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FEMA approves additional $16.3 million for Bay District Schools Hurricane Michael recovery expenses

DHS News and Updates - Mon, 04/05/2021 - 10:41
FEMA approves additional $16.3 million for Bay District Schools Hurricane Michael recovery expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved an additional $16,352,427 to reimburse Bay District Schools for emergency protective measures resulting from Hurricane Michael.

The funds reimburse the district for the cost of setting up and operating temporary daycare centers, emergency repairs, inspections, mold and water remediation, and providing security during and after the storm. Previously, FEMA had awarded $22,564,102 for these costs.

FEMA has already approved $69 million for the district’s Hurricane Michael-related expenses, bringing the total of grants approved to more than $85.3 million.

This grant is funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.

Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

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

barbara.murien… Mon, 04/05/2021 - 14:41
Categories: DHS News

FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update

DHS News and Updates - Fri, 04/02/2021 - 16:03
FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update

WASHINGTON -- The first FEMA mobile vaccination unit is operating in Bridgeport, Connecticut through early next week, bringing vaccinations to hard-to-reach and high-risk populations who cannot access services from larger, fixed centers. Currently, the unit is focusing its efforts on eastern and southwestern areas in the state.

A second mobile vaccination unit will begin administering vaccinations in the Eastern Shore area of Maryland on Saturday.

This week, federal pilot community vaccination centers opened in Boston; Newark, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia and Yakima, Washington. Centers are scheduled to open next week in Gary, Indiana; Greenbelt, Maryland; St. Louis; Memphis, Tennessee and Milwaukee.

Community vaccination centers are led by states, but may be supported by the federal government, including FEMA. Each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures. FEMA continues working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states as they open community vaccine centers across the country and continues working with interagency partners  to stand-up and provide support to additional centers daily.

FEMA remains committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines. Using data from CDC’s social vulnerability index and population data from the census, the agency works with  state partners to locate community vaccination centers where they will be able to do the most good for the most vulnerable populations and ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets one.

FEMA has now provided more than $4.49 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.

Find out where, when and how to get a vaccine in your community and get more information from your local health department and a list of places where adults can get a vaccine. Visit FEMA.Gov for information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 04/02/2021 - 20:03
Categories: DHS News

FEMA Provides an Additional $1.9 Million to Montana for COVID-19 Response

DHS News and Updates - Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:54
FEMA Provides an Additional $1.9 Million to Montana for COVID-19 Response

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $1.9 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Montana. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 31, 2020.  FEMA has provided a total of $28.3 million for the Montana COVID-19 response to date.

President Biden approved a cost share increase from 75% to 100% for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between January 20, 2020 and September 30, 2021. This approval allowed FEMA to reimburse states, cities, and other partners for 100% of eligible costs. This funding announcement represents the remaining 25% cost share for a project that was previously funded by FEMA.

The $1.9 million was provided to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for COVID-19 associated costs, contracts, and facilities.

This funding is authorized under the January 21, 2021 Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense & the Secretary of Homeland Security and Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

minh.phan Fri, 04/02/2021 - 17:54
Categories: DHS News

FEMA Provides an Additional $8.5 Million to North Dakota for COVID-19 Response

DHS News and Updates - Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:52
FEMA Provides an Additional $8.5 Million to North Dakota for COVID-19 Response

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided more than $8.5 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in North Dakota. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 1, 2020. FEMA has provided a total of $85.6 Million for the North Dakota COVID-19 response to date.

President Biden approved a cost share increase from 75% to 100% for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between January 20, 2020 and September 30, 2021. This approval allowed FEMA to reimburse states, cities, and other partners for 100% of eligible costs. This funding announcement represents the remaining 25% cost share for three projects that were previously funded by FEMA.

The $8.5 million was approved for the North Dakota Department of Health’s COVID-19 associated costs, contracts, and facilities.

