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DHS News and Updates
Two Weeks Remain for Homeowners, Renters and Businesses to Apply for Disaster Assistance
BATON ROUGE, La. – If you are a Louisiana homeowner, renter or business owner who sustained property damage or loss caused by severe winter storms in February, you have two weeks left to register and apply for federal disaster assistance.
Residents who were temporarily forced from their homes because of utility failures should also register with FEMA. Reimbursement for hotel or other temporary rental expenses may be possible
The deadline to register for assistance from FEMA and to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration is Monday, May 10.
Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but eligible homeowners and renters may be able to receive a grant from FEMA for losses not covered by insurance to help pay for basic home repairs, temporary rental assistance and other needs such as replacing personal property.
Individuals and businesses in parishes included in the Louisiana federal disaster declaration for the winter storms may still register for assistance or update 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 to DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Calling the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY) anytime from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should alert FEMA as to the specific number assigned to that service.
- Download the FEMA Mobile App by texting ANDROID or APPLE to 43362.
For the latest information on the Winter Storms, visit Louisiana Severe Winter Storms (DR-4590-LA). Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.
stuart.lewis Tue, 04/27/2021 - 14:06Deanne Criswell Takes Oath as FEMA's 12th Administrator
WASHINGTON -- Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas swore in Deanne Criswell as FEMA’s 12th Administrator, the first woman confirmed to serve in this role.
Administrator Criswell took the oath this evening after receiving unanimous support from the Senate. As Administrator, she is tasked with reducing the loss of life and property, protecting the nation from all hazards and leading the nation through a comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation.
She joins FEMA at a critical juncture as the agency continues to coordinate COVID-19 vaccination efforts, support the Department in its humanitarian efforts at the southern border and prepare for future disasters like the upcoming hurricane season.
“Deanne’s career is one of commitment and service to our nation,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “That commitment now rises to the next level of leading the dedicated people of FEMA as they continue working to meet unprecedented challenges. I have full confidence in her ability to lead FEMA with compassion, fairness, integrity and respect as she works to fulfill the agency’s ever-important mission: helping people before, during and after disasters. It is my honor to welcome Administrator Criswell to the Department of Homeland Security.”
With more than 25 years of leadership experience in emergency management, including serving as the Commissioner for New York City Emergency Management, as a member of the Colorado Air National Guard and deployed to numerous disaster assignments with FEMA, she also worked as a local firefighter and managed the Aurora, Colorado, office of emergency management.
“I believe the best way to balance the competing demands is to make risk reduction investments to build more resilient communities and infrastructure, including against the threat of climate change,” Criswell said during her confirmation hearing. “As an emergency manager, I have always focused on keeping families and communities safe. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to help the people of this country.”
zella.campbell Tue, 04/27/2021 - 12:56FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the Commonwealth of Virginia
Philadelphia – The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the North Anna Power Station. The exercise will occur during the week of May 4, 2021 to assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Virginia to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.
“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said Janice Barlow, Acting Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone and the 50-mile Ingestion Pathway Zone within the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.
FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 9:00 a.m. on May 7, 2021. Due to the Public Health Emergency the meeting will be conducted in a virtual format via Zoom. Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA.
Access to the public meeting is provided below:
https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1618697623
Meeting ID: 161 869 7623
Passcode: 059737
At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:
Janice P. Barlow
Acting Regional Administrtor
FEMA Region III
615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.
REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.
Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
gabriel.lugo Mon, 04/26/2021 - 21:26President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Alabama
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Alabama to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from March 25-26, 2021.
The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bibb, Calhoun, Clay, Hale, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph and Shelby counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Allan Jarvis has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.
mayshaunt.gary Mon, 04/26/2021 - 20:47An SBA Loan Application Could Bring More FEMA Grant Assistance
BATON ROUGE, La. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application holds many benefits for disaster survivors who register for federal assistance. An applicant who is referred to the SBA during the initial FEMA registration process is expected to complete an application. If the person chooses not to apply, the federal funding process stops at that point. If they apply and are turned down for a low-interest disaster loan, this may open the door to an additional grant from FEMA. Submitting an SBA loan application keeps the full range of disaster assistance available as an option.
If SBA does not approve a loan for you - or approves a small loan that doesn't cover all of your needs - you may be offered FEMA grants to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, cover storage expenses or meet other serious disaster-related needs.
