FEMA is Now Accepting Applications for the Youth Preparedness Council

CHICAGO – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is committed to actively involving youth in preparedness-related activities through the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) and is seeking applicants for 2021. YPC members are students in grades 8 through 11 who are selected to support disaster preparedness and make a positive impact on their communities. The 2021 YPC is now open for applications. The YPC is an opportunity for young leaders to engage with FEMA and provide their perspectives, feedback, and opinions related to preparedness, to grow their leadership skills, and to support the resilience of their communities.

YPC members are selected for two-year terms and are chosen based on their passion for preparedness and helping others, their involvement in their community, and their aptitude for working in a team and as a leader.

Students from Region 5 states who apply for the National Youth Preparedness Council will also be considered for a place on the Region 5 Youth Preparedness Council (Region 5 YPC). The Region 5 YPC is an additional service and leadership opportunity for high school students living in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

“FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council empowers young people to not only participate in disaster readiness within their families and communities but also be the leaders to affect positive change,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “By applying to and joining the council, youth will have the opportunity to build preparedness and become change agents in their community.”

The online application opened on January 18, 2021, and students must complete their applications by March 7, 2021, 11:59 p.m. PST to be considered. Selected candidates will be notified in May 2021. Interested students can apply online at https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/apply-to-ypc.

For more information about the Youth Preparedness Council or other youth-focused preparedness initiatives contact us at FEMA-Prepare@fema.dhs.gov. 

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troy.christensen Thu, 01/21/2021 - 09:42

Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Victoria County, Texas

DENTON, Texas – Revised preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in Victoria 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.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. 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. 

Appeals/comments may be submitted through April 12, 2021 for:

• The City of Victoria; and the unincorporated areas of Victoria County

Residents may submit an appeal if they consider 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.

• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.

• 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 to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. 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. 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 or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Kurt.Pickering Wed, 01/20/2021 - 14:59

Historic Preservation, Hospital Projects Highlight December Public Assistance Grant Awards

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – Collaboration between the Territory and FEMA’s Public Assistance team led to the approval of $25.8 million in December to support recovery from the 2017 hurricanes. The grant awards were for management costs and recovery projects that will strengthen and restore health care facilities, historical buildings and roads.   

A total of 23 projects were approved for the repairs to sites damaged from Irma and Maria in September 2017 and to manage Public Assistance (PA) projects.

“The approval of these projects will soon enable more visible evidence of the necessary recovery work from the disastrous hurricanes of 2017. The FEMA staff, many of them Virgin Islanders, are proud to partner with the USVI Office of Disaster Recovery in achieving these important steps to a recovered and resilient Virgin Islands,” said Acting Recovery Director John Covell.  

FEMA’s Public Buildings Group obligated $23.4 million for 13 recovery projects to include:

• Restoration of the Old Brugal Rum Distillery in Frederiksted for a federal cost share of $2.7 million. The V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources will oversee restoration of the storage and office buildings built in 1845, the library building built in 1909 and the factory building built in 1950. Repairs will be made to the well pump building as well.

FEMA’s Transportation Group obligated $735,982 toward restoration of Catherineberg on St. Thomas:

• Catherineberg was previously the governor’s residence and then used for government events until the mansion was damaged during the 2017 hurricanes. The two-story mansion was built in 1830 and was renovated in 1955 and 2000. The West Indian Company Ltd. will administer repairs to the historical building on Denmark Hill in Charlotte Amalie.

FEMA’s Health Group awarded $777,808 for three projects. Projects include:

• The addition of radiology space into the temporary hospital project at Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix at a federal cost share of $649,298.
• Replacement of the roof along with exterior and interior repairs for the V.I. Resource Center for the Disabled, Inc. building on St. Thomas at a federal cost share of $470,756. The two-story building in Charlotte Amalie’s historic district was built around 1886.

FEMA’s Housing Group obligated $379,647 for three projects. Projects include:

• Repairs to dirt roads in Estate Nazareth on St. Thomas for the V.I. Housing Finance Authority to manage restoration of the roads back to pre-disaster condition per V.I. Department of Public Works standards at a federal cost share of $211,300. Maria’s rains led to erosion that washed out the roads.

