Two Days Remain to Register with FEMA, Apply for Federal Assistance

Montgomery, Ala. – Residents of Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties, with uninsured damage or losses from Hurricane Sally occurring September 14 – 16, 2020, have only two days left to apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance grants.

The deadline is Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020.

FEMA registration is quick and easy. There are three ways to register:

• Online at www.disasterassistance.gov.
• Call the FEMA Help Line at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Toll free lines are open 6 a.m. to midnight, Central Time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
• Use FEMA’s disaster app on your smartphone. If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, please visit www.fema.gov/mobile-app. 

FEMA disaster assistance grants may help eligible homeowners pay for basic repairs to make a home habitable. Grants may also provide homeowners and renters temporary rental assistance and aid with disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. The only way to apply for federal assistance is to register with FEMA.

FEMA grants do not need to be repaid, are not considered taxable income by the IRS, and will not affect Medicare, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Social Security benefits.

Alabama survivors with unmet needs resulting from Hurricane Sally can dial 2-1-1 for assistance.

The deadline for applying for a long-term, low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is also Nov. 19.

SBA provides help to survivors in the form of low-interest disaster loans. You may borrow up to $200,000 with a fixed interest rate as low as 1.188% to repair or replace your primary home to its pre-hurricane condition. The loan can be increased by 20% of the damages for mitigation measures, i.e., elevation, hurricane shutters, installation of a seawall or a safe room.

Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 with a fixed interest rate as low as 1.188% to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, such as clothing, furniture, appliances and cars.

SBA’s disaster loans are also available for businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for physical losses. This includes rental properties. Small businesses and most nonprofits may be eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans for working capital loans. The maximum loan amount is $2,000,000. Interest rates are as low as 3.75% for businesses and 2.75% for nonprofits.

You can apply for an SBA disaster loan online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. You can mail your application to SBA: Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76155. Or, you can call the SBA Customer Service Center number at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

For more information on Alabama’s recovery from Hurricane Sally, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4563.

felicia.jordan Mon, 11/16/2020 - 10:00

Mendocino, Stanislaus Counties Added to August Wildfire Disaster Declaration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Mendocino and Stanislaus counties have been approved for federal assistance to individuals and households, as well as for repairs or rebuilding of community infrastructure, as part of the major wildfire disaster declaration approved Aug. 22.

The deadline to register for assistance with FEMA under Disaster 4558 is Nov. 21.

FEMA’s individual assistance program provides grants to help eligible survivors with financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other disaster-related needs such as childcare, medical and dental expenses.

Apply for disaster assistance 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.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance

SBA has established a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to help homeowners and renters. Customer service representatives are available to assist business owners and individuals to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program and explain the application process. The VDLOC/VBRC is open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST daily. SBA staff can help you complete the electronic loan application at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. You may call (800) 659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov for assistance.

The deadline to apply for an SBA low-interest disaster loan is Nov. 23.

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

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bree-constance… Fri, 11/13/2020 - 19:58

Residents in Oxford, MD Save Money on Flood Insurance Thanks to Community Rating System

The FEMA Community Rating System is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Residents of Oxford, MD, now have lower flood insurance premiums as a result of the community’s initiatives to implement better floodplain management measures encouraged by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created the voluntary Community Rating System (CRS) program to recognize local efforts to reduce flood risk and to reward communities, their residents and businesses, by saving them money on flood insurance premiums. The Town of Oxford is being recognized because, effective May 1, 2020, the town entered CRS as a Class 7 and is now one of only 16 participating NFIP communities in Maryland to qualify for CRS.

"Oxford’s leadership, hard work, and accomplishments in floodplain management are to be celebrated because the Town’s actions provide critical protection to its citizens and properties” said Julius Lockhart, Floodplain Management and Insurance specialist, when he presented a plaque to town officials through a virtual ceremony on Nov. 10. “In addition to insurance cost savings, CRS communities take steps targeted to minimize overall flood risk and build community resilience. We would like to thank the town for taking actions to protect lives and property from future flood risk.”

