FEMA News

Holiday Hours for West Virginia Disaster Recovery Centers

Charleston, W.Va. –Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Calhoun and Kanawha counties in West Virginia will be open on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, to help West Virginia residents in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison, and Kanawha counties impacted by the Aug. 28-30, 2023, flooding. The DRC at the Harrison County Courthouse will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, and will reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday Feb. 20, 2024.

Kanawha County

Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Kanawha County

Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Belle Town Hall

1100 E. Dupont Ave. Belle, WV 25015

 

Hours of operation:

Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Penn VA Coal Carbon Center

13905 MacCorkle Ave, Charleston, WV 25301

 

Hours of operation:

Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Calhoun County

Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Harrison County

Closed Monday Feb. 19, 2024

Reopening Tuesday Feb. 20, 2024

80 Spring Run Rd., Arnoldsburg, WV 25234 

 

Hours of operation:

Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Harrison County Courthouse

301 W. Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301

 

Hours of operation:

Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For hours and other details, check the FEMA app (under Disaster Resources, select Talk to FEMA in Person) or visit the FEMA DRC Locator for more details on DRCs open in West Virginia.

1. For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4756  and www.facebook.com/FEMA.

tiana.suber Fri, 02/16/2024 - 21:35

FEMA Awards Floyd County More than $1.3 Million for Property Acquisitions

Frankfort, Ky. – FEMA has approved two projects totaling $1,306,373 in federal funding to Floyd County for the acquisition of properties affected by the July 2022 floods in Eastern Kentucky. 

Nine flood prone properties that were directly affected by the July 2022 flooding event will be acquired by the Floyd County Fiscal Court. This is in addition to the 11 properties that were approved July 2023.  Funds will be used to acquire these properties at pre-event fair market value, demolish the homes remove all debris and return the property to green space. The properties will be deed-restricted requiring the property be maintained as open space in perpetuity. Any future open space proposals are subject to pre-approval by FEMA.

The first project, for the acquisition of nine properties, totals $1,606,557. The federal share of 75% ($1,204,918) will be contributed by FEMA and the remaining non-federal share of 25% will be contributed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 

The second project provides funds totaling $101,455 for Floyd County to manage the acquisitions program. This award is pursuant to Section 1215 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, which amended Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Assistance Act, allowing Subrecipient Management Costs (SRMC) up to 5% of the total project cost, available to the subrecipient at a federal cost share of 100%. 

These projects will protect the community from the direct impact of severe storm events and provide a long-term solution to existing and future hazardous conditions. These acquisition and demolition projects will protect against future flooding events. Activities will be completed in strict compliance with federal, commonwealth and local rules and regulations. 

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is managed by the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and the projects are administered by the local community. FEMA does not acquire properties directly from the property owners. Communities may offer homeowners who agree to participate in the property acquisition process the pre-flood fair market value of the property. A licensed appraiser determines the fair market value. This program is voluntary, and homeowners can withdraw from the program if they are no longer interested. 

For more information on Kentucky flood recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4)/Twitter and at facebook.com/fema. 

erika.suzuki Thu, 01/18/2024 - 15:12

FEMA Awards Knott County More than $1 Million for Property Acquisitions

Frankfort, Ky. – FEMA has approved two projects totaling $1,071,045 in federal funding to Knott County for the acquisition of properties affected by the July 2022 floods in Eastern Kentucky. 

Seven flood prone properties that were directly affected by the July 2022 flooding event will be acquired by the Knott County Fiscal Court. Funds will be used to acquire these properties at pre-event fair market value, demolish the homes, remove all debris, and return the property to green space. The properties will be deed-restricted requiring the property be maintained as open space in perpetuity. Any future open space proposals are subject to pre-approval by FEMA.

The first project, for the acquisition of seven properties, totals $1,338,807. The federal share of 75% ($1,004,105) will be contributed by FEMA and the remaining non-federal share of 25% will be contributed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 

The second project provides funds totaling $66,940 to Knott County to cover costs incurred in management of the acquisitions program. 

These projects will protect the community from the direct impact of severe storm events and provide a long-term solution to existing and future hazardous conditions. These acquisition and demolition projects will protect against future flooding events. Activities will be completed in strict compliance with federal, commonwealth, and local rules and regulations. 

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is managed by the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and the projects are administered by the local community. FEMA does not acquire properties directly from the property owners. Communities may offer homeowners who agree to participate in the property acquisition process the pre-flood fair market value of the property. A licensed appraiser determines the fair market value. This program is voluntary, and homeowners can withdraw from the program if they are no longer interested. 

For more information on Kentucky flood recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4)/Twitter and at facebook.com/fema. 

erika.suzuki Wed, 01/17/2024 - 23:30

Confidential Crisis Counseling Available to Maui Wildfire Survivors

HONOLULU – Are you feeling overwhelmed by emotions, stress or hopelessness? If you are, you’re not alone. Help is available if you’re experiencing emotional distress or mental health issues after the wildfires.

For free and confidential crisis support, call Hawaiʻi Cares at 800-753-6879. You may also call or text Hawaiʻi Cares at 988. Hawaiʻi Cares is available all day, every day.

