Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Norfolk County, Massachusetts

Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review by residents and business owners in affected communities in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. 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. Before the maps become final, community stakeholders can raise questions or concerns about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment periods.

The 90-day appeal and comment periods will begin on or around August 28, 2023. The affected communities in Norfolk County, Massachusetts are listed in the Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations Notice in the Federal Register.

Residents may submit an appeal if they think 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, contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed at the following websites:

• FEMA Map Service Center 
• Preliminary Map Products Download Page 
• Flood Map Changes Viewer 

For more information about the flood maps, please contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) 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.

adrien.urbani Fri, 08/25/2023 - 15:02

New Schedule of FEMA Community Outreach at Local Stores in Guam

In an ongoing effort to support Guam residents on their recovery journey, FEMA Mitigation specialists are dedicated to offering advice and free tips on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms at some local stores. Beginning Aug. 26, the Mitigation specialists will follow a new schedule, with a day off on Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day. Together with the Mitigation specialists, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance staff will also be on-site to check registration status and assist with application appeals. 

On the following dates, four teams of FEMA experts in Mitigation and Disaster Survivor Assistance will be available at the following locations:

Premier Outlets

(Tamuning)

Micronesia Mall

(Dededo)

Cost U Less

(Tamuning)

Cost U Less

(Dededo)

199 Chalan San Antonio Road,

Tamuning, GU 96913

1088 Marine Corps Drive, 

Dededo, GU 96929

265 Chalan San Antonio Road, 

Tamuning, GU 96911

615 Harmon Loop Road,

Dededo, GU 96929

Friday, Aug. 25 through 

Friday, Sept. 15

 

Friday, Aug. 25 through

Wednesday, Sept. 6.

 

Friday, Aug. 25 through

Friday, Sept. 15.

 

Friday, Aug. 25  
through

Friday, Sept. 15.

 

Monday -Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Sunday, off

Sunday-Friday, 

9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Saturday, off

 

Monday -Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Sunday, off

Monday -Saturday, 

8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Sunday, off

 

Each location will have an Assistive Listening Device for customers who may have hearing difficulty.

If you need to update information for your application, or check the application status, please visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or call 800-621-3362. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost for Guam residents. 

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

robert.barker Fri, 08/25/2023 - 14:20

FEMA Extends Housing Program for Hurricanes Ida, Delta, and Laura

BATON ROUGE, La. – In collaboration with the state, FEMA is providing survivors of Ida, Delta, and Laura with a six-month extension to remain in FEMA’s Direct Housing Program.

The temporary program was extended until Feb. 29, 2024, however survivors will continue to pay rent to occupy the units.

FEMA’s housing program eligibility—and occupancy—is based on the survivor’s continued progress on their permanent housing plan. FEMA recertification advisors meet regularly with survivors to discuss their progress and provided resources as needed.
 

Disaster Case Management (DCM) staff will continue to work with survivors through the recovery process to address any unmet needs, provide guidance and locate eligible services with volunteer agencies and groups.
 

At the peak of the program, there were 6,276 households licensed into FEMA’s Direct Housing Program. Currently, 2,345 remain in the program throughout the state of Louisiana.
 

Recovery officials note that several Louisiana communities passed temporary zoning exemptions to permit FEMA units. Survivors are encouraged to check with their local officials to make sure they are not in violation of local zoning ordinance.

kirsten.chambers Fri, 08/25/2023 - 11:55

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Liberty Fire in Oregon

The state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at 10:00 p.m. PT. He determined that the Liberty Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the second FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight Oregon wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Liberty, South Salem and Salem Hills. The fire also threatened buildings, roads, bridges, public power infrastructure and utilities in the area. 

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire. 

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $918,774 will be available to Oregon through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.  

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

mary.j.edmon Thu, 08/24/2023 - 19:19

Several CDTs Will Be Repaired with FEMA Funds

One of the projects includes the Cayey Municipal Hospital, which is nearing completion of its repairs.

Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved nearly $21.4 million for several medical facilities in Puerto Rico. The main allocation is for several Diagnostic and Treatment Centers (CDT, in Spanish) that provide outpatient services to their communities. 

“In addition to serving the primary health needs of Puerto Ricans, the CDTs relief hospital emergency rooms. As we repair more medical facilities, we strengthen and support stability for this type of service on the island,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José Baquero. 

One of the agency’s obligations goes to the Cayey Municipal Hospital, which is already in its final stage of reconstruction. The hospital’s administrator, Jayson Pérez Rivera, said the hospital has 61 employees and serves an average of 3,500 people per month among the 21 neighborhoods of Cayey and neighboring towns. The institution has an emergency room, laboratory, X-Ray, pharmacy and emergency medical corps; in addition to general and internal medicine, psychiatry, audiology, ophthalmology, oncology, a radiotherapy center and a surgical center. 

Pérez Rivera said that offering services to the communities after the passing of Hurricane María was “a lesson in solidarity and empathy with our neighbor” that allowed them to get through the entire work operation. “For me, repairing and preserving this institution is a priority and meaningful. It protects, supports and watches over the health of our people, its communities and visitors from neighboring towns, all equally.”

The municipality received approval for nearly $3.2 million to replace multiple air conditioning units, remediate mold damage and install an emergency generator. The waterproofing and anchoring of equipment are part of the mitigation measures.

On the other hand, residents and neighbors of the municipality of Yabucoa will see repairs to the CDT on Saturnio Rodríguez Street after the allocation of over $4.2 million from FEMA. The mayor of Yabucoa, Rafael Surillo Ruiz, explained that, although operating the health center during and after the cyclone was a great challenge, the CDT continued to offer services to the community and even served as the Emergency Operations Center. 

For the mayor, “this is the main project. To be able to repair it and create a strong structure that can serve as a shelter and provide 24-hour services because, for us, this is the only hospital we have nearby. It is important that we can keep it functioning in difficult times such as the hurricane or any other atmospheric event.”

Meanwhile, the CDT on Corchado Avenue in Canóvanas already has the necessary funds to repair its structure and once again serve patients from the town, as well as residents of Carolina, Fajardo, Loíza and Río Grande. Over $7.8 million from the agency will go to repair this center, which served some 3,000 patients a month before Hurricane María hit.

About half of the funds will go to mitigation measures, which include sealing the roof; replacing storm-resistant windows and doors; installing concrete block walls inside the building to prevent water filtration; and anchoring equipment to the structure’s roof.

Likewise, FEMA allocated nearly $6.2 million for repairs to the CDT in the Montones neighborhood of Las Piedras. The work for this facility will address roof leaks, repairs to the lighting system, and the installation of air conditioners and acoustic ceilings, among other work.

To date, FEMA has awarded over $31 billion for nearly 10,800 Public Assistance projects aimed at rebuilding a more resilient Puerto Rico.

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

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 08/24/2023 - 16:16

FEMA Grants and Letters Going Out to Applicants in Jackson and Jasper Counties

MADISON, Miss. FEMA has begun approving grants and sending letters to homeowners and renters who applied for FEMA assistance following the June severe storms and tornadoes in Jackson and Jasper counties.

Direct Deposits and Checks

If an application is approved, applicants who gave their banking information to FEMA will be getting grant money directly deposited into their bank accounts. Applicants who did not give their bank information will be getting physical checks mailed to either their permanent or temporary address.

FEMA already has approved more than $450,000 in grants to individuals and households, for basic home repairs, temporary rentals and other needs. Most of that money has been disbursed and is in applicant bank accounts.

Decision Letters

Applicants should look for an email or letter from FEMA. Everyone getting FEMA grants will get a letter, by email or mail. These “Assistance Approved” letters explain the type and amount of FEMA assistance approved. An application may still be under review to see if an applicant qualifies for other types of assistance. If so, FEMA will send a separate letter with a decision or to request for more information.

