FEMA News

Disaster Recovery Center Reopening in Manchester

The former center at the Manchester Fire Department, 37 Readfield Rd., Manchester, ME, will reopen March 22, and will be open through April 1. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Sundays.

If you live in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford or Somerset counties and were affected by the severe storms and flooding from December 17-21, 2023, you can visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents needed for your application and get answers to questions in person. Centers have representatives available from FEMA, the state of Maine and the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

There are several other 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 Mon, 03/25/2024 - 17:46

FEMA Awards Over $74.4 Million to PREPA for Repairs to the Aguirre Transmission Center

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded over $74.4 million to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to undertake the second phase of repairs at the Aguirre Transmission Center in Salinas. 

Part of the work in this second phase includes building high-voltage electrical interconnectivity zones to connect renewable energy projects. 

“This obligation is an important step for renewing Puerto Rico's electric grid into a robust, reliable and resilient system. The Aguirre Transmission Center is one of the country’s main power generation centers and these funds will help modernize it and increase its energy production,” said FEMA’s Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

The second phase of repairs also includes upgrades to the power protection, control and monitoring systems, the acquisition of one emergency generator and the replacement of several transformers. In 2022, FEMA allocated over $35 million to start the first phase of repairs to increase the capacity and operational stability of the complex. 

The Aguirre Transmission Center is one of the four most important plants in Puerto Rico’s power generation network, with a maximum generating capacity of 1,500 megawatts.

The funds to the Aguirre Power Plant are part of nearly $9.5 billion under FEMA’s Accelerated Award Strategy, known as FAASt, approved in September 2020 to repair the island's electric power generation, transmission and distribution system.

The executive director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, said that “as part of the transformation of the electrical grid, this obligation for the execution of the second phase of the work at the Aguirre Power Plant in Salinas will integrate new energy technologies, which supports the transition necessary to comply with Act 17-2019 created by the Government of Puerto Rico, with the purpose of increasing the Renewable Energy Portfolio to reach 100% by 2050.”

To date, the federal agency has awarded $9.9 billion to PREPA for permanent projects to repair damage caused by Hurricane María; and nearly $8.8 million for permanent projects that will address the reconstruction following the 2020 Earthquakes.

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.

Aguirre Transmission Center, Salinas, PR

SALINAS, Puerto Rico (March 3, 2023) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded over $74.4 million to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to undertake the second phase of repairs at the Aguirre Transmission Center in Salinas. Part of the work in this second phase includes building high-voltage electrical interconnectivity zones to connect renewable energy projects. Photo FEMA

frances.acevedo-pico Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:58

Two Weeks Left to Apply: Deadline is April 8

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 two weeks left to apply for federal assistance. 

The deadline to apply with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration is Monday, 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.

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

Macomb County: Chesterfield Township Fire Department Central Station, 33991 23 Mile Road, Chesterfield, MI 48047.

Wayne County (South East): Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus​, 21000 Northline Road, Taylor, MI 48180. This center closes at 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Kent County:   Henze Community Center in the Alpine Twp. Fire Station #1, 1100 Henze St. NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321.

Wayne County (Detroit): Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort St., Detroit, MI 48217.

Wayne County (South East): Gibraltar City Hall, 29450 Munro St., Gibraltar, MI 48173.

Wayne County (Detroit): Butzel Family Recreation Center, 7737 Kercheval Ave., Detroit, MI 48214.

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 August storms with uninsured or under-insured losses are encouraged to apply for federal assistance before the April 8 deadline, if they haven’t done so already. 

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

kirsten.chambers Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:19

Two Disaster Recovery Centers Set to Open at 8 a.m., March 25

LANSING, Mich. – Two Disaster Recovery Centers in Comstock Park and Detroit are set to open at 8 a.m., Monday, March 25, 2024, at the following locations:

Kent County:

Henze Community Center in the Alpine Twp. Fire Station #1

1100 Henze St. NW 

Comstock Park, MI 49321

 

Wayne County (Detroit):

Butzel Family Recreation Center

7737 Kercheval Ave.

Detroit, MI 48214

 

Regular operating hours for the recovery centers are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. All centers are closed Sundays. 

