FEMA News

FEMA Hosts Tribal Nations Training Week to Improve Preparedness and Resilience in Tribal Country

WASHINGTON -- Yesterday, FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness kicked off its largest ever Annual Tribal Nations Training Week in Anniston, Alabama. Over 375 tribal students representing more than 100 Tribal Nations will participate in engaging workshops, attend specialized classes and engage in Nation-to-Nation dialogue with FEMA leadership. This year’s theme, “Developing Generational Resiliency Through Training,” underscores our commitment to collaborating with and resourcing a skilled tribal emergency management workforce.

On the first day of the training, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell addressed tribal students, emphasizing the importance of partnering with Tribal Nations and supporting them before, during and after disasters. 

“I’m amazed by the record-setting turnout at this year’s Tribal Training Week,” said Administrator Criswell. “This is an opportunity for Tribal Nations to learn from one another and help us focus on what we at FEMA can do to better support Indian Country before, during and after disasters. FEMA’s leadership is here in person to not only share their best practices in emergency management, but also to listen and learn from the tribal leaders. I’m thankful that we have this forum to come together and build upon last year’s work.”

FEMA’s National Tribal Affairs Advocate Kelbie Kennedy, citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, emphasized the importance of this training. “FEMA’s Tribal Nations Training Week provides vital training for tribal leadership, tribal staff and Indian Health Service staff to build their capacity and strengthen tribal resilience,” said Kennedy. “As the largest gathering of tribal emergency management staff and leadership in the United States, this week provides a place where Tribal Nations can learn from each other, build the inter-tribal emergency management relationships that will save lives and work with FEMA to ensure that we are living up to our treaty and trust responsibilities to all Tribal Nations.” 

This 9th annual Tribal Nations Training Week also features an executive session for tribal leaders comprised of a Tribal Leaders Symposium, a tribal listening session with FEMA leadership, a Continuity of Government Operations Planning for Rural Communities and a National Incident Management System Overview for Senior Officials.

After each year’s class, a focus group of tribal students from the previous year is gathered by FEMA to set the theme and agenda for the following year. FEMA’s Tribal Nations Training Week is both created by and for Tribal Nations to ensure that they have vital emergency management information and resources. 

Tribal Nations can still attend the 2024 Virtual Tribal Nations Training Week happening March 18-28, 2024 by registering on FEMA.gov today. 

To learn more, visit: https://www.fema.gov/event/tribal-nations-training-week. 

amy.ashbridge Mon, 03/11/2024 - 21:25

FEMA Seeking Applications for $36 Million in Grants to Strengthen Community Resilience Through Fire Prevention Programs

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell today announced the release of the funding notice and opening of the latest application period for the FY 2023 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant program, which will award $36 million to strengthen community fire prevention programs and support scientific research on innovations that improve firefighter safety, health and well-being.

FP&S funds have supported life-saving research and outreach campaigns, while universities and organizations have been able to advance scientific research and study firefighter safety. For example, the University of Arizona is doing a decades-long study involving thousands of firefighters and what work exposures cause cancer in them, and ways to reduce it. Knowing that nearly 60% of fire deaths in the nation occur in homes that have no functioning smoke alarms, the American Red Cross’ Home Fire Campaign made home visits with more than 3 million people nationwide to provide fire safety education and installed more than 2 million free smoke alarms. In Crofton, Maryland, the U.S branch of The Institution of Fire Engineers works to reduce fire risk through Vision 20/20, a community risk-reduction program that identifies, prioritizes and addresses risk across fire and emergency services. 

“We are investing in better fire safety research and programming to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations,” said Administrator Criswell. “These grants will help communities better equip themselves with the tools they need to save lives and protect themselves from future fire events. It’s in every community’s best interest to seek out this critical opportunity.”

“The FP&S grant funds are fundamental to enabling critical research from a variety of subject-matter experts and entities, necessary to identify gaps and inform interventions that ultimately have national impact on firefighter health and safety,” declared Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator. 

The FP&S Program has awarded approximately $852 million since its inception. To help keep communities and firefighters safer, FP&S funding is being made available directly to eligible fire departments, national, regional, state, local, tribal and non-profit organizations such as academic (e.g., universities), research foundations, public safety institutes, public health, occupational health, and injury prevention institutions for fire prevention programs and firefighter health and safety research and development such as clinical studies that address behavioral, social science and cultural research. The application period will close on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET.