No one is obligated to accept a loan. But the SBA application may be the basis of referrals to other grant programs. If you received a referral to the SBA it’s important to fill it out online and submit it to the SBA by Monday, May 10.
There are important reasons to complete the application and send it to the SBA, even if you think you don’t currently need a loan:
- You may be underinsured. You may discover in the next few weeks that you were underinsured for the amount of work required to repair or replace your home. An SBA low-interest disaster loan may cover the difference. In other words, the SBA will bridge the gap between your recovery costs and the settlement amount. Apply with the SBA to keep your options open. SBA offers loans for homeowners up to $200,000 to repair or replace their 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 refinance of 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 $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances that were damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
For businesses and private nonprofit organizations, there are loans available:
- For businesses of any size and private nonprofit organizations - up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets that were damaged or destroyed.
- For small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations - up to $2 million for working capital needs, even if they had no property damage, with a $2 million maximum loan for any combination of property damage and working capital needs.
- Economic Injury - only for small businesses and most private non-profit organizations suffering adverse financial impacts of the disaster (with or without property loss), up to $2 million for working capital to help pay obligations until normal operations resume.
Businesses and residents can apply online at Disaster assistance (sba.gov). For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.
For the latest on the Winter Storms, visit Louisiana Severe Winter Storms (DR-4590-LA). Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.
stuart.lewis Mon, 04/26/2021 - 17:39Still Need Housing Assistance? FEMA Needs to Hear from You
Applicants should call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
FEMA is working on housing approximately 700 families who remain on the list of applicants eligible for direct temporary housing.
Applicants may be eligible for direct temporary housing if they are homeowners or renters whose home:
- Was destroyed or had major damage (total loss or damaged structurally and is not safe, sanitary and functional to live in) as a result of hurricane Laura or Delta (based on the FEMA determination); and are
- Pre-disaster residents of one of the twelve parishes designated for the Direct Temporary Housing program: Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jefferson Davis, Rapides, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion and Vernon.
FEMA needs to hear from those:
- Applicants whose home was destroyed or received major damage from the hurricanes (based on the FEMA determination) and have not been contacted by FEMA to determine whether they need temporary housing.
- Applicants who initially indicated they did not need temporary housing assistance, but circumstances have changed, and they may now need housing assistance.
- Applicants who FEMA has been unable to contact to complete the interview. If you think you should have heard from FEMA or have additional information about the condition of your home,
The deadline to contact FEMA regarding temporary housing assistance is Friday, May 28.
Applicants can contact FEMA by calling the Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should alert FEMA as to the specific number assigned to that service.
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit Louisiana Hurricane Laura (DR-4559-LA). For the latest information on information on Hurricane Delta, visit Louisiana Hurricane Delta (DR-4570-LA). Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at FEMA Region 6 (@FEMARegion6) / Twitter.
stuart.lewis Mon, 04/26/2021 - 17:3350,000+ Lifesaving Vaccines Administered at the Greenbelt Metro Community Vaccination Center
GREENBELT, Md. – In just three weeks, vaccinators at the Greenbelt Metro Community Vaccination Center (CVC) have administered more than 50,000 shots to help bring the world closer to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.
The federally operated center is a joint effort between the State of Maryland, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It has showcased a great partnership with great results in its first three weeks of operation.
“The Greenbelt CVC has been an extremely successful collaboration with the state for the COVID-19 vaccine mission, highlighted by the results we are seeing every day,” said Acting Regional Administration, Janice P. Barlow. “People are so happy to get vaccinated, and it is a pleasure and privilege to serve them. This partnership of federal, state and local agencies has saved thousands of lives and increased the equitable distribution of the vaccine.”
This Type 2 center can provide up to 3,000 vaccinations every day. It is open for those with appointments as well as anyone who walks in. Staff will assist individuals to register for both first and second vaccinations.
The CVC is staffed by FEMA Civil Rights Advisors and Disability Integration Advisors to ensure the vaccination process is accessible and equitable. On-site American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI), Sensory Interpreters are available. For spoken languages, interpreters are here to assist with Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Igbo, Twi, Fanti, Akan and Ewe. Wheelchairs, modesty rooms and expedited services are provided when requested.
Volunteers from several organizations, as well as local individuals who sign up for a four-hour shift, accompany visitors who need assistance during the 15-30-minute process at the site.
