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DHS News and Updates
FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Guam
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Guam for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Guam to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero to implement a system to make this funding available to Guam residents.
On Aug. 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the territory of Guam agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19.
FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional states and territories who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.
zella.campbell Tue, 09/08/2020 - 21:26FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Washington D.C. for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow the District of Columbia to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser to implement a system to make this funding available to residents.
On Aug. 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the District of Columbia agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19.
FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional states who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.
zella.campbell Tue, 09/08/2020 - 21:12Drive-Thru Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Ouachita Parish with Safety Protocols
BATON ROUGE, La. – A drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center will open in Ouachita Parish on Thursday, Sept. 10 to help Hurricane Laura survivors.
A new feature of centers is an easy and COVID-safe way for Hurricane Laura survivors to have documents scanned into their case file.
The drive-thru 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 appointments are necessary. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
The drive-thru center is located at:
Monroe Civic Center
401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway
Monroe, LA 71201
Additional centers are open in Louisiana. Survivors may visit any open center. To locate the closest center, call the FEMA Helpline, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by download the FEMA 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 www.DisasterAssistance.gov
- Download the FEMA app.
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to homeowners, renters and businesses. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
In consideration of the public health concerns due to the Coronavirus pandemic, SBA has established a Virtual Business Recovery Center to provide personalized assistance to business owners. In addition, SBA has also opened a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to help homeowners and renters. Email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov or call 800-659-659-2955. Lines are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
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 Tue, 09/08/2020 - 16:49FEMA and RedLine Contemporary Art Center Announce New Public Art Project
DENVER – FEMA and the RedLine Contemporary Art Center have selected a proposal from artist Matt Barton as part of a project to raise risk awareness and promote disaster risk reduction activities through art. This will be the first work created under the innovative public-private partnership.
“Natural disasters take a toll across the country every day,” said FEMA Region 8 Mitigation Director Jeanine Petterson. “Using the power of art, we can bridge barriers and connect with communities in new ways to create a shared experience and inspire actions that make our communities safer.”
FEMA Region 8, based in Denver, contributed $34,000 for the initial Arts in Mitigation Fund. In collaboration with RedLine, artists were invited to submit proposals that communicated our relationships with natural hazards, along with potential impacts across all segments of the community. The intended outcome was to inspire thought on how individuals can mitigate risk. The selected project will be led by Black Cube Nomadic Museum in partnership with artist Matt Barton in collaboration with The Birdseed Collective.
“Through this unique partnership, RedLine is thrilled to support our local Denver communities in understanding how preparedness to a natural disaster is essential,” said Robin Gallite, Redline Deputy Director. “We believe that social change (big and small) is possible when artists engage in and with local communities around a social issue.”
Barton, Black Cube’s 2021 Artist Fellow, proposed an outdoor sculptural installation titled Community Forms. This concrete earthwork is designed for flood areas located within the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods north of Denver. This sculptural art intervention functions as both a visually compelling community space and an infrastructural support system that helps model stormwater mitigation. Barton’s sculpture will produce an inviting gathering place for recreation and creative play, while serving a utilitarian purpose.
Inspired by creative problem solving, urban landscape, architecture, and the movement water, "Community Forms" seeks to inspire and fortify the city by acting as a model for future integration between infrastructure and community engagement. The Birdseed Collective is an integral part in the connectivity of the project to the surrounding community and will participate as community liaison for the project through its completion.
Brian.Hvinden Tue, 09/08/2020 - 16:47FEMA Awards Mount Juliet Nearly $1.2 Million for Tornado Debris Removal
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – FEMA has approved a grant of $1,199,686 for the State of Tennessee to help Mount Juliet recover the cost of removing debris after the March tornadoes.
FEMA Public Assistance funds will reimburse the city for the cost of removing more than 114,000 cubic yards of debris from public roads, property and rights-of-way after the storm.
“The debris created by the devastating March 3, 2020 tornadoes hampered access for responders and made recovery operations and resumption of life for Wilson Countians difficult for several weeks,” said TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan. “We are thankful that FEMA is providing this grant to help support these Tennesseans and provide monetary relief for debris cleanup to Wilson County.”
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 Tennessee Emergency Management Agency works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.
The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the non-federal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the sub-recipients like local and county governments.
mayshaunt.gary Tue, 09/08/2020 - 16:39FEMA approves $4.5 million for Hurricane Michael Public Assistance grants
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — FEMA has approved more than $4.5 million for the State of Florida to reimburse three applicants for Hurricane Michael recovery work.