The FY 2023 FP&S Notice of Funding Opportunity and technical assistance documents for this program are available at www.grants.gov and on the FEMA website. Additional information about upcoming webinars to assist applicants is also available on the FEMA website.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 03/11/2024 - 20:35

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Eaton, Kent and Oakland Counties

LANSING, Mich. – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Eaton, Kent and Oakland Counties at 8 a.m., March 11, to help residents in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties continue their recovery after the Aug. 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. 

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration at the centers can help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster-resistant and get their questions answered in person.

All centers are open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, except for the Wayne County Community 

College Downriver Campus in Taylor (Wayne County South East), which closes at 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 

All centers are closed Sundays.

Assistance in languages other than English, including American Sign Language (ASL), and translated materials are available at the centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available. 

The Eaton County center will open at 8 a.m., Monday, March 11, at:

Lansing Community College –West Campus

5708 Cornerstone Drive

Lansing, MI 48917

Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 16.

 

The Kent County center will open at 8 a.m., Monday, March 11, at:

Henze Community Center

In the Alpine Township Fire Station #1

1100 Henze St. NW

Comstock Park, MI 49321

Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 16.

 

The Oakland County center will open at 8 a.m., Monday March 11, at:

South Lyon City Hall

335 S. Warren St.

South Lyon, MI 48178

Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 16

 

Additional recovery centers are open at the following locations:

Monroe County: Opened 8 a.m., March 4, at:

Frenchtown Township Fire Dept.

2885 Nadeau Road

Monroe, MI 48162

Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 16

 

Wayne County (South East): Tuesday, Feb. 27, at:

Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus

21000 Northline Road

Taylor, MI 48180

Friday and Saturday hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Open until further notice.

 

Wayne County (Canton West Central) Opened Tuesday, Feb. 27, at:

Canton Human Services Building

50430 School House Road

Canton, MI 48187

Open until further notice.

 

Macomb County: Opened 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at:

Chesterfield Township Fire Department Central Station

33991 23 Mile Road

Chesterfield, MI 48047

Open until further notice.

To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Survivors may visit any center for assistance.

Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. The deadline to apply for assistance is April 8, 2024.

For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757. 

kirsten.chambers Mon, 03/11/2024 - 18:59

One Month Left to Apply: Survivors Receive More than $41.9 Million to Date

LANSING, Mich. – Survivors of the Aug. 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties have just one month left to apply for federal assistance. The deadline to apply with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration is Monday, April 8, 2024.

As of March 8, FEMA and SBA have provided more than $41.9 million to those who have applied.

Here is a snapshot of FEMA disaster assistance to date:

More than 43,800 households have been approved for FEMA grant funding totaling more than $40.7 million including:

• More than $32.7 million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home-repair costs.
• More than $8 million for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental and lost personal possessions.

More than 25,000 home inspections have been completed.

SBA has received 2,008 applicants for low-interest disaster loans and has approved 52 home loans totaling $1,197,100.

• Two SBA Business Recovery Centers are currently open in Monroe (Monroe County) and Taylor (Wayne County South East).

In addition to the FEMA and SBA assistance, as of March 4, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has awarded more than $2.4 million to 16 applicants across the state whose homes or property were damaged in the Aug. 24-26, 2023, storms. 

• Participating in the NFIP can save thousands of dollars. An inch of floodwater per 1,000 square feet can cost about $10,000 to repair. Yet, most private insurance companies do not cover flood damage. Learn more about flood insurance at FloodSmart.gov.

FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are currently out in the field, visiting homes, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in affected areas to help residents register for assistance, identify, and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, state, and voluntary agencies for additional support.  

• To date, DSA crews have visited more than 23,200 homes and interacted with more than 6,000 survivors. They have also visited more than 500 businesses, and more than 800 community locations.

Disaster Recovery Centers are currently open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays).

Three centers are open until further notice: 

• Chesterfield (Macomb County) 
• Taylor (Wayne County South East): This center closes at 5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays.
• Canton (Wayne County Canton West Central) 

Two centers are open and scheduled to close at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9:

• Fowlerville (Livingston County) 
• Saranac (Ionia County)

This center is open and scheduled to close at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 16:

• Monroe (Monroe County)

Three centers will open at 8 a.m., Monday, March 11; scheduled to close at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16:

• Lansing (Eaton County) 
• Comstock Park (Kent County)
• South Lyon (Oakland County)

FEMA and the SBA specialists at the recovery centers can help you upload documents, answer questions and provide information on available resources. The centers serve as one-stop shops for survivors who need one-on-one help. Survivors can visit any center for assistance. 

