Salem, Ore. -- Oregon residents who lost access to water and sewer service through their private wells and septic systems due to the September wildfires could be considered for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.

Residents in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion counties designated for federal assistance to individuals and households due to 2020 wildfires may be eligible for a FEMA award for household repairs not usually covered by insurance. This includes repair or replacement of septic systems and wells damaged by wildfires.

Settlement of a homeowner’s insurance policy is the primary source of money to pay for home repairs following a major disaster. FEMA assistance cannot duplicate insurance coverage. However, households that don’t have insurance or have received an insurance settlement less than the cost to repair serious damage may apply to FEMA for help with costs that are necessary to have a functioning home, including for repair or replacement of private wells and/or septic systems.

Steps to take to be considered for assistance with your private well and/or septic system:

Apply with FEMA: online at DisasterAssistance.gov; through the FEMA App; or by phone at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST daily. Be sure to report any damages to your well as a result of the disaster. 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 be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

If you have applied with FEMA and have not had a home inspection, you should let the FEMA inspector know you have a private well and/or septic system. If you have applied with FEMA and are insured, you should contact the helpline and let them know that you have well/septic damage so that an inspection can be issued.  If you have already had an inspection and your well or septic system wasn’t reported, you may send FEMA a dated and signed letter, along with a contractor’s estimate, indicating you are appealing for the well/septic system.

In situations where you received FEMA assistance for your private well/septic system, but additional help for these costs is needed, you may submit an appeal:

You should provide to FEMA a verifiable estimate/receipt indicating the well/septic system was physically damaged, collapsed, and/or is no longer functioning as a direct result of the disaster. You will need to include a dated and signed letter, along with the contractor’s estimate, indicating you are appealing for the well/septic system.

If the submitted estimates/receipts do not specifically include this information, FEMA will call the contractor to confirm the information.

You may always contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) if you have any questions about your disaster assistance options.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free 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 be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish)

Disaster survivors affected by the Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds can also get personalized mitigation advice to repair and rebuild safer and stronger from a FEMA Mitigation Specialist. For information on how to rebuild safer and stronger or to inquire as to your new flood risk following a fire near you, email FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov, a FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialist will respond survivor inquiries.

Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit fema.gov for more information.

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

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Additional help has been approved for nine California counties ravaged by the September/October wildfires.

The following assistance, approved Nov. 25, is added to the Oct. 16 presidential disaster declaration for the wildfire period Sept. 4 through Nov. 17, 2020:

• Del Norte County for Public Assistance, including direct federal assistance.
• Fresno, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, Shasta, Siskiyou, and Sonoma counties for debris removal (Category A) and permanent work (Categories C-G). These counties are already designated for Individual Assistance and emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.
• Yuba County for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.

FEMA’s PA program provides federal grant assistance to help communities quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the president. An applicant is a nonfederal entity (a local, state, territorial or tribal government or an eligible private nonprofit organization) that applies for assistance under a federal award.

Federal funds pay for not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost of emergency work and permanent work.

The PA program benefits everyone – neighborhoods, towns, cities, counties, states and their residents. Funds are used for projects to renovate classrooms, refurbish hospitals, restore parks and repair public transportation systems so students can go to safe schools, doctors and nurses can provide medical care and families can enjoy the outdoors in public parks.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4569 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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CHICAGO - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) announced today that $46,077,160 in federal funding has been made available to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation for costs related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal disaster declaration of March 31, 2020.

This funding will reimburse Cleveland Clinic Foundation for costs to expand capacity at their existing medical facility to treat COVID-19 patients and to purchase and distribute medical supplies, ventilators and personal protective equipment.  

“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 services in Ohio to combat this virus.”

“Areas in and around Cleveland continue to have the second highest rates of COVID-19 cases in the state,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “This funding allows for the Cleveland Clinic Foundation to continue its mission of providing critical medical care to patients.”

FEMA provides a 75 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project, which totals $46,077,160. The eligible cost for this project is $61,436,213.

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.

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

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded nearly $1.5 million to repair the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music for damages caused by Hurricane María. Beyond being a specialized public university, the Conservatory is a symbol of Puerto Rico’s heritage and musical traditions.

