FEMA Urges Preparedness Now for Hurricane Henri

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is urging preparation ahead of Hurricane Henri, expected to make landfall tomorrow in Long Island, New York, or the southern New England coast.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning, as conditions are expected to begin late tonight or Sunday in portions of Connecticut and Long Island, New York. Storm surge watches are in effect for portions of Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Storm surge could be up to 5 feet in areas from coastal New Jersey to Cape Cod Bay in Massachusetts. Heavy rainfall may result in flash, urban and small stream flooding.

Anyone in the forecast path of the storm should monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and heed local evacuation orders. Gather Supplies for your entire household now. Include medication, disinfectant supplies, face masks and pet supplies. After a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for several days.

FEMA is positioning supplies such as meals, water and generators to assist states anticipating impacts from Hurricane Henri. FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams and liaison officers are in place, while other teams are on standby by for deployment if necessary.

Download the FEMA app (available in English and Spanish) to receive emergency alerts and real-time safety notifications, emergency preparedness tips and disaster resources. The app is available for Apple and Android devices

Prepare to Evacuate if Ordered

• Storm Path: Hurricanes and tropical storms can produce high winds and heavy rains far from the storm’s center. Focus on the storm’s impact, not the predicted storm path. Now is the time to prepare for severe weather.
• Evacuating: If you are in potentially affected areas, you should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a family emergency communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have plans for your family members and pets.
• Personal Safety: Evacuate if told to do so. If you go to a community or group shelter, remember to follow the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for protecting yourself and family from COVID-19.

Be Prepared for Power Outages Before and After the

• Use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for emergency lighting. NEVER use candles during a blackout or power outage, due to extreme risk of fire.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. A grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning device should never be used inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. These should only be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. 
• Use a generator safely. Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open.
• Keep generators outside and far away from your home. Windows, doors and vents could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Read both the label on your generator and the owner's manual and follow the instructions.

Keep Yourself Safe Before and After Flooding 

• 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.
• If you are a person with disabilities, you may need to take additional steps to plan for the needs of yourself and your service animal if you have one. Visit Ready.gov/flooding to learn how to stay safe before, during and after a flood.
• Stay out of floodwater. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines or contain hazards such as human and livestock waste, dangerous debris, contaminates that can lead to illness, or wild or stray animals.
• Flood Insurance: Your National Flood Insurance Program policy will cover and reimburse certain actions you take to minimize damage to your home and belongings before a flood.

What to do if Your Home has Been Damaged by a Flood 

• Report your flood loss and damage immediately: Contact to your insurance agent or carrier and be sure to ask them about advance payments. Call the National Flood Insurance Program at 877-336-2627 to find your insurance agent or carrier.

Visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov to learn how you can keep yourself, your family and your pets safe.

 

zella.campbell Sat, 08/21/2021 - 18:32

FEMA Urges Preparedness Ahead of Tropical Storm Henri

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is tracking Tropical Storm Henri as it approaches the northeast, set to make landfall over the weekend. Now is the time to prepare for severe weather.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service National Hurricane Center forecasts Henri will reach the northeast coast on Sunday. The risk of storm surge, wind and rain impacts in portions of coastal New York and southern southern New England are increasing, and hurricane and storm surge watches are in effect for portions of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island.

Storm surge could be up to 4 feet in areas, along with heavy rainfall, which may result in flash, urban and small stream flooding.

Anyone in the forecast path of the storm should monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and heed local evacuation orders.

FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams and state liaison officers are on standby for deployment if necessary. 

Download the free FEMA app (available in English and Spanish) to receive emergency alerts and real-time safety notifications, emergency preparedness tips and disaster resources. The app is available for Apple and Android devices.

Prepare for flooding and be prepared to evacuate if ordered to do so

• Flood Insurance: Your National Flood Insurance Program policy will cover and reimburse certain actions you take to minimize damage to your home and belongings before a flood.
• Gather Supplies: Have enough supplies for your household. Include medication, disinfectant supplies, face masks and pet supplies. After a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for days or weeks.
• 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.
• Personal Safety: Evacuate if told to do so. If you go to a community or group shelter, remember to follow the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for protecting yourself and family from COVID-19.
• Evacuating: If you are in potentially affected areas, you should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a family emergency communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have plans for your family members and pets. If you are a person with disabilities, you may need to take additional steps to plan for both your needs and your service animal. 

