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DHS News and Updates
Santa Cruz County Receives $3.6M Grant to Protect Rio Del Mar from Flooding
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted $3.6 million to Santa Cruz County, CA for stormwater improvements to reduce chronic flooding in Rio Del Mar, a low elevation residential and commercial neighborhood alongside Aptos Creek and the Pacific Ocean.
Urbanization, aging infrastructure, and sea level rise have contributed to the frequent flooding of 44 residential and commercial properties, even after moderate to severe rainstorms. Sometimes it is so severe that emergency access to the area is impossible due to complete road inundation along principal routes, preventing a safe evacuation for more than 400 homes along Beach Drive and the low-lying Rio Flats floodplain.
The new system will improve area flood protection five-fold by permitting the free flow of floodwater, eliminating backwater accumulation, and reducing the time contaminants remain in the sensitive habitat of Aptos Creek, where threatened and endangered fish species reside.
The $4.8 million project includes a $3.6 million grant from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), with the remaining $1.2 million from non-federal sources.
FEMA’s HMGP helps states, territories, federally-recognized tribes, local communities, and certain private, non-profit organizations become more resilient to potential infrastructure damage and reduce future disaster costs. In the past 31 years, FEMA has invested nearly $1.4 billion to reduce disaster risk in California.
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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, 08/04/2020 - 17:35FEMA Announces Funding Opportunities for $660 Million in Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants
WASHINGTON - FEMA posted funding notices today for two hazard mitigation grant programs for more than $660 million.
The two grant programs, the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, will provide funds to states, local communities, tribes and territories for eligible mitigation activities to strengthen our nation’s ability to build a culture of preparedness. These programs allow for funding to be used on projects that will reduce future disaster losses.
The funding notices are available on Grants.gov, and the application period opens on Sept. 30.
Eligible applicants must apply for funding using the new FEMA Grants Outcome (FEMA GO). Please submit applications at FEMA Go Portal no later than 3 p.m. EST on Jan. 29, 2021. Applications received by FEMA after this deadline will not be considered for funding.
FEMA Offering Webinars
FEMA is offering informational webinars for interested applicants to provide an overview of the grant programs and details about the agency’s funding priorities and review process. The presentation materials as well as the time and call-in information is the same for each session.
Any state, tribal or territory prospective applicant may attend. Each webinar will be at 2 p.m. EST on Aug. 18, 20 and 25. A webinar for tribal applicants will be held at 2 p.m. EST on Aug. 27.
Additional webinars are also scheduled about the new FEMA Grants Outcome (FEMA GO), which is now the management system for these grant programs. The development of FEMA GO is a multi-year effort to modernize and transform the way FEMA conducts grants management. FEMA GO will streamline the process to apply for, track and manage FEMA grants.
In September, FEMA will host two webinars on “Avoiding Application Pitfalls.” Registration information for all upcoming webinars will be provided soon.
Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant
The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 establishes the goal of reducing or eliminating claims under the National Flood Insurance Program through long-term mitigation actions. For the program, the agency’s predetermined funding priorities include flood mitigation planning and efforts for repetitive as well as severe repetitive loss properties.
In this application cycle, $160 million is available in Flood Mitigation Assistance grant funds. There is a set-aside of $70 million for community advance assistance and flood mitigation projects. View the Notice of Funding Opportunity at: Grants.gov. Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-20-MT-029-000-99.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grants
The new BRIC grant program is for pre-disaster mitigation activities and replaces FEMA’s existing Pre-Disaster Mitigation program.
The BRIC priorities are to:
- incentivize public infrastructure projects.
- incentivize projects that mitigate risk to one or more lifelines.
- incentivize projects that incorporate nature-based solutions.
- incentivize the adoptions and enforcement of modern building codes.
View the NOFO at: Grants.gov. Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-20-MT-047-00-99.
luther.wills-dudich Tue, 08/04/2020 - 17:06FEMA grant brings Bay County Schools Hurricane Michael reimbursement to $65.6 million
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — FEMA has approved an additional $2,453,819 for the State of Florida to reimburse Bay County Schools for management costs following Hurricane Michael, bringing total reimbursement to date to $65.6 million.
