.3 millionTexas43$236 millionUtah2$599,000Washington3$1.4 millionWest Virginia1$202,000

All 197 projects are in National Flood Insurance Program-participating communities in 25 states. In addition to flood control activities, the selections will reduce risk to individual properties through actions like elevations, acquisitions and mitigation reconstruction of buildings insured by NFIP. 

Examples of project selections that address community flood risk for the purpose of reducing NFIP flood claim payments include:

• The Pacific Avenue storm mitigation project in Wildwood, New Jersey, aims to address street flooding. The flood-prone area will benefit from a redesigned stormwater management system. A new pump station will manage stormwater runoff to ensure efficient drainage. 
• St. John the Baptist Parish in Louisiana plans to elevate 132 flood-prone homes to reduce future damage and minimize flood insurance claims. The parish will elevate structures to at least 2 feet above Base Flood Elevation. 
• The city of Moab, Utah, will mitigate flood risks by improving two detention basins, White Canyon and Johnson Canyon, both of which pose significant flood risks. The project includes building improved spillways to protect downstream properties.
• The Arizona Department of Game and Fish will develop alternative designs to address safety risk to the Black Canyon Dam. The solution will improve the safety for nearly 200 downstream structures. 

Approximately 51% of this cycle’s Flood Mitigation Assistance project selections will go to disadvantaged communities, an increase of 18% from last year’s cycle. Examples of these community-wide projects funded areas include:

• Belhaven, North Carolina will reduce flooding in communities vulnerable to wind-driven tides and severe weather by installing pumps and an automated tidal gate along Wynne’s Gut.  The system aims to mitigate the number of repetitive property losses. The tidal gate will prevent tidal water from entering, while the pump station will discharge rainfall runoff, ensuring a quicker recovery for essential community lifelines.
• Jefferson County, Texas will address severe flooding in three vulnerable areas serviced by storm sewers, ditches, channels and detention basins. The solution includes enhancing drainage to the Neches River.
• In Kansas, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City will advance its floodplain management program to prevent or reduce the risk of flooding. One goal is to improve the unified government’s Community Rating System class, a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. An enhanced floodplain management program will not only help to reduce disaster suffering but also provide discounts to flood insurance policyholder premiums through the improved Community Rating System class.

For more information, visit FEMA.gov.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 09/23/2024 - 22:06

FEMA’s New Mexico Joint Recovery Office is Hiring: Attend Sept. 24 and 25 Hiring Fairs in Santa Fe

SANTA FE, N.M. — The FEMA New Mexico Joint Recovery Office (JRO) is hosting a hiring fair on Sept. 24 and 25 for full-time New Mexico Joint Recovery Office and Claims Office positions. The positions will support the important mission of helping the state recover from disasters, process claims, and compensate those affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding.

FEMA staff will be available at the hiring fairs to receive resumes, answer questions, and conduct on-the-spot interviews. 

Interested individuals are encouraged to attend the hiring fair to learn more about open positions and how to secure a fulfilling career while serving their community.

When

Sept. 24, 2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. MT

Sept. 25, 2024: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. MT

Where

Santa Fe Community College Higher Education Center, 1950 Siringo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Open positions for the Santa Fe office include Navigators, Appeals Analysts, Deputy Finance Director, Spend Plan Analyst, Invoice Management Specialist, Travel Manager, Accountable Property Manager, Facilities Specialist, Ordering Specialist, Supply Specialist, Deputy Director, Recovery Coordination, Administrative Specialist, Recovery Coordination Group Supervisor, Voluntary Agency Liaison, Infrastructure Branch Director, Program Delivery Manager, Geospatial Information Systems Specialist, Program/Data Analyst, Technical Writer, 406 Mitigation Specialist.

FEMA employee benefits include eligibility for public service student loan forgiveness; federal retirement plans; paid annual leave; mental health resources; health, dental, and vision insurance; annual federal pay raises, and career growth opportunities.

FEMA is looking for people who can represent the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office with compassion, fairness, integrity, and respect. Ideal candidates will have customer service experience; strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills; and experience completing high-quality products within assigned time frames.

