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DHS News and Updates
FEMA Provides an Additional $1.6 Million to Colorado For COVID-19 Response
DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided more than $1.6 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020. FEMA has provided a total of $520.6 million for the Colorado COVID-19 response to date.
The $1.6 million was provided to Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for administering and managing Public Assistance awards.
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 Fri, 04/16/2021 - 18:07Virtual Information Sessions for Louisiana Storm Survivors Planned (Week 2)
BATON ROUGE, La. –The second week in a series of virtual information sessions on disaster recovery programs and services will take place Apr. 21 through Apr. 24. The sessions will provide survivors with valuable resources needed to assist in their recovery efforts as they rebuild and repair their homes and lives after the recent Louisiana disasters. These virtual information sessions are an alternate response to continue current state disaster recovery efforts during the national pandemic situation.
Sessions will be delivered via Zoom and Closed Captioning will be available.
Registration, session times, topics and more information on the virtual disaster recovery fairs can be found at: https://getagameplan.org/resources/disaster-recovery-assistance/zoom-webinars/
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. For the latest information for Hurricane Zeta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4577. For the latest information on February’s Winter Storms, visit fema.gov/disaster/4590. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6
stuart.lewis Fri, 04/16/2021 - 14:46FEMA Partners with Indian Health Service for Mobile COVID Vaccination Units to Serve Northern Plains
DENVER – FEMA and the Indian Health Service are partnering to provide COVID vaccination services to 13 communities in North Dakota and South Dakota. Two mobile vaccinations units will be operating on schedules beginning April 19 and running through the end of May. The units will be making two stops in each community, so that both doses of the vaccine can be delivered.
“This partnership will allow us to expand access to vaccines in tribal communities and reach more people as we work to achieve community immunity,” said IHS Great Plains Area Director James Driving Hawk. “We’re especially excited that these events will allow us to vaccinate 16 and 17-year-olds in more tribal communities.”
The mobile vaccination sites will be able to provide up to 250 shots a day. No pre-registration is required, with vaccinations provided first come-first served. The sites will be walk through, with parking available, and the vaccination and post-shot waiting areas are protected from the elements. Vaccines are available to anyone age 16 and older. Those who are 16 and 17 will need permission from a parent or guardian. The vaccine that is authorized for individuals aged 16-17 requires ultra-cold storage. The mobile vaccination units have the capability of storing and administering this vaccine.
The full schedules for both traveling units are below:
Table 1: Northern Vaccination Unit Schedule
Community Location - Address 1st Visit Dates 2nd Visit Dates Sisseton, S.D. Buffalo Lanes - 46112 SD Hwy 10 April 19-20 May 10-11 Eagle Butte, S.D. Cheyenne River Cultural Center - US Hwy 212 April 22-23 May 13-14 Fort Yates, N.D. IHS Health Center - 10 S. River Rd. April 25 May 16 Bismarck, N.D. United Tribes Technical College - 3315 University Dr. April 26-27 May 17-18 Trenton, N.D. Community Health Clinic - 331 4th Ave. E. May 1-2 May 22-23 Bottineau, N.D. Bottineau Co. Fairgrounds - 60 Main St. May 4-5 May 25-26Table 2: Northern Vaccination Unit Schedule
Community Location - Address 1st Visit Dates 2nd Visit Dates Rosebud, S.D. Rosebud Casino - 30421 US Hwy 83 April 19-20 May 10-11 Wagner, S.D. Old Shopko Building - 905 W. SD Hwy 46 April 22-23 May 13-14 Flandreau, S.D. Royal River Casino - 607 S. Veterans St. April 25-26 May 16-17 Oacoma, S.D. Old West Museum Trading Post - 403 E SD Hwy 16 May 1 May 22 Lower Brule, S.D. Indian Health Center - 601 Gall St. May 2 May 23 Rapid City, S.D. Old Central HS tennis courts – Mt. Rushmore Rd. near Rapid Creek May 4-5 May 25-26 Oglala, S.D. Prairie Winds Casino - 112 Casino Dr. May 7-8 May 28-29Brian.Hvinden Fri, 04/16/2021 - 01:09
Philadelphia’s Center City Vaccination Center to Extend Operations Until May 25
Operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week, the CCVC administered over 240,000 first and second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in its first six weeks.