NFIP policies written in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) of Oxford may now receive a 15 percent premium discount resulting in an average annual savings of $141 for each policy. In addition, standard policies written outside the FEMA-mapped floodplain may receive a 5 percent annual premium discount. Overall, a Class 7 rating results in a total savings of $32,575.00 annually for the citizens here.

Under the CRS program, local officials are asked to meet three goals: (1) reduce flood losses, (2) facilitate accurate insurance rating and (3) promote the awareness of flood insurance. Communities that apply to participate in CRS are required to provide information demonstrating their floodplain management program exceeds the minimum compliance requirements of the NFIP. The program includes 10 class rating levels based on the number and type of activities initiated by participating communities. For each class advancement, NFIP policy holders receive an additional 5 percent reduction in their flood insurance premiums up to a 45 percent reduction for a Class 1 community.

“In addition to benefiting from insurance cost savings, CRS communities minimize overall flood risk and build community resilience,” stated MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region 3 regional administrator. “We would like to thank the Town of Oxford for taking actions to protect lives and property from flooding.”

Read this FEMA CRS fact sheet for more information about the program.

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov          

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

amanda.hancher Fri, 11/13/2020 - 15:46

Second Mobile Registration Intake Center Open in Siskiyou County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center opens Monday, Nov. 16, in Yreka to serve Siskiyou County wildfire survivors.

The intake center is part of the ongoing response and recovery mission for FEMA and the state of California to assist survivors with disaster information.

It is located at Kahtishraam Wellness Center, 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka CA 96097. It will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 23.

The centers are temporary sites to support survivors with disaster information. They offer an optional opportunity for survivors to register, especially those without access to internet or telephone service.

Survivors also may register with FEMA in one of three ways:

• 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. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to that service when they register.
• The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.
• Deadline to register for assistance under DR-4569 is Dec. 16.

Registration enables FEMA to determine residents’ eligibility for financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other serious disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation and medical, funeral or dental expenses.

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

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bree-constance… Fri, 11/13/2020 - 13:04

FEMA Provides $45 Million for Utah COVID-19 Response

DENVER – FEMA has provided more than $45 million in Public Assistance funding for the COVID-19 response in Utah. The assistance was made available under the major disaster declaration issued April 4 by President Trump.

A breakdown of the most recent funding is as follows:

• $43.8 million in federal funding to the Utah Department of Health for Emergency Protective Measures for the purchase and distribution of personal protective equipment and medical supplies, and the leasing of a storage and distribution warehouse through June 30;
• $1.25 million in federal funding in expedited funding to the Utah Department of Health for Emergency Protective Measures to lease and stage the Mountain America Exposition Center, which was utilized as an alternate care site.

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 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 can play a critical role as state, local and tribal officials work tirelessly to assist their communities during this response.

Additional support for the state of Utah has come in the form of mission assignments, in which FEMA has directed other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to perform work to address needs identified by the state. The federal share for these mission assignments is currently $18,774,906.

Additional information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found at www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

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

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion8.

minh.phan Fri, 11/13/2020 - 09:53

FEMA approves $12 million in Hurricane Michael Public Assistance grants

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — FEMA has approved four projects totaling more than $12 million for the State of Florida to reimburse for eligible costs of emergency work and permanent repairs following Hurricane Michael.

These grants include:

• Bay County – $3,256,551 for debris removal operations throughout the county
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection – $1,891,564 for debris removal operations from public rights of way
• Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative – $2,793,699 for the removal and disposal of hurricane-damaged electrical power poles, power lines, transformers and other electrical component debris obstructing utility rights of way
• Washington County – $4,123,693 for debris removal operations throughout the county

These grants are funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.

Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has implemented new procedures designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

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

barbara.murien… Fri, 11/13/2020 - 08:29

Mitigation for Homeowners May Reduce Potential Damage in Future Storms

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Rebuilding after a disaster can present opportunities as well as challenges for homeowners. This is certainly true for survivors of Hurricane Sally.

The challenges include getting the job done quickly and efficiently. The opportunities involve rebuilding stronger, smarter, safer and better, with more resilience. The process is called mitigation.

Mitigation reduces the risk to property from future events. While it may involve a larger initial investment, mitigation pays off in the long run. In fact, FEMA estimates that on average, for every $1 spent on mitigation, $6 are saved from future losses.

“We want survivors to plan for the future, to ensure their homes and communities are stronger when the next storm hits,” said Allan Jarvis, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer in Alabama.

FEMA has a checklist to help Hurricane Sally survivors rebuild so their homes are protected in future storms:

• Know your risk. Review local flood maps to understand your property’s flood risk. https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps
• Develop a plan. Things to consider:
  • Elevate or flood-proof your washer, dryer, water heater and HVAC systems. If possible, move these appliances out of your basement to the second floor.
  • Relocate electrical outlets to three feet above the floor.
  • Install exterior floodwalls to protect window wells or stairs against low-level flooding.
  • Install a backflow valve in the sewer line and flood vents in foundation walls, garages, and other enclosed areas.
  • Seal your basement walls with waterproofing compounds.
  • If you have a gable-end roof, add bracings to reinforce the roof. Consider fastening the roof to the walls with hurricane straps.  
• Finalize your plan. There are a wide range of options for protecting your home from flood and wind events through mitigation. Be sure to consult with a licensed contractor and the local building department before making any structural changes to understand requirements and obtain any necessary permits.
• Contact your local building official before rebuilding/renovating/retrofitting. Make sure your plans meet local and state government requirements. Get proper permits.
• Be smart when you start. Use reliable, licensed contractors. Get a written estimate. Check references. Pay by check.
• Get insurance. Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Protect your investment in your home by purchasing flood insurance, even if you do not live in a high-risk flood zone. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) helps cover costly losses associated with flooding. For more information, Visit https://www.floodsmart.gov.

FEMA provides grant funding for certain kinds of mitigation projects under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program. For more information, and how to apply for the program, visit https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/hazard-mitigation/individuals.

Alabama residents with homes affected by Hurricane Sally last month, can talk to a FEMA Mitigation Specialist for help in making repairs. These specialists are available to provide rebuilding tips, questions about home repair, the importance of flood insurance, making disaster plans, and building supplies.

Get helpful advice from a specialist on the FEMA Mitigation Helpline at 866-579-0820, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Time. Specialists are also available by email at FEMA-MitOutreach-4559@fema.dhs.gov.

felicia.jordan Fri, 11/13/2020 - 08:08

Keep Your Recovery Options Open with Help from SBA

BATON ROUGE, La. — After you have registered with FEMA, the agency may refer you to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), our federal partner.

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to Louisiana residents and businesses affected by recent storms. Homeowners and renters who receive an application for an SBA loan should complete the application even if they decide not to take the loan.  

If SBA finds applicants ineligible for a disaster loan, they may be referred back to FEMA for potential additional grant assistance. Survivors who have been referred to SBA for low-interest loans and do not apply will not be considered for FEMA’s other needs grants.

SBA Low-interest Disaster Loans

U.S. Small Business Administration Hurricane Disaster Loans are available for Louisiana disaster survivors.

• For businesses of any size and certain nonprofits: up to $2 million for property damage.
• For small businesses, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most qualifying 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.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage for Hurricane Laura is Nov. 27. The filing deadline for Hurricane Delta is Dec. 16. There is no cost to apply nor any obligation to accept funds if approved.