Visit Ready.gov or listo.gov to learn how you can keep yourself, your family and your pets safe.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 08/20/2021 - 20:47

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Schneider Springs Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash.  -  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Schneider Springs Fire burning in Yakima County, Washington.

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vincent Maykovich on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, at 6:25 p.m. PT. He determined that the Schneider Springs Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the eighth FMAG declared in 2021 to help fight Washington wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Nile and Cliffdell. The fire also threatened critical communications infrastructure as well as fishing streams and spawning sites for threatened species.

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $778,778 will be available to Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area. 

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

hannah.weinstein Fri, 08/20/2021 - 20:20

FEMA Awards $20.4 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $20,411,469 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for emergency response, administrative costs and repairs following Hurricane Irma in 2017. ­ ­

The FEMA Public Assistance program grants include:

• St. Johns County: $10,266,521 for emergency measures taken to protect life and property, including the cost of replacing more than 340,000 cubic yards of lost beach sand and the construction of an emergency beach berm along the coast. 

• Florida Department of Transportation: $5,802,235 for administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other expenses after the storm.  

• The Quarry Community Development District: $4,342,713 for repairs to water control facilities in Boulder and Stone Lakes and reducing shoreline erosion caused by severe flooding, high winds and storm surge.

The program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with subrecipients such as local and county governments.

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

Nadine.Jones Fri, 08/20/2021 - 17:55

FEMA Approves Additional $6.9M to PowerSouth Energy Cooperative for Hurricane Michael Recovery Expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved an additional $6,971,729 to the state of Florida to reimburse PowerSouth Energy Cooperative for Hurricane Michael-related recovery expenses.

Repairs to the PowerSouth generation and transmission system have been completed. It includes more than 2,000 miles of 46 kV and 115 kV electrical transmission line and nearly 300 substations. Funds from FEMA’s Public Assistance program will be used to reimburse PowerSouth for work completed, which includes the removing and replacing of 222 poles, replumbing of 101 poles, providing 108 cubic yards of gravel fill and the clearing of 801 acres of vegetative debris from access roads and rights of way.

This reimbursement brings FEMA’s total amount of grants for the energy cooperative's Hurricane Michael-related expenses to $8,107,003.

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 Fri, 08/20/2021 - 16:10

Bay District Schools Approved for Additional $5.3M in Hurricane Michael Recovery Grants

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved an additional $5,388,333 for the state of Florida to reimburse Bay District Schools for Hurricane Michael-related recovery expenses.

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

• $1,627,634 to replace 15 buildings at Hiland Park and Northside elementary schools, and to repair 10 damaged classrooms at Everitt middle and Tyndall and Northside elementary schools.

• $1,802,228 to repair or replace several components at the A. Crawford Mosley High School campus including four equipment sheds, various sports fields and fencing around each.

• $1,958,470 to repair or replace portions of eight buildings and a bridge at the Waller Elementary School.

These reimbursements bring FEMA’s total grants for the school board’s Hurricane Michael-related recovery expenses to $99.6 million.

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 Fri, 08/20/2021 - 14:52

FEMA Approves Additional $7.4 Million for Hurricane Michael Recovery

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved two additional grants totaling $7,427,525 to reimburse Mexico Beach and Panama City for recovery efforts following Hurricane Michael in 2018.

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

• Mexico Beach, FL: $6,251,420 for the dredging operations throughout the city marina municipal canal, including the collection and removal of 23,589 cubic yards of storm-generated dredge solids. This reimbursement brings the total of FEMA’s grants for the city’s Hurricane Michael-related expenses to $87.9 million.

• Panama City, FL: $1,176,105 to rebuild the 31,200-square-foot Old City Hall, occupied by the Juvenile Justice System, and restore it to its pre-disaster design, function and capacity. It will be rebuilt stronger and more resilient to future storms. The reimbursement increases FEMA's total grants for the city’s Hurricane Michael-related expenses to $102.3 million.