The Greenbelt Metro Community Vaccination Center is open seven days a week and walk-ins are welcome. The hours of operation are Monday-Tuesday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Wednesday-Thursday from noon – 8 p.m.; and Friday- Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Register for an appointment by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov or calling: 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829). Those between the ages of 16 and 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive a vaccination.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
gabriel.lugo Mon, 04/26/2021 - 17:21Greenbelt Metro Community Vaccination Center Speaks Your Language
GREENBELT – Nothing is more important – and reassuring – than being understood.
The Greenbelt Community Vaccination Center (CVC) continues working to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine can ask for one, offering live on-demand American Sign Language interpreters (ASL) and Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI) for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Interpreters for spoken languages can assist speakers of Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, French, Twi, Igbo, and Yoruba. Interpretation for additional languages is available with over-the-phone interpreters for 187 languages. These services are available every day of the week during the center’s hours of operation. “Together we are providing the community equitable access to receive their vaccines and without our volunteer agencies it wouldn’t be possible. By working together, we are ensuring that our mission has a positive impact on the communities we are serving,” said Joe Basham, Voluntary Agencies Liaison for FEMA at Greenbelt.
“Ensuring access and equity informs every aspect of our operation at the Greenbelt CVC,” said April Cummings, FEMA site manager. “Our goal is to reduce any barriers that might prevent someone from getting a vaccination.”
“We have full-time staff dedicated to providing for our guests’ functional needs,” said Joseph Sledgeski, who supervises disability and functional needs programs at vaccination sites for the Maryland Department of Health. “By working with FEMA and our local partners on accessibility issues, we are taking one more step to ensuring that vaccines are available to all who want them.”
The CVC also offers a safe and positive environment, including signage with directions for persons with access and functional needs and non-English-speaking guests throughout the facility. Wheelchairs are readily available to those who need them, and expedited services and modesty rooms are also available when requested.
Equity is at the core of the FEMA mission, as the agency strives with the State of Maryland, Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine can get one.
The Greenbelt, Maryland Community Vaccination Center is open seven days a week and walk-ins are welcome. The hours of operation are Monday-Tuesday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Wednesday-Thursday from noon – 8 p.m.; and Friday- Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Register for an appointment by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov or calling: 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829). Those between the ages of 16 and 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive a vaccination.
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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 Mon, 04/26/2021 - 17:17Volunteers Are the Heart of the Greenbelt Maryland Vaccination Center
Greenbelt, Maryland – Nothing is more rewarding than giving your time to help a community.
Voluntary organizations and individual volunteers play a key role at the Greenbelt, Maryland Community Vaccination Center where they are helping the site reach its goal of providing 3,000 COVID-19 vaccinations each day. Working alongside federal, state, and local staff, are organizations like the American Red Cross, AmeriCorps, the U. S. Veteran Reserve Corps, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as well as local individuals volunteering through Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MD VOAD). This generosity of spirit and commitment are celebrated especially during National Volunteer Week, April 18-24.
“Together we are providing the community equitable access to receive their vaccines and without our volunteer agencies it wouldn’t be possible. By working together, we are ensuring that our mission has a positive impact on the communities we are serving,” said Joe Basham, Voluntary Agencies Liaison for FEMA at Greenbelt.
Local individuals may register with MD VOAD at www.marylandvoad.org to work 4-hour shifts at the facility. These volunteers will provide non-clinical support and may serve as greeters providing information sheets, directions, or assistance to individuals with access and functional needs.
Register for an appointment by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov or calling: 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829). Those between the ages of 16 and 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive a vaccination.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
gabriel.lugo Sat, 04/24/2021 - 17:34President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Kentucky
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Kentucky to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from Feb. 27 through March 14.
The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Johnson, Lee, Magoffin, Martin, and Powell Counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides.
Federal funding is also available to the state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Cumberland, Elliott, Floyd, Franklin, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Magoffin, Marion, Martin, Mason, Morgan, Ohio, Pike, Powell, Rockcastle, and Wolfe Counties.
Emergency protective measures, including any direct federal assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
John Brogan 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.
luther.wills-dudich Sat, 04/24/2021 - 00:34FEMA COVID-19 Update
Currently, there are 34 active or temporarily closed federal community vaccination centers and 40 mobile pop-up centers in 28 states. Additionally, 10 mobile vaccination units are operating in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico and Oregon, bringing vaccinations to hard-to-reach and high-risk populations who cannot access services from fixed sites. Two units in South Dakota are supporting the Indian Health Services mission to vaccinate tribal communities across the Great Plains. These centers and units have administered more than 3.8 million vaccinations. Since March 30, mobile units have delivered more than 18,400 vaccines to individuals.