To find locations of all open recovery centers, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. You may visit any center for assistance.

You don’t need to visit a recovery center to apply for FEMA assistance or to check on the status of your application. The easiest way to reach FEMA is to call the toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to help you apply, answer your questions and provide referrals to resources. Language translation is 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. You also may go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA App.

The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is April 8, 2024.

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

kirsten.chambers Mon, 03/25/2024 - 13:50

Home Inspections Are an Important Step for FEMA Assistance

San Diego, Calif. — The home inspection is a critical step in the FEMA application process. Failure to meet with the home inspector prevents the application from moving forward. Home Inspectors can verify ownership and identify items in a home that may make you eligible for assistance. If survivors have already cleaned up or made repairs, they can share documentation and pictures with the inspector to verify the damage from the Jan. 21-23, 2024, severe storm and flooding. 

After applying for FEMA assistance, FEMA may call survivors to schedule an appointment to inspect the damage to their home. This call may come from an unknown or restricted phone number — it is important that survivors answer this call so that applications can move forward.

FEMA Home Inspectors 

FEMA inspectors carry an official FEMA photo ID. If a badge is not visible, survivors can ask the inspector to show it. 

FEMA inspectors will already have the survivor’s nine-digit registration number and will never ask for money. 

Don’t give banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector: FEMA inspectors are not authorized to collect financial information or ask for a Social Security number. 

If a FEMA inspector comes to a survivor’s home and the homeowner did not submit a FEMA application, the survivor’s personal identity information may have been used to apply without their knowledge. If so, survivors need to inform the inspector that they did not apply so the inspector can submit a request to stop further processing of the application. 

If a survivor suspects identity theft, submit a report at IdentityTheft.gov.

If survivors have questions about whether someone is representing FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT, Monday – Sunday. 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 call. 

Language translation and ASL interpreters will be available at the survivors’ request to ensure effective communication to survivors whose primary language is not English, and survivors who are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing. 

To watch an accessible video about FEMA home inspections, visit FEMA Accessible: Home Inspections - YouTube.

Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT. Multilingual operators are available when registering for assistance by phone. If you use a relay service,
such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

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 (TTY
800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA
with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

camille.schuetze Sat, 03/23/2024 - 19:19

Less Than a Month Remains to Apply for FEMA Assistance Following January Flooding

San Diego, Calif. — Homeowners and renters in San Diego County who suffered damage from the severe storm and flooding event between Jan. 21-23, 2024, may be eligible for financial assistance for temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related expenses. To see if you are eligible for disaster recovery funds, you need to apply by April 19, 2024.

Apply in Person

FEMA and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, along with other state and local partners, are operating two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to meet one-on-one with disaster survivors.
At a DRC, survivors can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, updating applications, and learning about other available resources. Survivors have through April 19, 2024 to apply for assistance.

Both centers operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, daily unless otherwise noted.

Mountain View Community Center 

641 South Boundary Street

San Diego, CA 92113
 

Spring Valley Library 

836 Kempton Street 

Spring Valley, CA 91977

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.
For people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) and for whom American Sign Language (ASL) is your primary or preferred language, use your videophone-enabled device to call 1-800-985-5990 or click on “ASL Now” to be connected with a DDH crisis worker fluent in ASL.

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.

Three Ways to Apply from Home

Apply online at 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), 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.

SBA disaster assistance loans

Survivors who applied for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA disaster loans may cover losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other sources. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA disaster loan. However, completing the application may make you eligible for other FEMA assistance, such as disaster related car repairs, essential household items, and other expenses.

Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or working capital (Economic Injury Disaster Loans). Homeowners may borrow up to $500,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Applicants may apply online 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 on SBA disaster assistance. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

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.
Disaster Recovery Centers are protected areas designated to provide emergency response and relief for disaster survivors. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection do not conduct enforcement operations at or near these locations, except in limited circumstances such as an imminent risk of death, violence, or physical harm.
Additionally, FEMA will not proactively share the personal information of flood survivors with immigration or law enforcement agencies.

