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DHS News and Updates
FEMA to Open Community Vaccination Center at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Pipkin Building on April 7
FEMA, partnering with the State of Tennessee, City of Memphis and surrounding communities, is opening a Community Vaccination Center (CVC) site in midtown Memphis at the Pipkin Building of the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
This site at 940 Early Maxwell Blvd, expands Memphis’ current operations to deliver up to 21,000 doses of vaccine per week. Military personnel from the 2d Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, will support the administration of these additional vaccines.
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 equitably distributing 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 will continue to support outreach to underserved communities in the Memphis area to inform and build trust about the benefits of getting vaccinated.
“It is going to take all of us working together—federal, state, and local government—to win in the fight against COVID-19,” Mayor Jim Strickland said. “We’ve administered over 315,000 vaccinations and this joint effort will allow us to dramatically increase the number of those vaccinated.”
The Pipkin Building CVC site will follow Tennessee’s vaccination eligibility requirements. The COVID-19 vaccine is currently available to all adults age 16 and older in Tennessee.
To schedule a vaccine appointment, individuals can visit covid19.memphistn.gov. Those without internet access can call 901-222-7468 (SHOT) or 615-552-1998 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. seven days a week.
Those with vaccine appointments will enter the Pipkin Building vaccination site from Early Maxwell Boulevard. After validation, appointment holders will remain in their vehicles and enter either the on-site vaccination tent or the Pipkin Building. Both the Pipkin Building and the vaccination tent will have two vehicle lanes which can accommodate a minimum of 20 vehicles at once.
After receiving their vaccination, appointment holders 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.
Those who arrive at the Memphis CVC via public transit, on foot, or by rideshare will enter the northside of the Pipkin Building to receive their vaccinations and to be monitored afterward at the patient check-in.
“Partnerships are vitally important in responding to any emergency, and this is especially true as we work to protect Tennesseans from the COVID-19 pandemic,” TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan said. “We are grateful to join with the City of Memphis, Shelby County, and FEMA to make more life-saving vaccines available across the mid-South.”
FEMA is supporting Tennessee and the City of Memphis in their response to COVID-19. Visit fema.gov/coronavirus for more information.
felicia.jordan Tue, 04/06/2021 - 14:55FEMA Awards $42.5 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery in Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $42,559,595 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for debris removal, administrative costs and repairs following Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The FEMA Public Assistance program grants include:
- Florida Department of Transportation: $23,546,676 for debris removal in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Crews removed 160,088 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 173,921 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, 84,333 large household appliances, 232 hazardous leaning trees and 2,135 hanging limbs.
- Miami-Dade County: $9,464,457 for administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other costs.
- Orange County: $5,495,325 for removal of more than 470,803 cubic yards of vegetative debris from roads and public property, including rights-of-way.
- Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc.: $4,053,137 for service to nine counties, including the cost of labor, equipment, materials, contracts, 293 utility and transformer poles, 329 transformers, 26,852 feet of damaged conductor and 35 security lights.
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… Tue, 04/06/2021 - 13:41Onsite Appointment Registration Now Available at FEMA-Supported Community Vaccination Center
Norfolk, Virginia — Hampton Roads residents who are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine may now do so through onsite appointment registration directly at the center, located at the Military Circle Mall. People who register at the center will receive an appointment for their vaccination at the Military Circle Mall’s location for a future date in the next 2 weeks. Same-day appointments are limited.
All Virginia residents 16 years and older are eligible to get the lifesaving shot at the Vaccination Center, which aims to inoculate about 3,000 people a day. Residents may register between 2 p.m. and 6:30 pm daily and are encouraged to bring documentation with proof of name. This does not affect residents who have pre-registered online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by phone at 1-877-829-4682.
Social distancing measures are strictly enforced at the site and everyone entering the center must always wear a face covering. 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.
Residents are welcome to continue pre-registering online vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 1-877-829-4682.
To date, over 10,000 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered at this FEMA-supported pilot site.
For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.
amanda.hancher Tue, 04/06/2021 - 00:03Access to COVID-19 Vaccines in Federally Supported Community Vaccination Center is for All Residents
Norfolk, Virginia — As vaccination efforts continue at the Community Vaccination Center located at the Military Circle Mall, FEMA reassures residents that immigration status is not a factor to receive the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine. In accordance with Department of Homeland Security directives, FEMA and other federal partners fully support equal access to the vaccines and vaccine distribution sites for undocumented immigrants.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will not conduct enforcement operations at or near vaccine distribution sites or clinics. Hampton Roads residents with an appointment will receive their immunization in a space that is safe and open to all, regardless of their immigration status.