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 Thu, 08/19/2021 - 16:55

FEMA Approves $12 Million for Florida Division of Emergency Management for Hurricane Sally Recovery

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved $12,072,040 for the Florida Division of Emergency Management for emergency protective measures it provided in response to Hurricane Sally in 2020.

Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance program will be used to reimburse FDEM for emergency protective measures taken from Sept. 14 through Oct. 31, 2020, which include organizing first responders and crews; providing emergency vehicles, generators, supplies and security; and the opening of the Patton Drive Community Outreach Center.

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.

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 Thu, 08/19/2021 - 14:15

FEMA Approves $37.7 Million for State Agencies in Hurricane Michael Public Assistance Grants

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- FEMA has approved four additional grants totaling $37,785,550 to reimburse three state agencies for emergency work following Hurricane Michael in 2018.

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

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: $1,333,703 for emergency protective measures provided during the periods Oct. 7 through 9, 2018 and Nov. 25, 2018 through Feb. 7, 2020, bringing the total of FEMA’s grants for the department’s Hurricane Michael-related expenses to $14 million.

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection: $33,029,736 for debris removal operations throughout St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve between October and December 2019 and the Chipola River and tributaries between February and June 2019. The debris posed a threat to public health and safety. This reimbursement brings the total of FEMA’s grants for the department's Hurricane Michael-related expenses to $42.6 million.

• Florida Department of Transportation: $3,422,083 for debris removal operations throughout Bay County from October through November 2018. The debris posed a threat to public health and safety. This reimbursement brings the total of FEMA’s grants for the department's Hurricane Michael-related expenses to $317.2 million.

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 Thu, 08/19/2021 - 14:09

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Twenty-Five Mile Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. –  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal fund to help with firefighting costs for the Twenty-Five Mile Fire burning in Chelan County, Washington.

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vince Maykovich on Monday, August 17, 2021, at 10:39 p.m. PT. He determined that the Twenty-Five Mile Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the seventh FMAG declared in 2021 to help fight Washington wildfires.

At the time of the request, the fire threatened buildings in and around the west side of Lake Chelan and homes alongside South Lakeshore Road. The fire also threatened critical communications infrastructure.

FMAGs are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $778,778 will be available to Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have burned land within a designated area.  

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

mary.j.edmon Wed, 08/18/2021 - 22:48

ICYMI: FEMA Administrator Addresses Hurricane Preparedness, COVID-19 Vaccinations During Miami Visit

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell traveled to Miami earlier this week to visit the National Hurricane Center (NHC), where she met with Director Ken Graham and the NHC team to discuss hurricane preparedness and safety, as the nation enters the peak months of the 2021 hurricane season.

“As we enter peak hurricane season, it’s critical that communities stay vigilant to the severe threats storms can bring,” said Administrator Criswell. “This is the time for you to prepare. This is the time for you to make sure that you know what your plan is. If you don’t have a plan yet, get that plan together.”

Administrator Criswell also encouraged the public to practice personal preparedness before the next hurricane and to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

“Part of your preparedness activity has to be getting a vaccine,” she said. “That is going to be one of the most important things that you do in order to keep yourself safe, your family safe and those that you may have to evacuate with safe. It’s incredibly important that everybody takes this opportunity if you haven’t done so already to go and get a COVID-19 vaccine as you do your preparedness plans for this hurricane season.”

While at the NHC, Administrator Criswell made a quick stop by a virtual all-hands town hall to thank the team for saving lives and keeping people safe against the threat of hurricanes. 

Administrator Criswell then traveled to Miami-Dade County to meet with County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to discuss hurricane preparedness and mitigation efforts in Miami-Dade County and check on Surfside recovery efforts.

“I want to thank Mayor Cava for her leadership in Miami-Dade County's preparedness efforts and continuing to lead the Surfside community's recovery,” said Administrator Criswell.

Administrator Criswell returned to Washington following her meeting with Mayor Cava.

 

MIAMI (Aug. 16, 2021) – Administrator Deanne Criswell (right) makes a quick stop by a virtual all-hands town hall at the National Hurricane Center.

 

 

MIAMI (Aug. 16, 2021) – Administrator Criswell (left) discusses hurricane preparedness and mitigation efforts with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 08/18/2021 - 20:13

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Caldor Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado County.

On August 17, 2021, the State of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant declaration for the Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado County. 

