FEMA Awards $5.3 Million to Oregon for COVID-19 Expenses

BOTHELL, Wash. –  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $5,317,675 million in federal funding to the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) for emergency protective measures taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. FEMA provides this funding at 100 percent federal cost share.

Oregon’s DHS arranged for non-congregate sheltering for COVID-19 positive individuals with medical-related needs that required isolation from others while they were convalescing. To provide for this medical sheltering, Oregon’s DHS contracted with three care facilities to make available 121 beds for those who had the virus.

Grants for emergency protective measures are funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program, which reimburses communities for actions taken for response and recovery from a disaster. FEMA reimbursement is paid directly to the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and state agencies that incurred costs.

FEMA streamlined the Public Assistance application and reimbursement process for the COVID-19 response so that applicants can receive funds faster. Expedited reimbursements help state, local, and tribal officials respond quickly to address immediate threats to life, public health, and safety.  

###

Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter, LinkedIn, and our COVID-19 photo and video library for the latest updates. Visit FEMA.gov for more information.

hannah.weinstein Tue, 03/30/2021 - 21:46

Verifying Proof of Ownership When Applying for FEMA Disaster Assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY –Oklahomans living in the 16 designated counties that were recently impacted by the severe winter storms, may be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

If you are a homeowner who applied to FEMA for disaster assistance, you must provide proof of ownership and occupancy to help with repairs to your damaged home.

FEMA verifies ownership through virtual inspection, automated public and government records or through documents submitted by the applicant. To help FEMA assess your application, homeowners have several options to meet this requirement. These include:

• Deed, title or lease.
• Bill of sale or land installment contract.
• Mortgage payment booklet, property tax receipt or property tax bill.
• Last will and testament (along with a death certificate) naming applicant heir to the property.
• Real property structure insurance.
• Intent to Own, or instances when an applicant was in the process of purchasing a disaster-damaged dwelling and was unable to complete the purchase before the disaster occurred

Applicants who need legal assistance regarding home ownership documentation and cannot afford an attorney may call the free Disaster Legal Services hotline at (800) 522-8065 between 9 a.m. and noon on Wednesdays. Survivors can call 2-1-1 outside of those hours.

When all standard forms of verification are destroyed or don’t exist, FEMA may accept a signed self-declaration or written statement. The written statement must include the length of time the applicant has lived in the disaster-damaged residence prior to the winter storms that began Feb. 11. The statement must also include an explanation of circumstances that prevent standard verification.

The verification documents provided must reflect:

• The name of the applicant or co-applicant registering for assistance.
• If a minor child is registering for assistance, the document must be in the adult co-applicant’s name.
• The address of the damaged pre-disaster residence.
• A date prior to the disaster incident period.

All documents can be uploaded to the applicant’s online FEMA account at DisasterAssistance.gov. Another option for uploading documents is your local library. To find a library in a county approved for assistance, visit https://libraries.ok.gov/disaster-assistance. Survivors in Cotton County can visit a library in a surrounding approved county to upload documents. You can also contact 2-1-1 to find the nearest available location.

If home ownership or occupancy cannot be verified, some individuals or families may still qualify for other available disaster assistance to cover damaged or destroyed personal property.

Help is decided by the agency based on the specifics of each FEMA application, including the documentation provided by the applicant.

If you’ve received a letter saying you’re ineligible, whether because of proof of residency, proof of ownership or another reason, additional documentation may be all that is needed to change your eligibility. It’s important to read your letter carefully to understand FEMA’s decision so you will know exactly what you need to do.

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 Tue, 03/30/2021 - 17:21

Update on Due Date for Residents of Rincón Affected by Earthquakes Can Now Apply for FEMA Assistance

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico— The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) extended the application deadline so that survivors in Rincón whose homes or businesses were affected by the 2020 earthquakes have an additional business day to apply for assistance.