FEMA also is sending letters to those who have not been approved. These “Assistance Not Approved” letters are not a final decision. They explain what assistance was not approved, why it is not currently approved, and the steps to take to possibly get approval. Sometimes the steps are as basic as giving FEMA missing documents.

Right to Appeal

Even after following the instructions about added steps, an application may not be approved. In those cases, applicants have the right to appeal FEMA’s decision.

Even those applicants whose application was approved may not agree with the grant amounts. They may appeal FEMA’s determination on the amount.

Beyond these two scenarios, every situation is different and every applicant has the right to appeal.

Appealing

Applicants must mail or submit an appeal within 60 days from the date they got their decision letter. Appeal letters should simply state:

• what decision is being appealed
• why the applicant disagrees with that decision
• what documents are being sent with the letter.

Appeal letters and all supporting documents should include:

• Name
• Disaster number: 4727
• FEMA application number.

The three ways to submit an appeal are:

• Upload to disasterassistance.gov
• Send it by mail to: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• Fax it to 800-827-8112.

Contacting FEMA

If applicants have questions about their letters, they are encouraged to call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or go to a Disaster Recovery Center.

At a Disaster Recovery Center, they can speak with specialists. The centers are open: 

• Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
• Saturday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Sunday; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

At these locations:

• Jackson County Riverfront Community Center 4400 Denny St. Moss Point, MS 39563 
• Jasper County Louin City Hall 4240 MS-15 Louin, MS 39338

Applicants also may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 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.

For the latest information on recovery from the June tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4727 On Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.

sandra.habib Thu, 08/24/2023 - 12:37

Vermont Survivors: Be Alert for Fraud and Scams

Disasters often bring out criminals looking to prey on survivors who appear to be easy targets for their scams.

Survivors should be aware that fraud and scams can occur anytime. FEMA encourages survivors to be alert and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud by scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals.

Anyone who suspects fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement involving disaster relief should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.

Scam artists may pose as government officials, aid workers, charitable organizations, or insurance employees. Never trust anyone who claims to be a disaster assistance employee and asks for money. Local and federal disaster assistance workers do not ask for or accept money.

All FEMA representatives wear a photo ID badge. A FEMA shirt is not absolute proof of identity.

If you have questions about whether someone is representing FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you call.

FEMA home inspectors are currently working in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties to assist with recovery efforts. FEMA inspectors will already have your nine-digit registration number, and will never ask for money, banking information or your Social Security number.

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

FEMA recommends you monitor your credit report for any accounts or changes you do not recognize. If you discover someone is using your information, you will need to take additional steps, including filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission through its website: IdentityTheft.gov.

When you rebuild, always use licensed and bonded contractors. Ask for credentials before you hire, and never pay for work in advance. FEMA does not have “approved” contractors. Beware of contractors who say they’re affiliated with FEMA: FEMA does not endorse any business, product or service. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand, or contracts with blank spaces.

To watch an accessible video about disaster fraud, visit FEMA Accessible: Beware Scam Artists (Open Captioned) - YouTube.

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 08/23/2023 - 20:32

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

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Alaska to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding from May 12 to June 3, 2023.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the Copper River Regional Educational Attendance Area (REAA), Kuspuk REAA, Lower Kuskokwim REAA, Lower Yukon REAA, and Yukon Flats REAA. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding also is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in the Bering Strait School REAA, Copper River REAA, Kuspuk REAA, Lower Yukon REAA, and Yukon Flats REAA.

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

Lance E. Davis has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (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. 

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 08/23/2023 - 20:27

FEMA Awards $50 million in BRIC Grants to Fund Resiliency Projects in PA and VA

PHILADELPHIA– The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is announcing more than $50 million in funding for two flood mitigation projects - one in Philadelphia and one in Virginia Beach. This funding comes from the Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities (BRIC) grant program and was awarded to the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia on Monday.  

