FEMA Approves 22 Additional Counties for Individual Assistance

Frankfort, Ky. – Twenty-two more counties in Kentucky have been designated for disaster assistance as part of the federal disaster declaration for the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred Feb. 27 through March 14.

The announcement brings the total number of counties designated for Individual Assistance to 31 with today’s addition of Anderson, Boyd, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Greenup, Jackson, Jessamine, Knott, Laurel, Lawrence, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Madison, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Warren and Woodford.

Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Johnson, Lee, Magoffin, Martin and Powell are the counties previously designated for Individual Assistance.

Individual Assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters to cover residential and business losses as a result of the disaster.

How to Get Help From FEMA

• Contact your insurance company and file a claim for the disaster-caused       damage.
• By law, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments or assistance from government programs or charities.
• Take photographs or video of the damage and keep all receipts related to home repair.
• If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, contact FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA app and register on your smartphone or  tablet, or 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. Multilingual operators are also available during these hours.
• 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.
• After registering, create an account to check the status of your application, view messages from FEMA, update your personal information, and upload important documents.
• If you have any questions, please contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). The Helpline is the same telephone number as the registration line. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), please call 800-621-3362.

Applicants can apply for a low-interest disaster loan online using SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s/. Email FOCE-Help@SBA.gov to set up a phone appointment for assistance with your disaster loan application.

You may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. The center is open 8 am. to 8 pm. ET, seven days a week. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339.

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 Fri, 05/28/2021 - 18:37

FEMA Provides an Additional $3.4 Million to North Dakota for COVID-19 Response

DENVER – FEMA has provided more than $3.4 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in North Dakota. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 1, 2020. FEMA has provided a total of almost $100.9 Million for the North Dakota COVID-19 response to date.

The $3.4 million was approved for the North Dakota Department of Health for emergency protective measures.  The funds were used to rent a warehouse with two temperature-controlled containers to store supplies, equipment, temperature sensitive vaccines, and testing materials.  They purchased and distributed medical supplies, vaccination fliers, and personal protective equipment for public health-related activities statewide.

This funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

anthony.mayne Fri, 05/28/2021 - 17:39

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Spur Fire

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

On May 27, 2021, the state of Arizona submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Spur Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 500 homes in and around Baghdad, AZ. The fire also threatened 15 business, a fire station, school and power transmission lines in the area. Mandatory evacuations were in place for around 750 people.

The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on May 27, 2021, 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.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

robert.barker Fri, 05/28/2021 - 14:27

FEMA Issues Public Notice

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A public notice is now available that addresses the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) intention to reimburse eligible applicants for costs to repair or replace facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in Kentucky, under disaster declaration DR-4595-KY.

The notice is now posted on FEMA’s Kentucky disaster declaration website at              https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/dr-4595-ky-public-notice-001 and the Kentucky Emergency Management website at FEMA PA Public Notice for DR-4595.pdf (ky.gov).

Under the disaster declaration, Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Johnson, Lee, Magoffin, Martin and Powell counties were designated for Individual Assistance. Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Calloway, Carter, Casey, Clark, Cumberland, Edmonson, Elliott, Floyd, Franklin, Graves, Greenup, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Magoffin, Marion, Martin, Mason, Menifee,  Morgan, Ohio, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Union, Whitley, and Wolfe counties were designated for Public Assistance Categories A-G. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is available statewide. The notice describes proposed activities that may affect historic properties and activities and critical actions that may affect wetlands and floodplains.

For routine activities, this will be the only public notice provided. Interested persons may obtain information about these actions or a specific project by writing to Federal Emergency Management Agency, DR-4595 KY, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Rd., Atlanta, GA 30341, or emailing FEMA-R4EHP@fema.dhs.gov. Comments should be sent in writing to John Brogan, Federal Coordinating Officer, at the above address within 15 days of the date of this notice.

FEMA is required by law to provide public notice of its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities through the Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, or Hazard Mitigation Grant programs.

felicia.jordan Fri, 05/28/2021 - 14:17

Providence Community Vaccination Center to Transition Staffing

Region 1- Since the March 17 opening of the joint state-federal Downtown Providence Community Vaccination Center, more than 110,000 vaccinations have been given to Rhode Island residents.  On May 29th the leadership and operations of the Dunkin Donuts Center will transition to State contracted staff.    This transition of staff will ensure Rhode Island will have available resources to continue supporting their vaccination plans. 

