News from FEMA

An RSS feed with up to the minute announcements and information from FEMA.

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

WASHINGTON ­– FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Washington to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storm, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides for the period of Nov. 3-8, 2022. 

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities for Clallam, Island, Jefferson, Lewis, Okanogan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish and Wahkiakum counties.

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

David G. Gervino has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 01/12/2023 - 23:23
Deadline Jan. 13: Help Design Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Process
Deadline Jan. 13: Help Design Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Process

SANTA FE, NM – There’s still time to add your voice along with other New Mexico residents who have already submitted their ideas online and at six public meetings.

The public comment period remains open through Jan. 13 for you to provide feedback on the process to implement the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act. It’s your opportunity to give input on the interim regulations if you want your ideas and concerns to shape the final regulations.

You can review the regulations and submit your comments online by visiting regulations.gov and typing in FEMA-2022-0037 in the search bar at the top of the screen where it says, “Search for dockets and documents on agency actions.” You can also see comments that have already been submitted.

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act provides compensation for those impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire. Compensation may cover eligible losses, including personal injury, loss of property, business loss or financial loss.

FEMA’s Interim Final Rule guides the claims process and describes necessary documentation, evaluation criteria and compensation available for those impacted by the fire and subsequent flooding. The rule also provides additional guidance for appeal rights, arbitration and judicial review.

Don’t pass up this chance to make your contribution. The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Claims Office will use your comments to shape the final regulations, but you must submit them by Jan. 13.

For more information, visit fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak.

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 01/12/2023 - 16:31
Help Approved for 10 Additional California Counties
Help Approved for 10 Additional California Counties

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The White House announced an Amendment to the Emergency Declaration today authorizing FEMA to extend Direct Federal Assistance to 10 additional counties in California.

The declaration provides assistance for emergency protective measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe as the state and tribal nations endure waves of bad weather.

The addition of Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kings, Lake, Madera, Mono, San Benito, San Francisco, and Tulare, brings the total to 41 of the states 58 counties.

This amendment was a result of ongoing damage assessments conducted at the request of the state, which are ongoing.

The additional 10 counties join Colusa, Glenn, Humboldt, Marin, Orange, San Diego, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Solano, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo, Yuba, El Dorado, Los Angeles, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Stanislaus, and Ventura counties which were designated earlier this week.

The Emergency Declaration authorizes FEMA to identify and task federal agencies to mobilize federal equipment, supplies and resources requested by the state to perform emergency protective measures in identified counties.

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) 711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.

robert.barker Thu, 01/12/2023 - 16:06
FEMA Announces Special Consideration for Temporary Housing Units in Special Flood Hazard Areas
FEMA Announces Special Consideration for Temporary Housing Units in Special Flood Hazard Areas

LAKE MARY, Fla. – After reviewing in-depth analysis and evaluations, FEMA recognizes Special Flood Hazard Areas may be the only feasible option to place temporary housing units in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee and Sarasota counties. FEMA never places manufactured housing units or travel trailers in a Special Flood Hazard Area as a first option; instead, this is only done after all other practicable options have been exhausted within a community approved for direct housing and with the approval of state and local officials.

Special Flood Hazard Areas are identified as having special flood, mudflow or flood-related erosion hazards. FEMA will not place Temporary Housing Units in a Coastal High Hazard Area or in a floodway. A floodway is an area subject to high water velocity flow in riverine areas. Based on analyses of environmental, historic and geographic factors, FEMA will determine the feasibility of each location before placing Temporary Housing Units in Special Flood Hazard Areas. FEMA must follow local codes and standards when placing Temporary Housing Units.

FEMA also implements measures to minimize the effect of floods on human health, safety, and welfare when placing a Temporary Housing Unit in a Special Flood Hazard Area. These measures include, but are not limited to:

  • Sufficiently installing and anchoring all Temporary Housing Units in place.
  • Educating and informing occupants of flood risks.
  • Evaluating each occupant’s unique needs that may influence the ability to evacuate. For example, the number of older adults assigned to the temporary housing community, small children and people with disabilities or other access and functional needs are all factors considered when determining candidates for temporary housing in a Special Flood Hazard Area.