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.

scott.reuter Thu, 11/12/2020 - 17:19

FEMA Deadline to Register for Hurricane Laura Two Weeks Away

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
• Call 211 or text 527435837 to 898-211. For Louisiana evacuees that are living now out-of-state, please call 337-310-4636. This number also is valid for TTY out-of-state users.
• 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 866-579-0820 or at fema-mitoutreach-4559@fema.dhs.gov Monday-Saturday, 8am to 6pm 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.

 

christopher.teed Thu, 11/12/2020 - 16:56

Free Legal Help Available for Disaster Survivors

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Free help with disaster-related legal concerns is available to eligible wildfire survivors in Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma counties.

These counties are covered in federal disaster DR-4569 for fires beginning Sept 4. This includes the Bobcat, Creek, El Dorado, Oak, Slater and Valley fires. The disaster was declared Oct. 16 and expanded later to include Napa and Sonoma counties for the Glass Fire and Shasta County for the Zogg Fire.

Survivors may seek no-cost aid with wildfire-related legal issues by calling the disaster legal services hotline at 888-382-3406. English- and Spanish-speaking attorneys will be available. Callers also may leave a message. The program is a partnership between FEMA and the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.

Types of free legal assistance that may be available from a volunteer lawyer include:

• Help securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster survivors;
• Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims;
• Help with home repair contracts and contractors;
• Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the wildfires;
• Assisting in consumer-protection matters, remedies and procedures;
• Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems;
• Counseling on landlord-tenant problems;
• Referral to other attorneys and organizations for help with additional legal matters and COVID-19 resources.

Free disaster legal services are not allowed for cases that will produce a monetary award.

The deadline to register with FEMA for DR-4569 disaster assistance is Dec. 16, 2020.

Legal aid is available at the same hotline for survivors of DR-4558, declared Aug. 22 and expanded later to offer aid to those who suffered losses in wildfires starting earlier that month in the counties of Butte, Lake, Lassen, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity, Tulare, and Yolo. The deadline to register with FEMA for DR-4558 disaster assistance is Nov. 21, 2020.

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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bree-constance… Thu, 11/12/2020 - 15:51

Oregon Wildfires: Four External Outreach Sites to Close, Help is Still Available

SALEM, Ore. – With the deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance approaching, FEMA External Outreach Sites will begin closing. Help is still available online, by phone, or through the FEMA mobile app.

If you were affected by 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 is Nov. 16.

The Following External Outreach Sites Are Scheduled to Close

FEMA External Outreach Site #5: Estacada City Hall, 475 S.E. Main St., Estacada, Oregon 97023.The site closes permanently at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.

FEMA External Outreach Site #4: Lincoln Outlet Mall, 1500 S.E East Devils Lake Rd., Suite 200, Lincoln City, Oregon 97367. The site closes permanently at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.

FEMA External Outreach Site #6: Old Middle School Gym, 301 Glide Loop Rd., Glide, Oregon 97443.The site closes permanently at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov.14

FEMA External Outreach Site #3: Stayton Community Center, 400 W. Virginia St., Stayton, Oregon 97385. The site closes permanently at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16.

Help is Still Available!

FEMA External Outreach Site #1 remains open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Central High School, 815 South Oakdale Ave., Medford, Oregon 97501.

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:

• 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;
• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov; or
• Check FEMA's mobile app.

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, please call 425-487-2143 or email requests to: DR-4562-OR-ASL-CART-REQUESTS@fema.dhs.gov.

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

External Outreach Sites offer Oregon residents affected by 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.

                                            # # #

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.

virginia.case2 Thu, 11/12/2020 - 11:56

FEMA Mobile Centers in Escambia, Santa Rosa Counties to Close Nov. 14

PENSACOLA, Fla. –FEMA mobile registration centers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will close permanently at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.

