FEMA Provides Salt Lake City $3.7 Million for Seismic Retrofitting

DENVER – FEMA has announced an award of more than $3.7 million to Salt Lake City, Utah. The funds are the federal cost share for the “Fix the Bricks” mitigation project to address the threat of structural collapse of residential unreinforced masonry (URM) structures during an earthquake event.

The project funds the seismic retrofitting of 216 residential URM structures, including seismic wall-to-roof retrofits, bracing of URM chimneys, and marketing efforts to inform the general public about the project. This project will reduce the likelihood of structural collapse and allow occupants to escape, therefore, reducing injury and loss of life.

FEMA is providing a 75-percent federal cost share for the $5 million project. Funding is provided through FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program, which is designed to assist states, U.S. territories, federally-recognized tribes, and local communities in implementing a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program. The goal is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on federal funding in future disasters.

Additional information about FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program can be found at https://www.fema.gov/pre-disaster-mitigation-grant-program.

Brian.Hvinden Tue, 12/22/2020 - 15:43

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oklahoma

WASHINGTON — FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Oklahoma to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms from Oct. 26-29, 2020.

Federal funding also is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms in Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Dewey, Grady, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Logan, Noble, Oklahoma, Payne, Pottawatomie and Roger Mills counties.

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

Traci L. Brasher has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

zella.campbell Mon, 12/21/2020 - 16:56

FEMA Home Inspection Part of Disaster Assistance Process

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – If you applied to FEMA and said you are unable to live in your home because of disaster damage caused by Hurricane Zeta, FEMA will contact you to set up a remote home inspection or an exterior-only inspection.

FEMA will ask you about the type and extent of damage. In some cases, FEMA will arrange to view the damage via a Zoom or Facetime video inspection, or the agency may assign an inspector to meet you outside the home, with social distancing, to view the damage from the exterior of the structure.

The FEMA inspection is part of the process to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary and functional. FEMA considers the following factors when determining whether an applicant may be eligible for assistance:

• The exterior of the home is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows.
• The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer or septic systems function properly.
• The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors.
• The home is capable of functioning for its intended purpose.
• There is safe access to and from the home.

FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance. FEMA assistance only provides funds for basic work to make a home habitable, including toilets, a roof, critical utilities, windows and doors. For the inspection, if you need accommodation for language or disability, call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) and let FEMA know of your needs.

Survivors with minimal damage who can live in their homes will not automatically be scheduled for a home inspection when applying to FEMA. However, they may request an inspection if they later find significant disaster-caused damage.

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

felicia.jordan Mon, 12/21/2020 - 13:09

FEMA Helpline Will Close for Christmas and New Year’s Holidays but Registration Will Still Be Available for Hurricane Zeta Survivors

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The FEMA telephone center that helps Hurricane Zeta survivors register for federal disaster assistance will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1, but Alabamians will still be able to register in other ways on those days.

Homeowners and renters in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties can register with FEMA during the holiday closings by:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Using the FEMA App for smartphones

All other times, registration is available by calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. 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 Feb. 8, 2021.

For an accessible video, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=yAHSPK_K7tg&feature=youtu.be

felicia.jordan Mon, 12/21/2020 - 12:09

FEMA, Department of Labor Create Job Corps Emergency Management Advance Training Program

WASHINGTON -- FEMA and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) creating the Job Corps Emergency Management Advance Training Program (EMATP) recently.  This program consists of approximately 12 weeks of advanced emergency management training for Job Corps students to become mission-ready emergency management specialists. The MOU establishes a framework for emergency management capacity building between the two agencies.

Department of Labor’s Job Corps has been operating for more than 50 years and is the largest residential career training program in the United States. This strategic collaboration between FEMA and Job Corps will give young people an opportunity to learn in-demand skills while providing FEMA with trained employees. Additionally, Job Corps students can seek Emergency Management careers with state and local governments.

Job Corps has trained and educated over two million individuals since 1964.  The program will help eligible young adults complete their high school education, train them for meaningful careers and assist with obtaining employment. Through this collaboration, students will also have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of the unique needs of FEMA and build their capacity to become mission-ready site inspectors and emergency managers helping people before, during and after disaster.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 12/21/2020 - 11:30

Renters Can Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Renters in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties whose homes and property were damaged by Hurricane Zeta can apply for federal disaster assistance.

FEMA Individual Assistance is available to renters, including students, as well as homeowners. Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing. The initial rental grant is for a 60-day period and can be reviewed for further assistance. The registration deadline is Feb. 8, 2021.