This funding is authorized under the January 21, 2021 Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense & the Secretary of Homeland Security and Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

minh.phan Fri, 04/02/2021 - 17:52
Categories: DHS News

FEMA Provides an Additional $17.1 Million to Utah for COVID-19 Response

DHS News and Updates - Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:50
FEMA Provides an Additional $17.1 Million to Utah for COVID-19 Response

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided more than $17.1 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Utah. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020. FEMA has provided a total of $108.5 million for the Utah COVID-19 response to date.

President Biden approved a cost share increase from 75% to 100% for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between January 20, 2020 and September 30, 2021. This approval allowed FEMA to reimburse states, cities, and other partners for 100% of eligible costs. This funding announcement represents the remaining 25% cost share for two projects that were previously funded by FEMA.

The $17.1 million was approved for the Utah Department of Health’s COVID-19 associated costs, contracts, and facilities.

This funding is authorized under the January 21, 2021 Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense & the Secretary of Homeland Security and Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

minh.phan Fri, 04/02/2021 - 17:50
Categories: DHS News

FEMA Provides an Additional $108 Million to Colorado For COVID-19 Response

DHS News and Updates - Fri, 04/02/2021 - 12:02
FEMA Provides an Additional $108 Million to Colorado For COVID-19 Response

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided more than $108 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020. FEMA has provided a total of $514 Million for the Colorado COVID-19 response to date.

President Biden approved a cost share increase from 75% to 100% for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between January 20, 2020 and September 30, 2021. This approval allowed FEMA to reimburse states, cities and other partners for 100% of eligible costs. This funding announcement represents the remaining 25% cost share for 9 projects that were previously funded by FEMA.

The $108 million was approved for COVID-19 associated costs, contracts, and facilities:

  • Colorado DHS and Emergency Management: $19.4 million
  • The City and County of Denver: $9.7 million
  • Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: $79.4 million

This funding is authorized under the January 21, 2021 Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense & the Secretary of Homeland Security and Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

minh.phan Fri, 04/02/2021 - 16:02
Categories: DHS News

FEMA Seeking Property Owners to Help House Hurricane Survivors

DHS News and Updates - Fri, 04/02/2021 - 10:32
FEMA Seeking Property Owners to Help House Hurricane Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La.FEMA is seeking property owners to help survivors find a home after last year’s hurricanes. Hurricanes Laura and Delta affected areas of Southwest Louisiana where affordable housing was already limited, destroying, or making homes unlivable, and worsening the housing shortage.

Property owners in the Acadia, Grant, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Allen, Rapides and Vernon parishes are encouraged to reach out to FEMA and its partners to help bring Southwest Louisiana residents home. 

Property types needed include multifamily homes, duplexes, community complexes and commercial parks. The properties will be leased by FEMA for a period of up to 18 months under its Direct Lease Program. If an applicant moves out, FEMA may place another applicant in the unit.

Upon the ending of the Direct Lease Program with FEMA, property owners may create a lease directly with the applicant.

Property owners can email contact information with details about the property to:

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. For the latest information on information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

stuart.lewis Fri, 04/02/2021 - 14:32
Categories: DHS News

Louisiana Survivors Affected by Severe Winter Storms Reminded to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

DHS News and Updates - Fri, 04/02/2021 - 09:59
Louisiana Survivors Affected by Severe Winter Storms Reminded to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisianans in 23 parishes designated for federal assistance are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible if they sustained damage to their homes following the recent winter storms. The deadline to apply is May 10.

Disaster assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

Residents who were temporarily forced from their homes because of utility failures should also register with FEMA. Reimbursement for hotel or other temporary rental expenses may be possible.

The 23 eligible parishes are Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Franklin, Grant, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Webster, West Carroll, and Winn.

If you have insurance and are applying for disaster assistance, you must also file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If insurance does not cover all your damage, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

To apply:

  • Visit www.disasterassistance.gov;
  • Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service; or
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App by texting ANDROID or APPLE to 43362.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

  • A current phone number where you can be contacted;
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
  • Your Social Security number;
  • A general list of damage and losses;
  • If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name; and
  • Cause of damage. The cause of damage for this disaster is ice/snow even if you had water intrusion due to melting ice or snow or power loss due to snow and ice accumulation.

