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DHS News and Updates
FEMA Provides $4 Million to Northwood University
CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division announced today that $4,043,286 in federal funding has been made available to Northwood University for costs related to the state’s response to the severe storm and flooding event under the federal disaster declaration of July 9, 2020.
This funding will reimburse Northwood University for costs to conduct emergency protective measures, which included responding to severe storm and flood damage by pumping water out of damaged buildings and beginning a campus-wide remediation process.
“FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an important resource to communities after disasters,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “The University’s quick actions protected the facility, students and faculty from the dangers of the severe storms and flooding in May 2020 and helped the campus recover after the disaster.”
“The quick action taken by Northwood University in response to severe storms and flooding are steps that allow our communities to recover quickly from disasters,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “The FEMA reimbursement funds will help offset the expense the university took on as a result of its excellent response efforts.”
FEMA provides a 75 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. The eligible cost for this project is $5,391,048.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for debris removal, disaster cleanup and emergency actions taken to protect lives or property. To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
troy.christensen Thu, 05/20/2021 - 16:48FEMA Provides $16.3 Million to Michigan for COVID-19 Response
CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division announced today that $16,391,100 in federal funding has been made available to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for costs related to their COVID-19 response under the federal disaster declaration of March 27, 2020.
This funding reimbursed the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for costs to conduct COVID-19 testing and reporting for inmates, prison staff, and visitors at the Michigan Department of Corrections statewide facilities. The grant also included costs to conduct statewide COVID-19 testing for residential care facilities, including long-term care facilities.
“Testing has played a vital role in stopping the spread of this virus,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “In support of our partners in Michigan, FEMA remains committed to helping ensure the availability of critical support services to combat COVID-19 in the state.”
“COVID-19 testing and reporting has been a key component in controlling the spread of the virus,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “We appreciate our federal partners supporting our pandemic response efforts."
FEMA provides funding at 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.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
troy.christensen Thu, 05/20/2021 - 16:46Town of North Topsail Beach Awarded $4.5 Million for Emergency Measures for Hurricane Florence
RALEIGH, N.C. – The State of North Carolina and FEMA have approved $4,503,025 to reimburse the Town of North Topsail Beach for extensive beach and dune erosion caused by Hurricane Florence in 2018.
Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance program covers construction of emergency berms or temporary levees to protect property along the north and south ends of the beach in the Town of North Topsail Beach in Onslow County. The project did not include the section of public beach maintained by Onslow County.
FEMA’s share for this project is $3,377,269 and the state’s share is $1,125,756.
This grant brings to $7.2 million the total reimbursement to the Town of North Topsail Beach for Hurricane Florence-related expenses. FEMA’s share for the projects is $5.1 million and the state’s share is $2 million.
The Public Assistance program provides grants for state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations to reimburse the cost of debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent repair work.
Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program. FEMA reimburses applicants at least 75 percent of eligible costs and the remaining 25 percent is covered by the state. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.
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.
neily.chapman Thu, 05/20/2021 - 12:28
FEMA approves $1.3 million for Gulf Breeze Hurricane Sally debris removal
PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved $1,373,999 to reimburse the city of Gulf Breeze for debris removal activities after Hurricane Sally in 2020.
Between Sept. 14, 2020 and Sept. 28, 2020 workers removed 82,414 cubic yards of debris from public rights of way. Disaster-generated debris posed a threat to public health, safety, natural resources and tourism.
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.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
barbara.murien… Wed, 05/19/2021 - 18:54More Than $1 Million Awarded to Lawrence and Memorial Hospital for Expenses Related to its Care of COVID-19 Patients
REGION 1 – Lawrence and Memorial Hospital received $1,066,317 from FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program for care and treatment of COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.
The grant provided reimbursement to the not-for-profit, general, acute care, private hospital in New London, Connecticut, through June 30, 2020. It covers reimbursements for the cost of facility modification; staff for patient screening, disease testing, and personal protective equipment distribution and disinfection; and purchase of testing and medical supplies.
Lawrence and Memorial is one of five hospitals in Yale New Haven Health Network, the largest and most comprehensive healthcare system in Connecticut. Part of the funding was provided for Yale New Haven Health’s work on behalf of Lawrence and Memorial to include renting stretchers and beds, installing additional nurse-call systems and disseminating public information.
