FEMA Holds Public Meeting for Pandemic Preparedness

WASHINGTON – FEMA will hold a virtual public meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2:30-4:30 p.m. EDT with manufacturers and distributors of critical healthcare and medical equipment and resources to discuss collaboration with the federal government in response to COVID-19 and improve readiness for future pandemics.

Any comments or questions can be emailed before noon on Monday, Oct. 12 OB3I@fema.dhs.gov. Media or members of the public interested in the meeting can visit this link which will be live shortly before the meeting begins and will be limited to the first 450 participants.

The meeting will provide an overview of a five-year voluntary agreement that FEMA established on Aug. 17 as part of the Defense Production Act to enhance coordination and cooperation between the federal government and private industry for national security and preparedness.

FEMA introduced a draft of the agreement at a public meeting in May. It was also published in the Federal Register at that time.

The first hour of the meeting will be public and include how various private sector companies can work with the federal government to facilitate the manufacturing and distribution of critical healthcare and medical resources when needed.

The second hour will be open only to private sector companies who are signatories to the voluntary agreement for more detailed discussions and action plans to be used in the future for COVID-19 or other pandemics.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 10/09/2020 - 13:45

Photos of Whole-of-Government Hurricane Delta Preparations

WASHINGTON – FEMA is leaning forward with our federal, state, local and tribal partners to mobilize teams and supplies to support a state managed, locally executed response to impacts from Hurricane Delta. President Trump approved Emergency Declarations for Louisiana and Mississippi and a request from Alabama is under review. The declarations authorize FEMA to provide emergency protective measures to the designated counties and parishes.

As of today, 451 FEMA responders have been deployed in support of Hurricane Delta, including Incident Management Assistance Teams. Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles are standing by to provide emergency communication capabilities for federal resources, if needed.

Additional personnel from the federal government, including the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, DHS Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have been mission assigned to provide support to impacted states and tribes, as needed.

DHS Acting Secretary Receives Hurricane Delta Update

WASHINGTON (Oct. 6, 2020) -- Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf (head of table) receives a  Hurricane Delta update from FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor (farside center) and other agency leaders.   

FEMA photo by Raymond J. Piper

FEMA Leaders Brief DHS Acting Secretary on Hurricane Delta

WASHINGTON (Oct. 6, 2020) – FEMA’s Acting Associate Administrator for the Office of Response and Recovery David Bibo (farside right) provides a detail to Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf (left) during a Hurricane Delta update, while FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor (right) looks on. 

FEMA photo by Raymond J. Piper

Search and Rescue Teams Arrive in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (Oct. 8, 2020) -- Urban Search and Rescue teams from Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee arrive in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to begin staging and preparing for operations following Hurricane Delta.

FEMA photo by Rudolph Marshall

Search and Rescue Teams Arrive in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (Oct. 8, 2020) -- Urban Search and Rescue teams from Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee arrive in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to begin staging and preparing for operations following Hurricane Delta.

FEMA photo by Rudolph Marshall

FEMA Prepares for Hurricane Delta, Maintains Support for Hurricane Laura

BATON ROUGE, La. (Oct. 7, 2020) -- Will Curry (seated), a FEMA geospatial information specialist, provides critical information to Planning Section Chief Toni Knight, in  preparation of Hurricane Delta’s landfall.

FEMA photo by Manuel Broussard

FEMA Prepares for Hurricane Delta, Maintains Support for Hurricane Laura

BATON ROUGE, La. (Oct. 7, 2020) -- Mobile Registration Intake Center vehicles are staged to provide quick assistance to storm survivors from Hurricanes Delta and Laura.

FEMA photo by Manuel Broussard

FEMA’s Region 6 Coordination Center Staff Prepares for Hurricane Delta

DENTON, Texas (Oct. 7, 2020) -- FEMA staff members are on around-the-clock duty at the agency’s Region 6 Regional Response Coordination Center in preparation for Hurricane Delta’s arrival.

FEMA photo by Norma Reyes

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 10/09/2020 - 13:22

Two years later, Panhandle continues recovery from Hurricane Michael

More than $3.1 billion in federal support provided to communities

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Two years after Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, communities are rebuilding with local, state, federal and nonprofit organization support. To date, $3.1 billion in federal funds have been provided in grants, loans and flood insurance payments.