Survivors now have until May 24, 2021 to apply for assistance in the following ways:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Press 2 for a Spanish-speaking operator. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Video relay service (VRS) and reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
• Visit disasterAssistance.gov.
• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online.

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Tue, 03/30/2021 - 10:57

Philadelphia to Open a Second Federally Supported Community Vaccination Center

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia residents will soon have a second city managed and state and federally supported Community Vaccination Center (CVC) where they can receive the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine. This site will be in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia at Esperanza, Inc. located at 5th Street and Hunting Park Ave. It will be equipped to deliver 1500–2,500 vaccinations per day. The site is expected to open the week of April 5th, and the City will announce the specific date once it is confirmed.

This site was selected using a collaborative and data-driven approach, which includes analysis of the CDC’s social vulnerability index and input from state and local partners. This approach places an emphasis on improving vaccine access and equity in underserved communities. The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management selected the Esperanza CVC for federal support based on several reasons:

• Philadelphia Department of Public Health Vaccine Data show that 19140, where Esperanza is located, is a Zip Code in the bottom third of vaccinations in the City and central to the other Zip Codes in the lowest third (https://www.phila.gov/programs/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/vaccines/data/)
• Esperanza fits all vaccine site criteria to include size, infrastructure, accessibility, and availability for a seven day a week operation
• Accessibility includes both ADA compliance and mass transit accessibility as well as proximity to Roosevelt Boulevard and I-95
• The facility is a trusted institution and partner in a Latin American community in Philadelphia
• More than 830,000 Philadelphians of all ages live within 5 miles of this site

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management is working with SEPTA to provide additional transportation options intended to improve the access to the site and make it easier for Philadelphia residents to get vaccinated there.

The site location is Esperanza Charter High School 4261 N 5th St. Philadelphia, PA 19140

Appointment scheduling will be managed by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health using the city’s existing Vaccine Interest Form. 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. This site will also offer a mix of open access or walk-in opportunities to help improve access to Philadelphia’s most vulnerable and underserved communities. Staff at the site will be equipped to assist residents in many different languages or with any access and functional needs.   This site will be managed by the City of Philadelphia with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. FEMA staff, as well as members of the Pennsylvania National Guard will deploy to support this new vaccination site. The goal of establishing this site is to continue expanding the rate of vaccinations in the City of Philadelphia in an efficient, effective, and equitable manner, with a focus on communities with a high risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection. This site is in addition to, and in support of, Philadelphia’s existing network of vaccine distribution sites which include the federally supported Center City Vaccination Center.

FEMA and federal partners are planning to support this site by providing staff, operational assistance, and logistical support. This support is being provided at the request of the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The City of Philadelphia will provide the vaccines from its current federal allocation and will determine the amount of vaccines doses delivered to this site.

“I am thrilled to see the federal government continue to step up to the plate and support us to help protect every Philadelphian,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “This new vaccination center is particularly important because it will allow us to better reach under-vaccinated populations, particularly residents of color in Franklinville and surrounding communities. I also want to thank the team at Esperanza for their support in standing up the new clinic. The collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners has been strong throughout this response to allow us to address the needs of Philadelphians. We're looking forward to getting past COVID-19 and these historic challenges, together.”

“We could not be more excited to see a new major throughput site, like a FEMA Type II vaccination clinic, set up in Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley.

“We have three goals for distributing vaccine: do it fast, do it so we can save the most lives, and do it equitably. A site like this, in this neighborhood, is a big step toward achieving those goals.”

Janice Barlow, FEMA Region 3 Acting Administrator, noted the mission focus in Philadelphia, “FEMA is committed to supporting the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and City of Philadelphia in the equitable, efficient and timely distribution of vaccines and our top priority is to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets one. Expanding federal support to another community vaccination center in a particularly hard-hit Philadelphia community will help make that happen.”