At the time of approval, the Caldor Fire was threatening approximately 7,500 homes in and around Pollock Pines, Grizzly Flats, Camino, and Sly Park, combined population of 10,404.  Ninety-five percent of the threatened homes are primary residences and five percent are secondary residences.  The fire is also threatening Jenkinson Lake Watershed, El Dorado powerhouse, and Highway 50 in the area.

The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on August 17, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 08/18/2021 - 16:28

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Monument Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the Monument Fire burning in Trinity County.

On August 17, 2021, the State of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant declaration for the Monument Fire burning in Trinity County.  At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 5,053 residential structures in and around Junction City, Weaverville, Hayfork, and Douglas City, total population around 5,524.  Approximately 85 percent of the threatened homes were primary residences.  The fire was also threatening 400 commercial structures, the Trinity Water System, 40,000 acres of commercial timber land, the Trinity River Lumber Company, County Fire, Sheriff’s Office, Cal Hwy Patrol, Cal Transportation, and major power transmission lines.

The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on August 17, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.

FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 08/18/2021 - 00:58

FEMA Center Updates: Locations and Hours of Operation

CHICAGO – The state/FEMA disaster recovery center in Dearborn Heights and the document drop-off centers in Ypsilanti and Grosse Pointe will close permanently at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 19, 2021.  In-person assistance from FEMA representatives remains available at five other 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.

 

Three centers listed below will close permanently on Thursday, August 19 at 7 p.m. ET:

 

Eaton Senior Recreation Center

4900 Pardee Avenue

Dearborn Heights, MI 48125

 

Ypsilanti Township Civic Center

7200 S. Huron River Drive

Ypsilanti, MI 48197                                         

Grosse Pointe Public Safety Building

17320 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe, MI 48230

 

Four centers will begin new operational hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday starting Friday, August 20, 2021. Location information for these sites is provided below to allow applicants to find the site closest to them:

Henry Ford Centennial Library

16301 Michigan Avenue

Dearborn, MI 48126

Kemeny Recreation Center

2260 S. Fort Street

Detroit, MI 48217

Maplewood Community Center

31735 Maplewood St.

Garden City, MI 48135

 

Golightly Career and Technical Center

900 Dickerson Ave.

Detroit, MI 48215

 

The recently opened document drop-off center in Harper Woods and the new recovery center in Hamtramck will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, seven days a week, and can be found at the following locations:

 

Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church

20955 Bournemouth St.

Harper Woods, MI 48225

Hamtramck City Hall

3401 Evaline Street

Hamtramck, MI 48212

 

Additionally, individuals can find their closest center location by visiting 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 US 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 Tue, 08/17/2021 - 20:37

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, local and tribal response efforts to the emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Fred, beginning on Aug. 13 and continuing.

The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. 

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment, and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the storm.   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. This assistance is for Bay, Calhoun, Citrus, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Manatee, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton and Washington counties.

Kevin A. Wallace has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.

mayshaunt.gary Tue, 08/17/2021 - 19:05

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Ford Corkscrew Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash.  -  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Ford Corkscrew Fire burning in Stevens County, Washington.

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Acting Regional Administrator Vincent Maykovich on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, at 8:41 p.m. PT. He determined that the Ford Corkscrew Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the sixth FMAG declared in 2021 to help fight Washington wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Ford, Springdale, Loon Lake, and Clayton. The fire also threatened cell phone towers and critical communications infrastructure.

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $778,778 will be available to Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area. 

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

mary.j.edmon Tue, 08/17/2021 - 18:45

Children's Museum in Carolina is Revitalized with FEMA Funds

The federal agency assigned over $1 million to repair the facilities of the emblematic museum

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — The Children’s Museum in Carolina, will repair its facilities with the help of more than $1.1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). With these funds for permanent work, the museum, which opened in 2011 and has 103 exhibits, will continue its mission to educate and entertain the children who visit it.

The allocation is also key to the employment retention of the Museum, which has about 50 full-time, part-time and volunteer employees. They are responsible for tending to the more than 1 million visitors a year from across the island and around the world. In addition, they are of vital importance in the care of the more than 20 species of miniature and exotic animals that are part of the mini zoo, such as macaws, sheep and peacocks.

