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DHS News and Updates
Debris Removal Assistance Now Available to Hurricane-Impacted Counties
CLANTON, Ala. — The major disaster declaration for the State of Alabama was amended on Sept. 25 to include additional FEMA Public Assistance (PA) for Debris Removal (Category A) in Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties.
These counties were already designated for certain federal assistance in the declaration signed by President Trump on Sept. 20, 2020, including Individual Assistance (IA) and assistance with emergency protective measures (Categories B) under the PA program.
Through the PA program, FEMA supports states, counties, local governments and Native American tribes, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations recovery from major disasters by providing them with grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures and restoring public infrastructure.
PA is FEMA’s largest grant program. PA grants cover 75 percent of eligible government costs.
To learn more about FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program, visit https://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit
For the latest information on Hurricane Sally, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4563
neily.chapman Mon, 09/28/2020 - 07:51Deadline to Register for FEMA Help is 30 Days Away
BATON ROUGE, La. — Renters and homeowners in parishes designated for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Laura have until Oct. 27 to register for help.
Federal assistance includes help for temporary housing, rental assistance and repair or replacement of damaged property.
Additionally, grants may be available to help with other expenses such as medical and dental care, childcare, funeral and burial costs, replacing essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle repairs and cleanup.
To see if you lived in a designated parish, visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4559/designated-areas.
For more information or to register for assistance:
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY at 800-877-8339).
- Visit disasterassistance.gov/.
- Download the FEMA Mobile App at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app.
- To find a drive-thru DRC you can text 43362 and type DRC (Your Zip Code) for example DRC 12345.
- On an Android device, text 2637643 (ANDROID) to 43362; on an Apple device, text 27753 (APPLE) to 43362 or call 211 or text 527435837 (LASHELTER) to 898-211
- Call 211 or text 527435837 to 898-211.
- Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
Donate and Volunteer Wisely
BATON ROUGE, La.–The public’s overwhelming generosity after Hurricane Laura is helping affected communities to start healing from the disaster.
However, an overflow of donated items can quickly exceed the needs of the affected communities. Supporting agencies may then need to redirect manpower to managing donated goods that may not meet survivors’ needs.
Easiest way to help: donate cash
If you are not affected by Hurricane Laura, the most effective way to support disaster survivors’ recovery is to make tax-deductible financial donations to trusted voluntary-, faith- and community-based charitable organizations. This gives them the ability to purchase or provide what survivors need.
In addition, when these organizations or survivors purchase goods or services locally, they pump money back into the local economy to help businesses recover faster.
Donate through a trusted organization
To ensure your financial contribution is used responsibly, only donate to reputable organizations. Both the Louisiana government donations webpage gov.louisiana.gov/page/hurricane-laura-donations and the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster www.nvoad.org list trusted organizations receiving donations.
Register before volunteering
The situation is still not good for unaffiliated volunteers to self-deploy to affected areas since they may create additional burdens on communities where resources for food and shelter are scarce.
The State of Louisiana is asking potential volunteers to register with volunteerlouisiana.gov or with a voluntary or charitable organization of their choice.
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.
christopher.teed Sun, 09/27/2020 - 09:47
Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Grant Parish
BATON ROUGE, La. –A Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center will open in Grant Parish Monday, Sept. 28, to help Hurricane Laura survivors.
The drive-thru is staffed with FEMA personnel who are available to scan documents, assist with registration and answer questions about disaster-assistance programs.
The center operates under strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure visitors are safe. Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service. Survivors remain in their cars. A specialist wearing a face mask will receive documents through the window and return them.
No appointment is necessary. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
The drive-thru center is located at:
Grant Parish
Zig Slater Ball Park
20971 US Hwy 167
Dry Prong, LA 71423
Additional centers are already open in Louisiana. Survivors may visit any open center. To locate the closest center, call the FEMA Helpline, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator or download the FEMA Mobile App at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app.
Survivors do not need to visit a drive-thru center to apply or update their application. To ask individual questions or submit information:
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov/.
- To receive a link a to download the FEMA app (depending on your device):
- Apple devices: text APPLE to 43362
- Android devices: text ANDROID to 43362
- Call 211 or text 527435837 to 898-211. For Louisiana evacuees that are now out-of-state, please call 337-310-4636. To get support, this number also is valid for TTY out-of-state users.
