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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Missouri to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding from Nov. 3-9, 2024.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding in Carter, Crawford, Dent, Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Shannon, Texas, Washington and Wright counties.

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

Andrew P. Meyer 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 state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

amy.ashbridge Thu, 01/02/2025 - 20:38

Get Repair and Rebuilding Advice Jan. 6–18 in Greene and Washington Counties

Mitigation specialists from FEMA have partnered with local home improvement stores to offer free advice and tips on how to rebuild homes stronger and safer as Tennessee residents begin repairing, rebuilding and making improvements to their homes after Tropical Storm Helene.

FEMA specialists will be available Monday, Jan. 6 to Saturday, Jan. 18 at these locations:

Lowe’s Home Improvement                           
2375 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy.
Greenville, TN 37745
Greene County
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Lowe’s Home Improvement
1498 E. Jackson Blvd. 
Jonesborough, TN 37659
Washington County 
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

The specialists are available to answer questions, offer home-improvement tips and share proven methods that help reduce damage from disasters. Most information is aimed at general contractors or those who do the work on their own.

kwei.nwaogu Thu, 01/02/2025 - 20:06

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell Announces Appointment of New and Returning Members to the Agency's National Advisory Council

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced the appointment of 10 new members and three returning members to the agency's National Advisory Council.

“The National Advisory Council brings together a broad range of experts and critical partners to help us build the FEMA our nation needs and deserves,” said Administrator Criswell. “These new appointments, led by our new NAC Chair Donald Bliss, will provide our agency with valuable guidance and insight as we carry out our mission of helping people before, during and after disasters.”

 “We will continue to provide valuable guidance and advice to the Administrator with innovative approaches that better serve disaster survivors in state, local, territorial and Tribal communities,” said Donald Bliss. "Our focus for 2025 is on strengthening consequence management, improving long-term risk reduction and addressing the challenges of technology, security and innovation in emergency management.” 

Bliss is supported in leadership by NAC Vice-Chair Michael Antoine, NAC Secretary Andrew Phelps and a team of subcommittee chairs and vice chairs. Chair Bliss thanks Carrie Speranza, now Chair Emeritus, for her leadership and vision saying, “Her trailblazing ideas have been an inspiration to all NAC members.” 

The National Advisory Council advises the FEMA administrator on all aspects of emergency management, including preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation for disasters and national emergencies. Council members represent a substantive cross-section of 40 geographically diverse officials, emergency managers and emergency response providers from state, local, tribal and territorial governments, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations. 

Since its creation in 2006, the council has provided hundreds of recommendations to FEMA on a variety of key emergency management topics.

Of the 13 council members selected, 10 are new appointments. Members will serve multi-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and will guide and inform future recommendations. 

The following 10 new members will begin their first term of appointment on January 1, 2025:

• Ms. Marissa Aho, Climate Director, Executive Climate Office, King County, Washington
• Mr. Diogenes Ayala, Emergency Manager, MercyOne, Des Moines, Iowa
• Mr. William Driscoll Jr., State Senator, Representing Norfolk, Plymouth, and Bristol, Massachusetts 
• Chief David Hill, Principal Chief, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
• Mr. Marc Pappas, Director, Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, Rhode Island
• Mr. Justin Pierce, Director, Emergency Management Department, Charleston County Government, South Carolina 
• Mr. John Pisowicz, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Porter County, Indiana 
• Dr. Vincent Torres, Medical Doctor, Emergency Medicine, Providence Portland Medical Center, Oregon 
• Mr. Dillon Taylor, Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia  
• Mr. Brian Baker, Vice President, Hagerty Consulting, Washington, District of Columbia  

One member will begin her second term on January 1, 2025:

• Tonya Graham, Mayor, City of Ashland, Oregon  

Also on January 1, 2025, two previously appointed NAC member appointments will be updated. Moving from the role of Director of Houston Emergency Management to the Chief of the Houston Fire Department, Thomas Muñoz will similarly shift roles on the NAC from an Emergency Management Representative seat to an Emergency Response Provider seat. Justin Kates was selected to fill the two years remaining in the term of the Emergency Management Representative seat vacated by Chief Munoz. 

• Justin Kates, Senior Business Continuity Advisor, Wawa Inc, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  
• Thomas Muñoz, Chief, Houston Fire Department, Texas 

On November 30, 2024, the following members concluded their terms of appointment:

• Kathy Baughman McLeod, Chief Executive Officer, Climate Resilience for All, Washington, District of Columbia 
• Jody Ferguson, Director (Ret.), Pierce County, Department of Emergency Management, Tacoma 
• Tim Gleason, City Manager, City of Decatur Illinois 
• Ramesh Kolluru, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development, University of Louisiana 
• Ryan Lanclos, Director, National Government and Public Safety Solutions, Esri
• Kelly McKinney, Assistant Vice President of Emergency Management and Enterprise Resilience, New York University Langone Health 
• Paula Pagniez, Head of Origination and Client Engagement, Climate Risk and Resilience Executive Director, Howden Group Holdings
• William “Brad” Richy, Director, Office of Emergency Management, State of Idaho 

For additional information about the council, visit FEMA.gov.

erika.suzuki Tue, 12/31/2024 - 18:48

FEMA Extends Deadline to Apply for N.C. Disaster Assistance

Hickory, NC – At the request of Governor Cooper, North Carolina Tropical Storm Helene survivors now have until Feb. 6, 2025, to apply for assistance with FEMA.