“FEMA's commitment to assist in Puerto Rico's short- and long-term recovery also includes the younger ones. Allocations to places like the Museum, which foster learning for our youth, are fundamental to the educational development of this generation that lived through Maria's aftermath,” said the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, José G. Baquero.

Among the completed repairs are the dome of the main roof, the dome of the kids theater, the large amphitheater, the go-karts area, the power generators, the wooden walkway towards the boats, its piers and pedal boats, and the exterior signage. Also finished is the paint for the interior and exterior, a picnic area, water safety equipment, medical supplies for animals, as well as equipment for the minizoo, refrigerators, metal ventilators, and glass and wooden doors, among others. 

“Since the destructive passing of Hurricane María in 2017, we have worked tirelessly to restore the Children’s Museum in all its beauty and original splendor to the ‘Land of the Giants’.  Today, we can confirm that we have achieved 95 percent of the physical repairs,” said the Mayor of Carolina, José Carlos Aponte Dalmau, who expects the Museum to return to its original rhythm after the pandemic.

Of the funds that were obligated, about $5,700 is destined for hazard mitigation to prevent similar damage that may occur in a future disaster. Strengthening the base of the masts with concrete and strengthening gutters to increase their resistance against strong winds and rain are part of this process.

For her part, the Museum Director, Mirgrelis Ramos Acosta, who is satisfied with the education and social labor of the institution, commented that FEMA’s help gave them hope. “It has been vital for us to have FEMA’s support for this project because it is definitely a project that requires being in optimal conditions at all times. And knowing that, even though we were making our own internal efforts to reestablish it, we were going to have backup from FEMA, well that was inspiring and gave us the assurance that we would be able to finish our projects,” she said.

As part of its social responsibility program, the Children’s Museum has the Fondo Especial Gigante Mío, which is sustained by 5 percent of the entrance fee. This fund assists children with special health needs, offers scholarships for education or sports travel and helps with the purchase of medical equipment and glasses, among others.

The Executive Director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction, and Resiliency, (COR3), Engineer Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, mentioned that projects like rebuilding the Children’s Museum in Carolina, contributes to the social development of our children and allows them to be educated while being entertained. “This project is part of various reconstruction works that the Municipality of Carolina leads and executes, after an obligation of $62 million from FEMA’s Public Assistance Program,” Laboy Rivera added.

To access more information on the recovery of Puerto Rico from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/es/disaster/4339 y recuperacion.pr. Follow us on social media Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr y Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Tue, 08/17/2021 - 12:52

30-Day Snapshot: Federal Assistance Tops $109 Million for Michigan Storm Survivors

CHICAGO –  Just 30 days after President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for Washtenaw and Wayne counties following the June 25-26 tornadoes and flooding, more than $109 million in federal assistance has been provided by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support Southeast Michigan’s disaster recovery.    

“FEMA and our federal partners are working closely with the state of Michigan to provide help to disaster survivors as quickly as possible,” said Scott Burgess, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the Michigan disaster recovery operation. “Federal assistance is just one part of the whole community effort to support southeast Michigan’s recovery from June’s storms and flooding.”

As of August 15, 2021, southeast Michigan’s recovery includes:

More than $78 million in Individual Assistance (IA) program grants awarded to nearly 27,000 homeowners and renters in Washtenaw and Wayne counties. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage, including:

• • More than $65 million in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
  • $13 million in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs—such as moving and storage fees and medical and dental expenses.
• More than $30.5 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans from SBA for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations to repair, rebuild or replace disaster-damaged physical property and to cover economic injury from the June storms and flooding.

In addition, over $650,000 in claims have been paid to homeowners insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.

The state and FEMA have staffed and operated five Disaster Recovery Centers plus three FEMA Document Drop-off Centers, which provide one-on-one assistance to survivors. The centers have tallied nearly 9,500 visits by survivors.

In addition, FEMA has sent Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams to storm-impacted neighborhoods in Washtenaw and Wayne counties. These teams visit homes, businesses and nonprofit organizations to help residents register for assistance, identify and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, state, and voluntary agencies for additional support.

