PENSACOLA, Fla. – Florida Panhandle residents who have uninsured losses resulting from Hurricane Sally have until Dec. 1, 2020 to register with FEMA for disaster assistance. One month after residents in five counties became eligible for federal disaster assistance, more than $94 million has been approved in federal grants, loans and flood insurance payments.

As of Oct. 29, 2020

• FEMA has approved $19.2 million to 4,554 individuals and households.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $25.9 million in disaster loans for 653 homeowners, renters and businesses.
• The National Flood Insurance Program has received 4,383 claims and paid $49.7 million.

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

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

FEMA is operating Mobile Registration Intake Centers in several locations to assist survivors with registration and provide information about disaster assistance.

Dec. 1, 2020 also is the deadline to apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans for physical property damage. The deadline for working capital applications is July 2, 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’s disaster assistance program.

SBA is operating two Business Recovery Centers where business owners can meet with SBA representatives and get help applying for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans.

• East Pensacola Heights Clubhouse, 3208 E. Gonzalez St., Pensacola, FL 32503; closes 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2020; reopens Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020 at 8 a.m. Regular operating hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.
• Bridgeway Center, Building C, 205 Shell Ave., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548; hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

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

PENSACOLA, Fla. — FEMA Mobile Registration Centers in Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties will reopen Friday, Oct. 30, 2020 at 9 a.m. The centers had closed Wednesday and Thursday for severe weather.

PENSACOLA, Fla. — FEMA Mobile Registration Centers in Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties are closed through Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020 as a precautionary measure for Hurricane Zeta. The centers will reopen when weather conditions permit.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – When disaster strikes, people come together to help. It has been no different in Alabama.

Many volunteers have already given their time, money and talent to help put Alabama back on its feet following Hurricane Sally. But as survivors of the storm move into the long and difficult recovery phase of this disaster, many more volunteers are needed.

“Since Hurricane Sally, we have seen partnerships grow as we have welcomed the support of state and national players into our community,” said Dana Jepsen, president of the Baldwin County chapter of Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). “The work is not done though. We still have a lot of residents in need of assistance, and the recovery process is certainly going to be long term.” 

A VOAD is a coalition of faith-based, community-based and other nonprofit organizations that are key to training and placing volunteers to help survivors after a disaster.  If you want to volunteer to work in the Hurricane Sally recovery in Alabama, volunteering through an organization, already active in the disaster – like a VOAD, is the smart way to go. There are many tasks still to be done in impacted areas of the state; cleaning up and rebuilding remain two of the biggest, along with “muck and guts,” roof tarping services, tree work and debris removal.

Everyone is welcome. Men and women from all walks of life are needed. High school and college students, in particular, may want to look at this as a way to assist their neighbors and their community, but also as a means of fulfilling their community-service requirement for graduation.

“It is amazing what can be accomplished when groups from different walks of life work together to complete a goal,” said Alabama VOAD President Lana Mummah. “That goal has been to get families back on their feet.”

In the first five weeks following Hurricane Sally’s landfall, organizations associated with Alabama VOAD provided survivors with more than 1.1 million meals, beverages and snacks, 1,292 tarps, 48 house mud outs, 445 chainsaws, and other supplies and services. Some 3,780 clean-up calls were completed and 3,903 clean-up kits were distributed. More than 76,000 volunteer hours have been donated.

“I am personally amazed that people from across our country will take their vacations, often at their own expense, leave their families and assist strangers,” said Michael Dillaber, president of the Mobile County VOAD. “America is great because of our willingness to volunteer.”

Volunteer manhours used for delivery of such services may potentially help offset the “local match” share of eligible federally funded public assistance projects.