Residents are asked to save any photos taken to document damage and any receipts from purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to businesses, homeowners and renters. Call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339) or visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

For the latest information on Louisiana winter storms, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4590. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

stuart.lewis Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:59
Categories: DHS News

FEMA is Hiring Local Residents to Support Vaccination Efforts in Virginia

DHS News and Updates - Fri, 04/02/2021 - 09:44
FEMA is Hiring Local Residents to Support Vaccination Efforts in Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia — FEMA is hiring local residents to assist in the COVID-19 vaccination efforts currently underway at the joint Community Vaccination Center located at the Military Circle Mall. Local Hire positions include Non-Medical Emergency Management Specialists, Media Relations Specialists, Intergovernmental Specialists, Creative Specialists and Digital Communications Specialists.

Residents who wish to apply for these temporary positions can go to fema.gov/careers/job-openings or usajobs.gov to learn more and submit an application. These job postings will begin to close soon, so people who are interested in applying should do so as soon as possible. Applicants may be contacted via email, phone, or mail regarding the interview, hiring and selection process.

Those hired will join the team already in place, which is composed of Virginia Department of Emergency Management staff, Virginia Department of Health personnel and other local and federal workers, voluntary agencies, and community organizations. Through temporary local employees, FEMA gains valuable community insights, provides jobs, and allows Virginians to be on the front lines working to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth.

FEMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and the federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.

amanda.hancher Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:44
Categories: DHS News

FEMA Updates Its Flood Insurance Rating Methodology to Deliver More Equitable Pricing

DHS News and Updates - Thu, 04/01/2021 - 12:52
FEMA Updates Its Flood Insurance Rating Methodology to Deliver More Equitable Pricing

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is updating the National Flood Insurance Program’s pricing methodology to communicate flood risk more clearly, so policyholders can make more informed decisions on the purchase of adequate insurance and on mitigation actions to protect against the perils of flooding.

The 21st century rating system, Risk Rating 2.0 -- Equity in Action, provides actuarially sound rates that are equitable and easy to understand. It transforms a pricing methodology that has not been updated in 50 years by leveraging improved technology and FEMA’s enhanced understanding of flood risk.

“The new pricing methodology is the right thing to do. It mitigates risk, delivers equitable rates and advances the agency’s goal to reduce suffering after flooding disasters,” said David Maurstad, senior executive of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. “Equity in Action is the generational change we need to spur action now in the face of changing climate conditions, build individual and community resilience and deliver on the Biden Administration’s priority of providing equitable programs for all.”

The National Flood Insurance Program provides about $1.3 trillion in coverage for more than 5 million policyholders in 22,500 communities across the nation. Understanding the magnitude of even the smallest changes of a program of this scale, FEMA devoted thousands of hours to develop the new pricing methodology to ensure equity and accuracy.

In developing the new rates, FEMA coordinated with subject matter experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration along with experts from across the insurance and actuarial industries to ensure alignment with federal regulations, systems, guidance and policies.

The new methodology allows FEMA to equitably distribute premiums across all policyholders based on the value of their home and the unique flood risk of their property. Currently, many policyholders with lower-value homes are paying more than they should and policyholders with higher-value homes are paying less than they should.

To provide more equity, FEMA now has the capability and tools to address rating disparities by incorporating more flood risk variables. These include flood frequency, multiple flood type -- river overflow, storm surge, coastal erosion and heavy rainfall -- distance to a water source and property characteristics such as elevation and the cost to rebuild.

The cost to rebuild is key to an equitable distribution of premiums across all policyholders because it is based on the value of their home and the unique flood risk of their property. This has been an industry standard for years.

FEMA is conscious of the far-reaching economic impacts COVID-19 has had on the nation and existing policyholders and is taking a phased approach to rolling out the new rates.

