Federal Assistance Fuels Puerto Rico’s Recovery from Tropical Storm Isaías

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – More than $1.8 million in federal disaster assistance is helping fuel the recovery of Puerto Rico residents and businesses that suffered damage in Tropical Storm Isaías from July 29-31.

As of Nov. 8, FEMA’s Individuals and Households program approved $513,834 in Housing Assistance to repair disaster-damaged homes and pay for temporary housing. Another $512,767 was approved under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program, which provides funding for disaster-related expenses and serious needs including medical, dental, transportation, moving and storage expenses.

Additionally, the U.S. Small Business Administration approved more than $819,500 in low-interest disaster loans to 34 homeowners, renters and businesses.

After Puerto Rico received a major disaster declaration for Isaías on Sept. 9, a total of 847 eligible individuals and households in the designated municipalities of Aguada, Hormigueros, Mayagüez and Rincón applied for FEMA disaster assistance.

Disaster Legal Services, a partnership between Puerto Rico Legal Services, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, DisasterLegalAid.org and FEMA, received $5,000 in FEMA funding for administrative support for volunteer lawyers who assist survivors. The program provides free legal help with various disaster-related problems. Among them: filing FEMA appeal forms, completing insurance claims for doctor and hospital bills, and resolving disputes with home repair contracts and contractors.

As the recovery operation moved forward, FEMA opened four Disaster Recovery Centers in the designated municipalities under COVID-19 safety measures. The Mayagüez center remains open until Nov. 13 for residents to speak to specialists in person and update their applications. The center will suspend operations Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day. As of Nov. 8, there were 1,300 visits to the recovery centers.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance and SBA physical damage loan applications was Nov. 9. The deadline for businesses to submit economic injury disaster loan applications to SBA is June 9, 2021.

FEMA specialists remain on the island to support recovery efforts and are still a phone call away. The FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 remains open for questions or updates to an application. Press 2 for a Spanish-speaking operator. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

For more information on Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4560 and Facebook: www.facebook.com/femapuertorico.

 

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. 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-FEMA (3362) or 711 for Video Relay Service. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish.) TTY call 800-462-7585.

 

Follow us at:

www.facebook.com/femapuertorico

www.twitter.com/femaregion2

 

jassiel.oliveromelo Tue, 11/10/2020 - 09:45

Just One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance, SBA Disaster Loans

Montgomery, Ala. – Homeowners and renters of Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties with uninsured damage or losses from Hurricane Sally occurring September 14 – 16, 2020, have just one week left to apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance and to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low interest disaster loans.

The deadline for both is Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020.

Although FEMA cannot make you whole, FEMA assistance may include grants for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure. If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately, before applying to FEMA. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, if you don’t have insurance or are underinsured, you may receive assistance for uninsured losses.

Even if you applied with another agency or organization you should register with FEMA if you want to access federal disaster grants and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) long-term, low-interest disaster loans.

To register for assistance: 

• Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.  Online applications must be completed no later than midnight on Nov. 19.
• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Operators are multilingual and calls are answered 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.

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 also 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.

After you have registered with FEMA, you may be referred to SBA. You can apply for an SBA disaster loan online using the SBA’s https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. You can also mail your application to SBA: Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76155. 

You can also call the SBA Customer Service Center number at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

The deadline for applying for an SBA disaster loan for physical damages is also Nov. 19.

 

For the latest information on Hurricane Sally, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4563.

felicia.jordan Tue, 11/10/2020 - 08:07

Wildfire Survivors Must Apply To Extend Time For FEMA Rental Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Wildfire survivors who received an initial rental assistance award may be eligible for an extension of that after two months but must request it.

Many individuals and households who had to move after their homes were damaged or lost due to August/September wildfires in 13 counties have been receiving help from FEMA paying rent on temporary alternative housing. The counties are Butte, Lake, Lassen, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity, Tulare and Yolo.

Two weeks after a household initially receives rental assistance, FEMA mails them a letter or an application for an extension. Anyone currently receiving temporary housing assistance who has not received a letter or an application and needs to continue that support may request an application for continuation 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.