“This hospital is an important healthcare provider in Connecticut,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “Its primary service area includes 10 towns along the Connecticut shoreline between Rhode Island and the Connecticut River and as far inland as Montville. We and the State of Connecticut are thankful the hospital took these actions to save many lives.”
FEMA obligated $484.6 million related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut, as of May 13.
Additional information about FEMA’s PA Program is at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
adrien.urbani Wed, 05/19/2021 - 16:18MEMA Awarded Over $1 Million for COVID-19 Testing of Essential Personnel
REGION 1 – FEMA obligated $1,093,666 to reimburse the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for the cost of COVID-19 testing sites set up for essential personnel as part of its emergency response.
With temporary tents, equipment and additional resources, MEMA supported daily coronavirus screenings of first responders, public health workers and others. Additionally, the grant was for a testing site open to the public in Lowell, a decontamination tent for personnel in Middleton and a mobile emergency operations center in Springfield. Testing was first offered March 27, 2020 as a much-needed resource toward the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and operated until Nov. 19, 2020.
“These testing sites protected the health of many who helped the public in Massachusetts,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “MEMA continues to be an all-important partner with us in the fight against COVID-19.”
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.
FEMA obligated more than $2 billion related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts, as of May 6.
Additional information about FEMA’s PA Program is at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
adrien.urbani Wed, 05/19/2021 - 15:56Town of Oak Island Awarded $1.3 Million for Debris Removal After Hurricane Isaías
RALEIGH, N.C. – The State of North Carolina and FEMA have approved $1,345,667 to reimburse the Town of Oak Island for removing debris from public rights-of-way after Hurricane Isaías last year.
Funds for the project cover the townwide disposal of 49,373 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 13,021 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, 2,575 hazardous hanging limbs and 34 leaning trees. FEMA’s share for the projects is $1,009,250 and the state’s share is $336,416.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants for state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations to reimburse the cost of debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent repair work.
Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program. FEMA reimburses applicants at least 75 percent of eligible costs and the remaining 25 percent is covered by the state. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.
For more information on North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Isaías, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4568. Follow us on Twitter: @NCEmergency and @FEMARegion4.
neily.chapman Wed, 05/19/2021 - 15:23Department of Housing and Community Development Receives Nearly $7 Million FEMA Grant
REGION I – In support of Massachusetts’ efforts to safely house residents during the pandemic, FEMA recently granted the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) $6,945,280 to reimburse operators of three Boston area shelters which undertook emergency actions to keep clients safe during the pandemic.
Shortly after Governor Baker issued a State of Emergency declaration on March 10, 2020 in response to COVID-19, the DHCD instructed shelters to institute health and safety precautions issued by the state’s Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The DHCD contracted with shelters across the state to provide safe sheltering for high-risk populations vulnerable to COVID-19. To provide the required non-congregate housing, some shelters had to re-configure their existing buildings into CDC-compliant facilities to lessen the likelihood of outbreaks of the virus by providing living spaces with privacy for residents.
This cost reimbursement covers expenses from Casa Myrna, Father Bill’s and Pine Street Inn shelter providers converted their existing operations to non-congregate shelters, during the pandemic. This transition from a traditional shelter required operators to incur significant costs to take medically necessary steps such as depopulation, maximizing social distance, increased hours of operation and heightened cleaning.
FEMA’s Region I Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford applauded Massachusetts and the DHCD for acting quickly to house vulnerable populations. “It was critical to get this high-risk population into CDC-compliant shelters and give them space and privacy to prevent them from contracting or spreading this deadly virus. FEMA fully supports the state’s efforts to bring COVID under control.”
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, 05/19/2021 - 15:22FEMA, State approve $21.7 million for Baldwin County debris removal after Hurricane Sally
MONTGOMERY, Ala -- FEMA and the State of Alabama have approved $21,710,458 to reimburse Baldwin County for debris removal after Hurricane Sally.
During the incident period, Hurricane Sally made landfall with hurricane force winds, and heavy rain, which deposited significant debris throughout the State of AL. This created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public. In response to the event, the County utilized Contracts to conduct the debris removal and monitoring in the heavily impacted areas. The debris removal operations collected approximately 1,700,796 Cubic Yards of Vegetative Debris and 48,080.5 CY of construction and demolition debris, from County roads, right-of-ways, and public property throughout the jurisdiction. The applicant contractors, removed the debris to thirteen temporary staging areas, mulched, with final removal to four permitted landfill facilities.