To make the most of your help, FEMA and state officials say, it is important to do it right and follow these guidelines for donating and volunteering responsibly:

• To find a list of trusted organizations that can put your contributions of time or money to the best possible use, check out the Alabama VOAD online at https://alvoad.communityos.org/cms/ or for the National VOAD go to https://www.nvoad.org/.
• Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible and most effective method of donating. Learn more at https://www.nvoad.org/howtohelp/donate/.
• Cash is best. Cash offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources.
• Know before you go. A list of trusted organizations operating in Alabama can be found online at https://www.nvoad.org/volunteer/. These organizations know where volunteers are needed and can ensure appropriate volunteer safety, training and housing.
• Be patient. Recovery in Alabama – and the need for volunteers – will last months, maybe years. Your volunteer help will be needed here when others may have long forgotten about Hurricane Sally.

SALEM, Ore. – In response to the devastation caused by Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds beginning Sept. 7 and continuing, FEMA has extended the period for soliciting property owners to participate in Multi-Family Lease and Repair (MLR). With MLR, multiple firm-fixed priced contracts may be awarded to provide housing assistance to affected families.

Under MLR, FEMA is seeking owners with properties previously used as multi-family rental housing (3 or more available units), that with financial assistance, could be quickly repaired to local, state and federal codes and standards, and offered as temporary housing for FEMA applicants.

This request for information is not a request for quotes. Responses to this notification will be used to determine which properties meet MLR criteria and provide the timeliest, most cost-effective means of providing direct assistance to eligible disaster survivors.

For the complete information on this MLR Request for Information, visit https://go.usa.gov/x7jjr.

All responses must be in writing and submitted via email to DR-4562-OR-MLRP@fema.dhs.gov and received no later than 1 p.m. PST Nov. 4, 2020. 

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

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

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

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

SALEM, Ore. – The FEMA External Outreach Site in Eugene will cease operations at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, but help is still available.

The site, located at Lane Events Center, 796 W. 13th Ave., Eugene, Oregon 97402, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday, Oct. 31.

External Outreach Sites offer Oregon residents affected by recent wildfires and straight-line winds in-person visits to get information about their FEMA application, ask questions about letters they receive from FEMA, and have their documents scanned to be part of their application.

Help is Still Available

FEMA External Outreach Sites remain open in Estacada, Glide, Lincoln, Medford and Stayton. Hours for all sites are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Survivors can visit any site. However, it’s not necessary to visit to apply or update applications, which can be done in the following ways:

• Call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PDT/PST, seven days a week;
• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov; or
• Check FEMA’s mobile app.
• Those who use a Relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their assigned number for that service. They should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

The following External Outreach Sites are still available to assist disaster survivors:

• FEMA External Outreach Site: Central High School, 815 South Oakdale Ave., Medford, Oregon 97501
• FEMA External Outreach Site: Stayton Community Center, 400 W. Virginia St., Stayton, Oregon 97385
• FEMA External Outreach Site: Lincoln Outlet Mall, 1500 S.E. East Devils Lake Rd. STE 200, Lincoln City, Oregon 97367
• FEMA External Outreach Site: Estacada City Hall, 475 S.E. Main St. Estacada, Oregon 97023
• FEMA External Outreach Site: Old Middle School Gym, 301 Glide Loop Rd. Glide, Oregon 97443

If you need ASL or CART for assistance or FEMA event, please contact 425-487-2143 or DR-4562-OR-ASL-CART-Requests@fema.dhs.gov.

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

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

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

All Oregonians – including those affected by the recent wildfires and straight-line winds – who have questions about repairing or rebuilding disaster damaged homes or want to learn more about building stronger and safer, to include creating defensive fire spaces, can contact FEMA Mitigation Specialists via email at FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov. This is a free service.

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

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

 All Oregonians – including those affected by the recent wildfires and straight-line winds – who have questions about repairing disaster damaged homes, building stronger and safer, or want to learn more about creating defensive fire spaces can contact FEMA Mitigation Specialists via email at FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov. This is a free service.

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.

SALEM, Ore. – The FEMA External Outreach Site in Eugene will cease operations at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, but help is still available.

The site, located at Lane Events Center, 796 W. 13th Ave., Eugene, Oregon 97402, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday, Oct. 31.

External Outreach Sites offer Oregon residents affected by recent wildfires and straight-line winds in-person visits to get information about their FEMA application, ask questions about letters they receive from FEMA, and have their documents scanned to be part of their application.

