More than $26 Million Paid in National Flood Insurance Claims

luther.wills-dudich — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 21:37:35 +0000

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A series of powerful storms throughout California continue to leave tens of thousands of residents vulnerable to flooding from heavy rainfall, flash floods, river-bank overflows, mudflows and heavy snow. With some communities getting their annual expected rainfall in less than a month, FEMA is urging property owners and renters to purchase a policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to protect their homes and personal property.

So far, over $26 million has been paid out for 489 NFIP claims (averaging about $53,000 per claim) for those Californians affected by the severe winter storms and flooding that took place from Dec. 27, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023.

Paying insurance premiums is almost always a less costly alternative than taking out a loan to repair flood damage. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are the primary form of federal help following a federal disaster declaration. As of mid-March, over1,500 homeowners and renters affected by the severe winter storms and flooding have taken out loans of more than $71 million.

Floods are the most common and expensive natural disaster in the U.S. One inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 of damage in a home. Unfortunately, most homeowners insurance does NOT cover flooding. Usually, the only way for homeowners, renters and businesses to be protected from the costs of flooding is with a policy from the NFIP, which is managed by the federal government and administered by the FEMA.

A flood insurance policy provides peace of mind and freedom from having to take on future debt. Homeowners and business owners are eligible to purchase flood insurance if their community is among the more than 20,000 communities participating in the NFIP. These include cities, boroughs, counties and other jurisdictions that manage development. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage.

You don’t need to live in a floodplain to purchase a policy. In fact, as many as one-fourth of all NFIP claims come from areas NOT designated as high risk.

Policy rates are determined by many risk factors unique to your structure such as the type of foundation that your structure is built on, the distance to the nearest flooding source, the elevation of the structure above the ground and the amount of coverage needed. NFIP premiums in the state of California can cost an average of $500 to $1,000 a year.

The maximum coverage available for a residential building is $250,000 and $100,000 for contents. Non-residential, or commercial structures are eligible for maximum coverage of $500,000 on the building and $500,000 on contents.

Contact your insurance agent or visit FloodSmart.gov to learn more about your flood risk and flood insurance options. If you don’t have an insurance agent, you can visit Floodsmart.gov to locate providers in your area. Or call 1-800-427-4661.

There is a 30-day waiting period before new policies go into effect, so don't wait to obtain a policy.

To find out if your community participates in the NFIP visit the FEMA Community Status Book at https://www.fema.gov/cis/CA.html.

For more information on NFIP, see the following links:

Help protect your home or business against future disasters by visiting Mitigation assistance (sba.gov). Rebuilding stronger is within reach.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 03/27/2023 - 21:37

Private Nonprofits, including Houses of Worship, Eligible for Disaster Assistance

luther.wills-dudich — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 21:10:10 +0000

Private Nonprofits, including Houses of Worship, Eligible for Disaster Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship and other faith-based organizations, may be eligible to apply for federal assistance to help recover from damage in the California counties affected by the severe January winter storms and flooding.

Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program can be used to pay for emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoring disaster-damaged facilities.

Private nonprofits that provide critical services, such as hospitals and other medical treatment facilities and utilities can apply directly to FEMA. Other examples of critical services include water, sewer and electrical systems; private schools that provide elementary or secondary education or institutions of higher education.

Private nonprofits that provide non-critical, essential social services, such as senior citizen and community centers must apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration first. Other examples of non-critical, essential services include educational enrichment activities, custodial and day care services, disability residential services, assisted living and low-income housing, homeless shelters and rehabilitation services and performing and community arts centers.

By offering public amenities such as community, cultural, senior and social services, Houses of Worship owned and operated by nonprofits are considered non-critical essential services and can also apply for FEMA PA grants.

Private nonprofits that provide non-critical services, which includes most Houses of Worship, should be aware that they must first apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. If they are eligible for a loan and decline, they will not be entitled to FEMA grants. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits from other agencies or organizations. If they are denied a loan or it does not cover the cost of all repairs, FEMA may provide funding to cover what SBA does not.

SBA’s can provide as much as $2 million in loans for damaged real estate and the replacement of property. The interest rate is 2.375 percent with terms up to 30 years. The deadline to apply for property damage is March 27, 2023. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Oct. 26, 2023.

All applicants – even if they must wait for an SBA loan approval -- are encouraged to make a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) as soon as possible by contacting their local emergency management office. The deadline to file an RPA is March 24, 2023.

