FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Cedar Creek Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash.  -  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Cedar Creek Fire burning in Okanogan 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 Tues., July 20, 2021, at 2:50 p.m. PT. He determined that the Cedar Creek Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the fourth FMAG declared to help fight Washington wildfires in 2021.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire was threatening homes in and around the community of Mazama and the north end of the Methow Valley. The fire was also threatening recreational, electrical and communications infrastructure as well as roads, utilities, and businesses in the area.

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.

With this FMAG authorization, an additional $778,778 will be available to Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire 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 Wed, 07/21/2021 - 16:49

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Washington County, Arkansas

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in Washington County, Arkansas. Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

Residents and business owners are also encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

Appeals/comments may be submitted through Oct. 19, 2021 for:

• Cities of Elkins, Elm Springs, Farmington, Fayetteville, Goshen, Greenland, Johnson, Lincoln, Prairie Grove, Springdale, Tontitown, West Fork and Winslow; and unincorporated areas of Washington County.

Residents may submit an appeal if they consider modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information — such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary — they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

• The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
• FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Carmen.Castro Wed, 07/21/2021 - 16:21

FEMA Registration Deadline for Kentucky Storm Survivors Just Days Away

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A few days remain for Kentucky homeowners and renters who had property damage or loss caused by the severe storms from Feb. 27 to March 14 to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 23.

Don’t delay: If you live in one of the 31 counties included in the Kentucky federal disaster declaration for Individual Assistance, you can register for help or update your contact information, ask questions about a letter from FEMA, get information about FEMA home inspections, or learn how to appeal a FEMA decision by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Downloading the FEMA app by texting ANDROID or APPLE to 43362; or
  • Calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time. Multilingual operators are available during those hours (press 2 for Spanish).
  • Those who use a relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should provide their specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA can contact you. Phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

The counties designated for Individual Assistance are Anderson, Breathitt, Boyd, Clark, Clay, Estill, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Greenup, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knott, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Warren and Woodford.

You should have the following information available to register:

• Address of the damaged primary dwelling where damage occurred;
• Current mailing address, telephone number and Social Security number;
• Your insurance information;
• Total household annual income;
• Routing and account numbers for checking or savings accounts for direct deposit; and
• A description of disaster damage and losses.

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit https://kyem.ky.gov

and www.fema.gov/disaster/4595. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.  

felicia.jordan Tue, 07/20/2021 - 14:48

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Tops $700 Million

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has provided over $710 million to more than 107,000 people to assist with COVID-19-related funeral costs for deaths occurring on or after Jan. 20, 2020.

Nearly 2,500 dedicated personnel continue to work with applicants to manually review every application and determine eligibility each week. 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