This work for debris removal was performed during the period of 9/23/2020 through 10/31/2020.
FEMA’s share of the grant is 75 percent, or $16,282,844 with the remainder funded by state and local and county governments.
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 recover from major disasters or emergencies.
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects. Applicants work directly with FEMA to identify damages, develop project worksheets, develop scopes of work, and provide required documentation to validate eligible damages and costs. Once the applicant provides the required documentation and it is validated FEMA can begin dispersing funds. Following approvals by FEMA and AEMA, FEMA obligates funding for the project.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
brianasummer.fenton Tue, 05/18/2021 - 22:13FEMA, State approve $9.7 million for Fairhope debris removal after Hurricane Sally
MONTGOMERY, Ala -- FEMA and the State of Alabama have approved $9,797,206 to reimburse the City of Fairhope for debris removal after Hurricane Sally.
The funds reimburse the city for expenses removing 547,885 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 7,058 hazardous limbs and 374 trees from public roads, property, and rights of way throughout the city.
FEMA’s share of the grant is 75 percent, or $7,347,905, with the remainder funded by state and local and county governments.
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 recover from major disasters or emergencies.
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects. Applicants work directly with FEMA to identify damages, develop project worksheets, develop scopes of work, and provide required documentation to validate eligible damages and costs. Once the applicant provides the required documentation and it is validated FEMA can begin dispersing funds. Following approvals by FEMA and AEMA, FEMA obligates funding for the project.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
brianasummer.fenton Tue, 05/18/2021 - 22:09FEMA, State approve $6.6 million for Orange Beach debris removal after Hurricane Sally
MONTGOMERY, Ala -- FEMA and the State of Alabama have approved $6,681,233 to reimburse the City of Orange Beach for debris removal after Hurricane Sally.
The funds reimburse the city for expenses removing 199,698 Cubic Yards of Vegetative Debris and 144,996 CY of construction and demolition debris, 1406 tons of white goods, 227 tons of e-waste, and 35.57 tons of hazardous household waste from City roads, right-of-ways and public property throughout the applicant’s jurisdiction.
FEMA’s share of the grant is 75 percent, or $5,010,925, with the remainder funded by state and local and county governments.
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 recover from major disasters or emergencies.
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects. Applicants work directly with FEMA to identify damages, develop project worksheets, develop scopes of work, and provide required documentation to validate eligible damages and costs. Once the applicant provides the required documentation and it is validated FEMA can begin dispersing funds. Following approvals by FEMA and AEMA, FEMA obligates funding for the project.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
brianasummer.fenton Tue, 05/18/2021 - 22:05FEMA Provides Over $13.3 Million to Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
REGION 1 – FEMA awarded a $13,346,629 grant to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston for the cost of its COVID-19 response. The Center is a patient care, teaching and research affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and part of the Beth Israel Lahey Health System.
The grant covered the cost of patient treatment and care, along with personal protective equipment including hand sanitizers, antibacterial wipes, and soap.
“We are pleased to provide this grant to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We will continue working closely with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in our shared efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
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.
FEMA obligated more than $2 billion related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts, as of May 6.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
adrien.urbani Tue, 05/18/2021 - 19:50FEMA Awards Indian River County $2.33 Million for Hurricane Dorian Beach Renourishment
FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the county for the cost of installing 72,200 cubic yards of engineered beach and dune sand over a 6.6-mile area.
The program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.
The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with subrecipients such as local and county governments.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
barbara.murien… Tue, 05/18/2021 - 19:31FEMA approves $36.3 million in Hurricane Michael Public Assistance grants
PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved grants totaling $36,331,673 to reimburse recovery expenses in Florida for Hurricane Michael in 2018.
Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance program will provide the following reimbursements:
- Bay County: $1,044,002 for the cost of demolishing and replacing the county's hurricane-damaged courthouse annex.
- The former Bay Medical Center: $2,380,735 for repairs to the Tom Cooley building, including removing and replacing hurricane-damaged roofing, flooring, insulation, windows and lighting fixtures. Bay Medical Center was acquired by Ascension and Sacred Heart Health System in March 2019.