The State of Florida and FEMA have determined that these centers have satisfied the need for helping Hurricane Sally survivors in the area register for disaster assistance. The centers are located at:

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

Brownsville Community Center 320 W. DeSoto St., Pensacola, FL 32505 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Document scanning available

Lexington Terrace Community Center 700 S. Old Corry Field Rd., Pensacola, FL 32507 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Document scanning available

Escambia County Equestrian Center 7750 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32526 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Document scanning available

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

Gulf Breeze Community Center 800 Shoreline Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Document scanning available

Pensacola State College 5988 U.S. 90, Milton, FL 32583 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Document scanning available

The centers operate under COVID-19 protocols to ensure visitors and FEMA personnel are safe. Distancing and face coverings are required.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register with FEMA. Disaster survivors with uninsured losses can also apply by:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Downloading the FEMA App; or by
• Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. 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.

The deadline to register is Dec. 1, 2020.

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

barbara.murien… Thu, 11/12/2020 - 11:26

FEMA Awards Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles $1.79 Million for Hurricane Dorian Expenses

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,790,724 for the State of Florida to help the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) defray the costs of emergency response associated with Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

FEMA Public Assistance program funds will reimburse the FLHSMV for emergency protective measures that were put in place before, during and after the storm, including law enforcement personnel, emergency equipment and security for safe evacuations.

The program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients like local and county governments.

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

barbara.murien… Thu, 11/12/2020 - 11:16

FEMA Provides More than $3.6 Million to Loyola University Medical Center

CHICAGO - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that $3,629,528 has been made available in federal disaster aid to Loyola University Medical Center for emergency protective measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This grant funding is part of the recovery efforts in response to the federal disaster declaration of March 26, 2020. In response to COVID-19, Loyola University Medical Center altered existing facilities to allow for proper distancing, purchased personal protective equipment, established screening areas, created COVID-19 testing locations and increased onsite cleaning to limit the virus’ spread.

“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 helped Loyola University Medical Center protect their healthcare workers and ensure critical services remained accessible and safe for patients in Illinois.”

The Public Assistance Program funding will be administered by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. FEMA provides a 75 percent federal share of eligible reimbursable expenses for this project. The total cost of the project is $4,839,371, with the remaining amount paid by Loyola University Medical Center.

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 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.

troy.christensen Thu, 11/12/2020 - 10:18

Momentum to Repair Public Buildings Accelerates

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands -- The mission to repair damage from hurricanes Irma and Maria to public buildings led to $3 million awarded through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program for numerous recovery projects in the Territory last month.

An obligation of $890,169 for the Judiciary of the Virgin Islands to restore the Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center on St. Thomas back to its pre-disaster design, capacity and function stands out among approved projects in October. The three-story justice center on Veterans Drive houses courtrooms and offices.

“The Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center is an important facility for the people of the Virgin Islands. FEMA staff is pleased and proud to have worked with our USVI partners to obligate funds for a very important facility and taking another step forward in the recovery process from the devastating hurricanes of 2017,” said FEMA Acting Recovery Director John Covell. 

Maria’s winds and rains damaged the justice center’s roof and caused water intrusion inside the complex in September 2017. Water saturation collapsed the ceiling inside courtrooms and saturated drywall, light fixtures, ceiling tiles and carpet. High winds blew out windows and damaged window seals inside multiple offices.

The Judiciary will administer the design and choice of contractors, permits and compliance with regulatory codes and standards of the Territory during the justice center’s restoration.

“The recent obligations for the repair of these public buildings that provide vital services to the Territory signals continued progress towards restoring our infrastructure,” said Office of Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien. “With this funding, the work now begins with soliciting for a contractor to perform the necessary repairs for these facilities. The Territory is appreciative of the continued support from FEMA.”

Other public buildings projects obligated include:

• $384,093 awarded to the Bureau of Corrections for the Alva A. Swan Jail Annex and Franklin Building contents. Water infiltration destroyed and damaged various contents at the buildings during the 2017 hurricanes;
• $151,928 obligated for the V.I. Fire Service for repairs to the Emile C. Berry Fire Station on St. Thomas. Severe winds and wind-driven rain caused damages to the Dorothea firehouse. Heavy debris damaged three overhead bay doors, and blocked the roof drains, causing water to accumulate over the main corridor, and leak onto the lower roof;
• $107,852 awarded to the Office of the Governor for management costs on St. Croix;
• A total of $1.5 million was obligated for other projects that include debris removal for the Nature Conservancy and management costs for the St. Croix Landmarks Society.