5,418

$16,622,132

2,402

ALASKA

118

$246,868

45

AMERICAN SAMOA

Less than 10

$0

0

ARIZONA

4,106

$9,936,750

1,934

ARKANSAS

2,319

$7,302,910

1,137

CALIFORNIA

25,689

$64,956,446

9,905

COLORADO

1,825

$4,072,986

714

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANAS

Less than 10

$4,344

Less than 10

CONNECTICUT

2,982

$9,975,225

1,413

DELAWARE

757

$1,973,252

304

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

475

$1,174,676

171

FLORIDA

13,701

$29,705,182

5,182

GEORGIA

9,045

$27,599,243

3,968

GUAM

13

$29,436

Less than 10

HAWAII

233

$518,039

86

IDAHO

490

$1,218,796

215

ILLINOIS

10,262

$33,517,493

4,847

INDIANA

4,247

$13,050,307

1,844

IOWA

2,173

$7,860,229

1,080

KANSAS

2,003

$5,938,188

891

KENTUCKY

3,220

$11,880,056

1,666

LOUISIANA

4,444

$12,840,032

1,863

MAINE

314

$684,159

126

MARYLAND

4,835

$13,130,947

1,926

MASSACHUSETTS

4,948

$16,237,319

2,308

MICHIGAN

8,274

$24,064,377

3,950

MINNESOTA

2,348

$9,382,206

1,341

MISSISSIPPI

3,899

$12,360,074

1,818

MISSOURI

4,201

$15,139,005

2,374

MONTANA

431

$686,016

143

NEBRASKA

1,032

$3,582,750

496

NEVADA

2,052

$4,741,631

859

NEW HAMPSHIRE

589

$1,599,357

265

NEW JERSEY

10,351

$30,571,987

4,381

NEW MEXICO

1,331

$2,426,676

466

NEW YORK

22,492

$61,828,503

8,829

NORTH CAROLINA

7,157

$22,598,913

3,397

NORTH DAKOTA

596

$2,293,817

300

OHIO

8,360

$26,169,041

4,039

OKLAHOMA

3,359

$11,917,001

1,838

OREGON

718

$1,511,071

290

PENNSYLVANIA

11,128

$36,346,130

5,528

PUERTO RICO

1,011

$1,049,065

296

RHODE ISLAND

1,016

$2,887,309

409

SOUTH CAROLINA

4,953

$18,604,142

2,668

SOUTH DAKOTA

637

$2,314,617

308

TENNESSEE

5,911

$19,208,389

2,733

TEXAS

21,826

$67,107,241

10,182

UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS

23

$56,749

Less than 10

UTAH

908

$3,085,861

441

VERMONT

122

$383,089

62

VIRGINIA

5,288

$16,419,205

2,457

WASHINGTON

1,575

$3,137,068

566

WEST VIRGINIA

1,259

$3,454,189

505

WISCONSIN

3,905

$14,359,109

2,165

WYOMING

214

$609,679

111

* Funeral assistance data can/will change daily; the information reflects data as of 8 a.m. today.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, 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.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 07/19/2021 - 17:31

Two Weeks Left to Apply for Assistance from FEMA and SBA

BATON ROUGE, La. – There is still time to apply for a grant from FEMA or a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). You have until Aug. 2 to apply for federal assistance. Your insurance may not have covered the cost of damage to your home after the May flooding. The five designated parishes for disaster assistance are Ascension, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberville and Lafayette.

FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. This also applies if you experienced added living expenses from having to move to a temporary rental.

If you haven’t done so yet, be sure to file a claim with your home insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits but may be able to assist with under-insured or uninsured losses. It is important to stay in touch with FEMA regarding the details stated on the insurance settlement document received from your provider after your claim has been settled.

Here is how to apply to FEMA; choose the best way for you:

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

You may be contacted by the SBA about a low-interest disaster loan after submitting your application to FEMA. Please complete the SBA application to keep the process moving. An SBA low-interest disaster loan may cover some or all of the difference between your recovery costs, the insurance settlement, and the FEMA grant amount.

• SBA offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners up to the $200,000 statutory maximum to repair or replace your primary residence. The loans are customized to your personal financial circumstances. On a case-by-case basis, the SBA may be able to assist with refinancing your current mortgage(s).
• SBA can also help renters and homeowners replace household contents and vehicles, referred to as personal property. You may be able to borrow up to the $40,000 statutory maximum to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars, or appliances that were damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

For additional assistance, the SBA has established a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center that is open Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT. You can contact an SBA customer service representative via email at FOCWAssistance@sba.gov or by phone at 800-659-2955. SBA will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan may help each survivor with their disaster recovery and will provide one-on-one assistance in completing applications for these loans. You can apply online at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov

For the latest information on severe storms, tornadoes and flooding visit fema.gov/disaster/4606. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6

Debra.Young Mon, 07/19/2021 - 17:31

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Buffalo Fire

DENVER – Friday evening, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Buffalo Fire burning in Yellowstone County, Montana near Huntley.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Tammy Littrell approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request Friday evening and determining that the fire threatened such destruction that it would constitute a major disaster.

At the time of the request, the Buffalo Fire was threatening 285 homes, which were under an evacuation order. The fire started Friday and has burned more than 325 acres.

The 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. It is a reimbursable program. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants 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.

When there is an FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire 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.

For more information on FMAGs, visit  https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.

minh.phan Mon, 07/19/2021 - 15:46

FEMA Continues to Support State-Run Recovery Service Center in Lake Charles

The State-run Recovery Service Center in Lake Charles will continue to assist those affected by the 2020 hurricanes and other weather-related events in Southwest Louisiana. The Center has been extended through July 30.