  • In Phase I: New policies beginning Oct. 1, 2021 will be subject to the new rating methodology. Also beginning Oct. 1, existing policyholders eligible for renewal will be given the option to take advantage of immediate decreases in their premiums.
  • In Phase II: All policies renewing on or after April 1, 2022 will be subject to the new rating methodology.  

FEMA continues to engage with Congress, its industry partners and state, local, tribal and territorial agencies to ensure clear understanding of these changes.

For the latest information on Risk Rating 2.0, visit fema.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 04/01/2021 - 16:52
Categories: DHS News

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

DHS News and Updates - Thu, 04/01/2021 - 10:54
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Kentucky

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storms, landslides and mudslides from Feb. 8-19, 2021.

Federal funding is also available to the commonwealth and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe state winter storms, landslides, and mudslides in Bath, Boyd, Boyle, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Garrard, Greenup, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Lewis, Lincoln, Madison, Magoffin, Marion, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Nelson, Nicholas, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe counties.

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

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

zella.campbell Thu, 04/01/2021 - 14:54
Categories: DHS News

FEMA Provides $3.4 Million to Dane County

DHS News and Updates - Thu, 04/01/2021 - 10:34
FEMA Provides $3.4 Million to Dane County

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that $3,411,680 in federal funding has been made available to Dane County for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of April 4, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Dane County for costs to distribute and administer vaccinations at the Alliant Energy Center to mitigate the immediate spread of COVID-19 and its threat to public health and safety.

“FEMA is committed to ensuring anyone who wants a vaccine can get one in the state of Wisconsin,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “The site at the Alliant Energy Center is an important resource in the fight against the pandemic, and we’re proud to support the state and county’s efforts to increase access to this life-saving vaccine.”

“I want to thank FEMA Region 5 for their ongoing funding support of Wisconsin. This collaborative ‘One team, One fight’ approach takes us another step closer toward reaching our ultimate goal of vaccinating all Wisconsinites,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, WEM Administrator.

FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.

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

troy.christensen Thu, 04/01/2021 - 14:34
Categories: DHS News

FEMA Provides $4.6 Million to The Ohio State University

DHS News and Updates - Thu, 04/01/2021 - 09:31
FEMA Provides $4.6 Million to The Ohio State University

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) announced today that $4,688,916 in federal funding has been made available to The Ohio State University for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of March 31, 2020.

This funding will reimburse The Ohio State University for costs to provide emergency and inpatient clinical care for COVID-19 patients. The grant also includes costs to purchase cleaning supplies for disinfection purposes and to rent medical equipment such as ventilators to protect and treat individuals with the virus.

“FEMA’s public assistance grant funding is an important resource for the COVID-19 response of our whole community partners in Ohio and across the country,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant has helped ensure necessary medical services and equipment are available in the Columbus area to fight this virus and protect the lives of Ohioans.”  

“Since the start of the pandemic, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has been an important partner in Ohio’s fight against COVID-19,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “This funding supports Ohio’s collective mission to prevent illness, save lives, and continue down the road to recovery.”

FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.  

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.

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

troy.christensen Thu, 04/01/2021 - 13:31
Categories: DHS News

FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update

DHS News and Updates - Wed, 03/31/2021 - 14:57
FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update

WASHINGTON - - Federal pilot community vaccination centers opened today in Boston; Newark, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia and Yakima, Washington.  Additional centers are scheduled to open next week in Gary, Indiana and St. Louis.

FEMA remains committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines. Using data from CDC’s social vulnerability index and population data from the census, the agency continues working with state partners to locate community vaccination centers where they will be able to do the most good for the most vulnerable populations and ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets one.

The agency has now provided more than $4.47 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.

Community vaccination centers are led by states, but may be supported by the federal government, including FEMA. Each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures. FEMA continues working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states as they open community vaccine centers across the country and continues working with interagency partners to stand-up and provide support to additional centers daily.

Find out where, when and how to get a vaccine in your community and get more information from your local health department and a list of places where adults can get a vaccine.