“The vaccination site at The Dunk has been enormously successful,” says Rhode Island Emergency Management Director Marc Pappas. “Rhode Islanders showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and got vaccinated. We now rank in the top five for states with 70% of the population vaccinated. We couldn’t have done it without FEMA and all the federal employees from all over the country who came here to help. We are very grateful to FEMA and all the federal employees for staffing the site and coordinating with the state for the good of all.”

Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee says, “We would not have been able to reach 70% of eligible Rhode Islanders with at least one dose and more than 50% of the Rhode Island population fully vaccinated without FEMA, RING, national partnerships, and local collaborations. Thank you to each and every individual who has brought their expertise and passion to the Ocean State’s vaccination efforts.”

Since the Center’s opening, it has been supported by over 125 personnel from the following  federal agencies: FEMA, US Dept. of Agriculture, US Forestry Service, Dept. of Homeland Security, Public Health Services, Veteran’s Administration, Dept of Health and Human Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, US Secret Service, US Citizen and Immigration Services, US Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers,  and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, along with locally hired staff and FEMA Corps members. During the operation’s peak, the staff administered nearly 3,700 vaccines a day. 

While FEMA is no longer needed at the Dunkin Donuts Center, the work to vaccinate all individuals in America who want a vaccine is not over.  Many of the local staff hired by FEMA to support vaccination efforts in Rhode Island will transition to the Vaccination Center on Sockanosset Street in Cranston along with FEMA Corp members. 

“Our mission continues to be vaccinating every Rhode Islander who wants the vaccine,” stated Emily Martuscello, FEMA Rhode Island Vaccination Support Group Supervisor.  “Rhode Island is one of the top five states in the country for vaccinations, and this success is due to a ‘whole community’ effort involving all levels of government, the Rhode Island National Guard, the private sector, faith-based groups and non-profits,” she continued.  “Our work together is not done, and we must continue to encourage Rhode Islanders that getting vaccinated is the tool that will help us get back to our pre-COVID life,” Ms. Martuscello concluded. 

So far more than 70 % of the state’s population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and ranks fifth among all 50 states in the number of vaccinations given to their state residents.

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

adrien.urbani Thu, 05/27/2021 - 21:18

FEMA Assistance Can Help if Insurance Doesn’t Cover Losses FEMA Assistance Can Help if Insurance Doesn’t Cover Losses

CLANTON, Ala. – Homeowners and renters who suffered damage from the March 25-26 severe storms and tornadoes in Bibb, Calhoun, Clay, Hale, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph, and Shelby Counties should apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance even if they have insurance.

While FEMA cannot duplicate insurance or other benefits, it may be able to help with uninsured or underinsured losses, or if your insurance settlement is delayed. Applicants should notify FEMA of their situation and provide insurance company documentation.

You may be eligible for a grant if you received a settlement from your insurance company and still have unmet disaster-related needs.

FEMA may still be able to assist with disaster-related temporary housing if you have exhausted the settlement from your insurance for additional living expenses.

You may be eligible for grants to cover emergency home repairs, disaster-related medical, dental, and other disaster-related expenses if an insurance settlement is insufficient to cover those costs.

If your insurance settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed a claim, you should contact FEMA. After providing the necessary documentation – the claim number, date applied, and an estimate of how long it will take to receive a settlement – you may qualify for an advance that would have to be repaid to FEMA once the insurance settlement is received.

The quickest way to apply for federal assistance is online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, 7 days a week.

The registration process includes you providing FEMA a phone number so FEMA can contact you and set up a virtual home inspection. If you use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, you should provide FEMA your specific number assigned to that service. 

If you were affected by the March 25-26 Severe storms and tornadoes in Alabama and need a sign language interpreter, foreign language translator, a Braille or large-print document, or have any other accommodation request, you should let FEMA know when registering.

For additional online resources, as well as FEMA downloadable pamphlets and other aids, visit www.disasterassistance.gov and click “Information.”

Homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes may obtain information about U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans by calling 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or online at www.SBA.gov. To apply for an SBA loan, visit www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

For referrals to Alabama’s health and human service agencies as well as community organizations, dial 211, text 888-421-1266, or chat with referral specialists via www.211connectsalabama.org.