“Our priority, together with the Commonwealth of Virginia, is ensuring access and equity in providing essential vaccines to reach the whole community and those who need it the most. We are focused on getting as many Virginians vaccinated as we can, and immigration status is not a limiting factor,” said Acting FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator Janice Barlow.
Working closely with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Virginia Department of Health, the goal is to vaccinate 3,000 residents a day. The Community Center is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Those interested in receiving their FREE COVID-19 vaccine can register online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or they may call 1-877-829-4682.
For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.
amanda.hancher Mon, 04/05/2021 - 23:38FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update
WASHINGTON - - This week, federal pilot community vaccination centers are scheduled to open in Gary, Indiana; Greenbelt, Maryland; St. Louis; Memphis, Tennessee and Milwaukee, while FEMA mobile vaccination units have begun operations, bringing vaccinations to hard-to-reach and high-risk populations who cannot access services from fixed sites. Four units are operational: one in Connecticut, two in Maryland and one in Oregon.
FEMA remains committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines. Using data from CDC’s social vulnerability index and population data from the census, the agency continues working with state partners to locate community vaccination centers where they will be able to do the most good for the most vulnerable populations and ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets one.
The agency continues working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states as they open community vaccine centers across the country and working with interagency partners to stand-up and provide support to additional centers daily. Community vaccination centers are led by states, but may be supported by the federal government, including FEMA. Each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures.
FEMA has now provided more than $4.5 billion to 42 states, Washington D.C., four tribes and five territories for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.
On April 1, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expanded the Feb. 5 Surge Capacity Force activation for vaccination support operations. This expansion requests staffing support from all executive branch agencies, instead of only Department agencies. The force is composed of employees from other federal agencies who volunteer to augment FEMA’s workforce.
Find out where, when and how to get a vaccine in your community and get more information from your local health department and a list of places where adults can get a vaccine. Visit FEMA.Gov for information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.
mayshaunt.gary Mon, 04/05/2021 - 20:40Disaster Legal Services Available for Oklahoma Winter Storm Survivors
OKLAHOMA CITY –Oklahomans living in the 16 designated counties that were impacted during the February severe winter storms who need legal assistance but cannot afford an attorney can call the Disaster Legal Services hotline.
The phone number for the legal assistance hotline is 800-522-8065 and is available from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays. The Disaster Legal Services attorneys are not FEMA employees and services are confidential. You can call 2-1-1 outside of those hours.
When you call, explain that you are seeking assistance related to the Oklahoma winter storms that began Feb. 11 and provide your contact information, so an attorney can contact you.
Attorneys can answer questions about:
- Home-repair contracts and contractors.
- Life, medical and property insurance claims.
- Applying to FEMA and appealing FEMA decisions.
Legal assistance also can include:
- Getting a new will and other important legal documents lost or destroyed.
- Consumer-protection issues like price gouging.
- Advice on avoiding contractor scams in the rebuilding process.
- Receiving other available government benefits.
- Landlord-tenant issues.
- Mortgage foreclosures.
The hotline is a partnership between Oklahoma Bar Association, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc., and Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, Inc.
As a reminder, if you are a homeowner or renter who sustained damage in one of the 16 Oklahoma counties designated for individual assistance you should apply for disaster assistance with FEMA. The counties are Canadian, Carter, Cherokee, Comanche, Cotton, Hughes, Jefferson, Le Flore, McIntosh, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Pittsburg, Stephens, Tulsa and Wagoner.
The easiest way to apply is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov. There is no wait to register online and it is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If it is not possible to register online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to businesses, homeowners and renters. Call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339) or visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
Carmen.Castro Mon, 04/05/2021 - 16:29FEMA approves additional $16.3 million for Bay District Schools Hurricane Michael recovery expenses
PENSACOLA, Fla -- FEMA has approved an additional $16,352,427 to reimburse Bay District Schools for emergency protective measures resulting from Hurricane Michael.