Residents affected by the Aug. 24-26, 2023, storms with uninsured or under-insured losses are encouraged to apply for federal assistance if they haven’t done so already. The deadline to apply is April 8, 2024.

Apply one of four ways:

Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. 

Use the FEMA mobile app. 

Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Multilingual operators are available. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 

• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.

For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757. 

kirsten.chambers Mon, 03/11/2024 - 18:24

FEMA Approves More Than $2.9 Million for the City of Rolling Fork

MADISON, Miss. – FEMA has approved $2,926,875 to reimburse the city of Rolling Fork for the replacement of signs and the repair of roads following the March 24-25, 2023, severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

Following the March 2023 tornadoes, the city of Rolling Fork lost signage, sustained deep road rutting and the loss of asphalt due to the large trucks traveling on the roads.

The city of Rolling Fork will use their own personnel and contractors to replace 662 signs and repair roads to pre-disaster design, function and capacity. The 662 signs include:

• 218 street signs.
• 104 children playing signs.
• 89 speed limit signs.
• 88 stop signs.
• 71 historical signs: street, stop, four-way and directional signs. 
• 44 four-way signs.
• 42 directional signs.
• four reduce speed school zone ahead signs.
• two one-direction, large arrow signs.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides 75% grant reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster-damaged public facilities and infrastructure. 

For the latest information on recovery from the March tornadoes, visit msema.org and www.fema.gov/disaster/4697. On X/Twitter follow MEMA @MSEMA and FEMA Region 4 @femaregion4.

melanie.barker Mon, 03/11/2024 - 18:23

FEMA Invites Fire Department and Volunteer Firefighter Interest Organizations to Apply for $360 Million in FEMA Grants to Boost Number of Trained Firefighters in Communities Nationwide

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced the opening of the application period for the Fiscal Year 2023 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, which offers $360 million in grants directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained firefighters protecting communities across the nation. 

Building more resilient communities includes having sufficiently staffed fire departments. FEMA SAFER grant funding will be used to increase the number of firefighters to help communities meet industry minimum standards, attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate fire protection from fire and fire-related hazards and to fulfill traditional missions of fire departments. The SAFER application period will close on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET.

“All disasters are local and it’s the local firefighters that are first on the scene taking action to prevent loss of life and property,” Administrator Criswell said. “These awards are an annual opportunity for FEMA to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained firefighters available in their communities.”

Since 2005, the SAFER Program has awarded approximately $5.2 billion in grant funding. This support helps ready households and communities, trains a skilled firefighting workforce (both paid and volunteer) and builds local capacity across the nation.

“Across the nation, many career and volunteer fire departments struggle with recruitment of new firefighters and retention of those on the job,” acknowledged Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator. “SAFER grant funds are essential to ensuring that local communities have enough firefighters to respond when they are needed.”   

Over the years, SAFER funds have had a big impact in communities, including stories of lives saved because of SAFER-funded staffing.

• In Lake County, Florida, two firefighters rescued a 3-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl from a housefire. They were able to make immediate entry into the burning home because of additional staffing from a SAFER grant.
• A firefighter from Pennsylvania’s Southwest Greensburg Fire Department, hired through a SAFER grant, climbed nine flights of stairs to rescue a man from an apartment fire.
• In Arizona, the City of Maricopa Fire/Medical department was able to continue 24/7 coverage in each fire protection zone during the COVID pandemic in 2020 because of SAFER funding.

The FY 2023 SAFER Notice of Funding opportunity and technical assistance documents for this program are available at www.grants.gov and on the FEMA website. Additional information about upcoming webinars to assist applicants is also available on the FEMA website.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 03/11/2024 - 16:53

FEMA Claims Office Hosting Three-Day Workshop in Las Vegas, March 12 -14

SANTA FE, N.M. -- FEMA Hermits Peak /Calf Canyon Claims Office Advocate team will host a three-day workshop from March 12 to 14 at the New Mexico Highlands University to offer assistance with the claims process. 

People affected by the Hermits Peak Fire and subsequent flooding are invited to take advantage of the workshop and visit one-on-one with Claims Office representatives to ask questions about any part of the process or their own individual claim. Attendees will also be able to bring in any paperwork that needs to be added to their claims. 

WHEN: March 12 to March 14, 2024, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., daily.

WHERE: Highlands University, Student Union Building, Room 321, 800 National Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701.