FEMA’s Education Group approved $560,297 for restoration of hurricane-damaged facilities.

“These obligations are a result of the collaborative work that takes place behind the scenes,” said Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director of the Office of Disaster Recovery. “We will begin to see more projects start construction this year to rebuild the Territory’s public buildings and infrastructure.”

Recipients of PA are responsible for managing the funds obligated to them by FEMA, including disbursement to applicants. FEMA will continue to monitor the recovery progress to ensure the timely delivery of eligible assistance and compliance with federal laws and regulations.

FEMA will continue to support the USVI with strengthening its resilience to better withstand disasters.

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

gina.callaghan Wed, 01/20/2021 - 12:12

Survivors of Arecibo Floods Have Until March 5 to Submit a Late Application for FEMA Assistance

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — Survivors of the floods that occurred in Arecibo on September 13 have until March 5 to submit a late application to request assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This represents an additional 60 days after the registration period ended. FEMA will not accept any application after the grace period.

To process late registrations, disaster survivors must write a letter to FEMA with details of the extenuating circumstances that prevented them from applying for assistance in a timely manner. They should also include valid documentation, if applicable, within 60 days from the date the late application was completed. Missing or incorrect information could result in delays in receiving assistance.

FEMA may consider a late application when applicants submit a signed letter of explanation and documents that clearly confirm why the applicant was unable to apply during the original application period.

There are several ways survivors can apply for FEMA assistance and keep track of their application:

• 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.
• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have an Apple device: Text APPLE to 43362. For those with an Android device: Text ANDROID to 43362. For more information go to: fema.gov/mobile-app.

For more information on recovery from the Arecibo floods, visit fema.gov/disaster/4571. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico.

 

 

frances.acevedo-pico Wed, 01/20/2021 - 11:47

Lenoir County Added to Hurricane Isaias Disaster Declaration

RALEIGH, N.C. – One more North Carolina county is eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance to supplement state and local Hurricane Isaias recovery efforts.

FEMA Public Assistance funding is now available to local governments, state agencies and certain private nonprofits in Lenoir County if they were affected by Hurricane Isaias between July 31 and Aug. 4, 2020.

The addition brings the total to 16 North Carolina counties designated for Public Assistance as part of the Hurricane Isaias major disaster declaration.

The Oct. 14, 2020 major disaster declaration included the following 15 counties for Public Assistance (Categories A-G): Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender and Pitt Counties.

On Jan. 13, 2021, the major disaster declaration was amended to add Lenoir County for Public Assistance.

Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program to reimburse eligible disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures and the repair or restoration of public facilities such as roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, public utilities, parks and recreational facilities.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

The public notice is posted at https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/dr-4568-nc-public-notice-001 and https://www.ncdps.gov/documents/hurricane-isaias-2020-public-notices.

Questions should be directed to chelsea.klein@fema.dhs.gov or to FEMA Region IV EHP, c/o Chelsea Klein, 3003 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, GA 30341-4112, within 15 days of the date of this notice.

neily.chapman Wed, 01/20/2021 - 09:08

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

BILOXI, Miss. – Mississippi residents who applied for assistance from FEMA after sustaining damage from Hurricane Zeta will receive a letter from FEMA in the mail or via email.

The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.

Applicants may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:

• Proof of insurance coverage
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy
• Proof of ownership
• Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster If you have questions about your letter go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, accessible and functional. Currently, such inspections are being conducted remotely, by telephone or via Zoom or Facetime, following COVID-19 precautions. FEMA considers the following factors in the home inspection:
• The exterior of the home is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows.
• The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer or septic systems function properly.
• The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors.
• The home is capable of functioning for its intended purpose.
• There is safe access to and from the home.

FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance. FEMA assistance only provides funds for basic work to make a home habitable, including items such as toilets, a roof, critical utilities, windows and doors.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance, may submit an appeal letter and documents supporting their claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs.