Survivors who have insurance are encouraged to file a claim for disaster-caused damage before they apply for FEMA help. You do not need to wait for your insurance settlement to apply. FEMA may provide financial assistance to eligible survivors who have uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused damage or loss.

Homeowners and renters in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with uninsured losses from Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible to apply for FEMA assistance.

There are several ways to apply: 

• Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) To find the center location nearest you go to fema.gov/drc. 
• Go online to disasterassistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and midnight. 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.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

The deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has also been extended.  You may be eligible for DUA if:

• You lived, worked or were scheduled to work in one of these counties.
• You lost employment or had your job interrupted as a direct result of the disaster, and
• You have exhausted or are not eligible for state unemployment benefits.
• You are out of work (including self-employed or business owners) as a direct result of Helene.

The fastest way to file a claim is online at the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Employment Security webpage: www.des.nc.gov. You may also file by calling 888 737-0258. DUA is available for weeks of unemployment Sept. 29, 2024-March 29, 2025. Eligibility for DUA is determined weekly, and you must complete a weekly certification to receive unemployment benefits, including DUA.

Low-Interest Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration

There is also more time to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA is the primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

Applicants who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be referred back to FEMA to be considered for aid under the Other Needs Assistance provision. The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center’s number is 800-659-2955 or mail to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov. Survivors may apply online at SBA's secure website:

https://www.sba.gov/es

joseph.arbid Mon, 12/30/2024 - 22:32

One Week Left for Floridians to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricanes Milton and Helene

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Floridians who sustained loss from Hurricanes Milton or Helene have one week remaining to apply for federal assistance. The deadline is Jan. 7, 2025.

If you applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene and have additional damage from Hurricane Milton, you will need to apply separately for Milton and provide the dates of your most recent damage.

Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Office of Civil Rights if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA’s Office of Civil Rights can be contacted at FEMA-OCR@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.

 

sixto.valentin… Mon, 12/30/2024 - 21:07

Ten Things to Know About Federal Disaster Assistance

Atlanta – Federal assistance can help Georgians recover from Tropical Storm Debby, (damage Aug. 4—20), and Hurricane Helene, (damage Sept. 24—Oct. 30, 2024). 

Here are 10 facts to know about the help that may be available to you:

1.    You won’t be taking money away from someone else by applying. FEMA will distribute funds to every eligible applicant regardless of how many people apply.

2.    FEMA assistance is available to eligible homeowners and renters, including owners and renters of mobile homes.

3.    Eligible homeowners and renters will receive FEMA assistance as grants that do not have to be repaid.

4.    You can apply for FEMA assistance before your insurance claim processes. However, once you receive a settlement, make sure to report it to FEMA. FEMA can’t duplicate benefits from other sources, so we need to see what your insurance covers before we can process your application.

5.    FEMA assistance is nontaxable, and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal or state benefits.

6.    You can ask questions and get in-person one-on-one help applying for assistance at any open Disaster Recovery Center. Sixteen centers are currently open, along with four Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers. For locations and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.

7.    If your insurance is delayed by 30 days or more and you need money to relocate immediately, FEMA may be able to help. 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. Unlike normal FEMA grants, this type of assistance must be repaid once you get your insurance.

8.    If your car was damaged by the disaster, you may be eligible for money to repair or replace it. FEMA provides financial assistance for disaster-related necessary expenses, including Transportation Assistance, that are not covered by insurance or provided by any other source.

9.    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may be able to help with items FEMA cannot. SBA’s low-interest disaster loans help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters and are the largest source of federal recovery funds. SBA offers Physical Damage Loans to cover repairs and replacement of physical assets damaged in a declared disaster, Economic Injury Disaster Loans to cover small business operating expenses after a declared disaster, and Mitigation assistance to help protect your home or business against future disasters. To learn more about SBA’s disaster assistance, visit SBA.gov/disaster.

10.    Calling 2-1-1 or applying for assistance through another organization or agency does not automatically register you with FEMA. To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. Survivors can also contact the Georgia Call Center Monday through Saturday at 678-547-2861 for assistance with their application.

You may also visit any open Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

The deadline for applications is Feb. 7, 2025.

For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/Georgia and fema.gov/disaster/4821. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on X @FEMA_Deanne.

larissa.hale Mon, 12/30/2024 - 19:54

One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

If your home was damaged or destroyed by Tropical Storm Helene, you may have put off applying to FEMA for any number of reasons. Don’t wait any longer. Gather your documents and take time to complete an application. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Tennesseans who live in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties may apply for assistance. FEMA may be able to help with home repairs, rental assistance for your family to stay somewhere safe while you put your house in order, and grants for replacement of a car or other personal items you lost.

There are several other ways to apply. Go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time seven days a week and specialists speak many languages.

You may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center. All FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1 for the New Year.

Regular operating hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday, except where noted.

