FEMA Monitors Tropical Activity; Urges Residents to Take Precautions

WASHINGTON – As three separate weather systems threaten the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic and Pacific, FEMA continues working with our state, commonwealth, tribal and local emergency management partners and is ready to assist with any federal resource requests.

FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor has been in contact with National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham about the tropical activity and predictions. He also contacted both Hawaii Gov. David Ige and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ahead of Hurricane Douglas and Tropical Storm Hanna to discuss federal coordination efforts and available support, especially with heightened alerts around COVID-19.

FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington D.C., remains activated at a Level 1 for COVID-19 response efforts and is integrating hurricane response into the ongoing activities. FEMA staff were already in both Hawaii and Texas prior to these tropical systems.

Hawaii In addition to FEMA staff already in place, FEMA’s Region 9 Incident Management Assistance Team of 13 personnel, and an Urban Search and Rescue team along with an additional support team with more than 50 personnel are deploying to Hawaii ahead of Hurricane Douglas. Logistics support and communication teams are also deploying with approximately 20 personnel.

FEMA’s distribution center on Oahu has meals, water, cots, blankets, tents, emergency generators, tarps, plastic sheeting and other life-saving and life-sustaining items to assist the state and counties if the state requests resources. FEMA maintains a staging management team in Hawaii to assist in movement of commodities and equipment. More than 5 million meals and 1.2 million liters of water are on the island, which is above historic stock levels.

Additional search and rescue teams are operational and ready to be deployed from Riverside, California.

Texas FEMA staff are already in Austin working COVID-19 response missions. Additionally, FEMA’s Region 6 Incident Management Assistance Team will deploy Saturday to provide support to the state ahead of Tropical Storm Hanna. No evacuation orders have been issued by local or state officials, but Texas has search and rescue teams on standby.

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands FEMA continues to monitor Tropical Storm Gonzalo and remains in close contact with officials in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We encourage all residents to follow the direction of local and territorial officials.

Residents Should Take Precautions Now Tropical weather has the capacity to cause significant infrastructure damage to power, water and road systems. Residents in any areas that may be affected by these storms should pay attention to local officials and follow their instructions

FEMA also reminds everyone to please follow COVID-19 safety measures and local public health guidance. Check on neighbors and family members who may need help finalizing preparations. The actions you take now can save lives and reduce damage.

Visit Ready.gov for additional information on steps you can take now before a storm occurs. Earlier this year, the Ready Campaign released new videos and graphics about being prepared for various disasters during the coronavirus. Those items are available in English and Spanish.

Download the FEMA App (English and Spanish) for more preparedness tips, shelter information and weather alerts. Some tips include:

• When the power goes out due to the storm, expect it to be out for many days.
• Residents are encouraged to have supplies for up to several days, including: prescription medication, items to care for infants and toddlers, pet supplies, water and non-perishable food.
• Individuals should refresh their emergency supply kits with non-perishable food and water, prescriptions, flashlights and portable radios, extra batteries and other items.
• Residents, tourists and visitors in the path of a tropical storm must heed all emergency guidance provided by local officials.
• People living in coastal and low-lying areas (including those protected by levee systems) should expect to evacuate to safer ground when ordered.
• Have your evacuation plan ready, and if ordered by local officials, EVACUATE!

zella.campbell Fri, 07/24/2020 - 18:03

FEMA Approves More than $5.6 Million to Baystate Medical Center

REGION 1 – Baystate Medical Center Inc. will receive $5,621,222 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the costs incurred for emergency protective measures implemented to respond to COVID-19.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program is essential to helping communities recovering from a federally declared disaster get back on their feet.” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Massachusetts. This grant is for costs Baystate incurred for emergency protective measures implemented during its response to COVID-19.

“This funding is just one of the positive results of the partnership between FEMA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA),” concluded Webster.

The $5,621,222 award represents the federal share of the total project cost of $7.49 million. The remainder of the project cost is the non-federal cost-share.

This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program that reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include the state, federally recognized tribal governments, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. Project applications are submitted from MEMA, which coordinates the process with eligible applicants.

FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to MEMA and it is MEMA’s responsibility to work with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met and disburse funding.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts received this funding due to a Presidential disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act—declared March 27, 2020—as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

zella.campbell Fri, 07/24/2020 - 17:52

Puerto Rico Builds Back Stronger Through Local Mitigation Plans

Over $12 million has been obligated for hazard mitigation planning projects on the island

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – FEMA, in coordination with the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, or COR3, has approved mitigation plans for 17 municipalities across the island in the last year. Currently, a total of 30 municipalities have approved plans in place, while the remaining 48 municipalities are actively engaged in updating their plans to help minimize the impacts associated with future disasters.

As an important first step towards qualifying for federal project funding through the Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Planning Grant Program, or HMGP, a local hazard mitigation plan must be in place. These plans incorporate input from communities to identify risks as part of the island’s recovery efforts after Hurricane María. Mitigation plans include proposed projects that may be developed once funding becomes available.

“We are committed to ensuring Puerto Rico’s recovery is effective, and mitigation plays an important role in achieving the shared goal of a resilient island. Emergency management is a cycle and mitigation actions taken by municipalities today lessen the impact of future disasters in our communities,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alex Amparo.

Among the municipalities with approved plans is Toa Baja, whose mitigation strategy identifies as a funding priority the need for flood control measures at the La Plata River, which flows into a lake of the same name that provides water to roughly 131,000 residents across several municipalities.

“This is our most important mitigation project, which will not only have a great impact on Toa Baja but is also a regional project that will help with flood control in several municipalities. It is fundamental for the future of Toa Baja, since it will achieve a reduction of more than 80 percent of the problems associated with flooding,” said the mayor Toa Baja, Bernardo “Betito” Márquez García.

In the neighboring municipality of Bayamón, community surveys led to a plan that prioritizes possible mitigation measures such as a permanent shelter at the Padre Rulfo Fernández School in Santa Juanita and the elevation of a bridge in the Sector Chorreras in Barrio Guaraguao, which provides access to about 10,000 residents.

“When assessing risks, past events and the existing condition of communities are taken into consideration through different types of analyses and citizen participation strategies, such as community surveys. Working with FEMA and COR3 staff on these projects has been a successful and collaborative experience,” said the mayor of Bayamón, Ramon Luis Rivera Jr.

Towards the center of the island, the municipality of Comerío held a series of public participation meetings to determine prospective solutions for their unique challenges. These include storm water overflow systems for nine state roads, including main arteries used by the municipality’s nearly 21,000 residents such as PR-156, PR-167, PR-782 and PR-781. In addition, their mitigation plan proposes installing hurricane shutters at the City Hall, Municipal Operations Center, and the Public Works and Services Pavilion.

“We had about eight community meetings with different sectors including nine neighborhoods and vulnerable areas of Comerío. Thanks to the communication and collaboration with FEMA, we were one of the first 20 municipalities to have its mitigation plan approved and these projects are being used as models for other municipalities,” said the Director of Emergency Management in Comerío, Jaime García Mercado.

For his part, the Executive Director for COR3, Ottmar Chavez, highlighted the significance of mitigation plans as part of the island’s recovery process. “As a result of the disasters we have experienced, various strategies have been outlined to work together with the federal government for the recovery of the island. Certainly, the municipalities have been key in this important effort. We are committed to the effective implementation of mitigation plans to lessen the effects of future emergencies and ensure the quality of life of all Puerto Ricans,” said Chávez.

By identifying local threats, each municipally can determine how best to locally reduce or mitigate hazards. Studies have shown that every $1 spent on mitigation activities saves an average of $6 in future disaster costs. Federal funding is available to assist all 78 municipalities in updating or developing mitigation plans as part of the island’s recovery efforts after Hurricane María.

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

zella.campbell Fri, 07/24/2020 - 17:27

WASHINGTON – As three separate weather systems threaten the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic and Pacific, FEMA continues working with our state, commonwealth, tribal and local emergency management partners and is ready to assist with any federal resource requests.

State of Nevada Receives $18.4 Million Grant for PPE

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved $18.4 million to reimburse the State of Nevada for the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of state, county, and tribal personnel, healthcare facility workers, and first responders.

“FEMA’s reimbursement gives the state the opportunity to buy additional personal protective equipment to support Nevada’s COVID response efforts,” said Governor Sisolak. “We appreciate the federal government’s assistance to help Nevadans with emergency protective measures during this unprecedented time.”

