Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice

BRANDON, Fla. – As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricane Ian can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be at several locations to answer questions and offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster. FEMA specialists will be available during the following dates and locations:

Fort Myers Home and Remodeling Show

Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd. North Fort Myers, FL 33917

Sunday, Nov. 13 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Beginning Sunday, Nov. 13 – ongoing:

Home Depot, 3402 Forum Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33905

Hours: Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Home Depot, 4040 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park, FL 33781

Hours: Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

kierra.spruill Sun, 11/13/2022 - 13:23

St. Clair County Disaster Recovery Centers Closing Early Due to Weather and Road Conditions

Due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions, the State of Illinois and FEMA have determined that both Disaster Recovery Centers in St. Clair County will close early today, Saturday, Nov. 12, at 3:30 p.m.

The Recovery Centers will reopen on Monday, Nov. 14, at 8:00 a.m.

Homeowners and renters can also apply for assistance or check the status of their applications by calling 1-800-621-3362, going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, or downloading the FEMA App.

For disaster updates from FEMA, follow @FEMAregion5 on Twitter, and turn on mobile notifications. Visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4676.

For disaster updates from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), follow @ReadyIllinois on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and turn on mobile notifications. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continues to be a go-to, single source to help Illinois residents easily find information and disaster-related resources.

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

nicole.wilson Sat, 11/12/2022 - 20:24

Martin County Eligible for Additional Public Assistance

BRANDON, Fla. – Martin County is now eligible to receive reimbursement for debris removal and repair or replacement of Hurricane Ian-damaged public facilities. They were previously approved for emergency protective measures.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. Follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

amanda.bellatin Fri, 11/11/2022 - 18:20

It Makes Dollars and Sense to Reinforce Your Property Against Damage

San Juan, Puerto Rico — As Puerto Rico continues to recover from Hurricane Fiona and the end of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is approaching it may be a good time to invest in protecting your home against damage from future weather events. FEMA has the tools to help the residents of Puerto Rico create a stronger, more resilient future.

Protect Your Home and Your Family: Tips You Can Use Now

• Invest in Flood Insurance - Purchasing flood insurance will not only give you peace of mind but it will also help speed up your recovery. To learn more about flood insurance, contact your insurance company, or call 1-877-336-2627 or visit The National Flood Insurance Program.

• Know Your Risk - Ask your local emergency management office about the history of hurricanes in your area and how to protect your family and home. For additional information, visit: FEMA Map Service Center

• Install Hurricane Straps - One of the steps you can take to help reinforce your home against hurricane winds if you have zinc roof, is to install hurricane straps. Straps made of galvanized steel help keep your zinc roof fastened to the walls.

• Elevate Mechanical Equipment - Elevating mechanical equipment above potential flood levels is a step in the right direction. Examples include electrical, air conditioning and other ventilation equipment in addition to electrical appliances.

• Build Homes to Current Code - Work with a registered engineer or architect to evaluate your needs as professional support can help you identify opportunities to strengthen your home.

FEMA, through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) may be able to provide a funding resource to homeowners who take certain steps to fortify their homes against future damage.

Homeowners who are eligible for FEMA’s IHP assistance may receive additional funds from FEMA for specific mitigation measures. Applicants will be informed if they qualify for assistance of this type. Assistance that involves mitigation measures will only be provided for building components that existed and were functional prior to the disaster and that were damaged as a result of Hurricane Fiona.

Specific mitigation measures include:

• Roof repair to withstand higher winds and help prevent water infiltration.

• Elevating a water heater or furnace to avoid future flood damage.

• Elevating or moving an electrical panel to avoid future flood damage.

Other mitigation measures may include:

• Retrofitting a house to comply with local building codes

• Reinforcing doors and windows with storm shutters.

Applicants will be informed if they qualify for assistance that includes mitigation measures of this type.

Learn more about how to avoid hurricane damage, view the checklist now.

kimberly.keblish Fri, 11/11/2022 - 17:52

Deadlines are Fastly Approaching: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center Today

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Do you have a question about your registration with FEMA? Did you receive a letter or phone call from FEMA and not sure what to do next? You can get answers to these questions and more when you visit a temporary Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for help with the federal disaster assistance process, types of assistance available, the appeal process and status of applications. The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. All applications received prior or on the deadline date will be processed.