The funds reimburse the district for the cost of setting up and operating temporary daycare centers, emergency repairs, inspections, mold and water remediation, and providing security during and after the storm. Previously, FEMA had awarded $22,564,102 for these costs.
FEMA has already approved $69 million for the district’s Hurricane Michael-related expenses, bringing the total of grants approved to more than $85.3 million.
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. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.
Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.
Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
barbara.murien… Mon, 04/05/2021 - 14:41FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update
A second mobile vaccination unit will begin administering vaccinations in the Eastern Shore area of Maryland on Saturday.
This week, federal pilot community vaccination centers opened in Boston; Newark, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia and Yakima, Washington. Centers are scheduled to open next week in Gary, Indiana; Greenbelt, Maryland; St. Louis; Memphis, Tennessee and Milwaukee.
Community vaccination centers are led by states, but may be supported by the federal government, including FEMA. Each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures. FEMA continues working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states as they open community vaccine centers across the country and continues working with interagency partners to stand-up and provide support to additional centers daily.
FEMA remains committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines. Using data from CDC’s social vulnerability index and population data from the census, the agency works with state partners to locate community vaccination centers where they will be able to do the most good for the most vulnerable populations and ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets one.
FEMA has now provided more than $4.49 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.
Find out where, when and how to get a vaccine in your community and get more information from your local health department and a list of places where adults can get a vaccine. Visit FEMA.Gov for information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.
mayshaunt.gary Fri, 04/02/2021 - 20:03FEMA Provides an Additional $1.9 Million to Montana for COVID-19 Response
DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $1.9 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Montana. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 31, 2020. FEMA has provided a total of $28.3 million for the Montana COVID-19 response to date.
President Biden approved a cost share increase from 75% to 100% for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between January 20, 2020 and September 30, 2021. This approval allowed FEMA to reimburse states, cities, and other partners for 100% of eligible costs. This funding announcement represents the remaining 25% cost share for a project that was previously funded by FEMA.
The $1.9 million was provided to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for COVID-19 associated costs, contracts, and facilities.
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.
minh.phan Fri, 04/02/2021 - 17:54FEMA Provides an Additional $8.5 Million to North Dakota for COVID-19 Response
DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided more than $8.5 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in North Dakota. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 1, 2020. FEMA has provided a total of $85.6 Million for the North Dakota COVID-19 response to date.
President Biden approved a cost share increase from 75% to 100% for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between January 20, 2020 and September 30, 2021. This approval allowed FEMA to reimburse states, cities, and other partners for 100% of eligible costs. This funding announcement represents the remaining 25% cost share for three projects that were previously funded by FEMA.
The $8.5 million was approved for the North Dakota Department of Health’s COVID-19 associated costs, contracts, and facilities.
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.
minh.phan Fri, 04/02/2021 - 17:52FEMA Provides an Additional $17.1 Million to Utah for COVID-19 Response
DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided more than $17.1 million in additional Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Utah. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020. FEMA has provided a total of $108.5 million for the Utah COVID-19 response to date.
President Biden approved a cost share increase from 75% to 100% for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between January 20, 2020 and September 30, 2021. This approval allowed FEMA to reimburse states, cities, and other partners for 100% of eligible costs. This funding announcement represents the remaining 25% cost share for two projects that were previously funded by FEMA.
The $17.1 million was approved for the Utah Department of Health’s COVID-19 associated costs, contracts, and facilities.
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.
minh.phan Fri, 04/02/2021 - 17:50FEMA Provides an Additional $108 Million to Colorado For COVID-19 Response
DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided more than $108 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 $514 Million for the Colorado COVID-19 response to date.
President Biden approved a cost share increase from 75% to 100% for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between January 20, 2020 and September 30, 2021. This approval allowed FEMA to reimburse states, cities and other partners for 100% of eligible costs. This funding announcement represents the remaining 25% cost share for 9 projects that were previously funded by FEMA.
The $108 million was approved for COVID-19 associated costs, contracts, and facilities:
- Colorado DHS and Emergency Management: $19.4 million
- The City and County of Denver: $9.7 million
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: $79.4 million
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.
minh.phan Fri, 04/02/2021 - 16:02FEMA Seeking Property Owners to Help House Hurricane Survivors
Property owners in the Acadia, Grant, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Allen, Rapides and Vernon parishes are encouraged to reach out to FEMA and its partners to help bring Southwest Louisiana residents home.