The use of travel trailers and manufactured housing units are among several temporary housing solutions FEMA may provide Hurricane Ian survivors who cannot safely return to their storm—damaged home. Other options include direct lease and multifamily lease and repair. For Direct Lease, FEMA leases existing ready-for-occupancy housing. Multifamily lease and repair is a program in which FEMA enters into lease agreements with owners of multifamily rental properties and makes repairs to existing vacant apartments to provide temporary housing for survivors.

FEMA temporary housing solutions also include rental assistance, home repair and home replacement assistance.

For many survivors, insurance may cover damage and loss. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits. FEMA funding is intended to cover basic needs for those who don’t have insurance or lack adequate insurance to cover basic necessities after suffering damage and loss from a disaster like Hurricane Ian.

FEMA continues to coordinate with state and local emergency management, local floodplain administrators and building officials to best serve the housing needs of Hurricane Ian survivors.

bree-constance… Thu, 01/12/2023 - 13:36
Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Jackson County, Arkansas, Ready for Public View
Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Jackson County, Arkansas, Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the cities of Campbell Station, Diaz, Newport and Tupelo; the towns of Jacksonport and Weldon; and unincorporated areas of Jackson County, Arkansas.

Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.

For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Jackson County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.

FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs. Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:

For more information about the flood maps:

 

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

mayshaunt.gary Thu, 01/12/2023 - 13:12
Presentación tardía de una solicitud de asistencia federal
Presentación tardía de una solicitud de asistencia federal

CONDADO ST. CLAIR, Illinois – Para propietarios e inquilinos que sufrieron daños por las inundaciones ocurridas del 25 al 28 de julio en el condado St. Clair, la fecha límite para solicitar asistencia federal ha pasado. Sin embargo, en casos excepcionales, puede ser elegible para presentar una solicitud tardía a la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés).

ELEGIBILIDAD PARA SOLICITUD TARDÍA

FEMA puede considerar una solicitud tardía si circunstancias extraordinarias le impidieron presentar la solicitud antes de la fecha límite del 22 de diciembre y usted envía los siguientes documentos:

▪ Una carta de explicación firmada; Y

▪ Documentación de apoyo que confirme claramente por qué no pudo presentar su solicitud durante el período de solicitud. Esta incluye:

○ Registro de hospitalización, enfermedad, incapacidad del solicitante o de un familiar inmediato;

○ Fallecimiento de un miembro de la familia inmediata;

○ Comprobante de viaje personal o de negocios que mantuvo al solicitante fuera del área durante todo el período de solicitud; O

○ Evidencia de circunstancias únicas específicas por el desastre.

PROCESO DE SOLICITUD TARDÍA

Tiene 60 días desde el 22 de diciembre de 2022, que era la fecha límite de solicitud de FEMA, para completar una solicitud tardía. Hay varias formas de presentar a FEMA una solicitud tardía de asistencia por desastre:

▪ Por internet en DisasterAssistance.gov/es

▪ Descargar y usar la aplicación móvil de FEMA para hacer la solicitud

▪ Llamar a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362 para hacer la solicitud

▪ Si usa un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), el teléfono con subtítulos u otro servicio, facilite a FEMA el número de ese servicio. La línea de ayuda está disponible los siete días de la semana, de 6 a.m. a 10 p.m. Presione 2 para español o 3 para un intérprete que hable su idioma.

ENVÍE POR CORREO, FAX O PRESENTE EN LÍNEA SUS DOCUMENTOS DE SOLICITUD TARDÍA

Debe enviar documentos válidos dentro de 60 días a partir de la fecha en que se completó la solicitud tardía. Asegúrese de firmar y fechar sus documentos. Incluya su número de solicitud de FEMA de nueve dígitos y el número de desastre (DR-4676-IL) en todos los documentos de respaldo.