On April 21, President Biden announced a tax credit for small and medium-sized businesses to fully offset the cost of paid leave for employees to get vaccinated and recover from any after-effects of vaccination. This tax credit will apply to nearly half of all private sector employees in America.
The Internal Revenue Service created a fact sheet and the Department of the Treasury has created a snapshot to educate employers on how to claim the paid sick leave credit on their quarterly tax filings.
Funeral Assistance
On April 12, FEMA began processing applications for funeral assistance, providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020.
Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9a.m. to 9p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Please note, phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.
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- Multilingual services are available. The assistance line has helped applicants in nearly 40 languages.
- It is important that FEMA is able to contact applicants, so callers should ensure their contact information is correct. Callers who use a relay service, videophone or captioned telephones should provide their specific number assigned to that service.
As of April 22, FEMA has received more than 130,000 funeral assistance applications and has awarded more than $16,000.
FEMA Seeks Public Comments on Future Program Delivery
On April 22, to meet requirements of three Executive Orders, FEMA released a request for information to ensure that its programs, regulations and policies contain necessary, properly tailored and up-to-date requirements that effectively achieve the agency’s mission in a manner that furthers the goals of advancing equity for all:
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- EO 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.
- EO 13990 on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis.
- EO 14008 on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.
Feedback on the executive orders can be submitted through June 21 via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, Docket ID: FEMA-2021-0011.
mayshaunt.gary Fri, 04/23/2021 - 20:57More Than $2.7 Million Awarded to Yale New Haven Hospital for COVID-19 Expenses
REGION 1 – Yale New Haven Hospital received $2,700,432 from FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program at a 100% reimbursement for the costs of COVID-19 emergency response. The costs were associated with procedures conducted through April 30, 2020 under the major disaster declaration issued for the State of Connecticut.
The grant for the private nonprofit teaching hospital with two campuses covers reimbursements for the cost of a patient call-in center; a command center; facility expansion and disinfection; staff training, personal protective equipment; screening and testing sites; specimen-collection points; emergency transport; rental of beds and stretchers; disseminating public information; meals for employees; and security.
“Yale New Haven Hospital is the largest acute care provider in southern Connecticut and the primary teaching hospital for Yale School of Medicine,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We and our partners in the state of Connecticut are thankful the hospital took these actions to save many lives.”
FEMA’s PA Program obligated more than $19.6 million in 164 projects related to the pandemic in Connecticut, as of April 15. Additional information about the 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 Fri, 04/23/2021 - 20:52FEMA Focuses on Equitable Vaccination Availability in Southern Colorado
DENVER – In keeping with the foundation of FEMA’s mission to help people, the federal vaccination site in Pueblo is expanding its efforts. In addition to the main facility at the Colorado State Fairgrounds, temporary pop-up locations will be set up to reach more individuals. Pre-scheduling appointments are encouraged but not necessary, walk up service is available at these locations. This effort is intended to increase vaccination opportunities and help ensure equitable vaccine access to residents of Pueblo and surrounding communities.
Focused outreach includes working with Pueblo County School Districts 60 and 70 to bring vaccination clinics to schools within their footprint. This outreach made vaccinations available for students age 16 and up, parents, guardians and others in the community to receive the vaccine at a more convenient time and place. The first two events were held at Pueblo West and Rye High Schools on April 20 and 21.
"This is a busy time of year, especially for students," said Nancy Dragani, acting Regional Administrator. “Collaborating with school districts and other partners to bring vaccination clinics to students and neighborhoods is one more way we are making vaccines available to everyone.”
In addition to several schools in the area, an upcoming event is planned at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. More events are being scheduled at schools, churches, and community centers across the Pueblo area.
This site is the only federal pilot site in the State of Colorado and FEMA Region 8. It includes an Army medical team and other support units.
anthony.mayne Fri, 04/23/2021 - 20:21FEMA Seeks Public Comments On Future Program Delivery
WASHINGTON - - FEMA is seeking public comments on how the agency’s programs deal with climate change and underserved communities and populations.
Earlier this year, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. released three executive orders, 13985, 13990 and 14008, requiring agencies to assess existing programs and policies to determine the following:
- If agency programs and policies perpetuate systemic barriers to opportunities and benefits for people of color and other underserved groups.
- If additional agency actions are required to bolster resilience to climate change.