“Claims Office staff are vital in FEMA’s recovery mission in Northern New Mexico,” said Jay Mitchell, Director of Operations at the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office. “We aim to hire dedicated people from the community who can take on the unique challenges of post-fire recovery. Their local knowledge and commitment will strengthen our efforts to support and rebuild the affected areas.” 

For additional information about the hiring fairs, including candidate qualifications, position descriptions, and FEMA benefits, please visit fema.gov/fact-sheet/claims-office-and-jro-open-positions.

Anyone impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding is encouraged to start a claim with the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office if they haven’t already. The deadline to submit a Notice of Loss is November 14, 2024, per the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. At the time of publication, the FEMA Claims Office has paid more than $1 billion to claimants. 

Claims Office compensation is not taxable. Receiving payment from the Claims Office will not impact eligibility for government assistance programs. Contact a tax professional for specific tax-related questions. Questions and concerns can also be addressed by calling your claim Navigator or the Claims Office Helpline at 505-995-7133.

For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice. 

amy.ashbridge Mon, 09/23/2024 - 21:04

Those Waiting for an NRCS Conservation Restoration Plan Should File a Notice of Loss with Claims Office Before the Nov. 14 Deadline

SANTA FE, NM – People impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire who are awaiting conservation restoration plans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are encouraged to start a FEMA claim as soon as possible. 

Affected individuals should not wait for the NRCS to inspect their properties before filing a Notice of Loss (NOL) with the FEMA Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office as they may risk missing the Nov. 14, 2024, deadline due to NRCS working through a heavy backlog. 

NRCS has 1,288 requests for site inspections required to compensate people for damage to natural resources – a volume the agency estimates will take until spring 2025 to complete, well past the deadline for filing a new claim. Inspections are expected to slow when snowy conditions make higher-elevation sites in the burn scar less accessible and more hazardous to navigate. 

Although NRCS handles inspections and produces conservation restoration plans, FEMA covers the losses and delivers compensation under the Fire Assistance Act. Impacted property owners must file an NOL through the Claims Office to receive compensation.

“NRCS teams have worked hard to create conservation restoration plans to address damage to the natural resources from the devastating fire and subsequent floods, but there’s only so much they can do in a limited time,” said Jay Mitchell, Director of Operations for the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office. “I encourage anyone who suffered damages to file a Notice of Loss before the November 14 deadline.” 

NRCS and the Claims Office have cultivated a strong partnership, completing 1,277 conservation restoration plans. The Claims Office has paid for 989 NRCS claims for more than $490 million. 

Claims Office compensation is not taxable. Receiving payment from the Claims Office will not impact eligibility for government assistance programs. Contact a tax professional for specific tax-related questions. Questions and concerns can also be addressed by calling your claim Navigator or the Claims Office Helpline at 505-995-7133.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. At the time of publication, the FEMA Claims Office has paid more than $1.1 billion to claimants. 

For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice. 

amy.ashbridge Mon, 09/23/2024 - 21:00

FEMA Offers Free Rebuilding Tips in Lake City

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Repairing or rebuilding your home after Hurricane Debby? FEMA specialists offer tips on rebuilding safer and stronger.

Location:
The Home Depot
215 SW Home Depot Drive
Lake City, FL 32025

Hours:
Monday, Sept. 23: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 24: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 25: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 26: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28: 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Specialists also are available on the Mitigation Helpline, 833-336-2487 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. You may leave a voicemail at any time, or you may email FEMA-R4-HMHELP@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

kirsten.chambers Mon, 09/23/2024 - 18:39

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Open in Baker County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- FEMA has opened Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Baker County to provide one-on-one help to Floridians affected by Hurricane Debby.

Center location:

Baker County
Baker County Fairgrounds
5567 Lauramore Road
Macclenny, FL 32063
Open 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday-Thursday

When this center moves to a new location, details will be provided to the public. 

To find other center locations for Hurricane Debby go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. 

Homeowners and renters in Alachua, Baker, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor counties can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the State of Florida and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.

The quickest way to apply for FEMA assistance is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube. 

