FEMA News

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.

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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.

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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

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Declaration for Vermont

WASHINGTON­-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Vermont to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding from Dec. 18-19, 2023.

Public assistance federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storm and flooding in Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Windham and Windsor counties. 

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

William F. Roy has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.  Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

amy.ashbridge Mon, 03/04/2024 - 19:56

$14 Million In FEMA Funds for Hospitals of the Mennonite Health System

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded nearly $14 million to the Mennonite General Hospital for repairs to its facilities in Aguas Buenas, Cayey, Cidra and Guayama. 

This figure is part of over $20 million for permanent projects that the agency has obligated to this nonprofit organization to address damage following Hurricane María.

“Hospitals are part of the essential services needed by communities before, during and after a disaster. The repairs will restore the infrastructure to its pre-hurricane condition, while addressing humidity problems and implementing mitigation measures to strengthen these buildings,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

The Mennonite Health System was founded in 1944 in Aibonito and today has nearly 700 physicians and about 70 volunteers who provide services to the organization's various programs throughout its chain of hospitals in Puerto Rico. 

The allocations for these four Mennonite hospitals seek to remediate mold problems, replace acoustic ceilings, grids and doors, and insulate ductwork and pipes, among other work. Over $1 million of these funds were allocated primarily to mitigate high winds damages and rain infiltration in the buildings.

Mennonite Health System Executive Director Ricardo Hernández emphasized that as a health system that provides first response services in emergency situations and disaster events, "it is a priority to ensure that our caring environment is adequate, safe and effective to meet the health needs that may arise. The continuity of services is crucial, mainly in the mountain area where our facilities are located, and where we receive over 300,000 visits a year”.

Hernández also emphasized that this allocation of funds is important "so that our facilities always remain in compliance with the regulations and quality standards that characterize us”.

Meanwhile, the executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, highlighted one of the projects being developed at Centro Médico in Cayey, for the acquisition and installation of a combined heat and power system that would provide backup electricity, as well as a facility to treat and store water. 

“At COR3, we are working closely with hospital institutions to provide them with systems that increase their resilience in the event of any emergency or disaster. Recently, we also announced other projects for the development of power generation and water storage systems. In this way, we are providing redundancy of services for patients, the sector that needs our immediate attention in the event of a disaster,” said Laboy Rivera.

To date, FEMA has obligated over $32 billion for over 10,900 Hurricane María recovery projects. Of these funds, over $7.4 billion is earmarked for repairing public buildings and equipment that provide a variety of services across the island.

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.

Mennonite General Hospital, Cayey, Puerto Rico

CAYEY, Puerto Rico (March 1st, 2024) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded nearly $14 million to the Mennonite General Hospital for repairs to its facilities in Aguas Buenas, Cayey, Cidra and Guayama. One of the projects being developed at Centro Médico in Cayey is for the acquisition and installation of a combined heat and power system that would provide backup electricity, as well as a facility to treat and store water. Photo Fema / Eliezer Hernández

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:36

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Wyoming's Happy Jack Fire

DENVER – This afternoon FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Happy Jack Fire burning in Laramie County, Wyoming, near the city of Cheyenne.

FEMA Region 8 Administrator Nancy Dragani approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the request this afternoon and determining that the fire threatened such destruction that it would constitute a major disaster. 

At the time of the request, the Happy Jack Fire had burned more than 4000 acres and was threatening homes in and around Cheyenne, Wyoming. The fire is also threatening 380 other structures including buildings, infrastructure, utilities, equipment and a watershed in the area. Mandatory evacuations are underway for approximately 50 homes. 

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 Fri, 03/01/2024 - 22:36

One Week Left to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

Rhode Islanders affected by the severe storms that took place Sept. 10-13, 2023, have until March 7 to apply for federal disaster assistance. FEMA assistance can provide grants for home repair and other essential disaster-related expenses.

As of February 28, more than $3.2 million in federal assistance has been approved. This total includes:

• $2,362,240 in FEMA Assistance 
• $2,245,793 for Housing Assistance
• $116,446 for Other Needs Assistance
• $851,000 approved for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations to repair, rebuild or replace disaster-damaged physical property and cover economic injury.

To apply to FEMA, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Language translation services are available. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. FEMA specialists will still be available at the hotline after the application deadline to answer questions. 

Residents who would like to apply in person can visit the Disaster Recovery Center in Johnston, where disaster recovery specialists can also answer questions, help upload documents and refer you to available resources. The address of the Johnston center is:

Johnston Senior Center

1291 Hartford Avenue

Johnston, Rhode Island 02919 

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday- CLOSED. 