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled by submitting insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA. FEMA does not provide assistance for insurance deductibles.

Appeals must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include:

• Applicant’s full name
• Disaster number (DR-4576 for Mississippi)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
• Applicant’s current phone number and address
• The FEMA registration number on all documents

If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant. Letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be submitted to FEMA by fax or mail or via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions. By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055 By fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA For more information about Hurricane Zeta recovery in Mississippi, visit the FEMA disaster webpage at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4576 or the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency webpage at https://www.msema.org/zeta/.

felicia.jordan Tue, 01/19/2021 - 11:40

How to Appeal a FEMA Disaster Assistance Decision

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Disaster survivors affected by Hurricane Zeta may receive a letter from FEMA stating they are ineligible for assistance. This may not be the final word. Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s decision can file an appeal with FEMA.

You will need to read your determination letter carefully to understand why FEMA decided the application was “ineligible.” Many times, the solution is as simple as providing missing documents or information.

Documents to Include with an Appeal Letter

Often, applicants need only submit extra documents for FEMA to process their application. FEMA may find an applicant ineligible if the following documents are missing:

• Insurance letters: Documents from your insurance company that show your policy coverage and/or settlement is not enough to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay, or replace certain contents. FEMA cannot provide benefits to homeowners or renters who already received those same benefits from their insurance carriers.
• Proof of occupancy: A copy of utility bills, a driver’s license or lease that proves the damaged home or rental was your primary residence.
• Proof of ownership: Mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed. If your documents were lost or destroyed, visit www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents for information on replacing lost documents.

Legal Services are Available

Free legal help with filing appeals and other disaster-related legal concerns is available to eligible Hurricane Zeta survivors in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties. Call the disaster legal services hotline at 800-354-6154. Leave a message and a volunteer lawyer will return your call. Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.  Types of assistance may also include help with private insurance claims, consumer protection matters and home repair contractors; replacing important legal documents destroyed in the storm, counseling on mortgage-foreclosure and landlord-tenant problems; and referrals to other attorneys and COVID-19 resources. Disaster legal services are not available for cases that may produce a monetary award. The free legal help program is funded by FEMA.

How to Submit an Appeal

All appeals must be in writing and signed by the applicant. The appeal letter should explain why the applicant disagrees with FEMA’s decision. It is important to include any documentation FEMA requests and/or document that supports the appeal claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. If the person writing the appeal letter is not the applicant or a member of the household, applicants must submit a signed statement that the writer is authorized to act on the behalf of the applicant.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to include a copy of the cover letter you received from FEMA when you submit your appeal documents.

Mail, fax or upload documents and your appeal letter within 60 days of the date on your determination letter.

• Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 
• Fax: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA
• To set up a FEMA online account or to upload documents online, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and click on “Check Your Application and Log In” and follow the directions.

Those who submit an appeal will receive a decision letter within 90 days of FEMA's receipt of your appeal.

Those who need help understanding their letter can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their assigned number for that service. They should also be aware that phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Multilingual operators are available at the Helpline. (Press 2 for Spanish.) Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Residents of the seven counties that sustained damage from Hurricane Zeta Oct. 28-29, 2020, may apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is Monday, Feb. 8.

For more information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4573 and www.facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Tue, 01/19/2021 - 08:34

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available to Hurricane Zeta Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to certain workers in Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and Terrebonne parishes who lost income as a direct result of Hurricane Zeta. The purpose of DUA is to help workers whose primary incomes are lost or interrupted by a federally declared disaster. DUA may be available if the disaster affected your employment — even if you’re self-employed, a farmer or a farm worker — and you fall under one of the following categories:

• Your workplace was damaged or destroyed by the disaster.
• Transportation to work was unavailable as a direct result of the disaster.
• You could not get to your job because you had to travel through the disaster area.
• The disaster prevented you from starting a new job.          
• Your business suffered because you relied on the disaster area for most of its income
• You cannot work due to an injury caused as a direct result of the major disaster
• You became the breadwinner or major household support because the head of your household died as a direct result of the disaster.
• You became unemployed as a direct result of the disaster.

