Santa Rosa County Approved for $8.3 Million in Hurricane Sally Debris Removal Expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved $8,327,831 for the State of Florida to reimburse Santa Rosa County for costs associated with county-wide debris removal after Hurricane Sally in September 2020.

Santa Rosa county workers along with contractors removed a total of 433,588 cubic yards of vegetative debris; 163,241 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris; 15,683 hazardous limbs; and 1,344 leaning trees from roads and public property throughout Santa Rosa County. This included private rights of way, which posed a serious threat to public health and safety. Expenses also included the monitoring and field supervisory oversight of collecting, removing and disposing of all debris.   

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management 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.

Kimberly.Kipp Tue, 09/07/2021 - 16:51

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance State-by-State Breakdown

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided over $1.088 billion to more than 165,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

Eligibility determinations are not driven by state/location; instead, they are based on when the applicant submits all required documentation.

“Applications” in the below chart reflect the number of individuals who called to begin the assistance process.

Please find state-specific information below:

State/Territory

Applications

Amount Approved

Number of Awards

ALABAMA

6,181

$25,459,028

3,679

ALASKA

146

$425,535

75

AMERICAN SAMOA

Less than 10

$9,000

Less than 10

ARIZONA

4,574

$14,139,668

2,743

ARKANSAS

2,824

$10,858,180

1,702

CALIFORNIA

27,649

$108,227,747

16,590

COLORADO

2,107

$7,341,161

1,301

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

Less than 10

$4,344

Less than 10

CONNECTICUT

3,185

$15,098,360

2,170

DELAWARE

818

$2,972,062

469

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

516

$1,881,198

276

FLORIDA

16,721

$51,776,726

9,124

GEORGIA

10,213

$42,979,408

6,185

GUAM

13

$51,162

Less than 10

HAWAII

274

$854,056

144

IDAHO

588

$1,846,670

321

ILLINOIS

11,175

$49,115,532

7,161

INDIANA

4,701

$21,359,122

3,037

IOWA

2,314

$11,108,302

1,547

KANSAS

2,253

$9,612,966

1,463

KENTUCKY

3,626

$16,728,757

2,329

LOUISIANA

5,032

$21,094,837

3,063

MAINE

360

$1,115,274

203

MARYLAND

5,232

$22,046,771

3,265

MASSACHUSETTS

5,336

$24,455,485

3,506

MICHIGAN

8,995

$35,926,084

5,872

MINNESOTA

2,604

$12,487,288

1,803

MISSISSIPPI

4,375

$17,373,347

2,562

MISSOURI

5,081

$20,199,849

3,192

MONTANA

485

$1,284,458

246

NEBRASKA

1,154

$5,453,680

764

NEVADA

2,368

$7,055,432

1,274

NEW HAMPSHIRE

638

$2,483,394

411

NEW JERSEY

11,128

$49,002,682

7,040

NEW MEXICO

1,485

$3,940,992

765

NEW YORK

24,334

$99,647,406

14,339

NORTH CAROLINA

8,065

$33,606,199

5,033

NORTH DAKOTA

639

$2,797,135

374

OHIO

9,073

$39,920,511

6,161

OKLAHOMA

3,809

$15,867,289

2,463

OREGON

841

$2,531,224

477

PENNSYLVANIA

12,014

$53,399,046

8,085

PUERTO RICO

1,191

$2,185,233

600

RHODE ISLAND

1,089

$4,236,552

613

SOUTH CAROLINA

5,563

$24,553,904

3,527

SOUTH DAKOTA

680

$3,109,737

422

TENNESSEE

6,652

$29,927,247

4,327

TEXAS

24,424

$99,863,338

15,221

U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

29

$85,194

14

UTAH

1,054

$4,760,734

676

VERMONT

130

$546,315

91

VIRGINIA

5,817

$25,066,226

3,739

WASHINGTON

1,824

$5,753,699

1,038

WEST VIRGINIA

1,415

$5,369,036

790

WISCONSIN

4,183

$18,496,138

2,814

WYOMING

267

$982,138

170

 

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. EDT Monday, Sept. 6, 2021.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. Please note, phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Applicants who use a relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to them for that service so that agency representatives are able to contact them.

Additional information about COVID-19 funeral assistance, including frequently asked questions, is available on FEMA.gov.

amy.ashbridge Tue, 09/07/2021 - 16:19

FEMA Approves $9 Million in Hurricane Michael Recovery Expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved grants totaling $9,066,552 to reimburse recovery expenses in Florida for Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance program will provide the following reimbursements:

• Bay District Schools: $3,813,785 to replace both the RLY Transportation Building 2, a 18,768-square-foot maintenance building, and Building 3, a 4,264-square-foot paint shop. This reimbursement brings FEMA’s total grants to the school district to $110.6 million.

• Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort, Inc.: $4,126,485 for repairs to the main campus building, cafeteria and school trailer, the Starting Over Straight adolescent residential facility and five additional campus buildings.

• Jackson Hospital: $1,126,281 for repairs to 10 of the hospital’s facilities, and repairs or replacement of contents and equipment damaged during Hurricane Michael.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management 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.

Kimberly.Kipp Tue, 09/07/2021 - 13:24

Hurricane Ida Survivors May be Eligible for Generator and Chainsaw Reimbursement

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana survivors who purchased or rented a generator and/or chainsaw as a result of Hurricane Ida may be eligible for FEMA reimbursement.

FEMA cannot reimburse equipment paid for by another source, such as homeowner’s, flood or other types of insurance. Duplicate payments or reimbursements for assistance provided by insurance or any other source are prohibited by law.

Survivors interested in generator and/or chainsaw reimbursement from FEMA must first apply for assistance. They may do so by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA mobile app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available. Lines are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362.

Applicants who purchase or rent a generator and/or chainsaw between Aug. 26, 2021 and Sept. 25, 2021, may be eligible to receive financial assistance for reimbursement if:

• The applicant meets the general eligibility requirements for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.
• The home is the applicant’s primary residence and is located in a parish designated for the Individuals and Households Program. The parishes are: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes.
• The generator was purchased or rented due to a disruption in electrical utility service caused by Hurricane Ida.
• Proof-of-purchase or rental receipts for the items are submitted by the applicant.