FEMA has specialists at the Center who can work one-on-one, in-person with survivors. Anyone who has questions with FEMA’s decision regarding eligibility or the assistance provided, may discuss their case with a FEMA representative who can provide guidance on FEMA programs and referrals to other recovery resources. Survivors can also bring in documents that need to be uploaded into their FEMA case.

The center is located at:

Washington-Marion Magnet High School 2802 Pineview St. Lake Charles, LA 70615

Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  

For the latest information on severe storms, tornadoes and flooding visit fema.gov/disaster/4606. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

tiana.suber Mon, 07/19/2021 - 13:44

DHS Announces FY 2021 Preparedness Grants Funding Allocations

WASHINGTON -- Today, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the final allocations for $475 million for seven fiscal year 2021 competitive preparedness grant programs. These allocations, together with the almost $1.5 billion in non-competitive grant funding announced earlier this year, total nearly $2 billion in FY 2021 to help prepare our nation against man-made threats and natural disasters.

The grant programs provide funding to state, local, tribal and territorial governments, nonprofit agencies and the private sector in building and sustaining capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters. The total amount for each grant program is set by Congress and the allocations are made by the Secretary.

Secretary Mayorkas issued the following statement about this year’s grant awards:

“Through these grant programs, we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to addressing the most significant and persistent terrorism-related threats to the homeland today,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “Many of the communities and nonprofit organizations receiving these grants have been historically underserved. The funding allocated for each of the grant programs will allow these communities and organizations to build, sustain and improve their preparedness and response capabilities. I look forward to working with our state, local, tribal and territorial partners to achieve these shared goals.” 

For the competitive grant program allocations that are being announced today, DHS identified four critical priority areas for attention: cybersecurity, soft targets and crowded places, domestic violent extremism and emerging threats. Applicants under the grant programs were provided percentage increases in their competitive scores for aligning their projects around these areas.

All capabilities and programs being built or sustained using homeland security grant funding must have a clear linkage to the core capabilities articulated in the National Preparedness Goal.

Preparedness Grant Program Allocations for Fiscal Year 2021

The following grants are competitive, with awards announced today:

Operation Stonegarden: provides $90 million to enhance cooperation and coordination among state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders.

Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program: provides $15 million to eligible tribal nations to implement preparedness initiatives to help strengthen the nation against risk associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program: provides $180 million to support target hardening and other physical security enhancements for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack.  This year, $90 million is provided to nonprofits in Urban Area Security Initiative-designated areas, and $90 million is provided to nonprofits outside those designated urban areas located in any state or territory.

Port Security Grant Program: provides $100 million to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management, and maintain or re-establish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.

Transit Security Grant Program: provides $88 million to owners and operators of public transit systems to protect critical surface transportation and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.

Intercity Bus Security Grant Program: provides $2 million to owners and operators of intercity bus systems to protect surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure. 

The following non-competitive grants were awarded Feb. 25 to recipients based on a number of factors:

State Homeland Security Program: provides $415 million to support the implementation of risk-driven, capabilities-based state homeland security strategies to address capability targets.  Awards are based on statutory minimums and relative risk as determined by DHS/FEMA’s risk methodology.

Urban Area Security Initiative: provides $615 million to enhance regional preparedness and capabilities in 31 high-threat, high-density areas.  Awards are based on relative risk as determined by risk methodology.

Emergency Management Performance Grant: including the funding provided under the American Rescue Plan Act, provides more than $455 million to assist state, local, tribal and territorial governments in enhancing and sustaining all-hazards emergency management capabilities.  Relative population is considered.

Intercity Passenger Rail: provides $10 million to Amtrak to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and increase the resilience of the Amtrak rail system.  Award made per congressional direction.

Further information on preparedness grant programs is available at www.dhs.gov and http://www.fema.gov/grants.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 07/16/2021 - 19:52

Washtenaw & Wayne County Residents: Register for FEMA Assistance Now

CHICAGO - Washtenaw and Wayne county residents affected by the severe storms and flooding of June 25 - 26, 2021, may now call or go online to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Individuals must still register with FEMA, even if they reported damage to local officials or spoke to a FEMA representative during the preliminary damage assessments in early July.