After the October 2018 storm, FEMA provided $149.5 million to more than 31,000 households for temporary rental assistance, basic home repair, lost personal property and other expenses not covered by insurance. The agency also provided housing in FEMA mobile homes and travel trailers to 925 households while they sought permanent accommodations. The housing program has been extended to Feb. 11, 2021 for some eligible households in Bay County still in need of temporary housing.

Working with the State of Florida, FEMA has approved $1.2 billion to reimburse governments and eligible nonprofits for the cost of debris removal, rebuilding of infrastructure and to reimburse state and local governments for emergency response costs.

As of Oct. 2, 2020:

• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provided $654 million in low-interest loans to businesses, homeowners and renters to help with their recovery.

 

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved $735 million in funding for long-term recovery efforts.

 

• The National Flood Insurance Program paid $246.4 million in claims to policyholders in the Panhandle.

 

• FEMA provided $66.5 million to purchase temporary housing units, rent housing pads and maintain units for Direct Temporary Housing program occupants a place to live until they find a more permanent housing solution.

 

• FEMA supported the state with $8.9 million for crisis counseling, disaster case management, disaster legal services and disaster unemployment assistance.

 

• FEMA’s Community Disaster Loan program approved $36.5 million for 11 communities to continue providing essential services as they focus on long-term recovery from Hurricane Michael.

 

• From October 2018 to April 2019, 2,058 displaced households received hotel lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, totaling $16.7 million in assistance.

 

• FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provided $4.9 million to fund projects aimed at reducing future losses and to increase community resilience statewide.

FEMA continues to work with the state and with local communities on Panhandle recovery. “We are committed to supporting the state in this recovery and we are going to stay on the job until it’s completed,” Federal Coordinating Officer Jeffrey Coleman said.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 10/09/2020 - 11:34

Hurricane Sally Survivors in Florida Receive $7.49 Million in FEMA Assistance; Registration Continues

PENSACOLA, Fla. – One week after becoming eligible for federal assistance for Hurricane Sally, 1,716 Florida individuals and households in Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties have been approved for $7.49 million in funding from FEMA.

The money is for temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

If you have uninsured losses from the storm, you can register in several ways:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov, enter your location and click on “Apply Online”
• Download the FEMA App for smartphones
• Call 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service.

 

FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Centers are operating in the following locations to assist residents with registration and answer questions about disaster assistance:

 

BAY COUNTY

Bay County Public Library, 898 West 11th St., Panama City, FL 32401

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St., Pensacola, FL 32505

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

Escambia County Extension Service, 3740 Stefani Rd., Cantonment, FL 32533

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

OKALOOSA COUNTY

Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

Pensacola State College, South Santa Rosa Center, 5075 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 10/09/2020 - 11:28

Mobile Registration Intake Centers to Reopen on Columbus Day

Who: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

What: Mobile Registration Intake Centers (MRICs) will reopen on Monday, Oct. 12, Columbus Day.

Why: The centers are a convenient registration option available to Hurricane Sally survivors for those without internet access or telephones.

Hours: From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Time.

Where:         

• Theodore Oaks Shopping Center in Mobile County, 5808 U.S. Hwy. 90 west, Theodore; open Monday, Oct. 12 through Wednesday, Oct. 14.  
• Grand Bay in Mobile County, 11610 U.S. Hwy 90, Grand Bay; open Monday, Oct. 12 through Wednesday, Oct. 14.  
• Foley Satellite Courthouse in Baldwin County, 201 East Section Ave. Foley; open Monday Oct. 12 through Thursday, Oct 15.

Survivors can still register with FEMA to apply for federal assistance, check the status of their application, ask questions and get information in several 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).  Helpline operators are available to answer questions about applications already submitted.

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

felicia.jordan Fri, 10/09/2020 - 11:06

FEMA Update on Hurricane Delta Preparations

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is leaning forward with our federal, state, local and tribal partners to mobilize teams and supplies to support a locally executed, state managed response to impacts from Hurricane Delta. President Trump approved Emergency Declarations for Louisiana and Mississippi, and a request from Alabama is under review. The declarations authorize FEMA to provide emergency protective measures to the designated counties and parishes.