To be eligible for an extension of temporary housing assistance, survivors must demonstrate that they need it by submitting documentation to FEMA that includes:

• A completed FEMA application for continuing rental assistance.
• A copy of the applicant’s lease.
• Receipts showing that rental aid already received was properly used to pay for disaster housing.
• Report of the household’s income.
• Report of the household’s financial obligations.

FEMA will evaluate the request to determine if the applicant is eligible for an extension. There is no guarantee of rental assistance beyond the first two months. FEMA rental assistance may be used for a house, apartment, hotel, motel, manufactured home, recreational vehicle (RV), houseboat or other kind of living space that is available for rent. Rental assistance extensions must be applied for every three months with the total period of assistance for eligible survivors not to exceed 18 months from Aug. 22, 2020, the date of the major disaster declaration.

If you have questions about the process or the required documents, you may call the FEMA helpline. FEMA cannot provide rental assistance unless survivors keep their addresses and telephone numbers up to date so they can be contacted. If your contact information changes, you can update it online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline.

Nov. 21 is the deadline for residents of the 13 counties included in the Aug. 22 disaster declaration to register for FEMA assistance.

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… Mon, 11/09/2020 - 19:37

FEMA Awards $5.46 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $5,465,770 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for the costs of emergency response and debris removal following Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The FEMA Public Assistance grants include:

• Orange County: $3,580,497 for removal of 93 leaning trees and 59,751 hanging branches from public roads, property and rights-of-way.
• Indian River County: $1,885,273 for emergency sheriff patrols, sheltering, staffing the emergency operations center, utility operations and emergency lighting.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.

The federal share for 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… Mon, 11/09/2020 - 16:17

Free Crisis Counseling Available for Delta and Laura Survivors

Baton Rouge, LA — Free counseling services offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help those dealing with stress caused by Hurricanes Delta and Laura.

 

Call 800-985-5990 (TTY 800-846-8517) or text TalkWithUs (Spanish-speakers text: Hablanos) to 66746 to be immediately connected with a professional counselor who will help callers through disaster-related emotional distress. This toll-free, multilingual and confidential free service is available to everyone in the state.

 

In the weeks and months after disaster strikes, the path to recovery can pose many uncertainties and cause stress and anxiety. Stress symptoms may include sleeping more or less than normal, fatigue, hopelessness or loss of appetite.

 

SAMHSA can make referrals to local resources for follow-up care and support. The Louisiana Spirit Crisis Counseling Program is funded through FEMA and administered by SAMSHA. The program is managed by the Louisiana State Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Behavioral Health.

 

Another resource for assistance is VIA LINK, the agency in Louisiana which provides crisis counseling. These counselors are available 24 hours a day to provide crisis counseling and information and referrals to programs that can help with needs such as food, shelter, medical care, financial assistance, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, senior services, childcare and more dial 211 or 800-749-2673 or visit https://vialink.org/

 

Other Crisis Counseling Resources:

 

• The Keep Calm Through COVID crisis phone line provides trained, compassionate counselors to support Louisianans through this difficult time. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with information and service coordination, linking callers to mental health and substance abuse counseling services. This service is available to the public at no charge. The Keep Calm Through COVID hotline is 866-310-7977. All calls are confidential.
• Domestic Violence Louisiana Hotline is 888-411-1333. This hotline is the federally designated statewide coalition of shelters, nonresidential programs and individuals working to end domestic violence in Louisiana. You may also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
• Veterans, service members and their family and friends may call the Veterans Crisis line 800-273-8255, text 838255 or visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Free suicide prevention counseling is available to anyone. Visit suicidehotlines.com/louisiana.html.

 

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

scott.reuter Mon, 11/09/2020 - 15:40

Rebuilding? Check First with Local Authorities About Permits

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The State of Florida and FEMA remind residents planning to rebuild after Hurricane Sally to consult with their community’s building or planning department first to see if permits are necessary before work can start. Do not rely solely on the contractor’s opinion as to whether permits are required.

It is the property owner’s responsibility to make sure all necessary permits have been obtained – including, if necessary, complying with all floodplain regulations that apply. Construction must adhere to the Florida Building Code and the local floodplain management ordinance.

To find local building contacts, go to https://www.stateofflorida.com/cities/ if you live in a municipality or https://www.stateofflorida.com/florida-counties/ if you live in an unincorporated area.