Given its success in augmenting Philadelphia’s vaccination efforts, the City has requested an extension of the CCVC. After reviewing several options with FEMA, the City of Philadelphia has elected to extend the CCVC as a federally supported vaccination center for an additional four weeks. Together and with our partners, FEMA and the City of Philadelphia will continue to provide up to 6,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine per day at the CCVC.
Janice Barlow, Acting FEMA Region 3 Administrator, expressed FEMA’s ongoing commitment to the vaccination mission in Philadelphia, “FEMA and our federal, state, and local partners have been working tirelessly over the last several weeks to vaccinate thousands of Philadelphians at the Center City Vaccination Center. This site was one of the first of its kind in the nation and has served as a model of equity and efficiency with regards to vaccine distribution to many other areas in the country. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia to get even more Philadelphians vaccinated over an additional four weeks, especially as eligibility expands.”
“The Center City Vaccination Center has been an extremely successful part of the City’s overall COVID-19 vaccine effort,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “This partnership of federal, state, and local agencies has not only provided hundreds of thousands of doses of life-saving vaccine, but has worked to increase the equitable distribution of that vaccine. I am pleased to see their mission be extended.”
“Cases of COVID-19 are continuing to rise in Philadelphia and the surrounding region, which means it’s more important than ever that every Philadelphian be vaccinated,” said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley. “The Center City Vaccination Center has been a key component of our overall strategy to make vaccines easily available to everyone who is eligible in Philadelphia.”
Although initially appointment only, to help bridge the digital divide and improve equitable vaccine distribution across the city, the CCVC offered open access and walk-up clinic vaccination opportunities for residents in the City’s most under-vaccinated communities. This open access opportunities resulted in a material increase in residents from these underserved communities getting vaccinated.
The CCVC is staffed by FEMA Civil Rights Advisors and Disability Integration Advisors to ensure the vaccination process is accessible and equitable. To meet the needs of Philadelphia’s diverse communities, on average 19 on-site language interpreters support the CCVC every day, primarily in Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Indonesian, and American Sign Language. Translation services are augmented by a telephonic language line that covers over 100 additional languages.
The CCVC provides an expedited vaccination process for people with access and functional needs. Over 50 wheelchairs are available and used at the CCVC each day. Volunteers from several voluntary service organizations accompany visitors who need assistance, allowing the visitor to move through the vaccination process more smoothly. The CCVC also includes privacy and sensory rooms for visitors who wish to receive their vaccine in private or have sensory sensitivity considerations, which include items like noise-canceling headphones.
With the extension, the CCVC will continue to operate through May 25, 2021. Since the City of Philadelphia’s decision to pause the Johnson and Johnson vaccine well before the CCVC’s opening on April 13th, the CCVC was able to quickly and safely pivot to continuing the administration of first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. No Johnson and Johnson vaccines were delivered at the CCVC on that day and the pivot back to Pfizer was a true testament to the hard work, dedication and focus on patient safety displayed on a daily basis by all interagency partners involved in the large vaccination center’s daily operations.
Vaccines will be provided using a mix of scheduled appointments as well as opportunities for same-day walk-ups. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health will schedule appointments for Philadelphia residents who have completed the City’s Vaccine Interest form between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.. If residents do not have internet access, have issues filling out the online form, or need the form in an additional language, they should call 3-1-1. City residents will also be permitted to walk up without an appointment between 8 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
To check current vaccine eligibility in Philadelphia, please visit the Philadelphia Department of Public Health website.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
amanda.hancher Thu, 04/15/2021 - 17:27FEMA approves additional $9.2 million for Florida Division of Emergency Management for Hurricane Michael recovery expenses
PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved an additional $9,232,418 to reimburse the Florida Division of Emergency Management for emergency protective measures during and after Hurricane Michael.