For more information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit ema.alabama.gov, AlabamaEMA Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4596 and www.facebook.com/fema.

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

brianasummer.fenton Thu, 05/27/2021 - 20:22

FEMA Provides an Additional $3.1 Million to Montana for COVID-19 Response

DENVER – FEMA has approved more than $3.1 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Montana. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 31, 2020.  FEMA has provided a total of $35.2 million for the Montana COVID-19 response to date.

The $3.1 million was provided to the Billings Clinic to manage an increased patient workload due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Billings Clinic purchased supplies, rented equipment, and hired 63 temporary medical personnel to assist from October 23, 2020, through February 27, 2021.

This funding is authorized under the January 21, 2021, Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense & the Secretary of Homeland Security and Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

For the COVID-19 response, FEMA has simplified the Public Assistance application and funding process to address the magnitude of this event and to allow local officials to receive eligible funding more quickly. These reimbursements play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

anthony.mayne Thu, 05/27/2021 - 19:57

FEMA Supported Community Vaccination Site in Pueblo Will Close on June 14, 2021

DENVER – The federally- supported COVID-19 Community Vaccination Site (CVS) at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo will close on June 14, after completing nine weeks of vaccinations, one week more than the original pilot timeline. The site must close in order to return the property to the Colorado State Fairgrounds for previously scheduled events.

FEMA began supporting the vaccination effort at the Colorado State Fairgrounds on April 14, in cooperation with the State of Colorado, the Department of Defense (DoD), Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, Centura Health, and Covid Check Colorado. Federal support brought dedicated personnel, supplies, and vaccine to the site.

The CVS was also a hub for mobile equity clinics that brought vaccines into several socially vulnerable communities, and included outreach at schools, churches, rescue missions, and vaccinations of migrant farm workers and home-based individuals.

“As this site sunsets, we can reflect on our collective efforts to remove barriers to accessing the COVID-19 vaccine in the Pueblo community,” said Nancy Dragani, acting FEMA Regional Administrator. “FEMA, Colorado, the City and County of Pueblo, and area community groups are working together to make sure the vaccine is available to anyone who wants it.”

The site continues to offer both first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine, as well as single doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Since May 25, 2021, and through the closure of the site, individuals receiving their first Pfizer vaccine dose at the site are being provided with local resources for scheduling their second dose.

Since the CVS transitioned to FEMA April 14, it has been supported by DoD personnel. FEMA and DoD staff worked alongside Centura Health staff and locally hired non-clinical staff in administering vaccines to the Pueblo community. 

Brian.Hvinden Thu, 05/27/2021 - 19:02

Disney Institute Joins FEMA on Whole-of-America Response to COVID-19

WASHINGTON -- Recently, FEMA and the Disney Institute kicked off a training program for FEMA employees and other federal personnel who will be working at community vaccination centers across the country. 

"We have been working closely with our federal, state and local partners to make vaccines available to every person that wants one," said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. "We're appreciative of the opportunity to collaborate with the Disney Institute and receive additional training that will enhance our customer service at federally supported vaccination sites. We are grateful for the support of The Walt Disney Company."

FEMA continues providing federal support to community vaccination centers, including supplemental vaccine allocation to pilot sites. This includes active or federal community vaccination center pilot sites and mobile pop-up sites in 16 states. Additionally, mobile vaccination units are operating to support states and the Indian Health Service. The federal community vaccination center pilot sites have administered more than 5.5 million vaccinations, while mobile units have delivered more than 48,800 vaccinations.

"Disney is honored to collaborate with FEMA by sharing best practices of our legendary guest service with those working at federal vaccination sites nationwide,” said George A. Kalogridis, President, Segment Development and Enrichment, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “This collaboration is part of our company's broader work to support vaccination efforts."

The Muppets have also joined the response: A Message from Gonzo and Pepe - YouTube.