To help preserve the unique qualities of this facility, a team of FEMA specialists carefully assessed the damage and construction of the historic structure. Among other measures, these experts considered the fusion of modern features embedded in a building that dates from the XIX Century and is the last construction work completed by the Spanish government on the island.

“The Conservatory is an iconic place for music in Puerto Rico. Given its historic nature, it’s important to restore this facility for future generations,” said the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado.

On the other hand, about $367,000 of the funds allocated are destined for mitigation measures to prevent similar damage in future disasters. These include upgrades to avoid water leaks in the roof and windows, which caused most of the damage to this structure.

Professor Pedro Segarra Sisamone, the conservatory’s rector, said FEMA’s evaluation was very comprehensive. “Once the appropriate materials for the restoration were determined, the costs were estimated,” he said.

The Conservatory is home to piano laboratories, a library, concert halls and an amphitheater. In addition to its undergraduate academic offerings, which serve 400 students, the Conservatory offers programs such as “100x35 Music” and the Preparatory School. These develop social skills through music and have a combined total of nearly 1,600 students.

“We are very pleased to help the Conservatory of Music continue offering community and educational services. Music is an art form that has helped us so much during these times and Puerto Rico has an enormous pool of talent that must continue to develop. We appreciate the Conservatory staff members for their great efforts and achievements, particularly during these past months,” said the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, Ottmar Chávez.

To date, FEMA has obligated nearly $19.3 billion for costs related to hurricanes Irma and María, including projects to help rebuild infrastructure throughout Puerto Rico. FEMA works with COR3 through the agency’s Public Assistance program to obligate recovery funds to private nonprofit organizations, municipalities and agencies of the Government 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.

Salem, Ore. -- Oregon residents who lost access to water and sewer service through their private wells and septic systems due to the September wildfires could be considered for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.

Residents in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion counties designated for federal assistance to individuals and households due to 2020 wildfires may be eligible for a FEMA award for household repairs not usually covered by insurance. This includes repair or replacement of septic systems and wells damaged by wildfires.

Settlement of a homeowner’s insurance policy is the primary source of money to pay for home repairs following a major disaster. FEMA assistance cannot duplicate insurance coverage. However, households that don’t have insurance or have received an insurance settlement less than the cost to repair serious damage may apply to FEMA for help with costs that are necessary to have a functioning home, including for repair or replacement of private wells and/or septic systems.

Step to take to be considered for assistance with your private well and/or septic system:

• Apply with FEMA: online at DisasterAssistance.gov; through the FEMA App; or by phone at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST daily. Be sure to report any damages to your well as a result of the disaster. 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 be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

If you have applied with FEMA and have not had a home inspection, you should let the FEMA inspector know you have a private well and/or septic system. If you have applied with FEMA and are insured, you should contact the helpline and let them know that you have well/septic damage so that an inspection can be issued.  If you have already had an inspection and your well or septic system wasn’t reported, you may send FEMA a dated and signed letter, along with a contractor’s estimate, indicating you are appealing for the well/septic system.  

In situations where you received FEMA assistance for your private well/septic system, but additional help for these costs is needed, you may submit an appeal:

• You should provide to FEMA a verifiable estimate/receipt indicating the well/septic system was physically damaged, collapsed, and/or is no longer functioning as a direct result of the disaster. You will need to include a dated and signed letter, along with the contractor’s estimate, indicating you are appealing for the well/septic system.
• If the submitted estimates/receipts do not specifically include this information, FEMA will call the contractor to confirm the information.

You may always contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) if you have any questions about your disaster assistance options.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free 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 be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish)

Disaster survivors affected by the Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds can also get personalized mitigation advice to repair and rebuild safer and stronger from a FEMA Mitigation Specialist. For information on how to rebuild safer and stronger or to inquire as to your new flood risk following a fire near you, email FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov, a FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialist will respond survivor inquiries.

Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit fema.gov for more information.

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

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,954,088 for Gainesville Regional Utilities to upgrade utility poles and harden the electrical distribution system for 36 neighborhoods.

After Hurricane Irma in 2017, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will assist the city with minimizing the loss of service through pole-mounted transformers and other distribution equipment. The project will reduce damage from future windstorms of up to 141 miles per hour.

The grant is funded by the HMGP, an important source of federal disaster assistance. Funding from the program may become available following the president’s declaration of a major disaster, with a goal of strengthening communities by improving buildings, facilities and infrastructure that people use every day.