This grant is funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, 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, 04/15/2021 - 15:29FEMA Provides Over $104.4 Million to the Vermont Agency of Human Services for COVID-19 Vaccinations in 2021
REGION 1 – Vermont will receive $ 104,438,131 from FEMA to support the State with emergency protective measures to store, handle, transport, distribute, and administer the COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with their Vaccination Plan. These funds are being awarded to support the Vermont Agency of Human Services in order to address this immediate threat to life and public safety.
The grant supported a total of 13 vaccination centers across the state from Jan. 21 to April 21. Along with the emergency protective measures eligible costs included, but are not limited to personal protective equipment, medical and support staff, emergency medical care and supplies, and dissemination of information to the public.
The funding is awarded at 100% federal cost share through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and recovery activities during a disaster.
“Through FEMA’s partnership, this critical funding will assist the State in ensuring they have the necessary funds to carry out their vaccination plan.” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program is essential to keeping communities safe while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout New England.
Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program can be found at Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster.
As of April 15, FEMA’s PA program has obligated more than $213 million to Vermont for its pandemic response.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
adrien.urbani Thu, 04/15/2021 - 14:01FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update
WASHINGTON -- In alignment with the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, FEMA is pausing administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at our pilot community vaccination centers and mobile vaccination units. We are working with our state partners to determine the path forward and find alternative vaccine options for these sites.
FEMA continues working with state governments to open additional federal pilot community vaccination centers, which include federal support and supplemental vaccine allocations:
- Today, centers are scheduled to open in Pueblo, Colorado, St. Paul, Minnesota and Columbia, South Carolina.
- Later this week, a center will open in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
FEMA mobile vaccination units have begun operations. These vehicles can bring vaccinations to hard-to-reach and high-risk populations who cannot access services from fixed sites.
FEMA began processing applications for funeral assistance on April 12 and as of this morning has received more than 56,000 funeral assistance applications. The agency is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses that occured after Jan. 20, 2020 and going forward.
On the first day of application processing, the call center received more than 1 million calls, which caused some technical issues. Some applicants reached operators, while others received a busy signal. We ask that applicants be patient as we work to correct these issues and have all their important documents ready when they call to apply. Please know there is no deadline to apply and applicants will have the ability to open a case. We will not rush through calls because we intend to make sure that every applicant gets their questions answered and receives the help they need to apply.
Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available.
mayshaunt.gary Wed, 04/14/2021 - 21:40FEMA Provides Over $4.8 Million to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
REGION 1 –FEMA awarded a $4,863,467 grant to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) for its COVID-19-pandemic response and protective measures that ensured public safety statewide from Jan. 20, 2020 to Oct. 31, 2020.
FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program funds provided equipment, PPE and supplies – including tracking procurement and distribution from its Cranston headquarters warehouse – to departments, agencies, boards and commissions that performed that performed emergency protective measures, as well as medical and technical support. The funds are reimbursed 100% through FEMA’s PA Program.
“This grant is just one of the many positive results of the amazing partnership between FEMA and Rhode Island through RIEMA,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “FEMA continues to support Rhode Island in its long-term goals to recover stronger and safer from the pandemic.”
As of April 12th, FEMA’s PA Program obligated more than $177 million related to the pandemic in Rhode Island.
FEMA’s PA Program in New England is for states, localities, Tribes and certain types of private nonprofit organizations. More information about it is at Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
adrien.urbani Wed, 04/14/2021 - 21:25FEMA Provides Over $7.6 Million to the Rhode Island Department of Administration
REGION 1 – FEMA awarded a $7,611,771 grant to the Rhode Island Department of Administration, paying for three alternate care sites in the state that treated COVID-19 patients from Sept. 30, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020.