Renters may also qualify for a grant under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for essential personal property and other disaster-related expenses. These may include:

• Replacement or repair of necessary personal property, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, textbooks or school supplies
• Replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment required by the self-employed
• Primary vehicles
• Medical and dental bills

Survivors in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties can register with FEMA in the following ways:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Use the FEMA App for smartphones

• Call 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. 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 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to help Alabama renters repair or replace disaster-damaged personal property, including automobiles. Renters may be eligible for up to $40,000, depending on their losses. The application deadline is Feb. 8, 2021.

Applicants may apply online using SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/. Or they may email FOCE-Help@SBA.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For additional information about SBA disaster loans, the loan application process, or for help completing the SBA application, visit SBA’s secure website at https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/.

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339.

For an accessible video, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=yAHSPK_K7tg&feature=youtu.be

felicia.jordan Fri, 12/18/2020 - 08:24

Continued Rental Assistance May be Available from FEMA

Survivors of Major August, September Wildfires Must Demonstrate Ongoing Need

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – If you are a California survivor of the recent wildfires receiving rental assistance for temporary housing through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, let FEMA know if you have a continuing need.

Rental assistance is for paying rent, including a security deposit, at a place other than your damaged home. To continue to receive it, you must prove an ongoing need, which may be that suitable housing is not available, or that your permanent housing plan has not been completed through no fault of your own.

You may qualify for continued assistance if you:

• Demonstrate your disaster-related financial need; and
• Show you are developing a longer-term or permanent housing plan or demonstrate progress toward one. A contractor’s estimate of repairs can point to progress.

A permanent housing plan is one that would put you back into permanent safe, sanitary and functional housing within a reasonable time frame. You must continue to work toward obtaining permanent housing to remain eligible for Continued Rental Assistance.

The deadline to register with FEMA for disaster assistance for Disaster 4558 was Dec. 11, 2020. This is for August/September wildfires in the counties of Butte, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, Tulare and Yolo. If you registered in time, you may apply for rental assistance even if you haven’t already.

The deadline to register with FEMA for disaster assistance for Disaster 4569 was Dec. 16, 2020. This is for later fires in the counties of Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma.

If you are currently receiving rental assistance and you have an ongoing need, you must ask for it to continue.  This is the process:

• Contact FEMA.
• Prove you’ve spent previous assistance on rent.
• Provide the status of your housing plan.

Extensions on rental assistance may be granted for 3-month periods, up to a maximum of 18 months from the date of the presidential declarations: Aug. 22, 2020, for Disaster 4558 and Oct. 16, 2020, for Disaster 4569.

The application must be accompanied by these supporting documents:

• Pre-disaster and current household income status.
• Copies of pre-disaster lease, utility bills, renter’s insurance information.
• Copy of current lease or rental agreement signed by you and the landlord.
• Rental receipts, canceled checks or money orders showing the rental assistance was used to pay for housing expenses.

Submit documents by creating an account at DisasterAssistance.gov or by uploading via the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet.

Homeowners:

If your FEMA Verified Loss exceeds the amount of initial Rental Assistance award you received, the application to request Continued Temporary Rental Assistance will be mailed to you after you receive your initial rental assistance award.

If your verified loss does not exceed the initial rental award, you must call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 ( TTY: 800-462-7585) and ask for an application for Continued Temporary Rental Assistance.

Renters:

You will need to call the Helpline to ask for an application for Continued Temporary Rental Assistance.

Your request will be evaluated to determine if you are eligible for the extension, but there is no guarantee of rental assistance past the first two months.

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

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bree-constance… Thu, 12/17/2020 - 17:16

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Sonoma County, Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating portions of Sonoma County’s flood maps in 2020. The new maps identify the current flood hazards along Todd Creek and its tributaries that help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more resilient communities.

Before the new Sonoma County Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Dec. 18, 2020 to Mar. 18, 2021. During that time, residents with technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps. View the preliminary FIRMs at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA, Sonoma County and the cities of Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa worked together to collect new data and provide detailed information along Todd Creek and selected tributaries to reflect the new flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

For more information, contact Sonoma County at (707) 565-1146 or Nathan.Quarles@sonoma-county.org, Santa Rosa’s storm water and creeks manager at (707) 543-4204 or Claire Myers at cmyers@srcity.org, or Rohnert Park Development Services at (707) 588-2232 or visit rpcity.org/city_hall/departments/development_services/engineering/mapping_and_geographic_information_systems/flood_maps.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

robert.barker Thu, 12/17/2020 - 15:00

Registration Ended But Stay in Touch With FEMA

BATON ROUGE, LA - Louisiana survivors who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance after Hurricanes Laura and Delta are encouraged to “stay in touch” to resolve issues, provide updates on their applications or submit new information.