Price Limits

FEMA may reimburse applicants up to $800 for generators and up to $250 for chainsaws. ​​​​​​​

Generator Safety

Survivors should never use a generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

 

For the latest information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 09/06/2021 - 22:49

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Nebraska to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and straight-line winds from July 9-10, 2021.

Federal funding also is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and straight-line winds in Box Butte, Cass, Clay, Douglas, Fillmore, Grant, Hall, Hamilton, Madison, Sarpy, Saunders, Sheridan, Washington and York counties.

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

Robert Haywood has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Haywood said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 09/06/2021 - 21:55

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New York to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida from Sept. 1-3, 2021.        

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond and Westchester counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

Federal funding is also available to the state, tribal and 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 remnants of Hurricane Ida in the Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond and Westchester counties. Emergency protective measures, including any direct federal assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding. 

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

Lai Sun Yee 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.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.

zella.campbell Mon, 09/06/2021 - 15:07

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Declaration for New Jersey

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New Jersey to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida from Sept.1-3 Sept. 3, 2021.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bergen, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Passaic and Somerset counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to the state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by remnants of Ida in Bergen, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Passaic and Somerset counties. Emergency protective measures, including any direct federal assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding.

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

Patrick Cornbill has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY for the hearing and speech impaired.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 09/06/2021 - 13:06

FEMA Continues Ida Response and Recovery Efforts

WASHINGTON -- A week after Ida’s landfall in Louisiana, FEMA has given more than $165 million in grants to Louisiana survivors to help them begin their recovery. FEMA also received more than 13,500 National Flood Insurance Program claims from the affected states for processing.

People can help survivors and communities impacted by Hurricane Ida by donating to or volunteering with the voluntary or charitable organization of their choice, many of which are already in areas impacted by Ida and supporting survivors. Learn how to best help those in need.

Federal Actions to Support Areas Affected by Hurricane Ida

• On Sept. 2, FEMA announced changes to its Individual Assistance program to better support disaster survivors by reducing the barriers to agency programs that aid underserved populations. Changes in this new policy include expanding acceptance of different forms of documentation to prove ownership or occupancy, while also expanding assistance for a disaster-caused disability.
• There are eight FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams deployed to support states affected by Hurricane Ida. Five are in Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Seven AmeriCorps FEMA Corps teams are supporting Louisiana recovery efforts.
• The National Emergency Management Association is helping facilitate additional resources to the Gulf Coast through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Resources from 14 states have been sent to assist with ongoing response and recovery efforts.
• Commodities, equipment and personnel are working throughout the affected areas. This includes:
  • Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are on the ground in Louisiana providing in-person assistance in New Orleans and other parishes.
  • Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams have completed more than 39,000 structural evaluations in affected areas in Louisiana.
  • More than 278 ambulance crews and 30 air ambulances are deployed and working in Louisiana. Additional ambulances and air ambulances are in Mississippi to support impacted areas.
  • Mobile Emergency Response Support assets, including emergency operations vehicles, are deployed to support communication needs in Louisiana and New Jersey.
• The Defense Logistics Agency has been activated for fuel support and leasing of additional generators. High output generators are in Baton Rouge, La.
• In Louisiana, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has activated its Operation Blue Roof program for parishes approved for individual assistance. Residents can sign up for the program and complete a Right of Entry form at Blueroof.us. Residents can call toll free 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information regarding this program.
• USACE Temporary Emergency Power Planning and Response Teams, contractor support, and the 249th Engineer Battalion’s power generation team are mobilized in Mississippi and Louisiana to conduct power assessments and installations.
• The U.S. Department of Energy authorized the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to conduct an exchange of 300,000 barrels of crude oil between fuel storage companies in Louisiana to alleviate any logistical issues of moving crude oil within areas affected by Hurricane Ida. This action will help ensure the region has access to fuel as quickly as possible as they continue their recovery.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Louisiana’s request to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program households to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals and are assisting with program flexibilities needed for mass feeding operations. USDA’s Disaster Household Distribution program was approved and will provide food packages to 800,000 survivors in 19 parishes.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) deployed more than 180 medical providers and other staff from the National Disaster Medical System to support the triage and treatment of patients in Louisiana. This includes three teams that will be providing Emergency Department decompression to three hospitals in Thibodaux, Kenner and Raceland. The team in Thibodaux will begin to see patients today. A 250-bed healthcare facility federal medical station at the New Orleans Ernest Morial Convention Center began seeing patients this weekend. Patients must be referred to the station.
  • The station is staffed by Disaster Medical Assistance personnel and credentialed medical volunteers identified by the Louisiana Department of Health.
• The Salvation Army mobilized feeding kitchens and emergency response vehicles in Albany, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Houma, and Thibodaux Gonzalez, Kenner, LaPlace, Napoleonville, New Orleans and Raceland, La. These operations can feed up to 60,000 people a day.
• The American Red Cross, with the help of their partners, has provided more than 49,000 meals and snacks for survivors in the Gulf Coast. There are more than 20 Red Cross and community shelters open in affected areas in Louisiana. There are 13 shelters open in New Jersey and three in New York.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced an Emergency Declaration that provides truck drivers flexibility to move critical freight to areas damaged by Ida.
  • Additionally, USDOT activated an Emergency Relief Docket for railroads so they can get temporary safety regulations waivers to help them speed up service to move goods necessary for emergency relief efforts.
• The Federal Communications Commission is working directly with wireless carriers so that those in affected areas can roam on any available network while restoration efforts are underway. Daily reports and tips for communicating during an emergency are available in multiple languages at www.fcc.gov.

Additional Resources for Disaster Survivors

• If you have insurance, start documenting your damage and reporting your loss immediately to your agent. File a claim with your insurance company before applying to FEMA. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments but may be able to help where homeowners or flood insurance did not.
• If you have flood insurance, report your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. Be sure to ask them about advance payments. If you need help finding your insurance agent or carrier, call the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at 877-336-2627.
  • Policyholders with three-year Group Flood Insurance policies can call the National Flood Insurance Program at 800-638-6620. Select your language and then choose option “2.”
  • If your flood insurance policy just expired, call your agent. You may still be able to renew in full and then file a claim for losses. Several FEMA NFIP policies in Louisiana have expired but are currently within the 30-day renewal window.
• If you are able to safely return to your home, before you discard anything take as many photos and videos as possible of your flood damaged home and personal property including flood water lines on the outside of the structure. For appliances and electronics, take a photograph of the make, model and serial number.
• Learn more about starting your recovery with the National Flood Insurance Program at FEMA.gov.