Contractors should be licensed and insured. The State of Florida provides residents the ability to look up contractor licensing information online at https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp.

For a video on making your roof wind-resistant, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8PhTekho3s.

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

barbara.murien… Mon, 11/09/2020 - 14:12

Rolling Hills Receives $1.1M Grant to Reduce Wildfire Risk

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted $1.1 million to the city of Rolling Hills to replace overhead power lines and poles with nearly 2,000 feet of underground cables and relocate transformers to an area with less wildfire risk.

With its steep canyons and scrub-covered hillsides, the Palos Verdes Peninsula has always been vulnerable to hazards associated with brush fires. The area around Rolling Hills is no exception.  The Los Angeles Fire Department identified the area as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, the highest designation with the greatest fire risk.

Wildfires in 1973, 1993, 2009 and 2018 destroyed homes, disrupted essential utilities and risked the lives of residents, firefighters and livestock. Often the spontaneous ignitions were caused by ruptured gas mains and service lines, damaged or fallen cables and unbraced or inadequately braced gas or electrical equipment.

Undergrounding power lines is the most comprehensive and effective method to eliminate the threat of damaged or downed cables caused by high wind events, fire, earthquakes and earthquake-related fires. Completion of the project will enhance the safety and reliability of Rolling Hills’ electric grid in an area that is particularly vulnerable to fire.

The $1.5 million project includes a $1.1 million grant from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), with the remaining $381,000 from non-federal sources.

FEMA’s HMGP helps states, territories, federally-recognized tribes, local communities, and certain private, non-profit organizations become more resilient to potential infrastructure damage and reduce future disaster costs. In the past 31 years, FEMA has invested nearly $1.4 billion to reduce disaster risk in California.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.

robert.barker Mon, 11/09/2020 - 12:42

Five Additional Louisiana Parishes Designated for Individual Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Homeowners and renters in Beauregard, Lafayette, Rapides, St. Landry and St. Martin parishes may now apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from Hurricane Delta.

To be eligible for federal disaster aid, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred as a result of Delta from Oct. 6 to Oct. 10, 2020. The deadline to register is Dec. 16, 2020.

Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vermilion parishes were previously included in the federal declaration to assist homeowners and renters.

If you have already registered with FEMA for Hurricane Laura, you must register again to qualify for help after Delta. When there are two or more disasters declared for the same designated area, FEMA works to ensure applicants receive all eligible help while preventing duplication of federal benefits.

You may register with FEMA by:

• Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Downloading the FEMA app at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app;
• Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week; or by
• Visiting any drive-through Disaster Recovery Center in the state. To locate the closest center, call the FEMA Helpline or visit DisasterAssistance.gov/ or egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

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

Take photos of all damage and save all receipts.

FEMA assistance alone cannot make survivors whole. FEMA’s disaster assistance programs are designed to help with grants for basic repairs to make survivors’ homes safe, sanitary and secure and to provide a temporary place to live while survivors develop their recovery plans.

U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans are available for Louisiana disaster survivors. Businesses of any size and certain nonprofits can apply for loans as well.

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 Delta, visit fema.gov/disaster/4570 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

christopher.teed Sun, 11/08/2020 - 07:15

FEMA Approves Nearly $48 Million for Rhode Island COVID-19 Medical Costs

REGION I – Rhode Island will receive $47,949,475 from FEMA for materials in support of medical personnel, facilities and testing sites costs as a result of the major disaster declaration for Rhode Island’s COVID-19 Pandemic. 

This grant is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance 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 $53.5 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

 

 

adrien.urbani Fri, 11/06/2020 - 16:34

FEMA Awards More than $4 Million to Vermont Agency of Human Services for COVID-19 Expenses

REGION 1 – FEMA approved $4,131,524 for the State of Vermont to help the Vermont Agency of Human Services defray the costs of preparing for and responding to COVID-19 under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

Funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. During the incident period, COVID-19 created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public requiring emergency response and protective measures. In response to the event, the state agency utilized contracts to execute the emergency sheltering as a protective measure to provide sheltering to A) the High-Risk population of Vermont, B) non-congregate housing sheltering for Covid-19.

“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 Vermont. Vermont Emergency Management 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 Vermont through Vermont Emergency Management,” 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 awarded funding for this project directly to the State of Vermont and it is the state’s responsibility to work with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met and disburse funding.