Funds covered the acquisition of N95 masks, gloves, gowns, face shields, coveralls, and powered air-purifying respirators.

The $24.5 million project is financed by $18.4 million from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program, with non-federal sources paying the remaining $6.1 million.

“Our coordinated, state-specific plan to address the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis is based on an approach that is federally supported, state managed, and locally executed,” said the Nevada Division of Emergency Management Chief Justin Luna. FEMA is an important partner in our response and recovery efforts, and we are grateful for their support in making Nevada’s communities more prepared and resilient.”

FEMA’s PA program supports recovery from a major disaster by providing financial assistance for life-saving emergency protective measures. It is a cost-sharing program that reimburses applicants at least 75 percent of eligible costs, with the remaining 25 percent covered by non-federal sources. The federal share is paid directly to the state, which disburses funds to agencies, local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred costs

zella.campbell Fri, 07/24/2020 - 14:38

WASHINGTON - Earlier today, FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor spoke to Good Morning America about actions Americans can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and how the agency is prepared for hurricane season.

 

REGION 1 – Baystate Medical Center Inc. will receive $5,621,222 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the costs incurred for emergency protective measures implemented to respond to COVID-19.

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved $18.4 million to reimburse the State of Nevada for the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of state, county, and tribal personnel, healthcare facility workers, and first responders.

Over $12 million has been obligated for hazard mitigation planning projects on the island

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – FEMA, in coordination with the Puerto Rico Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, or COR3, has approved mitigation plans for 17 municipalities across the island in the last year. Currently, a total of 30 municipalities have approved plans in place, while the remaining 48 municipalities are actively engaged in updating their plans to help minimize the impacts associated with future disasters.

SALT LAKE CITY – Due to the nationwide Covid-19 emergency, FEMA is using remote inspections to assess damage to homes in Salt Lake and Davis counties cause by earthquakes between March 18 and April 17.

Utahns who applied for federal disaster assistance — and reported that they may not or cannot live at home due to earthquake damage — will be contacted by FEMA to schedule a remote inspection.

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of Nevada in combating the Rock Farm Fire burning in Washoe County.

PONCE, Puerto Rico – FEMA paid more than $3 million to several hundred eligible households to stay in hotels in Puerto Rico while they sought a permanent solution to homes that were damaged or destroyed by the ongoing earthquakes.

At the request of the Government of Puerto Rico, FEMA approved the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program Feb. 8 to provide survivors short-term, emergency shelter, or an immediate place to stay for a limited time. The program ended July 20.

NASHVILLE – A public notice is now available that addresses the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) intention to reimburse eligible applicants for costs to repair or replace facilities damaged by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding occurring May 3-4, 2020.

FEMA National Continuity Programs (NCP) sponsored regional webinars to share information about best practices for the reconstitution of operations, based on the Fact Sheet “Planning Considerations for Organizations in Reconstituting Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” to enable organizations to return to normal following coronavirus (COVID-19) social distancing requirements.

Obligations include over $3.5 million for Los Baños de Coamo

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Central Office for Puerto Rico Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, or COR3, announced the obligation of nearly $62 million in additional funds for 89 projects related to the recovery and reconstruction of Puerto Rico after Hurricane María. These funds were obligated between July 10 and 16 and include $23 million for repairs to roads and bridges across the Island.

Fellow Emergency Managers,

This week marks our fourth month in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We, and our fellow Americans, have made great strides in slowing the spread and in allowing our hospital systems and first responders to provide continuing support. Several states faced monumental challenges in April and worked tirelessly to reduce their number of case counts, positivity rates, hospitalizations and most significantly, deaths.

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – The reality of a disaster situation is that daily conveniences will be impacted. Seniors may have physical, emotional or financial barriers to preparing for an emergency.

Creating a personal support network and having a plan to shelter safely with loved ones will give peace of mind to all involved. If undergoing routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided more than
$2 billion to the State of Florida and communities affected by Hurricane Irma to defray the costs of emergency response and repairs to public facilities caused by the 2017 storm.

 

MIDLAND, Mich. -- Michiganders who have a policy with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) should submit their claim now for damage caused by the May 16-22 severe storms and flooding.

 

LANSING, Mich. –   A FEMA home inspection is a part of the process for verifying damage and loss for applicants following the May severe storms and flooding in Mid-Michigan.