Help is Still Available

FEMA External Outreach Sites remain open in Estacada, Glide, Lincoln, Medford and Stayton. Hours for all sites are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Survivors can visit any site. However, it’s not necessary to visit to apply or update applications, which can be done in the following ways:

• Call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PDT/PST, seven days a week;
• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov; or
• Check FEMA’s mobile app.
• Those who use a Relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their assigned number for that service. They should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

The following External Outreach Sites are still available to assist disaster survivors:

• FEMA External Outreach Site: Central High School, 815 South Oakdale Ave., Medford, Oregon 97501
• FEMA External Outreach Site: Stayton Community Center, 400 W. Virginia St., Stayton, Oregon 97385
• FEMA External Outreach Site: Lincoln Outlet Mall, 1500 S.E. East Devils Lake Rd. STE 200,  Lincoln City, Oregon 97367
• FEMA External Outreach Site: Estacada City Hall, 475 S.E. Main St. Estacada, Oregon 97023
• FEMA External Outreach Site: Old Middle School Gym, 301 Glide Loop Rd. Glide, Oregon 97443

If you need ASL or CART for assistance or FEMA event, please contact 425-487-2143 or DR-4562-OR-ASL-CART-Requests@fema.dhs.gov.

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

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

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

All Oregonians – including those affected by the recent wildfires and straight-line winds – who have questions about repairing or rebuilding disaster damaged homes or want to learn more about building stronger and safer, to include creating defensive fire spaces, can contact FEMA Mitigation Specialists via email at FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov. This is a free service.

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

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

 All Oregonians – including those affected by the recent wildfires and straight-line winds – who have questions about repairing disaster damaged homes, building stronger and safer, or want to learn more about creating defensive fire spaces can contact FEMA Mitigation Specialists via email at FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov. This is a free service.

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

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

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – If you have uninsured or underinsured losses from the recent California wildfires in Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Bernardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma counties and have registered with FEMA, the next step is the home inspection. 

All inspections will be conducted by phone due to COVID-19 and the need to protect the safety and health of survivors and the FEMA workforce. Remote inspections are comparable to traditional, in-person inspections and can expedite recovery assistance, based on eligibility.

For security purposes, the inspector will verify your identity by asking a series of qualifying questions and then provide you with the first four digits of your application to complete the verification.

Expect calls from inspection teams to come from a variety of area codes. Check missed calls and voicemails frequently to ensure the inspection is arranged and completed.

Survivors with minimal damage who can live in their homes will not automatically be scheduled for a home inspection when applying for FEMA assistance. Instead, they will receive a letter from FEMA explaining that they may call the FEMA Helpline to request an inspection if they find significant disaster-caused damage to their home after they applied.

The Helpline number is 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Call between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. Pacific, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

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

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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WASHINGTON -- Following Hurricane Zeta’s Gulf Coast landfall Wednesday evening, FEMA and other federal agencies are prepared to support a locally executed, state managed and federally supported response.  

FEMA prepositioned various commodities to provide support and is also actively coordinating the efforts of federal agencies as recovery and relief efforts continue for hurricanes Laura, Sally and Delta.

Federal Support Responding to Hurricane Zeta

President Trump approved Emergency Declarations for Louisiana and Mississippi. The declarations authorize FEMA to provide emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for 35 parishes in Louisiana and 13 counties in Mississippi. Additionally, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance to 29 parishes in Louisiana.

Major Disaster Declarations were previously approved for hurricanes Laura, Sally and Delta.

FEMA is still supporting survivors throughout the Gulf Coast with more than 1,500 staff working virtually or in person throughout Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

• In Louisiana, FEMA has awarded approximately $185 million in grants and $28 million in flood insurance claims to survivors from hurricanes Laura and Delta. The U.S. Small Business Administration also approved more than $372 million in low-interest loans to Louisiana survivors.
• FEMA has awarded more than $54 million in assistance to individuals in Alabama and has paid more than $27 million for flood insurance claims in Alabama for Hurricane Sally. The U.S. Small Business Administration also approved more than $61 million in low-interest loans to Alabama survivors.