- If agency programs, policies and activities address the disproportionately high and adverse climate-related impacts on disadvantaged communities.
In seeking input, FEMA posted in the Federal Register a Request for Information (RFI)that contains a list of questions. The answers will assist FEMA in identifying specific programs, regulations and/or policies that may benefit from modification, streamlining, expansion or repeal to better address climate change and underserved communities and populations.
With the increasing severity and number of large-scale disasters in recent years, that may in part be from climate change, it is essential to reevaluate the agency’s programs. These efforts may help to reduce unnecessary barriers to participation and effectiveness, to serve all communities, to increase equity and to promote preparedness and resilience.
FEMA encourages public comment on and responses to these questions and seeks any other data commenters have that may be relevant to these review efforts.
The type of feedback most useful to the agency identifies specific programs, regulations, information collections and/or policies that could benefit from reform. Additionally, feedback should refer to specific barriers to participation; address how to improve risk perception; offer actionable data; and specify viable alternatives to existing approaches that meet statutory obligations.
To help the public and stakeholders understand how to submit feedback, FEMA will be hosting a series of webinars to explain the executive orders and the RFI process. These webinars will also explain the type of information needed to respond appropriately and will be announced in the coming days.
Feedback on the executive orders will be open through June 21, 2021. Comments may be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, Docket ID: FEMA-2021-0011. Participants should follow the instructions for submitting comments.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 04/22/2021 - 21:16Paulding County, Ohio Residents Invited to Attend Flood Map Open House
CHICAGO – Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Virtual Flood Map Information Open House on May 5, 2021, for communities in Paulding County. The open house will give residents the chance to review preliminary versions of a recently completed Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood (also known as the 1-percent-annual-chance event) information, designate areas that are subject to significant flood hazards within areas of the county and offer information that public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain.
At the virtual open house, representatives from various local, state and federal agencies will provide the most current information about flood risk, flood insurance, floodplain development regulations and the process for floodplain mapping within Paulding County. The newly prepared preliminary floodplain maps can also be reviewed at the meeting. Once the maps become effective, they will be used as the basis for flood insurance ratings as well as local flood protection regulations adopted under the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA also intends that they be used as tools to assist planning processes and outreach efforts to quickly respond to and recover from future events. Details for the Paulding County meeting are as follows:
WHAT: Paulding County—Virtual Flood Map Information Open House meeting
WHEN: May 5, 2021, from 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. ET WHERE: Visit www.zoom.com and enter the following meeting ID and passcode. This requires registering for a free Zoom account. Meeting ID: 945 2672 7822, Password: 646957 https://stantec.zoom.us/j/94526727822?pwd=bGZRNjhVOVE4eDZHQjc2YlkzRDd6dz09
You may also call into the meeting using one of the following telephone numbers and entering the meeting ID and passcode shown above. Long-distance charges may apply.
(301) 715-8592 (312) 626-6799 (646) 876-9923
Property owners, Realtors, lenders and insurance agents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Digital files of the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.
The electronic version of materials from this meeting will be accessible to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, etc.), please make your request at least 48 hours before the event. Last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to fulfill. Send an email with any reasonable accommodation request to FEMA-Region5-FloodInsuranceOutreach@fema.dhs.gov.
For more information, contact the FEMA News Desk at FEMA-R5-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
troy.christensen Thu, 04/22/2021 - 20:46FEMA is Supporting Several COVID-19 Vaccination Sites for Hampton Road Residents
Norfolk, Virginia — FEMA continues support to the vaccination mission in Hampton Roads with additional temporary clinics opening in the coming days to ensure access and equity in providing the essential COVID-19 vaccine.
St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church (April 24th and April 25th), Virginia Beach, VA
A clinic will be available at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church April 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday April 25th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. without an appointment. The church is located at 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd. Free Pfizer vaccines will be administered at the gymnasium and free onsite parking will be available. For more information: FEMA Ensures Equitable Access to Free COVID-19 Vaccine with Temporary Vaccination Site | FEMA.gov
First Baptist Church South Hill (April 26 - May 1), Chesapeake, VA
A clinic will be available at the First Baptist Church South Hill April 26 through May 1. Residents may receive their free Pfizer vaccine at this center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. without an appointment. The church is located at 3633 Galberry Road in Chesapeake, VA.