- Palm Bay Education Group, Inc (school-Palm Bay Prep Academy): $6,432,733 for repairs to classrooms, gymnasium and shed, and replacement of the auditorium.
- West Florida Electric Cooperative Association Inc.: $25,045,607 for repairs to hurricane-damaged electrical grids, including repairs to electrical power poles, power distribution lines and transformers caused by high winds, rain and flooding.
- West Florida Electric Cooperative Association Inc.: $1,428,596 for repairs to hurricane-damaged street and safety lighting.
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.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
barbara.murien… Tue, 05/18/2021 - 19:22FEMA and VDH Partner with Virginia Beach Public Schools and Portsmouth Public Schools to Expand Access to Vaccines for 12+
NORFOLK — FEMA, along with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia Beach Public Schools (VBPS), as well as the Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS), are partnering to provide opportunities for young adults 12+ to receive their Pfizer vaccine onsite at eleven Virginia Beach High Schools and three Portsmouth High Schools.
May 18-20, Portsmouth Public Schools will hold vaccine events to allow students, freshmen through seniors, to receive their 1st dose of the Pfizer vaccine at their home schools. The three schools participating in the event are I.C. Norcom, Woodrow Wilson, and Churchland High Schools. For more information on school clinic locations, dates, times, and the required consent form that must be completed, signed, and returned to each child’s school, please visit ppsk12.us.
May 18-21, Virginia Beach Public Schools will hold vaccine events to allow students, freshmen through seniors, to receive their 1st dose of the Pfizer vaccine at their home schools. The eleven schools participating in the event are Bayside, Cox, First Colonial, Green Run, Kellam, Kempsville, Landstown, Ocean Lakes, Princess Anne, Salem, as well as Tallwood High School. For more information on school clinic locations, dates, times, and the required consent form that must be completed, signed, and returned to each child’s school, please visit vbschools.com.
In addition to the vaccine event next week, vaccines are still available at the FEMA-supported Military Circle Mall through May 22:
Vaccines Available at Military Circle Mall, Open Daily (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.) through May 22:
Single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (18+)
1st Doses of Pfizer (12+)
2nd Doses of Pfizer
Walk-ins are welcome (those interested in getting vaccinated must bring a valid ID or any document that provides proof of name).
Reasonable accommodation for people with access and functional needs is available as well as information and onsite interpretation in a variety of languages, including American Sign Language.
For information on all available clinics visit https://vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 1-877-829-4682.
For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3
gabriel.lugo Tue, 05/18/2021 - 19:18
FEMA Reimburses Bridgeport Hospital $8 Million for Emergency COVID-19 Work
REGION I – FEMA is reimbursing Bridgeport Hospital $8,440,919 to cover costs the hospital incurred at the start of the country’s battle against COVID-19. Covered under the reimbursement are actions the hospital quickly took from January 20 until June 30, 2020 to ramp up its facilities and equipment to meet the sudden onslaught of COVID-19 cases.
Faced with this unparalleled emergency, the hospital provided an Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the logistics for the care and treatment of COVID patients, a disease testing and triage center at both its Bridgeport and Milford sites for patient care, and converted rooms for the specialized care of COVID patients. The hospital is also being reimbursed for the purchase of medical equipment and accessories, PPE, the rental of beds and stretchers, the installation of security cameras, the purchase of meals and lodging for staff caring for COVID patients, and disinfectants and staff to maintain a heightened state of cleanliness.
Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford noted, “The steps Bridgeport Hospital took to care for its COVID patients will stand it in good stead for regular hospital traffic or any future health crisis. FEMA is pleased to support the hospital in amplifying its disaster readiness.”
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 Tue, 05/18/2021 - 19:17Vermont’s Emergency Feeding Program Receives Grant for More Than $1.9 Million
REGION 1 – FEMA recently awarded a $1,947,350 grant to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development for the State of Vermont’s innovative Emergency Feeding Program.
The grant covers the state’s Vermont Everyone Eats (VEE) Program, which provided nutritious meals to high-risk populations impacted by COVID-19 throughout Vermont from March 15 to April 11 of this year.
The program launched in August 2020 to leverage Vermont’s independent restaurants and robust system of farms and food producers to help feed Vermonters and families in need across the state. Since then, $10 million has been generated for more than 200 local restaurants to help feed Vermonters experiencing food insecurity.