• Carter County: Carter County Public Library, 201 N. Sycamore St., Elizabethton, TN 37643. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Saturday.
• Cocke County: Old Walmart Building behind Krystal Fast Food Restaurant, 593-B W Broadway St., Newport, TN 37821.
• Johnson County: Tennessee National Guard Armory, 1923 S. Shady St., Mountain City, TN 37683
• Unicoi County: National Guard Armory/Unicoi Emergency Operations Center, 615 South Main Ave., Erwin, TN 37650
• Washington County: Cherry Grove Baptist Church, 104 Cherry Grove Rd., Jonesborough, TN  37659

To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube. 

kwei.nwaogu Mon, 12/30/2024 - 18:45

FAQ: FEMA Housing Programs

FEMA continues to support Maui wildfire survivors as they seek to recover and find permanent housing. 

Q. What is the continued role of FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program in responding to the Maui wildfires?

A. FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program has been extended to Feb. 10, 2026. FEMA continues to provide financial assistance, including Rental Assistance. Additionally, FEMA continues to temporarily support households in the Direct Housing Program as they seek long-term housing solutions. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits that wildfire survivors may be receiving through other sources, including insurance benefits. FEMA assistance is temporary and is not a replacement for insurance. 

Q. What FEMA programs are available to individuals and households who have exhausted their Additional Living Expenses/Loss of Use (ALE/LOU) benefits through their insurance? 

A. Households that have exhausted their ALE/LOU benefits can request initial Rental Assistance at 100% of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rent. Subsequently, households may apply for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA), which provides benefits up to 175% of the HUD Fair Market Rent on Maui. 

Q. How would FEMA respond to local residents who feel that rental rates were increased due to the agency’s efforts? 

A. The loss of 4,000 homes during the August 2023 wildfires exacerbated Maui’s pre-existing housing crisis. FEMA’s interim housing programs are temporary. Maui’s housing crisis is a long-term challenge requiring permanent solutions. State and local policy initiatives can help to combat and alleviate rising housing costs long term. 

Rental Assistance and Continued Temporary Housing Assistance

Q. When my Additional Living Expenses/Loss Of Use (ALE/LOU) benefits through my insurance runs out, can I apply for Rental Assistance?

A. Individuals and households whose ALE/LOU benefits have been exhausted may appeal for FEMA Rental Assistance. Initial Rental Assistance is provided at 100% of the HUD Fair Market Rent for two months. After exhausting initial Rental Assistance, individuals and households may apply for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA), which provides three months of assistance up to 175% the HUD Fair Market Rent. Households may re-apply for CTHA to continue receiving assistance after those three months. 

Q. If I receive Rental Assistance and/or additional Rental Assistance, known as Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA), can I remain in my current rental unit? 

A. Individuals and households who receive Rental Assistance may choose to remain in their current unit or move to an alternative rental unit that they identify. Regardless of the unit selected by the wildfire survivor, the initial two-months of Rental Assistance provided is 100% of the HUD Fair Market Rent. The Rental Assistance approved for additional time, known as Continued Temporary Housing Assistance, is up to 175% of the HUD Fair Market Rent on Maui. If the total rent for a household’s selected unit exceeds the amount provided, the individual is responsible for the remainder of the rental amount. 

Q. What are the qualifications to receive additional Rental Assistance known as Continued Temporary Housing Assistance?   

A. Continued inclusion in the program and the benefit amount is determined individually and considers an applicant’s income and housing expenses before and after the 2023 Maui wildfires. The CTHA amount provided can be up to 175% of the HUD Fair Market Rent. When recertifying every three months, changes to the applicant’s income and housing expenses are considered. Considerations include but are not limited to a change in income, a change in rental amount and the addition of utility expenses.

Q. How long can I receive Continued Temporary Housing Assistance? 

A. Individuals and households may continue to receive CTHA if they continue to meet the requirements of the program. Households receiving CTHA must recertify every three months to remain in the program. 

Q. Can FEMA increase or decrease the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Fair Market Rate? 

A. The Fair Market Rent is determined by HUD for each calendar year. FEMA is unable to change this determination. 

FY 2025 FMR: One-Bedroom ($1,762), Two-Bedroom ($2,309), Three-Bedroom ($3,103), Four-Bedroom ($3,584)

Direct Housing 

Q. What is the Individuals and Households Program Direct Housing Program? 

A. FEMA’s Direct Housing Program provides temporary housing options for wildfire survivors through Direct Lease or modular units known as Alternative Transportable Temporary Housing Units. FEMA may only provide Direct Housing to households that are unable to use Rental Assistance to secure temporary housing and that have previously been approved for the Direct Housing program.  

Q. When my ALE/LOU runs out can I enter the Direct Housing Program?

A. FEMA is only able to provide Direct Housing to households that have already been approved for the program. This includes all approved forms of Direct Housing. Households that are not already in Direct Housing and still having housing needs may appeal for Rental Assistance. 

Q. If I previously turned down a FEMA unit and left the Direct Housing Program can I rejoin? 

A. If FEMA offered you a housing option that would meet your household needs and you turned it down, you are no longer able to rejoin the Direct Housing Program and cannot live in a Direct Lease unit or an Alternative Transportable Temporary Housing Unit. 