These grants include:
- Mexico Beach – $2,212,978 for repairs to the city marina, including repairs to the water and power station, seawall, pavement and supporting posts
- Springfield – $1,035,378 for repairs to five city facilities, including warehouses, maintenance and waterworks buildings
- Talquin Electric Cooperative, Inc. – $1,273,545 for management costs of tracking, charging and accounting for emergency and permanent work after the storm
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 Tue, 09/08/2020 - 16:35FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Fight the Two Four Two Fire in Oregon
BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Two Four Two Fire burning in Oregon’s Klamath County, outside the town of Chiloquin.
FEMA Region 10 Administrator Mike O’Hare determined that the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. He approved the state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) at 11:34 p.m. PDT on Monday.
The fire started on Monday and had burned approximately 1,000 acres of federal, state and private land at the time of the state’s request. Evacuation orders were in place for more than 100 homes in the area, and the fire was about two miles away from Chiloquin, threatening an additional 700-2000 people. The fire also threatened Chiloquin Airport, power transmission lines for local utility, and Collier Museum and State Park. At the time of the request, the fire was zero percent contained and rapidly developing under hazardous fire conditions.
FMAGs 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.
In addition to reimbursement funding for fighting the fire, $629,681 in mitigation assistance will be available to Oregon. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.
FEMA encourages HMGP Post-Fire funds be used for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood or erosion. However, HMGP is available for risk reduction of any hazard.
hannah.weinstein Tue, 09/08/2020 - 16:00FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Fight Three Fires in Washington
BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for three fires in Washington: the Cold Springs/Pearl Hill Fire impacting the Colville Reservation and Douglas and Okanogan counties, the Apple Acres Fire burning in Chelan County, and the Babb Fire in Spokane and Whitman counties.
FEMA Region 10 Administrator Mike O’Hare determined that the fires threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute major disasters. He approved the state of Washington’s requests for federal Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) for all three fires. The state’s requests for the Cold Springs/Pearl Hill Fire and Apple Acres Fire were approved on Monday at 12:33 p.m. PDT and 7:32 p.m. PDT, respectively. The state’s request for the Babb Fire was approved this morning at 1:03 a.m. PDT.
The Cold Springs/Pearl Hill Fire started on Sunday and had burned in excess of 100,000 acres of federal, state, and tribal land at the time of the state’s request. Evacuation orders were in place for 350-500 homes in and around the communities of Mansfield and Bridgeport. At time of request, the fire was zero percent contained.
The Apple Acres Fire started on Monday and had burned approximately 2,500-3,000 acres of federal, state, and private land at the time of the request. The fire was zero percent contained, and evacuation orders were in place for 307 homes in the area.
The Babb Fire started on Monday and had burned approximately 5,000-10,000 acres of federal, state, and private land. At the time of the request, evacuation orders were in place for 225 homes in the towns of Malden and Pine City. Most residences and structures in Malden and Pine City were destroyed by the fire. The fire chief reported that Search and Rescue teams will be deployed in both towns today. The fire was zero percent contained, and there were 17 other large fires burning uncontrolled within the state.
FMAGs 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.
In addition to reimbursement funding for fighting each fire, a total of $1,889,043 in mitigation assistance will be available to Washington. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.
FEMA encourages HMGP Post-Fire funds be used for the mitigation of wildfire and related hazards, such as flood or erosion. However, HMGP is available for risk reduction of any hazard.
hannah.weinstein Tue, 09/08/2020 - 15:53FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the El Dorado Fire
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the El Dorado Fire burning in San Bernardino County.
On Sept. 6, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the El Dorado Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 3,700 homes around Yucaipa, Oak Glen, Mountain Home and Forest Falls, with mandatory evacuations in place for more than 1,600 people. The fire also threatened a power plant and associated transmission lines.
The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Sept. 6, 2020, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.
FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.
For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.
robert.barker Tue, 09/08/2020 - 11:14FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Creek Fire
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California in combating the Creek Fire burning in Fresno and Madera counties.
On Sept. 6, 2020, the state of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Creek Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 3,500 homes around Camp Sierra, Big Creek, Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Auberry, Meadow Lakes, Mammoth Pools, Cascadel Woods, North Fork, Arnold Meadows, Bass Lake, Kinsman Flat and Beasore Meadows. The fire also threatened high-voltage power lines, telephone lines, the San Joaquin River watershed, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites of the Mono Indian Tribe.
The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Sept. 6, 2020, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.
FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. The Disaster Relief Fund provides allowances for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.
For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9 or view more news releases at fema.gov/fema-regions/region-ix.
robert.barker Tue, 09/08/2020 - 11:10FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Utah's Ether Hollow Fire
DENVER – This evening, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Ether Hollow Fire burning in Utah County, Utah.