 

Applicants in these parishes must apply for disaster unemployment assistance by Feb. 12.

Affected workers must first apply for regular unemployment insurance prior to starting a DUA application. Apply by visiting www.laworks.net, the Helping Individuals Reach Employment portal.

Claimants may also file by telephone by calling the Benefits Analysis Team at 866-783-5567 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For the latest information on Hurricane Zeta, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4577. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

scott.reuter Mon, 01/18/2021 - 18:23

FEMA Seeking Applicants to Join Hurricane Recovery Team

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA is hiring Louisiana residents who live in areas affected by last year’s hurricanes to join our recovery team as temporary employees. Hiring temporary staff locally allows FEMA to diversify the workforce while affording opportunities for Louisianans.

Jobs are available for Voluntary Agency Liaison Specialists in Lafayette, Alexandria, and Lake Charles for temporary positions assisting with disaster response and recovery efforts. These jobs are for local residents to help with FEMA’s work.

Potential applicants can view these positions at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/588867700. The job posting is open until Jan. 21.

FEMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Salaries are comparable to local pay rates.

Most temporary local hires are employed through a streamlined rather than a competitive process. A local hire’s term of employment is 120 days, though it may be extended in 120-day increments up to one year. Visit USAJOBS.gov for additional information, including job responsibilities and compensation.

Conditions of Employment:

• You must be a U.S. citizen to be considered for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/59.

scott.reuter Mon, 01/18/2021 - 18:12

Volunteers and Donations Still Needed to Assist Louisiana Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – In the aftermath of hurricanes Laura and Delta, volunteers from across the country, state and local communities helped survivors with both response and recovery. However, five months later, many survivors still need assistance as they move forward in long-term recovery.

Assistance with donations and distribution of food, clothing and other immediate items were provided to survivors after landfall. Volunteers also helped survivors with debris removal, mucking out or gutting flooded homes, tree removal, and roof tarping.

To date, non-profits and volunteers have helped survivors affected by hurricanes Laura and Delta receive:

• More than 15.9 million meals by the Louisiana Multi-Feeding Task Force; and
• Thousands of items such as clothing, hygiene products, cleaning kits and other immediate necessities.   

Acadiana, Central, Northeast and Southwest Louisiana Parishes still need volunteers to help with mucking out or gutting flooded homes, roof tarping, tree removal and home repair/rebuild projects. Numerous voluntary agencies and non-profits in these affected regions rely on volunteers and donations to continue recovery efforts in local communities.   

Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (LA VOAD) is a consortium of voluntary agencies and non-profits dedicated to providing critical help to survivors and their communities throughout recovery. Members include the American Red Cross, Consulting Partners, United Methodist Louisiana Conference, Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response and Samaritans’ Purse. These groups meet regularly to discuss challenges in the community and find creative ways to collaborate to meet survivors’ needs.

FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) help guide and educate local communities and non-profits on donations and volunteer management. The VALs work with these groups to help maximize the value of volunteers, donated items and agencies throughout the recovery process. Major volunteer groups are often associated with National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD) and Louisiana VOAD.

 

How To Get Involved

While all donations are appreciated, cash is best. Cash offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources. Many charities specialize in providing relief in disaster areas, yet they face significant financial barriers to getting their staff, equipment and supplies to impacted areas. Any contributions made are tax-deductible and helps put experienced disaster responders on the ground as well as gives them the tools they need to help survivors recover. Organizations typically prefer cash donations because they allow organizations to:

• Purchase food, water, medicine and equipment from secure and familiar supply chains
• Conserve resources. Money is always necessary and cheap to send, but the cost to ship material supplies can be expensive.
• Material supplies such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable food require helping agencies to redirect volunteer labor away from providing direct one-on-one assistance to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.

To ensure your financial contributions are used responsibly, visit Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters to find lists of organizations receiving donations.

VolunteerLouisiana also provides support to non-profit and volunteer groups. Established under the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, VolunteerLouisiana is the state service commission and helps to promote national service and volunteerism throughout the state. Potential volunteers wanting to help can register with VolunteerLouisiana or any volunteer agency, charitable organization or non-profit of choice.