For more information about the City of Philadelphia’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts, please visit www.phila.gov/health

###

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

amanda.hancher Mon, 03/29/2021 - 20:35

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight South Dakota's Schroeder Fire

DENVER – This afternoon, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Schroeder Fire burning in Pennington County, South Dakota near Rapid City.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Nancy Dragani approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request this afternoon and determining that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.

At the time of the request, the Schroeder Fire was threatening more than 300 homes, which were under an evacuation order. Powerlines in the area are also being threatened. The fire started today and has burned in excess of 1,500 acres.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

With the FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.

For more information on FMAGs, visit  https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.

 

minh.phan Mon, 03/29/2021 - 20:16

FEMA Provides $7.2 Million to the Minnesota Department of Health

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management division (DPS-HSEM)  announced today that $7,252,111 in federal funding has been made available to the Minnesota Department of Health for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of April 7, 2020.

This funding will reimburse the Minnesota Department of Health for costs to develop and execute a statewide public awareness campaign regarding COVID-19 testing and ways to reduce the spread of the virus. The grant funds also cover costs to lease and renovate an existing facility into an alternative care site to provide surge hospital bed capacity in the Minneapolis- St. Paul metro area due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“FEMA’s public assistance program is a critical resource for communities affected by COVID-19,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “These grant funds have helped ensure medical services remained available due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and also supported the state’s efforts to communicate important health safety information to the public during the pandemic.”

“This funding allowed us to alert Minnesotans to the safety measures they could take to keep themselves and their loved ones safe as the pandemic first took hold,” said DPS-HSEM Director Joe Kelly. “We are thankful we will be reimbursed to secure an alternate care site at Presbyterian Homes-Langton Place in Roseville, which was established in the event Minnesota hospital surge capacities became overextended.”

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 Mon, 03/29/2021 - 20:08

FEMA Provides $1.1 Million to the Minnesota Department of Human Services

CHICAGO –  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management division (DPS-HSEM)  announced today that $1,147,724 in federal funding has been made available to the Minnesota Department of Human Services for costs related to the state’s response to COVID-19 under the federal disaster declaration of April 7, 2020.

This funding will reimburse eligible costs to provide a non-congregate shelter in Hennepin County for the quarantine of people who are homeless with possible exposure to COVID-19. The grant also includes costs for additional non-congregate shelters as protective spaces for high-risk persons with possible COVID-19 exposure.  

“Stopping the spread of this virus has been a priority for FEMA since the start of the pandemic,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant funding has helped ensure the availability of critical resources to keep people safe while effectively combatting COVID-19.”

“Our mission is to ensure we’re providing adequate resources for everyone; especially the most vulnerable,” said DPS-HSEM Director Joe Kelly. “In a year when having a place to live became paramount, we are grateful we were able to provide shelter to those who needed it the most.”  

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 Mon, 03/29/2021 - 19:55

FEMA COVID-19 Vaccination Update

WASHINGTON -- This week, federal pilot community vaccination centers are scheduled to open in Boston; Essex, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia and Yakima, Washington. 

FEMA 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. FEMA 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. 

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. Each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures. 

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. 

Funeral Assistance 

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. 

FEMA’s funeral assistance program has controls in place to mitigate fraudulent activity. FEMA will not contact anyone until they have called FEMA or have applied for assistance, after the program begins taking applications. Individuals should not disclose information such as the name, birth date or social security number of any deceased family member to any unsolicited telephone calls or e-mails from anyone claiming to be a federal employee or from FEMA. If you doubt a FEMA representative is legitimate, hang up and report it to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or the National Center for Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made by contacting local law enforcement agencies. 

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 03/29/2021 - 19:38

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Announces a Major Disaster Declaration for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to supplement the tribe’s efforts in the areas affected by the COVID-19 pandemic beginning on Jan. 20, 2020, and continuing.

The President's action makes federal funding available for crisis counseling for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Federal funding is also available to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, for the entire tribe impacted by COVID-19 at a 100% federal cost share of total eligible costs.