The workshop will take people through the whole process, from start to finish. Each day of the workshop will have a specific theme. These are:

• March 12 - Small Business Day
• March 13 – Agriculture/Farming Day
• March 14 – Address questions on probate process and flood insurance

Staff members, with examples in each of the above areas, will be available to walk people through the claims process.

Anyone impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding is welcome to visit any one of our three Claims Offices. Visit fema.gov/disaster/current/hermits-peak/contact-us for locations and hours.

For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please 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.

erika.suzuki Mon, 03/11/2024 - 15:08

Mayfield First United Methodist Church Approved for More Than $4.8 Million in FEMA Recovery Funds

Frankfort, Ky. – FEMA has approved $4,838,775 in federal funding to The Mayfield First United Methodist Church for damage caused by the December 2021 severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and tornadoes in Kentucky. 

During the incident period, an EF-4 tornado outbreak resulted in the destruction of the church, originally completed in 1919. 

The church will utilize contractors to replace the church facility, interiors, services, and equipment to include the foundation, columns, roofing to interior finishes, mechanical systems, and furnishings. Contract work will also be used to replace the church’s M.P. Moller brand organ to match the original design, function, and capacity as well as various types of stained glass and insulated windows throughout the church along with framing requirements. Contractors will also be used to replace the church sign, its foundation, lighting, and associated elements. 

Funding for this Public Assistance (PA) project is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. PA funds reimburse eligible applicants for the cost of debris removal; life-saving emergency protective measures; and the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged facilities like buildings, roads, and utilities.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop project worksheets and scopes of work. Following approvals by FEMA and KYEM, FEMA obligates funding for the project.

The FEMA PA program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

The federal share for this Public Assistance project is 90 percent of the eligible with the remaining non-federal share of 10% to be contributed by other sources.

erika.suzuki Mon, 03/11/2024 - 14:51

FEMA Funds to Uphold the Legacy of Marketplaces

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – Four marketplaces located in Las Piedras, San Juan and Vega Baja will have their facilities repaired with nearly $2 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The allocations seek to foster and promote these plazas, which are of great significance to the municipalities and their communities. 

In general, the plazas will undergo repairs to lighting, security and roof membranes, in addition to replacing doors, air conditioners, signs and windows.

“The personal service and the variety of products and services, in addition to the sense of tradition and familiarity of the people, are part of what makes Puerto Rico's marketplaces unique. For FEMA it is important to be part of their revitalization, as they promote the economy of the municipalities through small merchants and are meeting points for locals and tourists,” said FEMA’s Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator in Puerto Rico José G. Baquero.

One of the projects in this allocation is the Vega Baja Héctor A. Joy Sandín Marketplace, with over $876,400 to repair three of its facilities: the Market Plaza, an annex and the Public Car Terminal. Hazard mitigation measures such as the replacement of roof panels with water-resistant ones are considered with an allocation of over $39,000.

The repairs will help root vegetable vendors like Osvaldo Camacho Alicea receive their customers in a safer and more comfortable area. 

Camacho Alicea spent part of his childhood working in the former Marketplace with his father, Marcelo Camacho Martínez, who had a root vegetable stand. “In 1967 my dad brought me to work with him and I stayed until 1975. I had no vacations or holidays; I had to be with him working. I didn't like the work, but he said to me, 'If you don't study, I'm going to give you a college that you won't have to pay for.' I graduated from high school, went to Chicago and in 1983 I returned to Puerto Rico, to this day,” he recalled.

For him, marketplaces are important and, although he confessed that the number of customers has decreased over the years, he thinks that this tradition should continue. In fact, he still keeps in his stall the bus horn which he used to sell root vegetables around the neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, the executive assistant in charge of the Office of Protocol, Calendar and Communications for the municipality of Vega Baja, Luis R. Pérez Santos, pointed out that people still visit the marketplace, because it has everything they could need. “The people’s hospitality and the type of business here, which no longer exist in the urban centers, such as greengrocers, lottery salespeople, the hair salon, the flower shop; all that and obviously a cafeteria that is legendary. You will find the best stuffed potatoes there”, he indicated.

In the municipality of San Juan, two plazas received a total of over $718,500 for repairs. These are the Río Piedras Rafael Hernández Marketplace, built in 1956, which has been awarded $672,000; and the Santurce Marketplace, built in 1912, with over $46,000. 

According to the executive officer in charge of the Santurce Marketplace, Miguel Ángel Orta Vélez, the marketplace tradition is still alive. In his opinion, the plaza has evolved and has become a place recognized worldwide for its artistic and cultural events, and receives nearly 400,000 visitors each year. 