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

adrien.urbani Fri, 11/06/2020 - 14:27

Mobile Registration Intake Center Open in Sonoma County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center opens Friday, Nov. 6, in Sonoma County to serve survivors of the LNU Complex Fire and the Glass Fire.

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 Maria Carrillo High School, 6975 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95409. It will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice.

The LNU Lightning Complex Fire stretched across Sonoma, Napa, Solano and other counties north of the Bay Area. These counties were designated disaster areas under presidential declaration DR-4558 Aug. 22. The Glass Fire also affected Napa and Sonoma counties. These counties were designated disaster areas under DR-4569, declared Oct. 16.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid 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-4558 is Nov. 23.
• 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/4558 and www.fema.gov/disaster/4569. Follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Fri, 11/06/2020 - 11:56

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding on Sept. 13.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the Municipality of Arecibo.  

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Claude Hyacinthe has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 11/06/2020 - 10:25

Where to Go When FEMA Can’t Help? Just dial “2-1-1”

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – FEMA disaster assistance provides grants to help eligible homeowners and renters with temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and essential disaster-related needs. But not all hurricane survivors who applied for assistance are eligible; others are eligible for some aid, but may still have unmet needs.

Where can these survivors turn for help? Who can they call? Where can they go?

In Alabama, 2-1-1 Connects Alabama is a shortcut to health and human services agencies that can provide help to individuals and families recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Sally.

By simply dialing “211,” those in need of assistance can be referred, and sometimes connected, to appropriate agencies and community organizations. 2-1-1 Connects Alabama works a bit like 911. Calls to 211 are routed to a calling center. From there referral specialists use databases of resources available from private and public health and human service agencies to match the callers’ needs to available resources and link, or refer, them directly to an agency or organization that can help.

Below are just some of the services 211 Connects Alabama can help callers access:

• Basic Human Needs Resources: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance
• Government information: City, County, State services and programs. Many people are not sure what government office to contact, 211 helps point them in the right direction
• Health and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, maternal health, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation
• Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services
• Support for Children, Youth and Families: childcare, after-school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services
• Volunteer Opportunities and Donations: community involvement, volunteer centers, disaster relief
• Military and Family Support: programs that serve veterans and their families, community resources, mental health resources, counseling 2-1-1 Connects Alabama also provides incident specific information in coordination with local emergency services during times of disaster, including road closures and shelters. You can reach out to 2-1-1 Connects Alabama by dialing 211 on any telephone, or call or text 888-421-1266.

For more information about 2-1-1 Connects Alabama, or to chat with a 2-1-1 specialist, visit https://www.211connectsalabama.org   Help Available from Other Government Agencies   Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL)   If you’ve lost your job, the Alabama Works site at https://labor.alabama.gov/online-services.aspx will take you through the simple, easy step-by-step process of filing for unemployment and finding a new job.   Internal Revenue Service   Special tax law provisions may help individual taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of Hurricane Sally, especially those located in Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties. Depending on the circumstances, the IRS may grant additional time to file returns and pay taxes.   Both individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area can get a faster refund by claiming losses related to the disaster on the tax return for the previous year, usually by filing an amended return. You may deduct the loss or partial loss of your home, household goods, and motor vehicles from disaster damage on your individual federal income tax return. For more information, visit the www.irs.gov website.   Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)   Fannie Mae’s Disaster Response Network™ offers free support for eligible homeowners from HUD-approved housing advisors, including:

• Personalized recovery assessment and action plan
• Assistance filing claims (i.e. FEMA, insurance and SBA)
• Help working with mortgage providers on Payment relief options
• Access to Clearpoint’s Project Porchlight disaster recovery tools and resources
• Ongoing check-ins to help ensure a successful recovery

To learn more visit www.fanniemae.com/disaster-help-homeowners or call 877-833-1746.