In Philadelphia, over $25M will be used to fund the Cohocksink Flood Mitigation Project. The money will be used by the City of Philadelphia to pay for construction of the final phase of a six-phase flood mitigation project. FEMA BRIC funding will pay for 70% of the $35.7M total project cost for the last phase. The Cohocksink Project will double capacity of the combined sewer system through the construction of new sewer infrastructure and green stormwater infrastructure systems in the flood prone Northern Liberties, Ludlow, and South Kensington neighborhoods. 

This project builds on an expansive and growing portfolio of projects to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and improve quality of life throughout the City of Philadelphia, and it supports several priority initiatives included in the Plan 2035 Citywide Vision, the City’s comprehensive plan.  The final phase of the project includes underground installation of 1,600 feet of new sewers; utility, street, and sidewalk repair; installation of a new bike lane; and green infrastructure. Overall, the project will reduce the risk of sewer backups into more than 1,000 basements and reduce shallow street and building flooding.  The project will also incorporate green infrastructure into street and highway improvements, including curb extensions, stormwater planters and street tree plantings.  

In Virginia Beach, over $25M will fund the Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvement Project. The mitigation grant will be used to improve infrastructure in the City of Virginia Beach and along Shore Drive that is being challenged by sea level rise, high tides, and stormwater runoff that results in regular roadway floodway during normal rain events. FEMA BRIC funding will pay for 70% of the $35.9M total project cost. This project will include construction of two large stormwater pump stations, an automated tide gate, water collection systems, a rain garden, and the deepening of a canal to alleviate flooding in Lynnhaven. 

The Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvement Project will provide protection up to the 1%-annual-chance-flood (100-year flood) and reduce flooding on major transportation corridors that serve as community lifelines. It will improve drainage for 614 buildings and mitigate the impacts of flooding on 11 properties that have sustained repeated losses. Additionally, the project will incorporate nature-based solutions, including a rain garden, meadow plantings and stream bank restoration. Signage will explain the initiative and engage residents in the importance and value of flood mitigation. 

“Philadelphia and Virginia Beach are clearly demonstrating how sustained, long-term planning can result in holistic projects that reduce flooding and provide other benefits for many people. The threat from climate change cannot be overstated and we are proud to partner with Pennsylvania and Virginia to fund these resiliency projects through our Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities program,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Congratulations to these two cities! We encourage other communities to work with their state hazard mitigation partners to apply for mitigation funding.”

Funding for these projects is provided through the FY21 Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities grant program. FEMA provides the funding to the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia and then the Commonwealths will manage the disbursement of the funds to local communities. Since 2021, President Biden has provided additional funding to FEMA’s annual resilience grant programs, increasing them from $700 million to $1.16 in 2021 and more than tripled funding in 2022 to more than $3 billion. FEMA anticipates announcements about projects selected for further review under FY22 funding later this summer.  

More information on how communities can apply for BRIC funding and technical assistance can be found here: www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/applying. 

State, local, tribal or territorial officials, as well as community leaders, interested in making the connection between equity and hazard mitigation are encouraged to contact us at FEMA-ExpandingMitigation@fema.dhs.gov. 

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

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

charles.elison Wed, 08/23/2023 - 15:32

Experts Continue Sharing Ways to Salvage Family Treasures

FEMA and the Library of Congress “Save Your Family’s Treasures” preservation teams will continue their local demonstrations on how to safely handle and salvage your damaged items, using techniques taught by Heritage Emergency National Task Force conservation experts.

Preservation specialists are sharing ways on how to salvage storm-damaged family photos, artwork, textiles, media and other family treasures at the following dates and locations:

Disaster Recovery Centers

• 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., August 21-26, at Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
• 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., August 21-24, at Northern VT University – McClelland Hall, 131 College Hill Road, Johnson, VT 05656
• 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., August 21-24, at Vermont College of Fine Arts, 36 College St., Montpelier, VT 05602

Other Support LocationsCaledonia County Fair

• 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., August 23, and 
• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. August 24-27, at Caledonia County Fair, 1 Fairgrounds Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851

Champlain Valley Expo

• 3 p.m. to midnight, August 25, and
• 10 a.m. to midnight, August 26-27, at Champlain Valley Expo, 105 Pearl St., Essex Junction, VT 05452

FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution co-sponsor the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, a partnership of 62 national service organizations and federal agencies, to protect cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies.