Those interested in confirming their appointment time in advance can do so at the following links:
- Monday, April 26, 2021- First Baptist Church South Hill
- Tuesday, April 27, 2021- First Baptist Church South Hill
- Wednesday, April 28, 2021- First Baptist Church South Hill
- Thursday, April 29, 2021- First Baptist Church South Hill
- Friday, April 30, 2021- First Baptist Church South Hill
- Saturday, May 1, 2021- First Baptist Church South Hill
Gethsemane Baptist Church (April 26 - April 30), Newport News, VA
A clinic will be available at the Gethsemane Baptist Church April 26 through April 30. Residents may receive their free Pfizer vaccine at this center from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. without an appointment. The church is located at 5405 Roanoke Ave, Newport News, VA 23605.
Those interested in confirming their appointment time in advance can do so at the following links:
- 4/26 Monday, April 26, 2021- Gethsemane Baptist Church
- 4/27 Tuesday, April 27, 2021- Gethsemane Baptist Church
- 4/28 Wednesday, April 28, 2021-Gethsemane Baptist Church
- 4/29 Thursday, April 29, 2021- Gethsemane Baptist Church
- 4/30 Friday, April 30, 2021- Gethsemane Baptist Church
Military Circle Mall (April 21- 24, April 26- May 1), Norfolk, VA
The FEMA-supported Community Vaccination Center located at Military Circle Mall be closed on Sunday, April 25. On Monday, April 26 residents can continue receiving their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the site through May 1 and second doses through May 22. The Military Circle Mall vaccination center is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. Visit COVID Vaccine Information | City of Norfolk, Virginia - Official Website for additional information.
All Hampton Roads residents over the age of 16 can are eligible to receive their free vaccine at the Military Circle Mall location and the offsite clinics. Individuals who are 16 or 17 will need to have a parent or guardian with them at the vaccination site in order to receive the vaccine.
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 clinic visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or they 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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amanda.hancher Thu, 04/22/2021 - 20:21FEMA COVID-19 Update
WASHINGTON -- FEMA continues its push to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine can get one, as the nation approaches President Biden’s goal of 200 million vaccinations in 100 days. FEMA continues partnering with state, local and tribal governments to open additional federal community vaccination center pilot sites, which include federal support and supplemental vaccine allocation.
FEMA helped deliver more than 3.7 million shots and is supporting 1,351 community vaccine centers across the country. Today, federal community vaccination center pilot centers are opening in Bessemer, Alabama; Tulsa, Oklahoma and Central Point, Oregon.
Additionally, FEMA mobile vaccination units continue bringing vaccinations to hard-to-reach and high-risk populations who cannot access services from fixed sites, delivering more than 16,000 vaccines to individuals to date. Ten mobile vaccination units are currently operating in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and South Dakota.
Find vaccine updates in your community and more information from your local health department to confirm if you can get a vaccine. You can find a list of places where adults can get a vaccine. Visit FEMA.Gov for detailed information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.
FEMA remains committed to helping ease some of the financial stress created by the pandemic, providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. The agency has received more than 120,000 applications since the program launched last week.
Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9a.m. to 9p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. Callers who use a relay service, videophone or captioned telephones should provide their specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA can contact applicants. Please note that phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.
Additionally, the application period for $110 million in Emergency Food and Shelter Program supplemental funding is now open. Nonprofits, faith-based, and government organizations that provide shelter, food, transportation, basic heath and first aid, COVID-19 testing and associated medical care needed during quarantine and isolation and other supportive services may apply.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 04/22/2021 - 16:16FEMA approves $7.18 million for Bay District Schools Hurricane Michael recovery expenses
PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved $7,184,574 to reimburse Bay District Schools for emergency protective measures resulting from Hurricane Michael.
The funds reimburse the district for the cost of inspections and emergency repairs to 42 buildings throughout the system, as well as water remediation to those facilities after the storm. Previously, FEMA awarded $355,464 for these costs.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. 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… Thu, 04/22/2021 - 15:32President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Tennessee
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Tennessee to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms from Feb. 11-19, 2021.
Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms in Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Moore, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Scott, Shelby and Smith counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Myra M. Shird has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 04/22/2021 - 15:15FEMA Awards City of Jacksonville $2.45 Million for Hurricane Dorian Costs
ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $2,453,528 for the State of Florida to help the City of Jacksonville defray the cost of emergency response associated with Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the city for labor, equipment, materials and contracts for the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. The funds will help pay for barricades, evacuations, security and the staffing of emergency operations centers.
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.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
barbara.murien… Thu, 04/22/2021 - 13:34