Commodities

FEMA has pre-staged over 5 million meals, more than 4.5 million liters of bottled water and over 270 generators near the expected areas of Hurricane Delta impacts. Additionally, FEMA has provided the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 52 generators for their use and/or distribution. Additional staged commodities, including blankets, tarps, blue roof sheeting and cots are available to each affected state, based on need and requests to FEMA. Transportation teams are also standing by at staging locations to move commodities to distribution points to fulfill state requests.

Personnel

As of today, 451 FEMA responders have been deployed in support of Hurricane Delta, including Incident Management Assistance Teams. Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles are standing by to provide emergency communication capabilities for federal resources, if needed.

Six Urban Search and Rescue Teams and an Incident Support Team have deployed to the area ahead of the storm, with three additional teams on alert. Louisiana and Mississippi National Guards are activated. One U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rapid Response Team, one Incident Management Team and two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are on standby in Dallas.

Additional personnel from the federal government, including the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, DHS Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have been mission assigned to provide support to impacted states and tribes, as needed.

Gulf Residents

Hurricane Delta is expected to move over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico today, and move inland toward southwestern Louisiana this evening. A hurricane warning is in effect from High Island, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana. The storm is also forecast to bring life-threatening storm surge, extreme winds and flash flooding to areas well inland of landfall. Flash, urban and stream flooding is likely from the central Gulf into the lower to middle Mississippi Valley into the weekend.

Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders are in effect in Louisiana. 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 or their local parish officials or emergency management agency for evacuation, sheltering and resources for immediate needs.

The American Red Cross is prepared to shelter and support families. For assistance, call 3-1-1 or visit the website. In Louisiana, one congregate shelter is open and two are on standby. Shelters are also on standby in Alabama and Mississippi to support evacuated residents.

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. Flood loss avoidance eligible expenses include:

• Sandbags.
• Water pumps.
• Building a temporary levee.
• Moving and storage expenses for personal belongings.
• Lumber and plastic sheeting.
• Labor costs for loss avoidance work.

Responding During COVID-19

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.

We 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.

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.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 10/09/2020 - 10:11

FEMA Awards Brevard County $2.38 Million to Acquire Flood-Prone Homes

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $2,386,546 for Brevard County to acquire 18 flood-prone homes in Cocoa West and convert the properties to green space to prevent future damage from flooding.

After Hurricane Irma in 2017, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will assist Brevard County in reducing damage and providing protection against a 100-year storm event. The homes, roadways and sidewalks will be demolished and the properties will be deed-restricted to ensure they remain green space.

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

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

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

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 10/09/2020 - 09:56

FEMA Awards City of Homestead $6.37 Million for Hurricane Irma Repairs

ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $6,377,463 for the State of Florida to help the City of Homestead defray the costs of repairs after Hurricane Irma.

FEMA Public Assistance funds will reimburse the city for emergency repairs to 8,000 electric utility poles and the costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment, materials and other costs.

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

mayshaunt.gary Fri, 10/09/2020 - 09:48

One Month After Isaías, Disaster Assistance Outreach Continues

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – One month after the federal disaster declaration for Tropical Storm Isaías, hundreds of survivors in Aguada, Hormigueros, Mayagüez and Rincón municipalities have applied for disaster assistance.

FEMA continues to reach out to others who were affected by the storm and may be eligible for federal assistance after the Sept. 9 disaster declaration. As of Oct. 7, FEMA has approved $474,380 for housing and other essential storm-related needs under the Individual Assistance program.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 9. The sooner residents apply, the sooner any assistance they receive can be used to speed their recovery.

FEMA grants are now providing rental assistance to 64 families who can’t live in their damaged homes. Repair grants are helping other families to ensure their homes are safe, clean and usable. There may still be others who may need housing assistance.

There can be many reasons people haven’t applied yet. Among these are disaster fatigue. People who have lived through hurricanes, earthquakes, a pandemic and now a tropical storm may feel they just don’t have the energy to fix up and rebuild again. These are understandable emotions; but receiving FEMA assistance may just give the boost people need to put them on the road to recovery.