The funds were awarded through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program are for alternate care sites at the former Citizens Bank building in Cranston: the former Lowe’s Home Improvement store in North Kingstown’s Quonset Business Park; and the Rhode Island Convention Center in downtown Providence, where no events have been held during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are reimbursed 100% through FEMA’s PA Program.
Based on a number of factors, the state-established Rhode Island Alternative Hospital Site Planning Committee chose the locations – adding 1,385 hospital beds statewide.
“This grant pays for Rhode Island’s need for more hospital beds during a projected surge of COVID-19 patients last year,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “FEMA continues to support Rhode Island in its long-term goals to recover stronger and safer from the pandemic.”
As of April 12th, FEMA’s PA Program obligated more than $177 million related to the pandemic in Rhode Island.
FEMA’s PA Program in New England is for states, localities, Tribes and certain types of private nonprofit organizations. More information about it is at Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters
adrien.urbani Wed, 04/14/2021 - 21:12FEMA Provides Over $46.6 Million to the Vermont Agency of Human Services
REGION 1 – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded $46,669,040 to the Vermont Agency of Human Services for the state’s Hotel/Motel Vouchers Program for individuals who were high risk populations and required non-congregate medical sheltering.
The approved participants in the state program were able to stay in hotels and motels statewide.
Funding for this project comes from FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program (PA) under a major disaster declaration for Vermont and is provided at 100 percent federal cost share.
“We are pleased to provide this grant to the Vermont Agency of Human Services to help it manage the financial demands it is experiencing as a result of COVID-19,” said Acting Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is essential to keeping communities safe while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout New England.”
Additional information about the program can be found at Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster.
As of April 14, FEMA PA Program has obligated more than $166 million to Vermont for its pandemic response.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
adrien.urbani Wed, 04/14/2021 - 20:57Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in DeKalb County
ATLANTA - FEMA has proposed updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for DeKalb County, Alabama. Community stakeholders are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance implications and may submit comments and appeals during the upcoming 90-day appeal and comment period.
The updated maps were produced in coordination with local officials, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Office of Water Resources and FEMA. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.
The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around April 21, 2021. Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.
- An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim, and must produce water surface elevations that differ from those published on the preliminary maps.
- Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed development projects or development projects that were completed after the start of this flood map update.
- If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.
The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.
Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Ben Luther, County Engineer and Floodplain Administrator, DeKalb County, bluther@dekalbcountyal.us, (256) 845-8584. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at Alabama’s Flood Map Website, https://alabamaflood.com/map, and on the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer, http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.
For more information about the flood maps:
- Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
- Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.
- Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.
DeKalb County Flood Mapping Milestones
- Sept. 7, 2020 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
- Oct. 27, 2020 — Preliminary DFIRM Community Coordination Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
- On or Around April 21, 2021 – Appeal Period starts.
- Summer 2022* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect (*estimated).
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 4 Office of External Affairs at (770) 220-5226 or at fema-r4-external-affairs@fema.dhs.gov.
neily.chapman Wed, 04/14/2021 - 15:06Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Jackson County
ATLANTA - FEMA has proposed updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Jackson County, Alabama. Community stakeholders are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance implications and may submit comments and appeals during the upcoming 90-day appeal and comment period.
The updated maps were produced in coordination with local officials, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Office of Water Resources and FEMA. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.
The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around April 21, 2021. Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.
- An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim, and must produce water surface elevations that differ from those published on the preliminary maps.
- Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed development projects or development projects that were completed after the start of this flood map update.
- If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.
The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.
Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Charity Manning, Public Works, Jackson County, charitymanning@jcch.net, (256)259-6037. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at Alabama’s Flood Map Website, https://alabamaflood.com/map, and on the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer, http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.
For more information about the flood maps:
- Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
- Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.