More information on assistance for Houses of Worship is also available at What Houses of Worship Need to Know About the FEMA Disaster Aid Process Flyer | FEMA.gov. in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, French, German, Haitian Creole, Korean and Portuguese.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4683. You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES, facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

luther.wills-dudich Mon, 03/27/2023 - 21:10

Private Nonprofits, including Houses of Worship, Eligible for Disaster Assistance

brindisi.chan — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 01:17:22 +0000

Private Nonprofits, including Houses of Worship, Eligible for Disaster Assistance

Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program can be used to pay for emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoring disaster-damaged facilities.

By offering public amenities such as community, cultural, senior and social services, Houses of Worship owned and operated by a nonprofit are considered non-critical essential services and can also apply for FEMA PA grants.

brindisi.chan Tue, 03/21/2023 - 01:17

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for California

luther.wills-dudich — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 20:46:14 +0000

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Emergency Declaration for California

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of California to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides beginning March 9, 2023, and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of catastrophe in the counties of Amador, Butte, El Dorado, Fresno, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Mateo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sierra, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne and Yuba.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance, under the public assistance program will be provided at 75% federal funding.

Andrew F. Grant has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

luther.wills-dudich Fri, 03/10/2023 - 20:46

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria

luther.wills-dudich — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 20:38:15 +0000

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria to supplement the Tribal Nation’s efforts in the areas affected by an earthquake from Dec. 20, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023.

Federal funding is available to the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the earthquake.

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

Benigno (Bern) Ruiz 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 and warranted by the results of further assessments.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 03/08/2023 - 20:38

Government Benefits Unaffected by FEMA Assistance

brindisi.chan — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 01:53:10 +0000

Government Benefits Unaffected by FEMA Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Applying for federal disaster assistance from FEMA will not affect other federal benefits that California survivors may receive.

FEMA disaster grants are not taxable income. Accepting a FEMA grant will not affect eligibility for Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and other federal welfare and entitlement programs.

Disaster grants help survivors pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, essential personal property replacement, including your assistive equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.) and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

You can apply for disaster assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800.621.3362, or by using the FEMA mobile 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. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

The deadline for applications is March 16, 2023.

For an American Sign Language video on this topic, go online to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii7nc94B30c.

For more information about California’s recovery from the storms and floods, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4683. You may also follow twitter.com/CalOES, facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

Flood survivors who apply for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for information on how to apply for a disaster loan. It’s important to submit the loan application as soon as possible. If your application is approved, you do not have to accept the loan but failure to return the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance.

brindisi.chan Wed, 03/08/2023 - 01:53

FEMA Hiring Locally to Continue Disaster Recovery

brindisi.chan — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 01:33:42 +0000

FEMA Hiring Locally to Continue Disaster Recovery

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The federal agency that responds to the nation’s disasters has launched a hiring process to continue its support of California’s recovery from the winter storms and flooding.

If you are interested in a temporary position with FEMA and a variety of emergency management functions, you can apply through USAJobs.gov. Applicants will be called for interviews at a later date.

FEMA’s mission is “helping people before, during and after disasters.” The agency recognizes the best way to do so is to employ the talents of residents already familiar with the affected communities. By hiring a multilingual workforce locally, FEMA can staff its disaster operations, allow survivors to get back to work, and aid in the long-term recovery of the local community. Local hires who represent our diverse society, including people with disabilities, bring a special understanding of the problems their fellow survivors face.

Positions are available for planners, environmentalists, and IT specialists among others in Chico, Oakland, Pasadena and Sacramento.

Working for the federal government has its perks including excellent benefits, flexible work schedules, opportunities for professional growth, stability, and lateral movement across agencies.

brindisi.chan Wed, 03/08/2023 - 01:33

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Ontario, Rialto and Riverside

robert.barker — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:58:07 +0000

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Ontario, Rialto and Riverside

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for unincorporated Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Ontario, Rialto and Riverside. The maps identify revised flood hazards along the Santa Ana River, Highgrove Channel, Warm Springs Tributary C, Benton Creek and Pyrite Channel. The new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from March 4, 2023 to June 2, 2023. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and the cities mentioned above, worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