Enviar por correo a: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Fax: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA

Cargar documentos: Una manera fácil de proporcionar cualquier información adicional necesaria es configurar una cuenta por internet y cargar allí los documentos. Para configurar o cargar documentos, vaya a www.DisasterAssistance.gov/es, haga clic en “Verifique su solicitud e inicie sesión” y siga las instrucciones. Asegúrese de firmar y fechar su apelación. Incluya su número de solicitud de FEMA de nueve dígitos, el número de desastre (DR-4676-IL) y documentos para respaldar su apelación.

ASISTENCIA NO FEDERAL DISPONIBLE

Las organizaciones privadas y sin fines de lucro locales pueden ofrecer asistencia adicional si no es elegible para recibir asistencia federal o si no recibió suficiente asistencia para cubrir sus gastos relacionados con el desastre. The United Way of Greater St. Louis, Inc. ayuda a conectar a los sobrevivientes de inundaciones con recursos que ayudarán con el proceso de recuperación.

Puede llamar al 2-1-1 si necesita ayuda con

▪ Cuidado infantil

▪ Empleo

▪ Comida

▪ Cuidado de la salud

▪ Alojamiento

▪ Seguro

▪ Transporte

▪ Otras necesidades básicas

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, conocimiento de inglés o situación económica. Si usted o alguien que usted conozca ha sido discriminado, llame a FEMA al número gratuito 833-285-7448. Si usa un servicio de retransmisión, como el servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS), el servicio telefónico con subtítulos u otros, facilite a FEMA el número de ese servicio. Se dispone de operadores multilingües (presione 2 para español y 3 para otros idiomas).

Para actualizaciones de FEMA sobre desastres, siga a @FEMAregion5 en Twitter y active las notificaciones móviles. Visite la página web del desastre en fema.gov/es/disaster/4676.

Para actualizaciones de la Agencia de Manejo de Emergencias de Illinois (IEMA) sobre desastres, siga a @ReadyIllinois en Twitter, Facebook e Instagram y active las notificaciones móviles. http://www.illinois.gov/iema/ sigue siendo una fuente única de referencia para ayudar a los residentes de Illinois a encontrar fácilmente información y recursos relacionados con los desastres.

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La misión de FEMA es ayudar a las personas antes, durante y después de los desastres.

nicole.wilson Wed, 01/11/2023 - 14:18
FEMA May Provide Residents Continued Temporary Rental Assistance if Needed
FEMA May Provide Residents Continued Temporary Rental Assistance if Needed

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico residents who received temporary rental assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after Hurricane Fiona may be eligible to continue receiving this benefit, if they can demonstrate an ongoing need for rental assistance and meet program qualifications.

To qualify for this benefit, survivors must have received initial rental assistance, show they still have disaster-related financial needs and show they are working on a permanent housing plan that provides safe, sanitary and functional housing, within a reasonable time frame. Also, survivors must demonstrate they are unable to return to their pre-disaster residence because it is uninhabitable, inaccessible, or not available due to disaster damage.

Eligible survivors may apply for continued rental assistance by providing:

  • A copy of their current lease;

  • receipts showing the proper use of federal disaster housing assistance;

  • current household income status; and

  • post-disaster housing costs.

To apply for continued rental assistance, survivors can call FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, must give FEMA the number for that service. Survivors can also visit disasterassistance.gov or download the FEMA app.

Extensions on rental assistance run for three-month periods, up to a maximum of 18 months from the date of the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricane Fiona, which is September 21, 2022.

kimberly.keblish Wed, 01/11/2023 - 13:50

Last updated: March 28, 2024 - 5:17 AM

HAZUS Podcasts

HAZUS Podcasts are designed for a global audience with an interest in FEMA’s Hazus Program. Many podcasts are recordings of technical presentations. Listening to the HAZUS Podcasts will serve as a technical resource and help you stay current with the state-of-the-art Hazus Program.

Download the Hazus podcasts here or on iTunes by searching hazus

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