Gracia B. Szczech has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the tribe and warranted by the results of further evaluation.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 03/29/2021 - 19:25

First Mobile Vaccination Units in U.S. to Open in Maryland

PHILADELPHIA – The nation’s first federally operated mobile COVID-19 vaccination units will soon roll through eastern Maryland.

The two mobile sites will provide access to COVID-19 vaccinations for thousands of Marylanders who live in remote or otherwise underserved areas in eight eastern Maryland counties. Targeted to people who are socially vulnerable or live in remote areas, appointments will be booked through the health department in the county of residence.

The mobile units are funded and operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and will use trained vaccinators and clinical staff from county, state and federal agencies. The common goal? Get shots in arms to the most underserved and help to end the pandemic.

“Throughout this entire vaccine mission, we’ve been fighting two enemies: a virus and the inequities it has caused.” said Janice Barlow, Acting FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator. “These mobile units will ensure that we reach the underserved in their neighborhoods, where they live, and bring us one step closer winning the war against COVID-19.”

Here’s how the centers are expected to work:

• The 32-foot trailers are essentially rolling clinics with cold storage for vaccine doses, storage for administrative materials, staff office space and generators. The units have pop-out awnings and dividers to use for patient spaces. People receive their vaccine on one side of the trailer and move to the opposite side for observation.
• Each MVU is designed to provide a minimum of 250 doses per day. The MVUs are expected to remain in one location for at least a few days at a time.
• Schedules will vary by location and the needs of the people being served.

“From the start, our team has worked with the federal government to provide vaccine equity for all Marylanders,” said Acting Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “We’re excited to be the first state in the nation to include a collaboration with FEMA in our mobile vaccination efforts, and we are pleased to offer Marylanders near the path of these units the opportunity to get vaccinated close to home.”

The mobile vaccine mission is specifically targeting the following groups:

• Workers in the manufacturing and food processing plants in eastern Maryland, specifically those working in eastern Maryland’s many poultry processing plants.

 

• Minority and migrant populations, and those who may lack adequate transportation to commute to and from a standstill vaccination site outside of their community or place of work.

 

• Those living in the small towns and enclaves in eastern Maryland. The mobile vaccine mission will allow for a more streamlined operation to vaccinate those who need it most in this area.

To properly execute a fair and equitable vaccine mission, rooted in concern for the underserved, frontline workers, migrants, and those who do not have the same access to healthcare and pharmacies as others, a mobile vaccine mission in eastern Maryland will help to alleviate the vaccine gap.

The mobile sites join a statewide network of mass vaccination sites and a growing list of other providers where eligible Marylanders can receive COVID-19 vaccines, including pharmacies, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and doctors’ offices. To learn more about vaccinations in Maryland, visit covidlink.Maryland.gov/content/vaccine/GoVax.

###

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

amanda.hancher Mon, 03/29/2021 - 16:43

FEMA Provides an Additional $1.8 Million to Utah for COVID-19 Response

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved $1.8 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts in Utah. To date, FEMA has paid more than $91.3 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 response in Utah. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 4, 2020.

The $1.8 million was provided to the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics to purchase PPE and medical supplies consisting of N95 and surgical masks, gloves, coveralls, gowns, hand sanitizer, safety glasses, IV extensions, disposable stethoscopes, and sanitizing wipes, in order to mitigate the spread at hospitals treating COVID-19 positive patients to mitigate the spread of the virus.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing no less than a 75% federal share for eligible costs. President Biden has approved a 100% cost share for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between Jan. 20, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021.

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 Mon, 03/29/2021 - 14:30

FEMA Provides an Additional $15.1 Million to Montana for COVID-19 Response

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved $15.1 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts in Montana. To date, FEMA has paid more than $26.4 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 response in Montana. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 31, 2020.