For more information, contact Riverside County at (951) 955-1265 or haelhadd@rivco.org and San Bernardino County at (909) 387-7906 or bbiggs@dpw.sbcounty.gov. Other community information is available for the cities of Chino at (909) 334-3535 or ajakher@cityofchino.org, Chino Hills at (909) 364-2800 or publicworks@chinohills.org, Colton at (909) 370-5065 or vortiz@coltonca.gov, Corona at (951) 736-2266 or savat.khamphou@coronaca.gov, Eastvale at (951) 703-4479 or morme@eastvaleca.gov, Jurupa Valley at (951) 332-6464 or ptoor@jurupavalley.org, Norco at (951) 270-5677 or snelson@ci.norco.ca.us, Ontario at (909) 395-2188 or tespinoza@ontarioca.gov, Rialto at (909) 820-8040 or apaiva@rialtoca.gov; and Riverside at (951) 826-5345 or cscully@riversideca.gov.

robert.barker Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:58

Two Additional Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance

brindisi.chan — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 19:16:32 +0000

Two Additional Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Amador and Alpine counties have been added to the major disaster declaration for California’s severe storms and flooding that took place from Dec. 27, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023.

Homeowners and renters in Amador County are eligible to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Alpine County has just been added to the declaration for Public Assistance.

Currently, 14 California counties are eligible for Individual Assistance (IA). FEMA’s IA program may provide grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare, and moving and storage expenses. Other counties eligible for IA include Alameda, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Merced, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Ventura.

To apply for FEMA IA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. Applicants can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. The deadline to apply is March 16, 2023.

Some FEMA applicants may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration to apply for a disaster loan. Long term, low-interest disaster loans for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources.

Homeowners and renters should submit an SBA disaster loan application even if they are not sure they will need or want a loan. If SBA cannot approve the application, in most cases SBA will refer survivors to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program for possible additional assistance. If the SBA application is approved, individuals are not obligated to accept an SBA loan but failure to return the application may disqualify them from other possible FEMA assistance.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. 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. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Alpine County is now eligible for Public Assistance, which reimburses local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Houses of worship and certain nonprofit organizations may also be eligible. The PA Program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.

Currently, 44 counties are eligible for Public Assistance.

Counties eligible for both IA and PA (14): Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Sacramento. San Joaquin. San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura.

Counties eligible for PA only (30): Alpine, Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Napa, Nevada, Placer, San Benito, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tuolumne, Trinity, Tulare, and Yolo.

The federal cost share for Public Assistance projects is 75 percent with 25 percent covered by the state or local governments.

Applicants with questions about making a Request for Public Assistance should email: DisasterRecovery@CalOES.CA.gov.

brindisi.chan Mon, 02/27/2023 - 19:16

Three Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Santa Cruz County

brindisi.chan — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 01:26:24 +0000

Three Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Santa Cruz County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Three Disaster Recovery Centers are open in the following locations. Residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can visit the centers to update FEMA applications and learn about other disaster assistance which may be available.

The Disaster Recovery Centers in Santa Cruz County are located at:

Felton Branch Library

6121 Gushee Street

Felton, CA 95018

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6.p.m. daily (closed Sundays)

Community Room

701 Ocean Street

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Watsonville City Government Center

250 Main Street

Watsonville, CA 95076

Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m.

Specialists at recovery centers can clarify information you have received from FEMA or other agencies; they can explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters; and they can fax your requested documents to a FEMA processing center and scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.

Residents who had uninsured or underinsured damage and losses resulting from the severe storms and flooding are encouraged to apply to FEMA, although you do not need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply. Here are other ways to apply:

Go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI. You can also visit any Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

brindisi.chan Fri, 02/17/2023 - 01:26

Make Sure to Apply with SBA

brindisi.chan — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:47:24 +0000

Make Sure to Apply with SBA

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Those affected by the severe winter storms, which caused massive flooding across the state from Dec. 27, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023, may need more financial assistance for long-term recovery than FEMA can provide. A disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may go a long way in helping to recover from the storms.

Residents and homeowners in the designated counties of Alameda, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Ventura may be eligible to apply for an SBA disaster assistance loan.

However, those affected by the winter storms may be reluctant to apply for a loan. But before rejecting the idea of applying, survivors should consider the following:

You do not have to accept a loan if you are approved.
If FEMA refers you to SBA, you must apply with SBA before you can be considered for certain FEMA grant money, such as reimbursement for damaged personal property, transportation assistance and Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP).