Visit Hurricane Ida | FEMA.gov for information and resources available for residents in areas that may be affected by Ida. In addition to English, the page is available in French, Haitian Creole, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.

mayshaunt.gary Sun, 09/05/2021 - 15:27

Federal Response, Recovery Efforts Continue After Ida

WASHINGTON -- A week after Ida’s landfall in Louisiana, FEMA and federal agencies, along with non-profit organizations, continue supporting state and tribal governments with their ongoing response and recovery efforts in several states from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast that were affected by the storm.

FEMA has provided more than $135 million in grants to Louisiana survivors to help them begin their recovery. FEMA also received more than 8,600 National Flood Insurance Program claims from the affected states for processing.

More than 1,000 FEMA employees are deployed to support Ida response and recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast and in the Northeast. Additionally, FEMA staff are working throughout the nation to support other ongoing response efforts, including flooding throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast and wildfires in the West.

To help support response efforts in Louisiana, FEMA is working with the state to contract for additional responder lodging resources. These efforts may include using cruise ships or building temporary base camps so that responders can help recovery efforts in the area without taking valuable hotel resources from survivors.

Visit Hurricane Ida | FEMA.gov for information and resources available for residents in areas that may be affected by Ida. The page is available in French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Federal actions to support areas affected by Hurricane Ida

• There are eight FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams deployed to support states affected by Hurricane Ida. Five are in Louisiana, one in Mississippi, one in New Jersey and one in New York. Seven AmeriCorps FEMA Corps teams are supporting Louisiana recovery efforts.
• On Thursday, FEMA announced changes to its Individual Assistance program to better support disaster survivors by reducing the barriers to agency programs that aid underserved populations. Changes in this new policy include expanding acceptance of different forms of documentation to prove ownership or occupancy, while also expanding assistance for a disaster-caused disability.
• The National Emergency Management Association is helping facilitate additional resources to the Gulf Coast through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Resources from 14 states have been sent to assist with ongoing response and recovery efforts.
• Commodities, equipment and personnel are working throughout the affected areas. This includes:
  • Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are on the ground in Louisiana providing in-person assistance in New Orleans and other parishes.
  • Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams have completed more than 27,000 structural evaluations in affected areas in Louisiana. Three US&R teams are deployed to New Jersey.
  • More than 190 ambulance crews and 30 air ambulances are deployed and working in Louisiana. Additional ambulances and air ambulances are in Mississippi to support impacted areas.
  • Mobile Emergency Response Support assets including Emergency Operations Vehicles are deployed to support communication needs in Louisiana and New Jersey.
• The Defense Logistics Agency has been activated for fuel support and leasing of additional generators. High-output generators are in Baton Rouge, La.
• In Louisiana, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has activated its Operation Blue Roof program for parishes approved for individual assistance. Residents can sign up for the program and complete a Right of Entry form at Blueroof.us. Residents can call toll free 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information regarding this program.
• USACE debris management experts are conducting assessments in Louisiana. USACE Temporary Emergency Power Planning and Response Teams, contractor support and the 249th Engineer Battalion’s power generation team are mobilized in Mississippi and Louisiana to conduct power assessments and installations.
• The U.S. Department of Energy authorized the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to conduct an exchange of 300,000 barrels of crude oil between fuel storage companies in Louisiana to alleviate any logistical issues of moving crude oil within areas affected by Hurricane Ida. This action will help ensure the region has access to fuel as quickly as possible as they continue their recovery.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Louisiana’s request to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals and are assisting with program flexibilities needed for mass feeding operations. USDA’s Emergency Food Assistant Program was approved and will provide food packages to more than 800,000 survivors in 19 parishes.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) deployed more than 180 medical providers and other staff from the National Disaster Medical System to support the triage and treatment of patients in Louisiana. This includes three teams that will be providing Emergency Department decompression to three hospitals in Thibodaux, Kenner and Raceland. The team in Thibodaux will begin to see patients today. A 250-bed healthcare facility federal medical station at the New Orleans Ernest Morial Convention Center will start seeing patients this weekend. Patients must be referred to the station.
  • The station will be staffed by Disaster Medical Assistance personnel and a cadre of credentialed medical volunteers identified by the Louisiana Department of Health.
• The National Guard Bureau has 15 high-water vehicles in New Jersey to assist in search and rescue.
  • The Salvation Army mobilized feeding kitchens and emergency response vehicles in Albany, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Houma, Thibodaux, Gonzalez, Kenner, LaPlace, Napoleonville, New Orleans and Raceland, La. These operations can feed up to 60,000 people a day.
  • The American Red Cross, with the help of their partners, has provided more than 49,000 meals and snacks for survivors in the Gulf Coast. There are more than 20 Red Cross and community shelters open in affected areas in Louisiana. There are 13 shelters open in New Jersey and three in New York.
  • The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced an Emergency Declaration that provides truck drivers flexibility to move critical freight to areas damaged by Ida.
    • Additionally, USDOT activated an Emergency Relief Docket for railroads so they can get temporary safety regulations waivers to help them speed up service to move goods necessary for emergency relief efforts.
  • The Federal Communications Commission is working directly with wireless carriers so that those in affected areas can roam on any network that may be available while restoration efforts are underway. FCC daily reports and tips for communicating during an emergency, are available in multiple languages at www.fcc.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Sat, 09/04/2021 - 18:03

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for New York

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of New York to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, beginning Sept 1, 2021 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 5 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, protect property and public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. This assistance is for Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, the equipment and resources necessary, to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care, including evacuation and shelter support, will be provided at 75% federal funding.

Lai Sun Yee has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected areas.  

mayshaunt.gary Sat, 09/04/2021 - 18:00

States Impacted by Ida Receive Full Backing of Federal Force in Relief and Recovery Efforts

WASHINGTON -- Federal agencies, nonprofits, the private sector and FEMA continue to increase response and recovery efforts six days after Ida made landfall in Louisiana.

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell are in Louisiana to tour damaged areas and meet with state and local officials in three parishes to discuss recovery efforts. This comes one day after the president approved emergency declarations for New Jersey and New York after Ida’s remnants caused widespread flooding and tornadoes.