At a DRC, you can:

• Get questions answered about the application process.

• Obtain information about types of disaster assistance that may include rental assistance, home repairs, loss of personal property and others.

• Check the status of an application, update contact information or provide insurance information.

• Get answers to questions about any letters you received from FEMA and learn what steps you can take to appeal a FEMA determination letter if you were found ineligible for assistance.

• Speak to representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to learn more about SBA programs and learn how homeowners, businesses, private nonprofits and renters can apply for low-interest disaster loans.

Other important dates and information to keep in mind:

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is a part of the federal disaster assistance process but is administered by the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. Visit www.trabajo.pr.gov for more information. Claims must be filed by Nov. 30.

• Critical Needs Assistance (CNA) program ended on Oct. 21. Survivors that meet the eligibility requirements and applied prior to the deadline will be processed. FEMA approved CNA for eligible disaster survivors with immediate, critical needs or because they were displaced from their primary home.

• Clean and Sanitize Assistance is for homeowners and renters that meet the eligibility requirements. If your home was damaged by the disaster but you can live in it safely, FEMA may be able to provide a one-time not appealable financial assistance of $300 to help with cleanup. Applicants do not need to re-apply.

• Disaster Legal Services may offer you free help with legal issues regarding insurance claims, contracts, new wills, land ownership and occupancy, problems with contracts and contractors or with other legal matters. Survivors can receive free legal assistance for certain disaster-related issues. For information, call 1-800-981-5342, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Services at any DRC are provided in Spanish and English. If you need a reasonable accommodation or a sign language interpreter to communicate with FEMA, please send an email to FEMA-PRaccesible@fema.dhs.gov.

To find the DRC nearest you, click on the FEMA DRC link: DRC Locator.

To check the status of an application you may visit DisasterAssistance.gov or download FEMA’s mobile app. Individuals can also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to discuss their case with a FEMA representative. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

kimberly.keblish Thu, 11/10/2022 - 16:50

FEMA Projects Up to $3.5 - $5.3 Billion in Hurricane Ian Flood Insurance Claims Payments

WASHINGTON -- As of Nov. 10, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has received more than 44,000 flood claims from Hurricane Ian and has paid nearly $437 million to policyholders.

FEMA’s initial estimate projects Hurricane Ian could potentially result in NFIP claims losses between $3.5 - $5.3 billion, including loss adjustment expenses. The losses include flood insurance claims received from five states, with the majority of claims coming from Florida.

The agency based the initial estimate on several data points. These include policy information, daily reports of claims and payments made, significant historical events patterns of reported claims and payments, current economic conditions and claim adjuster observations.

FEMA will continue to update models and confirm future estimates as the claims process evolves.

NFIP flood insurance claims are paid from the National Flood Insurance Fund and Reserve Fund. The program also has the ability to borrow an additional $9.9 billion in funds.

FEMA’s reinsurance program includes an annual traditional reinsurance program with a $4 billion or more trigger for a percentage of recovery payments and three capital market placements with a recovery payment beginning at $5.32 billion in received claims payments. To collect the maximum reinsurance amount, the NFIP would need to incur at least $10 billion in flood insurance claims losses. In addition, FEMA currently holds $2.49 billion of reinsurance coverage for fiscal year 2022. If a covered flood event results in NFIP claim payouts that equal or exceed an agreed upon amount, then reinsurers agree to pay a certain percentage.

The NFIP reinsurance program helps FEMA manage the future exposure of the NFIP through the transfer of risk to private reinsurance companies and capital market investors. By securing reinsurance at a fair and reasonable cost, FEMA has an additional method to fund payment of flood claims after catastrophic flood events.

Insurance providers, such as the NFIP, pay premiums to reinsurers. In exchange, reinsurers provide coverage for losses incurred up to a specified amount for events like Hurricane Ian.

While Hurricane Ian is a significant flood insurance event that may trigger reinsurance payments, it will take several weeks for FEMA to determine if the NFIP is able to collect under its reinsurance agreements.  