The center will cease operations at the end of day on March 7. 

FEMA may refer you to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a long-term, low-interest disaster loan. SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. SBA provides these disaster loans to businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters to help them recover. If you are referred to SBA, you are not required to take out a loan, but if you don’t fill out the application, you may not be eligible for certain FEMA grants. 

Those would like to apply directly to SBA can do so at SBA.gov/disaster or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955. Email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v= WZGpWI2RCNw.

adrien.urbani Fri, 03/01/2024 - 21:22

Maine Recovery Well Under Way One Month After Declaration

One month after the president issued a federal disaster declaration for the state of Maine for the severe storm and flooding that took place December 17-21, 2023, more than $3.6 million has been approved to help 630 applicants in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford and Somerset counties. Disaster recovery specialists have been in the field, visiting over three dozen communities so far, to make sure affected residents receive all assistance for which they may be eligible. 

As of February 29,  this federal disaster assistance includes:

• $3,190,429 in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
• More than $475,965 in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for replacement of personal property and other serious storm-related needs such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $60,000 for 3 long-term, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations to repair, rebuild or replace disaster-damaged physical property and cover economic injury. 

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) have been visiting to storm-affected neighborhoods in every designated county to help residents apply, identify and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, state and voluntary agencies for additional support. In addition to going door-to-door to homes, businesses and nonprofit organizations, the teams have made sure to reach affected residents during winter community events such as farmer markets, the Roxbury Ice Fishing Derby and the Winter Sled Festival in Skowhegan. 

In total, DSA personnel had 6,547 interactions with residents and visited more than 22,489 households and 1,323 businesses to help survivors apply for assistance. 

In addition, five Disaster Recovery Centers have been opened in affected counties to provide information for residents who would prefer face-to-face assistance in applying to FEMA, updating applications or for follow-up questions. Representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and state agencies are available at DRCs. 

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities and access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology equipment. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please let someone at the DRC know.  Hours are:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Following are DRC locations.

• Kennebec County
  • Manchester Fire Department, 37 Readfield Rd., Manchester
    • This location will close permanently March 4 at 5 p.m.
• Franklin County
  • University of Maine – Roberts Learning Center, 270 Main St., Farmington
• Oxford County 
  • Rumford Municipal Building, 150 River St., Rumford
• Somerset County
  • Somerset County Emergency Operations Center, 4 County Dr., Skowhegan
• Androscoggin County
  • Lewiston Armory, 65 Central Ave., Lewiston

Three ways to apply for FEMA assistance include:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Download the FEMA App; or,
• Call 1-800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or another relay service, give FEMA your number for that service when you call. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.
• The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is April 1, 2024.

adrien.urbani Fri, 03/01/2024 - 20:40

Recovery Mission Hits One Month in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.VA. – One month after President Joe Biden signed a major disaster declaration for Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison, and Kanawha counties, FEMA has now provided flooding survivors with more than $1 million in federal disaster assistance. The work is just beginning. It is a mission closely shared with the state of West Virginia, West Virginia Emergency Management Division, state offices, local governments and community and faith-based organizations that are also fully engaged.

As of March 1, 2024, FEMA has approved more than $1 million to help homeowners and renters with temporary housing in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison, and Kanawha counties following the Aug. 28-30 storms. FEMA also provided $72 thousand to help survivors with storm-related necessities like childcare, storage, disaster medical and dental expenses, and cleaning supplies.

“FEMA and our partners hit the ground running one month ago, and that dedication to helping survivors has paid off: more than $1 million in Individual Assistance is in survivors’ hands,” Federal Coordinating Officer Jeff Jones said. “While it’s exciting to reach these milestones, I want to assure West Virginians that FEMA and the whole disaster recovery community will remain here until the job is done.”

FEMA home inspectors have completed almost 300 inspections, pushing more applications forward for review.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance specialists knocked on approximately 2,800 doors, interacting with more than 1,000 individuals, in an undertaking to meet survivors where they are and answer questions about federal disaster assistance.

FEMA continues to ensure federal support is available to all affected communities, including people with disabilities, people with access or functional needs, and those in underserved populations.

There are also six Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC’s) in the designated counties, which provide one-on-one assistance to survivors. More than 300 survivors and their families have spoken with specialists at a DRC. To find the closest center to you, visit DRC Locator. 

How to Apply to FEMA 

Federal disaster recovery funds may be available for eligible individuals in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison, and Kanawha counties who suffered damage from the Aug. 28-30, 2023, heavy rain event that caused landslides, mudslides, and flooding. 