If you cannot attend the demonstrations, guidance and resources are available online at Save Your Family Treasures | FEMA.gov.

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 08/23/2023 - 15:26

Jamaica Disaster Recovery Center to Relocate to Wardsboro

The Disaster Recovery Center in Jamaica (Windham County) will cease operations at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23, and relocate to Wardsboro (Windham County).

It will reopen at 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, and continue with regular hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. The new address is:

Wardsboro Town Hall
99 Main St.
Wardsboro, VT 05355

Other recovery centers are also open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday, at the following locations: 

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676

Asa Bloomer Building
88 Merchants Row, Suite 330
Rutland, VT 05701

Barre Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Barton Memorial Building
17 Village Square 
Barton, VT 05822

Springfield Health Center
100 River St. 
Springfield, VT 05156

Cabot Town Hall (relocated from Danville)
3084 Main St. 
Cabot, VT 05647

Northern VT University -- McClelland Hall
131 College Hill Road 
Johnson, VT 05656

Vermont College of Fine Arts University
36 College St. 
Montpelier, VT 05602

kwei.nwaogu Wed, 08/23/2023 - 13:10

President Biden Comforts Survivors in Maui, FEMA Urges Caution Amid Tropical Storm Activity

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joined President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden in Hawaii to survey wildfire damage on Maui, speak to affected residents about their losses, commend emergency responders for their efforts and announce new steps toward recovery. 

While in Hawaii, President Biden and the First Lady participated in a community event with leaders, survivors, families and organizations following the devastating wildfires on Maui. The President also announced the appointment of FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton as the federal government’s Chief Federal Response Coordinator. In this role, Fenton will ensure that every federal asset is provided to help the community rebuild as fast as possible on Maui. To further assist the community’s recovery, the Major Disaster Declaration was amended to provide additional funding to restore or rebuild disaster-damaged publicly owned facilities and the facilities of eligible private nonprofits.

More than 1,000 federal personnel are on the ground on Maui assisting residents in their greatest time of need, including more than 430 search and rescue team members and 43 canines trained to identify remains. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are going into communities to help people register for assistance. To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved over $10 million in assistance to more than 3,000 households.

View Original" data-align="center" data-entity-type="emerald" data-image-style="large" data-asset-type="ImageAsset" data-asset-link="undefined" data-asset-id="47227" src="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/d3ac796c61228391fead70e4a543056e.jpg?itok=eArl_d6d" alt="undefined" class="image-style-large" />LAHAINA, Hawaii -- On Monday, (from left) First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, President Joe Biden, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and First Lady Jaime Kanani Green survey devastated areas on Maui. (FEMA photo)

FEMA Urges Residents to Stay Safe After Hilary, Monitor Tropical Storm Harold 

While FEMA continues to coordinate the federal response efforts in Hawaii, the agency is also coordinating closely with California, Nevada and Tribal Nations affected by Tropical Storm Hilary and stands ready to provide support as needed. The National Response Coordination Center at FEMA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., is operating to coordinate federal resources or requests for assistance. 

FEMA deployed Incident Management Assistance Teams to California with more teams on standby if necessary. FEMA also deployed a Staging Management Team, Incident Support Base Team and Disaster Survivor Assistance Strike Team to California to support the state and Tribal Nations. 

FEMA has also deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team to the Texas Division of Emergency Management in Austin ahead of Tropical Storm Harold’s landfall in South Texas. Harold is expected to produce heavy rains, along with flash and urban flooding. Residents should monitor the storm and pay attention to local officials. 

FEMA encourages everyone to visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov to learn more about how to be prepared and how to protect yourself and your loved ones before, during and after emergencies. 