- Visit fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app
- To find a drive-thru DRC you can text 43362 and type DRC (Your Zip Code) for example DRC 01234.
SBA low-interest disaster loans are available for businesses of any size and certain nonprofits up to $2 million for property damage. For small businesses, those engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million for working capital needs even if there is no property damage.
Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace a primary residence. For homeowners and renters, up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles, is available.
Businesses and residents can apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. For assistance completing an SBA application, call 800-659-2955 (TTY at 800-877-8339) or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
christopher.teed Sun, 09/27/2020 - 09:43What to Expect When Applying with FEMA
SALEM, OR– If you were affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds beginning Sept. 7, 2020 in Oregon you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. However, you don’t have to wait for FEMA to start cleaning up. Just be sure to take photographs or video of the damage and keep all receipts for repair work.
Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners and renters can include grants for repairs to make their primary home habitable and rental assistance to pay for temporary housing. FEMA assistance can also help with other disaster-related needs like replacing essential household items and medical, dental, funeral, transportation, moving and storage and child care expenses.
First, contact your insurance company and file a claim for the wildfire or straightline wind damage you’ve suffered.
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. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service you can call 800-621-3362.
Information that will be required when you apply includes:
- Address of the damaged primary dwelling where damage occurred
- Current mailing address
- Current telephone number
- Social Security number
- Your insurance information
- Total household annual income
- Routing and account numbers for checking or savings accounts so FEMA may directly transfer disaster assistance funds
- A description of wildfire or straightline wind damage and losses
Home Inspections and COVID-19
If you reported that you cannot or may not be able to safely live in your home, it may be necessary for FEMA to perform an inspection of the damaged dwelling. FEMA home inspections are free of charge.
Applicants can ask the FEMA housing inspector at any time for a disability accommodation, or disaster applicants with disabilities who may require a reasonable accommodation can submit their reasonable accommodation request via email to FEMA’s Office of Equal Rights at FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov or by calling FEMA’s Civil Rights Resource line at 833-CVL-RGHT (833-285-7448).
Due to the COVID-19 nationwide emergency and the need to protect the safety and health of all Americans, some FEMA inspections may be conducted remotely.
For remote inspections, FEMA inspectors will contact applicants by phone to answer questions about the type and extent of damage sustained. Remote inspections provide a new way of evaluating damage; it is comparable to traditional, in-person inspections and expedites the delivery of recovery assistance to survivors based on their eligibility.
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 have applied.
If you have any questions, you can always contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. For TTY call 800-462-7585.
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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-FEMA (3362) 711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.
hannah.weinstein Sat, 09/26/2020 - 21:13Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for Oregon Wildfire Survivors
SALEM, OR – Certain Oregon disaster survivors who have lost work as a direct result of the Oregon wildfires since Sept. 7 are eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
DUA benefits are available to workers in the eight Oregon counties that have been federally designated for disaster assistance: Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion.
DUA is funded by FEMA and administered by the Oregon Employment Department.
The purpose of DUA is to help workers whose primary incomes have been lost or interrupted by a federally declared disaster. It differs from regular state unemployment insurance because it also provides benefits to people who are self-employed, farmers, loggers and employees who work on commission. In addition, it helps those who are unable to reach their place of employment or are unable to work because of an injury as a direct result of the fires.
To receive DUA, an individual must not receive regular state unemployment, pandemic emergency unemployment compensation or pandemic unemployment assistance. Claimants must also meet normal eligibility requirements for an Oregon Unemployment Insurance claim.
The deadline to file a claim is Oct. 23, 2020. Required documentation, including proof of employment or self-employment at the time of the wildfires or income for 2019, must be submitted within 21 days of filing. To apply:
- Visit www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/Disaster
- Call 503-570-5000 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Packets are available at some evacuation sites and state WorkSource Centers.
Oregon DUA benefits apply to weeks of unemployment beginning with the week starting Sept. 13 and will be available through March 20, 2021, as long as the individual's unemployment continues as a result of the wildfires.