The $15.1 million was provided to Montana Disaster and Emergency Services and used to address medical personnel shortages created by the pandemic.  Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Respiratory Therapists were recruited and contracted closing medical personnel gaps in thirteen medical facilities in Montana. Funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing no less than a 75% federal share for eligible costs. President Biden has approved a 100% cost share for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between March 21 and Dec. 5, 2020.

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 Mon, 03/29/2021 - 14:28

Residents of Rincón Affected by Earthquakes Can Now Apply for FEMA Assistance

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico— The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that survivors in Rincón whose homes or businesses were affected by the 2020 earthquakes can now apply for assistance.

Survivors have until May 23, 2021 to apply for assistance in the following ways:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Press 2 for a Spanish-speaking operator. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Video relay service (VRS) and reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
• Visit disasterAssistance.gov.
• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on Apply for Assistance Online. If you have an Apple device: Text APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA). For those with an Android device: Text ANDROID to 43362 (4FEMA). For more information go to: fema.gov/mobile-app.

Residents who apply for assistance might receive a late application letter. You may disregard this letter, as justification regarding why you didn’t apply for assistance in 2020 is not necessary.

As part of the FEMA application process, survivors may also apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The application can be completed online at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. Residents can obtain additional information by calling 800-659-2955 or by email at FOCEAssistance@sba.gov.

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery, visit fema.gov/es/disaster/4473 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 03/29/2021 - 13:51

FEMA, State and Local Partners to Open Covid-19 Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk, Virginia

PHILADELPHIA - A COVID-19 vaccination site will be established at the Military Circle Mall in Norfolk, Va., on March 31, 2021. This vaccination site is a partnership between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Health and Human Services (HHS), Virginia Department of Emergency Management Agency (VDEM),  Virginia Department of Health (VDH)  and the City of Norfolk to support FEMA’s Supplemental Allocation Vaccine Effort (SAVE). The site will be open 7 days a week, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

FEMA and federal partners are planning to support this site through staffing, operations, logistics and vaccine allocations. The Norfolk site, like other federally supported sites across the country, was selected based on data analysis including the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index and other Census data, as well as input from our state and local partners. The central location of the former Macy’s store at the Military Circle Mall was key to site selection and provides access to over 1.7 million people across 14 nearby localities. It is anticipated that once the facility is running at full capacity, the number of vaccine doses given will meet or exceed 3,000 per day. This site will come with its own vaccination allocation, which will not be drawn from the allocation the Commonwealth of Virginia already receives.

“Vaccinating as many as people as possible, as soon as possible, is critical to ending this pandemic,” Governor Northam said. “This vaccination clinic will get more shots into arms in one of Virginia’s more populous regions. We are grateful to FEMA and our other federal partners for their support and assistance.”

 “The Commonwealth of Virginia appreciates the additional support from our federal partners and FEMA as we race to safely vaccinate Virginians” said State Coordinator of Emergency Management Curtis Brown. “The Norfolk site aligns with the Commonwealth’s equitable prioritization objective of addressing the needs of our community members who have suffered disproportionately in disasters, while also providing a significant number of daily vaccine doses.”

"Virginia appreciates assistance from our federal partners to ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations. We especially appreciate that the FEMA SAVE site is targeted toward our most vulnerable populations. These community vaccination centers are a great supplement to the vaccination clinics our Local Health Districts have held over recent months and continue to schedule," said Virginia State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver, M.D., M.A. "With everyone working together, we will reach our vaccination goals and turn this pandemic around."

"We are excited to welcome FEMA to Norfolk's Military Circle Mall vaccination site as a critical partner in the effort to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19," Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander said. "The support, resources and presence of the federal government are greatly appreciated, and we are thankful that our most vulnerable residents will be prioritized."