Commodities

• FEMA has pre-staged nearly 7 million meals, nearly 8 million liters of bottled water and 45 generators near the expected areas of Hurricane Zeta impacts.
  • Blankets, tarps, blue roof sheeting and cots are staged and available to support affected states based on need and requests to FEMA.
  • A refrigerated mobile trailer with 19,000 meals is staged in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
  • Shuttle drivers and empty trailers are onsite where these commodities are staged and ready to transport these assets to fulfill state requests.

Personnel Deployed

• Two Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) are onsite at state Emergency Operations Centers in Clanton, Alabama and Pearl, Mississippi to support response activities and ensure there are no unmet needs.
• Two IMATs are onsite at state Emergency Operations Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to support response activities and ensure there are no unmet needs.
• Additional IMATs are available to deploy in response to Zeta, as needed.
• Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles are standing by to support with emergency communication capabilities for federal resources, if needed.
• Two Urban Search and Rescue teams were activated; one is in Ponchatoula, Louisiana and one is staged in Memphis, Tennessee until safe to travel. FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Incident Support Team was activated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana with personnel arriving as safe conditions allow.
• Two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are on alert and will respond, if needed.
• Additional federal personnel from the Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency and Defense Coordinating Element have been tasked if needed to support FEMA and the affected states and tribes.

Key Messages

• Hurricane Zeta affected areas already impacted by other hurricanes, further increasing the threat of dangerous flooding. Flooding from a previous storm could be worsened with additional rainfall from this storm system.
• For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor forecasts from your local National Weather Service office.
• FEMA adapted its plans to the realities of responding during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure we can serve Americans while protecting their safety and that of FEMA employees.

Those in Hurricane Zeta’s path: Stay Alert to Continued Risks; Heed Instructions from Local Officials

• Although Hurricane Zeta made landfall Wednesday, there are still risks from the storm. Anyone in the forecast path of the storm should monitor their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials and follow evacuation orders from local officials.
• Heavy rainfall is expected from portions of the central Gulf Coast into the mid-Mississippi valley, Ohio Valley, southern to central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic states today. This rainfall will lead to flash, urban, small stream and minor river flooding in those areas.
• Don’t drive or walk through flood waters. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water and other hidden hazards. 
• Stay off the roads. Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas or cleaning up debris. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
• If it is safe to do so, check on your neighbors. You may be the help they need right now.
• Residents impacted by the storm should continue to follow guidance from local officials.
  • State and local officials will have the most up-to-date information on evacuation orders and shelter locations.
  • Residents in Louisiana should call 2-1-1 for immediate needs.
• If you have evacuated, do not return until local officials say it’s safe to do so.
• Use caution and stay safe during recovery. Use extreme caution when operating heavy machinery, generators, or while removing debris. Never use generators indoors and keep them away from windows, doors and vents.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots when walking on, or near, debris. Wear long sleeves and gloves when handling debris.
• When clearing debris from a property, know the location of all utilities, both underground and overhead to prevent injury. Do not place items in front of, around or on top of buried and above ground utilities.
  • Use caution around any buried utilities. Cutting vital communications assets such as fiber optic lines can cause a loss of cellular networks, including cell phone service or access to the internet. Residents in should call 8-1-1 before digging so utilities can be marked in advance.
• Remember to stay safe, whether you’re a responder or survivor. Wear a mask in public settings especially when social distancing is not possible and follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Seven congregate shelters are open in Louisiana, nine in Mississippi and three in Alabama. Additionally, seven non-congregate shelters are on standby in Louisiana.
• The American Red Cross is prepared to shelter and support families. For assistance, call 3-1-1 or visit their website.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program will cover and reimburse policy holders up to $1,000 for certain actions taken to minimize damage to your home and belongings before a flood. Make sure to save your receipts for any of these expenses. For more information and to learn about what’s covered, view the fact sheet Understanding Flood Loss Avoidance or reference the NFIP Claims Manual.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program is ready to respond quickly to NFIP insured flood losses that arise as a result of the storm.
  • If you have a flood insurance policy and you’ve suffered flood damage, your first step is to call your flood insurance company to file a claim. The NFIP will pay every penny you are owed for your covered flood loss.
  • Adjusters are available to process claims quickly.
  • If you previously suffered a flood loss, you will need to document new damages and be prepared to provide receipts and documentation for any repairs you made from your prior loss.
• Due to Hurricane Zeta, drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers in Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties in Florida are closed. The centers will reopen when weather conditions permit. Disaster Recovery Centers in Acadia, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Sabine, St. Landry, Vermilion and Vernon parishes in Louisiana are closed today. The centers will reopen when weather permits.
• Hurricane Laura, Sally and Delta survivors can still register for federal assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or through the FEMA mobile app.