FEMA particularly wants to reach out to people with disabilities. Anyone who needs assistance to apply can receive information in several languages, including sign language. There are technical devices to assist those who are hard of hearing or have low vision. You can arrange for a family member or friend to help you apply for assistance.

There are many ways to contact FEMA. You can apply by internet, phone or by using an app. At Disaster Recovery Centers, in-person visits by appointment can help with your specific needs.

FEMA continues its outreach to community leaders and non-governmental organizations to ensure that people with disabilities receive the same information as everyone else.

FEMA programs are defined by law and can seem confusing. You may need to read through a letter that explains what needs to be done next to keep your application moving forward.

But you can get help with this process. FEMA Helpline specialists can explain anything you don’t understand. At the Disaster Recovery Centers in each of the four municipalities, specialists are available to help.

As part of the FEMA application process, you may receive an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Complete the application. Apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. Call 800-659-2955 or email FOCEAssistance@sba.gov. 

Free legal help is also available. Visit https://www.servicioslegales.org/ to make an appointment or call 787-728-5070 or 800-981-5342. Leave a message and a lawyer will return your call within 48 hours. Lines are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

The first step to recovery is to apply with FEMA. To apply:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Press 2 for a Spanish-speaking operator. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
• Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download FEMA’s mobile app. Select Disaster Resources and click on DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have an Apple device: Text APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA). For those with an Android device: Text ANDROID to 43362 (4FEMA). For more information go to: www.fema.gov/mobile-app.
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. The FEMA Helpline can identify the nearest location. Let the specialist know if you need a sign language interpreter or would like someone to accompany you to the appointment.

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

 

 

                                                                          ###

 

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 711 for Video Relay Service. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish.) TTY call 800-462-7585.

 

Follow us at:

www.facebook.com/femapuertorico

www.twitter.com/femaregion2

jassiel.oliveromelo Fri, 10/09/2020 - 09:15

FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center Closing Oct. 10 in Sonoma County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center serving wildfire survivors in Sonoma County for nearly three weeks will close Saturday, Oct. 10.

The center is located at the Sonoma County Office of Education, 5340 Skylane Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

Visitors can register for FEMA assistance; check the status of their FEMA applications; find information about programs and agencies that can help speed their recovery; receive answers to questions; review information within their letter from FEMA; and find out whether they can still receive assistance if they have insurance.

The Mobile Registration Intake Center is part of  FEMA’s ongoing response and recovery mission to the August fire siege across California.

Survivors can register with FEMA 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. Pacific. The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.

U.S. Small Business Administration assistance

The U.S. Small Business Administration has established a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center that is open to help homeowners and renters. Customer service representatives are available daily to assist business owners and individuals answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete an electronic loan application.

Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Mondays – Sundays

5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT

FOCWAssistance@sba.gov

(800) 659-2955

###

bree-constance… Thu, 10/08/2020 - 17:02

8,000 Louisiana Flood Insurance Policies Expired, But Able to Renew and Be Covered for Claims. Call Your Agent.

BATON ROUGE, La. – Over 8,000 Louisianans with recently expired National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies may still be able to renew in full and then file a claim for losses due to Hurricane Delta or the next flood. Call your insurance agent or company, or the NFIP Call Center at 1-800-427-4661 to determine if your policy is still within a renewal grace period.

NFIP policies typically have a 30-day grace period. In order to be covered for a claim after your policy expires, your renewal premium must be paid, and the policy must be renewed before the end of the grace period. For example, for a policy that expired on September 15, 2020, the NFIP insurer must receive the renewal premium payment on or before October 14, 2020, to avoid a lapse and be eligible for claims. Currently there are over 7,500 NFIP policies that have expired within the last 30 days that could be eligible for renewal without a lapse in coverage. 