The school district was reimbursed for costs of tracking, charging and accounting for emergency and permanent work after the storm, including debris removal, emergency protective measures, temporary facilities, vehicles, school building contents, supplies and equipment.
FEMA previously approved $63.2 million for the district’s Hurricane Michael-related expenses.
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.
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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters. For a list of resources available to individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Michael, visit www.floridadisaster.org/info. For more Hurricane Michael recovery information, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4399. Follow FEMA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Twitter at @FEMARegion4 and @FLSERT. You may also visit FEMA and the Division’s Facebook pages at Facebook.com/FEMA and Facebook.com/FloridaSERT.
mayshaunt.gary Tue, 08/04/2020 - 16:23FEMA approves additional $18 million for Bay County Hurricane Michael debris removal
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — FEMA has approved $18,011,929 for the State of Florida to reimburse Bay County for eligible costs of debris removal following Hurricane Michael.
Between Oct. 10, 2018 and Nov. 24, 2018 workers removed 2,349,740 cubic yards of vegetative debris and 109,437 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris.
FEMA previously approved $212.7 million for Bay County’s Hurricane Michael-related expenses, bringing the total to nearly $230.7 million.
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.
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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters. For a list of resources available to individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Michael, visit www.floridadisaster.org/info. For more Hurricane Michael recovery information, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4399. Follow FEMA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Twitter at @FEMARegion4 and @FLSERT. You may also visit FEMA and the Division’s Facebook pages at Facebook.com/FEMA and Facebook.com/FloridaSERT.
mayshaunt.gary Tue, 08/04/2020 - 16:19FEMA Awards More than $12.5 Million to Vermont Agency of Human Services for COVID-19 Expenses
REGION 1 – FEMA approved $12,516,240 for the State of Vermont to help the Vermont Agency of Human Services (VAHS) defray the costs of preparing for and responding to COVID-19 under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.
FEMA funds will reimburse VAHS for emergency measures taken to protect life and property throughout the state. VAHS contracted with hotels/motels to provide non-congregate housing and sheltering for high risk populations by providing a safe place to self-isolate during the COVID-19 crisis.
“FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program is essential to helping communities recovering from a federally declared disaster get back on their feet.” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Vermont. Vermont Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.
“This funding is just one of the positive results of the partnership between FEMA and the State of Vermont through Vermont Emergency Management,” concluded Webster.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grant funding to state and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
FEMA awarded funding for this project directly to the State of Vermont and it is the state’s responsibility to work with the applicant to ensure all terms and conditions of the award are met and disburse funding.
The State of Vermont received this funding due to a Presidential declaration of a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act declared on April 8, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.
adrien.urbani Tue, 08/04/2020 - 15:13FEMA Approves Over $16 Million in Additional Funds for 88 Recovery Projects
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – In the face of recent weather disturbances, FEMA along with Puerto Rico's Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, or COR3, approved over $16 million in additional grants for repairs after Hurricane María. The allocated funds are for the week of July 24 to 30 and represent 88 projects related to the recovery and reconstruction of Puerto Rico.
Among the weekly obligations is about $115,000 to the municipality of Fajardo for asphalting and the replacement of the concrete ditch in multiple roads that give access to about 450 residents. Some of these repairs will be carried out on C Street in the Vista Hermosa sector, the Reyito Rivera roadway in the Paraíso neighborhood and on Igualdad Street in Barrio Quebrada, among other roads.
Also noteworthy is the allocation of over $90,000 to the municipality of Yabucoa for its Women’s Affairs Office. This entity ensures the development and implementation of legal, social and economic equality for women and the strengthening of the family as a core institution on the Island.
Projects across other parts of the island are also being considered. These include an obligation of about $14,000 for the municipality of Jayuya. The funds are intended to repair the Municipal Emergency Management office building, which represents about 16,000 residents that belong to zone 7 of said agency.