Additional information on FEMA’s reinsurance program can be found at NFIP’s Reinsurance Program on FEMA.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 11/10/2022 - 16:49

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Seminole Tribe of Florida

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the Seminole Tribe of Florida to supplement the Tribe’s response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Nicole, beginning Nov. 7 and continuing.  

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives, protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe for the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, under the public assistance program at 75% federal funding. FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. 

Thomas J. McCool has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.   

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 11/10/2022 - 16:29

Bastrop County, Texas, Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on May 9, 2023, for Bastrop County, Texas. During the next six months, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update each floodplain ordinance and adopt these new flood maps.

Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low-to-moderate or high-risk flood zone. The current and future Flood Insurance Rate Map can be viewed on FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer at https://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.

By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation. Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.

Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if their structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding. A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and answer questions about the maps as well. Contact them by phone or online chat.

• To use the live chat service, visit floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat” icon). The chat service is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., EST.
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 877-FEMA MAP (877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov.

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

Follow us at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 and like us at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

mashana.davis Wed, 11/09/2022 - 22:00

Eastern Kentucky Floods: Federal Assistance Continues to Flow to Survivors

FRANKFORT Ky, -- Since the end of the FEMA application period on Oct. 28, the agency has approved more than $3 million to survivors of Eastern Kentucky flooding. This is in addition to the $82.1 million already approved prior to the application deadline. FEMA is still here and help is still available.

These funds were approved through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) which provides funds directly to applicants to help with a wide range of necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. The IHP can provide money for everything from home repair to moving and storage expenses and even childcare. FEMA assistance is not a replacement for insurance but can assist Kentuckians with basic needs to help start their recovery.

Applicants who still have serious disaster-related needs should please reach out to the agency and stay engaged in their recovery. Something as simple as a phone number change or a missed inspection can slow the assistance process. If FEMA cannot contact survivors, an application may be deemed ineligible.

For Kentucky flood survivors, the most common reasons applicants have been deemed ineligible for assistance are missed inspections or no response to FEMA’s attempts to contact them. More than 2,000 homeowners and renters are currently ineligible for these reasons alone.

Since the first week of the disaster, FEMA IHP specialists have been calling survivors directly, requesting missing information, scheduling inspections and eliminating roadblocks to receiving disaster assistance. Through this process, 2,097 applicants have become eligible for more than $22 million in FEMA assistance, proving that it pays to keep in touch with FEMA.

FEMA continues to reach out to applicants who were deemed ineligible for assistance. Since the end of the application period, FEMA has approved nearly $62,000 in assistance for 13 households just from those phone calls.

FEMA staff are still here in Kentucky—and just a phone call away— to help disaster survivors with questions about their application and the appeals process.

How do you take charge of your recovery?

Survivors can still visit a Disaster Recovery Center to get updates about their application, check the status of their claim or learn about the appeals process directly from a FEMA specialist. To find the nearest recovery center, visit www.fema.gov/drc.

Kentuckians don’t have to visit a recovery center for help. They can also get help the following ways:

• Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362
• Logging into their account at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Using the FEMA Mobile App

For more information on Kentucky flood recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

 

johanna.strickland Wed, 11/09/2022 - 19:23

FEMA Gives Free Rebuilding Advice in Vega Baja and Mayagüez

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Disaster survivors who are repairing their homes after Hurricane Fiona can visit ACE hardware store in Vega Baja and National Lumber in Mayagüez to talk with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to make homes stronger and safer during the rebuilding process.

Also, FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) personnel will be available to help survivors update existing applications.

FEMA mitigation specialists will share tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage, such as high winds and water. They will also provide information on topics such as selecting contractors, understanding flood insurance coverage and making roof repairs. No appointment is needed.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 14 – Friday, Nov. 18 at:

ACE Hardware Store

Carr. Núm. 2 Km 41.3

Vega Baja, PR 00694

National Lumber

Calle Post Núm. 311 Sur

Mayagüez, PR 00680

kimberly.keblish Wed, 11/09/2022 - 15:48

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Florida

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Florida to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Tropical Storm Nicole, beginning Nov. 7 and continuing.

The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. This assistance is for Alachua, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Desoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Taylor, Volusia and Wakulla counties and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, under the public assistance program will be provided at 75% federal funding.