Applicants changing addresses, phone numbers or banking information should notify FEMA. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in receiving assistance.

Callers to the FEMA Helpline should refer to the nine-digit number they were issued at registration. This number is on all correspondence applicants receive from FEMA and is a key identifier in tracking assistance requests.

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

Survivors can call the Helpline to:

• Update insurance information.
• Receive information on the home-inspection process.
• Add or remove the name of a person designated to speak for the applicant.
• Find out if FEMA needs more information about a claim.
• Update FEMA on the registrant’s housing situation.
• Learn how to appeal an eligibility determination.
• Get answers to other questions about applications.

 

Applicants may update their information the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).
• Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish).
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.
• Visit any disaster recovery center in the state. To find a drive-thru DRC you can text 43362 and type DRC and your ZIP Code (for example, DRC 01234).
• Download the FEMA app):
  • Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362
  • Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362

 

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 Thu, 12/17/2020 - 14:38

Disaster Recovery Centers Adding Appeals Centers in Jefferson Davis, Lafayette and Rapides Parishes; Others Will Close, and All Will Change Hours of Operation

BATON ROUGE, La.– Three FEMA drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) will be adding an additional service “Appeals Centers” in Jefferson Davis, Lafayette and Rapides Parishes to assist registrants who wish to appeal FEMA determinations.

 

The Appeals Center features an outdoor sitting area where conversations can take place. This will allow staff to explain the appeals process, discuss documentation requirements and provide help with writing an appeal letter. More detailed explanations of the recovery process and future decisions will be possible. No appointment required.

 

In order to ensure everyone’s safety, both drive-thru DRCs and Appeals Center operate under strict COVID-19 guidelines. Everyone (visitors and staff) is required to wear a mask or face covering and social distancing is practiced.

 

The locations for the Appeals Centers are:

 

Rapides Coliseum (opening 12/18)

5600 Coliseum Blvd

Alexandria, LA 71303

 

Jefferson Davis Fairgrounds (opening 12/21)

810 Lake Arthur Avenue

Jennings, LA 70546

 

Browns Park (opening 12/22)

1212 E Pont Des Mouton Rd

Lafayette, LA 70507

 

Appeals Centers will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sundays. No appointments are necessary. The Appeals Centers in Lake Charles at the Civic Center and in Alexandria at the Rapides Coliseum are the only ones open this Saturday, Dec. 19. All centers will be closed Dec. 24 through 27 in observance of the Christmas holiday, reopening Monday, Dec. 28, at 8 a.m.

 

Two drive-thru DRCs, one in Breaux Bridge and one in Abbeville, are closing this week. DRCs in Eunice and Rayne will close next week.

 

The DRC in Breaux Bridge will close at 5 p.m. Dec. 17. The center is at:

 

Parc Hardy

1290 Rees Street

Breaux Bridge, LA 70517

 

The DRC in Abbeville will close at 5 p.m. Dec. 18. It is at:

 

LSU Agricultural Center

1105 W. Post Street

Abbeville, LA 70510

 

The DRC in Eunice will close at 5 p.m. Dec 22.  It is at:

 

Word Ministry Church (parking lot)

1960 W. Laurel Avenue

Eunice, LA 70535

 

The DRC in Rayne will close at 5 p.m. Dec 23. It is at:

 

Southside Community Center

403 4th Street

Rayne, LA 70578

 

Drive-thru DRCs are now only open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays. No appointments are necessary.

 

Louisiana hurricane survivors may visit any other DRC in the state. To locate the nearest center or check hours of operation, visit: egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator. DRCs are operated by FEMA and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness.

Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply for federal assistance or update applications. To apply, ask questions or submit information:

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA Mobile App at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app.

scott.reuter Wed, 12/16/2020 - 12:49

California Wildfire Survivors Have One Day Left to Register for Assistance

Call the FEMA Helpline or visit DisasterAssistance.gov by Dec. 16

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Individuals and households with losses due to the wildfires in Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma counties have just one day remaining to apply for grants from FEMA or low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

These counties are included in federal Disaster 4569, declared initially Oct. 16 for seven counties and expanded later. The registration deadline is Dec. 16.