Additional Resources 

• State Housing: https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/hawaiistaterecovers/
• CNHA Housing: https://helpingmaui.org/mauilani
• Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO): 808-553-3216
• Chaplin Ministry: 813-699-1138

Official Recovery Information: Maui Recovers – Maui Wildfire Housing Pathways

Resource Category: Temporary Housing (mauinuistrong.info)

• Find Rental Housing
• Place Temporary Housing Unit
• Build a Permanent Housing
• Offer a Rental Unit
• Host a Family
• Build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
• Addressing the need for more housing on the island of Maui to assist displaced families after the wildfires, CNHA is seeking homeowners who are willing to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). Interested homeowners will need to have approved plans and permits to proceed with building prior to applying for a forgivable loan of up to $50,000. The loan will be forgiven after a homeowner has hosted a displaced, fire-impacted family for three years.
• Additional Information located under Resources of Maui Recovers
• Office of Recovery – West Maui
• SBA
• County of Maui Recovery Permit Center
• Helping Maui CNHA
• 211 – DCM Disaster Case Management – A program that connects survivors of disasters with specially trained disaster case managers (DCMs) to develop a unique and comprehensive recovery plan, and then assisting with connecting with the referrals and resources to meet their needs. DHSDCMP@dhs.hawaii.gov 

Get Support: Kākoʻo, DRC at the Lahaina Civic, and the Disaster Recovery Center at UH Maui College (mauirecovers.org)

DSA Disaster Recovery Building Permit | Maui County MAPPS, HI – Disaster Recovery Building Permit

Rebuild — Helping Maui Lahaina Homeowners Rebuild

Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group (mauilongtermrecovery.org) – Long Term Recovery

Crisis Counseling Assistance & Training Program (CCP) The project program name is "The Hawaii Resiliency Project: Malu I Ka ‘Ulu". The Meaning of the program is to Connect. Share. Persevere. Malu i Ka ‘Ulu (CCP) Warm Line - Maui County residents may call 1-808-446-6676 . 

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires. 

 

 

shannon.carley Mon, 12/30/2024 - 18:33

W.Va. Disaster Recovery Center Relocates to Princeton on Thursday, Jan. 2

CHARLESTON, W.Va.– The Mercer County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Bluefield, W.Va. will be closing on Monday, Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. and relocating to Princeton, W.Va. The Princeton DRC will open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2. DRCs will be closed on Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.  

The Mercer County Disaster Recovery Center locations and hours the next two weeks are as follows: 

Bluefield Disaster Recovery Center

Maple View Church of Christ

194 Robins Rest Rd. 

Bluefield, WV 24701

Hours of operation:

Monday, Dec. 30: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 31 – Wednesday, Jan. 1: Closed

(DRC in Princeton Thursday Jan. 2 – Saturday, Jan. 4)

Monday, Jan. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 7 – Friday, Jan. 10: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 11, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Closed Sundays

 

Princeton Disaster Recovery Center

Lifeline Princeton Church of God

250 Oakvale Rd. 

Princeton, WV 24740

Hours of operation:

Thursday, Jan. 2: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Friday, Jan. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 4: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Closed Sundays

Additional hours to follow

Survivors do not have to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. You can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App on your phone. 

 The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Feb. 7, 2025. 

PLEASE NOTE: If you are a Mercer County resident who applied previously in Virginia for damage from Hurricane Helene, please contact FEMA at 800-621-3362 or online at disasterassistance.gov to discuss your application. Please use the FEMA registration number you were assigned when you applied.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4851 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.

Graphic

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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 X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

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. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

 

kelly.magarity Mon, 12/30/2024 - 15:44

New Year Will Bring New Beginning to 2023 Tornado Survivors

MADISON, Miss. — Thanks to a unique new partnership between Boss Lady Economic Planning and Development and BankPlus, families recovering from the March 2023 storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes will have a permanent home when they welcome in 2025. Through the collaboration, disaster survivors who were renters and homeowners in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Panola and Sharkey counties will have their current FEMA temporary mobile housing units donated to them--making some homeowners for the first time.

A news conference recognizing the new partnership and donations will be held Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 104 Jackson Street, Silver City, Mississippi at 10:30 a.m. (parking will be available in the volunteer fire department parking lot). Rep. Bennie G. Thompson and other elected officials are scheduled to attend. 

Dr. Pam Chatman, CEO of Boss Lady Economic Planning and Development, will be leading the charge with her partners, Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, to work with BankPlus. As part of her efforts, Chatman has entered into an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to work directly with the families.

“It is a humbling yet rewarding opportunity to be able to assist families with a place to call home,” she said. “A place where the children won’t have to wonder where they are going to sleep. Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and I remain committed to helping dreams come true for these families who lost everything and were impacted by the storm of 2023 across the Delta.” 

Chatman has been working with FEMA for the past several months to identify disaster survivors (living in FEMA mobile home units as part of the agency’s direct housing program) who needed a permanent home but had insufficient funds to purchase one. To date, the selfless work of Chatman and her partners, which also includes NFL legend Archie Manning and his wife Olivia, has led to the purchase of 19 FEMA mobile home units being donated to March 2023 tornado survivors in Mississippi.