Homeowners and renters with uninsured or underinsured home damage from the late June disaster may register for assistance by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET seven days a week. 

Another option is to register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App.

Information applicants need to provide includes the following:

• Social Security Number;
• Daytime telephone number;
• Current mailing address and address and zip code of the damaged property; and
• Private insurance information, if available.

When an applicant registers, each is given a unique registration number. The registration number is important and should be written down and kept handy. Anyone who does not have a registration number is not yet registered.

For more information about FEMA’s individual assistance programs, visit www.fema.gov/assistance/individual.  

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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  www.twitter.com/femaregion5

troy.christensen Fri, 07/16/2021 - 14:47

FEMA Seeking Applicants to Join Hurricane Recovery Team

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA is hiring Louisiana residents who live in Lake Charles to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts as temporary employees. Hiring local temporary staff allows FEMA to diversify the workforce while affording opportunities for Louisianans.

Jobs are available for National Disaster Recovery Support (NDRS) Local Government Administration Expert Specialists and require experience in government and community affairs. In these positions, candidates will work with local, state, federal and tribal officials to address community recovery management needs.

Potential applicants can view these positions at USAJOBS - Job Announcement. The job postings are open until July 30.

FEMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Salaries are comparable to local pay rates.

Most temporary local hires are employed through a streamlined hiring process. A local hire’s term of employment is 120 days, though it may be extended in 120-day increments. Visit USAJOBS - Job Announcement for additional information, including job responsibilities and compensation.

Conditions of Employment:

• You must be a U.S. citizen to be considered for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/59.

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

Debra.Young Thu, 07/15/2021 - 21:05

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

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Michigan to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding and tornadoes from June 25-26, 2021.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Washtenaw and Wayne.  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, 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 in Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

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

Scott A. Burgess 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.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 07/15/2021 - 19:10

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Red Apple Fire in Washington

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

FEMA Region 10 Acting Regional Administrator Vincent Maykovich determined that the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. He approved the State of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at 3:36 p.m. PT. This is the third FMAG declared to help fight Washington wildfires in 2021.

At the time of the State’s request, the fire was threatening homes in and around the communities of Cashmere and Wenatchee. The fire also threatened critical communication sites for emergency medical services, law enforcement, and cell phone service in the area in addition to roads, bridges, public utility facilities for Chelan County and Douglas County, and environmental resources including the Swakane wildlife refuge and local hiking trails.  At the time of the State’s request, there were three other large fires burning uncontrolled within the State.

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. The 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.

With this FMAG authorization, an additional $778,778 will be available to Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire 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 Thu, 07/15/2021 - 18:03

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Montour County, PA

FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) in the Borough of Danville and Township of Mahoning in Montour County, Pennsylvania. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

Because flood risk changes over time, flood maps are routinely updated to represent flood risk more accurately. In this case, updates were made in response to the extensive flooding seen during Tropical Storm Lee in September 2011. For more background information on this mapping update, visit: https://www.fema.gov/pennsylvania/mitigating-flood-risk. 

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on July 15, 2021. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

Appeals and comments may be submitted by contacting your municipality’s floodplain administrator. The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Susquehanna River Flood Map Viewer: https://arcg.is/1CLSan.

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Montour County Flood Mapping Milestones

• March 8, 2019 – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps released for municipalities along the Susquehanna River
• July 10, 2019 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
• Dec. 26, 2019 – Appeal Period for preliminary maps starts.
• Oct. 30, 2020 – Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps released for Borough of Danville and Township of Mahoning.
• July 15, 2021 –Appeal Period for revised preliminary maps starts.
• September 2022* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov.

 

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

gabriel.lugo Thu, 07/15/2021 - 16:59

FEMA Provides More Than $2 Million to Franciscan Alliance, Inc.

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) announced today that $2,078,289 in federal funding has been made available to Franciscan Alliance, Inc. for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of April 3, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Franciscan Alliance, Inc. for costs to perform emergency protective measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the purchase and distribution of medical supplies and commodities for the treatment of positive and presumed positive cases of COVID-19 at hospitals throughout the state of Indiana.

"FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an important resource for Indiana’s COVID-19 response efforts,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant has helped ensure necessary medical services and equipment are available to fight this virus and protect the lives of Hoosiers throughout the state.” 

“FEMA continues to be a terrific partner in Indiana’s mission to make whole again the many agencies that were impacted significantly during the pandemic,” said Stephen Cox, executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. “With collaborations from all levels of government, Hoosiers will continue to see agencies and entities adjust to this new normal of operations, knowing their government stands at the ready with support.”

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

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

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

troy.christensen Thu, 07/15/2021 - 15:23

How to Reduce Damage from Future Storms

RALEIGH, N.C. – With hurricane season upon us and many North Carolinians having recovered from past disasters, FEMA mitigation experts encourage all who live in areas prone to high winds and flooding to make some fairly simple changes to their homes to reduce damage from future severe storms.

"It is safer, cheaper, and ultimately much easier to limit future destruction than to repair it afterward," said North Carolina Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. "And, the rebuilding phase of a disaster is the ideal time to consider ways to strengthen your home to protect people and property.”

Some techniques require licensed building professionals to design and install. Others can be implemented by do-it-yourself methods and don’t require permits. Before undertaking improvements, homeowners are advised to check with their local building officials about their plans.

Protect against flood damage

Contact local emergency management officials to find out what is the hundred-year floodplain in your area and make changes that limit a flood’s ability to damage a home.

• Raise Electrical Boxes, Major Appliances, and HVAC components at least one-foot above the 100-year flood level.
  • Circuit Breaker Boxes - Short circuits in flooded systems pose a significant fire danger. The likelihood of a flooded electrical system can be reduced by raising all electrical components.
  • Appliances - Washers and dryers can be elevated with pressure-treated lumber, or moved to a higher floor; and
  • HVAC - Exterior HVAC equipment should be elevated by a professional contractor.
• Anchor fuel tanks - When floodwaters move an unanchored tank, the supply line may tear. Additionally, filling and ventilation tubes need to be above flood level so that water cannot get inside the tank. Anchor inside and outside tanks with properly sized ground anchors. For safety's sake, consult local officials and building professionals about the best methods for anchoring fuel tanks.
• Install sewer backflow valves - Flooding can cause sewer lines to back up into houses through drainpipes. Backflow valves are designed to block drainpipes temporarily and prevent flow into the house. Have a licensed plumber or contractor install the valves.  
• Buy Flood Insurance: Understanding your flood risk allows you to make informed decisions about protecting your family and property. Flood damage is not usually covered in homeowner multi-peril insurance policies. The most common way to insure against flood damage to your home and contents is with a separate flood insurance policy. You can learn more about flood insurance coverage and costs at https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program.

Reinforce Vulnerable Areas to Minimize Wind Damage

High winds are looking for cracks to penetrate a home, because once high winds get in even through what may seem to be small openings, they can do tremendous damage. Here are tips from FEMA experts on methods to limit high wind’s ability to trespass into a home.

• Strengthen Entry Doors and Windows - Install storm shutters over all exposed windows and glass surfaces. If replacing an entry door, use an approved, impact-tested door and install a dead bolt lock long enough to penetrate the 2X4 framing of the door. Also ensure the strike plate is installed with screws long enough to penetrate the door frame.
• Fortify garage doors – Once wind gets through a garage door it can do tremendous damage to the whole house. A garage door can be reinforced by adding braces across the back of the door and by strengthening the glider wheel tracks. Modifications should usually be made by a garage door expert. Consider purchasing a garage door built to withstand high winds.
• Brace Gable End Walls - Anchor and brace the bottom of the gable end's triangular wall to the ceiling joists or ceiling framing. Strengthen the gable end wall studs and brace the top of the gable end wall by tying it to the rafters or tops of the trusses.
• Keep Outdoor Gear from Becoming Windborne Missiles - Securely anchor all storage sheds and other outbuildings, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors. Bolt outdoor furniture and barbecue grills to decks or patios, attach them to ground anchors with cables or chains. Secure trash cans with cables or chains attached to ground anchors or to wood posts firmly embedded in the ground.
• Trees and Landscaping Tips – It is estimated that three-quarters of the damage done by trees in high winds could be avoided if trees had been properly cared for starting with planting. Plant trees at the correct depth by making sure the roots are at the soil surface. Trees planted too deep could snap off at the stem-girdled point during forceful winds. Avoid wounding trees by banging them with a lawn mower or cutting them with a weed trimmer. Wounds lead to decay, a condition that leads to storm-damaged trees. Prune trees to correct defects such as multiple leaders and weak branch attachments.