 

Louisiana 211

Survivors seeking information about disaster-related services and unmet needs related to hurricanes Laura and Delta can call 2-1-1, a statewide referral service, to find resources in their local communities. These may include feeding/food pantry locations, childcare, financial assistance, crisis counseling, case management, transportation assistance, volunteer work, emergency clean-up (muck/gut, debris removal, roof tarping, tree removal) personal property.

For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559.For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6

scott.reuter Mon, 01/18/2021 - 18:02

FEMA PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL $181 MILLION TO COLORADO FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE

DENVER – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided $181 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts in Colorado. To date, FEMA has provided more than $330 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 response in Colorado. The assistance was made available under a major disaster declaration issued April 4, 2020, by President Trump.

The $181 million was provided to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to fund COVID-19 community testing sites and laboratory contracts in Colorado. Funding for this project is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

“This FEMA assistance is making a difference across Colorado,” said FEMA Region 8 Administrator Lee dePalo. “Testing sites ensure that both individuals and health officials have critical information on the level of infections within the state. This helps state and local leaders make critical decisions in the battle against COVID.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities to protect public safety, providing at least a 75-percent funding share for eligible costs. Remaining costs are the responsibility of the state and local applicants for assistance.

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 Sat, 01/16/2021 - 15:41

All Alabamians Have Equal Access to FEMA Recovery Programs

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – To help communities recover from Hurricane Zeta, FEMA is working with state agencies and volunteer organizations to make sure survivors with disabilities and those with access and functional needs have equal access to disaster assistance programs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 33.2 percent of Alabama adults age 18 and over have some type of disability. Across the state and throughout the United States, FEMA provides accommodations at each step in the disaster recovery process.

FEMA is committed to providing assistance to everyone in the communities affected by the storm. Assistance may take the form of a grant that does not have to be repaid or it may be through connections or referrals with FEMA’s state and local partners.

Be assured: all affected residents in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties can get answers to their questions and help from FEMA with applications for disaster assistance.

FEMA can provide interpreters, real-time captioning and information in alternate formats such as Braille, large-print, audio and electronic versions. The agency also provides free services to help people communicate with its staff and understand FEMA programs.  Among the aids are:

• Information available in accessible electronic formats on FEMA’s website and social media
• Qualified American Sign Language interpreters
• Qualified multilingual interpreters
• Information written in multiple languages

Newspapers, radio, television, social media, local officials and private sector partners help to spread important recovery information.

The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Monday, Feb. 8. There are several ways to apply:

• Download FEMA’s mobile app to a smartphone or tablet
• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

• 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 need accommodations for language or disability, let the Helpline specialists know.

• People who are deaf or hard of hearing may review the video, Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance.

Before the next storm, the deaf or hard of hearing community can also review “Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs,” a FEMA video presented in English and sign language. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLLMDOScE4g.

For more information about Hurricane Zeta recovery in Alabama, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4573 and www.facebook.com/fema.

felicia.jordan Fri, 01/15/2021 - 08:31

Hope for Fishing Villages on the Island

FEMA approves $1.8 million for repairs to the villages in Guayama, Maunabo, Mayagüez and San Juan

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — At about 4 a.m. Christopher McGrath, a commercial fisherman from San Juan, begins to prepare his boat to go out to sea to find fresh fish. That hard work goes on for long hours until the sun goes down, where he then distributes the day’s catch to restaurants and to the public.

Like him, nearly a thousand fishermen live this daily scenario on the coasts of Puerto Rico. For many, the work is more difficult and demanding after Hurricane María destroyed many of their boats, work equipment and even the wharfs where they docked. This is why a $1.8 million allocation from FEMA to the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture represents a boost for the island's fishermen, since it will improve the safety and environment of their places of work.

“Our goal with these obligations is to help the sector recover, allowing it to continue to support the communities and their families. Fishing is a vital link in the food supply chain on the island and the improvements that will be made will provide an opportunity to take advantage of the resources of our coasts”, said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado.