To help Hurricane Ida Louisiana survivors with roof damage, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activated its Operation Blue Roof program for 13 parishes. Residents can sign up for this free service by completing a Right of Entry form at Blueroof.us or calling toll-free 888-766-3258.

To date, over 25,000 valid requests for contracted crews to work on roofs have been received by the Army Corps. 

One day after announcing changes to the agency’s Individual Assistance program to reduce barriers to assistance, FEMA is announcing more than $107 million in grants to Louisiana survivors to help them begin their recovery. Changes in this new policy include expanding acceptance of different forms of documentation to prove ownership or occupancy, while also expanding assistance for a disaster-caused disability.

More than 1,400 FEMA employees are deployed to support Ida response and recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast and in the Northeast. Fourteen Urban Search and Rescue teams are deployed to affected areas in Louisiana and New Jersey. The teams have completed more than 27,000 structural evaluations in Louisiana.

Beware of Scams. Attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person. Local, state and federal officials never request money for help and always carry identification badges. There is no fee required to apply for or to get help from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or any state agency.

Survivors who have any suspicion of fraud or scams should immediately call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or TTY 844-889-4357. They may also contact local law enforcement.

Visit FEMA’s Hurricane Ida webpage for information and resources available for residents in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and other areas that may be affected by Ida. The page is available in French, Haitian Creole, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Federal Partner Agencies Continue Robust Response to Hurricane Ida

In Louisiana, there are 43 hospitals running on generator power. FEMA deployed ambulance crews to Louisiana to help with patient transport. If needed, more than 170 ambulances/1,000 paratransit seats and emergency medical service providers are in the area, including 30 air ambulances.

• Louisiana survivors located in one of the designated parishes approved for individual assistance and do not have insurance, you can apply for disaster assistance and get referrals to local, state and federal agencies and voluntary organizations. The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. To date, 290,000 applications have been received and $107 million has been approved.
• FEMA has also received more than 8,600 National Flood Insurance Program claims from the Gulf Coast states for processing. If you are a National Flood Insurance Policy holder and have flood damage from Ida and its remnants, learn more about starting your recovery. Contact your flood insurance company to start a claim now.  Make sure to ask about advance payments.  If you don’t know who your flood insurance agent or carrier is, call 877-336-2627 to speak with an adjuster.
• For disaster survivors experiencing emotional distress, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration activated its Disaster Distress helpline. The multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress in an affected disaster area. Call or text 800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor, 24 hours a day. Spanish-speakers can call the hotline and press “2” for bilingual support. In addition, third-party interpretation services are available to provide counseling in 100 other languages.

Additional Federal Agency Response

• Over 7,500 National Guard members, from 15 different states, are currently activated to support operations continuing to help with search and rescue operations, including assisting law enforcement with security in New Orleans and six parishes. In 31 parishes, the National Guard rescued more than 500 people and 60 pets and cleared hundreds of miles of routes clogged with debris. Guardsmen are distributing food and water to disaster survivors in nine parishes, with plans to expand to other areas.
• More than 750 American Red Cross workers are in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas assisting more than 2,400 people in 29 Red Cross and community shelters. With the help of partners, the Red Cross has already provided some 49,500 meals and snacks and distributed more than 16,000 relief items. Anyone in the affected area who needs a safe place to stay should call 211, visit redcross.org, call 800-733-2767 or download the free Red Cross emergency app for shelter locations.
• The Salvation Army has 40 mobile feeding vehicles providing meals, drinks, supplies and emotional and spiritual care to survivors and first responders. The Salvation Army is supporting three Southern Baptist Disaster Relief field kitchens with the capacity to serve 30,000 meals daily.  In addition, The Salvation Army has feeding locations in five parishes and roaming feeding trucks in five additional locations which has served more than 35,000 meals to date.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved several short-term measures to address food needs.  The USDA approved the Disaster Household Distribution program to allow Louisiana officials to work directly with their partners and local food banks to issue up to 800,000 food boxes to individuals in the affected areas. The USDA also approved a temporary waiver until Sept. 28 to allow participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to purchase hot foods with their benefits. In addition, the USDA activated the Emergency Food Assistance Program so damaged or destroyed grocery stores can redirect stored supplies of USDA Foods from other states.
• The Department of Energy authorized the Strategic Petroleum Reserve  to conduct an exchange with ExxonMobil Baton Rouge to move more crude oil within areas and increase the access to fuel in areas affected by Ida.
• The Environmental Protection Agency revised the initial Reid Vapor Pressure for Louisiana and Mississippi to improve fuel circumstances in the affected area.  The agency continues to amplify safety messages urging residents to be aware of indoor air dangers, portable generator safety, building debris chemicals and mold from flood waters.
• The Federal Communications Commission is coordinating with government partners to support restoration efforts and lending technical assistance in the field.  The FCC also is working directly with carriers to track is implementation of the Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework, including disaster arrangements so that those in affected areas can roam on any network that may be available while restoration efforts are underway.  The FCC is providing daily updates about their operational status.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deployed 185 medical providers and other staff from the National Disaster Medical System to support the triage and treatment of patients and patient movement missions in Louisiana. This includes three teams that will be providing Emergency Department decompression in three hospitals in Thibodaux, Kenner and Raceland.  Additionally, HHS is staffing a 250-bed healthcare facility known as a federal medical shelter at the New Orleans Ernest Morial Convention Center.
• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is assisting survivors through immediate foreclosure relief, making insurance available for mortgages and home rehabilitation and offering additional flexibilities to affected communities.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to Louisiana business and residents in 25 parishes, per President Biden’s major disaster declaration. A virtual Business Recovery Center is open and providing personalized assistance to business owners.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation activated an Emergency Relief Docket for railroads so they can get temporary safety regulations waivers to help them speed up service to move goods necessary for emergency relief efforts. Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced an emergency declaration that provides truck drivers flexibility to move critical freight to damaged areas. A Routing Assistance Hotline provides a 24-hour toll free number for responders to call and receive safe routes in affected areas.  The Federal Railroad Administration reports that several routes from New Orleans to Boston remain suspended for track inspection and debris on the railways.
• The U.S. Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service announced that Louisiana disaster survivors will have additional time to file various individual and business tax returns and to make payments. Survivors who had a valid extension to file their 2020 tax returns will now have until Jan. 3, 2022.
• The U.S. Coast Guard continues to work closely with all federal, state, and local partners to manage post-storm response, including search and rescue operations.  Additionally, the USCG is conducting port, facilities and waterways assessments. These ports remain closed: Louisiana Offshore Oil Platform, Fourchon and Houma/Terrebonne. The following ports are open with restrictions:  Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Plaquemines, South Louisiana and St. Bernard Port.