The Commonwealth of Virginia has prioritized equitable vaccine allocation to ensure its vulnerable and disproportionately impacted communities do not experience further inequities during this pandemic. The Norfolk site was consequently selected in line with this prioritization model. Similar to other vaccine sites across the Commonwealth, residents interested in receiving a vaccine must register at https://vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 1-877-VAX-IN VA (1-877-829-4682), 8am – 8pm. Language translation is available, TTY users dial 7-1-1. Please note that there are no walk-up appointments available, and individuals who show up without a scheduled appointment will not receive a vaccine.

As of March 16, FEMA has provided more than $4.38 billion to 40 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.

“Strong partnerships with our federal, state and local counterparts allow us to collectively bring the latest pilot community vaccination site to the Norfolk area. FEMA remains committed to helping Virginians and all Americans during this time. We will continue to collaborate with our partners to provide equitable, diverse, dynamic and innovative opportunities to help stop the spread of this disease,” said Region 3 Acting Administrator Janice Barlow.

###

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 Fri, 03/26/2021 - 20:50

California, FEMA to Complete Vaccine Mission in Oakland, Los Angeles April 11

Community Vaccination Centers will Transition to Providing Johnson & Johnson Vaccines April 1

OAKLAND, Calif. – Having already successfully administered almost a half million vaccinations to Californians to protect against COVID-19, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the completion of the life-saving, eight-week mission on Sunday, April 11.

In mid-February, the Biden-Harris Administration approved a pilot project to establish Community Vaccination Centers based at the RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland and Cal State LA campus with a capacity to vaccinate approximately 6,000 individuals a day at each site for eight weeks. The sites have outpaced that initial expectation and regularly administer more than 7,500 shots per day.

Nearly 67 percent of vaccines were administered to targeted underserved communities and people of color.

“In the fight against COVID-19, equity is key. This pilot program has shown the rest of the nation a forward-leaning way to serve our communities most in need,” said Cal OES Director Mark Ghilarducci. “We could not be more pleased with the success of these sites or the partnership we have built with our federal partners.”

“This partnership has been a tremendous success and shows what can happen when all levels of government come together to meet a challenge that has affected this state, the nation and the world," said FEMA Region 9 Acting Administrator Tammy Littrell. "Beyond just providing vaccinations, this effort is helping to reopen schools, businesses and communities,”

Further, to maximize the number of individuals served over the final two weeks of the mission, the two agencies will begin providing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to new patients at the jointly operated Community Vaccination Centers (CVC) beginning April 1. Until April 1, the sites will continue to administer Pfizer second dose vaccinations to individuals who previously received their first dose at either the main Community Vaccination Centers or at the Mobile Vaccination Clinics operated in conjunction with these sites.

Johnson & Johnson is a single-dose vaccine as compared to the two doses required for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. California’s top health officials unanimously agree that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe and effective.

These joint federal pilot sites have helped expand the rate of vaccinations in California in an efficient, effective and equitable manner, with an explicit focus on making sure that communities with a high risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection are not left behind. These two locations were chosen since they are in some of the most diverse and socioeconomically challenged communities in the country. These communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and are home to essential workers who have borne the brunt of keeping the economy open over the past year.

In order to continue serving the communities following the completion of the state/federal mission on April 11, Cal OES and FEMA are coordinating closely with local officials on the possibility of reusing the two sites.

Vaccine appointments at the two Community Vaccination Centers will be released daily beginning on April 1 and made available to eligible individuals through visiting the state’s MyTurn website or by calling 833-422-4255.

Members of the public may check their eligibility for vaccination, sign up for notifications and schedule appointments in select areas through the site.

                                                                  ### 

ricardo.zuniga Fri, 03/26/2021 - 19:36

FEMA Provides an Additional $3.7 Million to Denver for Covid-19 Response

 

Denver - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved $3.7 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts in the City and County of Denver. This is in addition to $57 million that Denver received earlier through an expedited process. To date, FEMA has paid more than $405.5 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued March 28, 2020.