For more about strengthening a home, view resources at www.fema.gov, www.ready.gov and the fact sheet, Mitigation for Homeowners (fema.gov). 

The State also administers FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) which can provide buyouts, elevations and repairs to homes that have been affected by flooding events. The application process begins by contacting your local government’s emergency manager. That contact information and additional information about the program can be found at NC DPS: Hazard Mitigation.

For more information on North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Florence, visit ncdps.gov/Florence and FEMA.gov/Disaster/4393. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.

felicia.jordan Thu, 07/15/2021 - 12:25

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Chuweah Creek Fire in Washington

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

In coordination with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the State of Washington submitted a request to FEMA for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declaration for the Chuweah Creek Fire on Monday, July 12, 2021.  FEMA Region 10 Acting Regional Administrator Vincent Maykovich determined that the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. He approved the State’s request on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 6:27 p.m. PT, making it the second FMAG declared to help fight Washington wildfires in 2021.

At the time of the State’s request, the fire was threatening homes in and around the community of Nespelem.  The fire was also threatening roads, tribal government buildings, a tribal prison, parks and recreation facilities, farms, utilities, the local watershed, streams and fish spawning sites, as well as locations of cultural significance. These homes and facilities are on tribal land and are under tribal jurisdiction. 

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. The 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.

With this FMAG authorization, an additional $778,778 will be available to Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. 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 Wed, 07/14/2021 - 20:04

FEMA Awards Santa Rosa County $2.83 Million to Improve Stormwater Drainage System

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $2,830,737 to help Santa Rosa County improve the drainage basin of the Metron Estates Subdivision in Pace, Florida during a storm.

Funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) was approved in response to a proposal by the county after Hurricane Irma in 2017. The grant covers improvements to the local stormwater conveyance system including expansion of two existing stormwater ponds, construction of a new stormwater pond and the installation of a stormwater pump station and pipeline to recover rainfall that flows over paved surfaces. 

The HMGP is an important source of federal disaster assistance. Program funding may become available after the president declares a major disaster, with a goal of strengthening communities by improving buildings and critical infrastructure. A 2018 report by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that one dollar spent on hazard mitigation saves more than six dollars of recovery and rebuilding costs.

Generally, the HMGP may provide a state, tribe or territory with additional grants up to 15 percent of the total disaster grants awarded by FEMA for a federally declared disaster. States such as Florida that meet advanced mitigation planning criteria may qualify for a higher percentage.

Florida has a FEMA-approved Enhanced Mitigation Plan, making the state eligible for HMGP funding not to exceed 20 percent of the estimated total amount of grant money spent by FEMA in the Hurricane Irma disaster. From this amount, the HMGP reimburses the state up to 75 percent of eligible costs for hazard mitigation projects. The remaining amount comes from other sources such as state and local assets and a combination of cash and in-kind sources.

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

barbara.murien… Wed, 07/14/2021 - 12:15

Fort Pierre Facing Probation from the National Flood Insurance Program

DENVER – Fort Pierre, S.D. will be placed on probationary status by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on Oct. 14, 2021, due to deficiencies and violations with the city’s floodplain management program unless the city can either remediate all outstanding violations or prepare a compliance plan approved by FEMA.

Fort Pierre is an NFIP-participating community with 103 flood insurance policies in force with a total coverage of more than $28.2 million as of July 9, 2021.

When a community joins the NFIP, it voluntarily adopts local floodplain management regulations to meet NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria. Placement on probation is a formal notice to the community that the local floodplain management program is not compliant with the criteria of the NFIP and is the first step in the process to suspend the community’s eligibility to participate in the NFIP.