A 2018 report by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that one dollar spent on hazard mitigation will save more than six dollars of recovery and rebuilding costs.

Generally, the HMGP may provide a state, tribe or territory with additional grants up to 15 percent of the total disaster grants awarded by FEMA for a federally declared disaster. States such as Florida that meet advanced mitigation planning criteria may qualify for a higher percentage.

Florida has a FEMA-approved Enhanced Mitigation Plan, making the state eligible for HMGP funding not to exceed 20 percent of the estimated total amount of grant money spent by FEMA in the Hurricane Irma disaster. From this amount, the HMGP reimburses the state up to 75 percent of eligible costs for hazard mitigation projects. The remaining amount comes from other sources such as state and local assets and a combination of cash and in-kind sources.

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, d­­­uring, and after disasters.

BATON ROUGE, La. — Renters and homeowners in parishes designated for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Laura have until Nov. 27 to register for help.

Federal assistance includes help for temporary housing, rental assistance and repair or replacement of damaged property.

Additionally, grants may be available to help with other expenses such as medical and dental care, childcare, funeral and burial costs, replacing essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle repairs and cleanup.

To see if you live in a designated parish, visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4559/designated-areas.

For more information or to register for assistance:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
• Visit disasterassistance.gov/.
• To find a drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), text 43362 and type DRC and a ZIP code (for example DRC 12345).
• To receive a link to download the FEMA app:
  • • Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362
    • Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362
    • Visit fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app .

Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

Hurricane Laura survivors with home repair questions should contact FEMA mitigation outreach at 833-336-2487 or at fema-mitoutreach-4559@fema.dhs.gov Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT. To view mitigation resources visit https://fema.connectsolutions.com/lauramit/.

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

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $3,600,000 for Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Trust, Inc. to retrofit the museum for protection from wind and flood during storms.

After Hurricane Irma in 2017, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will assist the museum with the installation of impact-resistant windows and doors, and wind protection for other openings such as vents and exhaust fans. The project will reduce damage from future windstorms of up to 182 miles per hour. The roof will be upgraded, equipment will be elevated and the electrical wiring will be waterproofed.

The grant is funded by the HMGP, an important source of federal disaster assistance. Funding from the program may become available following the president’s declaration of a major disaster, with a goal of strengthening communities by improving buildings, facilities and infrastructure that people use every day. A 2018 report by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that one dollar spent on hazard mitigation will save more than six dollars of recovery and rebuilding costs.

Generally, the HMGP may provide a state, tribe or territory with additional grants up to 15 percent of the total disaster grants awarded by FEMA for a federally declared disaster. States such as Florida that meet advanced mitigation planning criteria may qualify for a higher percentage.

Florida has a FEMA-approved Enhanced Mitigation Plan, making the state eligible for HMGP funding not to exceed 20 percent of the estimated total amount of grant money spent by FEMA in the Hurricane Irma disaster. From this amount, the HMGP reimburses the state up to 75 percent of eligible costs for hazard mitigation projects. The remaining amount comes from other sources such as state and local assets and a combination of cash and in-kind sources.

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, d­­­uring, and after disasters.

WASHINGTON -- FEMA has announced that $140 million will be available to communities across the county to assist with feeding and sheltering.

Congress made $125 million available for Fiscal Year 2020, and this year, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board is including an additional $15 million from funds that have not been used from prior grant years. FEMA awarded the $125 million to the National Board, which is now allocating the funds, combined with the additional $15 million, to qualifying jurisdictions (counties and cities).

EFSP funds assist local organizations dedicated to feeding, sheltering, and providing critical resources to people with economic emergencies, including our nation's hungry and homeless populations. These funds are for people with non-disaster related emergencies and can be used for a broad range of services, including mass shelter, mass feeding, food pantries and food banks, utility bill payments to prevent cut-offs, rent/mortgage payments to prevent evictions/foreclosures, and transition assistance from shelters to stable living conditions.

Of this year’s allocation, 8% will be made available to states that will make funding determinations to aid people in jurisdictions with needs that may not be reflected in the National Board’s qualifying formula.

The National Board is chaired by FEMA, with representatives from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide. United Way Worldwide, selected by the National Board as its Secretariat and Fiscal Agent, is also responsible for the daily administration of the EFSP.