“The Plaza has survived despite the proliferation of other spaces that sell food. The tradition of people coming to the square to eat prepared foods and search for their root vegetables, fruits and vegetables, it remains here,” he said. He also emphasized that for the merchants this is their way of life. “Some of them have been here for 30 or 40 years and many of them are the children of those who were originally here in the plaza,” he added. 

One of these second-generation merchants is Jorge Luis Otero. For nearly 60 years, his father was in charge of the stall that he now manages. For Otero, it’s not only about the importance of cultural heritage, but also about offering good prices and a pleasant experience to the visitor, “so that they are satisfied and come back.”

Perhaps a good example of this is Arsenio Quiles from Lares, who has lived in Santurce since 1967 and has found his place in this plaza. Don Arsenio is 95 years old and spends his days here, happy and surrounded by “good people and good neighbors.” “This is my paradise. I am here every day. There is joy, events, you meet people and the community is very nice. You can find everything here,” he said. Quiles also said that he serves people when they arrive, sweeps if he has to sweep and even takes pictures with tourists from all over the world who want to take a souvenir of their visit to the iconic square.

On the other hand, an allocation of nearly $264,000 went to the Juan Velázquez Marketplace in Las Piedras to repair its building, built in 1996. The plaza has the 52nd flag by artist Héctor Collazo Hernández and receives about 400 people a month. The Culture and Tourism director of Las Piedras, Elvin Agosto Rodríguez, said that although sales have decreased in certain areas, "the plaza remains alive due to the wide range of artisan workshops offered and the variety of events that take place.”

Businesswoman Mayrabel Tolentino Serrano, owner of a beauty salon, agrees that activity has decreased, but understands that the repairs in the plaza will benefit merchants and customers, since it will be possible to fix existing problems that affect the structure and, therefore, services.

For his part, the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Rivera Laboy, said that “marketplaces represent an important opportunity for the development of local farmers and merchants. The reconstruction work and the implementation of mitigation measures will make these buildings, some of them historic, more resilient to future natural disasters. At COR3, we will continue to assist in the necessary steps to ensure that these works, which are subsidized by FEMA funds, are carried out in an expeditious and compliant manner.”

To date, FEMA has obligated over $32 billion for more than 10,900 recovery projects in Puerto Rico following Hurricane María.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4339, fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico, Facebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

Héctor A. Joy Sandín Marketplace, Vega Baja PR

Vega Baja, Puerto Rico (February 29, 2024) – FEMA obligated over $876,400 to the Municipality of Vega Baja to repair three facilities of the Héctor A. Joy Sandín Marketplace: the Market Plaza, an annex and the Public Car Terminal. Hazard mitigation measures such as the replacement of roof panels with water-resistant ones are considered with an allocation of over $39,000. Photo FEMA/Karixia Ortiz

Santurce Marketplace, San Juan, PR

San Juan, Puerto Rico (March 4, 2024) – FEMA allocated over $46,000 to repair the Santurce Marketplace, built in 1912. Photo FEMA/Eliezer Hernández

 

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 03/11/2024 - 12:00

Beware of Fraud and Scam Artists

Spokane, Wash.  – Survivors of the Gray and Oregon Road Fires should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud, scams, or identity theft. 

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance

• Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. Don’t trust anyone who offers financial help and then asks for money.
• Do not disclose information to any unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails from individuals claiming to be FEMA or federal employees. FEMA will only contact you if you have called FEMA first or registered for assistance. If you receive suspicious emails or phone calls, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to verify if a FEMA call or email is legitimate. 
• FEMA representatives will ask for social security and bank account numbers when you apply and may ask for it again after you apply. Be cautious when giving this information to others who ask for it. Scam artists may pose as government officials, aid workers, or insurance company employees.
• Ask to see ID badges. All FEMA representatives carry an identification badge with a photograph. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity.

Phony Property Inspections:

• Be on alert if somebody asks for your nine-digit registration number. FEMA inspectors will never ask for this information. They already have it in their records.
• FEMA-contracted inspectors assessing damage never charge a fee to inspect your property.

Phony Building Contractors:

• FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. A FEMA inspector’s job is to verify damage.
• Always hire a reputable engineer, architect or building official to assess your home. An unethical contractor may create damage to get work.

To report scams, fraud, and identity-theft contact:

• FEMA’s toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721
• The Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud: justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster- complaint-form
• When in doubt, report any suspicious behavior to your local authorities.