Property types needed include multifamily homes, duplexes, community complexes and commercial parks. The properties will be leased by FEMA for a period of up to 18 months under its Direct Lease Program. If an applicant moves out, FEMA may place another applicant in the unit.
Upon the ending of the Direct Lease Program with FEMA, property owners may create a lease directly with the applicant.
Property owners can email contact information with details about the property to:
- 1800AgentMatch – realtor@1800agentmatch.com
- Empire Hospitality – bhutchens@ehotelgroup.com
- CWIS – dave@cwis-llc.com
- Synergy Housing – mrockland@synergyhousing.com
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559. For the latest information on information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.
stuart.lewis Fri, 04/02/2021 - 14:32Louisiana Survivors Affected by Severe Winter Storms Reminded to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance
BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisianans in 23 parishes designated for federal assistance are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible if they sustained damage to their homes following the recent winter storms. The deadline to apply is May 10.
Disaster assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.
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 23 eligible parishes are Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Franklin, Grant, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Webster, West Carroll, and Winn.
If you have insurance and are applying for disaster assistance, you must also file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If insurance does not cover all your damage, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
To apply:
- Visit www.disasterassistance.gov;
- Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service; or
- Download the FEMA Mobile App by texting ANDROID or APPLE to 43362.
When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted;
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
- Your Social Security number;
- A general list of damage and losses;
- If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name; and
- Cause of damage. The cause of damage for this disaster is ice/snow even if you had water intrusion due to melting ice or snow or power loss due to snow and ice accumulation.
Residents are asked to save any photos taken to document damage and any receipts from purchases related to the cleanup and repair.
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to businesses, homeowners and renters. Call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339) or visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
For the latest information on Louisiana winter storms, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4590. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.
stuart.lewis Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:59FEMA is Hiring Local Residents to Support Vaccination Efforts in Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia — FEMA is hiring local residents to assist in the COVID-19 vaccination efforts currently underway at the joint Community Vaccination Center located at the Military Circle Mall. Local Hire positions include Non-Medical Emergency Management Specialists, Media Relations Specialists, Intergovernmental Specialists, Creative Specialists and Digital Communications Specialists.
Residents who wish to apply for these temporary positions can go to fema.gov/careers/job-openings or usajobs.gov to learn more and submit an application. These job postings will begin to close soon, so people who are interested in applying should do so as soon as possible. Applicants may be contacted via email, phone, or mail regarding the interview, hiring and selection process.
Those hired will join the team already in place, which is composed of Virginia Department of Emergency Management staff, Virginia Department of Health personnel and other local and federal workers, voluntary agencies, and community organizations. Through temporary local employees, FEMA gains valuable community insights, provides jobs, and allows Virginians to be on the front lines working to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth.
FEMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and the federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.
amanda.hancher Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:44FEMA Updates Its Flood Insurance Rating Methodology to Deliver More Equitable Pricing
WASHINGTON -- FEMA is updating the National Flood Insurance Program’s pricing methodology to communicate flood risk more clearly, so policyholders can make more informed decisions on the purchase of adequate insurance and on mitigation actions to protect against the perils of flooding.
The 21st century rating system, Risk Rating 2.0 -- Equity in Action, provides actuarially sound rates that are equitable and easy to understand. It transforms a pricing methodology that has not been updated in 50 years by leveraging improved technology and FEMA’s enhanced understanding of flood risk.
“The new pricing methodology is the right thing to do. It mitigates risk, delivers equitable rates and advances the agency’s goal to reduce suffering after flooding disasters,” said David Maurstad, senior executive of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. “Equity in Action is the generational change we need to spur action now in the face of changing climate conditions, build individual and community resilience and deliver on the Biden Administration’s priority of providing equitable programs for all.”
The National Flood Insurance Program provides about $1.3 trillion in coverage for more than 5 million policyholders in 22,500 communities across the nation. Understanding the magnitude of even the smallest changes of a program of this scale, FEMA devoted thousands of hours to develop the new pricing methodology to ensure equity and accuracy.
In developing the new rates, FEMA coordinated with subject matter experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration along with experts from across the insurance and actuarial industries to ensure alignment with federal regulations, systems, guidance and policies.