A portion of the obligated funds will be used to prevent future damage by implementing mitigation measures. In Fajardo, about $40,000 will be used to install a concrete curb and gutter, as well as and geotextile soil stabilization, among other actions to strengthen the different roads. On the other hand, about $14,000 will be used in Yabucoa for the installation of an anchorage system for air conditioning units and waterproofing treatment for the roof. Meanwhile, in Jayuya, about $5,000 of the project is earmarked to add a second waterproof membrane to the edges of the roof and additional anchors for the air conditioners.
The most recent approved grants are broken down as follows:
- Over $7.5 million for repairs to parks and recreational facilities.
- Over $2.9 million for repairs to public buildings and equipment.
- Over $2.7 million for road and bridge repairs.
- Over $1 million for emergency protection measures.
- Over $843,000 for administrative expenses of municipalities and government agencies.
- Over $809,000 for debris removal.
- Over $142,000 for utility repairs.
FEMA works with COR3 through the federal agency's Public Assistance program to obligate recovery funds to private nonprofit organizations, municipalities and agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico for expenses related to Hurricanes Irma and Maria. To date, over $7 billion has been awarded to Puerto Rico as part of FEMA's Public Assistance program.
For more information on Puerto Rico's recovery from Hurricane Maria, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339 and recuperacion.pr. Follow us on our social networks at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and on Twitter @COR3pr.
For more details on these 88 obligations, view the following link: https://www.fema.gov/media-collection/puerto-rico-dr-4339-weekly-obligations
frances.acevedo-pico Tue, 08/04/2020 - 08:20
FEMA Authorizes Fund to Fight Montana's Falling Star Fire
DENVER – This evening, FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Falling Star Fire burning in Stillwater and Yellowstone Counties, Montana.
FEMA Regional Administrator Lee dePalo approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request this evening and determining that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.
At the time of the request, the Falling Star County Fire was threatening more than 300 homes, which were under a voluntary evacuation. The fire was also threatening main residential power distribution lines, wooden bridges on Valley Creek Road which is a major agricultural transportation route, as well as private agricultural water systems and cellular phone towers in the area. The fire started today and has burned in excess of 1,000 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.
minh.phan Mon, 08/03/2020 - 18:26Blount County Now Eligible for Public Assistance Funding in Alabama
ATLANTA – Blount County is now eligible to apply for funding under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program to supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas that sustained damage from the severe storms and flooding that occurred Feb. 5 - March 6, 2020.
In addition to the 18 counties announced on May 21, Blount County may now request funding under the Public Assistance grant program. Assistance may cover eligible debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or rebuilding of public facilities such as roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, public utilities, parks, and recreational facilities.
The president’s May 21 major disaster declaration for Alabama made Public Assistance funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis.
Public Assistance funding for the state and designated counties may include payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health as a result of the storm.
All areas in the State of Alabama are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
For more information on the Alabama recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4546.
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FEMA’s Mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.
neily.chapman Mon, 08/03/2020 - 16:18
FEMA Awards Miami $10.2 Million for Dinner Key Marina Repairs After Hurricane Irma
ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has approved a grant of $10,221,118 for the State of Florida to help the City of Miami defray the costs of repairing Dinner Key Marina after Hurricane Irma.
The September 2017 storm caused extensive damage to the marina, which has nine piers with 582 slips and moorings for 225 vessels. FEMA Public Assistance funds will reimburse the city for rebuilding the marina, including replacing piers, decks, mooring facilities, sea walls, electrical system, fire protection system and other components. The project includes strengthening and hardening structures and comprehensive shoreline protection measures to mitigate damage from future storms.
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 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 Mon, 08/03/2020 - 15:45
Massachusetts Looks Ahead, With an Eye on Recovery
BOSTON, MA. – While COVID-19 continues to stir across the nation, Massachusetts and other New England states—along with numerous federal partners coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency—are working to help communities recover from a health crisis not seen in over 100 years.
For months, The Bay State and FEMA have led a joint effort to support the Commonwealth and two Tribal Nations through the coordination of eighteen additional federal agencies, the private sector, voluntary organizations, and U.S. military medical personnel.