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual observance to remind all Americans how important it is for individuals, families and communities to be prepared for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time. For more information and tips about National Preparedness Month, visit Ready.gov/September or Listo.gov.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 09/03/2021 - 22:57

Preliminary Damage Assessments to Be Conducted in Pennsylvania FEMA Advisory At the request of Governor Tom Wolf, FEMA Region 3 will support the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency in locally executed, state managed and federally supported Preliminary Assessments in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Governor Tom Wolf has requested that joint state and FEMA Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) for Individual Assistance (IA) be completed to evaluate damages related to Tropical Depression Ida that occurred this week in Pennsylvania.

The IA assessments are scheduled to begin Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, in Chester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Bucks County assessments will start as early as Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021.

These joint assessments are conducted in person, with close cooperation among state, local and federal agencies.

Damage assessments are the first step in helping the governor determine whether the scope of the damages is beyond what the state is capable of handling and if added federal assistance is needed. Additional assessments may be requested, by the state, as damage information is received from local officials.

The PDA is an information-gathering process. It does not guarantee federal assistance.

Once the information is gathered, the state uses it to determine whether to make an official request for federal assistance. Disaster recovery efforts are locally executed, state managed & federally supported.

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

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

 

gabriel.lugo Fri, 09/03/2021 - 20:56

FEMA Provides $12.5 Million to Minnesota Department of Health for COVID-19 Response

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Minnesota Department of Safety, Division of Emergency Management (HSEM) announced today that $12,500,000 in federal funding has been made available to the Minnesota Department of Health for costs related to the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration under the federal disaster declaration on April 7, 2020.

This funding will reimburse the Minnesota Department of Health for costs associated with the rapid distribution and administration of available COVID-19 vaccines at nine vaccination centers throughout the state.

“FEMA is committed to ensuring anyone who wants a vaccine can get one,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This expedited funding will help the state of Minnesota for its vaccination efforts to fight this pandemic and expand availability of COVID-19 vaccines across the state.”

“Getting safe, free and effective shots into the arms of Minnesotans is an all-hands-on-deck effort,” said Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “The state is grateful to the federal government for these critical resources to help provide COVID-19 protection to communities across Minnesota.”

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 debris removal, disaster cleanup and 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.

 

# # #

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

troy.christensen Fri, 09/03/2021 - 19:28

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for New Jersey

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of New Jersey to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, beginning Sept. 1, 2021 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 5 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, protect property and public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. This assistance is for Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, the equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care, including evacuation and shelter support, will be provided at 75% federal funding.

Patrick Cornbill has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected areas.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 09/03/2021 - 16:49

FEMA Region 3 Urges Post Storm Safety in Ida Response; Supports State Partners

PHILADELPHIA –The remnants of Hurricane Ida moved through much of the Mid-Atlantic Wednesday bringing widespread heavy rainfall, tornadoes, and causing flooding for many rivers and streams. The damage in Ida’s wake, compounded by already saturated ground from other recent weather events, show it to be one of the more impactful tropical systems to ever hit Region 3.

Many rivers, streams and creeks are still well above flood stages. FEMA’s priorities are to support life-saving and life-sustaining actions. The agency continues to work with federal, state, local, tribal and non-governmental partners to support the needs of areas impacted by Ida.

“Throughout this storm, from preparation, through response and now recovery, FEMA Region 3 has been in constant contact with state emergency management directors and operational leaders to best support the needs of communities affected by Ida,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Our state partners have been very proactive during the response, and we’re ready to assist.”

Nationally, more than 1,400 FEMA employees are deployed, including several FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams that are supporting states in their response and recovery efforts.

Communities throughout Region 3 are conducting initial damage assessments. During this phase, local, county, and state emergency management agencies work with residents and businesses to assess and estimate the storm’s damage and to identify local and state resources needed to recover. FEMA is leaning forward to coordinate with and support states as swiftly as possible.

Individuals and businesses facing property damage due to Ida should consult their local or state emergency management agency for details on the process. Many municipalities and counties have online preliminary damage assessment forms to aid residents and businesses in getting the process started.

“Post-storm conditions pose nearly as many hazards as storms themselves,” Tierney added. “Pay attention to the instructions of local authorities, know your area’s flood risk, use precautions when cleaning up, and put safety first.” 

 

FEMA urges anyone traveling in flood risk areas over the weekend to check for alerts and advisories before heading out and do not drive through flooded waters.

How to help survivors and communities impacted by Hurricane Ida

• Be patient. Recovery will take many months or more. People can help by donating to or volunteering with the voluntary or charitable organization of their choice, many of which are already in areas impacted by Ida and supporting survivors. Learn how to best help those in need.
• Do not self-deploy. Seeing imagines of disaster may compel you to head to the impacted area. Until a need has been identified and the community affected by Hurricane Ida has requested support, volunteers should not enter the area.
• Cash is the best donation. When people support voluntary organizations with financial contributions, it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to the people in need after a disaster. To find a reputable organization, visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in a Disaster Hurricane Ida page.

Staying Safe After a Flood

• Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving except in emergencies. Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas or cleaning up debris. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way. If you evacuated, do not return home until local officials say it is safe.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use a generator correctly and safely. Keep generators dry and position them outdoors and well away from any structure. Using a generator incorrectly can lead to dangerous situations, including carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get fresh air right away.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.

 

Stay Safe from Post-Storm Hazards

• Put your health and safety first: Be careful in areas with storm damage or flooding. If you evacuated, return only when officials say it is safe to do so. Areas without power may experience heat advisories, which can lead to illness or a threat to life.
• Be aware of heat-related illnesses. Areas without power may experience heat advisories, which can lead to illness or a threat to life. Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Be careful when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris. People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
• Avoid downed power or utility lines. They may be live with deadly voltage. Stay far away and report them immediately to your power company.
• Power outages can impact the safety of food in your refrigerator and freezer. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary.
• Check on friends and family: If you are able, please check on your neighbors, friends, and family because some may need more help than others.