Thomas J. McCool has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected areas.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 11/09/2022 - 15:13

Nine Disaster Recovery Centers to Permanently Close

San Juan, Puerto Rico — The temporary Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Camuy, Canóvanas, Cidra, Isabela, Lajas, Maricao, Patillas, Toa Alta and Villalba will be closing permanently.

Additional details below:

• Camuy, Cidra, Isabela, Lajas, Patillas, and Toa Alta DRCs will close permanently at 5 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2022. Operational hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day until they close.

• Canóvanas DRC will close permanently at 1 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2022. Operational hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day until it closes.

• Maricao DRC will close permanently at 1 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2022. Operational hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day until it closes.

• Villalba DRC will close permanently at 5 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2022. Operational hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day until it closes.

The other temporary FEMA DRCs will be operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise stated. Survivors can go to any open center for help with the federal disaster assistance process. Individuals shouldn’t wait to visit a temporary DRC if they need in-person support: they can get answers to their questions while the DRC is open. For operational hours or to find the nearest temporary DRC, click on the FEMA DRC link: DRC Locator.

After the DRC closes, survivors can still view the status of their application online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using FEMA’s mobile app. Individuals can also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to discuss their case with a FEMA representative. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

Survivors may also still apply for assistance if they have not already done so. The deadline to apply is Nov. 21, 2022.

kimberly.keblish Tue, 11/08/2022 - 12:56

Disaster Recovery Centers to Close Temporarily for Severe Weather

BRANDON, Fla. – Disaster Recovery Centers in Florida will close temporarily this week as a precaution for predicted severe weather.

Today, Nov. 7, centers in Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island, Orlando and North Port closed at the end of the day.

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, all other centers and mobile units will close at the end of the day.

Disaster Recovery Centers will reopen as weather permits.

To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or text DRC along with your zip code to 43362.

It is not necessary to visit a center to apply. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 11/08/2022 - 01:57

Florida Flood Insurance Policyholders Given Additional Time

BRANDON, Fla. - National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders in Florida affected by Hurricane Ian can renew their recently expired policies without the consequence of a lapse in coverage.

The renewal extension applies to policyholders whose flood insurance policy expiration dates began on Aug. 25, 2022, through and including Oct. 23, 2022. For example, if the original renewal date for a policy was Aug. 25, 2022, the policy may be renewed on or before Nov. 23, 2022, and you can file your claim for damage received from Hurricane Ian. If the renewal date was Oct. 23, 2022, the policy may be renewed on or before Jan. 21, 2023.

Policyholders who want to take advantage of the grace period should contact their agent or insurance company within 90 days of their policy expiration date. Contact your insurance agent or insurance company to discuss your policy. If you do not have this information, call the NFIP at 877-336-2627.

As of Nov. 5, 2022,  44,000 NFIP claims have been paid in Florida for a total of $351 million, including $170 million in advance payments.

FEMA Extends Proof of Loss Requirement

FEMA has also extended the proof of loss requirement for Florida flood insurance policyholders who experienced flood damage from Hurricane Ian from 60 to 365 days

Policyholders in 26 Florida counties designated for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program are able to take advantage of the NFIP extensions. Those counties are Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia. However, all Florida policyholders -- even those in undesignated counties -- should monitor fema.gov because more counties may be added.

NFIP coverage is available regardless of federal disaster declarations. Insurance for contents is also available to renters. Coverage is available for residential and commercial buildings:

• Up to $250,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 in contents coverage for single-to-four family residential structures.
• Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 in contents coverage for five-or-more family residential structures.
• Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $500,000 in contents coverage for businesses.

There is a 30-day waiting period before new policies go into effect, so don't wait. NIFP partners with more than 50 private insurance companies and NFIP Direct to sell and service flood insurance policies. To find a list of flood insurance writers in Florida, visit Flood Insurance Writers in Florida (floir.com)

For more information about NFIP, to find out if you live in a participating community, and what’s covered by NFIP policies or how to file a claim, contact your insurance provider or visit FloodSmart.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 11/07/2022 - 22:03

More Than Three Months Later, Recovery Continues in Eastern Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky.–More than three months and $164 million later, federal, commonwealth and local agencies continue to assist survivors of the Eastern Kentucky flooding.