To date more than $78 million in federal funding has been granted to the commonwealth; the federal government has also provided significant amounts of PPE including: 770,800 gloves, 737,300 surgical masks and 1.6 million N95 respirators; and federal partners like the U.S. Small Business Administration have approved over $2.8 billion in Economic Injury Disaster Loans to keep businesses across the commonwealth afloat.
Today, FEMA continues to support Massachusetts with an eye toward recovery. Public Assistance grants will help communities meet the costs of responding to the pandemic, and FEMA’s partnerships and expertise will be brought to bear to help the commonwealth meet its long-term recovery goals and recover stronger, safer and smarter.
Crisis Counseling
In close coordination with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, FEMA Region 1 has also provided $707,506 through the Crisis Counselling Immediate Services Program to provide counseling to victims of COVID-19. These funds were used to create a new statewide crisis counselling program, Mass Support, managed by Riverside Trauma Center and the MA Department of Mental Health.
Massachusetts has also received an ISP program extension through August 24, 2020 until a determination is made concerning Massachusetts’ Regular Services Program (RSP) grant application.
Public Assistance
FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program provides essential funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.
To date, more than $7 million in PA funding has been approved to reimburse the commonwealth, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations, for costs associated with emergency protective measures enacted to quickly respond to COVID-19.
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.
Long-term Recovery
FEMA’s role in Long-Term Recovery is to ease communication and collaboration among stakeholders and support disaster recovery planning. This process opens access to funding from federal agencies other than FEMA.
The first step of the LTR process is to conduct a Rapid Needs Assessment. In Massachusetts the assessment is underway, with representative communities (Barnstable, Chelsea and Pittsfield) chosen and stakeholders identified to provide insights and locate gaps in the commonwealth’s recovery needs.
The completed assessment is expected soon and the findings will ultimately allow Massachusetts to make informed decisions about which economic solutions to pursue.
While COVID-19 recovery efforts are ongoing, FEMA continues to prepare for the pending hurricane season. “FEMA is building redundancy in our response capabilities and leveraging technology where possible to reduce person to person contact. Examples include damage inspections done virtually through facetime, hotels for sheltering and Civil Air Patrol (CAP) flyovers for property damage assessments. Such information can be critical to hurricane response, as well as COVID cases.” said Regional Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer Captain Russ Webster, who oversees FEMA’s operations in Massachusetts.
Given the current situation with Hurricane Isaias, Webster emphasized the importance of FEMA’s preparedness, “We are fully staffed to assist as needed.” Webster asked that the public pay attention to weather alerts and directions from local officials because flooding and storm surge from storms like Isaias can happen quickly.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
adrien.urbani Mon, 08/03/2020 - 15:16Connecticut Moves from Response to Long Term Recovery
Hartford, CT - Months after COVID-19 tightened its grip on Connecticut’s economy and hospitals, as well as way of life for its people, the state is emerging from an unprecedented public health crisis.
Since March, FEMA has coordinated with numerous federal, state and local agencies to support communities with access to scarce resources to combat this pandemic. More than $33.4 million in federal funding has been granted to Connecticut; as of July 20, the federal government has provided Connecticut with a significant amount of PPE, including 1 million gloves, 188,400 face shields, 523,200 surgical masks, and 2.5 million N95 respirators.
Due to this unprecedented government mobilization, as well as the health precautions implemented by its own residents, Connecticut has seen stability in new cases and stability in testing positivity since July 24. “The strong and essential assistance of our many partners, including non-profits, first responders, national guard and medical personnel have played a critical role in getting us to this point,” said Captain Russ Webster, FEMA’s Region 1 Administrator and Federal Coordinating Officer.
Specific programs made possible through FEMA and the state enables those in need to benefit as the recovery continues.
Crisis Counseling
Connecticut has received an extension to the Crisis Counseling grant of $676,338 to fund the Crisis Counseling/Immediate Services Program (ISP); the state was awarded the grant on June 2. It will now continue through Aug. 28, 2020 to allow enough time for a determination to be made on Connecticut’s Regular Services Program (RSP) application.