Unless the City either remediates the violations or completes a compliance plan approved by FEMA, the probation period will begin on Oct. 14, 2021, and be in effect for one year.

Violations include:

• Buildings constructed in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) with their floor elevation below the Base Flood Elevation.
• Insufficient number or types of flood vents for structures within the SFHA.
• Encroachment within a regulatory floodway.

While FEMA has worked with Fort Pierre to gain compliance, the city has failed to submit the requested documentation to demonstrate compliance with the NFIP. Accordingly, FEMA is prepared to place Fort Pierre on probation with the NFIP.

During the probationary period, flood insurance coverage will remain available within Fort Pierre. However, a $50 surcharge will be added to the premium of each new and renewed flood insurance policy sold within the community for at least one year from the effective date of probation. Each flood insurance policyholder in unincorporated Fort Pierre will receive a notice about the impending probation and the $50 surcharge.

Failure to correct identified deficiencies and to improve the floodplain management program within Fort Pierre during the probationary period can lead to suspension from the NFIP. Flood insurance from the NFIP is no longer available for purchase for communities on suspension. If a flood disaster occurs in a suspended community, most types of federal disaster assistance would not be available. This includes the acquisition, construction, or repair of insurable structures within the SFHA as well as federal assistance to individuals and households for housing and personal property.

FEMA will continue to provide technical assistance and guidance to the city to resolve program deficiencies and correct the violations to help ensure that Fort Pierre residents and property owners continue to have flood insurance coverage available.

Brian.Hvinden Tue, 07/13/2021 - 19:09

Less than Two Weeks Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky homeowners, renters and business owners who had property damage or loss caused by the severe storms from Feb. 27 to March 14 may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Less than two weeks remain to apply until the July 23 registration deadline.

If you live in one of the 31 counties included in the Kentucky federal disaster declaration for Individual Assistance, you can apply, update your contact information, ask questions about a letter from FEMA, get information about FEMA home inspections, or learn how to appeal a FEMA decision by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Downloading the FEMA app by texting ANDROID or APPLE to 43362; or
• Calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time. Multilingual operators are available during those hours (press 2 for Spanish).
• Those who use a Relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should provide their specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA can contact you. Phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

The counties designated for Individual Assistance are Anderson, Breathitt, Boyd, Clark, Clay, Estill, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Greenup, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knott, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Warren and Woodford.

You should have the following information available to register:

• Address of the damaged primary dwelling where damage occurred;
• Current mailing address, telephone number and Social Security number;
• Your insurance information;
• Total household annual income;
• Routing and account numbers for checking or savings accounts for direct deposit; and
• A description of disaster damage and losses.

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit https://kyem.ky.gov

and www.fema.gov/disaster/4595. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.

felicia.jordan Tue, 07/13/2021 - 15:38

Submit Flood Insurance Proof of Loss Form Within 60 Days of Loss

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you have purchased flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and filed a claim for flood damages, be sure to submit your Proof of Loss form within 60 days after the date of loss.

Take the time to fill out the form and collect supporting documents:

• You will need to provide supporting documents with the form, like your building damage estimate and a personal-property loss inventory list…and don’t forget to sign it.
• Your adjuster will give you a detailed loss estimate. Please review to see if they forgot something or perhaps got something wrong.
• Your adjuster may provide you with a Proof of Loss form and help you fill it out. You can submit this form, or you can fill out a Proof of Loss form on your own. If you find some items were missed on the form afterward, you can submit a supplemental claim later.

Remember, even if you do not agree with the adjuster’s loss estimate, it’s important that you submit the Proof of Loss form within 60 days.

For more information, contact your insurance agent, visit FloodSmart.gov or call NFIP at 877-336-2627.

To speak with a Community Education and Outreach (CEO) Specialist about ways to reduce your flood risk, call

1-833-FEMA-4US (833-336-2487) or send an email to FEMA-LAmit@fema.dhs.gov.

For the latest information on the May 17-21 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4606. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

stuart.lewis Tue, 07/13/2021 - 14:47