The $3.7 million was provided to Denver for emergency protective measures utilizing force account, contract services, and materials costs to open and operate vaccination sites for administering COVID-19 vaccinations. Costs may include, but are not limited to, person protective equipment, equipment and supplies required for storing, handling, distributing and transporting, and administering the COVID-19 vaccines, facility support costs, and onsite infection control measures.

All work for this project falls between Jan. 18, and April 18, 2021. Funding for this project is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing no less than a 75% federal share for eligible costs. President Biden has approved a 100% cost share for projects related to the pandemic response that include work completed between Jan. 20, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021.

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, 03/26/2021 - 19:23

Oklahoma Survivors Affected by Severe Winter Storms Can Upload Documents for FEMA at Local Libraries

OKLAHOMA CITY—The State of Oklahoma and FEMA are now partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and local libraries in the counties approved for federal assistance to make it easier for survivors to upload documents needed for their FEMA application for disaster aid.

The 16 eligible counties are Canadian, Carter, Cherokee, Comanche, Cotton, Hughes, Jefferson, Le Flore, McIntosh, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Pittsburg, Stephens, Tulsa and Wagoner.

There are 83 libraries in these counties prepared to help survivors upload their documents for their FEMA registration. Survivors can also use library computers to complete or update their FEMA applications or check the status of their application.

Documents that may be needed include insurance settlement, denial letters or proof of ownership or occupancy. Examples may include:

• Merchant’s statement dated within three months before the disaster.
• Utility bills dated within three months before the disaster.
• Rent receipts dated within three months before the disaster.
• A lease/housing agreement that was in place at the time of the disaster.
• Deed, title or lease.
• Bill of sale or land installment contract.
• Mortgage payment booklet, property tax receipt or property tax bill.
• Last will and testament (along with a death certificate) naming applicant heir to the property.
• Real property structure insurance.

Find a local library in Canadian, Carter, Cherokee, Comanche, Hughes, Jefferson, Le Flore, McIntosh, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Pittsburg, Stephens, Tulsa and Wagoner counties by visiting https://libraries.ok.gov/disaster-assistance/. Survivors in Cotton County can visit a library in a surrounding approved county to upload documents.

Survivors can also contact 2-1-1 to find the nearest location available.

Appointments may be necessary to use the computer services offered at some libraries and hours of operation may vary. People with winter storm damages should register with FEMA as soon as possible by visiting http://www.disasterassistance.gov.

Homeowners and renters can also register by calling 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.

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.

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 Fri, 03/26/2021 - 19:07

Preliminary Flood Maps for Roosevelt County, New Mexico Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in all communities and unincorporated areas of Roosevelt County, New Mexico. 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 Roosevelt 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 Fri, 03/26/2021 - 18:39

FEMA Provides Over $1.2 Million to the New Hampshire Department of Safety

REGION 1 – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $1,256,800 to the New Hampshire Department of Safety for creating and maintaining an alternate care site at Langley Hall on the campus of NHTI – Concord’s Community College.

If the alternate care site had opened, it could have been an extension of the Capital Area Public Health Network, Concord Hospital, Franklin Regional Hospital or Lakes Region General Hospital.

It would then have provided space for those who didn’t need acute care so the hospitals could preserve their capacities for patients who required a higher level of care.

The hall was modified and disinfected. Funds for that are included in this FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program grant. The federal government is reimbursing New Hampshire at 100% of the state’s costs.

“FEMA is pleased to provide funding that helps New Hampshire manage the financial demands it is experiencing,” said Acting Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Paul Ford, who oversees FEMA’s operations in New England. “We continue to work closely with the state in our shared efforts.”

Additional information about the FEMA PA Program for states, localities, Tribes and certain types of private nonprofit organizations throughout New England can be found at Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster.

###

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

adrien.urbani Fri, 03/26/2021 - 18:29

Preliminary Flood Maps for Kaufman County, Texas Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in all communities and unincorporated areas of Kaufman 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 Kaufman 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 Fri, 03/26/2021 - 17:33