Through short-term interventions that provide emotional support, crisis counseling, and connection to familial and community support systems, FEMA’s Crisis Counseling program helps individuals and communities in their recovery from the effects of natural or man-made disasters. Due to the COVID-19 nationwide emergency and the need to protect the safety and health of all Americans, crisis counseling services will be delivered by phone, internet and social media.
Public Assistance
FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) grant program provides essential funding for communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. The Connecticut Emergency Management Agency works with FEMA during all phases of the PA program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.
To date, more than $431,000 in PA funding has been approved to reimburse the state and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations, for costs associated with emergency protective measures including non-congregate sheltering enacted to quickly respond to COVID-19.
The federal share for Public Assistance projects is no 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.
Long-term Recovery
FEMA’s role in Long Term Recovery is to increase communication and collaboration among stakeholders, support disaster recovery planning, and levering opportunities to recover stronger, safer and smarter.
“As we move into the Recovery phase of this pandemic, we remain committed to Connecticut should cases surge again. Our current focus, based on findings of the Long-Term Recovery Task Force, is to assist the economy by addressing the critical issues of childcare, housing, fisheries,” said Webster.
The mission of the Task Force is to effectively coordinate the identification and prioritization of long-term needs of the state, and to recommend actions.
The Task Force has completed their Rapid Needs Assessment, based on the representative communities of Hamden, Hartford and Norwalk, to provide insights on the state’s challenges.
Their findings will ultimately inform the state to choose which economic solutions to pursue and opens access to funding from agencies other than FEMA. Additionally, as part of Long-Term Recovery, FEMA coordinates with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment (DEEP) and the Bureau of Marine Fisheries to identity follow-up actions to support the fisheries/aquaculture industry. There also has been significant collaboration with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Education and with colleagues at the Small Business Administration.
While being critically attuned to the ongoing COVID-19 recovery efforts, FEMA continues to prepare for the pending hurricane season. Webster notes Region 1 is training and cross-training staff members to build bench strength for a more robust response and management of multiple incidents. “FEMA is building in safeguards to our response capabilities and leveraging technology where possible to reduce person to person contact. Examples include damage inspections done virtually through facetime, hotels for sheltering and CAP flyovers for property damage assessments. Such information can be critical to hurricane response, as well as COVID cases.”
Given the current situation with Hurricane Isaias, Webster emphasized the importance of FEMA’s preparedness, “We are fully staffed to assist as needed.” Webster asked that the public pay attention to weather alerts and directions from local officials because flooding and storm surge from storms like Isaias can happen quickly.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
adrien.urbani Mon, 08/03/2020 - 14:20FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the North Fire
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of Nevada in combating the North Fire burning in Washoe County.
On Aug. 2, 2020, the State of Nevada submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the North Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 150 homes in and around Red Rock and Rancho Haven, NV, with populations of 5,000 and 1,000 respectively. The fire also threatened residential power and telephone lines, a volunteer fire station, and wildlife sanctuary in the area.
The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Aug. 2, 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.
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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 Mon, 08/03/2020 - 12:17FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Apple 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 Apple Fire burning in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the lands of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.
On Aug. 2, 2020, the State of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Apple Fire. At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 3,500 homes in Banning, Oak Glen, Forest Falls, Pioneer Town, and Morongo. The fire also threatened high voltage power lines, fiber optics, and the Banning Heights Watershed area.
The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Aug. 2, 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.
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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 Mon, 08/03/2020 - 12:15FEMA Opens a Documentation Drop-off Center
LANSING, Mich. – FEMA has set up a Documentation Drop-off Center for survivors of the May 16-22 flooding and storms to submit any required supporting documents for their disaster assistance application.
Survivors who have been asked by FEMA to provide additional documentation should read their FEMA letter carefully and make sure they have everything they need when they arrive at the drop-off center. Applicants do not have to visit a center to submit documents to FEMA—they can mail, fax or submit them online as well. Information on these options can be found in their FEMA letter.
If you don’t understand the letter you received from FEMA, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and ask for assistance.