You can register for FEMA assistance online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the victim of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available.

###

Follow FEMA Region 10 on X and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

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

mary.j.edmon Fri, 03/08/2024 - 21:48

FEMA Expands its Reinsurance Program by Transferring $575 Million in Flood Risk to Capital Markets

WASHINGTON -- FEMA continues to engage reinsurance markets to help strengthen the financial framework of the National Flood Insurance Program and promote private sector participation in flood-risk management.

On March 7, 2024, FEMA obtained reinsurance coverage through Insurance-Linked Securities reinsurance for a seventh time.  FEMA entered into three-year reinsurance agreements with its transformer reinsurer, Hannover Re (Ireland) Designated Activity Company. In turn, Hannover, transferred $575 million of the program’s financial flood risk to qualified capital market investors through a special purpose insurer, FloodSmart Re Ltd, for sponsoring catastrophe bonds.

As part of these agreements, FEMA will pay about $85.7 million in premiums, excluding initial expenses, for the first year of reinsurance coverage. Additionally, the agreements will cover the following losses for any single flood event:

• 10% of losses between $8 billion and $9 billion  
• 23.75% of losses between $9 billion and $11 billion 

“I’m pleased that FEMA has successfully secured favorable terms for this year’s capital market reinsurance and retained our current level of reinsurance coverage at acceptable rates,” said David Maurstad, FEMA’s Assistant Administrator for the Federal Insurance Directorate and senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program. “This latest investment in our reinsurance program reinforces FEMA’s objectives to expand financial tools to achieve a sound financial framework and bolster the programs’ claims paying capacity following extreme flooding events.” 

This coverage builds on FEMA’s NFIP Reinsurance Program transferring the program’s flood risk to qualified capital market investors since 2018. Each placement is a three-year term:

• $275 million in March 2023
• $450 million in February 2022

Combined with FEMA’s existing reinsurance coverage -- FloodSmart 2022-1 bonds, FloodSmart 2023-1 bonds and the January 2024 traditional reinsurance placement -- FEMA has transferred $1.92 billion of the NFIP’s flood risk to the private sector ahead of the 2024 hurricane season.

Congress authorized FEMA to secure reinsurance through the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 .  

Visit FEMA.gov for more information about the reinsurance programs for the National Flood Insurance Program.

amy.ashbridge Fri, 03/08/2024 - 21:07

Three Weeks Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Homeowners and renters in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, and Somerset counties who have uninsured damage to their property or other disaster-caused losses from the severe storm and flooding from December 17-21 have only three weeks left to apply for disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is April 1. 

There are several ways to register:

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. The Helpline is available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
• Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish).
• Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), available on Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Assistance from FEMA may include funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs; funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges; and funds for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care and other miscellaneous items.

Applicants for disaster assistance should have the following information prior to registration: Social Security number; address of the damaged primary residence; insurance coverage information; current telephone number and mailing address; and bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

Survivors should keep their contact information updated with FEMA because they may need to reach them to perform a home inspection or get additional information. For faster reimbursement, 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 mailing or banking information.

Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

adrien.urbani Fri, 03/08/2024 - 20:51

WV Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed Saturday, March 9, 2024

CHARLESTON, W.Va.– The state-federal Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers in Boone and Clay counties will be closed Saturday, March 9, 2024, due to forecast inclement weather. 

The Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will reopen at 9 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024.

The centers are located at:

Boone County

38 John Slack Circle, Racine, WV 26165 

Hours of operation:

Closed Saturday, March 9, 2024

Reopening 9 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024

 Clay County

Located at 223 Main Street Clay, 25043, WV

Hours of operation:

Closed Saturday, March 9, 2024

Reopening 9 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024

Centers in Harrison and Kanawha counties will be open on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. to assist survivors.

If it is not possible to visit the Disaster Recovery Center or to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

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, 03/08/2024 - 20:23

First Christian Church Approved for More than $4.7 Million in FEMA Recovery Funds

Frankfort, Ky. – FEMA has approved $ 4,757,382 to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to replace the First Christian Church which was destroyed by the Dec. 2021 Western Kentucky tornadoes.

During the incident period, severe storms, and flooding caused an EF-4 Tornado outbreak resulted in the destruction of the First Christian Church, a facility listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In response, contractors were used for demolition and disposal of damaged church facilities. The applicant will also utilize contractors for the replacement of the main church building using current codes and standards. 