For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

kirsten.chambers Mon, 09/23/2024 - 18:33

DHS Announces $279.9 million in Grant Funding for the Fiscal Year 2024 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program

WASHINGTON - Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced the availability of $279.9 million in grant funding for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). Now in its third year, this program provides funding to state, local, and territorial (SLT) governments to help reduce cyber risk and build resilience against evolving cybersecurity threats. Established by the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, and part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the SLCGP provides approximately $1 billion in funding over four years to support SLT governments as they develop capabilities to detect, protect against, and respond to cyber threats.  

“In the modern threat landscape, every community can -- and too often does -- face sophisticated cyberattacks on vital systems like hospitals, schools, and electrical grids,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The Department of Homeland Security's State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program empowers key intergovernmental partners with the tools and support necessary to increase resilience and better secure critical infrastructure. Our message to communities everywhere is simple: do not underestimate the reach or ruthlessness of nefarious cyber actors -- apply for State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program funding today.” 

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) jointly administer this program. CISA provides expertise and guidance on cybersecurity issues while FEMA manages the grant award and allocation process. Award recipients may use funding for a wide range of cybersecurity improvements and capabilities, including cybersecurity planning and exercising, hiring cyber personnel, and improving the services that citizens rely on daily. 

“These cyber grants are an investment in the security of our nation's infrastructure, helping to ensure that communities across the country have the tools they need to defend against cyberattacks,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “CISA is proud to offer the SLCGP, helping governments lay a solid foundation for building a sustainable and resilient cybersecurity program for the future.”  

"FEMA is committed to helping our partners address and withstand cybersecurity threats to both infrastructure and systems," said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. "Thanks to funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, state, local, tribal and territorial governments will be able to build their capacity to better protect themselves from evolving cyber threats." 

Eligible entities have from Sept. 23 until Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET to apply for funds, via FEMA GO. For more information and helpful resources on the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, visit CISA’s webpage: cisa.gov/cybergrants.  

erika.suzuki Mon, 09/23/2024 - 17:40

FEMA Offers Free Recovery Advice in Emmet County

Des Moines, Iowa — FEMA is providing free information about how to make your home stronger and safer and assist survivors to register for Disaster Assistance.

FEMA will be in Stalls True Farm & Home Parking Lot on Tuesday, Sept. 24 and Wednesday, Sept 25 from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. in Emmet County at:

Stalls True Value Farm & Home’s Parking Lot
1731 Central Ave.
Estherville 51334-2438

You can speak directly with FEMA specialists at the site and receive help on how to register for Disaster Assistance. The community can get answers to questions and discuss:

 

• Proven methods for preventing damage from future disasters.
• Techniques for rebuilding homes
• Tips for reducing your disaster risk – whether you own or rent your home

 

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. For Spanish, press 2. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. 

martyce.allenjr Mon, 09/23/2024 - 16:47

Apply Now: FEMA Assistance Available for Damage after July Storms and Flooding

CHICAGO – Illinois homeowners and renters in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago counties affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding on July 13 - 16, 2024, may now call or go online to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA.

If you have insurance coverage for the damage to your property, first file a claim. If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, apply for FEMA assistance by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. When calling the FEMA Helpline, multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

FEMA can provide money to eligible applicants for help with serious needs, paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs and other needs not covered by insurance.

Have the following information ready when you apply with FEMA: 

• 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 (or the social security number of a minor child in your household, if you’re applying on their behalf),
• A general list of damage and losses,
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit, and
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

When applying, one member of a household needs to comply with citizenship criteria. That means a minor child who is a citizen, non-citizen national or qualified non-citizen can have a parent or guardian who is not eligible apply for assistance on the child’s behalf. Learn more about citizenship and immigration status requirements to qualify for disaster assistance by visiting www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program/citizenship-immigration-status. 

Getting help to those who need it most is FEMA’s priority. Recovery teams will be out soon in the neighborhoods affected by the disaster to provide one-on-one support to individuals. Recovery centers will also be opening for individuals to get additional in-person help. 