Residents who sustained storm-related property damage should register with FEMA. To do so, survivors can:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov;
• Download the FEMA mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store; or
• Call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362, open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time with language translation available. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA with your number for that service when you apply.
• Visit one of our Disaster Recovery Centers for a list of locations and more information visit the DRC Locator. 

Impacted residents may be referred to SBA to request a low-interest disaster loan after you submit your FEMA application. Survivors are encouraged to go through the entire process, as this may open the door for additional resources for your recovery. 

FEMA is working closely with the state of West Virginia and the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to support those residents in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Kanawha, and Harrison counties who were impacted by the Aug. 2023 flooding. There are many partners involved, including local and state agencies, nonprofits, voluntary and faith-based organizations, and the private sector, to assist in survivor recovery.

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, 03/01/2024 - 20:26

A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Calhoun County Will Close Permanently on March 2, 2024

Charleston, W.Va.– A state-federal Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Calhoun County will close permanently on March 2, 2024, at 5 p.m.

Residents of all counties can continue to visit other DRCs in West Virginia. To locate a center, check the FEMA app or visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

Survivors can meet face to face with FEMA specialists at the following centers until they close permanently.

The center is located at:

 Calhoun DRC Closing Permanently on March 2, 2024

80 Spring Run Rd., Arnoldsburg, WV 25234 

Closing at 5 p.m. on March 2, 2024

West Virginians can also visit disasterassistance.gov/ for help with registration and updating their application or can 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.

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 Thu, 02/29/2024 - 22:48

Deadline for West Virginians in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison, and Kanawha Counties to Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance is March 6, 2024

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Individuals living or working in these five West Virginia counties who became unemployed due to the severe storms may apply for federal unemployment benefits. Claims must be filed by March 6, 2024.

The DUA benefits are available to individuals who are not eligible for regular state unemployment insurance and self-employed workers, including farmers. People who apply must provide proof of past earnings, such as business records or bank statements and income tax forms, no more than 21 days after the application has been filed.

Unemployed individuals due to the August 28, 2023, severe storms must contact WorkForce West Virginia by sending an email to ucpolicy@wv.gov or by calling 304-558-3340 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Individuals eligible for DUA benefits include:

• Individuals who are unable to reach their job or self-employment location because they must travel through the affected area and are prevented from doing so by the disaster
• Individuals who were to commence employment or self-employment but were prevented by the disaster 
• Individuals who cannot work or perform services in self-employment because of an injury caused as a direct result of the disaster.

Unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster if the unemployment resulted from:

• The physical damage or destruction of the place of employment
• The physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to its closure by the federal, state or local government in immediate response to the disaster
• Lack of work, or loss of revenues, if, prior to the disaster, the employer or self-employed business received at least a majority of its revenue or income from an entity in the major disaster area that was damaged or destroyed in the disaster or an entity in the major disaster area closed by the federal, state or local government.

In addition to helping file a DUA claim, WorkForce West Virginia offers reemployment services, including resume services, job search assistance and job placement. For more information or to report fraud, call 1-800-252-JOBS (5627).

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 Thu, 02/29/2024 - 22:30

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in San Diego County

San Diego, Calif. – The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the County of San Diego and FEMA, along with state and local partners, will open Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in San Diego County starting Friday,

March 1, 2024. These temporary facilities are set up to help survivors recover from the severe storm and flooding from Jan. 21-23, 2024.

Survivors have through April 19, 2024 to apply for assistance. Immigration status checks are not available at the DRCs.

All centers operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, seven days a week unless otherwise noted.

Mountainview Community Center
641 South Boundary Street
San Diego, CA 92113

Spring Valley Library
836 Kempton Street
Spring Valley, CA 91977

DRCs provide disaster survivors with information from California state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. At a DRC, survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, updating applications and learning about other available resources.

Each DRC is accessible to people with disabilities. Assistive technology equipment is available to help disaster survivors interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is also available, and the centers have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms. If you need accommodations to communicate, please notify FEMA staff at the center immediately.

If you need ASL support at a DRC, please contact Aaron Kubey aaron.kubey@fema.dhs.gov in advance to schedule a date and time for an ASL interpreter to meet you there.

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Survivors can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT daily. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS),
Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in San Diego County captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest FEMA information on the Jan. 21-23, 2024 San Diego County severe storms and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4758. 
 

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

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

brandi.richard… Thu, 02/29/2024 - 20:44