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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-FEMA (3362) 711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.
hannah.weinstein Sat, 09/26/2020 - 21:08FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Wyoming's Mullen Fire
DENVER – This morning, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Mullen Fire burning in Albany and Carbon Counties, Wyoming.
FEMA Regional Administrator Lee dePalo approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request and determining that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.
At the time of the request, the Mullen Fire was threatening approximately 300 homes in and around the subdivisions of Albany, Jelm, Keystone, Rambler, Woods landing, and Double Creek. Mandatory evacuations were taking place for approximately 180+ people. The fire was also threatening infrastructure, utilities, and a watershed in the area that provides water to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Approximately 40 miles of Highway 230 is closed until further notice. The fire started September 17, 2020 and has burned in excess of 36,000 acres of federal, state, and private land.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.
With the FMAG authorization, additional funding is made available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction.
For more information on FMAGs, visit https://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details. For HMGP Post Fire, visit https://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-post-fire.
minh.phan Sat, 09/26/2020 - 15:48Look Out for Disaster Fraud, Scams
SALEM, OR – When natural disasters occur, it is common for some people to try to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster aid workers trying to help survivors complete their applications.
Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail, email, text or in person. Survivors of the Oregon wildfires should be aware of scams and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals.
Federal and state workers never ask for, or accept, money and always carry identification badges. There is no fee required to apply for, or to get, federal disaster assistance. There is never a fee for FEMA home inspections.
During each disaster, it’s important to stay tuned to local media and trusted local and federal social media for current updates about ongoing disasters and tips on fraud prevention.
If something makes you feel uncomfortable, check with FEMA or local law enforcement to ensure your identity is protected.
Those who question the validity of a contact, or suspect fraud, are encouraged to call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints also may be made by contacting local law enforcement.
FEMA also recommends you monitor your credit report for any accounts or changes you do not recognize. If you discover someone is using your information, you will need to take additional steps, to include filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission through its website IdentityTheft.gov.
Tips to protect against charity scams and a list of registered charitable organizations are available at: https://www.doj.state.or.us/charitable-activities/
Sign up for scam alerts at: https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/scam-alert-network/.
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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-FEMA (3362) 711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.
hannah.weinstein Fri, 09/25/2020 - 21:18FEMA Offers Options to Survivors in Need of Temporary Housing
FEMA rental assistance is provided to pay for temporary housing if you have been displaced from your pre-disaster primary residence due to the floods. It can be used for renting an apartment or a hotel room when long-term rental accommodations are not available. These options may be especially important as winter approaches, to ensure your temporary living situation has the water, heat and insulation necessary to stay safe.
- To determine if you’re eligible for FEMA rental assistance, first register with FEMA before 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 30: Call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET seven days a week. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App.
- If you didn’t need to relocate when you registered, but your home is unsafe to occupy and your situation has changed, contact FEMA. Within 30 days of your initial FEMA decision letter, you can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) and inform them of the need to relocate. If it has been more than 30 days, submit the request for temporary housing assistance in writing.
- If you received an initial payment of FEMA rental assistance and are unable to return to your pre-disaster primary residence due to the May floods, be sure to submit a request for continued rental assistance. If you did not receive a form by mail, you may request one by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Even if you received the maximum housing grant, you may still be eligible for continued rental assistance. Be sure to complete the application form, and if you didn’t receive one, contact the FEMA helpline.
For questions about FEMA rental assistance, the FEMA helpline is available to Michigan survivors—even after the September 30, 2020 registration deadline—by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).
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troy.christensen Fri, 09/25/2020 - 15:45Keep in Touch—Update Information with FEMA to Avoid Delays
SALEM, Ore. – Oregon homeowners and renters who registered for FEMA disaster assistance for help after wildfires should stay in touch with FEMA to ensure the disaster assistance process stays on track.
Survivors should update contact information as soon as possible because FEMA may need to reach them to perform virtual home inspections or get additional information.
FEMA encourages survivors to request direct deposits of disaster assistance to their checking or savings accounts. Survivors should let FEMA know as soon as possible of any changes to their banking information.
It’s important to note that FEMA disaster assistance checks cannot be forwarded. If you cannot access your home address, you can request the postal service to hold your mail.
Survivors who registered with FEMA may update contact information the following ways:
- Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Downloading the FEMA app
- Calling 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
- Disaster survivors who are deaf, have a speech or hearing disability and use TTY may call 800-462-7585.