Jackson County Flood Mapping Milestones
- Sept. 7, 2020 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
- Oct. 27, 2020 — Preliminary DFIRM Community Coordination Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
- On or Around April 21, 2021 – Appeal Period starts.
- Summer 2022* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect (*estimated).
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 4 Office of External Affairs at (770) 220-5226 or at fema-r4-external-affairs@fema.dhs.gov.
neily.chapman Wed, 04/14/2021 - 15:05Preliminary Flood Maps for Ellis County, Texas Ready for Public View
DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the cities of Cedar Hill, Ennis, Garrett, Glenn Heights, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Midlothian, Oak Leaf, Ovilla, Palmer, Pecan Hill, Red Oak, Venus and Waxahachie as well as unincorporated areas of Ellis County, Texas.
Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.
For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Ellis County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and setting rates for flood insurance. SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.
FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.
Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:
- The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
- FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal
For more information about the flood maps:
- Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
- Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Cost-saving options are available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about flood insurance options by talking with an insurance agent or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.
Carmen.Castro Wed, 04/14/2021 - 15:04
Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Marshall County
ATLANTA - FEMA has proposed updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Marshall County, Alabama. Community stakeholders are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance implications and may submit comments and appeals during the upcoming 90-day appeal and comment period.
The updated maps were produced in coordination with local officials, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Office of Water Resources and FEMA. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.
The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around April 21, 2021. Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.
- An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim, and must produce water surface elevations that differ from those published on the preliminary maps.
- Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed development projects or development projects that were completed after the start of this flood map update.
- If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.
The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.
Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Robert Pirando, County Engineer and Floodplain Administrator, Marshall County, bpirando@marshallco.org, (256) 571-7712. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at Alabama’s Flood Map Website, https://alabamaflood.com/map, and on the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer, http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.
For more information about the flood maps:
- Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
- Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.
Marshall County Flood Mapping Milestones
- Sept. 7, 2020 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
- Oct. 27, 2020 — Preliminary DFIRM Community Coordination Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
- On or Around April 21, 2021 – Appeal Period starts.
- Summer 2022* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect (*estimated).
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 4 Office of External Affairs at (770) 220-5226 or at fema-r4-external-affairs@fema.dhs.gov.
neily.chapman Wed, 04/14/2021 - 15:03
Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Etowah County
The updated maps were produced in coordination with local officials, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Office of Water Resources and FEMA. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.
The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around April 21, 2021. Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.
- An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim, and must produce water surface elevations that differ from those published on the preliminary maps.
- Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed development projects or development projects that were completed after the start of this flood map update.
- If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.
The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.
Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator: Tim Graves, County Engineer and Floodplain Administrator, Etowah County, tgraves@etowahcounty.org, (256) 549-5358. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at Alabama’s Flood Map Website, https://alabamaflood.com/map, and on the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer, http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.
For more information about the flood maps:
- Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
- Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.
Etowah County Flood Mapping Milestones
- Sept. 7, 2020 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
- Oct. 27, 2020 — Preliminary DFIRM Community Coordination Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
- On or Around April 21, 2021 – Appeal Period starts.
- Summer 2022* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect (*estimated).
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 4 Office of External Affairs at (770) 220-5226 or at fema-r4-external-affairs@fema.dhs.gov.
neily.chapman Wed, 04/14/2021 - 15:02Voluntary Support is Essential to Vaccination Mission for Hampton Roads Residents
Norfolk, Virginia — Volunteer agencies play a key role in the vaccination efforts at the FEMA-supported Community Vaccination Center at Military Circle Mall. By working alongside federal, Commonwealth and local staff, organizations like the veteran-led Team Rubicon and regional leader in volunteerism VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads (VHR) are helping the mass vaccination site reach its goal of 3,000 daily immunizations. Their commitment is especially inspiring as April is National Volunteer Month.
“We are helping provide equitable access to vaccines across the Norfolk area and these volunteer organizations are some of our greatest allies. Together, we are ensuring our whole community effort has a positive impact on the communities we are serving,” said FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator (A) Janice Barlow.
VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads is leading the volunteer recruitment and management efforts at the Vaccination Center. With a 64-year history of mobilizing a robust network of volunteers to support non-profits and disaster relief efforts, the nonprofit will recruit and manage approximately 60 volunteers daily throughout the eight-week clinic. VHR volunteers are currently assisting with non-clinical vaccination activities, such as greeting and registering residents and monitoring them during the 15 to 30-minute observation period post-vaccine.
“We are pleased to partner with FEMA and extend our comprehensive volunteer services to assist with this massive vaccination initiative in our region,” said Stephanie Gorham, Executive Director of VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads. “We are also grateful for our donors and sponsors who continue to support our efforts as we respond to the ever-changing needs of our community throughout this pandemic.”
Likewise, as many as 12 Team Rubicon volunteers help guide local, pre-registered residents through the 15-minute process each day, which includes check-in, ID verification and the lifesaving shot itself. The Greyshirts, known for wearing their signature grey shirts with the Team’s red logo, assist by facilitating wheelchairs, providing information and other general support services.
“We are honored to be serving our neighbors in this life-saving vaccination effort that will help open up our country,” said Arun Iyer of Virginia Beach, who is leading the Team Rubicon effort at the site. “Team Rubicon leverages the skill of veterans to respond to disaster. We have been in the fight against this pandemic from the beginning and we won’t stop until we beat COVID-19.”
If you are 16 years of age or older, the FEMA-supported vaccination center is accepting walk-ins at the Military Circle Mall site every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or book an appointment directly at https://www.norfolk.gov/5025/How-to-Sign-up-for-Vaccine. For questions, call 877-829-4682.
Click here to learn more about VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads and Team Rubicon.
For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.
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amanda.hancher Wed, 04/14/2021 - 15:00FEMA Begins Processing COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Applications
WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA begins processing applications for funeral assistance, helping ease some of the financial stress created by the COVID-19 pandemic. FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
The call center has received thousands of calls this morning, which is causing some technical issues. Some applicants are reaching operators, while others are receiving a busy signal. We ask that applicants be patient as we work to correct these issues and have all their important documents ready when they call to apply. Please know there is no deadline to apply and applicants will have the ability to open a case.
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.
To be eligible for funeral assistance, applicants must meet these conditions:
- The death must have occurred in the United States. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020.
- The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
- There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien.
For the fastest service, after you have called to apply, submit documentation online through Disasterassistance.gov, or by fax 855-261-3452. Documents may also be mailed to: COVID-19 Funeral Assistance P.O. Box 10001 Hyattsville, MD 20782.
Applicants can also visit FEMA.gov/funeral-assistance/faq. Information is provided in several languages both by telephone and the website.
mayshaunt.gary Mon, 04/12/2021 - 19:26Vaccination Pilot Mission in Los Angeles and Alameda Counties Reaches Goals as Vaccinations Continue
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Feb. 3, the Biden-Harris Administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an eight-week federal pilot project to establish Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs) in Oakland and Los Angeles -- the first state-run, federally supported centers in the nation focused on vaccinating underserved communities and those most affected by COVID-19.
The pilot CVC mission employed a whole-of-community approach, with more than 1,600 staff from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, California Department of Public Health, California National Guard, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Forest Service and many more.
The private sector played a significant role, too, including local retailers, the American Red Cross and a collection of interpreters who translated vaccination information for thousands in Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Taishanese and American Sign Language.
The team also included 108 Californians hired by FEMA to perform various duties as assigned. By hiring local employees, FEMA gains valuable community insights, provides jobs and allows Californians to assist in their state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each center relied on help from about 50 government and non-government partners every day.