If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 (TTY 800-462- 7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

camille.schuetze Sat, 03/23/2024 - 03:17

Two Disaster Recovery Centers Set to Open March 25; Two Others to Close March 23

LANSING, Mich. – Two more Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open at 8 a.m., Monday, March 25, in Kent and Wayne (Detroit) counties 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. The locations of the centers will be announced soon.

The deadline to apply for assistance is Monday, April 8, 2024.

The recovery centers in Oakland and Ionia counties will close permanently at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23. 

Regular operating hours for the recovery centers are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, except for the Wayne County (South East) center in Taylor, which closes at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. All centers are closed Sundays. 

The centers closing March 23 are at these locations:

Oakland County:

South Lyon City Hall

335 S. Warren St.   

South Lyon, MI 48178

Ionia County:

Boston Township Hall​

30 Center St. 

Saranac, MI 48881

To find locations of all open recovery centers, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. You may visit any center for assistance.

You don’t need to visit a recovery center to apply for FEMA assistance or to check on the status of your application. The easiest way to reach FEMA is to call the toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to help you apply, answer your questions and provide referrals to resources. Language translation is 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. You also may go online to DisasterAssistance.govor download the FEMA App.

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

kirsten.chambers Fri, 03/22/2024 - 20:17

More Than $300 Million in Federal Assistance Provided to Eligible Typhoon Mawar Survivors on Guam

Now, more than 10 months after Typhoon Mawar devastated the island territory, Guam residents continue down their road to recovery with the help of federal funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration and FEMA. To date, more than $324 million in low interest disaster loans from the SBA and direct disaster assistance through FEMA have flowed into communities to help jumpstart the recovery process.

Small Business Administration:

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $253 million in low-interest disaster loans. The SBA is the number one source of federal disaster recovery funding. Through low-interest disaster loans the SBA provides recovery loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters.
For homeowners and renters, the SBA has approved 2,342 disaster loans totaling nearly $210.1 million dollars. These loans can be used to repair or replace a survivor’s disaster damaged home and personal property. Additionally, 240 businesses and private non-profits have been approved for loans totaling more than $40 million. These funds will help these businesses and organizations recover by replacing real estate, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets.

Individuals and Households Program

As of March 11, 2024

When it comes to FEMA assistance, more than 19,000 homeowners and renters have been approved for more than $70 million in federal awards through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. Unlike SBA loans, this money does not have to be paid back.

This includes:
More than $20 million in repair and replacement assistance to help survivors rebuild, or make basic repairs to make their home safe, sanitary, and functional and provide funds to owners whose primary residences were destroyed due to Typhoon Mawar.

More than $19.5 million in rental assistance was provided to more than 6,048 applicants. FEMA rental assistance is intended to help survivors pay for somewhere to live while they repair or rebuild their disaster damaged home. FEMA awards eligible applicants an initial Rental Assistance payment based on the Fair Market Rent established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for where their pre-disaster residence is located and the number of bedrooms the household requires.

Other Needs Assistance

Other Needs Assistance provides financial assistance for disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs that are not covered by insurance or provided by any other source. More than $30.9 million in ONA has been awarded to Guam survivors.

This includes: 
Critical needs assistance, transportation assistance, personal property assistance, moving and storage, disaster related medical and dental assistance and money to clean and sanitize a disaster damaged home.

The application period has closed as of July 28, 2023. To provide updates on your application, submit new information or ask questions; call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 from 10 p.m. through 2 p.m. CHST the following day.

Download the FEMA mobile app.

For the latest FEMA information visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4715

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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.

jonte.deleon Fri, 03/22/2024 - 05:12

Remember to Use FEMA Funds Wisely

San Diego, Calif. — Disaster assistance is intended to help residents pay for necessities lost due to the Jan. 21-23, 2024, San Diego County severe storm and flooding. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and if a survivor’s application is approved as eligible, they may receive a payment. A letter explaining what the payment is to be used for arrives along with the payment.