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, although 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 Dec. 16 deadline but suffered losses in the Bobcat, Creek, El Dorado, Glass, Oak, Slater, Valley and Zogg fires.

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 8 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 aid questions.

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

Dec. 16 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. The primary source of recovery funding for many, however, is a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which makes disaster loans to individuals and businesses of all sizes.

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.

These services are only available for the California disaster declaration as a result of the wildfires.

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, 12/15/2020 - 19:56

Federal Disaster Assistance for Oregon Tops $116 Million

Salem, Ore. – Three months after the President declared a major federal disaster for Oregon Wildfires, more than $116 million in state and federal funds have been provided to aid the Oregon wildfire recovery.

As of Dec. 7, FEMA has approved nearly $31 million in disaster assistance for homeowners and renters.

When combined with low interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration totaling more than $52 million and an additional $33 million in salaries, services and goods contracts, more than $116 million in federal funding has been approved for residents and businesses across Oregon.

“As we’ve seen over the last year, wildfires can be absolutely devastating. Oregon residents affected by this disaster have shown uncommon resilience and determination to recover and move forward,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont. “The assistance FEMA has delivered will help survivors take those important first steps on their road to recovery, providing them with financial assistance to help them achieve their long-term goals and return to a sense of normalcy.”

While FEMA continues to work hard to provide much needed assistance to survivors and communities affected by this year’s wildfires, they’re not alone, as Oregon Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps reminds us, recovery is a long-term collaborative effort.

“This year has been beyond difficult for thousands of Oregon residents across the state,” said Phelps. “Through strong partnerships with our federal, state, non-profit and local partners we’ve made significant progress toward our recovery goals, which have taken on special meaning as we enter the winter holidays. Wildfire recovery is a long process, and we are committed to meeting the unique needs of each disaster survivor as our community, and Oregon, rebuilds together.”

Oregon Recovery Highlights

• 2,917 Oregon residents have been approved for housing and other needs assistance grants totaling nearly $31 million.
  • Of those, 501 homeowners received the maximum housing assistance grant amount available from FEMA.
  • In addition, more than $6 million in grants have been approved to help homeowners and renters replace personal property, for medical and dental expenses, moving and storage fees and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources.
• FEMA completed damage inspections of 6,764 homes.
• FEMA’s direct housing mission continues to match families with housing options as quickly as possible until all eligible families have a temporary place to live. As of Dec. 13, 21 families have been provided temporary housing solutions.
• Through the federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, the State of Oregon approved $246,700 to support 153 survivors.
• Disaster legal services were made available to answer legal questions from wildfire survivors. Survivors can still take advantage of this service online at osbar.org/public/index.html, or call 800-452-7636 or 503-684-3763.
• FEMA operated six External Outreach Sites serving Jackson, Lane, Marion, Linn, Lincoln, Clackamas and Douglas counties. At these sites, disaster survivor assistance teams served 1,856 visitors, helping residents apply for FEMA grants, appeal FEMA decisions, get updates on their applications, receive referrals and address any remaining needs.
• Since mobilizing on Sept. 24 by FEMA Mission Assignment, 17 EPA field recovery teams, working 12-hour days, seven days a week, have retrieved and removed household hazardous waste from over 2,300 fire-ravaged parcels in eight Oregon counties.
• EPA teams have also stabilized and consolidated ash and debris from more than 230 parcels along Oregon waterways - including five miles of the Bear Creek riparian area in Jackson County - protecting water quality from toxic runoff.
• In close coordination with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, FEMA has provided $779,545 through the Crisis Counselling Immediate Services Program to provide counseling to wildfire survivors. The Safe+Strong Helpline is available for both children and adults who are struggling with stress, anxiety or other disaster-related depression-like symptoms. For help, call 800-923-4357 or visit safestrongoregon.org/mental-emotional-health. This is a free service provided by the Oregon Health Authority and Portland-based nonprofit agency Lines for Life.
• To date, $410,308 was approved for repairs under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. FEMA Public assistance helps state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and certain types of private nonprofit organizations respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. PA funding helps cover costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure.
• FEMA has received 146 Requests for Public Assistance from local Oregon governments and organizations.
• FEMA has hired 30 local residents in a number of recovery positions. Hiring locally benefits the recovery process allowing local residents, some of whom are disaster survivors themselves, to offer insights into their communities and the challenges facing Oregon residents like themselves.
• All FEMA disaster messaging has been provided in seven languages identified as prevalent in Oregon: Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Somali, and Russian, in addition to English and American Sign Language. Bilingual speakers have been available for public meetings. 
• The toll-free disaster assistance helpline, 800-621-3362 is also supported by specialists in those seven languages and additional languages, and live translation services are available to all applicants who call FEMA.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a Relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their assigned number for that service. They should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish)

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

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.