Under the federal-state banner, the CVCs, each with three Mobile Vaccination Clinics (MVCs), boosted California’s vaccination rate and helped fill the gap while supplies increased. When the CVCs were established, the state was receiving roughly 1.5 million vaccine doses a week. Moving forward, California is scheduled to receive at least 2 million doses a week. Additionally, pharmacies are scheduled to get an increase of 500,000 vaccines per week.
The two CVCs created a framework for expanding California’s ability to provide a vaccine to every person who wants one. As of April 11, the eight-week pilot program surpassed expectations by administering more than 720,000 doses.
Lessons learned
A key strategy to the CVC’s success was creating multiple methods to access the vaccine. The CVCs, both located near public transit, offer drive-thru, walk-thru and mobile vaccination options to address the diverse needs of their perspective communities. Drive-thru offers convenience, social-distancing and speed. Walk-thru is also speedy and convenient for those who arrive via public transit, bicycles or on foot. MVCs bring vaccine services directly into the community, benefiting people who have a harder time getting to the CVC.
The pilot mission also implemented “trusted messengers,” community leaders who helped share accurate vaccine information, facilitate community outreach and drive participation in vaccination events in an effort to overcome general vaccine hesitancy.
Each MVC event was hosted by a community or faith-based organization to microtarget the hardest-hit and hardest-to-reach communities. One of those Community Based Organizations was La Familia, a longtime East Bay social services agency that hosted several MVC events reaching Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander, Afghan and other communities.
“Without the MVCs, these vaccines would never have gone to these people. At our events, about 9,000 people who probably wouldn’t have been vaccinated have gotten shots. Our staff got so many thank-yous. We had people walking away crying and thanking us. Some teachers who teach and live in the community gave us donations on the spot,” said Aaron Ortiz, CEO of La Familia. “What this pandemic has shown is we don’t belong to ourselves—we belong to each other,” he said.
The success has been measurable. MVCs consistently administered all their daily vaccine allocations, with 67 percent administered to underserved communities and people of color.
Local management with state and FEMA support
The pilot phase has demonstrated the effectiveness of CVCs and their innovative methods of connecting with people. To continue serving these communities, the state and FEMA have coordinated with local officials to keep the two vaccination centers open. The city of Los Angeles has agreed to manage the Los Angeles operation, while Alameda County and Contra Costa County will run the Oakland CVC, with the full transition starting Apr. 12.
Going forward, FEMA and its federal partners will remain involved. The agency is prepared to leave all locally-hired FEMA employees and the three MVCs at each site, while continuing to cover 100 percent of all costs associated with each CVC through September. But it cannot provide CVC vaccine allocations, which equal only a small percentage of vaccines now available in the state.
The goal remains to assist, augment and expedite the work of local communities to provide life-saving vaccines to underserved individuals and communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including essential workers whose efforts have kept the economy open over the past year.
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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 Mon, 04/12/2021 - 18:59FEMA and South Carolina to Open Community Vaccination Center at Columbia Place Mall April 14
FEMA, partnering with the state of South Carolina, Richland County, and city of Columbia, is opening a Community Vaccination Center (CVC) site at the Columbia Place Mall.
This site at 7201 Two Notch Road will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily beginning Wednesday, April 14.
The Columbia Place Mall CVC will deliver up to 7,000 doses of vaccine per week. Vaccines for CVCs are provided to the state in addition to the regular vaccine allocations they are receiving. These additional vaccine doses are made possible through an increase in production and availability.
“We are committed to the equitable distribution of the vaccine and our top priority is to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets one,” said Gracia Szczech, regional administrator for FEMA Region IV.
FEMA and the state will continue outreach to underserved communities in the Columbia area to inform and build trust about the benefits of getting vaccinated.
“Getting vaccinated is the best step anyone can take to getting past this pandemic,” said Kim Stenson, SCEMD Director. “By choosing to get vaccinated against COVID-19, people are not only safeguarding their own health, they’re also being their own emergency managers and protecting the well-being of their families and communities.”