“At BankPlus, we define our core purpose as enriching lives and building stronger communities,” said Jack Webb, President, and Chief Executive Officer of BankPlus. “This project is the perfect opportunity for us to bring that core purpose to life in a meaningful way.  We are honored to be a small part of this amazing group of people dedicated to helping others.”

“These families have faced a number of challenges,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Craig Levy. “The homes will really help them have more stability as a result of having permanent housing.” 

For the latest information on the March 2023 recovery, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4697. On X/Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.

erika.suzuki Mon, 12/30/2024 - 15:15

1 Week Left To Apply for FEMA Assistance Following Hurricane Helene in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – FEMA is encouraging South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is Jan. 7, 2025, now just one week away.

If you sustained losses or damage from Hurricane Helene, you should register for assistance even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.

The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center, or apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day, and the help is available in many 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. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.

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

martyce.allenjr Mon, 12/30/2024 - 12:16

FEMA Helps Rescue Part of Isla Grande’s Historic Naval Base

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico ― The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) program is responsible of ensuring that proposed reconstruction projects comply with federal laws that protect historic properties. This role is a mandate for all federal agencies providing financial assistance.

One of the most recent examples of EHP’s support for local reconstruction is the memorandum of agreement (MOA) the agency signed with the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (PRSHPO), the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction, and Resiliency (COR3), and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority to preserve and document historically significant elements in the construction project at piers 15 and 16 of the Port of San Juan. The project approved by FEMA includes an obligation of over $22 million to the Ports Authority to demolish and rebuild five buildings and construct a graving dock shed at piers 15 and 16, near the Miramar Historic Area in San Juan.

“Preserving history not only helps us understand the present, but it is also an investment in the future of our communities. It is our responsibility to ensure that progress and innovation respect and celebrate the legacy that define us as a people,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

EHP assessed the reconstruction project for piers 15 and 16 and concluded that, despite their deteriorated state, the remains of the buildings at the piers hold significant historical value that should be preserved.

While inspecting the structures, period architectural elements were discovered, along with historic anchors and machinery, highlighting Puerto Rico’s significance as a center for naval operations during World War II. The existing dry dock and the abandoned buildings contain remnants of the former Isla Grande Naval Air Station, which supported the United States between 1941 and 1949, later expanding its services to become a dual military-civilian facility.

The breakdown of the work includes the demolition and construction of the dry dock and hangar; the demolition and construction of the buildings to be used as administrative offices and workshops; and over $355,000 for risk mitigation work to help prevent similar damage from a natural disaster.

Part of EHP’s responsibilities includes providing technical assistance to applicants, which supports conservation efforts and helps owners of historic buildings identify and address common issues before starting construction.

After consulting with PRSHPO, FEMA determined that the distinctive features of these buildings make them eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), which is the official list of historic places of the United States. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s NRHP is part of a program that coordinates and supports public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect the historic and archeological resources of the United States.

As part of the technical assistance to mitigate the impact of construction on the remnants, FEMA and the SHPO recommended that the Puerto Rico Ports Authority preserve some of the equipment and set up a public exhibition inside the building, where these items would become part of the agency’s historical collection. Additionally, the agency should document the building’s architectural features through a photographic collection that meets the American Historic Buildings Survey standards. This collection will include a state architectural inventory form and will be sent to the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and the PRSHPO for permanent storage.

Photographic documentation plays a crucial role in preserving the building’s history, offers a deeper understanding of the historical and archaeological resources at the site, and captures details that will be lost due to the buildings’ demolition or alterations.

On the other hand, the agency determined that the 148-foot-high metal structure to be built on the dry dock would negatively impact the nearby Miramar Historic District. To mitigate the adverse effects of this construction, Ports will submit a revised design for the new metal structure on the dry dock.

In general terms, new constructions must be compatible in size, scale and architectural features within or adjacent to a historic district. New buildings must be designed in a way that protects the integrity of historic buildings and the surrounding property, to preserve the characteristics that define the historic district.

FEMA has allocated over $34.5 billion for nearly 11,100 projects that address recovery efforts following Hurricane María.

 

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

manuel.deleon Mon, 12/30/2024 - 11:25

FEMA Helps Fund Sacred Hearts Temporary School

LAHAINA, Maui – Sacred Hearts School has stood as a cornerstone of Lahaina since its’ establishment in 1863. On Aug. 8, 2023, the K-12 school was destroyed in the Maui wildfires, while the Catholic church on site miraculously emerged unscathed. 

With community support, the school reopened at an emergency site just three weeks after the disaster, making it the first Lahaina school to resume in-person learning. The initial site at Sacred Hearts Mission Church in nearby Kapalua, West Maui was made up of tents and makeshift classrooms set up in the yard without air conditioning or electricity. 

As recovery efforts continued, Sacred Hearts sought a safer, more appropriate temporary home for their 200 students until a permanent site can be rebuilt in Lahaina. 