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 08/22/2023 - 19:05

Army Corps Debris Clean-Up Began in Three Additional Villages this Week

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) debris mission is moving at full steam, conducting separation and pickup of Mawar related debris from residential properties. Inarajan, Sinajana, and Upper Mangilao are the next three villages that have begun debris clean-up this week.

Residents are encouraged to complete their debris sorting and staging as soon as possible to make sure they can take advantage of this service. The residential debris project is a free program available for all residential properties including apartments and condominiums.

Debris Operations currently ongoing in the following villages:

• Agat (Hågat)
• Asan (Asan-Maina)
• Barrigada
• Dededo
• Merizo (Malesso)
• Piti
• Santa Rita (Sånta Rita-Sumai)
• Talofofo (Talo’fo’fo)
• Tamuning
• Yigo

Debris Operations have begun this week in the following villages:

• Inarajan (Inalahan)
• Mangilao
• Sinajana

s Operations are projected to begin soon in the following villages:

• Chalan-Pago-Ordot
• Mongmong-Toto-Maite
• Yona
• Agana Heights

Guam residents are asked to please separate debris by type and place it within the right of way (ROW) within 10 ft of the curb prior to the start of pick-up.

Eligible storm related debris includes vegetative debris, large appliances, construction and demolition debris and metal (cans, tin.)  

Debris should not block the roadway, fire hydrants, powerlines, utilities or transformer boxes.  In addition, debris should not be blocked by parked cars, abandoned cars, or by other means.

To make the process quick and efficient there will be separate trucks for each category of eligible debris (debris refinement, vegetative debris, appliances, construction and demolition debris and metal.) These trucks may arrive at different times in the clean-up process.

Households will be responsible for safely disposing of ineligible debris. Certain forms of ineligible debris may be taken to one of the three Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA) residential transfer stations in Harmon, Hagåt, and Malojloj. Transfer station operation hours are Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A nominal fee is required for disposal of household trash.

Residents are urged to dispose of their solid waste properly. Illegal dumping is a violation of Guam law. In accordance with 10 GCA §51115(b), illegal dumping is subject to fines of up to $1,000 per day, per violation, along with the clean-up cost associated with the violation.

To view the Debris Mission Dashboard detailing current debris mission operations, visit: Guam Debris Mission DR4715 - Dashboard (PUBLIC) (arcgis.com)

For an FAQ answering common questions about the debris mission, visit: U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Debris Mission FAQ | FEMA.gov

For more information on proper debris separation, visit Debris Removal Guidelines for Residential Property (fema.gov)

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

robert.barker Tue, 08/22/2023 - 14:31

GUAM STRONG: New Project Helps Make Disaster Damaged Homes Safe and Secure

A new project, a coordinated effort between Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense, The Mayors’ Council, and FEMA has been approved to help households impacted by Typhoon Mawar. The initiative, Getting Urgent Assistance Mobilized to Support Typhoon Repairs ON Guam (GUAM STRONG) provides minimal essential repairs to make homes safe, sanitary and functional.

Participants have been pre-selected through a review process based on a pre-identified need. This process prioritized the elderly, veterans and those with access and functional needs.  There is no application process and those chosen will be contacted directly about their participation in the GUAM STRONG program.

The aim is to restore disaster damaged homes to a habitable condition in a cost-effective manner, so households have shelter until more permanent repairs can be completed. GUAM STRONG may help with basic carpentry, electrical, and plumbing repairs in addition to roofing.

Each home identified as eligible for the GUAM STRONG project must be able to be made functional through repairs costing no more than $10,000.

The driving force of GUAM STRONG is the skilled volunteers from nonprofit partners such as members of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) that will come to Guam and perform repair work on eligible homes. FEMA will be responsible for sourcing the tools and necessary building materials.

One hundred twenty-five homes are projected to be completed by November 25, 2023, based on the level of support committed by the volunteer agencies.