On April 29, VEE-administered by Westminster-based Southeastern Vermont Community Action , celebrated 1 million restaurant meals served to Vermonters in crisis. The statewide program on-the-ground community “hubs” in each of the 14 Vermont counties has over 130 distribution sites managed by 18 regional partners.
This project was funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which reimburses eligible applicants for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a major disaster. Eligible applicants include states, local governments, Tribes, territories and certain private non-profit organizations.
“We are pleased to provide funds to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development to help accomplish the mission of feeding Vermonters who are struggling as a result of COVID-19,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations throughout New England. “We will continue to work closely with the agency and the State of Vermont as our shared efforts to respond to this pandemic continues.”
FEMA also announced on April 29 a $1,972,612 grant to the agency for the State of Vermont’s Emergency Feeding Program to high-risk populations impacted by COVID-19 statewide from Jan. 18 to March 14, 2021.
FEMA has obligated more than $321 million related to the pandemic in Vermont, as of May 13.
Additional information about FEMA’s PA Program is at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
adrien.urbani Tue, 05/18/2021 - 17:07COVID-19 vaccine now widely available; Community Vaccination Centers to close soon
ATLANTA - The last day for individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at the Community Vaccination Centers at the Gateway Mall in Jacksonville, Miami Dade College, Tampa Greyhound Track and Valencia College in Orlando is May 25.
The centers, operated by the State of Florida and supported by FEMA, are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Individuals can simply walk up without an appointment to receive a vaccination.
“We appreciate the work of everyone who helped these centers provide vaccinations to so many people,” said Gracia Szczech, FEMA Region IV Administrator. “The centers were established in locations accessible to socially vulnerable populations and they were successful in their mission. Now, FEMA will continue to support the State of Florida 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 Tue, 05/18/2021 - 17:02COVID-19 vaccine now widely available; Community Vaccination Center to close soon
The last day for individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at the Community Vaccination Center at the Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro is May 27.
The center, operated by the State of North Carolina and supported by FEMA, is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 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 North 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 Tue, 05/18/2021 - 16:19FEMA Announces Operational Guidance for Disaster Response and Recovery in Pandemic Environment
FEMA released the “COVID-19 Pandemic Operational Guidance: All-Hazards Incident Response and Recovery,” a document aimed at helping emergency managers plan for disaster response and recovery, while adhering to public health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
For more than a year, the emergency management community has been operating in a pandemic environment, and FEMA has emphasized the importance of all state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) governments applying lessons learned from 2020, as they prepare for operations in 2021. To aid in that effort, this document serves as a tool for governments, outlining not only guidance based on lessons learned and best practices, but also guidance related to new priorities that have arisen in recent months. This document builds upon the guidance released last year and:
- Describes continued challenges to disaster operations posed by COVID-19 and planning considerations, based on science and the best available data, for emergency managers in addressing those challenges.
- Outlines considerations for SLTT governments related to planning COVID-19 testing and vaccination operations. This includes an overview of how FEMA supports SLTTs to establish and operate testing facilities and vaccination sites that ensure fair and equitable distribution of vaccines to all individuals who want one.
- Provides updated resources (e.g., checklists, reports, and other guidance) reflecting current lessons learned and best practices for operating in a pandemic environment to enable emergency managers to best adapt response and recovery plans.
- Outlines how FEMA plans to continue adapting response and recovery operations to the evolving COVID-19 risks to ensure prioritization for life safety, life sustainment, workforce protection and to maintain the delivery of FEMA’s programs.
FEMA is offering a series of webinars throughout the month of June to further educate people on the pandemic operational guidance:
- Webinar 1 – 10 a.m. ET, Thursday, June 3.
- Webinar 2 – 3 p.m. ET, Tuesday, June 8.
- Webinar 3 – 11 a.m. ET, Thursday, June 10.
- Webinar 4 – 7 p.m. ET, Wednesday, June 16.
- Webinar 5 – 1 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 17.
FEMA will continue operating under the framework of locally executed, state/tribal managed and federal supported incident response. By creating a shared understanding of expectations among FEMA and state, local, tribal and territorial partners, the nation will be better positioned to achieve operational outcomes in disaster response and recovery efforts.
mayshaunt.gary Mon, 05/17/2021 - 21:21