EFSP funding is allocated to qualifying local jurisdictions based on a formula using the most recent national population, unemployment and poverty data. Grants are then awarded by local boards to nonprofit and government organizations that provide direct services to those in need in their communities. With the FY 2020 funding, the total aid disbursed in the EFSP’s 38-year history will be more than $5 billion.

View the Phase 38 Fiscal Year 2020 Allocations for a state-by-state list of the eligible jurisdictions and award amount

Montgomery, Ala. – More than $260 million in federal grants, loans and flood insurance program claims has been approved for residents and businesses since Hurricane Sally made landfall in Alabama two months ago.

Nearly $77 million of that amount has come in the form of grants to hurricane-impacted homeowners and renters to help pay for rent, temporary housing and repairs to a primary residence, as well as other disaster-related needs.

Three Alabama counties—Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile—were designated eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program in a declaration signed by President Trump on Sept. 20, 2020.

As of Nov. 23, IA grants for temporary housing and rental and home repair or replacement total $55.3 million. Grants for other needs assistance (ONA) exceed $21.5 million.

ONA is provided to individuals and households to help address necessary expenses that cannot be met through other forms of disaster assistance or insurance, such as replacement of personal property and medical, dental, funeral, childcare, transportation, and moving and storage expense reimbursements.

“We are grateful for our local, state, and federal partnership that has helped deliver assistance to families that were devastated by Hurricane Sally,” said Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director, Brian Hastings. “As the recovery process continues, we encourage everyone to build forward better and start preparing for the next disaster.”

Small Business Administration (SBA)

More than $109.8 million in SBA disaster loans have been approved to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from Hurricane Sally. As of Nov. 23, SBA has approved nearly $103.3 million in long-term, low interest disaster loans for homeowners and renters, as well as more than $6.5 million disaster loans to businesses.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

To date, NFIP has approved 3,247 flood insurance claims, and has paid more than $74.2 million to policy holders. The program allows property owners in communities that participate in NFIP to purchase flood insurance administered by the federal government.

SALEM, Ore. – Have you registered with FEMA yet? Are you thinking you wouldn’t be eligible because you have insurance? You should still apply. If you are a survivor affected by the Oregon wildfires and live in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn or Marion county, apply by Monday, Nov. 30.

“The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is fast approaching,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont, who is in charge of the Oregon wildfire recovery. “There’s still time and we know there are survivors who still need our assistance.  We want to urge survivors affected by these fires to get the most out of their recovery and apply today.”

FEMA assistance is your tax dollars at work in Oregon, providing funds to help kickstart your recovery process. To apply, visit www.disasterassistance.gov/, download the FEMA app, or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). If you use a Relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel, you should update FEMA with your assigned number for that service. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Multilingual operators are available.

Here are 10 facts about the help that may be available to you:

1. You won’t be taking grant money away from someone else by applying. There are enough disaster funds to assist every eligible applicant.
2. If you applied for assistance through a voluntary organization or other federal or state agency, this does not register you with FEMA.
3. FEMA funds provided to eligible homeowners and renters do not have to be repaid. Remember: federal assistance cannot duplicate insurance or payments from other sources.
4. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal or state benefits.
5. If you are insured, but also had damage to your well and/or septic system, or a private road or bridge, you may be eligible for financial assistance from FEMA. These items are considered uninsurable and FEMA assistance would not be a duplication of funds you receive from your insurance settlement.
6. If you are underinsured and your insurance settlement isn’t enough to cover your expenses, FEMA might be able to help.
7. If your insurance settlement is delayed by 30 days or more, and you need immediate money to relocate, FEMA may be able to help. Contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) to find out what you need to do to get this assistance. NOTE: Any money you may get from FEMA that you use for costs that will be reimbursed by your insurance settlement must be repaid to FEMA when you get your insurance payment.
8. If your car had uninsured damage caused by the disaster, you may be eligible for money to help repair or replace it. Certain requirements apply, but you must register with FEMA first to determine eligibility.
9. Disaster survivors affected by the Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds can also get personalized mitigation advice to repair and rebuild safer and stronger from a FEMA Mitigation Specialist. For information on how to rebuild safer and stronger or to inquire as to your new flood risk following a fire near you, email FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov, a FEMA Hazard Mitigation specialist will respond to survivor inquiries.
10. If you applied for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan for the COVID-19 disaster, be aware those loans are separate from SBA loans for the wildfire disasters. You should apply if FEMA refers you to SBA for the recent wildfires. You may be eligible for separate loans for both the COVID-19 and wildfire disasters. The deadline to apply for an SBA low-interest disaster loan is also Nov. 30, 2020. Applicants may be eligible for an increase of up to 20 percent in their SBA property damage loan amount to pay for measures to make their property more resistant to future disaster damage. Survivors can find out more and apply for a loan at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. For additional assistance, contact the SBA’s Customer Service Line. Customer service representatives are available to assist individuals and business owners, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application. The SBA Customer Service Line is open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST daily. Call 800-659-2955 or email DCS@sba.gov. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free 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 be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish)

Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit fema.gov for more information.

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

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Northwest Florida residents who have uninsured losses resulting from Hurricane Sally have until Dec. 1, 2020 to register with FEMA for assistance.

Survivors in Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties can register with FEMA in several ways:

• By visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Downloading the FEMA App for smartphones
• Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service.

Dec. 1, 2020 also is the deadline to apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans for physical property damage. The deadline for working capital applications for small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations is July 2, 2021.

For additional information about SBA disaster loans, the loan application process, or for help completing the SBA application, visit SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email FOCE-Help@sba.gov to make an appointment for assistance over the phone. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.

For in-person assistance with an SBA disaster loan, visit the Business Recovery Centers, open seven days a week, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., at East Pensacola Heights Clubhouse, 3208 E. Gonzalez St., Pensacola, FL 32503; or Bridgeway Center, Building C, 205 Shell Ave., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.

For more information about Hurricane Sally recovery in Florida, visit the FEMA disaster webpage at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4564 or the Florida Division of Emergency Management webpage at https://www.floridadisaster.org/Info/Sally/.

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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

REGION I –Connecticut will receive $4,690,101 from FEMA for support of costs due to COVID-19. The funds will go to Stamford Hospital for increased levels of temporary nursing and independent community medical doctors and staff in response to increased COVID-19 admission rates in Fairfield County. Additional costs incurred include the setup of a temporary facility to secure additional patient beds, providing drive-through patient COVID-19 testing, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and supplies to all frontline staff and patients.

This grant is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. The grant applications are submitted from the state, which coordinates the process with local governments. 

“FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program is essential to helping communities recovering from a federally declared disaster get back on their feet,” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Captain Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Connecticut. The state’s agency works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

“This funding is just one of the positive results of the partnership between FEMA and the State of Connecticut through their Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security,” concluded Webster.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grant funding to state and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. FEMA obligates funding for this project directly to the state of Connecticut.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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

REGION I –Rhode Island will receive $1,270,094 from FEMA for five sheltering programs set up by the Rhode Island Department of Administration in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.  The programs included sheltering for frontline workers, quarantining and isolation for adults who had either tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19, and non-congregate sheltering for segments of the homeless population and individuals typically in congregate care settings.

This grant is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. The grant applications are submitted from the state, which coordinates the process with local governments. 

“FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program is essential to helping communities recovering from a federally declared disaster get back on their feet,” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Captain Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Rhode Island. Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

“This funding is just one of the positive results of the partnership between FEMA and the State of Rhode Island through Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency,” concluded Webster.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grant funding to state and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. FEMA obligates funding for this project directly to the state of Rhode Island.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $55.6 million to Rhode Island under the Public Assistance program.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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

BATON ROUGE, La.— Qualifying houses of worship in Louisiana may be eligible for FEMA grants to cover hurricane-related expenses.

Grants through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program can cover costs to repair or replace facilities damaged during a disaster. The program is funded by FEMA and administered through the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Office (GOHSEP).

The Request for Public Assistance (RPA) deadline for Hurricane Laura is Nov. 30. The RPA deadline for Hurricane Delta is Dec. 15.

FEMA defines religious facilities as a church, synagogue, mosque, temple or other house of worship without regard to the religious character of the facility. 