Additionally, because budgets have been stretched thin due to COVID-19, FEMA extended the grace period from 30 days to 120 days for policies that have an expiration date between Feb. 13, 2020, and June 15, 2020. For example, for a policy that expired on June 15, the last day of the grace period extension window, the NFIP insurer must receive the renewal premium payment on or before October 12, 2020, to avoid a lapse in coverage, and still be eligible for claims. Click here to read the March 28, 2020 grace period extension bulletin and don’t delay in renewing your policy if possible. Currently there are over 650 NFIP policies that expired between June 10, 2020, and June 15, 2020, that could be eligible for renewal without a lapse in coverage. 

Purchasing flood insurance is one of the most important steps residents can take to protect the lives they have built. Just one inch of water in a home can cause more than $25,000 in damage. Most homeowner’s and renter’s policies do not cover flood damage. For more information, call your insurance agent or the NFIP General Call Center at 1-800-336-2627. Don’t delay, policies that lapse and new policies are subject to a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect. There are few exceptions. Learn more at https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-cost/terms.

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

Carmen.Castro Thu, 10/08/2020 - 15:58

President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Declaration for Mississippi

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Mississippi to supplement the state’s response efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Delta beginning Oct. 7, and continuing.

Federal funding is available to the state, eligible tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for Hancock, Harrison and Wilkinson counties.

Public Assistance Category B emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided for Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Forrest, Franklin, George, Hinds, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Pearl River, Pike, Rankin, Sharkey, Simpson, Stone, Walthall, Warren and Yazoo counties.

Brett H. Howard has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further evaluation.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/08/2020 - 15:37

Registration Deadline Extended 14 Days for Iowa Survivors

DES MOINES, Iowa – Survivors from the Iowa August 10 derecho have more time to register for Federal assistance. The deadline for survivors has been extended through Monday, November 2.

FEMA has approved more than $8.5 million in Individual Assistance grants for 2,278 households. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $14 million in disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and small businesses. 

Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners can include grants for repairs to make their primary home habitable. Rental assistance is available to pay for temporary housing for homeowners and renters. Lodging expense reimbursement may be available to eligible households who may have stayed in a hotel for a short period of time.

First, if you haven’t already done so, contact your insurance company and file a claim for the disaster-caused damage you’ve suffered.  You don’t have to wait for FEMA to start cleaning up.  Be sure to take photographs or video of the damage, and keep all receipts for repair work.

If you have losses not covered by insurance, contact FEMA by either going online to DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the helpline at 800-621-3362.

Applicants will need the following to apply:

• Address of the damaged property
• Description of disaster-caused damage and losses
• Current mailing address
• Current telephone number
• Social Security number of one member of the household
• Insurance information
• Total household annual income
• Bank account routing and account number for direct deposit
• Save your FEMA registration number, also known as FEMA ID number.
• Check your DisasterAssistance.gov account for updates.

This is for residents of the Iowa counties of Benton, Boone, Cedar, Clinton, Jasper, Linn, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers federal low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. Apply at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. People may also call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals who use TTY may call 800-877-8339.

thomas.wise Thu, 10/08/2020 - 15:15

Mobile Registration Intake Center Open in Livermore

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center serving SCU Lighting Complex wildfire survivors will operate Oct. 8-12 outside of Livermore.

The center is part of the ongoing response and recovery mission for FEMA and the State of California to support survivors affected by the SCU Lightning Complex wildfires, which burned nearly 400,000 acres in August and September before their containment Oct. 1.

The center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Santa Clara Sweetwater CalFire Station, 47625 Mines Rd., Livermore CA 94550 and will operate alongside the community’s Local Assistance Center, where state agency materials are available.

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. If you use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, provide FEMA the specific number assigned to that service when you register.
• The helpline staff can also answer questions about applications already submitted.

On Sept. 28, Santa Clara County was added to an earlier FEMA disaster declaration, allowing residents with damage from the wildfires to apply for financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other disaster-related needs such as childcare, medical and dental expenses.

###

bree-constance… Thu, 10/08/2020 - 14:20

8,000 Louisiana Flood Insurance Policies Expired, But Able to Renew and Be Covered for Claims. Call Your Agent

BATON ROUGE, La. – Over 8,000 Louisianans with recently expired National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies may still be able to renew in full and then file a claim for losses due to Hurricane Delta or the next flood. Call your insurance agent or company, or the NFIP Call Center at 1-800-427-4661 to determine if your policy is still within a renewal grace period.