Thanks to a collaborative effort involving FEMA, school officials, and generous community members, a new temporary home was found, and a lease was signed for a property in Kāʻanapali, West Maui. Once a permanent site is rebuilt and students resume session in Lahaina, the leased property will be restored to its original condition, including returning the grass and landscaping that were removed during the school’s construction. 

The new temporary site was selected by the school and validated by FEMA as the most cost-effective and practical option to continue providing education to the students. However, the site also required some modifications and updates to meet code standard requirements and to be suitable for educational use. To address these needs, design work began in Nov. 2023, and construction commenced in Feb. 2024. The renovations were completed in June 2024 and the site opened ahead of the first day of school on Aug. 2, 2024, following a blessing ceremony. 

The initial costs for the school rental, construction modifications and architectural design fees total approximately $2 million, much of which will be eligible for reimbursement through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program.

Sacred Hearts temporary school now consists of thirteen air-conditioned classrooms housed within existing buildings on the leased property, two portable enrichment classrooms, a school office, mental health counseling rooms and maintenance areas. Students are also able to enjoy a playground and multipurpose court for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball along with an outdoor seating area for lunch. 

Additionally, the school expanded to bring back their Early Learning Center for Pre-K students (ages 3 to 5), which they did not have space for at the Kapalua location. Three Early Learning Center classrooms were constructed, and engaging wall art is displayed to support student development and create a nurturing environment.   

Sacred Hearts demonstrates the community’s perseverance and commitment to continue investing in West Maui’s youth throughout the recovery process. Tonata Lolesio, principal of Sacred Hearts School, said, the temporary school “underscores our unwavering commitment to nurturing our students and supporting the broader Lahaina community as it continues to recover from the impact of the wildfire, offering a beacon of hope in these challenging times.”

FEMA is proud to support Sacred Hearts as they gather community support and work to foster resilience among the next generation.

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires. 

shannon.carley Fri, 12/27/2024 - 01:28

Application Deadline for FEMA Assistance in Georgia Extended to Feb. 7, 2025

ATLANTA – At the request of the state of Georgia, FEMA has extended the deadline for survivors to apply for federal assistance. Homeowners and renters in the 63 counties who were affected by Tropical Storm Debby, Aug. 4—20, 2024, and Hurricane Helene, Sept. 24—Oct. 30, 2024, now have until Feb. 7, 2025, to apply. 

There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 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, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. You may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.

To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For needs not covered by insurance or other sources, FEMA may be able to provide Individual Assistance grant money that does not have to be repaid for:

• Rental assistance if you need to relocate because of storm damage
• Personal property that was damaged or destroyed by the storms
• Lodging reimbursement if you had to stay in a hotel temporarily
• Basic home repairs for homeowners whose primary residence was damaged by the storms
• Other serious needs caused by the storms

In addition to the assistance listed, survivors should be aware:

• Only one application per household
• FEMA does not pay for lost or spoiled food
• By law, FEMA is not allowed to duplicate insurance payments or assistance provided by other sources

When you apply with FEMA, have the following information ready:

• Phone number where you can be contacted
• Address at the time of the disaster
• Address where you are staying now
• Social Security Number of one member of the household
• Basic list of damage and losses
• Bank information if you choose direct deposit for FEMA money
• Insurance Information: if you have insurance, including the policy number

If you have homeowners’ or renter’s insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Remember to keep receipts from all your purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

For the latest information about Georgia's recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.

larissa.hale Thu, 12/26/2024 - 19:13

Types of FEMA Assistance Available for West Virginia Residents

FEMA assistance for the residents of West Virginia affected by Tropical Storm Helene includes a variety of programs. Below is a summary of the types of assistance currently available. 

Insurance

Residents with homeowners or renters insurance should contact their insurance provider immediately and begin the claims process. FEMA requires information from your insurance which may include a declaration page, settlement or denial. 

Types of Temporary Housing Assistance 

Displacement Assistance 

Displacement Assistance helps survivors who can’t return to their home following a disaster by giving them up-front money to help with immediate housing needs. It is money you can use to stay in a hotel or motel, stay with family and friends, or for any other available housing options. 

Rental Assistance 

Financial assistance to pay for alternate temporary housing if a homeowner or renter is displaced from their primary residence because of damages resulting from Tropical Storm Helene in Mercer County. This may include renting an apartment, house or staying at a hotel, bed and breakfast or Airbnb. 

Lodging Expense Reimbursement (LER) 

Reimbursement for out-of-pocket lodging expenses that are not covered by insurance benefits like additional living expenses or loss of use. The resident’s pre-disaster primary residence must be unlivable, inaccessible or affected by an extended disaster-caused utility outage. Eligible expenses may include the cost of the room and taxes charged by a hotel or other lodging provider. This does not include costs for food, phone calls or transportation. 

LER is limited to reimbursement and is not provided in advance or in the form of direct payment to a hotel or motel. The costs must have also been incurred on or after Sept. 25, 2024. Residents can upload their receipts to their DisasterAssistance.gov account. 