- Disaster survivors who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) may call 800-621-3362.
Those who use a Relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide their specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA is able to contact you. Phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.
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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-FEMA (3362) 711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.
hannah.weinstein Fri, 09/25/2020 - 15:06FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Bettendorf Moving to Davenport
DES MOINES, Iowa – A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Bettendorf will close Tuesday, September 29 at 6 p.m. and relocate to Davenport.
The DRC will reopen Wednesday, September 30 at noon 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 Davenport DRC will close permanently on Saturday, October 10 at 6 p.m.
The DRC will be open for a limited time and is staffed with FEMA personnel who can scan documents and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs. Survivors from the August 10 severe storm have the option to submit documents for their disaster assistance application.
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.
The DRC in Bettendorf is located at:
The Community Civic Center
2204 Grant Street
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(Entrance is at the rear parking lot at 22nd Street and Mississippi Blvd.)
Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time
Closed Sundays
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.
FEMA Opens a Disaster Recovery Center in Story County
DES MOINES, Iowa – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at noon in Ames on Tuesday, September 29, to give survivors from the August 10 severe storm options to submit documents for their disaster assistance application.
The DRC will be open for a limited time and is staffed with FEMA personnel who can scan documents and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs. It will close permanently on Saturday, October 10 at 6 p.m.
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.
The FEMA DRC is located:
North River Valley Park
725 E 13th Street, Ames, IA 50010
DRC hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time
Closed Sunday
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.
- Or fax to 800-827-8112.
- Or submit them via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.
Did You Receive HUD Rental Assistance Before Hurricane Laura? You May Be Eligible for FEMA Help
BATON ROUGE, La.— If you were directly impacted by Hurricane Laura and live in one of the 21 parishes designated for FEMA Individual Assistance and were receiving rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) prior to the hurricane, you should register with FEMA.
You can apply for FEMA help if you were displaced from your HUD-assisted housing because of Laura. This includes those who were:
- Living in HUD-assisted public housing.
- Living in a privately owned apartment that provides rental assistance from HUD.
- Living in a private home using a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher from a housing authority.
Some of the assistance you may be eligible for:
- Temporary assistance to pay for a place for you and your family to live.
- Grants to replace essential contents — such as clothing and essential household items — and medical, dental and burial expenses.
Those who have HUD rental assistance may receive FEMA help to pay for a place to live until:
- You relocate back to public housing.
- You relocate back to the private housing that provides HUD assistance.
- You sign a lease with a private property owner using a Section 8 voucher.
Federal law prevents FEMA from duplicating benefits provided by another agency. When a HUD-assisted resident's home becomes unlivable, HUD stops paying rental assistance for that residence. The survivor may then apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. There is no duplication of benefits because HUD is not paying rental assistance.
When the survivor moves back into a HUD-assisted residence or signs a new lease for rental housing under the Section 8 program, HUD assistance resumes. At that point, the survivor may no longer receive FEMA assistance.
The first step to be considered for FEMA help is to apply. There are three ways:
- Log onto DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Download the FEMA app. You can also use the app to check the status of your application.
- If you cannot access the website or FEMA app, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
Visit DisasterAssistance.gov and enter your address to find out if your parish is declared for Individual Assistance.
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.
christopher.teed Fri, 09/25/2020 - 09:22Michiganders: Your FEMA Flood Recovery Checklist
- Register with FEMA before 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 30: If you have unmet needs as a result of the May floods, register for federal assistance by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET seven days a week. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App.
- Apply to the SBA before the Sept. 30 deadline: Next to insurance, a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan is the primary source of funds for property repairs and for replacing contents destroyed during the May floods. To apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the SBA, complete an online application at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
- Submit continued rental assistance forms: If you remain unable to return to your pre-disaster primary residence due to the May flooding disaster, make sure to apply for FEMA’s Continued Rental Assistance. If you did not receive a form by mail, you may request one by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).
- Verify your home’s heating and septic systems are functioning: When you register, report any damage to your furnace, septic tank or water heater as a result of the disaster. If your home has already been inspected and the damage wasn’t identified, you may send FEMA a dated and signed letter within 60 days of your initial FEMA decision, along with a contractor’s estimate, indicating you are appealing for assistance with these items. Keep in mind: if you need to replace your furnace or septic system, you have the option to appeal for additional grant funding through FEMA.