Visit FEMA.Gov for information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 03/31/2021 - 18:57
Categories: DHS News

Governor Northam Visits FEMA, State Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk

DHS News and Updates - Wed, 03/31/2021 - 14:38
Governor Northam Visits FEMA, State Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia — Today, Governor Ralph Northam visited the FEMA-supported Community Vaccination Center located at the Military Circle Mall to announce the official opening of the mass vaccination site. Together with the Virginia Department Emergency Management, the Virginia Department of Health, volunteer organizations and 135 sailors, the goal is to vaccinate about 3,000 residents a day from the Hampton Roads area.

During the visit, which included a tour of the facilities, meeting with federal, state, and local officials, and a question and answer session with the media, Governor Northam emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated, adding that “the COVID vaccines are the way we end this pandemic and get back to a normal life, which is why we are all working to vaccinate people as quickly as possible,” he said. “This new FEMA vaccination clinic will speed up that process for one of our more populous regions, and for some of our most vulnerable communities, and we are grateful for the support. It will take all of us working together like this to defeat this virus.”

FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator (Acting) Janice Barlow also shared insights on how the Norfolk center aims to ensure that vaccination efforts are carried out in an efficient, effective and equitable manner.

“We are working closely with our local and Commonwealth partners to support all outreach efforts. Through targeted messaging to community-based organizations, local media and radio stations and private sector partners we are raising awareness of the ongoing vaccination activities for residents in the area,” said Barlow.

The Community Vaccination Center serves residents by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Those interested in receiving their COVID-19 vaccine can schedule their appointment online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or they may call 1-877-829-4682. 

All community members with an appointment are welcome at the vaccination center. Reasonable accommodation for people with access and functional needs is available as well as information and onsite interpretation in a variety of languages, including American Sign Language.

So far, FEMA has provided more than $4.47 billion to 42 states, Washington D.C., four tribes and five territories for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100 percent federal cost share. Of this amount, over $253 million has been allocated for Virginia. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.

For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.

amanda.hancher Wed, 03/31/2021 - 18:38
Categories: DHS News

FEMA-supported Community Vaccination Centers Receive Peace Corps Assistance in COVID-19 Response

DHS News and Updates - Wed, 03/31/2021 - 12:42
FEMA-supported Community Vaccination Centers Receive Peace Corps Assistance in COVID-19 Response

The partnership marks second time in Peace Corps’ 60-year history that the agency has deployed volunteers in U.S., the first following Hurricane Katrina

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA and the Peace Corps announced they have struck a historic partnership to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. For the second time in the Peace Corps’ history, volunteers will serve a domestic deployment, at FEMA’s request – the first following Hurricane Katrina and now at federally supported Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs) across the country.

“The Peace Corps works hand-in-hand with communities on their most pressing challenges, and right now the U.S. faces some of the biggest challenges in our country’s history,” said Peace Corps Acting Director Carol Spahn. “The volunteers who contribute to this effort will bring valuable cross-cultural experience, language skills and adaptability fostered during their time overseas as they contribute to an equitable vaccination campaign here at home.”

“Working closely with our federal partners, state and local leaders, community-based organizations and the private sector is critical in getting as many vaccines to the public as possible,” said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “Our partnership with the Peace Corps is an example of our commitment to reaching under-served and historically marginalized communities, to ensure equal access to vaccines. FEMA’s employees are excited to work alongside the Peace Corps in this ongoing battle against COVID-19.”

The Peace Corps will soon begin recruiting for this special domestic deployment. Those eligible to serve include returned volunteers evacuated from their overseas posts in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Assignments will focus on urgent needs as identified by FEMA, and on communities that have been traditionally under-served. Volunteers will be assigned to language support, administrative, logistical, and other work that supports vaccination centers’ operations. It is anticipated that Peace Corps volunteers will be deployed into the field by mid-May.