As of Nov. 6, 2022, more than $164 million has been approved in federal grants, loans and flood insurance payments for survivors in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties.

By the numbers:

FEMA has approved $85.4 million for 8,410 individuals and households

• More than $72.9 million in Housing Assistance
• More than $12.5 million in Other Needs Assistance

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $55.3 million in disaster loans for 736 homeowners, renters and businesses.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has paid $23.3 million. The NFIP has received 475 claims and closed 439 of those. Flood insurance is the best way to recover financially after a flood. A presidential declaration is not required to take advantage of the flood policy.

The recovery includes more than just federal assistance. On the community level, long-term recovery groups are already being formed. The role of these groups is to help meet the remaining needs of survivors after they have maximized state and federal funds available to them.

Long-term recovery groups typically include federal partners, voluntary agencies and grassroots organizations. These partnerships require close coordination to address community needs, distribute resources and to help restore vital support systems, including health, social, economic and environmental systems, among others.

FEMA continues to work with Kentucky Emergency Management and commonwealth partners to make sure Kentuckians can keep their recovery on track and moving forward.

Nearly 400 federal personnel are still on the ground assisting in the recovery.

For individuals who applied for disaster assistance, FEMA encourages survivors to keep in touch. Help is still available, even though the deadline to apply has passed. Survivors are encouraged to notify the agency of changes to their mailing address, email addresses or phone numbers and report insurance settlements or additional damage they may have discovered since their home inspection.

Since the end of the application period, FEMA has approved more than $3 million through appeals and survivors staying engaged in their recovery. One of the best ways to keep your recovery on track is by visiting a DRC.

Over the last three months FEMA has operated eight Disaster Recovery Centers where staff has helped Kentuckians through the disaster assistance process. Remember, there is no limit to how many times a survivor can visit a recovery center. To date, these centers have helped with more than 16,000 visits. Survivors can find their nearest recovery center by visiting, fema.gov/drc.

But Kentuckians don’t have to visit a recovery center for help. They can also get help the following ways:

Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

Logging into their account at DisasterAssistance.gov

Using the FEMA Mobile App

As part of FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, Direct Temporary Housing is available in Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Pike counties. To date FEMA has approved 220 families for temporary housing and has moved 57 families and individuals into temporary housing. This number may change as survivors update their housing situation with FEMA. This program makes available several additional short-term housing solutions to disaster survivors. It’s important to keep in mind that direct housing takes time to transport, permit, install and inspect units.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program has also begun allocating funds to communities across 20 counties. The program provides grants on a cost share basis to reimburse state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for the cost of debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent repair work.

Public Assistance reimburses applicants no less than 75 percent of their eligible cost. The remaining 25 percent is covered by a non-federal source. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which disburses funds to the agencies, local governments and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

For more information on Kentucky flood recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

 

johanna.strickland Mon, 11/07/2022 - 21:37

San Juan Disaster Recovery Center to Close

San Juan, Puerto Rico — The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Coliseo Roberto Clemente Walker, Ave. Franklin Delano Roosevelt in San Juan will close on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.

Other temporary FEMA DRCs will be operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise stated. You can go to any open center for help with the federal disaster assistance process. Don’t wait to visit a temporary DRC if you need in-person support: get answers to your questions while the DRC is open. For operational hours or to find the nearest temporary DRC, click on the FEMA DRC link: DRC Locator.

After the DRC closes, survivors can still view the status of their application online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using FEMA’s mobile app. Individuals can also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to discuss their case with a FEMA representative. Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish and 3 for all other languages. People who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

Survivors may also still apply for assistance if they have not already done so. The deadline to apply is Nov. 21, 2022.

kimberly.keblish Mon, 11/07/2022 - 20:51

Know the Facts, Not the Rumors

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for federal assistance in response to damage or losses from Hurricane Fiona. After a disaster, rumors and misunderstandings spread as survivors share information they have heard from social media, neighbors and colleagues.

Here are some common rumors and what the facts are:

Rumor: If you register with FEMA, you will automatically receive $300.

Fact: If your home was damaged but you can live in it safely, FEMA may be able to provide $300 in one-time financial assistance to help with cleanup. Clean and sanitize funding, is not appealable and is automatically paid to applicants that meet all of the following eligibility criteria for this assistance.