SBA is offering zero interest on new disaster loans. Homeowners and business owners approved for these loans have up to one year from the date of the loan to begin making payments.
The extended deferment to 12 months is automatic and borrowers do not need to take any additional action. There is no prepayment penalty and borrowers can begin making loan payments during the deferment period if they choose.
There is no cost to apply for an SBA low disaster loan.
Waiting for an insurance settlement? Your policy may not cover all the replacement, repair and rebuilding costs needed. A disaster loan could help cover the difference. You can then use your insurance proceeds to reduce or pay off the SBA loan balance.

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs

Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $40,000 to replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

In addition, you may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20 percent of the physical damage to make your home safer. Eligible work could include building retaining walls, elevating or retrofitting the flood prone structure or relocating utilities to protect against future damage.

For information on the loan application process:

To apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications, go to https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. You 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, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The SBA deadline to apply for property damage is March 16, 2023. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Oct. 16, 2023.
SBA has opened two Business Recovery Centers to assist business owners with their loan applications. Homeowners and renters may also visit the centers. No appointment is necessary.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Business Recovery Center

Capitola City Hall

Community Room (Located on the First Floor)

420 Capitola Avenue

Capitola, CA 95010

Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

*Public parking is located behind City Hall

SACRAMENTO COUNTY

Business Recovery Center

The Hub

9072 Elk Grove Boulevard

Elk Grove, CA 95624

Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance:

Go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI.

brindisi.chan Thu, 02/16/2023 - 00:47

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Mendocino County

brindisi.chan — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 01:28:51 +0000

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Mendocino County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A Disaster Recovery Center is open at Point Arena City Hall where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can update FEMA applications and learn about other disaster assistance which may be available.

The Mendocino County center is located at:

City Hall

451 School Street

Point Arena, CA 95468

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Specialists at the recovery center can clarify information you have received from FEMA or other agencies; they can explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters; and they can fax your requested documents to a FEMA processing center and scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.

brindisi.chan Tue, 02/14/2023 - 01:28

Ventura Disaster Recovery Center Open at Fairgrounds

brindisi.chan — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 22:00:26 +0000

Ventura Disaster Recovery Center Open at Fairgrounds

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A Disaster Recovery Center is open at Ventura County Fairgrounds, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can update your FEMA applications and learn about state and community programs and other available assistance.

The Ventura County center is located at:

Ventura County Fairgrounds & Event Center

Santa Rosa Hall

10 West Harbor Boulevard

Ventura, CA 93001

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

brindisi.chan Sat, 02/11/2023 - 22:00

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Alameda and San Mateo Counties

brindisi.chan — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 00:50:42 +0000

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Alameda and San Mateo Counties

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Disaster Recovery Centers will open this week in Alameda and San Mateo counties, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can update your FEMA applications and learn about state and community programs and other available assistance.

The recovery centers are located at:

Alameda County Public Works Building

4825 Gleason Drive

Dublin, CA 94568

Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Opens: Friday, Feb. 10

Zhone (Arena) Center

7001 Oakport Street

Oakland, CA 94621

Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Opens: Friday, Feb. 10

San Mateo County Fairgrounds

The Event Pavilion

2495 South Delaware Street

San Mateo, CA 94403

Note: Use entrance on South Delaware Street

Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Days: Thursday, Feb. 9 until Wednesday, Feb. 22

Specialists at the recovery centers can clarify information you have received from FEMA or other agencies; they can explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters; and they can fax your requested documents to a FEMA processing center and scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available at the recovery centers to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans. These loans are offered to homeowners and renters, business owners and private nonprofits.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation specialists can share home-improvement tips and techniques for rebuilding hazard-resistant homes.

Specialists at the centers can also direct you to operators who can communicate in English, Spanish and many other languages by request. The centers also offer printed material in multiple languages.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities and those with access and functional needs. Reasonable accommodations and American Sign Language interpreters are available by request.

brindisi.chan Fri, 02/10/2023 - 00:50

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Federal Cost Share for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

luther.wills-dudich — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 17:03:00 +0000

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Federal Cost Share for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Typhoon Mangkhut from Sept. 10-11, 2018.