The Peace Corps is implementing the COVID-19 domestic deployment through Peace Corps Response, a Peace Corps program that sends individuals with specialized experienced to short-term service assignments of up to 12 months. When the agency activated more than 270 volunteers to respond to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Peace Corps Response, then called Crisis Corps, also managed the agency’s deployment to aid FEMA’s relief operation in the gulf coast region.

This week, federal pilot community vaccination centers are opening in Boston; Essex, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia and Yakima, Washington.

FEMA in partnership with CDC, is using the social vulnerability index to look at demographic data and provide the best advice to ensure that we reach under-served and historically marginalized communities so that anyone who wants a vaccine can get one.

FEMA is providing critical support to the COVID-19 efforts across the country via personnel, supplies and funding to help establish or expand more than 500 state led community vaccination centers and over 70 mobile vaccination centers. The agency has now provided more than $4.47 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.

One year ago, Peace Corps temporarily suspended its global operations and evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from 61 countries due to the coronavirus pandemic. The agency’s short-term contribution to the domestic response to COVID-19 will not alter its commitment to overseas service once conditions permit. Preparations for returning to overseas posts continue in parallel to this special assignment.

About FEMA: FEMA was established in 1979 when President Jimmy Carter signed Executive Order 12127, effective April 1, 1979, before giving the agency the dual mission of emergency management and civil defense shortly thereafter.

FEMA’s employees are committed to the mission of serving our country before, during and after disasters. Every day, our team of over 20,000 emergency managers work to make our nation safer, stronger and more prepared.  

About Peace Corps Response: Peace Corps Response sends experienced professionals on short-term, targeted service assignments around the world for 12 months or less. The positions are highly specialized and technical and volunteers provide targeted assistance in areas such as agriculture, community economic development, disaster risk reduction and mitigation, education, environment, health, and youth in development. Since Peace Corps Response began in 1996, more than 3,000 Americans have served in over 80 countries around the world. For more information, go to www.peacecorps.gov/response and follow us on Facebook.

About the Peace Corps: The Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad on behalf of the United States to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, community economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. Through their Peace Corps experience, volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans of all ages have served in 141 countries worldwide. For more information, visit peacecorps.gov and add us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 03/31/2021 - 16:42
Categories: DHS News

FEMA Pilot Center Gives Marylanders New Vaccination Option

DHS News and Updates - Wed, 03/31/2021 - 11:39
FEMA Pilot Center Gives Marylanders New Vaccination Option

PHILADELPHIA Marylanders will soon have another venue where they can receive COVID-19 vaccinations: a FEMA-operated community vaccination center in Prince George’s County.

The Federal Pilot Community Vaccination Center (CVC) Maryland will be located at the Greenbelt Metro Station, 5717 Greenbelt Metro Dr., Greenbelt, MD 20740. It will open April 7, with its schedule to be determined. As more vaccine doses become available, the center’s capacity is expected to be up to 3,000 shots per day.

“From the start of the vaccination mission, the federal government has committed itself to ensuring safe, equitable and efficient vaccinations for all Americans,” said FEMA Region 3 Acting Regional Administrator Janice Barlow. “We consider this mission a trust and an honor to carry out. Here in Maryland, as throughout the United States, we will make sure every resident who wants a vaccination can get one.”

"The state's commitment to vaccine equity for vulnerable and underserved people has remained steadfast, and we are excited about having this new center available to Marylanders,” said Acting Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. "Our goal is to make a vaccine available to every Marylander who wants one, and this gives us one more way to reach people.”

FEMA will have socially distanced staff on site to ensure prompt service is available to all and that proper COVID-19 protocol is adhered to. Translation and interpretation services will be available for people whose primary language is not English, and who are deaf or have hearing loss.

Early in the unprecedented global emergency, FEMA engaged with its government and private sector partners to help facilitate this vaccine mission. With FEMA’s support, Maryland has opened mass vaccination sites that serve all eligible Marylanders, including vulnerable and historically underserved groups. Marylanders interested in receiving a vaccination can pre-register online at covidlink.maryland.gov or by calling 1-855-MD-GoVAX.