Maui County residents may also get confidential crisis counseling services from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday by calling 808-446-6676. After 8 p.m., callers may leave a voicemail message and a crisis counselor will return your call the next business day. For non-urgent calls, an operator will introduce the caller to a crisis counselor before transferring the call.

Some common reactions to stress and loss include:

• Feeling tense or nervous, angry or irritable
• Crying often, feelings of persistent hopelessness
• Feeling numb
• Difficulty sleeping and/or being constantly tired
• Not feeling hungry or having stomach problems (such as nausea or cramps)
• Difficulty concentrating and/or making decisions.

Everyone has times when they feel hopelessness or stress. But when these types of feelings and experiences disrupt daily living activities, you are encouraged to seek help.

Helpline staff provide confidential counseling and other needed support services. They can also immediately connect you to trained professionals from the nearest participating crisis-counseling center.

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. You may also get disaster assistance information and download applications at sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires. 

scott.reuter Wed, 01/17/2024 - 19:38

FEMA Begins Recovery Operation Transition in New Mexico

SANTA FE -- In the coming weeks, FEMA will begin the process of consolidating all recovery operations in New Mexico into a single unified operation, including the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office. This initiative is specifically designed to boost efficiency and streamline processes, ultimately benefiting impacted individuals and communities. 

As part of this process, current staff will be integrated into the new operational structure, and we will be establishing a Chief Operating Officer (COO) role to lead the on-the-ground long-term recovery efforts and to reflect the change in focus from development to effective delivery at the local level. For those with ongoing claims, rest assured – this transition won't have any adverse impact on your claim. 

Shortly after the passage of the Fire Assistance Act in 2022, Angela Gladwell was appointed to the director role and successfully built a compensation program from the ground up, assembling a team of locally hired staff with knowledge of New Mexico and the communities affected by the wildfires. As the program's focus transitions and a COO is established, Director Gladwell will transition to a new role within FEMA, maintaining her commitment to advancing the agency's mission. 

This week, the Claims Office will release a comprehensive Program and Policy Guide (PPG) with additional details about the types of claims that are being paid and helpful guidance on the documentation needed for payment. While there is much more work to do to support New Mexico, the release of the PPG marks a milestone in implementing compensation authorized by the Fire Assistance Act. Additionally, to simplify and expedite the process, the Claims Office will release checklists for the most common types of loss along with the documents needed for each of those losses. 

Individual renters or homeowners, regardless of whether they received or were denied FEMA assistance, can file a Notice of Loss with the Claims office. If you have not yet filed a Notice of Loss, you can find the form at fema.gov/hermits-peak or at one of our Claims Offices. Claims Navigators are readily available at the Claims Offices and are ready to help.

erika.suzuki Wed, 01/17/2024 - 18:05

Victoria County, Texas, Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on July 17, 2024, for Victoria County, Texas. During the next six months, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update each floodplain ordinance and adopt these new flood maps. 

Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low-to-moderate or high-risk flood zone. The current and future Flood Insurance Rate Map can be viewed on FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer at https://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.

By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation. Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.

Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if their structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding. A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and answer questions about the maps as well. Contact them by phone or online chat.

• To use the live chat service, visit floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 877-FEMA MAP (877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart.gov/.

alexa.brown Wed, 01/17/2024 - 15:39

Agencies Hold Resource Fairs Jan. 16 and 18

SANTA FE, NM –- The State of New Mexico Disaster Case Management team and United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Partner Network will partner with the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Advocate Team in Guadalupita and Rociada for two resource fairs. 

The Resource Fairs on Jan. 16 and 18 will provide information one-on-one to those who may have filed a claim or who hope to file a claim. These fairs are to meet with area residents affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding. These events make it convenient to learn about the claims process and get help from our state and federal partners all in one place. 

Here's what you can expect when visiting a resource fair:

• State Disaster Case Managers (DCMs) will be on hand to provide information on local, state and federal programs that are available to residents and how DCMs can support residents in choosing and applying to programs to support their recovery needs.
• Claims Office Advocates can provide potential problem-solving solutions, and an Advocate to act on your behalf.
• Rural Partners Network will be on hand to assist the HPCC Claims office in the recovery efforts by providing support to the residents with technical assistance, resources, including funding opportunities from across the federal government to improve access to programs and advance recovery projects.

The resource fairs are from 1 to 4 p.m. You don’t need to make an appointment. You can drop in anytime and do not have to stay the entire time.

Resource Fair Locations:

Tuesday, Jan. 16
Guadalupita Fire Station
1276 State Hwy 434
Guadalupita, NM 87722

 

Thursday, Jan. 18
Rociada Fire Station
278 State Road 105
Rociada, NM 87742

 

If you can’t come to one of the resource fairs or need to speak to a Claims Office Advocate before a fair is held in your area, you can email the Advocate team at FEMA-Hermits-Peak-Claims-Advocate@fema.dhs.gov or call 505-403-3373.

For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. Follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice/ and turn on notifications to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements including future Advocate Connects sessions.

erika.suzuki Tue, 01/16/2024 - 20:26

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for Connecticut

WASHINGTON ­– FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Connecticut to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from severe storms, flooding and a potential dam breach beginning Jan. 10 and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. This assistance is for New London County, the Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, under the public assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding.

Robert V. Fogel has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 01/16/2024 - 16:05