As eligible disaster survivors start to receive funds for rental assistance, home repairs, or other categories of assistance, be assured federal disaster assistance funds are tax-free. FEMA’s notification letter will inform survivors of the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. Survivors are expected to use assistance funds only for their intended purpose. Not doing so can compromise future assistance eligibility.

FEMA will send survivors a notification letter informing them of the types of assistance they are eligible to receive, and the amounts of assistance FEMA is providing for each eligible need. These may include:

• Repairs to make a home safe, sanitary, and fit to live in.
• Rental assistance to temporarily pay for a place to stay.
• Repair or replacement of a disaster-damaged essential vehicle.
• Medical care for an injury caused by the disaster.
• Replacing clothing, occupational tools and educational materials.
• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster.
• Replacing medical equipment.

Federal law prohibits FEMA from duplicating assistance that is available from other sources such as insurance.

If money is not used as described above, survivors may be asked to repay FEMA and may become ineligible for further federal assistance that could become available.

FEMA funds are not to be used for travel, entertainment, or any expenses not related to the disaster. Survivors should keep receipts for three years to show how they spent FEMA grants and document how disaster funds were used.

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 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

camille.schuetze Thu, 03/21/2024 - 23:45

Michigan Survivors: Be Alert for Fraud and Scams

LANSING, Mich. – Disasters often bring out criminals looking to prey on survivors who appear to be easy targets for their scams, even months after a disaster has occurred.
 

Survivors of the Aug. 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding should continue to be aware that fraud and scams can occur anytime. FEMA encourages survivors to be alert and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud by scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals.
 

If you suspect fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement involving disaster relief, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.

Scam artists may pose as government officials, aid workers, charitable organizations, or insurance employees. You should never trust anyone who claims to be a disaster assistance employee and asks for money. Local and federal disaster assistance workers do not ask for or accept money.
 

All FEMA representatives wear a photo ID badge. Ask to see the badge to verify the identity of the person wearing it. A FEMA shirt is not absolute proof of identity.
 

If you have questions about whether someone is representing FEMA, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.  Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you call.
 

FEMA home inspectors are still working in the affected counties to assist with recovery efforts. FEMA inspectors will already have your nine-digit registration number, and will never ask for money, banking information or your Social Security number.

If an inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used to apply without your knowledge. If so, inform the inspector that you did not apply, and they will submit a request to stop further processing of the application.
 

FEMA recommends you monitor your credit report for any accounts or charges you do not recognize. If you discover someone is using your information, you will need to take additional steps, including filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission through its website: IdentityTheft.gov.
 

When you rebuild, always use licensed and bonded contractors. Ask for credentials before you hire, and never pay for work in advance. FEMA does not have “approved” contractors. Beware of contractors who say they’re affiliated with FEMA: FEMA does not endorse any business, product or service. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand, or contracts with blank spaces.

To watch an accessible video about disaster fraud, visit FEMA Accessible: Beware Scam Artists (Open Captioned) - YouTube.
 

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

kirsten.chambers Thu, 03/21/2024 - 20:31

FEMA Awards $10 Million to Rebuild Lahaina’s Public Library FEMA Awards $10 Million to Rebuild Lahaina’s Public Library

More than $332 million approved for infrastructure, emergency response projects.

HONOLULU – For 67 years, the Lahaina Public Library stood on the site of a former royal taro patch belonging to King Kamehameha III. The wildfires on Maui destroyed the 4,540-square-foot building on Wharf Street. 

Today, a new library -- part of the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System -- is on the horizon. 

FEMA’s Public Assistance program has awarded $9.9 million toward the estimated $12.6 million cost of the library project. The remaining costs will be covered by insurance proceeds and contributions from the state.

This funding from Public Assistance, FEMA’s largest grant program, makes the library reconstruction possible – along with 131 other projects totaling more than $332 million as of March 19.

The FEMA program provides assistance to help communities responding to and recovering from major presidential disasters or emergencies. Public Assistance funding is available to help pay for emergency services to save lives and protect property, for debris removal and for projects to permanently restore community infrastructure damaged or destroyed in a presidentially declared disaster.  

Because Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program, FEMA reimburses Hawaiʻi applicants 90% of the eligible costs. The remaining 10% represents nonfederal funds. 