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.  

kimberly.keblish Mon, 09/23/2024 - 16:12

FEMA Celebrates Climate Week NYC, Officials Across the Agency Participate in Events, Promote FEMA’s Year of Resilience

WASHINGTON – As extreme weather events caused by climate change continue to increase across the nation, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, FEMA Deputy Administrator for Resilience Victoria Salinas, and FEMA Regional Administrator Region 2 David Warrington will attend Climate Week NYC and lead FEMA’s largest contingent of FEMA officials to ever attend the annual gathering. During the week, FEMA officials will highlight FEMA’s Year of Resilience, host several engagements, and participate in Climate Week NYC Events. 

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will attend several events and address topics including extreme heat, climate risk, resilience, and how climate change is impacting the insurance market. Administrator Criswell will be a keynote speaker at the WSJ House, Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum, AON’s Resilience and Adaptation: Ensuring Economic Progress and Combating Climate Risk, and Global Citizen Addressing the Human Costs of Extreme Heat - Financing Measures to Safeguard Human Health at an International and National Level.

As New York City hosts the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in addition to Climate Week NYC, FEMA is proudly supporting efforts to ensure a safe event each year and is dedicated to ensuring a unified coordinated effort between Local, State, and Federal agencies throughout the greater New York City area throughout the week. 

Kicking off Climate Week NYC this year, the U.S. Fire Administration will host a Fire Chiefs Roundtable: Climate Change Driven Risks, Response and Resilience: Fire Chiefs’ Perspective  to bring together officials to discuss the current wildfire situation and what it will take to get ahead of future wildfire ignitions and the devastating impacts of intensifying storms. The roundtable will build on discussions and information exchanges that occurred during the inaugural World Fire Congress convened by FEMA/USFA in Washington, D.C. in May 2024.

FEMA will also host a Risk Communications Webinar, where presenters will share successful strategies to communicate risk and inspire preparedness action in the face of increasingly frequent hazards—an alarming consequence of climate change. 

FEMA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are partnering for a full-day summit exploring resilient infrastructure challenges and innovative solutions through discussions on the recently published National Resilience Guidance, nature-based solutions, energy efficiency, net-zero energy, and sustainable disaster debris management. 

The following events are open to the media: 

Monday, September 23

10:00 AM: U.S. Fire Administration to Host a Fire Chiefs Roundtable: Climate Change Driven Risks, Response and Resilience: Fire Chiefs’ Perspective (Virtual; In-Person Registration is Closed)

What: The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) will host an interactive roundtable discussion on climate change driven risks, response and resilience during Climate Week NYC. This interactive roundtable brings together fire chiefs and their government counterparts including U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, FEMA Associate Administrator for External Affairs Justin Ángel Knighten, FEMA Associate Deputy Administrator for Resilience Robin Keegan, FEMA Regional Administrator Region 2 David Warrington, Fire Chief Orange County Brian Fennessy, Fire Chief Los Angeles County Tony Marrone, Fire Chief Fairfax County John Butler, Fire and EMS Chief Washington, D.C. John Donnelly and acting Fire Chief New York City John Esposito. Discussion topics will include the current wildfire situation and what it will take to get ahead of future wildfire ignitions and the devastating impacts of intensifying storms. FEMA Region 2 will host the roundtable discussion including stakeholders from academia, nongovernmental organizations, U.S. and international government representatives and fire service leaders. The roundtable will build on discussions and information exchanges that occurred during the inaugural World Fire Congress convened by FEMA/USFA in Washington, D.C. in May 2024.

2:30 PM: FEMA to Host National Webinar – Risk Communications (Virtual)

What: Presenters will share successful strategies to communicate risk and inspire preparedness action in the face of increasingly frequent hazards—an alarming consequence of climate change. This event is a valuable opportunity for risk and crisis communicators, community leaders, emergency management professionals and stakeholders involved in disaster preparedness. Participants will learn strategies for creating awareness and activities that help communities plan for disasters and build resilience amid the climate crisis. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions to support communications best practices related to developing and sharing critical preparedness messaging.

Tuesday, September 24

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: FEMA and EPA to Host Event: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future (Virtual and In-Person Registration Required)

What: FEMA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are partnering for a full-day summit exploring resilient infrastructure challenges and innovative solutions through discussions on the recently published National Resilience Guidance, nature-based solutions, energy efficiency, net-zero energy and sustainable disaster debris management. Attendees will get to hear from FEMA and our public, private and academic partners on several topics including nature-based solutions, net-zero energy projects, energy efficiency efforts, the use of salvaged materials and how each of these fit into nationwide resilience strategy.