The Columbia Place Mall CVC site will follow South Carolina’s vaccine eligibility requirements. To schedule an appointment for the vaccine, individuals can visit vams.cdc.gov/vaccineportal.
There will be drive-thru and walk-in options for visitors at the site. After receiving their vaccination, individuals will proceed to a post-vaccine waiting area to be monitored for at least 15 minutes, per CDC guidelines, to ensure they do not have any adverse reactions to the vaccine.
Residents who need transportation assistance to the Community Vaccination Center can call the COMET at 803-255-7123 for reservations Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Specify that you are going to your COVID-19 vaccine appointment. You may need to show proof of your vaccine appointment to the bus operator. More information is available at www.cometcovidhelp.org.
FEMA is supporting South Carolina in their response to COVID-19. Visit fema.gov/coronavirus for more information.
felicia.jordan Mon, 04/12/2021 - 17:54FEMA, State and County Accelerate COVID-19 Vaccinations in Jackson County at Pilot Community Vaccination Center
BOTHELL, Wash. – A Pilot Community Vaccination Center (CVC) will open in Jackson County, Oregon, on April 21 to accelerate COVID-19 vaccinations to Oregon’s historically underserved communities at high risk of infection.
This joint effort from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Jackson County Health and Human Services, and Jackson County Emergency Management includes a fixed site with drive-thru and walk-up options as well as mobile vaccination delivery.
Through this partnership, vaccination capacity at this location will expand by 1,000 vaccine doses per day. The additional vaccine doses will be provided directly by the federal government and will not be taken from the state or county’s regular allotments. The Jackson County Pilot CVC expands upon current county-wide efforts to include vaccination services to rural and agricultural communities, unsheltered populations, and individuals displaced by wildfires.
“We are committed to making sure everyone who wants a vaccine can get one. The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard for communities in and around Jackson County who also suffered from historic wildfires,” said FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vincent J. Maykovich. “We are excited to partner to provide equitable access to the vaccine.”
“I am so pleased Jackson County was chosen for a FEMA community vaccination center. The site will bolster our current efforts to deliver vaccines quickly and equitably, and to meet communities where they are,” said Governor Kate Brown. “As the state recovers from last year’s historic wildfires and continues to manage through the pandemic, my goal is to elevate the needs of the communities hardest hit, especially those that have been historically underserved, and to rebuild those communities stronger and more resilient. The CVC in Jackson County will help us achieve that goal.”
“This convenient community vaccination center will give more people in southern Oregon a chance to get a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect your loved ones and yourself, so we can all get back to seeing the people we miss, doing the things we love and living free from restrictions the pandemic has forced on us. We welcome the additional vaccines the federal government is providing to protect people in southern Oregon communities and FEMA’s partnership in organizing this pilot vaccination clinic,” said Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen.
“Receiving the Pilot Community Vaccination Center and this level of support from our federal and state partners is a welcome relief and help to our community,” said John Vial, Director, Jackson County Emergency Operations Center. “The impact of dealing with this pandemic while simultaneously responding to our county’s largest wildfire disaster has taken a toll on our community and its resources. We are tired and grateful for the help.”
The Jackson County Pilot CVC will be located at the Expo, 1 Penninger Rd, Central Point. Registration is possible on site. However, individuals are strongly encouraged to register for an appointment by scheduling online at jcorcovid19.org/VaccineAppointments or call 2-1-1 for information in English or Spanish.
Additional details on opening date and registration process are forthcoming, as FEMA works with the OHA and OEM, Jackson County Health and Human Services and Jackson County Emergency Management in support of expanding the county’s vaccination efforts.
In alignment with President Biden’s plan to respond to COVID-19, FEMA continues to work with our state, local, and tribal partners to expedite vaccinations across Region 10 in an efficient, effective, and equitable manner. When considering options, the best vaccine is the one that is available to you.
mayshaunt.gary Mon, 04/12/2021 - 15:30