The FEMA Documentation Drop-off Center is located at:
825 E. Main Street
Midland, MI 48640
The center opens at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 with additional days and hours listed below.
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
2 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Wednesday and Saturday
The drop-off center will be open for a limited period of time and is staffed with FEMA personnel who can scan documents and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs.
All applicants and FEMA personnel will follow currently effective state and local requirements for COVID-19 safety measures. 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 as well. 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 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
If an individual cannot register online or by phone, registration at the Documentation Drop-off Center 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.
The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Sept. 8, 2020.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. 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.
troy.christensen Mon, 08/03/2020 - 09:36President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Disaster Declaration for North Carolina
WASHINGTON – FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of North Carolina to supplement state and tribal response efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Isaias from July 31, 2020 and continuing.
Federal funding is available to the state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures (Public Assistance, Category B), limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care, including evacuation and shelter support. This assistance is available for Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell and Washington counties.
Public Assistance, Category B, funding is also available to state, eligible tribal and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance. This assistance is available for Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Avery, Bladen, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Cumberland, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Graham, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Haywood, Henderson, Hoke, Iredell, Jackson, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Polk, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Rowan, Rutherford, Sampson, Scotland, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Vance, Wake, Warren, Watauga, Wayne, Wilkes, Wilson, Yadkin and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Elizabeth Turner 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 Sun, 08/02/2020 - 16:22ICYMI: FEMA Administrator Urges Floridians, Southeastern Residents to Prepare for Isaias
WASHINGTON - Earlier today, FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor spoke to The Weather Channel about preparedness actions ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Gaynor urged residents along the storm’s path to take preparedness actions outlined by their local officials.
“There’s time now to still prepare," he said. “… Let’s say you have to evacuate and go to a shelter or someplace that’s not your home. How do you assemble enough COVID-19 hygiene supplies to make sure you and your family are safe? Masks, hand sanitizer, all those things you probably don’t think about these days, but you’re going to need if you have to leave the safety of your home to go to a shelter or to a congregate or non-congregate shelter… Do one or two things to improve your preparedness and the safety of your family," Gaynor said. "Do it today. There's still time.”
Gaynor said the agency has worked for months to prepare for this hurricane season during the pandemic. He said FEMA has a decreased footprint in the National Response Coordination Center, in addition to using virtual options as much as possible.
“Let’s not put our disaster survivors in greater risk by having to go face to face where we don’t have to,” he said. “So, virtual damage assessments, over the phone, streaming video, all those kind of things. We want to make life a little bit easier for our emergency workers, and obviously we want to make life safer for those disaster survivors who just had a disaster run through their neighborhood, and they have to respond or deal with COVID-19," said Gaynor. "All those things are considerations. Again, it makes it a bit more complicated, but not impossible. We’ve done planning for months now to make sure that we adapt as we go, adapt as we learn.”
Gaynor also spoke to Neil Cavuto of Fox News where he stressed how the hurricane forecasts can change, so families need to take preparedness actions now.
“First, heed your local, county and state emergency managers. They know best,” he said. “… Generally, I will say don’t bet your life on what the forecast, track and intensity will do. Today is the day to make those final preparations, so you’re ready, no matter what happens. If I could ask everyone out there in Florida, especially those along the track of the storm, take preparedness actions today. Make yourself, your family and business safer today, so you won’t regret it tomorrow.”
luther.wills-dudich Sat, 08/01/2020 - 18:27
President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Disaster Declaration for Florida
WASHINGTON – FEMA announced federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Florida to supplement the state’s response efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Isaias from July 31, 2020 and continuing.
Federal funding is available to the state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care, including evacuation and shelter support, at 75 percent federal funding. This assistance is available for Brevard, Broward, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Volusia counties.
Terry L. Quarles 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 Sat, 08/01/2020 - 12:36Guánica, Ponce Disaster Recovery Centers Open for One More Week
PONCE, Puerto Rico – Disaster Recovery Centers at Guánica and Ponce are open for one final week to serve residents affected by the Puerto Rico earthquakes.