Help with repairs and replacement costs may be available to houses of worship in parishes   designated for the FEMA Public Assistance Program

To be an eligible applicant, a house of worship must:

• Be owned or operated by a nonprofit.
• Have damage caused by Hurricane Laura and/or Delta.
• Have either not received funding or received insufficient funding after applying for a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan to repair or replace a facility (see below).
• Provide a current ruling letter from the IRS granting tax exemption under Section 501 (c) (d) or (e) of the IRS Code, or provide documentation from the state confirming it is a nonprofit.

Houses of worship may contact GOHSEP for details on how to apply for FEMA assistance. They can get more information or submit their Request for Public Assistance online by visiting louisianapa.com.

U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans are available for certain nonprofits with up to $2 million of property damage.

Apply online at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit fema.gov/disaster/4559 . For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As California continues to recover from wildfires, FEMA urges everyone who experiences a power outage to be safe when using portable generators.

Do not use generators inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep them outside of your living spaces and away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come inside. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that could kill you, your family and your pets.

Be sure to check on your family and neighbors who may be using generators to remind them about the importance of keeping generators outside of their home and other enclosed spaces.

If you are using a generator for any reason, this information can help keep you and your household safe:

• Place generators at least 20 feet away from your home, downwind away from open doors, windows and vents.
• Before refueling it, turn off the generator and let it cool for 15-20 minutes.
• Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet; instead, use a heavy-duty, outdoor extension cord to plug appliances into generators.
• Do not use generators in rain or wet conditions.
• Place a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Get a carbon monoxide monitor for your home.

For additional information about generators and carbon monoxide:

• Watch this generator safety video from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FEMA that includes American Sign Language: youtube.com/watch?v=n7GIOzABRHA.
• Learn about carbon monoxide from the CDC at cdc.gov/co/ or call 800-232-4636.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4558, www.fema.gov/disaster/4569 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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WASHINGTON - FEMA released the “Building Codes Save: A Nationwide Study,” which highlights and uses big data to show the benefits of constructing buildings at a higher building code standard for natural disasters such as wind, floods and seismic activity. In the United States, FEMA found that 18.1 million buildings constructed at a higher building code standard save the nation about $1.6 billion annually.

This study uses newly available nationwide data on actual buildings and jurisdictional building code adoption. It provides a real-life quantitative understanding of the impact of adopting the International Codes (I-Codes) introduced in 2000.  Buildings that adopted the I-Code standards demonstrated reduced damage, resulting in savings to building owners, insurers, the community at large and the nation.

These savings represent the cumulative losses avoided from property damage associated with using the I-Codes or similar building codes during floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. FEMA projects by the year 2040, the annual savings nationwide will grow to nearly $3.2 billion. This adds up to $132 billion in total losses avoided from 2000 to 2040.

With projected savings and losses avoided, these dollar values represent considerable financial reasons for communities to proactively adopt and enforce hazard-resistant building codes. The study’s results fully support FEMA’s mission to help people before, during and after disasters, including programs and efforts that promote using hazard-resistant building codes.

A 15-page summary, Protecting Communities and Saving Money – The Case for Adopting Building Codes, as well as the full study detailing the four phases, methodology, results and conclusions of this project are available on FEMA’s website.  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center serving wildfire survivors in Napa County has ended Saturday operations.

It will remain open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at the First Presbyterian Church, 1428 Spring St., St. Helena CA 94574.

The center assists survivors with disaster information as part of the ongoing response and recovery mission for FEMA and the state of California. It offers an opportunity for survivors to register for federal aid, especially those without access to internet or telephone service.

Survivors can also register with FEMA:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• By downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet; or
• By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PST. If you use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, provide FEMA the specific number assigned to that service when you register.
• The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.

Financial awards for eligible survivors may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other disaster-related needs such as childcare, personal property replacement and medical or dental expenses.

Survivors are reminded to keep FEMA informed if they change their mailing addresses or phone numbers so that their aid will not be delayed. To update personal information, survivors may call the FEMA Helpline or use their personal FEMA accounts they set up when registering for assistance with the FEMA app or at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Napa County was included in two recent federal wildfire disaster declarations: Disaster 4558 and Disaster 4569. The first includes the LNU Lightning Complex fires that started in August. Deadline to apply with FEMA for aid is Saturday, Nov. 21. The second, declared in October, includes the Glass Fire that started Sept. 27. Deadline is Dec. 16 to register with FEMA for aid for Disaster 4569.