Four fishing villages where 96 fishermen work will be repaired and rebuilt thanks to these federal funds: La Coal Fishing Village in Old San Juan, with an obligation of about $696,000; Maunabo Fishing Village, located near the historic Punta Tuna lighthouse, with about $347,000; El Maní Fishing Village in Mayagüez, with about $393,000; and Guayama Fishing Village with about $383,000. Of those funds, about $174,000 will go towards the strengthening of the facilities in order to reduce damage to the structures in the event of future disasters.

According to data from the Puerto Rico Planning Board, in 2018 local fisheries contributed about $300,000 to the island’s economy. In terms of local fish production, in 2017 a little over 15,700 quintals of fish and about 8,600 quintals of seafood were reported. National statistics show that commercial activities that depend on the ocean, such as fishing, finance 7 percent of total employment in Puerto Rico, three times as much as the 2 percent average for the continental United States.

“With this obligation from FEMA, aimed for the recovery and reactivation of the fishing villages, we will mitigate one of the sectors that was most affected by past atmospheric events,” said the designated Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture, Ramón González Beiró. “Through these grants the fishing villages facilities will improve, which is an essential tool for the operation and marketing of the products from our fishermen.”

For George Thomas, tugboat captain and vice president of La Coal Fishing Village in Old San Juan established 45 years ago, everything seemed like a war zone after the hurricane. The experience was similar in the Guayama Fishing Village. As shared by Miguel Ortiz, president of this village established in 2001 and also president of the Commercial Fishermen Federation of Puerto Rico, they lost all kinds of equipment and gave away 1,200 pounds of fish to the community so it would not go to waste due to lack of power. “It has been quite an uphill battle to get back to normal. Right now, we are operating at 35 or 40 percent capacity,” added Ortiz.

Ortiz also indicated that before Maria there were some 44 fishing villages, of which today there are approximately 20 operating at a full or part time capacity. He explained that prior to the hurricane the kiosk in the Guayama Fishing Village could generate about $70,000 a year, while it is currently generating a little over half that amount. The expectation is that these funds will help increase the fishing activity in order to generate capital once again.

“This federal obligation represents an important support for the fishing sector of the island, which has great development potential, not only in financial growth but also on the sustainable food industry,” said executive director of COR3, engineer Manuel Laboy Rivera. “This sector has a great impact on local businesses and restaurants, as well as in the tourism industry and our communities. We thank FEMA for their constant assistance in the process of the reconstruction of Puerto Rico.”  

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane María, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

 

 

frances.acevedo-pico Fri, 01/15/2021 - 07:15

NR 002

BATON ROUGE, La. – If you are a renter in Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard or Terrebonne parish and sustained damage or losses from Hurricane Zeta, you may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. 

These six parishes were named in a disaster declaration signed by President Trump Jan. 12. If the house or apartment you are renting is your primary residence and is in one of these parishes, you should register with FEMA to apply for grants to help with disaster-related expenses, such as:

• Renting a different dwelling when the formerly occupied one is unsafe to live in due to the hurricane;
• Hurricane-related medical and dental expenses;
• Increased cost of child-care expenses;
• Moving and storage fees;
• Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the hurricane, such as appliances and furniture, textbooks and computers used by students, and work equipment or tools used by independent contractors;
• Repair or replacement of hurricane-damaged vehicles;
• Hurricane-related funeral and burial expenses, and
• Other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Rental grants may be used for security deposits, rent and the cost of essential utilities—such as gas or water. The grants may not be used to pay for separate cable or Internet bills. The grants are not loans and don’t have to be repaid. They are not taxable income and won’t affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or other public assistance programs.

If you have renter’s insurance, you should call your insurance agent to start the claims process before you contact FEMA.

There are three ways to apply for federal disaster assistance:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Use the FEMA mobile app, or
• Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Registration deadline is March 15, 2021.       

Renters who face eviction or have been evicted from their storm-damaged apartment complex—whether their unit had damage or not—may be eligible for disaster assistance. Renters who have already registered for federal assistance and were evicted after they registered due to damage to other parts of their complex should call the FEMA Helpline.