As more Americans receive the vaccine, the end of the pandemic and a return to normal life is in sight. Anyone interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can visit vaccines.gov to find a location close to them and make an appointment. Individuals can also text their zip code to 438829 to receive a text with the closest COVID-19 vaccine location.

mashana.davis Wed, 05/26/2021 - 23:36

FEMA approves $2.27 million for Hurricane Michael recovery expenses

PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved two grants totaling more than $2.27 million for the state of Florida to reimburse the city of Lynn Haven and the Power South Energy Cooperative for recovery expenses after Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Lynn Haven is receiving $1,138,532 in reimbursement for permanent repairs to A.L. Kinsaul Park, Cain Griffin Park, James E. Rodgers Park, Leslie Porter Wayside Park, Memorial Park and the Lynn Haven Sports Complex.

The Power South Energy Cooperative is receiving $1,135,273 in reimbursement funds for emergency protective measures related to Hurricane Michael. Funds will cover actions to remove the immediate threat to public health and safety, such as safety inspections to the power system, debris removal activities, generator rentals for temporary power source, emergency operations center support and positioning of fuel for power crew vehicles, as well as providing meals and lodging to emergency workers.

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 (FDEM) 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.

felicia.jordan Wed, 05/26/2021 - 19:58

FEMA Awards $17.6 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $17,644,098 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for debris removal and repairs following Hurricane Irma in 2017. ­ ­

The FEMA Public Assistance program grants include:

• Miami-Dade County: $13,225,983 for removal of 370,435 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 4,475 cubic yards of mixed debris, 662 leaning trees and 46,091 hanging limbs from public roads, property and rights-of-way.
• Orange County: $3,199,137 for removal of 293,898 cubic yards of vegetative debris and 23,248 cubic yards of construction, demolition and mixed debris from public roads, property and rights-of-way.
• Monroe County: $1,218,978 for repairs to the Harry Harris Park baseball field, ticket booth, concession stand, boat ramp and fishing dock, including the costs of fencing, lighting and equipment.

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.

felicia.jordan Wed, 05/26/2021 - 18:54

$6.5 Million Approved to Acquire 31 Flood-Prone Properties in Pender County

RALEIGH, N.C. – The State of North Carolina and FEMA have approved more than $6.5 million to eliminate flood risks at 31 repetitively damaged properties in Pender County.

The 31 homes are located in Currie, Rocky Point, Hampstead, Burgaw and Willard. All of the properties are susceptible to flooding from several sources including Moores, Beckys and Holly Shelter creeks, the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear rivers and the Atlantic Ocean.

Funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program became available after Hurricane Florence in 2018. The state will use the funds to acquire the properties and convert them to open space in order to conserve natural floodplain functions.

“The completion of FEMA’s review and approval of the program is good news for these property owners and the communities where they live,” said Steve McGugan, State Hazard Mitigation Officer. “The next step is for the state and local governments to move through the procurement of a contractor, which will take a couple of months to complete. Once there is a contractor in place, they will need to mobilize and set up their final project management timeline so property owners can be advised on the approximate date work will be completed on their property.”

FEMA’s share for this project is $4,913,358 and the state’s share is $1,637,786. FEMA reimburses 75 percent of eligible project costs and the remaining 25 percent is covered by the state. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to local governments.

Funding from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is used by states to mitigate future hazards, which can include projects to help communities eliminate or reduce disaster-related damage.

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 Wed, 05/26/2021 - 17:20

Greenbelt Metro Vaccination Center in Maryland Open Memorial Day Weekend and Closes June 1st - No Appointments Required.

GREENBELT, Md. –The Greenbelt Metro Community Vaccination Center (CVC) will continue its normal operating hours through Memorial Day weekend and Tuesday, June 1. The CVC will close after June 1.

The Greenbelt Metro Station is scheduled to be closed May 29 – Sept. 6 for the Platform Improvement Project of the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA). The CVC will not be accessible by Metro, but will be accessible via free WMATA shuttle buses, Metrobus, car, taxi, rideshare and the MARC Camden Line. Additional information and maps with travel alternatives are available here.

“The Greenbelt Metro CVC will continue to serve the community without interruption through Memorial Day weekend,” said Tim Pheil, Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer-Maryland. “This is our last weekend, and we encourage people to come and get vaccinated.”

The Memorial Day weekend hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, May 28-30. The CVC will be open Monday, May 31, and Tuesday, June 1, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Appointments can be scheduled at massvax.maryland.gov with the option to choose the time the resident wishes to receive the vaccine. Walk-ins are welcome.