 

FEMA previously issued Ensuring Civil Rights in Multiple Disasters During COVID-19 to offer best practices for partners and communities facing a disproportionate rate of COVID-19 illness and death during response and recovery efforts during multiple disasters.

Additional post-storm safety tips can be found on Ready.gov and Listo.gov, as well as by downloading the FEMA App. For more information on federal Hurricane Ida preparedness and response visit Hurricane Ida | FEMA.gov.

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

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

gabriel.lugo Fri, 09/03/2021 - 15:20

Federal Response Ramps up as Ida Departs

WASHINGTON -- As the remnants of Hurricane Ida have moved off shore, states from the Gulf Coast to New England are assessing the damage.  The storm's flooding and tornadoes on Wednesday came days after causing widespread wind, storm surge and flooding in Louisiana and Mississippi. FEMA staff are working throughout the nation to support other ongoing hurricane and flood response efforts and wildfires in the West.

There are 11 FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams deployed to support states affected by Hurricane Ida. Five are in Louisiana, two in Mississippi, one in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.  AmeriCorps has activated and deployed 14 FEMA Corps teams from the Southern Region Campus in Vicksburg, Miss., to support the FEMA IMAT and disaster survivor assistance in Louisiana and Mississippi.

The National Emergency Management Association is helping facilitate additional resources to the Gulf Coast through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Resources from 13 states have been sent to assist with ongoing response and recovery efforts.

While images of Hurricane Ida’s destruction in Louisiana and Mississippi may compel volunteers to head to the affected areas, they should not travel or send unsolicited donations until communities have identified needs. In the meantime, visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in a Disaster Hurricane Ida page to identify reputable organizations to make cash donations.

Ongoing Federal Actions In Louisiana, Mississippi  

More than 1,100 FEMA employees are deployed to support Ida response and recovery efforts in the region. In addition, FEMA deployed  ambulance crews to Louisiana and Mississippi to help with patient transport. If needed, 150 ambulances/1,000 paratransit seats and emergency medical service providers are in the area, including 30 air ambulances.

Visit FEMA’s Hurricane Ida webpage for information and resources available for residents in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and other areas that may be affected by Ida. The page is available in French, Haitian Creole, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.

• Louisiana survivors located in one of the designated parishes approved for individual assistance and do not have insurance, you can apply for disaster assistance and get referrals to local, state and federal agencies and voluntary organizations. The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov.
• If you are a National Flood Insurance Policy holder and have flood damage from Hurricane Ida and its remnants, learn more about starting your recovery. Contact your flood insurance company to start a claim now.  Make sure to ask about advance payments.  If you don’t know who your flood insurance agent or carrier is, call 877-336-2627 to speak with an adjuster.
• For disaster survivors experiencing emotional distress, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration activated its Disaster Distress helpline. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available around the clock by calling 800-985-5990 or texting ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746.
• Twelve Urban Search and Rescue teams have completed more than 17,500 structural evaluations in affected areas, including more than 8,900 in Louisiana.
• The U.S. Coast Guard continues to work closely with all federal, state, and local partners to manage post-storm response, including search and rescue operations. Additionally, the USCG is conducting port, facilities and waterways assessments. These ports remain closed: Intracoastal City, Louisiana Offshore Oil Platform, Fourchon, Houma/Terrebonne, Baton Rouge, South Louisiana. The following ports are open: Lake Charles, Cameron, Morgan City, New Iberia, Plaquemines, St. Bernard Port and Harbor District.  The New Orleans port is open with restrictions.
• More than 5,200 National Guard members are activated from eight states and helping with search and rescue and clearing road debris.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has more than 420 personnel assisting the state of Louisiana and FEMA with damage assessments and planning potential mission requirements for power assessments and installations. The USACE activated its Operation Blue Roof program for parishes in Louisiana designated for individual assistance. Residents can sign up for the program and complete a Right of Entry form at Blueroof.us or can call toll free 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) for more information.
• The American Red Cross is focused on providing safe shelter and meals. More than 580 Red Cross workers are in the affected areas and hundreds more volunteers are on the way. They are working with partners to set up mobile kitchens capable of preparing tens of thousands of meals. Dozens of Red Cross emergency response vehicles will also deliver meals to delivered to people in the hardest hit areas. Volunteers are also replacing items such as prescription medications, eyeglasses, canes and wheelchairs. Anyone in the affected area who needs a safe place to stay should call 211, visit redcross.org, call 800-733-2767 or download the free Red Cross emergency app for shelter locations.
• The Salvation Army has so far provided more than 29,000 meals. It has 38 mobile feeding units ready to distribute meals. Eight feeding locations are identified in New Orleans to serve meals. Additional feeding locations have been established in Albany, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Houma and Thibodaux and roaming feeding trucks are serving in LaPlace, Napoleonville and Raceland.
• The Defense Logistics Agency has been activated for fuel support and leasing of additional generators. High output generators are in Baton Rouge, La.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture is evaluating impacts to agriculture and communities. The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program in Louisiana received a temporary waiver to allow participants to buy hot foods with their benefits and assisting with program flexibilities needed for mass feeding operations.
• The Environmental Protection Agency is in regular, ongoing communication with federal, state, tribal and local partners to discuss storm response and resource availability. From Aug. 30 – Sept. 15, the EPA approved a fuel waiver requests from the states of Louisiana and Mississippi to improve the fuel supply circumstances. The agency is also amplifying safety messages urging residents to be aware of indoor air dangers, portable generator safety, building debris chemicals and mold from flood waters.
• The Federal Communications Commission is coordinating with government partners to support restoration efforts and lending technical assistance in the field.  In addition, the commission is working with carriers so that those in affected areas can roam on any network that may be available during restoration efforts.  
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deployed more than 180 medical providers and other staff to support the triage and treatment of patients and patient movement missions in Louisiana. Additionally, HHS deployed a 250-bed federal medical shelter to enable patient care at the New Orleans Earnest Morial Convention Center.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to Louisiana business and residents in 25 parishes, per President Biden’s major disaster declaration. A virtual Business Recovery Center is open and providing personalized assistance to business owners.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced an emergency declaration that provides truck drivers flexibility to move critical freight to damaged areas. A Routing Assistance Hotline provides a 24-hour toll free number for responders to call and receive safe routes in affected areas.  Additionally, USDOT activated an Emergency Relief Docket for railroads so they can get temporary safety regulations waivers to help them speed up service to move goods necessary for emergency relief efforts
• The U.S. Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service announced that Louisiana disaster survivors will have additional time to file various individual and business tax returns and to make payments. Survivors who had a valid extension to file their 2020 tax returns will now have until Jan. 3, 2022.

amy.ashbridge Fri, 09/03/2021 - 15:09

FEMA Region 3 Supports State Partners in Ida Response

PHILADELPHIA –The remnants of Hurricane Ida moved through much of the Mid-Atlantic yesterday bringing widespread heavy rainfall, tornadoes, and causing flooding for many rivers and streams. The damage in Ida’s wake show it to be one of the more impactful tropical systems to hit Region 3.