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop project worksheets and scopes of work. Following approvals by FEMA and KYEM, FEMA obligates funding for the project.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

The federal share for this Public Assistance project is 90 percent of the eligible with the remaining non-federal share of 10% to be contributed by other sources.

erika.suzuki Fri, 03/08/2024 - 17:37

Why it’s Important for Individuals to Submit an SBA Loan Application

FEMA often refers disaster survivors to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to apply for a low-interest disaster loan. SBA disaster loans are not just for businesses. In fact, they are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. 

Disaster loans are an essential part of federal assistance, helping homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and some nonprofits recover. SBA disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources. 

Mainers impacted by the December 17-21, 2023, severe storms and flooding should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan. 

Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $500,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding. SBA may also be able to loan homeowners and renters up to $100,000 to repair or replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster. 

If your SBA application is approved, you are not obligated to accept the loan, but if you do not accept it, you may be prevented from receiving other types of financial assistance from FEMA. Some types of FEMA assistance may only be provided if you receive a denial for an SBA loan.

If you are referred, you may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster.  Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. 

adrien.urbani Fri, 03/08/2024 - 17:29

Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Yates County, New York

NEW YORK - FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Yates County, New York. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period. 

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. 

The 90-day appeal period will begin March 6, 2024 for the Town of Starkey and March 7, 2024 for all other communities. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. 
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator. The preliminary maps and changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. 

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov. 

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. 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 and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

1. Yates County, NY Flood Mapping Milestones

• February 10, 2022 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data.
• May 1, 2023 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
• June 21, 2023 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
• August 16, 2023 — Open House Meeting with public to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map.
• March 7, 2024 (Town of Starkey – March 6, 2024) — Appeal Period starts.
• Mid/late 2025* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 2 Office of External Affairs at (347) 416-3792 or at FEMA-R2-ExternalAffairs@fema.dhs.gov.

###

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

kate.macedo Wed, 03/06/2024 - 22:04

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Ionia, Livingston and Monroe Counties

LANSING, Mich. – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Ionia, Livingston and Monroe counties at 8 a.m. March 4 to help residents in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties continue their recovery after the August 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. 

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration at the centers can help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster-resistant and get their questions answered in person. 

All centers are open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, except for the Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus in Taylor (Wayne County Southeast), which closes at 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
All centers are closed Sundays.

Assistance in languages other than English, including American Sign Language (ASL), and translated materials are available at the centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available. 

The three centers will open at 8 a.m. Monday, March 4, at these locations:

Ionia County:
Boston Township Hall
30 Center St.
Saranac, MI 48881
Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 9

Livingston County:
Fowlerville Fire Station #41
9110 W. Grand River Ave.
Fowlerville, MI 48836
Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 9

Monroe County:
Frenchtown Twp Fire Dept.
2885 Nadeau Road
Monroe, MI 48162
Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 9

Additional centers are open at these locations:

Wayne County (South East): Opening 8 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27, at:
Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus
21000 Northline Road
Taylor, MI 48180
Note: This center closes at 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Open until further notice.

Wayne County (Canton West Central) Opened 8 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27, at:
Canton Human Services Building
50430 School House Road
Canton, MI 48187
Open until further notice.

Macomb County: Opened 8 a.m. Friday, February 23, at:
Chesterfield Township Fire Department Central Station
33991 23 Mile Road
Chesterfield, MI 48047
Open until further notice.

To find the center nearest you, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. Survivors may visit any center for assistance.

Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. The deadline to apply for assistance is April 8, 2024.

For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757. 

kirsten.chambers Wed, 03/06/2024 - 21:31

FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Announces Two Advocate Resource Fairs in March

SANTA FE, N.M. -- The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is pleased to announce two upcoming Advocate Resource Fairs for individuals impacted by the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The resource fairs are part of ongoing efforts to promote services and information to the community and provide one-on-one assistance and resources to support recovery efforts.

Individuals impacted by the fires who have filed a claim with the Claims Office or are interested in learning more about the process are encouraged to attend.

The Advocate Resource Fairs will feature informative sessions on critical topics, including pest control and the impact of wildland fires on soil. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to receive assistance filing a Notice of Loss, obtain status updates on their claims, submit paperwork, and ask questions regarding the claims process. Claimants may also learn more about National Flood Insurance Program policies and submit a claim for up to five years of flood insurance coverage.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office will be joined by partners from the State of New Mexico’s Disaster Case Management program, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Resources Conservation Service, National Flood Insurance Program, and the Tierra y Montes Soil and Water Conservation District. Representatives from these organizations will be available to offer insight and answer questions related to their respective programs.