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 

The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline is a national hotline that offers year-round disaster crisis counseling. If you feel distressed because of the storms, you can use this free service. It’s toll-free, multilingual, crisis support, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Helpline staff provides counseling and support and can help you learn how to cope with common stress reactions. They can also provide information and referrals to local resources for follow-up care.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the disaster, you are not alone, you can call the Disaster Distress helpline at 800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.To learn more, visit www.SAMHSA.gov

More Resources Available to Alabama Survivors Who Need Help

• If you or someone you know is needing assistance due to Hurricane Sally, 211 may refer you to an organization that is part of the Alabama Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ALVOAD). Alabama VOAD seeks to ensure the availability of needed resources and services and encourages the uniform, impartial delivery of these resources and services to disaster survivors in Alabama. You can also email info@alvoad.org.
• You can get access to more disaster help and resources, as well as a personalized list of available assistance. (No login or personal information required.) Visit www.benefits.gov/benefit-finder/Household

For the latest information on Hurricane Sally, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4563.

felicia.jordan Fri, 11/06/2020 - 08:42

FEMA Presents Disaster Housing Guide in Spanish

 

The guide will assist in the planning phases of pre and post disaster housing

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico - To address the need for adequate disaster housing planning, FEMA released a Spanish-version of “Planning Consideration: Disaster Housing”. This guide aims to provide guidance to government and private sector officials on housing-specific planning recommendations that may be applied when developing or updating housing plans in the context of a disaster or an emergency.

“Housing planning is essential to the effective recovery of our communities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to support the people of Puerto Rico for many years to come,” said the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado.

The guide was developed in collaboration with key disaster housing stakeholders and includes significant feedback from across the federal government, the states of Louisiana and North Carolina, and the city of Houston, Texas. It provides key considerations to urban planning professionals, including shelter, provisional and permanent housing. An informational briefing was conducted with representatives from across Puerto Rico in July and feedback showed the benefit of providing a Spanish translation of the document.

The Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Housing, Luis Fernández Trinchet, highlighted the importance of this document while reiterating that “after the natural disasters we have faced in the past years, which include hurricanes, floods and earthquakes, it has become evident that there is a need to continue planning and organizing our Island according to the building codes and the new established guidelines that always ensure the safety and lives of the citizens. We appreciate this joint effort that we are certain will be of great value to continue rebuilding Puerto Rico, while mitigating and providing a resilient Island for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Planning and development of disaster housing requires several phases – from temporary solutions for short-term, small-scale events to catastrophic disasters where the need for housing can last for weeks or even months. Sometimes permanent housing is also required, as in the case of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. To view the guide please www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/plan

“The COR3 team, as a recipient of FEMA recovery funds, maintains its availability to provide support and any assistance that may be required by the Department of Housing, which is the recipient of CDBG-DR funds, and by any sub-recipient so that the process of rebuilding the Island is carried out as all Puerto Ricans expect. It is important to continue optimizing tools to improve urban planning and development in order to have stronger structures that are capable of withstanding different natural events,” said the Executive Director of the Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3), Ottmar Chavez.

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 on Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Fri, 11/06/2020 - 06:27

Mobile Registration Intake Center to Open in Siskiyou County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center opens Friday, Nov. 6, in Siskiyou County to serve wildfire survivors.

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

It is located Karuk Tribal Wellness Center, 537 Jacobs Way, Happy Camp, CA 96039. The hours are noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Saturday, Nov. 7 to Friday, Nov. 13.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid 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 specialists can also answer questions about applications already submitted.
• Deadline to register 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 and follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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bree-constance… Thu, 11/05/2020 - 22:43

Schedule Changes at Tulare County Mobile Registration Intake Center

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center serving wildfire survivors in Tulare County will change its operating hours starting Monday, Nov. 9.

The new schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center will have its last day of Saturday operations on Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be closed Sunday, Nov. 8, and again Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day.

The center is located in a parking lot on the east side of Tulare County Government Plaza, 1055 W. Henderson Ave., Porterville CA 93257.

It assists survivors of the SQF Complex Fire, which includes the Castle Fire and Shotgun Fire, with disaster information as part of the ongoing wildfire response and recovery mission for FEMA and the state of California.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid 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. 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 from FEMA 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 mobile app or at DisasterAssistance.gov.

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… Thu, 11/05/2020 - 22:23

Wildfire Survivors FEMA Center Open in Los Angeles County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center will be open for three days, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 6-8, in Pearblossom, Calif., to assist Bobcat Fire survivors in Los Angeles County.