Renters may also qualify for long-term, low-interest loans of up to $40,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans may be used to cover the cost of repairing or replacing essential hurricane-damaged personal property.

For information, visit SBA.gov/disaster, call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. To apply for an SBA loan, visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Renters who are deaf or hard of hearing may view an informational video with American Sign Language at youtube.com/watch?v=yAHSPK_K7tg. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should alert FEMA as to the specific number assigned to that service.

For the latest information on Hurricane Zeta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4577. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

scott.reuter Thu, 01/14/2021 - 18:12

FEMA Supporting Government Partners Across DC Region in Preparation for 59th Presidential Inauguration

WASHINGTON --  FEMA is actively coordinating with our state, local and federal partners in support of the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

During this historic event, public safety remains FEMA’s highest priority. In light of recent events and the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage anyone planning to be in the Washington D.C., metro area to follow the guidance of local officials, adhere to public health precautions and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. Experiencing the inauguration from your home by watching on television or online remains your best option to view this event.

FEMA works closely with our federal, state and local partners and synchronizes federal interagency coordination to prepare for and respond to all hazards in the National Capital Region, enhancing homeland security and emergency management operations. FEMA has provided planning, training and exercise support to our federal, state and local partners to promote an enhanced preparedness posture over the past several months leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

The Department of Homeland Security designated the Presidential Inauguration as a recurring National Special Security Event (NSSE). Events may be designated NSSEs when they warrant the full protection, incident management and counterterrorism capabilities of the federal government. On Jan. 12, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Pete Gaynor extended the period of the NSSE to begin a week in advance of the Inauguration and run from Jan. 13 – Jan. 21. The Acting Secretary determined the extended NSSE period was necessary to provide for a unified command and control and ensure the safety and security of this special event.

Due to the complex and sensitive nature of this event, different federal agencies are designated to lead certain efforts.

• When an event is designated a NSSE, the U.S. Secret Service assumes its mandated role as the lead federal agency for security planning and response.
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the lead federal agency for incident investigation.
• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for incident management.
• FEMA is the lead federal agency for consequence management in situations where a disaster or hazardous event exceeds local response capabilities. The mission of consequence management is to manage emergency response activities in order to ensure a quick and coordinated response to protect public health and safety, restore essential services, and provide emergency relief to all those affected by the consequences of a natural, man-made, or act-of-terrorism incident.

The preparation for any NSSE is a cooperative effort. FEMA has been fully engaged with our federal, state and local authorities before this event, and will remain so during and after the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

President Donald Trump approved the District of Columbia’s request for an Emergency Declaration on Jan. 11. This action allows FEMA to surge public safety resources and response teams to the District of Columbia in preparation for the inauguration. FEMA response teams are already in position at key locations throughout the National Capital Region and are prepared to support our public safety partners in any potential situations that may arise. Additionally, FEMA is deploying a national Incident Management Assistance Team to the area to support the agency's full-time staff who regularly coordinate, exercise and train with first responders and emergency managers in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

While FEMA does not operate in any law enforcement capacity, we are actively coordinating with our federal, state and local partners to ensure public safety throughout the 59th Presidential Inauguration. Our mission remains the same – helping people before, during and after disasters.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 01/14/2021 - 10:46

Louisiana Residents Affected by Hurricane Zeta Can Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Homeowners and renters who suffered damage from Hurricane Zeta in Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and Terrebonne parishes should register with FEMA and apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the hurricane.

These parishes were designated eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program under the Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Trump for damage and losses suffered from Hurricane Zeta between Oct. 26 and 29, 2020.

If you have not yet done so, contact your homeowners insurance company immediately to file your storm-damage claims and document the damage with photos. You do not have to wait until your insurance company makes a decision to take the next steps. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin. The deadline to register for assistance for Hurricane Zeta is March 15, 2021.