The project is scheduled to commence operations and has begun deploying volunteers with the goal of completing as many repairs as possible by November 25. This timeline aligns with the 6-month deadline for the completion of emergency work.

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

Follow FEMA at Twitter and Facebook.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

robert.barker Tue, 08/22/2023 - 14:14

FEMA Issues Public Notice for Mississippi

MADISON, Miss. A public notice has been posted to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and FEMA websites which describes available FEMA disaster assistance and proposed FEMA-funded actions, including activities that may affect historic properties, threatened and endangered species, critical habitat, or wetlands and floodplains in Mississippi. The public notice is posted under Public Notices at https://www.msema.org/news/ and at https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/dr-4727-ms-public-notice-001.

FEMA is required by law to provide public notice of its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities via the agency’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grants programs. The public notice addresses FEMA’s intention to reimburse eligible applicants for costs to repair or replace facilities damaged by the June 14-19 severe storms and tornadoes in designated counties.

This may be the only public notice given regarding these FEMA actions. Questions should be directed to FEMA Region 4 EHP at 3005 Chamblee Tucker Rd., Atlanta, GA 30341 or by email at FEMA-R4-NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov, within 30 days of this notice. Comments should include a subject line of “DR-4727-MS EHAD.”

For the latest information on recovery from the June storms, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4697. On Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.

sandra.habib Mon, 08/21/2023 - 20:59

Four Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

Survivors of the recent wildfires on Maui are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance to help jumpstart their recovery. 

You may apply in any one of the following ways:

• Apply by phone at 1-800-621-3362. Helpline operators are available around the clock, seven days a week. If you need to communicate in another language when you call, press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for interpretation in other languages.  If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Apply by using the FEMA App. Download the free app from your phone's app store.
• Apply in person at the Disaster Recovery Center. The center is located at:    
  University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, 310 W. Kaʻahumanu Ave., Pilina Building,   
  Kahului, Hawaiʻi 96732. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. HST, seven days a week. The center is accessible to people with disabilities and those with other access and functional needs. Reasonable accommodations and American Sign Language are available by request. The center also offers interpreters and translated printed materials in many languages. 

Watch an accessible video on how to apply.

Get additional information on Hawaii’s disaster recovery.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 08/21/2023 - 19:33

Danville Disaster Recovery Center to Relocate to Cabot

The Disaster Recovery Center in Danville (Caledonia County) will cease operations at 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 19, and relocate to Cabot (Washington County).

It will reopen at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 22, and continue regular hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. Here’s the location:

Cabot Town Hall

3084 Main St.

Cabot, VT 05647

Other recovery centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday, at the following locations:

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676

Asa Bloomer Building
88 Merchants Row, Suite 330
Rutland, VT 05701

Barre Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641

Barton Memorial Building
17 Village Square 
Barton, VT 05822

Springfield Health Center

100 River St. 

Springfield, VT 05156

Jamaica Fire Department 

4017 VT-30
Jamaica, VT 05343

 

Northern VT University -- McClelland Hall

131 College Hill Road

Johnson, VT 05656

Vermont College of Fine Arts University

36 College St., 

Montpelier, VT 05602

kwei.nwaogu Mon, 08/21/2023 - 16:19

Biden-Harris Administration Continues Federal Recovery Efforts in Maui, FEMA Urges Residents Affected by Hilary to Pay Attention to Local Officials

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will travel with President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and First Lady Jill Biden to Maui, Hawaii, to survey wildfire damage, speak to residents about their loss, commend emergency responders and announce new steps toward recovery. 

As the recovery moves into the next phase, President Biden, alongside Administrator Criswell, will announce that he is appointing FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton as the Federal government’s “Chief Federal Response Coordinator” for Maui. In this role, Fenton will oversee the federal government’s long-term recovery work on the ground for Maui. President Biden is directing Chief Federal Response Coordinator Fenton to ensure that every federal asset is provided to help the community rebuild as fast as possible in Maui.