In Hawaiʻi, the federal share is awarded to the state to disburse to eligible applicants, which are state and local agencies and certain private nonprofit organizations that requested funding to help recover expenses inflicted by the disaster.

The president approved the major disaster declaration two days after the Aug. 8 wildfires swept across Maui.

Altogether, the Public Assistance program has received proposals for 132 large and small projects from state and local officials and nonprofit organizations. The total cost of these recovery projects is expected to exceed $600 million. 

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

nicole.timonshipman Thu, 03/21/2024 - 18:30

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Maine

WASHINGTON-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Maine to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding on Jan. 9-13, 2024. 

The president’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington and York counties. 

Federal funding also is available to state, tribal 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 the severe storms and flooding in Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington and York counties.

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

Robert V. Fogel has been named the 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 assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

amy.ashbridge Thu, 03/21/2024 - 15:32

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Rhode Island

WASHINGTON-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Rhode Island to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding on Jan. 9-13, 2024. 

The president’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Kent, Providence and Washington counties. 

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

Robert V. Fogel has been named the 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 assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

amy.ashbridge Thu, 03/21/2024 - 14:57

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Rhode Island

WASHINGTON-- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Rhode Island to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe storm and flooding on Dec. 17-19, 2023. 

The president’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Kent, Providence and Washington counties. 

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

Robert V. Fogel has been named the 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 assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

amy.ashbridge Thu, 03/21/2024 - 14:51

WV Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Will Be Closed Wednesday, March 20, 2024, and Reopen Thursday, March 21

CHARLESTON, W.Va.– The state-federal Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Clay County will close early on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, and open two hours late on Thursday, March 21, due to forecast inclement weather. 

The Mobile Disaster Recovery Center closed at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. It will reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024.

The center is located at:

1. Clay County Disaster Recovery Center

223 Main Street Clay, WV 25043

Hours of operation:

Closed Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Reopening 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, 2024

Centers in Harrison and Kanawha counties will remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.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 Wed, 03/20/2024 - 19:11

FEMA Awards $6.7 Million for Native Village of Newtok Relocation Efforts

BOTHELL, Wash. – FEMA has awarded $6,768,114.23 for the Native Village of Newtok in Alaska as part of their efforts to relocate their entire village to a new site. This grant will allow the village to acquire 36 homes and provide families with the funds to move to a safer location.     

Newtok, located on the Ninglick River, has faced progressive coastal erosion from ocean storms and degrading permafrost that has threatened homes and critical infrastructure. The community currently faces a rate of erosion of approximately 70 feet per year, with Typhoon Merbok in September 2022 exacerbating conditions and leaving less than 30 feet between the river and the Newtok School, the community’s only emergency shelter. Studies have concluded that the only solution is to move the entire village to a new site. Mertarvik, the site of the new village, is located approximately nine miles across the Ninglick River from Newtok.

“The residents and leaders of Newtok have undertaken a monumental effort as they tackle the impacts of climate change on their community,” said FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn. “This funding forms just one part of our collaborative partnership with the community to provide the resources needed to help them secure their future for generations to come.”

"We appreciate FEMA for this opportunity; it's bittersweet, but it's for the better for the community,” said Calvin Tom, Tribal Administrator. “Relocation has been in talks as far as I can remember, and it’s happening before our eyes. Climate change has impacted the people of Newtok. It’s a new beginning for our people."

The funding was awarded as part of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program which provides funding to state, local, tribal and territorial governments so they can develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild in a way that reduces, or mitigates, future disaster losses in their communities. The subgrant will be managed by Newtok Village Council in partnership with the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

The Native Village of Newtok was also recently selected to receive $25 million to support their relocation efforts as part of the Voluntary Community-Driven Relocation program, an effort led by the Department of the Interior in partnership with FEMA, the Denali Commission, and other federal agencies. Learn more about FEMA Efforts Advancing Community-Driven Relocation | FEMA.gov. 

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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 Wed, 03/20/2024 - 19:08

Ten Key Facts to Know About Federal Disaster Assistance

LANSING, Mich. – Federal assistance can help Michiganders in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties recover from the Aug. 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. 