March Advocate Resource Fairs

Las Vegas, NM 
Saturday, March 16
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
 

Cabo Lucero Volunteer Fire Department
21 County Road A29
Las Vegas, NM 87701

Cleveland, NM
Friday, March 22
1 – 4 p.m.

CHET Volunteer Fire Department
Rio La Casa & 518 Rd.
Cleveland, NM 87715

For those unable to attend these events, questions and concerns can also be addressed by calling your Navigator or the Claims Office Helpline at 505-995-7133.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. The Claims Office has approved 1,751 claims, which is 68 percent of the 2,548 claims with documentation submitted. More than $420 million in payments have been approved. FEMA is only permitted to pay claims that have a signed Proof of Loss form and supporting documentation. Anyone impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding is welcome to visit any one of our three Claims Offices. Visit fema.gov/disaster/current/hermits-peak/contact-us for locations and hours.

For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please 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. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice. These events will have English and Spanish translators and American Sign Language interpreters are available upon request.

erika.suzuki Wed, 03/06/2024 - 20:32

Mayfield City Hall and Police Dept. Approved for Nearly $1.4 Million in FEMA Recovery Funds

Frankfort, Ky. – FEMA has approved $ 1,391,531 to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to replace the Mayfield City Hall & Police Department which were destroyed by Dec. 2021 Western Kentucky tornadoes.

During the incident period, severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and E4 tornadoes caused widespread damage in the City of Mayfield. As a result, Mayfield City Hall & Police Department was destroyed. In response, the applicant will use contractors to restore this facility to its pre-disaster function and capacity.

Funding for this Public Assistance project is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, reimbursing eligible applicants for the cost of debris removal; life-saving emergency protective measures; and the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged facilities like buildings, roads and utilities.

Applicants work directly with FEMA to develop project worksheets and scopes of work. Following approvals by FEMA and KYEM, FEMA obligates funding for the project.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profit organizations including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

The federal share for this Public Assistance project is 90 percent of the eligible with the remaining non-federal share of 10% to be contributed by other sources.

erika.suzuki Tue, 03/05/2024 - 19:25

FEMA Announces New Advocate Leadership Role to Build State and Local Capacity Across the Nation

WASHINGTON -- FEMA’s commitment to serving communities is strengthened by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell’s selection of Patricia Pudwill as the agency’s newest Small State and Rural Advocate.

This role advises the FEMA Administrator and the agency on small state and rural community concerns and perspectives, as well as facilitates coordination with organizations and associations to enhance response capabilities within these sectors. Aligning with FEMA’s Year of Resilience, this position enhances individual and community readiness, hazard mitigation and preparedness to build safer, more resilient communities.  

“We are at our best when we build programs and processes with input from those we are trying to help. Having this advocate position filled will help advance our mission to improve resilience across America’s diverse rural landscapes,” said Administrator Criswell. “In rural America, where resources can be scarce and the nearest help might be dozens of miles away, preparedness is more than a strategy.”

Rural areas present unique challenges in disaster response. This dedicated position grows FEMA’s culture of preparedness, enhances readiness for catastrophic disasters and supports efforts to jumpstart survivor recovery. The impact of these efforts will increase awareness to access FEMA’s services and funding, resulting in communities better able to withstand and recover from disasters.

This Small State and Rural Advocate position was created during the George W. Bush Administration with Public Law 109-295, the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act. Pudwill will advocate for 14 states, the District of Columbia and several territories -- all of which have populations of less than two million. This also includes many small communities across the nation with 3,000 or less individuals.   

Pudwill will also counsel states on the emergency and major disaster declaration processes to ensure that the needs of rural communities are being addressed. This includes assisting states and local communities in collecting documentation to demonstrate and validate severe localized impacts to request a disaster declaration.

“When disasters strike, county officials and emergency responders play a critical role in the immediate response and long-term efforts to help our communities recover,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With a background in county government, Ms. Pudwill is familiar with the role counties play in our emergency preparedness and response. We look forward to working with her to ensure that rural counties have the necessary resources to keep our communities healthy, safe and vibrant.” 

Pudwill’s federal service includes experience as the FEMA Integration Team Lead in South Dakota, as well as numerous disaster response and recovery roles. Her prior experience includes more than 12 years with state and local governments within South Dakota. 

amy.ashbridge Tue, 03/05/2024 - 17:18