More than 1,000 federal personnel are on the ground in Maui assisting residents in their greatest time of need, including nearly 450 search-and-rescue team members and 40 canines trained to identify remains. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are going to shelters and survivors’ homes to help people register for assistance. To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved $8.6 million in assistance to over 2,800 households, including $3.6 million in initial rental assistance.

FEMA Urges Residents to Stay Safe After Hilary 

While FEMA continues coordinating federal response efforts in Hawaii, the agency is also closely monitoring the impacts from post-Tropical Storm Hilary. FEMA is closely coordinating with California, southwest states and Tribal Nations in the path of the storm and stands ready to provide support as needed. The National Response Coordination Center at FEMA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. is operating around the clock. FEMA pre-positioned supplies at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California.

Residents in the path of Hilary should continue to listen to their local officials, as flooding is often the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical storm. FEMA deployed two Incident Management Assistance Teams to California and they are prepared to assist with any requests for federal assistance. Additional teams are on standby for deployment if necessary. FEMA also deployed a Staging Management Team, Incident Support Base Team and Disaster Survivor Assistance Strike Team to California to support the state and Tribal Nations. Additionally, three Mobile Emergency Response Support units are en route to California to provide communications and technical support.

The National Weather Service predicts post-Tropical Storm Hilary will produce additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches today, with isolated storm totals up to 12 inches, in portions of Southern California and Southern Nevada. Continued localized flash and urban flooding is expected. Residents who live in areas affected by wildfires in the last two years should be especially cautious as burn scars have an increased risk of flash flooding and debris flows. 

As the storm continues to move across Nevada today and into Oregon and Idaho through Tuesday, visitors and residents in in the storm’s path should monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and heed local evacuation orders. 

FEMA encourages everyone to visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov to learn more about how to be prepared and how to protect yourself and your loved ones during emergencies. 

Stay Safe During and After the Storm

Important safety reminders if you’re in an area that has been, or is still being impacted by the storm:

• Flooding is often the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical storm. It poses a significant threat for drowning and can occur before, during or after the center of a storm passes through an area. Be aware: Flooding can sometimes cut off transportation routes with little or no warning.
• Don’t drive or walk through flood waters. It only takes a small amount of water to move people or vehicles. If you encounter a flooded roadway, don’t attempt to pass through water; turn around, don’t drown. 
• Stay off the roads. Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas or cleaning up debris. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
• Avoid downed power or utility lines; they may be live with deadly voltage. Report them immediately to your power or utility company.
• Your National Flood Insurance Program policy will cover and reimburse certain actions you take to minimize damage to your home and belongings before a flood.  

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 08/21/2023 - 16:15

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Montana’s River Road East Fire

DENVER – Early this morning FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the River Road East Fire burning in Sanders County near the Paradise community. 

FEMA Region 8 Administrator Nancy Dragani approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request overnight and determining that the fire threatened such destruction that it would constitute a major disaster.

At the time of the request, the River Road East Fire was threatening residences in the community of Paradise, population 166 and an additional 250 residents in the surrounding area. There was also an imminent threat to infrastructure including transportation systems and critical communications. The fire has now burned nearly 12,000 acres of state, federal and private land and there is 0% containment. 

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75-percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. It is a reimbursable program. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, mobilization activities, tools, materials and supplies. 

When there is an FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures and ignition-resistant construction. 

For more information on FMAGs, visit  https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.

jamie.casterton Mon, 08/21/2023 - 14:26

FFEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight the Gray and Oregon Fires in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. -  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Gray Fire and the Oregon Fire burning in Spokane County, Washington.  

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Gray Fire was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 8:17 p.m. PT. The Oregon Fire request was approved on Friday, August 18, at 11:16 p.m. PT. Nunn determined that both fires threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. There have now been seven FMAGs declared in 2023 to help fight Washington wildfires. 

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire. 

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under these FMAGs, another $2,450,064 will be available to the State of Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.  

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

 

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

 

mary.j.edmon Mon, 08/21/2023 - 06:20