Here are 10 facts to know about the help that may be available to you:

1. You won’t be taking money away from someone else by applying. FEMA will distribute funds to every eligible applicant regardless of how many people apply.
2. FEMA assistance is available to homeowners and renters, including owners and renters of mobile homes.
3. Eligible homeowners and renters will receive FEMA assistance as grants that do not have to be repaid. 
4. You can apply for FEMA assistance before your insurance claim processes. However, once you receive a settlement, make sure to report it to FEMA. FEMA can’t duplicate benefits from other sources, so we need to see what your insurance covers before we can process your application.
5. FEMA assistance is nontaxable, and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal or state benefits.

6. You can ask questions and get in-person one-on-one help applying for assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center. 6 centers are currently open:

   Chesterfield Township Fire Department Central Station, 33991 23 Mile Road, Chesterfield, MI 48047.

   Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus, 21000 Northline Road, Taylor, MI 48180. This center closes at 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

   Boston Township Hall, 30 Center St., Saranac, MI 48881. Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23.

   Gibraltar City Hall, 29450 Munro St., Gibraltar, MI 48173. 

   Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort St, Detroit, MI 48217.

   South Lyon City Hall, 355 S. Warren St., South Lyon, MI 48178. Closing permanently 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23.

   For current locations and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.

7. If your insurance is delayed by 30 days or more and you need money to relocate immediately, FEMA may be able to help. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. 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 call. Unlike normal FEMA grants, this type of assistance must be repaid once you get your insurance.
8. If your car was damaged by the disaster, you may be eligible for money to repair or replace it. Apply with FEMA first, then, if referred, submit a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan application to determine eligibility. 
9. If FEMA refers you to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), you should apply. SBA’s long-term, low-interest disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds. Applying allows FEMA to evaluate you for more types of aid. SBA may be able to increase your loan amount by up to 20 percent of your damage so you can make improvements to make your home safer. To learn more, visit SBA.gov/disaster.
10. Calling 211 or applying for assistance through another organization or agency does not automatically register you with FEMA. To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

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

kirsten.chambers Wed, 03/20/2024 - 18:18

Two Weeks Left to File for Flood Insurance Through the Claims Office

SANTA FE, N.M. – The deadline to file a claim for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance is April 1.  Individuals and businesses impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire have just two more weeks to submit a claim. Claims for flood insurance submitted after April 1 will not be accepted.

The FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is making five years of flood insurance available to individuals and business impacted by the fire. To receive a federal National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy, you must submit a claim for flood insurance no later than April 1. There is a 30-day mandatory waiting period for all new NFIP policies. Submitting a claim for flood insurance coverage by April 1 will help to ensure coverage goes into effect before spring snow melt and monsoon season begin. 

People have two options for obtaining flood insurance through the Claims Office:

• The Claims Office can pay up to five-years of flood insurance coverage through the NFIP. There are no out of pocket expenses, the Claims Office will pay for the premium directly. 
• You can be reimbursed for a policy you purchased through either the NFIP or a private insurance company after the fire.

Eligible claimants include:

• Households that were not required to carry flood insurance prior to the start of the fire on April 6, 2022. 
• Properties located in NFIP-participating communities in Mora and San Miguel counties.
• Properties outside of Mora and San Miguel counties but in proximity to the burn scar may be eligible on a case-by-case basis if they can demonstrate an increased risk of flooding.

If your property was required to carry flood insurance before the fire, you are not eligible to obtain flood insurance through the Claims Office. If your community is not an NFIP participating community, you are only eligible to be reimbursed for flood insurance purchased through the private market. To find out if your community is a participating NFIP community contact your Navigator or call the Helpline at 505-995-7133.

If you have already submitted a Notice of Loss and would like to discuss eligibility for a new flood insurance policy, reach out to your navigator to discuss options. 

If you have not yet submitted a Notice of Loss but would like to discuss your eligibility for a flood insurance policy through the Claims Office, you may call the Claims Office Helpline, 505-995-7133, or reach out by email, fema-hermits-peak@fema.dhs.gov.