Home Repair Assistance 

Financial assistance to help with uninsured or underinsured home repairs to an owner-occupied primary residence. Types of repairs can include structural parts of a home (e.g., foundation, outside walls, roof) or windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings and cabinetry. It may also include repair utility systems such as electrical, plumbing and gas systems or for disaster caused damage to items not typically covered by insurance, such as wells, septic systems, access roads, etc. Assistance is limited to the basic needs to make the home safe, sanitary and livable. 

Additional Types of Assistance 

Serious Needs Assistance (ONA) 

Serious Needs Assistance is money to pay for emergency supplies like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, or fuel for transportation.   

Clean and Sanitize Assistance (CSA) 

Financial assistance to eligible applicants who have disaster-caused property damage, including structures, but their home is still livable. CSA is to be used to clean and sanitize their home to help prevent additional losses and protect the health and safety of the household. CSA cannot duplicate benefits of insurance and is limited to a one-time payment of $300 per household. 

Low-Interest Disaster Loans 

Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans are the primary source of money to pay for repair or replacement costs not fully covered by insurance or other compensation. The SBA offers low-interest physical disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. The deadline to apply is Feb. 7, 2025.

SBA also offers low-interest working capital Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, nonprofit organizations of all sizes having difficulty meeting obligations as a result of the disaster. The deadline to apply is Sept. 9, 2025. 

Applying with FEMA 

Mercer County residents can apply for FEMA assistance by telephone at 1-800-621-3362 or online at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned service, please provide FEMA your number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish). 

PLEASE NOTE: If you are a Mercer County resident who applied previously in Virginia for damage from Hurricane Helene, please contact FEMA at 800-621-3362 or online at disasterassistance.gov to discuss your application. Please use the FEMA registration number you were assigned when you applied.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page,  www.fema.gov/disaster/4851 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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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 X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

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. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned service, please provide FEMA your number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

kelly.magarity Thu, 12/26/2024 - 18:50

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of North Dakota to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds from Oct. 5-6, 2024.

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the 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 wildfires and straight-line winds in McKenzie and Williams counties.

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

Robert Little III 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 state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

mashana.davis Thu, 12/26/2024 - 16:53

FEMA Urges West Virginians to Protect Your Identity and Stay Informed

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After a natural disaster, it is important to protect your identity against fraud and identity theft. In some cases, criminals may try to get information by pretending to be disaster workers. Scam artists may try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from people affected by a disaster.   

Protect your identity and stay informed by doing these easy things: 

• Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. Don’t trust anyone who offers financial or contracting help and then asks for money. 
• FEMA will only contact you if you have called FEMA first or registered for assistance. Do not disclose information to any unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails from individuals claiming to be FEMA or federal employees. If you receive suspicious emails or phone calls, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to verify if a FEMA call or email is legitimate. 
• Always ask to see I.D. FEMA personnel will always have an official identification badge. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity.  
• Do not offer any personal information, including your Social Security number and bank information, unless you are speaking with a verified FEMA representative.  
• Be on alert if someone asks for your 9-digit registration ID, which you receive when you apply for disaster assistance through FEMA.  
• Stay tuned to trusted local media for updates from local officials on disaster fraud and scams. 
• After you apply for FEMA assistance, a home inspection may be necessary. FEMA inspectors will make an appointment before coming to your house. They may verify your identity using the last four digits of the 9-digit registration number but will not ask for all nine numbers. FEMA inspectors will also not ask you for your Social Security number.  
• FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. A FEMA inspector’s job is to verify damage. 

Graphic

To report scams, fraud, and identity-theft contact: 

• Toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 
• The Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud: justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster- complaint-form 
• When in doubt, report any suspicious behavior to your local authorities. 

Residents of Mercer County are eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA to help with costs from damage and losses caused by Helene. You can register for FEMA assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362, visiting disasterassistance.gov, or by using the FEMA mobile app. 

FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Hurricane Helene response. Visit the Hurricane Helene Rumor Response page at www.fema.gov/disaster/recover/rumor/hurricane-rumor-response.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4851, and www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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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 X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

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. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned service, please provide FEMA your number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

kelly.magarity Thu, 12/26/2024 - 14:46

Helene Disaster Recovery Centers to Temporarily Close Dec. 23 for Holiday

Hickory, NC – In partnership with the state and local governments, 12 disaster recovery centers in Ashe, Avery, Burke, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania and Watauga counties will close at 6 p.m. on Dec. 23 for the holiday. 

The centers will reopen at 8 a.m. on Dec. 27.  All centers will also be closed for New Year’s Day and reopen at 8 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2025. 

To see the location of your nearest recovery center visit the DRC locator at fema.gov/drc.

It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at https://www.disasterassistance.org or via the FEMA App, text “DRC” and a ZIP code to 43362. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed.  

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Jan. 7, 2025.

zella.campbell Mon, 12/23/2024 - 21:13

Tennessee Helene Recovery Advances with $24.4 Million in Federal Funding

Eastern Tennessee families and communities are working hard cleaning up, making repairs and putting their lives in order as they continue to recover after Tropical Storm Helene. FEMA has approved more than $24.4 million in federal assistance to help storm survivors recover.

Getting residents back into their homes is FEMA’s top priority. Whether a good cleanup is needed or major repairs are required, FEMA programs are in place to assist with funding. When a home is damaged so badly it cannot be lived in, FEMA provides rental assistance or direct housing until a long-term solution is found for each household.

