Nov. 16 Deadline Looms for FEMA Applications
Less than one week is left before the Nov. 16 deadline for Oregon wildfire survivors to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply, go to disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA app, or call 800-621-3362 or TTY: 1-800-462-7585.Those who use a Relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their assigned number for that service. They should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.
Read “Help After a Disaster"—translated into 27 languages—to better understand FEMA Individual Assistance.
Videos about FEMA Assistance with closed captioning and American Sign Language interpretation available here.
FEMA Approves Direct Temporary Housing for Jackson, Linn and Marion Counties
Jackson, Linn and Marion Counties have been approved to participate in FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing Program. Survivors do not apply for Direct Temporary Housing. Instead, FEMA makes a determination based on the criteria established for the program then contacts eligible applicants. FEMA is contacting eligible survivors now to determine their interest and explain the program. Based on the survivor’s application for FEMA, FEMA determines the type housing needed by the survivor’s family. Assistance is available for up to 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration
(Sept. 15, 2020 through March 15, 2022) while survivors continue to work toward their long-term housing solution.
Survivors are encouraged to report changes in their circumstances to FEMA via the FEMA app or at disasterassistance.gov.
Right of Entry is Required for Debris Pickup Assistance
Property owners must sign a Right of Entry access agreement to allow cleanup crews to enter their private property to remove wildfire debris. The Environmental Protection Agency is continuing to work on the cleanup. This is the first step in the cleanup process and must be completed before ash and debris removal.
For information on how to submit a Right of Entry form, visit your county government website or call 682-800-5737. To learn more about hazardous household waste and debris pickup, visit wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup.
Resources for Wildfire Survivors
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline Nears
Survivors needing unemployment assistance have until Nov. 27 to file a claim. Proof of employment or self-employment at the time of the wildfires or income for 2019 must be provided within 21 days of filing for unemployment. To apply:
Visit www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/Disaster
Call 503-570-5000 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Packets are available at some evacuation sites and state WorkSource Centers.
Oregon DUA benefits apply to weeks of unemployment beginning with the week of Sept. 13 and will be available through March 20, 2021, as long as the individual's unemployment continues as a result of the wildfires.
Consider Buying Flood Insurance Now
Oregonians who are near areas impacted by wildfires face an increased risk of flooding for up to several years after the disaster because the scarred land cannot absorb rainfall. So, consider purchasing flood insurance now. It takes 30 days after applying for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy to go into effect.
The NFIP is an affordable federally-backed program that provides most of the nation’s flood coverage.
NFIP insurance claims are paid promptly whether or not there’s a federal disaster declaration.
For more information, visit www.floodsmart.gov. Ready to buy? Go to www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance/buy. Or find an insurance agent near you at www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance/providers.
Free Crisis Counseling is Available
Free crisis counseling is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline for both children and adults who are struggling with stress, anxiety or other disaster-related depression-like symptoms.
For more information about the SAMSHA Disaster Distress Helpline, visit www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.
For a list of mental health resources in Oregon visit the Oregon Health Authority website.
To view an accessible video about crisis counseling with closed captioning and American Sign Language interpretation visit youtu.be/mrJN1CRBxfE.
External Outreach Sites Now Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday
These sites offer in-person assistance for survivors to get information about their application, ask questions about letters they receive from FEMA, and have their documents scanned to be part of their application. Representatives from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program are available at all sites. Please note closing dates.
FEMA External Outreach Site #1: Central High School, 815 South Oakdale Ave. Medford, Oregon 97501.
FEMA External Outreach Site #3: Stayton Community Center, 400 W. Virginia St. Stayton, Oregon 97385. The site closes permanently COB Monday, Nov. 16.
FEMA External Outreach Site #4: Lincoln Outlet Mall, 1500 S.E East Devils Lake Rd. Suite 200, Lincoln City, Oregon 97367. The site closes permanently COB Saturday, Nov. 14.
FEMA External Outreach Site #5: Estacada City Hall, 475 S.E. Main St. Estacada, Oregon 97023. The site closes permanently COB Friday, Nov. 13.
FEMA External Outreach Site #6: Old Middle School Gym, 301 Glide Loop Rd. Glide, Oregon 97443. The site closes permanently COB Saturday, Nov.14