Tropical Storm Isaias skirted the island, bringing strong winds, rain, flooding and scattered power outages that suspended operations for two days at the recovery centers. The centers are scheduled to close at 6 p.m. on Aug. 7.
Residents have just a week to meet face-to-face with FEMA specialists who can help update their applications for disaster assistance and answer their questions.
The Guánica center is located at Club Puertorriqueño de Ensenada, Calle 2. The Ponce center is at Complejo Polideportivo Los Caobos (Cancha de Baloncesto) on Avenida Los Caobos. Both centers offer in-person and drive-thru service from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Aug.7, and are operating under COVID-19 safety protocols. Masks or face coverings are required for entry and service.
Residents may visit either recovery center. In-person service is by appointment only. No appointment is needed for the drive-thru, where documents are scanned into case files and returned to the applicants.
To make an appointment, call the FEMA Helpline: 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.
For more information on Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4473 and Facebook: www.facebook.com/femapuertorico.
zella.campbell Fri, 07/31/2020 - 17:46
FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Fight Washington’s Anglin Fire
BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Anglin Fire burning in Okanogan County, approximately fifteen miles east of the city of Tonasket.
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 Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) at 11:15 p.m. PDT on Monday.
The fire started on Monday and had burned in excess of 400 acres of federal, state, and private land at the time of the state’s request. The fire was zero percent contained and was threatening approximately 200 homes in and around the town of Tonasket. Evacuations orders were issued for approximately 450 people.
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, $605,909 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.
Savannah.Brehmer Fri, 07/31/2020 - 16:36Understanding Your FEMA Letter: What to Do Next
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan residents who applied for assistance from FEMA after sustaining damage in the May 16-22 severe storms and flooding may have received a letter from FEMA saying they are ineligible for housing assistance.
Read the letter carefully to understand the reason for your determination. It will explain the application status and what you can do to respond. Here are some of the more common reasons for potential ineligibility:
No inspection.
- When you registered, you reported the disaster has not made your home unsafe to live in.
- FEMA will send you a No Inspection letter advising you are not eligible for assistance because the damage was minor, and you were able to live in the home.
- If your situation changes and the damage is worse than originally reported—or you discover your private well is unusable due to the disaster—you may call the FEMA helpline and an inspection may be issued.
Insured.
- FEMA determined insurance covered your essential needs. Federal assistance cannot duplicate insurance payments, but FEMA may be able to help when homeowners or flood insurance did not. You may submit your insurance settlement records to FEMA for review.
The following reasons for ineligibility require an applicant to submit an appeal in writing to be reconsidered for federal assistance. The appeal must include a letter along with additional information or documentation.
No proof of occupancy.
- You were unable to demonstrate you occupied the home at the time of the disaster. When FEMA is unable to verify this information, you may provide FEMA with documents such as utility bills, a bank or credit card statement, phone bill, pay stubs, a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or voter registration card.
Insufficient damage.
- An inspector determined the damage caused by the current disaster has not made your home unsafe to live in. Your home is still safe, sanitary and functional.
- If you disagree with the home inspector’s decision, you can appeal. Get third-party documentation in writing (bid for repairs, condemnation notice, etc.) that states your home is uninhabitable.
No initial relocation.
- You indicated on your application that you did not want to move while your damaged home was being repaired. This made you ineligible for FEMA temporary rental assistance. However, you have since found further damage to your home and must move.
- Since your housing needs have since changed, contact FEMA to update your housing status and explain why you had (or will have) to relocate. If it’s within 30 days from the date of the decision letter, you can call the FEMA helpline and update your status. Any request made more than 30 days after the date of the decision letter must be made in writing.
To appeal a FEMA decision:
Send a letter with any additional documentation to FEMA asking for reconsideration. This must be done within 60 days of the date of your ineligibility letter.
- By mail: FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055.
- By fax: 1-800-827-8112.
- Online via a FEMA online account: to set up an online account, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.
There may be other reasons why FEMA determined you were ineligible. However, you may still be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or a grant under FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program. If you have questions about the letter you received, get in touch with FEMA by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. 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, 07/31/2020 - 16:12