For the latest information on wildfire recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4569 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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SALEM, Ore. –The FEMA External Outreach Site in Medford will close Nov. 21. However, help is still available online, through the FEMA mobile app and by phone.

The External Outreach Site located at Central High School, 815 South Oakdale Ave., Medford, OR 97501, will remain open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday, Nov. 21.

The site, which opened Oct. 1, offers Oregon residents affected by the recent wildfires and straight-line winds in-person visits to get information about their FEMA application, ask questions about letters they receive from FEMA, and have their documents scanned to be part of their application.

Representatives from FEMA’s Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs are available at the site.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread through person-to-person contact, wearing a mask or face covering is required to gain entry and visitors receive “no touch” temperature screenings. Hand sanitizer is available to survivors and staff.

Federal staff wear masks, face shields and gloves. Workstations are spaced six feet apart to provide an extra level of protection for survivors and staff.

FEMA ensures that common areas are cleaned regularly during the day and workstations are sanitized after each visitor.

Help is Still Available!

Survivors can still visit the Medford External Outreach Site. However, it’s not necessary to visit to apply or update applications, which can be done in one of three ways:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov,
• Check the FEMA mobile app, or
• Call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate 7 a.m. to        10 p.m. PST, seven days a week. For survivors who have limited English proficiency, multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

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 be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

For those survivors who rely on American Sign Language (ASL) or Real-time captioning (CART) to communicate, call 425-487-2143 or email requests to: DR-4562-OR-ASL-CART-REQUESTS@fema.dhs.gov.

If you were affected by the recent wildfires and straight-line winds in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn or Marion counties, there’s still time to apply with FEMA for disaster assistance. The deadline to apply was extended to Monday, Nov. 30.

FEMA External Outreach Sites recently closed in Estacada, Eugene, Glide, Lincoln City and Stayton.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free 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 be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

At any time applicants with disabilities who may require a reasonable accommodation can ask FEMA staff directly or submit their accommodation request via email to FEMA’s Office of Civil Rights at FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov or by calling FEMA’s Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

All Oregon residents – including disaster survivors affected by the Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds – can also get personalized mitigation advice from a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Specialist. For information on how to build safer and stronger or to inquire as to your flood risk following a fire, email FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov and a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Specialist will respond.

Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit fema.gov for more information.

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

CHICAGO - Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and while smart travel, cooking, decorating and heating practices are always important to remember this time of year, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic means even more safety measures should be taken this holiday season.

“The safest option for celebrating Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “As COVID-19 continues to spread, staying home is the best way to save lives. If you need to leave your home, remember to wear your mask and maintain six feet of distance between you and others.”

Keep in mind these additional tips to keep your holidays as safe as possible:

1. Consider alternative celebrations. While the holidays are traditionally a time to gather with friends and loved ones, consider “virtual” alternatives that allow everyone to remain safely at home. CDC has some helpful suggestions on their Thanksgiving page at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
2. Be a prepared traveler. If you must travel, check travel restrictions and get your flu shot before you go. Always wear a mask in public settings and wash your hands often. If you plan to leave the state, understand the requirements for isolating or quarantining when you arrive and/or return, then plan accordingly. If you’re driving to your destination, ensure you have an emergency supply kit in your car, and if you’re packing for a flight or train ride, consider a small kit in case of emergency: flashlight, batteries, & a spare USB power bank.
3. Protect against home fire risks. Put working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside sleeping areas. Change the batteries in these alarms twice per year, or per manufacturer’s guidelines.
4. Practice smart cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they won’t get bumped. Clean cooking equipment after each use—crumbs in a toaster or grease on the stove can catch on fire.
5. Heat your home safely. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from fireplaces, wood stoves, portable heaters and radiators. When you leave a room or go to bed, turn heaters off or unplug them.
6. Decorate with care.  Nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source. Think about using battery-operated flameless candles this season. If that isn’t an option, place candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns and ensure they cannot be reached by children or pets. Inspect holiday lights before you put them up and throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires. If you’re putting up a tree inside your home, water it every day.

For more readiness tips, visit www.ready.gov, www.cdc.gov, www.usfa.fema.gov, or download FEMA’s free app, available for your Android, Apple or Blackberry device.

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