- Ensure your private well wasn’t impacted by the disaster: If you lost access to water through your private well due to the May disaster, the cost of drilling a new well may be considered for federal funding. If your home has been inspected and the well wasn’t reported, or if additional assistance for the item is needed, you may send FEMA a dated and signed letter, along with a contractor’s estimate, indicating you are appealing for the well. Any appeal must be submitted within 60 days of your initial FEMA decision.
- Examine your vehicle for water damage. If your vehicle was damaged or destroyed in the flood, FEMA may provide financial assistance. Assistance is usually limited to one uninsured vehicle per household. For questions about eligibility requirements, call FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).
- Know your appeal options. If you disagree with other FEMA decisions, you have the option to submit an appeal letter with additional documentation to have your case reconsidered. The appeal should be submitted within 60 days of the initial FEMA decision and include a letter explaining what you are appealing, be signed and dated, and include supporting documentation, such as a copy of a verifiable contractor’s estimate.
For questions about federal disaster assistance, the FEMA helpline is available to Michigan survivors—even after the September 30, 2020 registration deadline—by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). You can also find more information on the Michigan disaster website at www.fema.gov/disaster/4547.
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. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs.
If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
English: www.fema.gov/disaster/4547
troy.christensen Fri, 09/25/2020 - 09:11Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Available for Laura Survivors in Louisiana
BATON ROUGE, La.— The State of Louisiana and FEMA are working together to provide direct temporary housing assistance to eligible survivors impacted by Hurricane Laura.
Direct Temporary Housing Assistance is approved for certain eligible applicants in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vernon parishes. The following forms of direct temporary housing may be provided:
- Temporary Housing Units are readily fabricated dwellings such as travel trailers or mobile homes. These dwellings are purchased by FEMA and provided to eligible applicants for use as temporary housing for a limited period.
- Direct Lease utilizes existing ready-for-occupancy residential property leased for use as temporary housing for eligible applicants, and, if necessary, these units can be modified or improved to provide reasonable accommodations for eligible applicants and any household members with a disability and others with access and functional needs.
- Multi-Family Lease and Repair allows FEMA to enter into lease agreements with owners of multi-family rental properties and to make repairs or improvements to those properties in order to provide temporary housing to applicants.
Survivors who are displaced from their homes and currently staying in hotels should continue to take advantage of the state’s non-congregate sheltering program until another solution becomes available. While the state and FEMA are progressing quickly to assist in the recovery process, immediate needs may be slowed due to the shortage of rental units, the time required to prepare sites for mobile housing and travel trailers, and the time required to make repairs to properties for the lease and repair program.
Once you have registered with FEMA for assistance, no further application is required for Direct Housing.
Uninsured or underinsured applicants whose homes are verified through the FEMA housing inspection as being uninhabitable due to being destroyed or having major damage will be called by FEMA to discuss their housing situation, household size and needs, and possible FEMA temporary housing options.
Survivors with phone or internet access may register with FEMA by:
- Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Downloading the FEMA app
- Calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585
Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Hurricane Laura Disaster Loans
SBA low-interest disaster loans are available for businesses of any size and certain nonprofits up to $2 million for property damage. For small businesses, those engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million for working capital needs even if there is no property damage.
Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace a primary residence. For homeowners and renters, up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles, is available.
Businesses and residents can apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. For assistance completing an SBA application, call 800-659-2955 (TTY at 800-877-8339) or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.
christopher.teed Thu, 09/24/2020 - 15:32
FEMA Awards $15.6 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery in Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $15,634,775 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for the costs of emergency response and debris removal following Hurricane Irma.
The FEMA Public Assistance grants include:
- Florida Department of Corrections: $5,939,234 for emergency measures taken to protect life and property at detention facilities statewide, including evacuation of inmates, sandbagging dormitories, installation of storm shutters, providing emergency pumping for disabled lift stations and strengthening facilities.
- Miami-Dade County: $4,088,667 for removal of 177,165 tons of vegetative debris, 892 hazardous leaning trees and 11,161 hanging limbs from public roads, property and rights-of-way.