 

issa.mansaray Tue, 12/15/2020 - 17:43

$7 Million Awarded to Jump-Start Recovery Projects

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – FEMA’s Public Buildings Group continues to push recovery projects forward to strengthen the Territory’s resilience against disasters. Collaboration between the group and Public Assistance (PA) Program applicants led to $7 million awarded for projects in November.

Coordination between federal and territorial partners to repair recreational facilities damaged from hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017 stands out among approved projects. The V.I. Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation was awarded $790,249 for repairs to Ezra Fredericks Ballpark on St. Thomas and $260,668 for the restoration of Pedro Cruz Ballpark on St. Croix.

Plans were approved to replace the fence, gates, retaining wall, dugouts, aluminum stands, shade covers and scoreboard at Fredericks’ baseball field. The press box is set for replacement and restoration of the cricket pitch will eventually occur at the facility in Frydenhoj.

The park’s basketball court will be repainted, and players will benefit from use of a new rim, pole and backboard as well at Fredericks.

“These projects are an important step to providing important recreational opportunities for the Territory. Working together with the USVI Office of Disaster Recovery to achieve these milestones, the FEMA team is very pleased to see one more step on the road to recovery completed,” said Acting Recovery Director John Covell. 

Meanwhile, a restored fence along the first baseline and repairs to the announcer’s booth, bullpen and outfield fencing, batting cage, field lighting, scoreboard and stadium roof will improve the experience for ballplayers and fans of Cruz Ballpark in Estate Profit.

“The Territory is pleased with FEMA’s pace in obligating funds to repair parks and recreational facilities,” said Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director of the Office of Disaster Recovery. “We will continue to work with FEMA to expend funds timely and correctly.”

Projects obligated on St. Thomas include:

• $315,721 awarded to the V.I. Department of Labor for building and contents damaged in the 2017 hurricanes;
• $73,292 awarded to the Judiciary of the Virgin Islands for management costs.

Projects obligated on St. Croix include:

• $231,503 for repairs to the Estate Profit Community Center in Frederiksted;
• $118,106 awarded to the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) for building and contents damaged from Hurricane Maria;
• $45,097 obligated to the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development for building and contents at five damaged buildings.

Projects obligated on St. John include:

• $207,793 awarded to DPNR for building and contents.  

Public Assistance for permanent work is awarded to applicants at a 90% federal cost share in the Territory. Permanent work includes permanent restoration of damaged facilities, including cost-effective hazard mitigation to protect the facilities from future damage.

Eligible work must be required as a result of the declared incident, located in the designated area, be the legal responsibility of the applicant, and be undertaken at a reasonable cost.

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

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

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

gina.callaghan Tue, 12/15/2020 - 12:13

FEMA Awards $22.2 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $22,206,422 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for the costs of repairs, administrative costs and emergency protective measures following Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The FEMA Public Assistance grants include:

• Key West Utility Board: $18,804,250 for repairs to the Lower Keys power distribution system, including 465 power poles, 533 pole-mounted transformers and 1,403 streetlights, and the costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other repairs.
• Miami-Dade County: $2,220,422 for emergency measures taken to protect life and property, including protecting water systems near Deering Estate and Zoo Miami and removing debris from 270 parks, train tracks, bus routes, two causeways and rights-of-way.  
• JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority): $1,181,749 for administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other repairs.

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… Tue, 12/15/2020 - 09:33

Hurricane Zeta Survivors in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox Counties Can Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Homeowners and renters who suffered damage from Hurricane Zeta in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties can apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from the hurricane.

The counties were designated eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program under the Major Disaster Declaration signed by President Trump on Dec. 10, 2020, for damage and losses from Hurricane Zeta that occurred Oct. 28-29, 2020.

If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin. 

You can register for FEMA disaster assistance online by visiting  DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

You will need to have the following available:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted;
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
• Your Social Security number, if available;
• A general list of damages and losses; and
• If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name.

If you cannot return to your home, or you are unable to live in your home, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, or call 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY) to determine what federal, state, local, or voluntary agency assistance may be available to you. 