• You live in a federally declared area

• The damage is not covered by insurance

• Your home was damaged, but you can live in it safely

• You meet FEMA’s basic eligibility requirements, e.g., identity verification, registration duplication or fraud, among others

 

Rumor: FEMA will not help you if you received grant funding in previous disasters.

Fact: FEMA provides assistance to all eligible disaster survivors regardless if the applicant received assistance on previous disasters. However, if you were required to maintain flood insurance and did not comply, you may become ineligible for flood-insurable real and personal property damaged by flood. The Small Business Administration also will decline to extend loans to homeowners who fail to maintain required flood insurance.

 

Rumor: FEMA assistance could affect Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.

Fact: FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income by the IRS.

 

Rumor: If you receive an ineligibility decision letter, there is nothing you can do about it.

Fact: All applicants should read their FEMA letter carefully. Often, FEMA is simply waiting on more information from the applicant, so the case can be processed. Any appeal must be filed in the form of a signed letter, by the applicant, within 60 days of the date on the decision letter, including supporting documents. Refer to your decision letter for how to submit your appeal; you can also call the FEMA Helpline or visit a Disaster Recovery Center for help with the process.

 

Rumor: FEMA charges individuals a fee if they need help applying for assistance.

Fact: False. Federal and local disaster workers never charge for assistance and do not solicit or accept money. Don’t trust anyone who offers financial help and then asks for money or personal information.

 

Rumor: FEMA isn’t accepting most forms of ownership and occupancy verification.

Fact: FEMA is committed to ensuring equity in its program and services and has implemented steps to reduce access barriers experienced by underserved populations. The agency offers numerous ways to verify this information; refer to your FEMA letter for a list of options. Note: if you need to self-declare you owned or occupied your home, you must submit that letter to FEMA in one of these ways:

• upload the document to your account in DisasterAssistance.gov;

• mail or fax it to FEMA;

• or visit a nearby DRC to submit the letter in person, even if the document was shown to the inspector.

kimberly.keblish Mon, 11/07/2022 - 20:40

Last Day to Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance for Missouri Flooding

Homeowners and renters who had property damage or losses caused by the storms and flooding, or those whose apartment complex was damaged and had to move out, may be eligible for federal disaster Today, November 7, is the last day for people directly affected by the July 25-28 severe storms and flooding in St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. assistance.

There are several ways for renters and homeowners who were affected by the July disaster to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

• Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Download and use the FEMA mobile app to apply
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to apply
• If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. The Helpline is open seven days a week. Press 2 for Spanish or 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
• Survivors may also apply in person at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).

Ranken Technical College

Mary Ann Lee Technology Center

1313 N. Newstead Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63113

(On the corner of Newstead and Page)

Opens at 8 a.m. and closes permanently today, Nov. 7 at 5 p.m.  

No appointment is necessary to visit a DRC. Walk-ins are welcome.

Have the following information available:

• Phone number where you can be contacted
• Address at the time of the flooding
• 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 any FEMA money you may be awarded
• Insurance Information if you have insurance, including the policy number

If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file an insurance 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.

For updates, follow us on Twitter @MOSEMA and @FEMARegion7.

Get the latest information at Recovery.MO.gov and FEMA.gov/disaster/4665.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

tiana.suber Mon, 11/07/2022 - 18:26

Biden-Harris Administration Delivers Over $2 Billion in Federal Support for Floridians to Jumpstart Their Recoveries from Hurricane Ian

WASHINGTON -- The Biden-Harris Administration announced today it has delivered over $2 billion for Hurricane Ian recovery in Florida in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance payments. FEMA has provided $710 million to households and $322 million to the state for emergency response, while the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has provided $631 million in disaster loans and the National Flood Insurance Program has paid $351 million in claims.

“Responding to and recovering from disasters requires a whole of government approach. FEMA and the entire federal family were on the ground before the storm and will remain on the ground in the weeks, months and years ahead to help Florida and Floridians recovery from Hurricane Ian,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “In a little over a month, FEMA and its partners have already delivered more than $2 billion in assistance made possible by President Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration.”