The disaster declaration authorizes funding from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program to Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties. Survivors have until Tuesday, Jan. 7, to apply for FEMA assistance.

The work of recovery is ongoing. Here are a few highlights:

• More than 14,200 households have applied and have been approved for $24.4 million in assistance under the Individuals and Households Program to provide financial help to those who are unable to meet their disaster-related needs through insurance or other means.
  • As part of that total, more than $12.5 million represents Housing Assistance to help homeowners repair or replace residential property damage that is not covered by insurance.
  • More than $11.8 million in Other Needs Assistance covers necessary disaster-related expenses such as medical bills; money to clean, repair or replace household items; to repair or replace vehicles damaged by the disaster and other non-housing needs. 

Visiting a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is a great way for survivors to get one-on-one help. More than 4,300 survivors have visited the centers to apply for federal assistance, get help uploading documents and get answers to questions including decisions about eligibility for FEMA assistance. Five centers are currently open in Carter, Cocke, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties. To find a center, go to fema.gov/drc.

Some Tennesseans do not have a home to go back to and they need a safe place to stay while they sort out next steps. FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing Assistance is available for eligible individuals and households where there is a lack of housing resources. This assistance is offered as a possible interim solution in six counties: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington. FEMA is conducting pre-placement interviews to determine the unique needs of eligible applicants and may cover housing for up to 18 months, until April 2026.

Help may be available for those who lost work because of the disaster. More than $265,600 has been paid in Disaster Unemployment Assistance to Tennesseans who have been unable to work because of the disaster. FEMA funds the unemployment program, which is managed by the state. The deadline to apply at the Department of Labor and Workforce Development Jobs4TN is Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Nearly 200 National Flood Insurance Policy claims have been filed in Tennessee. Claims can be made by any policy holder, not only those in the eight counties that FEMA designated for Individual Assistance. As of Dec. 20, $4.8 million has been paid from this program, including $1.1 million in advance payments to policyholders whose claims are not yet settled. The advance payments help people get started on rebuilding before all the paperwork is complete. Flood insurance specialists are currently reaching out to Tennessee insurance agents and realtors to encourage them to talk with their clients about filing a claim if their homes had damage during Helene.

FEMA mitigation specialists help people plan how to prevent or reduce damage from natural disasters. Specialists have talked with more than 2,200 individuals about making their property more secure. This includes advice and information about coordinating with local permitting offices before rebuilding or demolishing.

Farmers in Tennessee were also badly affected by flooding from Helene. FEMA, the State of Tennessee and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently held several Farmer Recovery meetings to help farmers find the resources they need as they recover from the storm. Farmers can apply for financial assistance to help replace equipment, supplies and tools that are necessary for their work. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses of all sizes, as well as homeowners and renters repair or replace property damaged by a declared disaster. For information on  disaster assistance, please visit U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Disaster assistance is also available to help communities respond to and recover from Helene. Under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, the federal share of funding is reimbursed through the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to local agencies, local governments and certain private non-profits including houses of worship.

To date more than $1.5 million in federal funds has been obligated. Major community projects will continue for years, and this type of federal funding will eventually grow to be the largest amount for this disaster. One of the first large projects is eliminating the enormous amount of debris deposited by Helene. The state has removed nearly 1 million cubic yards as of Dec. 23.

FEMA is here for the long haul, working closely with state and federal partners to assist individuals through the end of the application period on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and offering housing and other grants to help Tennesseans recover. These efforts are aimed at ensuring access to information and support for survivors as well as communities.

kwei.nwaogu Mon, 12/23/2024 - 19:34

Debris Removal in Georgia Counties

ATLANTA – The deadline to place all debris out to the Right of Way is approaching for Georgia homeowners and renters in Laurens, Lowndes, McIntosh and Screven counties who have storm-generated debris from Hurricane Helene. Residents should follow instructions from their local officials about sorting materials and placing on the curb for collection to have their debris ready to avoid delays or missed pickups.

Laurens has announced their deadline is December 29, 2024

Screven County has a proposed deadline of December 29, 2024

Lowndes County has a proposed deadline of January 6, 2025, for the cities of Valdosta, Hahira, Dasher, Lake Park, and Remerton. The deadline for the unincorporated areas of the county is not yet determined.

Local officials frequently ask residents to sort debris into various categories. Demolition, repair and reconstruction debris are a specific type of debris that is separate from storm-related debris. Examples include building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture and plumbing. Demolition, repair and reconstruction by a contractor hired by a property owner generally includes removal and disposal of materials.

Residents should contact their local public work office or emergency manager regarding the type of debris being collected and specific instructions on debris sorting. Your local officials will tell you what’s authorized and what isn’t for pickup near the public Right of Way (ROW) as well as how to place it there. 

Debris should not block the roadway. Do not place debris on or near downed power lines or close to utility boxes. Placing debris near or on trees, poles or other structures such as fire hydrants and meters makes removal difficult. 

For the latest information about Georgia's recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.

larissa.hale Mon, 12/23/2024 - 18:16