Responding During COVID-19

• FEMA will continue to work with our state, tribal and local partners as they plan for execution of evacuation and sheltering operations in a COVID-19 environment. Finding shelter is critical in times of disaster. Shelter outside of the hazard area could include staying with family or friends, seeking a hotel room or staying in a mass shelter.
• FEMA, other federal agencies and the American Red Cross have modified policies and planning and have taken actions to ensure the federal government can respond to any disaster during our continued coronavirus response efforts.
• In alignment with FEMA’s Pandemic Operational Guidance, FEMA is leveraging technology to deliver the agency’s programs at the highest level possible, while preserving our workforce and survivors. These methods include virtual damage assessments and inspections for FEMA Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs, as well as National Flood Insurance Program claims.
• While some aspects of program delivery may look different this year, our commitment to helping people before, during and after disaster remains our full focus and we are ready to deliver on our mission.
• In advance of hurricane and wildfire season, FEMA expanded the capacity of its National Response Coordination Center, response centers around the country and trained additional staff to be postured to respond to multiple on-going incidents.

1. Charleston, WV 

With joblessness up in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased demand has overwhelmed West Virginia’s food pantries. This week, volunteer groups, the nation’s largest food service distribution company and a popular rideshare app teamed up to offer some relief. 

On Tuesday, three truckloads of donated food made stops in Belle, W.Va., at a distribution center set up by West Virginia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD). Later this week, representatives from area food pantries will pick up more than 35,000 pounds of shelf-stable goods. 

“The pandemic has affected millions of Americans across our region. Partnerships like this are critical in our fight against COVID-19 and exemplify the American spirit and affirm our commitment of helping our fellow neighbors,” said MaryAnn Tierney, regional administrator, FEMA Region 3. “We’re grateful for the work of Dot Foods, Uber, and West Virginia VOAD.  Responding to emergencies is a team sport and the entire FEMA team along with our state, private sector and nonprofit partners banded together to make this happen. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, a lot of families in need will be able to put food on the table.” 

Staffers from WV VOAD spent Tuesday unloading pallets of boxes of items ranging from breakfast cereal and sandwich buns to juice and nachos. On Wednesday, a group of AmeriCorps volunteers based in Richwood worked with the staff to break down the donations into shipments for pick-up by dozens of food pantries. 

Frank Miller, director of operations at Parchment Valley Conference Center with the West Virginia Baptist Convention in Ripley, was among the first to pick up supplies. 

“In these perilous times, it’s a miracle how these donations feed children and adults in rural areas,” Miller said. “It’s an honor to serve them.” 

The donation was the result of efforts by food service distributor Dot Foods, based in Mount Sterling, Ill., which supplied the more than 16 tons of food; Uber Freight, the trucking arm of the rideshare app, Uber, which facilitated transportation; and West Virginia VOAD, the state branch of a national coalition of volunteer agencies. 

In the wake of financial hardship brought on by the pandemic, food pantries are still facing great demands with limited resources. Contact your local food pantry or go to www.feedingamerica.org to learn more about how you can help. Learn more about volunteering in West Virginia at wvvoad.org or nationally at www.nvoad.org.   