Compounding the effects of this system, many parts of our region have received several inches of rainfall over the past two weeks from Fred, Henri and other systems, which has primed soils and rivers for additional oversaturation impacts (such as causing trees and power lines to fall) and potential flooding.

The storm spawned multiple tornadoes in southeastern Pennsylvania and eastern Maryland, causing power outages and road closures. Ida’s heavy rainfall brought life-threatening flash flooding throughout parts of WV, Central, Eastern and Southeastern PA, much of MD, northern/western VA, DC, and northern DE, especially in steep terrain, in urban areas, and along small/creeks and streams. Floods caused significant road closures across those areas.

“FEMA Region 3 has been in close communication with our state partners,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “We have personnel deployed across the region to support response and recovery operations, as we continue working with all partners to identify needs and assess damage in communities affected by Ida.”

Moderate-to-major longer-term flooding along the larger rivers is likely mid- to late week, and perhaps into the weekend in the same states, particularly in the Schuylkill, Monongahela, Potomac, Susquehanna and Delaware River basins.

On Tuesday, Region 3 deployed of liaisons and Incident Management Assistance teams to multiple locations throughout the Region, in coordination with state emergency management directors. FEMA also began preparing to move pre-positioned supplies and commodities where they are most needed.

Incident Management Assistance Teams, (IMATs) are teams made up of logistics, operations, and planning experts who interact directly with state and District emergency management personnel. Throughout the event, FEMA Region 3 is in daily contact with regional and national private sector partners, publishing daily.

“We urge everyone to stay safe after this storm’s impact,” Tierney added. “Closely monitor your local flood conditions and information from local authorities, ensure you have emergency supplies on hand, and check in on neighbors who may need assistance, especially older adults and those with disabilities.”

Nationally, more than 1,400 FEMA employees are deployed to support Ida response and recovery efforts, including seven FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams are deployed to support states affected by Hurricane Ida.

FEMA Region 3 will continue to assess needs as the remnants of Ida move through our area and is working with our partners to plan for post-storm assessments.

Keep Yourself Safe During Flooding

• Stay off the roads: Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
• Check on neighbors who may require assistance if it is safe to do so. This includes individuals with infants, children as well as older adults, people with disabilities and others who may need help.
• Don’t drive through flood waters: Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas at bridges and at highway dips. As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay out of floodwater. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines or contain hazards such as human and animal waste, dangerous debris, contaminates that can lead to illness, or wild or stray animals.

Staying Safe After a Flood

• Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving except in emergencies. Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas or cleaning up debris. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way. If you evacuated, do not return home until local officials say it is safe.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use a generator correctly and safely. Keep generators dry and position them outdoors and well away from any structure. Using a generator incorrectly can lead to dangerous situations, including carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get fresh air right away.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.

Stay Safe from Post-Storm Hazards

• Put your health and safety first: Be careful in areas with storm damage or flooding. If you evacuated, return only when officials say it is safe to do so. Areas without power may experience heat advisories, which can lead to illness or a threat to life.
• Be aware of heat-related illnesses. Areas without power may experience heat advisories, which can lead to illness or a threat to life. Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Be careful when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris. People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
• Avoid downed power or utility lines. They may be live with deadly voltage. Stay far away and report them immediately to your power company.
• Power outages can impact the safety of food in your refrigerator and freezer. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary.

FEMA previously issued Ensuring Civil Rights in Multiple Disasters During COVID-19 to offer best practices for partners and communities facing a disproportionate rate of COVID-19 illness and death during response and recovery efforts during multiple disasters.

Additional post-storm safety tips can be found on Ready.gov and Listo.gov, as well as by downloading the FEMA App. For more information on federal Hurricane Ida preparedness and response visit Hurricane Ida | FEMA.gov.

###

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

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

amanda.hancher Thu, 09/02/2021 - 17:52

Family Treasures and Old Documents may be Salvageable

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – As Amy Miller, Tennessee’s National Flood Insurance Program coordinator, was surveying the damage this week from the severe storms and flooding that occurred in Middle Tennessee on Aug. 21, she spotted a yellowing, slightly dog-eared report card in the dry mud on a street in Waverly. To her surprise, she found it dated all the way back to 1922. The card appeared to belong to an eighth grader whose improving marks for the year were still visible. 

Not all family mementos, treasures, photos, heirlooms and books remain in such good condition after a disaster like the recent storms. For those who would like to salvage these kinds of treasured possessions, the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, co-sponsored by FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, offer the following tips to those would like to try to salvage them. Text should be FEMA Normal style.

• If an object is still wet, rinse it gently with clean water. If dry, remove silt and other foreign material with a soft brush or damp cloth.
• Air dry wet things indoors. Sunlight might be too intense. Keep humidity as low as possible to prevent mold accumulation.
• Don’t try to separate photos or negatives that are stuck together. Soak them in water for up to 48 hours until you can safely pull them apart. Hang them with clips or clothespins to dry.
• Put wet books in a sturdy covered plastic container, spine side down. Place the container in a freezer and keep it there for several weeks, even months. Then remove and let dry.
• With fabrics or textiles, remove mud and debris with gently flowing clean water or fine spray from a hose. Press out the excess water with your hand. Do not try to wring out the water. Allow to dry.
• Clean wooden objects like furniture with a damp sponge; blot and let dry slowly inside the house, not under the sun.
• Rinse metal objects with clear water and blot dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth. Fans or low-heat hairdryers will hasten drying rate.
• For broken pottery or ceramics, put all the pieces in an open container and mark what it is. Don’t try to glue the pieces back together until they are dry. And watch for mold. If mold appears, spray the pieces with Mold-Ex or a similar product.
• Personal safety is important when working with objects retrieved from contaminated water. Wear disposable vinyl or nitrile gloves, protective clothing, goggles, and, when possible, use a respirator while working.