The President authorized the federal cost-share for Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation and Other Needs Assistance to increase from 75% to 90%. This action reduces the Commonwealth’s financial responsibilities by nearly $1 million.

luther.wills-dudich Tue, 02/07/2023 - 17:03

Alameda, Contra Costa, Mendocino, Ventura Counties Can Now Request FEMA Assistance

brindisi.chan — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 01:48:33 +0000

Alameda, Contra Costa, Mendocino, Ventura Counties Can Now Request FEMA Assistance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Alameda, Contra Costa, Mendocino and Ventura counties have been added to the major disaster declaration for California’s severe storms and flooding, meaning residents who had damage or losses from the storms that began Dec. 27, 2022, may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

The declaration allows FEMA to provide direct support to individuals and households in 13 counties: Alameda, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Merced, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Ventura.

Homeowners and renters who had damage or losses as a direct result of the storms are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance by the March 16, 2023, deadline. Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare, and moving and storage expenses.

If you have insurance, first file a claim with your insurance provider. FEMA provides assistance to applicants for your uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs.

There are several ways you can apply for FEMA assistance under the Individual Assistance program:

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
Download the FEMA mobile app
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
For an accessible video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI
You can also visit any Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

brindisi.chan Fri, 02/03/2023 - 01:48

Sacramento County Disaster Recovery Center Open

brindisi.chan — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:44:02 +0000

Sacramento County Disaster Recovery Center Open

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A Disaster Recovery Center is open in Sacramento County, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can update your FEMA applications and learn about state and community programs and other available assistance.

The Sacramento County center is located at:

Chabolla Community Center

600 Chabolla Avenue

Galt, CA 95632

Hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Specialists at the recovery center can clarify information you received from FEMA or other agencies; they can explain the rental assistance available to homeowners and renters; and they can fax your requested documents to a FEMA processing center and scan or copy new information or documents needed for case files.

brindisi.chan Thu, 02/02/2023 - 00:44

Calaveras County Disaster Recovery Center Opens Feb. 1 at Angels Camp

brindisi.chan — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:37:35 +0000

Calaveras County Disaster Recovery Center Opens Feb. 1 at Angels Camp

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Angels Camp, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can update your FEMA applications and learn about state and community programs and other available assistance.

The Calaveras County center is located at:

Calaveras County Fairgrounds (Frogtown)

Mark Twain Hall

2465 Gunclub Road

Angels Camp, CA 95222

Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

brindisi.chan Thu, 02/02/2023 - 00:37

FEMA Help Now Available to Residents of San Mateo County

brindisi.chan — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 16:16:54 +0000

FEMA Help Now Available to Residents of San Mateo County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – San Mateo County has been added to the major disaster declaration for California’s severe storms and flooding, meaning residents who had damage or losses from the storms that began Dec. 27, 2022, may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

The declaration allows FEMA to provide direct support to individuals and households in nine counties: Calaveras, Merced, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz.

If you have insurance, first file a claim with your insurance provider. FEMA provides assistance to applicants for your uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs.

There are several ways that you can apply for FEMA assistance under the Individual Assistance program:

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
Download the FEMA mobile app
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages and lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
For an accessible video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI
You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

Additionally, nine counties can now request FEMA Public Assistance funding to help communities cover the costs of debris removal, emergency services and repairing infrastructure damaged by the storms. The counties eligible for reimbursement for different categories of work are: Merced, Monterey, Sacramento, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Tulare, Ventura. Applicants must file a Request for Public Assistance within 30 days of the date their area is designated under the federal declaration.

The Public Assistance program is FEMA’s largest grant program. It provides funds to assist states, federally recognized tribes, territories, local governments and certain types of private non-profits as they respond to and recover from presidentially declared major disasters or emergencies. The program provides funding for debris removal and emergency assistance to save lives and protect property. It also helps fund permanently restoring community infrastructure affected by a federally declared incident.

The federal share of assistance is generally not less than 75% of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent work. For California, however, President Biden authorized 100% federal reimbursement for the total eligible costs for 60 days from the Dec. 27, 2022, start of the storms.

brindisi.chan Sat, 01/28/2023 - 16:16

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Maricopa County and Buckeye, Gila Bend and Goodyear

robert.barker — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:24:44 +0000

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Maricopa County and Buckeye, Gila Bend and Goodyear

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for unincorporated Maricopa County and the cities of Buckeye and Goodyear and the town of Gila Bend. The maps identify revised flood hazards along the Lower Gila River, Agua Fria River, Centennial Wash and nearby tributaries. The new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Jan. 26, 2023 to Apr. 26, 2023. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA, Maricopa County and the cities of Buckeye and Goodyear and the town of Gila Bend worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