The site is providing the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccinations. The free vaccine requires only one shot, not two, and is approved for individuals 18 years and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Reasonable accommodation for people with access and functional needs is available as well as onsite interpretation in eight spoken languages, and American Sign Language, Certified Deaf Interpretation and Sensory Interpretation.

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

 

gabriel.lugo Wed, 05/26/2021 - 16:45

FEMA Offers Equal Access to All Disaster Survivors

NASHVILE, Tenn.— FEMA and the state of Tennessee are committed to providing disaster assistance to people with disabilities and access and functional needs. Assistance is also available for those who communicate in languages other than English.

All residents of Davidson, Williamson and Wilson counties with property damage or other losses caused by the March 25-April 3 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding may apply for a grant from FEMA to help them pay for home repairs or other disaster-related expenses. Assistance can also be in the form of referrals to FEMA’s state and local partners.

The FEMA Helpline--800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) is the go-to resource for answers to questions about your application and any other FEMA-related questions. Those in need of disability access or a multilingual specialist can request accommodations with the Helpline specialists. Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time or 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time. If you use a relay service, such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel, please update FEMA with the specific number assigned to that service.  

FEMA can provide interpreters, real-time captioning, and information in alternate formats such as Braille, large-print, audio, and electronic versions. The agency also provides free services to help survivors communicate with its staff and understand FEMA programs.  Among the aids are:

• Information available in accessible electronic formats on FEMA’s website and social media.
• Qualified American Sign Language interpreters.
• Qualified multilingual interpreters.
• Information written in multiple languages.

FEMA wants to assure that everyone who is eligible has equal access to assistance. If you or someone you know needs support communicating with the agency, just ask.

For more information on Tennessee’s disaster recovery, visit www.tn.gov/tema.html and www.fema.gov/disaster/4601. You may also follow FEMA on www.facebook.com/fema and Twitter @FEMARegion4.

felicia.jordan Wed, 05/26/2021 - 16:12

COVID-19 vaccine now widely available; Community Vaccination Center to close soon

ATLANTA - The last day for individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at the Community Vaccination Center at the Columbia Place Mall is June 10.

The center, operated by the State of South Carolina and supported by FEMA, is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Individuals can simply drive in or walk up without an appointment to receive a vaccination.

“We appreciate the work of everyone who helped this center provide vaccinations to so many people,” said Gracia Szczech, FEMA Region IV Administrator. “The center was established in a location accessible to socially vulnerable populations and it was successful in its mission. Now, FEMA will continue to support the State of South Carolina and local communities with resources as they reach deeper into communities.”

Vaccines are now widely available at pharmacies, healthcare facilities and other locations accessible to the public. In most cases, an appointment is not necessary.

To find nearby vaccination providers, go online to www.vaccine.gov or text your Zip Code to 438829.

felicia.jordan Wed, 05/26/2021 - 15:05

COVID-19 vaccine now widely available; Community Vaccination Center to close soon

ATLANTA - The last day for individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at the Community Vaccination Center at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is June 7.

The center is operated by Fulton County and the State of Georgia and supported by FEMA. Individuals can simply walk up without an appointment to

receive a vaccination.

“We appreciate the work of everyone who helped this center provide vaccinations to so many people,” said Gracia Szczech, FEMA Region IV Administrator.

“The center was established in a location accessible to socially vulnerable populations and it was successful in its mission. Now, FEMA will continue

to support the State of Georgia and local communities with resources as they reach deeper into communities.”

Vaccines are now widely available at pharmacies, healthcare facilities and other locations accessible to the public. In most cases, an appointment is not necessary.

To find nearby vaccination providers, go online to www.vaccine.gov or text your Zip Code to 438829.

felicia.jordan Wed, 05/26/2021 - 14:50

FEMA Reimburses Lawrence $1.75 Million for COVID Costs

REGION I – FEMA reimbursed $1,752,632 to the City of Lawrence, Massachusetts for costs incurred to lease, staff and set up three non-congregate shelters (NCS) from April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020. Shelter residents included the homeless who needed a safe place to stay as well as individuals and families who tested positive for COVID-19 but did not require hospitalization. 