FEMA’s USVI Public Buildings Group will continue to focus on projects to restore damaged facilities to their pre-disaster condition and strengthen the Territory’s resilience against disasters.

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

Follow us on social media at twitter.com/femaregion2 and www.facebook.com/FEMAUSVirginIslands

 

gina.callaghan Thu, 11/12/2020 - 10:15

Resiliency of the Puerto Rico Fire Department Increases with $5.7 Million from FEMA

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — FEMA assigned nearly $5.7 million to the Puerto Rico Fire Department as part of the recovery efforts on the island as a result of Hurricane María. The funds include projects to replace fire trucks as well as for the repair of facilities that provide response services related to all types of emergencies.

The Fire Department has approximately 1,535 staff across 95 stations distributed in 6 fire zones. In addition to preventing, fighting and determining the causes of fires to protect life and property, the team handles emergency calls in disasters and provides guidance to the public through seminars and conferences.

“Our brave Fire Department men and women are part of our first line of defense in disasters. With these funds we are supporting our mission to help strengthen critical services on the island for the safety of all citizens,” said the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado.

The awards include $542,000 for the Barceloneta station, which was recently inaugurated as repairs were completed. Of these funds, just over $17,000 went to measures to prevent similar damage in the future like an anti-filtration treatment and strengthening the electrical system against power surges.

“The renovation took approximately eight months, where the roof and other areas of the station were completely replaced. As a result, we are now able to serve the citizens of Barceloneta,” said Captain Manuel Medina Moya, head of the Barceloneta District of the Puerto Rico Fire Department.

On the other hand, just over $9,000 was obligated to the Training Academy located at the Jueyes neighborhood in Salinas. The educational center, comprised of 160 students, will receive funds to repair classrooms, hazardous material simulators and training areas, among other repairs.

Here, both civilian and emergency response and brigade personnel receive the necessary training on the latest fire prevention and extinction techniques.

To date, FEMA has obligated over $19.2 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.

 

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 11/12/2020 - 07:36

President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Declaration for Florida

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Florida to supplement state and local response efforts to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Eta beginning on Nov. 7 and continuing. 

Federal funding is available to the state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a 75% federal cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support.  This assistance is available to alleviate the hardship and suffering  to save lives and protect property in Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hernando, Hillsborough, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Sumter counties.

Jeffrey L. Coleman has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.  

zella.campbell Wed, 11/11/2020 - 21:59

Ten Key Facts About Federal Disaster Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Federal assistance can be an important resource for Californians with uninsured or underinsured property damage due to the recent wildfires. Survivors in Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma counties have until Dec. 16, 2020, to register for federal disaster assistance.

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. FEMA awards to assist eligible homeowners and renters do not have to be repaid. Remember: federal assistance cannot duplicate insurance or payments from other sources.
3. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal or state benefits.
4. While it’s a smart practice to get multiple cost estimates before hiring a contractor to do work on your home, you only need to submit one contractor quote or estimate when appealing a FEMA decision. 
5. FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Centers are temporary sites to support survivors with disaster information. They offer an optional opportunity for survivors to register, especially those without access to internet or telephone service. The MRICs are part of FEMA and the state of California’s ongoing response and recovery mission supporting wildfire survivors. MRICs operate under COVID-19 protocols to protect the health and safety of registrants. Individuals are highly encouraged to wear masks or face coverings when visiting a center. The MRICs do not offer COVID-19 testing.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 in Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma counties. 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 also is Dec. 16, 2020.
9. 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 Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center. 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 Virtual DLOC is open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST daily. Call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.
10. If you applied for assistance through a voluntary organization or other federal or state agency, this does not register you with FEMA. If you aren’t sure, or to apply with FEMA, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585), or download the FEMA App.