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 Ether Hollow Fire was threatening 500 primary homes in the Hobble Creek Community, which 150 were evacuated. The fire is also threatening a community center, communication towers, phone lines, a watershed, and irrigation and flood control resources in the area. Mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 500 people. The fire started on September 7, 2020, and has burned in excess of 1,000 acres of state, federal 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.
Brian.Hvinden Mon, 09/07/2020 - 23:45Six Counties Receive Federal Help with Wildfire Debris Removal
Sacramento, Ca.-The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that Lake, Monterey, Napa, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma counties have been designated to receive federal assistance for debris removal under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.
On August 22, 2020, President Donald J. Trump granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California triggering the release of federal funds to help people and communities recovering from wildfires that occurred August 14, 2020, and continuing. That disaster declaration was amended today to add the six counties for assistance with debris removal.
Those six counties plus San Mateo and Yolo counties were previously designated for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program and for Public Assistance with emergency protective measures.
Eligible applicants for Public Assistance funds include state, county and local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and some private non-profits such as educational and medical facilities. FEMA provides 75 percent of the cost of eligible projects.
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bree-constance… Mon, 09/07/2020 - 22:33FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Kansas
WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved Kansas for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program. FEMA’s grant funding will allow Kansas to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit -- to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to implement a system to make this funding available to residents.
On Aug. 8, 2020, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the state of Kansas agreed to administer a lost wages program for its citizens who are unemployed due to COVID-19.
FEMA looks forward to working with the governors of additional states who agree to administer a lost wages program to bring financial relief to unemployed Americans.
luther.wills-dudich Mon, 09/07/2020 - 16:43FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Colorado's Cameron Peak Fire
DENVER – This evening, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Cameron Peak Fire burning in Larimer County, Colorado.
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 Cameron Peak Fire was threatening 4,000 primary homes and 1,000 secondary homes 20 miles west of Fort Collins, population 167,830. The fire is also threatening buildings, infrastructure and multiple watersheds in the area. Mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 5,500 people. The fire started on August 13, 2020, and has burned in excess of 40,000 acres of 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.
Brian.Hvinden Sun, 09/06/2020 - 21:58Keep in Touch—Update Information with FEMA to Avoid Delays
BATON ROUGE, La.— Louisiana homeowners and renters who registered for FEMA disaster assistance after Hurricane Laura 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.
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. People who use TTY may call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
FEMA encourages survivors to request direct deposits of disaster assistance to their financial institution. 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.
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.
scott.reuter Sun, 09/06/2020 - 18:50Drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Jefferson Davis Parish with Safety Protocols
BATON ROUGE, La. – A drive-thru Disaster Recovery Center will open in Jefferson Davis Parish on Monday, Sept. 7 to help Hurricane Laura survivors.
Different from the standard in-person facility, the new feature of the centers is an easy and COVID-safe way for Hurricane Laura survivors to have documents scanned into their case file.
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 appointments are necessary. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
The drive-thru center is located at:
Lacassine High School
409 Algonia Ave.
Lacassine, LA 70650
Another drive-thru center is also operating 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. It’s located at:
Calcasieu Parish School Board
3310 Broad St.
Lake Charles, LA 70615
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 www.DisasterAssistance.gov
- Download the FEMA app.
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.
scott.reuter Sun, 09/06/2020 - 16:45What to Expect After You Register
BATON ROUGE, La. — If you were affected by Hurricane Laura from Aug. 22-27 and you live in Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Vermilion, Vernon, or Winn Parish, you may be eligible for FEMA help.
Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners and renters can include grants for rent and repairs to make their primary home habitable. It can also help other serious disaster-related needs like replacing essential household items, medical and dental expenses and funeral and burial costs.
Survivors should file an insurance claim at the same time as they apply to FEMA. Save yourself time, if you have insurance, you must file a claim.
If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, contact FEMA by either going online to disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or by calling the helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.
Information that you need to have when you register includes:
• Address of the damaged primary dwelling where the damage occurred
• Current mailing address
• Current telephone number
• Insurance information
• Total household annual income
• Routing and account number for checking or savings account so FEMA can directly
transfer disaster assistance funds
• A description of disaster-caused 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. Due to COVID-19, home inspections may be conducted remotely by phone.
For remote inspections, FEMA inspectors will contact you by phone to ask questions about the type and extent of damage sustained. Remote inspections provide a new way of evaluating damage -- comparable to traditional, in-person inspections – and expedite the delivery of recovery assistance to survivors based on their eligibility.
If you had minimal damage and can live in your home, you will not automatically be scheduled for a home inspection when applying to FEMA. If you find significant disaster-caused damage after you apply to FEMA, you can request an inspection.
Part of the FEMA disaster assistance registration process includes providing a call back phone number for FEMA to contact you to set up a home inspection for damages caused by the disaster and other helpline information.