NFIP policies typically have a 30-day grace period. In order to be covered for a claim after your policy expires, your renewal premium must be paid, and the policy must be renewed before the end of the grace period. For example, for a policy that expired on September 15, 2020, the NFIP insurer must receive the renewal premium payment on or before October 14, 2020, to avoid a lapse and be eligible for claims. Currently there are over 7,500 NFIP policies that have expired within the last 30 days that could be eligible for renewal without a lapse in coverage. 

Additionally, because budgets have been stretched thin due to COVID-19, FEMA extended the grace period from 30 days to 120 days for policies that have an expiration date between Feb. 13, 2020, and June 15, 2020. For example, for a policy that expired on June 15, the last day of the grace period extension window, the NFIP insurer must receive the renewal premium payment on or before October 12, 2020, to avoid a lapse in coverage, and still be eligible for claims. Click here to read the March 28, 2020, grace period extension bulletin and don’t delay in renewing your policy if possible. Currently there are over 650 NFIP policies that expired between June 10, 2020, and June 15, 2020, that could be eligible for renewal without a lapse in coverage. 

Purchasing flood insurance is one of the most important steps residents can take to protect the lives they have built. Just one inch of water in a home can cause more than $25,000 in damage. Most homeowner’s and renter’s policies do not cover flood damage. For more information, call your insurance agent or the NFIP General Call Center at 1-800-336-2627. Don’t delay, policies that lapse and new policies are subject to a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect. There are few exceptions. Learn more at https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-cost/terms.

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

daniel.green2 Thu, 10/08/2020 - 14:02

FEMA Prepares for Hurricane Delta

WASHINGTON -- FEMA is leaning forward with our federal, state, local and tribal partners to mobilize teams and supplies to support a state managed, locally executed response to impacts from Hurricane Delta. President Donald J. Trump approved the emergency declaration for all 64 parishes in Louisiana. The declaration authorizes FEMA to provide emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for 41 parishes under the Public Assistance Program. Additionally, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance to 23 parishes under the Public Assistance Program. Additional emergency declaration requests from the governors of Alabama and Mississippi are under review.

Commodities

FEMA has pre-staged over 5 million meals, more than 4 million liters of bottled water and 45 generators near the expected areas of Hurricane Delta impacts. Additional staged commodities available to each affected state based on need and requests to FEMA include blankets, tarps, blue roof sheeting and cots. Shuttle drivers and empty trailers are onsite where these commodities are staged and ready to move these assets to fulfill state requests.

Personnel

As of today, 261 FEMA responders, including Incident Management Assistance Teams, have been deployed in support of Hurricane Delta. Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles are standing by to provide emergency communication capabilities for federal resources, if needed. Six Urban Search and Rescue Teams and an Incident Support Management Team have also deployed to the area ahead of the storm. Louisiana and Mississippi National Guard are activated and stand by to assist, if needed, and two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are on standby in Dallas.  

Additional personnel from the federal government, including the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, DHS Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have been mission assigned to provide support to impacted states and tribes, as needed.

Gulf Residents

Anyone in the forecast path of the storm should complete final preparations as soon as possible. Every storm is different, so even if you have experienced a hurricane, or been under a hurricane warning this year, it’s important to monitor your local news for updates and directions provided by local officials -- and heed local evacuation orders. 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.

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 evacuation, sheltering and resources for immediate needs. The American Red Cross is prepared to shelter and support families. For assistance, call 3-1-1 or visit the website. Four shelters in Alabama, 72 shelters in Louisiana and 12 shelters in Mississippi are on standby to support evacuated residents.

Hurricane Laura and Sally 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.

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. Flood loss avoidance eligible expenses include:

• Sandbags.
• Water pumps.
• Building a temporary levee.
• Moving and storage expenses for personal belongings.
• Lumber and plastic sheeting.
• Labor costs for loss avoidance work.

Responding During COVID-19

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.

We 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.

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.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/08/2020 - 10:22

President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Disaster Declaration for Louisiana

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Louisiana to supplement the state’s response efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Delta from Oct. 6, 2020, and continuing. 