The new methodology allows FEMA to equitably distribute premiums across all policyholders based on the value of their home and the unique flood risk of their property. Currently, many policyholders with lower-value homes are paying more than they should and policyholders with higher-value homes are paying less than they should.
To provide more equity, FEMA now has the capability and tools to address rating disparities by incorporating more flood risk variables. These include flood frequency, multiple flood type -- river overflow, storm surge, coastal erosion and heavy rainfall -- distance to a water source and property characteristics such as elevation and the cost to rebuild.
The cost to rebuild is key to an equitable distribution of premiums across all policyholders because it is based on the value of their home and the unique flood risk of their property. This has been an industry standard for years.
FEMA is conscious of the far-reaching economic impacts COVID-19 has had on the nation and existing policyholders and is taking a phased approach to rolling out the new rates.
- In Phase I: New policies beginning Oct. 1, 2021 will be subject to the new rating methodology. Also beginning Oct. 1, existing policyholders eligible for renewal will be given the option to take advantage of immediate decreases in their premiums.
- In Phase II: All policies renewing on or after April 1, 2022 will be subject to the new rating methodology.
FEMA continues to engage with Congress, its industry partners and state, local, tribal and territorial agencies to ensure clear understanding of these changes.
For the latest information on Risk Rating 2.0, visit fema.gov.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 04/01/2021 - 16:52President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Kentucky
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storms, landslides and mudslides from Feb. 8-19, 2021.
Federal funding is also available to the commonwealth 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 state winter storms, landslides, and mudslides in Bath, Boyd, Boyle, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Garrard, Greenup, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Lewis, Lincoln, Madison, Magoffin, Marion, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Nelson, Nicholas, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe counties.
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.
zella.campbell Thu, 04/01/2021 - 14:54FEMA Provides $3.4 Million to Dane County
CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) announced today that $3,411,680 in federal funding has been made available to Dane County for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of April 4, 2020.
This funding will reimburse Dane County for costs to distribute and administer vaccinations at the Alliant Energy Center to mitigate the immediate spread of COVID-19 and its threat to public health and safety.
“FEMA is committed to ensuring anyone who wants a vaccine can get one in the state of Wisconsin,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “The site at the Alliant Energy Center is an important resource in the fight against the pandemic, and we’re proud to support the state and county’s efforts to increase access to this life-saving vaccine.”
“I want to thank FEMA Region 5 for their ongoing funding support of Wisconsin. This collaborative ‘One team, One fight’ approach takes us another step closer toward reaching our ultimate goal of vaccinating all Wisconsinites,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, WEM Administrator.
FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property. To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
troy.christensen Thu, 04/01/2021 - 14:34FEMA Provides $4.6 Million to The Ohio State University
CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) announced today that $4,688,916 in federal funding has been made available to The Ohio State University for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of March 31, 2020.
This funding will reimburse The Ohio State University for costs to provide emergency and inpatient clinical care for COVID-19 patients. The grant also includes costs to purchase cleaning supplies for disinfection purposes and to rent medical equipment such as ventilators to protect and treat individuals with the virus.
“FEMA’s public assistance grant funding is an important resource for the COVID-19 response of our whole community partners in Ohio and across the country,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant has helped ensure necessary medical services and equipment are available in the Columbus area to fight this virus and protect the lives of Ohioans.”
“Since the start of the pandemic, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has been an important partner in Ohio’s fight against COVID-19,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “This funding supports Ohio’s collective mission to prevent illness, save lives, and continue down the road to recovery.”
FEMA provides a 100 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for emergency actions taken to protect lives or property. To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 vaccine support efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/vaccine-support.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
troy.christensen Thu, 04/01/2021 - 13:31FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update
WASHINGTON - - Federal pilot community vaccination centers opened today in Boston; Newark, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia and Yakima, Washington. Additional centers are scheduled to open next week in Gary, Indiana and St. Louis.
The agency has now provided more than $4.47 billion for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.
Community vaccination centers are led by states, but may be supported by the federal government, including FEMA. Each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures. FEMA continues working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states as they open community vaccine centers across the country and continues working with interagency partners to stand-up and provide support to additional centers daily.
Find out where, when and how to get a vaccine in your community and get more information from your local health department and a list of places where adults can get a vaccine.
Visit FEMA.Gov for information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.
mayshaunt.gary Wed, 03/31/2021 - 18:57