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.

erika.suzuki Wed, 03/20/2024 - 18:00

FEMA and SBA Assistance Tops $105.3 Million for Michigan Storm Survivors

LANSING, Mich. – A little over one month since President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for the state of Michigan following the Aug. 24-26, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, more than $105.3 million in federal assistance has been provided by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration to support disaster recovery. 

Homeowners and renters whose homes and property were damaged by the storms, and who still need to apply for federal assistance, have until April 8, 2024, to do so.

As of March 19, Michigan’s recovery assistance includes:

• More than $103.1 million in FEMA’s Individual and Households Program (IHP) grants awarded to eligible homeowners and renters in nine Michigan counties. These grants help pay for uninsured and underinsured losses and storm-related damage, including:
  • More than $83.1 million in FEMA housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.
  • More than $19.9 million in Other Needs Assistance grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs—such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses.
• More than $2.2 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the SBA for homeowners and renters to help repair, rebuild or replace disaster-damaged physical property and to cover economic injury for businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations. 

The nine Michigan counties designated for Individual Assistance in this disaster are: Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne.

The state and FEMA have staffed and operated 15 Disaster Recovery Centers in the nine designated counties that provide one-on-one assistance to survivors. The centers have tallied more than 1,270 visits by survivors.  

Recovery specialists from FEMA, state and the U.S. Small Business Administration at the recovery centers provide information on available services, explain assistance programs, and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications for assistance. No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Walk-ins are welcome. All centers are open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. All centers are closed Sundays.

To find locations of all open recovery centers, visit FEMA.gov/DRC. You may visit any center for assistance.

You don’t need to visit a recovery center to apply for FEMA assistance or to check on the status of your application. The easiest way to reach FEMA is to call the toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to help you apply, answer your questions and provide referrals to resources. Language translation is 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. You also may go online to DisasterAssistance.govor download the FEMA App.

• FEMA has sent Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams to storm-affected neighborhoods in every designated county. These teams travel door-to-door in hard-hit neighborhoods helping survivors apply for assistance. DSA teams visit homes, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to help residents apply for assistance, identify, and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, state, and voluntary agencies for additional support.
  • These teams provide information on resources available from federal and state governments, nonprofit organizations, and the faith-based community to help address immediate needs.
  • To date, DSA personnel have interacted with more than 8,860 survivors; and have helped more than 33,610 households apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. They visited more than 930 businesses and 1,400 community locations. FEMA is working to remove barriers to assistance, ensuring all survivors have equal access to disaster aid and resources.

No one’s background or primary language is a barrier to receiving FEMA financial assistance. FEMA offers help in many languages available through our call centers to assist caseworkers and processing staff to provide customer service to non-English speaking applicants. Call the toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

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

darrell.habisch Wed, 03/20/2024 - 11:53

West Virginians Have Less Than Two Weeks to Apply for Disaster Assistance

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Renters and homeowners in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison and Kanawha counties who were affected by the Aug. 28-30, 2023, severe storms and flooding have two weeks to apply for assistance. MONDAY, APRIL 1 IS THE LAST DAY TO APPLY.

FEMA has many kinds of assistance to fit many kinds of needs. People with losses after the Aug. 28-30, 2023, severe storms and flooding should think about applying.

Here is how to register:

• Visit your nearest Disaster Recovery Center.  Find that center by calling 800-621-3362 or going online to www.fema.gov/drc
• Call 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video relay services) or 800-462-7585 for TTY users
• Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov
  1. Disaster Loans Application Deadline

FEMA grants can meet basic needs but cannot compensate for all losses. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits.

APRIL 1 ALSO IS THE PHYSICAL DAMAGE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR LOW-INTEREST DISASTER LOANS from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These flexible loans help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations fund repair, rebuild, and help cover the cost of replacing destroyed or damaged real estate and personal property, beyond insurance settlements or FEMA grants.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also apply online via SBA’s secure website at http://www.sba.gov/disaster or in person at the nearest Disaster Recovery Center. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

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 Tue, 03/19/2024 - 20:19