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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bree-constance… Tue, 11/10/2020 - 17:04

Wildfire Survivors Have Less Than Two Weeks to Apply for Federal Aid

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Individuals and households with losses due to August/September wildfires in Butte, Lake, Lassen, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity, Tulare and Yolo counties have two weeks or less remaining to apply for grants from FEMA or low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The deadline is Nov. 21.

FEMA awards help eligible survivors pay for rent, home repair/replacement and many other serious disaster-related needs, including replacement or repair of vehicles, funeral expenses, medical or dental expenses and miscellaneous other costs. To be reimbursed by FEMA, survivors should photograph damage and save receipts for repair work.

Survivors should contact their insurers and file a claim for the disaster-caused damage before they register with FEMA. Anyone with insurance should register with FEMA even if they aren’t yet certain whether they will be eligible. FEMA may be able to help with costs that insurance doesn’t cover.

The agency can determine eligibility once an applicant’s insurance claim is settled—but there won’t be any FEMA reimbursement for those who fail to register by the Nov. 21 deadline for those who suffered losses in fires including the CZU Lightning Complex, SCU Lighting Complex, August Complex Fire, LNU Lightning Complex, North Complex, Sheep, Dolan and SQF Complex.

There are three ways for survivors to register:  online at DisasterAssistance.gov, with the FEMA Mobile App on a smartphone or tablet, or by or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. PST. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide FEMA with the specific number assigned to that service when they register. Multilingual services are available on the helpline and specialists can answer most questions about FEMA assistance and registration.

To register you will need the following information:

• Social Security number
• Insurance policy information
• Address of the damaged primary dwelling
• A description of disaster-caused damage and losses
• Current mailing address
• Current telephone number
• Total household annual income
• Routing and account number of your checking or savings account (for direct transfer of funds to your bank account)

After you register online or with the FEMA app, you can create your own account. This will enable you to check the status of your application, view messages from FEMA, update your personal information and upload documents that may be necessary to determine your eligibility for aid..

If you are unable to upload your documents, mail them to FEMA at P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-8055 or fax them to 800-827-8112.

U.S. Small Business Administration

Nov. 21 is also the deadline to apply for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Grants from FEMA are meant to give eligible survivors a start on their road to recovery. However, the primary source of recovery funding for businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters is U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. When disaster survivors need to borrow to repair or replace damaged property, the low-interest rates and long terms (up to 30 years) available from SBA make recovery affordable. In some cases, refinancing of prior liens is available. A disaster loss is unexpected. For most disaster survivors, it is beyond their means to pay for disaster damages from their own resources without significant hardship.

You can find out more by contacting the SBA’s Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center. 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.

Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Mondays – Fridays

5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST

FOCWAssistance@sba.gov

(916) 735-1500

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

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bree-constance… Tue, 11/10/2020 - 12:52

Free Legal Advice for Louisianans

BATON ROUGE, La. — Disaster Legal Services (DLS) provides free legal assistance to low-income hurricane survivors who cannot afford to hire a lawyer after a disaster.

Members of the American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division advise and provide legal representation at no charge. There are certain limitations. Assistance is not available for cases that will produce a fee (i.e., cases where fees are paid as part of a court settlement).

DSL has assisted thousands of survivors with disaster-recovery problems including:

• Insurance claims for doctor and hospital bills;
• Claims for property loss or loss of life;
• Drawing up new wills or other legal papers;
• Help with home repair contracts and contractors; and
• Advice on problems with landlords.
• Transferring Title to Property

To request legal help through DLS, call 1-800-310-7029 or visit www.fema.gov or www.disasterlegalaid.org

To see if you live in a disaster-declared parish, visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4570.

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

scott.reuter Tue, 11/10/2020 - 11:54