To date, DSA personnel have visited more than 20,300 homes and nearly 300 businesses; they have interacted with more than 7,600 survivors and have registered more than 1,150 households for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Federal funding is just one source of help for survivors. Voluntary agencies are also actively involved in Michigan’s recovery, and the inserted graphic highlights some of their important work in this disaster. For more information about voluntary organizations active in southeast Michigan and ways to support their efforts, visit www.michiganvoad.org . For even more information about Michigan’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4607.

 

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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.

www.fema.gov/disaster/4607  https://twitter.com/femaregion5

troy.christensen Tue, 08/17/2021 - 12:45

Disaster Recovery Project Seeks to Keep Water Flowing in West Jordan

SALT LAKE CITY – FEMA has provided the City of West Jordan $164,908.13 for repairs to a water storage tank.  The funds are provided from the agency’s Public Assistance program as part of the major disaster declaration issued in 2020 for the Magna earthquake.

Public Assistance reimbursements are made on a cost-sharing basis to counties, municipalities, state, tribes and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and restoration of infrastructure. The federal cost share is no less than 75 percent, with the state and local applicant responsible for remaining costs.

The program generally provides assistance to restore infrastructure to its pre-disaster condition. In this case mitigation funding was provided as it will make the facility more resistant to damage in the future.  The project includes replacement of inlet and outlet piping and use of flexible couplings that are more resistant to the shaking of an earthquake.

“This assistance will help to minimize the chance of losing the water supply for West Jordan in the event of a future earthquake,” said Utah Division of Emergency Management Director Kris Hamlet.

Another unique element of the project is that the mitigation funding was based on the total cost of the larger repair project. The facility had insurance coverage that paid for the repairs to the facility. FEMA was able to assist with the costs not covered by insurance as well as the cost-effective mitigation effort. The mitigation portion of the project totaled nearly $120,000.

“This is a great example of the partnership that exists in disaster recovery,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Ken Clark. “The community was proactive in having insurance for the facility, but by the prudent application of mitigation funding we can hopefully avoid making repairs to this structure should another earthquake occur.”

anthony.mayne Mon, 08/16/2021 - 21:35

FEMA Launches National Risk Index Update Full Application Now Available with More Customization and Reporting

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced the full application launch of the National Risk Index, a new online resource that provides a clear, visual guide to natural hazard risks throughout the United States, and information to help communities to understand and reduce those risks, whether they involve flooding, wildfire, extreme heat, or drought.

Developed with attention to the increased risks from climate change, and the need to develop new approaches to reduce those risks, this online mapping application provides simple measures of a community’s risk for 18 natural hazards. The online mapping application also measures resilience, social vulnerability and expected annual loss.

“It is important for people to educate themselves about the severe weather events that can pose a serious threat to their communities,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “The National Risk Index is a free tool that allows anyone to take a deeper look at local hazards, and can help inform risk based decision making, so that people can be as prepared as possible.”

Climate change is a top priority for the Biden-Harris administration and FEMA. The Index is specifically designed to help enable communities to develop new preventive strategies, and emergency responses, by helping them to increase resilience and adaptation. By providing standardized risk data and an overview of multiple risk factors this interactive mapping and analysis tool can enable communities, especially those with limited flood mapping and risk assessment capabilities, to prepare for natural hazards. 

FEMA released this application a week after nearly $5 billion in new funding opportunities was made available to help communities prepare for extreme weather and climate-related disasters. The Index provides efficient, standardized risk assessment methodology, free interactive web maps and geographic information system services. States, tribes, territories and local communities can also use the Index to meet certain grant application requirements.

The Index was originally released in November 2020 in a limited capacity. Now made fully available for state, local, tribal and territorial governments, the Index can generate more customized analyses and reports, including community risk profiles and risk comparison reports for any county or census tract. 

The data and reporting tools in the Index were custom designed and developed to help any community discover its risk to natural hazards. Users can share reports through unique links, save them as printable PDFs or extract the underlying data in spatial or tabular formats. The Index based ratings on data from the best available resources from 2014 through 2019 and frequent updates, including responses to new information as it becomes available, are expected to keep ratings current.

The Index is free and easy to use, and data from the site can be downloaded. Visit FEMA’s National Risk Index webpage to learn more about the data and the natural hazards that may affect your community.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 08/16/2021 - 20:51