If you can return to your home and it is safe, has working power, water, and sewer or septic service, visit DisasterAssistance.gov to determine if state, voluntary and local organizations in your community can address any unmet needs.

“We appreciate the federal support for disaster recovery in Alabama and will work closely with our local and federal partners to help Alabamians recover from the storm,” said Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings.

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

“We’re working closely with Alabama EMA and voluntary agencies to get survivors the help they need,” said Allan Jarvis, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer in Alabama.

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are  available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and sources.

If referred, applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov or by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Federal funding is also available to the state, tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Zeta in Autauga, Butler, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Hale, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Perry, Randolph, Talladega, Washington and Wilcox counties. 

felicia.jordan Mon, 12/14/2020 - 14:42

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for New Jersey

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of New Jersey to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Isaias on Aug. 4.

The President's action makes federal funding available to the state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Isaias in Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Monmouth, Morris and Salem counties.

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

Patrick Cornbill 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.

zella.campbell Mon, 12/14/2020 - 14:19

FEMA Issues Public Notice for 19 Alabama Counties

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A public notice has been posted to the FEMA and Alabama Emergency Management websites describing available FEMA assistance and proposed FEMA-funded actions, including activities that may affect historic properties, threatened and endangered species, critical habitat, or wetlands and floodplains in Alabama.

FEMA is required by law to provide public notice of its intent to provide federal assistance and grant opportunities via the Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs.

The public notice addresses FEMA’s intention to reimburse eligible applicants for costs to repair or replace facilities damaged by Hurricane Zeta in Autauga, Butler, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Hale, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Perry, Randolph, Talladega, Washington, and Wilcox Counties.

The public notice is posted on FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/dr-4573-al-public-notice-001

 the Alabama Emergency Management Agency website at https://alabamaema.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/4573-dr-al-public-noticeocc-12.11.2020.final_.pdf

This may be the only public notice given regarding these FEMA actions. Questions should be directed to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency – Region IV - EHP, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341-4112 or by emailing FEMA-R4EHP@fema.dhs.gov within 15 days of the date of this notice.

felicia.jordan Mon, 12/14/2020 - 11:03

FEMA Provides Plains, Montana $5.1 Mitigation Grant to Relocate Wastewater Treatment Plant

DENVER – FEMA has announced an award of more than $5.1 million to the Town of Plains, Montana. The funds are the federal cost share for a mitigation project to relocate the community’s wastewater treatment plant.  The plant is at risk of failure in a 10-year flood event.

The existing plant has four lagoons and an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system; new lagoons and an ultraviolet disinfection system will be installed at the new site.  The new facility will be on a 10-acre property outside of the floodplain. Relocating the facility will help ensure a safe water supply for the community and avoid discharge of untreated water.

The FEMA grant accounts for 89 percent of the total cost of the $5.7 million project. Funding is provided through FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program, which is designed to assist states, U.S. territories, federally-recognized tribes, and local communities in implementing a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program. The goal is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on federal funding in future disasters.

Additional information about FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program can be found at https://www.fema.gov/pre-disaster-mitigation-grant-program.

minh.phan Mon, 12/14/2020 - 09:21

FEMA Provides Washington City $1.2 Million for Flood Mitigation

DENVER – FEMA has announced an award of more than $1.2 million to Washington City, Utah. The funds are the federal cost share for a mitigation project to address the threat of flooding in the Pineview Estates area.

The project includes the placement of approximately 2,800 feet of erosion protection, in the form of rock, brush and cottonwood plantings, along the Virgin River. This project will help make Washington City more resilient to flood and erosion damage from future events in the Virgin River by reducing the risk for 22 private homes, a city park, and other existing public road and utility infrastructure.

FEMA is providing a 75-percent federal cost share for the $1.6 million project. Funding is provided through FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program, which is designed to assist states, U.S. territories, federally-recognized tribes, and local communities in implementing a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program. The goal is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on federal funding in future disasters.

Additional information about FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program can be found at https://www.fema.gov/pre-disaster-mitigation-grant-program.

minh.phan Mon, 12/14/2020 - 09:18

President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Alabama

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Alabama to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Zeta from Oct. 28-29, 2020.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties. 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 Hurricane Zeta.

Federal funding is also available to the state, tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Zeta in Autauga, Butler, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Hale, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Perry, Randolph, Talladega, Washington and Wilcox counties.

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

Allan Jarvis 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.

zella.campbell Thu, 12/10/2020 - 21:55