Massachusetts was an early hotspot for the pandemic; the first case was confirmed March 2, 2020. State and local governments moved quickly to recognize the threat to the public’s health, given the highly contagious nature of the coronavirus. Non-congregate shelters were an immediate need. The City of Lawrence has a high number of residents who were challenged by the need to socially distance or to quarantine. In an attempt to safeguard the entire community against the virus, the city contracted with various facilities for spaces for both quarantining/safe distancing as well as space for isolation for individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 but did not require hospitalization.

These shelters operated with support from a wide range of organizations, from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, other shelters and health centers to the city’s Homelessness Initiatives Coordinator who is responsible for housing search and placement services.

Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford observed that “by temporarily housing families and individuals, the city was able to control the potential spread of the virus and reduce the immediate threat to the public. FEMA is happy to support the city’s efforts to care for the homeless while protecting the entire community”.

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

FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to MEMA who works directly with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met before funding is disbursed.

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

adrien.urbani Wed, 05/26/2021 - 14:18

Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut Seeks FEMA Reimbursement

REGION I – From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, CT took on over $1 million in expenses for emergency protective measures to safeguard the health of the general public.  FEMA awarded $1,293,489 covering emergency work and associated costs from January 20, 2020 to April 30, 2020.

Moving quickly as the contagious disease caught hold, the hospital provided specimen collection sites in Bridgeport and Milford to identify the virus, converted hospital rooms for the specialized care of COVID patients, and set up an emergency triage site. The hospital provided staff training, PPE, heightened disinfecting, hotel lodging for employees in Bridgeport and Milford, and meals for COVID-19 Command Center at Yale New Haven Health.  Bridgeport Hospital expanded its reach into the community by producing and disseminating COVID-19 related information.

Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford observed “Bridgeport Hospital moved quickly to institute measures to care for those stricken with COVID while working to control the potential spread of the virus. FEMA is pleased to reimburse the hospital for its work at the start of the pandemic”.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include the state, federally recognized tribal governments, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations.

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

adrien.urbani Wed, 05/26/2021 - 14:07

FEMA approves $2 million for Bay County emergency bypass pump installation

PENSACOLA, Fla – FEMA has approved a grant of $2,024,999 to Bay County to install permanent emergency bypass pumps at 36 lift stations within the county. The grant is funded by FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

During storm events, the sanitary sewer system needs to continue circulation to prevent being overwhelmed by any increased volume from floodwaters. Installing emergency bypass pumps will mitigate sanitary sewer flooding and surcharging, allowing lift station pump operations to be maintained even without an external power supply.

Under the HMGP, FEMA provides grants to help communities eliminate or reduce disaster-related damage. Following a major disaster, a percentage of total federal recovery grant funds is designated to develop more resilient communities. Because Florida has an Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan, this means more funds are available for post-disaster mitigation programs. States with an enhanced plan receive HMGP funds based on 20% of the total estimated eligible Stafford Act disaster assistance.

neily.chapman Tue, 05/25/2021 - 18:26

FEMA Issues Public Notice for 29 Tennessee Counties

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A public notice has been posted to the FEMA and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency websites describing available FEMA assistance and proposed FEMA-funded actions, including activities that may affect historic properties, threatened and endangered species, critical habitat, or wetlands and floodplains in Tennessee.

FEMA is required by law to provide public notice of its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities via the Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs.

The public notice addresses FEMA’s intention to reimburse eligible applicants for costs to repair or replace facilities damaged by the Feb. 11 to 19 severe winter storms, in Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Moore, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Scott, Shelby, and Smith Counties.

The public notice also addresses FEMA’s intention to reimburse eligible applicants for costs to repair or replace facilities damaged by the Mar. 25 to Apr. 3 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Campbell, Cannon, Cheatham, Claiborne, Clay, Davidson, Decatur, Fentress, Grainger, Hardeman, Henderson, Hickman, Jackson, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Moore, Overton, Scott, Smith, Wayne, Williamson, and Wilson Counties.

The public notice is posted on FEMA’s disaster webpage (DR-4594-TN) at: https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/dr-4594-tn-public-notice-001 as well as on the (DR-4601-TN) disaster webpage at: https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/dr-4601-tn-001. In addition, the notice is posted on the Tennessee Emergency Management website at: https://www.tn.gov/tema/news/2021/5/24/public-notice.html    

neily.chapman Tue, 05/25/2021 - 15:18