Applicants using a relay service, such as your videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel, should provide your specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA is able to contact you, and you should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.
If you have any questions, you can always contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. For TTY call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay service, please call 800-621-3362.
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4559.
christopher.teed Sat, 09/05/2020 - 21:03FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Wyoming's 316 Fire
DENVER – This afternoon, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the 316 Fire burning in Carbon County, Wyoming near Hanna.
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 316 Fire was threatening more 200 homes and structures around Hanna, Wyoming and threatening approximately 846 residents. The fire has burned over the Hanna water treatment plant and has destroyed one fire engine. The fire started on September 5, 2020, and has burned in excess of 1,000 acres of 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.
Brian.Hvinden Sat, 09/05/2020 - 19:08FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Montana's Bridger Foothills Fire
DENVER – This afternoon, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Bridger Foothills Fire burning in Gallatin County, Montana near Bozeman, Montana.
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 Bridger Foothills Fire was threatening more than 250 homes and structures around Bozeman, Montana, population 18,532. The fire is also threatening at least 250 homes and the Lyman Creek watershed. Approximately 250 residences are under voluntary evacuation. The fire started on September 4, 2020, and has burned in excess of 475 acres of state and federal 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.
Brian.Hvinden Sat, 09/05/2020 - 15:56Helping People and Keeping them Safe
WASHINGTON – Disasters don’t wait for a convenient time to strike a community. 2020 has brought us floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes, all while the world deals with the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), pandemic. COVID-19 changed the landscape of disaster response, and FEMA has focused on finding ways to meet unique challenges in this new environment. The Individual Assistance program is one example of how FEMA leveraged virtual delivery to provide help to survivors.
“Our goal is to safely and successfully help disaster survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor. “Through our partnerships with state, local, tribal and territorial governments, we have been able to deliver FEMA assistance remotely, protecting the health of survivors and FEMA staff.”
FEMA typically conducts onsite or geospatial housing inspections to verify losses to determine an applicant’s eligibility for assistance. Since onsite inspections might not be safe in a COVID-19 environment, FEMA began conducting remote inspections.
For remote inspections, FEMA inspectors contact applicants by phone to answer questions about the type and extent of damage sustained. Remote inspections provide a new way to evaluate damage; and the remote process actually expedites the delivery of recovery assistance to survivors.
20,919 homes have been successfully remotely inspected since the policy began in March. But realizing a virtual system alone may not meet the needs of survivors, FEMA also set up Documentation Drop-off Centers where survivors can apply for assistance, ask questions, have their documents scanned into their case file and returned to them on-site. The centers operate under strict COVID-19 protocols. Masks or face coverings are required for service and survivors remain in their cars while a FEMA specialist answers questions and handles paperwork.
In some cases, FEMA has used stadiums or park venues as Document Drop-off Centers which allow large numbers of applicants to receive assistance, safely.
FEMA pioneered the Document Drop-off Centers in Puerto Rico and Michigan. Since June, over 3,500 people have visited the centers. Document Drop-off Centers were also used in Michigan and are opening up in Louisiana for Hurricane Laura survivors.
The first Louisiana location opened in Lake Charles on Sept. 4. No appointments are necessary. The hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
“While we still have a long way to go in helping those impacted by Hurricane Laura, we’ve seen tremendous coordination and response from our local, state and federal partners,” said Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. “We encourage everyone to stay informed about resources and support being offered and utilize those services. We appreciate FEMA’s partnership in providing a wide range of assistance to our citizens.”
So far, FEMA has registered 104,390 Louisiana residents and put more than $29 million in the hands of hurricane survivors. FEMA has 676 team members on the ground helping Louisiana residents as they begin their recovery.
In Michigan, FEMA teams are conducting call-outs directly to survivors to help them one-on-one through the application process, with more than 2,400 completed to-date.
Additionally, rather than usual door-to-door field operations, Disaster Survivor Assistance teams contacted hundreds of community leaders and stakeholders—including faith-based organizations.
“We appreciate FEMA’s partnership in making sure Michiganders impacted by the dam breaks and flooding are able to get needed assistance in a manner that protects personal health and safety,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “FEMA is leading the way with this new virtual format, providing easy access to our residents who are seeking help.”
In addition to housing assistance, FEMA also offers eligible survivors assistance with other needs, like childcare, transportation, medical and dental, funeral expenses, moving and storage, and Group Flood Insurance Policy Assistance.
Disaster survivors can apply for assistance from FEMA online at disasterassistance.gov. Disasterassistance.gov is the fastest way to apply to FEMA. Survivors can also call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or apply via the FEMA app.
luther.wills-dudich Sat, 09/05/2020 - 14:49