For more detailed information on salvaging water-damaged historical documents and personal possessions, visit this FEMA Fact Sheet.

Basic salvage guidelines are also available from the Heritage Emergency National Task Force.

Another resource is the American Institute for Conservation which provides advice on the proper care and maintenance of family heirlooms as well as a search tool to find local conservation professionals who can help salvage photos, books, textiles, paintings, wooden furniture and other valuable objects (www.culturalheritage.org/membership/find-a-conservator).

For cultural institutions with flood-damaged facilities and/or collections, the National Heritage Responders   composed of conservators, archivists, collections managers, and other professionals who are trained to provide free salvage guidance to cultural stewards. For more information, visit National Heritage Responders or call the 24/7 hotline: 202.661.8068

For more information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit www.tn.gov/tema.html and www.fema.gov/disaster/4609. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.

bree-constance… Thu, 09/02/2021 - 17:41

DHS Announces Changes to Individual Assistance Policies to Advance Equity for Disaster Survivors FEMA will now accept additional forms of documentation to verify occupancy and ownership requirements, improves access to disaster assistance for underserved communities

WASHINGTON -- DHS today announced three immediate steps FEMA is taking to reduce barriers to access experienced by underserved populations through programs that provide individual assistance to disaster survivors. FEMA will now accept a broader range of homeownership and occupancy documentation, and expand the forms of assistance offered to survivors.  These changes to FEMA’s Individual Assistance program will help to ensure equal access is available to all survivors through FEMA programs.

“Our Department has an obligation to ensure we provide equal access to disaster relief and assistance to all survivors who are in need,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas.  “Equity is a cornerstone of our homeland security mission and in all of our work we must reach minority communities, the disadvantaged and the otherwise disenfranchised.  The changes we are announcing today reflect our commitment to always do better in achieving this moral imperative.”

“This is a culture shift for the agency and we are only just beginning,” said FEMA  Administrator Deanne Criswell.  “These new changes reduce the barriers to entry for our Individual Assistance program and will help us to provide more equitable disaster support to all survivors, specifically for underserved populations.  Heading into the peak of hurricane season with 12 named Atlantic storms to date, and as wildfires strengthen out west, FEMA continues to put equity at the forefront of how we support survivors before, during and after disasters.”

To better support survivors seeking disaster relief, FEMA is:

1. Expanding forms of documentation to prove ownership/occupancy for homeowners and renters.

FEMA is required by law to verify a survivor’s home occupancy or ownership before it provides certain types of assistance.  To confirm occupancy, FEMA will now accept motor vehicle registrations, court documents, and additional forms of documentation, including letters from local schools (public or private), federal or state benefit providers, and social service organizations (such as community assistance programs and non-profits).  Survivors may also now use a signed statement from a commercial or mobile home park owner and provide self-certification for mobile homes and travel trailers. 

For homeowners, FEMA will now accept a public official’s letter, receipts for major repairs or improvements, and will allow survivors with heirship properties, mobile homes, or travel trailers, who do not have the traditional documentation of ownership verification, to self-certify ownership and qualify for assistance.

This expansion includes reducing administrative burdens for the hardest hit survivors.  If survivors have successfully verified occupancy to FEMA from a previous disaster within the past two years, then they will not need to verify occupancy again.  Homeowners with the same address from a previous disaster only need to verify ownership one time.  FEMA has also expanded the date of eligible documents from three months to one year before the disaster.

Finally, to provide real-time feedback to survivors, FEMA has also trained staff to verify documentation on-site while conducting home inspections.  This will significantly decrease the burden on survivors by allowing FEMA to verify documents at the time of inspection instead of requiring the survivor to appeal a decision in writing.

2. Providing expanded housing assistance and other needs assistance funding. 

FEMA will now provide Other Needs Assistance (ONA) grants for a limited amount of financial assistance to renters and homeowners with disaster-caused real property damage that did not render the home uninhabitable.  This will help survivors who are not typically eligible for assistance from FEMA to begin the application process, helping to prevent additional losses and potential health and safety concerns for those remaining in homes damaged by the disaster.

FEMA has also revised inspection procedures and training to better identify and address disaster-caused mold.

3. Expanding financial assistance for disaster-caused disability.

FEMA is amending its current policy to provide assistance to survivors who incurred a disaster-related disability and now require special components, such as ramps or grab bars, to make their damaged home safe and functional for them, regardless of whether those components were in the survivor’s home before the disaster. 

These improvements are additional policy changes to FEMA’s recently published Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide 1.1.  These new policy changes are effective for the recent Tennessee flooding (FEMA-DR4609-TN), the current California wildfire (FEMA-DR4610-CA), and all disasters declared thereafter, including Hurricane Ida in Louisiana (FEMA-DR4611-LA). 

Graphic Graphic

 

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 09/02/2021 - 17:06

Garden City Disaster Recovery Center to Shut Down Permanently on Friday; All Other Centers Will Be Closed for Labor Day Holiday

CHICAGO – The state/FEMA disaster recovery center at the Maplewood Community Center in Garden City will close permanently at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. 

 

All other FEMA centers will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6, and will re-open at 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

While the centers are closed, survivors who were affected by the June 25-26 storms and flooding can get updates about their applications, learn about the appeals process or check the status of their claims by logging into their account at DisasterAssistance.gov or calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).

The extraordinary aftermath of Hurricane Ida may cause delays on the FEMA helpline. Michigan storm and flood survivors are advised to visit DisasterAssistance.gov as the preferred alternative to the helpline.

 

In-person assistance from FEMA representatives remains available at four recovery centers and one document drop-off location in southeast Michigan. Individuals can visit any open center to get the help they need with the federal assistance process.

 

To find the location and operational hours of the nearest center to you, visit FEMA’s DRC locator page at https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

Survivors do not have to visit a recovery center to register or receive federal assistance. These centers provide a location for applicants to submit documents or discuss their case in-person with a FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration representative. Before visiting a recovery center, survivors should register for federal assistance one of the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Using the FEMA App; or
• Calling 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). TTY users can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4607. FEMA assistance is currently available to residents in Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Sept. 13, 2021.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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

troy.christensen Thu, 09/02/2021 - 16:26