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

Caption: John Vannoy, with Parchment Valley Conference Center in Ripley, W.Va., works with AmeriCorps volunteers to pick up a load of donations from Dot Foods of Mount Sterling, Ill., at the West Virginia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD) distribution center in Belle, W.Va., on Oct. 28, 2020 (Philip Maramba/FEMA) 

Philadelphia, PA 

FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Middlesex County, VA. 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 will begin on or around Oct. 29, 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 Oct. 29, 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.  

BATON ROUGE, La. –FEMA urges everyone who experiences a power outage to be safe when using portable generators.

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

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

If you are using a generator for any reason, including after a hurricane, keep this information in mind to keep you and your household safe:

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

Here are some resources for additional information about generators and carbon monoxide:

• Watch this generator safety video from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FEMA which includes American Sign Language: youtube.com/watch?v=n7GIOzABRHA.
• Read this news from the Office of Louisiana State Fire Marshal: http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/doc/press/pr_2020-72.pdf.
• View Occupational Safety and Health Administration information about how to use portable generators safely at osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/portable_generator_safety.pdf.
• Learn about carbon monoxide from the CDC at cdc.gov/co/ or call 800-232-4636.

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

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Disaster survivors affected by Tropical Storm Isaías may receive a decision letter from FEMA stating that they are ineligible for assistance. This may not be the final result. If you believe FEMA’s decision was incorrect, you can file an appeal with FEMA.

The first step is to read your decision letter carefully to understand why FEMA said the application was “ineligible.” Many times, fixing the problem could be something as simple as providing missing documents or information.

If you wish to appeal the decision, you need to write and sign an appeal letter to FEMA. Your appeal letter should explain why you think FEMA’s decision is incorrect.

When submitting an appeal, it is important to include the documentation FEMA requests, including documents that support your appeal claim. Also, if the person writing the appeal letter is not the applicant or a member of the household, you will need to submit a signed statement that the writer is authorized to act on your behalf.

You may only need to submit extra documents for FEMA to process your application. These may include a contractor’s estimate, home repair receipts or information from your insurance company.

If FEMA requests proof of occupancy, renters can supply a copy of your utility bills, driver’s license or lease. Proof of ownership can be made by providing mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed.

Appeals should be submitted within 60 days of the date on your FEMA decision letter. For appeals submitted after 60 days, include your reason for the delay.

For help with your appeal, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). TTY users call 800-462-7585. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. If you use a relay service such as a

videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel, be sure to give FEMA the phone number for the relay service. Please note, if you receive a call from FEMA, your Caller ID may not identify the caller as FEMA.

You may also get in-person help with your appeal. Make an appointment to visit the Mayagüez Disaster Recovery Center, which is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The center is located at Cancha MBA (Cancha Bajo Techo Carmen S Bouchet Marrero), Barrio Sábalos, Sector Nadal, 475 Calle Ramón Emeterio Betances.

Appeals can also be mailed to:

FEMA National Processing Service Center P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

You will receive a decision within 90 days after FEMA receives your appeal.

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

WASHINGTON --FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Mississippi to supplement state and local response efforts to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Zeta beginning on Oct. 27 and continuing. 

Federal funding is available to the state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures.

Public Assistance Category B emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided for Clarke, Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jones, Lamar, Pearl River, Perry, Stone and Wayne counties.

Brett H. Howard has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.  

CHICAGO – On Sunday, November 1, Daylight Saving Time ends, and we set our clocks back an hour. Take advantage of extra sleep then take a few simple steps to ensure you, your family and your home stay safe into the colder months ahead.

“As we near the end of 2020, we need to continue preventing the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing, mask wearing and hand washing. It’s also important to prepare for other types of disaster risks; consider using the extra hour this Sunday to verify your home is adequately protected for the upcoming winter season and ensure everyone in your family knows what to do in an emergency,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5.

1. Make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detector work. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing the equipment to ensure it is functioning appropriately. Invest in new detectors if they’re near or past the manufacturer’s recommended replacement age. 