“Maryland has worked tirelessly to serve all of its citizens in this time of need,” Barlow said. “We are proud to partner with them. Even though this new center is a federal venture, we coordinated with Maryland as to the best location to serve the most people in need. We will continue to work closely with Maryland to achieve everyone’s goal: ending the pandemic.”          

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.FEMA Region3sjurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on Twitter attwitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3

amanda.hancher Wed, 03/31/2021 - 15:39
Categories: DHS News

FEMA Provides Over $9.6 Million to The University of Vermont Medical Center

DHS News and Updates - Wed, 03/31/2021 - 10:17
FEMA Provides Over $9.6 Million to The University of Vermont Medical Center

REGION 1 – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $9,609,431 to the University of Vermont Medical Center for its COVID-19 response efforts March 1-June 30, 2020.

This Public Assistance (PA) grant funding is awarded for the development of testing sites, leases for sites and quarantine facilities, use of equipment, paying medical and technical support, and tracking procurement and distribution of supplies. The funds are reimbursed 100% through the PA program.

“We are pleased to provide this funding to The University of Vermont Medical Center,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We will continue working closely with UVM Medical Center in our shared efforts to respond to the pandemic.”

Additional information about FEMA’s PA Program can be found at Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster.

As of March 17, FEMA has obligated more than $130.4 million to Vermont for its pandemic response.

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

adrien.urbani Wed, 03/31/2021 - 14:17
Categories: DHS News

FEMA Awards Over $1 Million to Vermont for COVID-19 Response

DHS News and Updates - Wed, 03/31/2021 - 10:15
FEMA Awards Over $1 Million to Vermont for COVID-19 Response

REGION 1 – The State of Vermont received a grant totaling over $1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), awarded to help reimburse expenses associated with ongoing COVID-19 response efforts.

The grant of $1,397,762 is given to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, to pass through to Southern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA), for food distribution to high risk populations. Work performed under this grant occurred from January 18 to February 14.

In response to the pandemic’s threat to health and safety, Vermont’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development entered into an agreement with SEVCA to operate the state’s emergency feeding program: “Vermont Everybody Eats”. SEVCA established and coordinated state-wide subcontractors who oversee restaurant engagement, meal production, and meal distribution. This program is a vital part of Vermont’s emergency feeding initiative, providing meals to the COVID-19 impacted population of the state.”

The funding is awarded at 100% federal cost share through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and recovery activities during a disaster.

 “We are pleased to support the State of Vermont with funding critical needs like this and directly aiding those affected by COVID-19,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England.  “We will continue to work closely with the state of Vermont to respond to this pandemic continues.”

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is found at:

https://www.fema.gov/pubic-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit

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

adrien.urbani Wed, 03/31/2021 - 14:15
Categories: DHS News

FEMA Awards $5.3 Million to Oregon for COVID-19 Expenses

DHS News and Updates - Tue, 03/30/2021 - 17:46
FEMA Awards $5.3 Million to Oregon for COVID-19 Expenses

BOTHELL, Wash. –  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $5,317,675 million in federal funding to the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) for emergency protective measures taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. FEMA provides this funding at 100 percent federal cost share.

Oregon’s DHS arranged for non-congregate sheltering for COVID-19 positive individuals with medical-related needs that required isolation from others while they were convalescing. To provide for this medical sheltering, Oregon’s DHS contracted with three care facilities to make available 121 beds for those who had the virus.

Grants for emergency protective measures are funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program, which reimburses communities for actions taken for response and recovery from a disaster. FEMA reimbursement is paid directly to the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and state agencies that incurred costs.

FEMA streamlined the Public Assistance application and reimbursement process for the COVID-19 response so that applicants can receive funds faster. Expedited reimbursements help state, local, and tribal officials respond quickly to address immediate threats to life, public health, and safety.  

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter, LinkedIn, and our COVID-19 photo and video library for the latest updates. Visit FEMA.gov for more information.

hannah.weinstein Tue, 03/30/2021 - 21:46
Categories: DHS News

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