For more information, contact Maricopa County at (602) 506-6762 or lisa.blyler@maricopa.gov. Other community information is available for the cities of Buckeye at (623) 349-6217 or szipprich@buckeyeaz.gov, Goodyear at (623) 882-3004 or stephen.scinto@goodyearaz.gov, and the town of Gila Bend at (928) 683-2255 or kvalenzuela@gilabendaz.gov.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

robert.barker Thu, 01/26/2023 - 15:24

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Colusa County, Colusa and Williams

robert.barker — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:20:33 +0000

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Colusa County, Colusa and Williams

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for unincorporated Colusa County and the cities of Colusa and Williams. The maps identify revised flood hazards along the Sacramento River, Stone Corral Creek near Maxwell, Salt Creek at Williams, and two reaches of Elk Creek. The new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more disaster resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Jan. 25, 2023 to Apr. 26, 2023. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion and community development. Officials from FEMA, Colusa County and the cities of Colusa and Williams worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

For more information, contact Colusa County at (530) 458-0466 or Colusacountydpw@countyofcolusa.com. Other community information is available for the city of Colusa at (530) 458-4740 or citymanager@cityofcolusa.com, and Williams at (530) 235-3279 or kramsaur@cityofwilliams.org.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. Follow FEMA Region 9 online at twitter.com/femaregion9.

robert.barker Thu, 01/26/2023 - 15:20

Calaveras County Added to Major Disaster Declaration

luther.wills-dudich — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 21:29:43 +0000

Calaveras County Added to Major Disaster Declaration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Calaveras County has been added to the major disaster declaration for California’s severe storms and flooding, meaning residents who had damage or losses from the storms that began Dec. 27, 2022, may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

The federal disaster declaration now allows FEMA to provide direct support to individuals and households in eight counties under the Individual Assistance program: Calaveras, Merced, Monterey, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz.

Homeowners and renters in the designated counties who had damage or losses as a direct result of the storms are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance. Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare, and moving and storage expenses.

To apply for FEMA assistance, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, got to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Thursday, March 16.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 01/25/2023 - 21:29

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Increase in Disaster Assistance for California

luther.wills-dudich — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 21:18:19 +0000

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Increase in Disaster Assistance for California

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to California by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for emergency work undertaken as a result of severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, beginning on Dec. 27, 2022 and continuing.

Under the President’s major disaster declaration for California issued on Jan.14, 2023, federal funding for the approved cost-share programs was made available at 75% of the total eligible costs.

Under the President’s order today, the federal share increased to 100% of the total eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program, for 60 days from the start of the incident period.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 01/19/2023 - 21:18

Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Counties Added to Major Disaster Declaration

robert.barker — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 21:20:46 +0000

Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Counties Added to Major Disaster Declaration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties have been added to the major federal disaster declaration for California’s severe storms and flooding, meaning residents who had damage or losses from the storms may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

President Biden approved an emergency declaration after the Golden State was hit by waves of atmospheric river storms beginning Dec. 27. A major disaster declaration was approved Jan. 14, allowing FEMA to provide direct support to individuals and households in Merced, Sacramento and Santa Cruz counties under its Individual Assistance program. Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, three counties further south along the coast, were added Jan. 17.

Homeowners and renters in the six counties who had damage or losses as a direct result of the storms are encouraged to apply for assistance. Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare, and moving and storage expenses.

If you have insurance, first file a claim with your insurance provider. FEMA provides assistance to applicants for your uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs.

Applicants are required to let FEMA know about all insurance coverage including flood, homeowners and vehicle. By law, FEMA cannot provide you a grant when any other source – insurance, crowdfunding or financial assistance from voluntary agencies – has covered expenses for the same disaster-related need.

The deadline to apply to FEMA is Thursday, March 16.

robert.barker Wed, 01/18/2023 - 21:20

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Merced County

robert.barker — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 20:47:50 +0000

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Merced County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Merced County, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can update your FEMA applications and learn about state and community programs and other available assistance.

The Merced County center is located at:

Merced County Fairgrounds
Yosemite Building
900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Merced, CA 95341
Hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. For an accessible video on how to apply, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA|4683. You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES, facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and FEMA en Español | Facebook.

robert.barker Wed, 01/18/2023 - 20:47