- Florida Department of Transportation: $3,737,820 for debris removal in Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties. Crews removed 71,390 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 884 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, 284 hazardous leaning trees and 5,929 hanging limbs.
- Collier County School District: $1,869,054 for emergency measures taken to protect life and property, including security and emergency access for students and faculty, mold remediation, replacing storm shutters and debris removal.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.
The federal share for projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients like local and county governments.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 09/24/2020 - 15:13FEMA approves $11.4 million for Calhoun Liberty Hospital Hurricane Michael recovery
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — FEMA has approved $11,438,155 to reimburse Calhoun Liberty Hospital Association, Inc. for repairs after Hurricane Michael.
The funds will reimburse the hospital for the cost of rebuilding the structure in Blountstown and hardening it to mitigate damage from future storms.
This grant is funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.
Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects after final approval.
Once a project is obligated by FEMA, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has implemented new procedures designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 09/24/2020 - 15:01FEMA approves $32.9 million in Hurricane Michael Public Assistance grants
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — FEMA has approved six projects totaling more than $32.9 million for the State of Florida to reimburse four applicants for eligible costs of emergency work and permanent repairs following Hurricane Michael.
These grants include:
- Bay County – $3,541,838 for repairs to baseball fields, soccer fields, bleachers, dugouts, scoreboards, electrical system and other facilities at the H.G. Harders Park in Panama City
- Florida Department of Transportation – $7,554,854 for debris cleanup activities throughout Washington County
- Tallahassee – $5,206,612 for debris removal activities throughout the city
- Washington County – $16,606,235 for permanent repairs to hurricane-damaged roadways including resurfacing, embankment washout repairs, shoulder re-works and ditch cleaning
These grants are funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance program, an essential source of funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) works with FEMA during all phases of the program and reviews projects prior to FEMA final approval.
Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to FDEM after final approval.
Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to finalize grants and begin making payments. FDEM has implemented new procedures designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
mayshaunt.gary Thu, 09/24/2020 - 14:57Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Acadia and Beauregard Parishes
BATON ROUGE, La. – Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Acadia and Beauregard parishes Saturday, Sept. 26, to help Hurricane Laura survivors.
The drive-thru center is staffed with FEMA personnel who are available to scan documents, assist with registration and answer questions about disaster-assistance programs.
The center operates under strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure visitors are safe. Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service. Visitors remain in their cars. A specialist wearing a face mask will receive documents through the window and return them.
No appointments are necessary. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
The drive-thru centers are located at:
Acadia Parish Beauregard Parish
Southside Community Center War Memorial Civic Center
403 4th St. 250 W. 7th St.
Rayne, LA 70578 DeRidder, LA 70634
Additional centers are already open in Louisiana. Survivors may visit any center in Louisiana. To locate the closest center, call the FEMA Helpline, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator or download the FEMA Mobile App at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app.
Survivors do not need to visit a drive-thru center to apply or update their application. To ask individual questions or submit information:
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585
- Visit disasterassistance.gov/
- Download the FEMA Mobile App at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/app To find a drive-thru DRC you can text 43362 and type DRC (Your Zip Code) for example DRC 01234.
- On an Android device, text 2637643 (ANDROID) to 43362; on an Apple device, text 27753 (APPLE) to 43362 or call 211 or text 527435837 (LASHELTER) to 898-211.
- Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
SBA low-interest disaster loans are available for businesses of any size and certain nonprofits up to $2 million for property damage. For small businesses, those engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million for working capital needs even if there is no property damage.
Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace a primary residence. For homeowners and renters, up to $40,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles, is available.
Businesses and residents can apply online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov. For assistance completing an SBA application, call 800-659-2955. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559 or follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.
christopher.teed Thu, 09/24/2020 - 12:31
President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Florida
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Florida to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Sally from Sept. 14, 2020, and continuing.
Federal funding is available through FEMA’s Public Assistance program at a 75% cost share to state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Sally in Escambia County.
Additionally, emergency protective measures, including any direct federal assistance, will be available to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties.
Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Jeffrey L. Coleman has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response and recovery operations in the affected area.
Designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.
zella.campbell Thu, 09/24/2020 - 11:42