2. Ready your home and verify your insurance coverages adequately protect your property. Keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping and learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Review your insurance policies and talk to your agent to ensure your property is fully covered for the hazards in your area.

3. Update your family’s emergency plan. Make sure each family member knows how they will receive emergency alerts and warnings and how to stay in touch with each other if something happens and you’re not together. Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and make any necessary updates to your plan due to COVID-19, to include having masks (for everyone over 2 years old) and disinfectants if needed.

For more emergency preparedness information and tips, visit Ready.gov.

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

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center is open Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 29-31, in San Diego County to serve Valley Fire survivors.

The center is part of the ongoing response and recovery mission for FEMA and the State of California to support survivors with uninsured losses.

It is located at Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon CA 92019. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday/Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid in one of three ways:

• online at www.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. PDT. 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 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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Less than one week left to register for FEMA assistance

DES MOINES, Iowa – Survivors of the August 10 derecho have less than a week to register for disaster assistance with FEMA and apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan.

So far, more than $28 million in federal assistance has been approved for Iowans in Benton, Boone, Cedar, Clinton, Jasper, Linn, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama counties.

FEMA has approved more than $9.7 million in Individual Assistance grants for more than 2,640 households. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $19 million in disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and small businesses. 

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST Monday, November 2, 2020, to be considered for assistance.

Registration and disaster information is still available by calling the FEMA helpline, going online or using the FEMA mobile app, in the following ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App for smartphones.

The end of the registration period does not mean FEMA is leaving. The Agency will continue working with the State of Iowa to help survivors and communities in their long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts.

Once you’ve registered, it’s important to stay in touch with FEMA to track your application or to notify the agency of changes to your mailing or email addresses or phone numbers, and to report insurance settlements, ongoing unmet needs or additional damage you may have discovered.

FEMA staff may contact you for various reasons, including to discuss your case or request additional information. Answer those phone calls to make sure your application process continues.

If you are in any doubt when receiving a call from someone stating they work for FEMA, do not give out any information, but call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CST to verify the call is legitimate.

When Iowans register with FEMA, they may be referred to the SBA. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. This assistance helps with uncompensated repairs or rebuilding efforts and the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

To apply for a low-interest disaster loan before the Nov. 2 deadline, 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center opens Thursday, Oct. 29, in Trinity County to serve August Complex wildfire survivors.

It is located at Ruth Lake Community Hall, 591 Van Duzen Rd., Mad River, CA 95526. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Wednesday, Nov. 4. The center is part of the ongoing response and recovery mission for FEMA and the State of California to support survivors. It serves as a point of information for eligible individuals and families.

Survivors can register with FEMA for federal aid in one of three ways:

• online at www.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. PDT. 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 is Nov. 21.

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 follow the FEMA Region 9 Twitter account at twitter.com/femaregion9.

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PENSACOLA, Fla. – A public notice is now available that addresses the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) intention to reimburse eligible applicants for costs to repair or replace facilities damaged by Hurricane Sally in Florida, under disaster declaration DR-4564-FL. The notice is now posted on FEMA’s Florida disaster declaration website at https://www.fema.gov/disaster-federal-register-notice/public-notice-001 and the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at https://www.floridadisaster.org/info.

Under the disaster declaration, Bay, Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties were designated for Individual Assistance. Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties were designated for Public Assistance Categories A-G. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is available statewide. The notice describes proposed activities that may affect historic properties and activities and critical actions that may affect wetlands and floodplains.

For routine activities, this will be the only public notice provided. Interested persons may obtain information about these actions or a specific project by writing to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency – Region IV - EHP, 3005 Chamblee Tucker Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341-4112 or emailing FEMA-R4EHP@fema.dhs.gov. Comments should be sent in writing to Stephanie Everfield, Regional Environmental Officer, c/o Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Office, at the above address within 15 days of the date of this notice.

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

REGION I – Vermont’s Department of Public Safety will receive $1,115,736 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for state management costs as a result of the major disaster declaration for Vermont’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 obligates funding for this project directly to the state of Vermont.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $13.6 million to Vermont 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.