Where:  Climate Week NYC: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future.

Register: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future Tickets, Tue, Sep 24, 2024 at 9:00 AM.

2:45 PM: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to Speak at WSJ House 

What: FEMA Administrator Speaks at Wall Street Journal Live on resilience.

Where: Bryant Park Grill, 25 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018. 

To register for this event, please contact WSJ Live.

Wednesday, September 25

9:20-10:00 AM: FEMA Administrator to speak at AON’s Resilience and Adaptation: Ensuring Economic Progress and Combating Climate Risk

What:  FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will join a panel discussion on how the unprecedented risk environment has upended the traditional balance where insurance was the dependable safeguard enabling the flow of capital across the economy. Severe weather and a changing climate are rendering historically safe investments uninsurable, sending shockwaves through the financial systems and threatening the livelihoods and progress of institutions and individuals alike. This high-level dialogue will touch on the major challenges a lack of insurance access creates for the public and private sectors, what needs to be done and the potential for new paradigms to bring the system back into balance. 

Where: Aon Corporate Headquarters, One Liberty Plaza (165 Broadway), New York, NY 10006.

To register for this event, please contact Aon. 

11:00 AM: FEMA Administrator to speak at Global Citizen Addressing the Human Costs of Extreme Heat - Financing Measures to Safeguard Human Health at an International and National Level 

What: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will join a panel discussion to discuss extreme heat. 

Where: Guastavino's located at 409 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022.

To register for this event, please contact Global Citizen.

Thursday, September 26

1:30 PM-2:00 PM: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will speak at Bloomberg’s Sustainable Finance Forum

What: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will headline the Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum at Bloomberg Headquarters for a fireside chat with Bloomberg Intelligence Director of ESG Research Eric Kane. 

Where: 731 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022.

To register for this event, please contact Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum.

3:00 PM-4:00 PM: Climate Resiliency Fireside Chat with FEMA, NASA and NOAA (Virtual Registration Required)

What: FEMA, NASA and NOAA will be discussing climate resiliency and the importance of forward-thinking programs that equip communities for the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. Panelists include FEMA Deputy Administrator for Resilience Victoria Salinas, NASA Chief Scientist Dr. Kate Calvin and NOAA Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Deputy Administrator Jainey Bavishi. This is a unique opportunity for community leaders and members from federal, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, nonprofits, the private sector and academia to connect with subject matter experts, share knowledge and deepen understanding of how to build resilient communities in the face of a changing climate.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 09/23/2024 - 15:31

Ruidoso Disaster Recovery Center Posts New Weekly Hours

The State of New Mexico/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Horton Complex, 237 Service Road, Ruidoso, NM will change its weekday hours of operation beginning Monday, Sept. 23. The new hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday hours are unchanged, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Residents of Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba and San Juan counties, as well as the Mescalero Apache Reservation can visit the center to apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents, learn about available resources and get their questions answered in person. Recovery specialists from the state, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and other organizations are available at the DRC to meet with visitors. No appointment is needed. Two Spanish language interpreters are also on hand to help residents impacted by the Southfork and Salt Fires and flooding.

You can also apply, update your contact information or upload documents in several ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download the FEMA app for smartphones.
• Call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT, seven days a week. Help is available in most languages.   

The deadline to apply for assistance is October 19, 2024. 

The deadline to apply to Small Business Administration (SBA) for property damage is Oct. 19, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is March 20, 2025. Applicants may apply at https://lending.sba.gov. Business owners also may apply in-person by visiting SBA Business Recovery Center at the Ruidoso Public Library. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 7-1-1.

angela.ambroise Mon, 09/23/2024 - 14:34

Last Day for Kentuckians To Apply for FEMA Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Survivors of the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides, and mudslides have only a few hours left to apply for FEMA assistance. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET, Sept. 23.

How To Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance

• Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download and use the FEMA app.