Federal funding is available to the state, eligible tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Livingston, Lafayette, Lafourche, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes.

Public Assistance Category B emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided for Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Claiborne, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Union, Vernon, Webster, West Carroll and Winn parishes.

John E. Long has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of the damage assessments.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 10/08/2020 - 09:38

Registration Deadline Extended for August Wildfire Aid

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The deadline for survivors of August wildfires to register with FEMA for individual disaster assistance and apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has been extended to Nov. 21.

The extension agreed upon by the state and FEMA is for survivors living in the disaster-designated individual assistance counties of Butte, Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. Residents who lost access to water through their private well—if the well was physically damaged, collapsed and/or is no longer producing potable water as a direct result of the disaster—could also be considered for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.

Apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency 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. If you use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, provide FEMA the specific number assigned to that service when you register.

U.S. Small Business Administration assistance

SBA has established a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to help homeowners and renters. Customer service representatives are available to assist business owners and individuals to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application.

Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Mondays – Sundays

5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT

FOCWAssistance@sba.gov

(800) 659-2955

###

bree-constance… Wed, 10/07/2020 - 20:02

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Davenport Now Open Until October 16

DES MOINES, Iowa – The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Davenport will stay open for a few days longer than previously announced. It will now close permanently on Friday, October 16 at 6 p.m.

 

The DRC is at the Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center located at:

2828 Eastern Ave.

Davenport, IA 52803

(At the corner of East 29th St. and Eastern Ave.)

Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Central Time and closed on Sundays.

 

The DRC will not operate in a traditional fashion. The center will offer drive-through service. Survivors are asked to stay in their vehicles when visiting.

Applicants do not have to visit a center to submit documents to FEMA—they can mail, fax or submit them online at DisasterAssistance.gov as well. Information on these options can be found in their FEMA letter. 

Survivors who have already registered with FEMA and have been asked to provide additional documentation should read their FEMA letter carefully and make sure they have everything they need when they arrive at the DRC.

If you do not understand the letter you received from FEMA, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Central Time, and ask for assistance.

All applicants and FEMA personnel will follow current state and local COVID-19 safety requirements. Applicants must wear face masks and will remain in their cars as they hand their documents to FEMA personnel, who will be wearing face masks (or other appropriate face covering) and protective equipment. FEMA staff will take the documents, scan them and return them to the applicants.

Applicants may register in the following ways:

• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App for smartphones.
• 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.

If an individual cannot register online or by phone, registration at the DRC will be available.

Documents also may be submitted in any of the following ways:

• Mail to: FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055. 
• Fax to 800-827-8112.
• Submit via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account,  visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers federal low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. Apply at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. People may also call 800-659-2955 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals who use TTY may call 800-877-8339.

thomas.wise Wed, 10/07/2020 - 16:52

FEMA Region 5 Joins the RISE Challenge Illinois Project to Engage Students and Educators

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 5 is teaming up with Earth Force, the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Foundation and the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI) to create the RISE Challenge Illinois project. The project teaches children in fifth through 10th grades about how they can help their communities become more resilient to natural disasters through mitigation.

Through this project-based curriculum, students will learn how to be an active voice in their communities and implement projects that will protect their cities and towns from the impacts of natural hazards. RISE Challenge Illinois, which includes inquiry-based learning, an end-of-year competition and summit, engages students in exploring their local communities to identify real-world environmental issues and develop solutions and action plans for making their communities more resilient. Groups with the top proposals will present to a panel of expert judges at a virtual summit in Spring 2021 for the chance to win prize money. “Building a nationwide culture of preparedness is a FEMA priority,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator for FEMA Region 5.  “The innovation young people bring to making our communities stronger will be an important part of our overall readiness for future disasters.”

FEMA Region 5 and the ASFPM Foundation will also provide implementation funds and summit prize money enabling students to see their environmental solution ideas come to fruition.

Educators and students can participate in the project. Educators received curriculum training in September, but students across Illinois can still get involved or learn more by visiting the EEAI website at www.eeai.net/rise-challenge-illinois.html.

                                                                                                 ###

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

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

cassie.ringsdor Wed, 10/07/2020 - 15:31