Register with FEMA by:

• Going online at disasterassistance.gov;
• Downloading the FEMA app; or
• Calling the helpline: 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

If you have previously applied for FEMA assistance for hurricanes Laura and Delta, you will have to register again for Hurricane Zeta assistance. If you registered in anticipation of the declaration of Hurricane Zeta, your registration will be processed.

You will need to have the following available when you register:

• 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, if available; and
• If insured, the insurance policy number or your insurance agent and company.

Disaster assistance may provide temporary help and a place to stay while you build your own recovery plan. Although the federal government cannot make you whole, it may be able to help your recovery move forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance, or those who may be underinsured, may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost disaster loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover from the effects of the disaster.

U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans are available for:

• Businesses of any size and nonprofits for up to $2 million for property damage.
• For small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most nonprofits: up to $2 million for working capital needs even if they had no property damage, with a $2 million maximum loan for any combination of property damage and working-capital needs.
• For homeowners: up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence.
• For homeowners and renters: up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles.

Businesses and residents can apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.   

Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

The following parishes are approved by FEMA for Public Assistance:

• Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and St. Charles Parishes for Public Assistance for debris removal.
• Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana Parishes for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

scott.reuter Wed, 01/13/2021 - 17:48

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Connecticut

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Connecticut to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Isaias on Aug. 4, 2020.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland and Windham counties and the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe and Mohegan Tribe of Indians.

Lastly, federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Robert V. Fogel has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations for the affected area. Additional designations may be made later if warranted by further damage assessments.

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 01/13/2021 - 14:05

Hurricane Zeta Survivors: Be Alert to Fraud

BILOXI, Miss. – After a disaster, fraud can be a problem.

Sometimes, survivors who try to register with FEMA discover that someone has already registered using their name. Scammers may contact survivors who have not registered with FEMA and try to extract money or information. In these cases, it is likely the survivor’s personal data has been compromised.

FEMA reminds survivors:

• FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) never charge for registration, home inspections, grants, disaster-loan applications or anything else.
• If you have registered and want to verify any correspondence you received from FEMA, call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
• If you suspect fraud, call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office at 601-359-3680 or report it your local police department.

FEMA also recommends you monitor your credit report for any accounts or changes you do not recognize. If you discover someone is using your information, you will need to take additional steps, including filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission through its website: IdentityTheft.gov.

For an accessible video on fraud, go online to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=EVqS709Gj_U&feature=youtu.be

For more information about Hurricane Zeta recovery in Mississippi, visit the FEMA disaster webpage at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4576 or the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency webpage at https://www.msema.org/zeta/.

felicia.jordan Wed, 01/13/2021 - 12:15

FEMA Provides $1.9 to Allina Health Systems

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Minnesota Department of Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management division (DPS-HSEM) announced today that $1,906,728 in federal funding has been made available to Allina Health System for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of April 7, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Allina Health System for costs to purchase and distribute personal protective equipment, ventilators and medical supplies to eliminate the immediate threat to life, public health and safety during the COVID-19 response.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance Program is an important resource for communities affected by COVID-19,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant funding has helped ensure the availability of critical medical supplies and services in Minnesota to combat this virus.”

“Supporting Minnesota’s medical facilities and staff as they care for our family, friends, and neighbors is a priority for us,” said Joe Kelly, DPS-HSEM director. “FEMA’s Public Assistance grant funding allows us to acquire the tools and resources they need to save countless lives and protect many others.”

FEMA provides a 75 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. The eligible cost for this project is $2,542,304. The remaining 25 percent, or $635,576, will be paid by Allina Health System.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for debris removal, disaster cleanup and emergency actions taken to protect lives or property.  To learn more, visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

# # #

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

troy.christensen Wed, 01/13/2021 - 09:59

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Georgia

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, FEMA announced federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Georgia to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Zeta on Oct. 29, 2020.

Federal funding is available to state 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 Tropical Storm Zeta in Banks, Carroll, Cherokee, Dawson, Douglas, Fannin, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Lumpkin, Paulding, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Leda Khoury has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made later if warranted by the results of damage assessments

mayshaunt.gary Wed, 01/13/2021 - 09:44