President Biden’s disaster declaration on Sept. 29, 2022, made FEMA Individual Assistance available to nine counties in Florida. Additional counties were added and subsequently made eligible, for a total of 26. The Transitional Sheltering Assistance program is now available to all 26 counties and is currently providing housing for 2,245 households with 5,650 members. Additionally, hundreds of FEMA inspectors have performed over 203,000 home inspections for survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance. Temporary housing is also available for eligible Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee and Sarasota counties.

The response and recovery efforts have continued to be a whole of government effort, with the U.S. Small Business Administration providing $631 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners. Additionally, Business Recovery Centers are located in Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee and Seminole counties.

“With these rapidly-approved funds, we are sending a strong message to disaster-impacted Floridians that the SBA and Biden-Harris Administration will continue to be with you every step of the way in your recovery,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman. “While assessing damage from Hurricane Ian on the ground, I witnessed the strength and resilience of small business owners rolling up their sleeves, going to work, reopening and serving their devastated communities. This critical funding will speed recovery efforts for disaster-impacted families and small businesses.”

The federal government has continued to engage and support Floridians, including the creation of local job opportunities. FEMA is conducting local hiring for more than 300 jobs in Brandon, Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Orlando and Sarasota. The positions are full-time, 120-day appointments that may be extended depending on operational needs. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through USAJobs.gov.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has installed nearly 19,000 temporary Blue Roofs and installed generators at critical facilities, performed more than 20,000 assessments on roofs, buildings, sanitation and water treatment systems and continues supporting the state in removal of debris from heavily impacted areas.

“For every temporary roof we install, building we assess, or generator we power on, we’re bringing families and communities one step closer to getting their lives back to normal.  We are humbled and proud to take this mission on, side by side with our industry and government partners across the state and federal community, working around the clock to get this important job done,” said USACE Commanding General Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon. “These vital infrastructure improvements for residents represent key steps that enable communities to return to work and school, have power and clean water, and receive healthcare services.”

As of Nov. 6, 2022, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has received more than 44,000 flood insurance claims and paid more than $351 million to policyholders, including $170 million in advance payments.

Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian can seek additional support by calling 800-621-3362, visiting disasterassistance.gov or by visiting one of the 27 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee (5 locations), Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 11/07/2022 - 15:17

Los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre del Condado de St. Clair, Illinois, están cerrados los domingos El horario cambiará el Día de las Elecciones y el Día de los Veteranos

Horario especial de ambos centros de recuperación para la semana del 7 de noviembre: Martes 8 de noviembre, Día de las Elecciones - cerrado

Viernes 11 de noviembre, Día de los Veteranos - abierto de 9 a.m. a 5 p.m.

El horario normal de funcionamiento de los centros es de lunes a sábado, 7:30 a.m. a 6 p.m., cerrado los domingos.

Ubicaciones de los Centros de Recuperación por Desastre:

Clyde Jordan Senior Citizen Center

6755 State St.

East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

Caseyville Village Hall

909 South Main St.

Caseyville, Illinois 62232

Las personas afectadas por las inundaciones de julio también pueden solicitar asistencia por desastre de FEMA de las siguientes maneras:

• Solicite en línea, en disasterassistance.gov/es
• Descargue y use la aplicación móvil de FEMA para solicitar
• Llame a la Línea de Ayuda de FEMA 800-621-3362 para solicitar. Si utiliza un servicio de retransmisión, como retransmisión de video (VRS), teléfono con subtítulos u otro servicio, proporcione a FEMA el número de ese servicio.
• Los sobrevivientes pueden solicitar en persona en cualquier Centro de Recuperación por Desastre; personas sin cita previa son bienvenidas.

Para obtener más información sobre la recuperación de Illinois de las inundaciones, visite www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4676. Siga a FEMA en Twitter en FEMA Region 5 (@femaregion5) / Twitter y en facebook.com/fema.

Para actualizaciones sobre desastres de la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias de Illinois (IEMA), siga a @ReadyIllinois en Twitter, Facebook e Instagram y active las notificaciones móviles. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ continúa siendo una fuente única para ayudar a los residentes de Illinois a encontrar información fácilmente y recursos relacionados con el desastre. (enlaces en inglés)

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

nicole.wilson Mon, 11/07/2022 - 13:46