FEMA programs are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

In addition, today is the final day for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Kentucky residents and businesses can apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.

gerard.hammink Mon, 09/23/2024 - 12:54

FEMA Offers Free Repair and Rebuilding Advice in Davison and Union Counties

SIOUX FALLS – Whether you were affected by this summer’s severe storms and flooding or are simply seeking ways to enhance your home’s safety and resilience, FEMA will be providing free mitigation, repair, and rebuilding advice coming up in Davison and Union Counties.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be available at the following locations: 

Davison County

Menards

815 E Spruce St

Mitchell, SD, 57301

Sept. 25 through Sept. 29 from the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Union County

Olson’s Ace Hardware

305 NW 13th St, Beresford, SD 57004.

Oct. 2 through Oct. 5 from the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Oct 6 from the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mitigation specialists can answer questions and discuss topics such as:

• Proven methods for preventing damage from future disasters
• Techniques for rebuilding homes
• Tips for reducing your disaster risk – whether you own or rent your home

Mitigation reduces a property’s risk to future events. It can allow residents to return more quickly to a home with less damage. While it usually takes an initial investment, mitigation pays off in the long run. On average, every $1 spent on mitigation saves $6 in future losses.

Advice is available to all homeowners and renters, not only those affected by the recent severe storms and flooding.

The public also may contact a FEMA mitigation subject matter expert with questions by emailing                           fema-r8-hmhelp@fema.dhs.gov or by calling the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Helpline at 833-336-2487.

To learn more about how mitigation efforts help individuals and communities visit https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management.

# # #

FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. 
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @femaregion8

tiana.suber Mon, 09/23/2024 - 12:54

1 Day Left To Apply for FEMA Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentuckians affected by the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides have until 11:59 p.m. ET, Monday, Sept. 23, to apply for FEMA assistance.

How To Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance

• Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download and use the FEMA app.

FEMA programs are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

Survivors who don’t agree with FEMA’s decision can always file an appeal. To learn more about the appeals process, read How To Appeal FEMA’s Decision.

In addition, Monday is the final day for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Kentucky residents and businesses can apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.

gerard.hammink Mon, 09/23/2024 - 12:51

2 Days Left To Apply for FEMA Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. — FEMA would like to remind Kentuckians that there is still time to apply for federal disaster assistance. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET, Monday, Sept. 23.

How To Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance

• Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download and use the FEMA app.

FEMA programs are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

Survivors who don’t agree with FEMA’s decision can always file an appeal. Please refer to the link to learn more about the appeal process.

In addition, Monday is the final day for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Kentucky residents and businesses can apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.

gerard.hammink Mon, 09/23/2024 - 12:47

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in St. Mary Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA and the State of Louisiana will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Morgan City on Monday, Sept. 23 to provide one-on-one help to Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Francine. 

Center location:

St. Mary Parish

Morgan City Municipal Auditorium
728 Myrtle Street
Morgan City, LA 70380
 

The center will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes can visit the center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. 

The center is accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and is equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).

You do not have to visit the center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.

Additional options when applying include:

• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. 
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available 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.
• To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

alexa.brown Sun, 09/22/2024 - 22:26

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe storms and flooding from August 8-10, 2024.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the Tribal Nation and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding.

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

Catherine O. Fan has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribal Nation and warranted by the results of further assessments.

amy.ashbridge Sat, 09/21/2024 - 00:02

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Connecticut to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from August 18-19, 2024.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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

Robert V. Fogel has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

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

amy.ashbridge Fri, 09/20/2024 - 22:54

Application Deadline Extended for FEMA Individual Assistance

ST. PAUL–Homeowners and renters who suffered damage to their property from the severe storms and floods of June 16 -July 4 have additional time to apply for federal disaster assistance. 

FEMA has extended the application deadline to October 27, 2024, for survivors in the 21 Minnesota counties designated for Individual Assistance. 

FEMA assistance may include funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs; funds to support the repair or replacement of your primary home, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges; and funds for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care, funeral expenses, and other pre-approved miscellaneous items. 

Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App on your phone, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Minnesota visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4797.

kimberly.keblish Fri, 09/20/2024 - 22:18

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Illinois to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding from July 13-16, 2024.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will and Winnebago counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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

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

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

amy.ashbridge Fri, 09/20/2024 - 21:51