The center is located near the basketball court at Pearblossom Park, 33922 121st St E, Pearblossom, CA 93553. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

It offers survivors support with recovery information as part of the ongoing wildfire response and recovery mission for FEMA and the State of California.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid 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.

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

Deadline to register is Dec. 16.

Survivors are reminded that after they are registered they should be sure to keep FEMA informed if their addresses or phone numbers change so that they may receive timely assistance. This information may be updated by calling the FEMA Helpline or by using their personal online accounts that they created when they registered on the website or with the FEMA app. To create an online account on DisasterAssistance.gov, click the blue Create Account button at the bottom of the page and follow the instructions.

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… Thu, 11/05/2020 - 21:57

Update: Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Middlesex County, Virginia

Philadelphia - FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Middlesex County, Virginia. Community stakeholders are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.  

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.  

The 90-day appeal period has been updated and will now begin on or around Nov. 19, 2020. Residents and business owners are also encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.  

Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.  

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.  

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

• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment. 

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps. 

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrators: David Kretz, Director of Planning, Middlesex County, d.kretz@co.middlesex.va.us, (804) 758-3382 and David Selph, Building Official, Middlesex County, dselph@co.middlesex.va.us, (804) 758-4305. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/15XDb4.   

For more information about the flood maps: 

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon) 

• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.  

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov 

Middlesex County Flood Mapping Milestones 

• Dec. 19, 2018 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data 

• Sept. 16, 2019 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released 

• Nov. 7, 2019 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map, and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance 

• On or Around Nov. 19, 2020 –Appeal Period starts 

• December 2021* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.) 

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

amanda.hancher Thu, 11/05/2020 - 17:24

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and State of West Virginia Emergency preparedness exercise scheduled for the Beaver Valley Power Station 

Philadelphia - The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Beaver Valley Power Station. The exercise will occur during the week of Nov. 9, 2020, to assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of West Virginia to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.  

“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, regional administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.”  

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions.  The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.  

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 10 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2020. Due to the public health emergency, the meeting will be conducted in a virtual format via Zoom.   Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the NRC.  

Access to the public meeting is provided below:  https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/1611294306  

Meeting ID: 161 129 4306   Passcode: 987893 

Or dial by phone: 646-828-7666  

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to: 

MaryAnn Tierney 

Regional Administrator 

FEMA Region 3 

615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor 

Philadelphia, PA 19106 

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness. 

REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC. 

Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.  

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

amanda.hancher Thu, 11/05/2020 - 17:18

Homeowners, Renters, Business Owners: SBA Disaster Loans Key to Recovery Process

SALEM Ore. – Wildfire survivors in Oregon who apply for assistance with FEMA may also apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a low-interest disaster loan. For some survivors, completing a low-interest disaster loan application may be crucial to their recovery.

Next to insurance, an SBA low-interest disaster loan is the primary source of funds for property repairs and for replacing contents destroyed during the recent Oregon wildfires. To date, more than $30.5 million in low-interest disaster loans have been approved for homeowners, renters and businesses affected by Oregon wildfires.

What Types of Disaster Loans are Available from the SBA?

• Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

• Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. These loans can even be used to pay insurance deductibles.

Many survivors who register with FEMA are referred to the SBA. If SBA determines they are eligible for a loan, applicants don’t have to accept it, but they should complete the loan application as soon as possible to keep their recovery options open. Those who submit an SBA application and are not approved for a loan may be considered for additional FEMA assistance such as personal property replacement, disaster-caused vehicle repair or moving and storage fees.

Through SBA, homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $40,000 to replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

SBA can also help businesses and private nonprofit organizations with up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply for economic injury disaster loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

To Apply for an SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loan:

Complete an online application at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. To reach an SBA Customer Service Representative directly call 800-659-2955. Email questions to >>> FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.

For more information, visit >>> sba.gov/disaster.

The application filing deadline for physical damage loans is Nov. 16, 2020. The application filing deadline for economic injury loans is June 15, 2021.

There’s Still Time to Apply with FEMA:

Those who have uninsured or underinsured losses can apply with FEMA in one of three ways: online at disasterassistance.gov, via the FEMA app, or call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The deadline to apply with FEMA is Nov. 16, 2020.

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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)

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.

david.yost Thu, 11/05/2020 - 16:05