FEMA Updating Alaska Hotline Hours

mary.j.edmon — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 04:23:13 +0000

Beginning, Sunday, September 17^th, the FEMA Alaska Hotline operating hours will be adjusted to Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. AKT.

Based in Anchorage, the FEMA Alaska hotline has staff trained to answer Alaska-specific questions. Beginning on Sunday, September 17^th, the hotline will be closed on Sundays. The new operating hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. AKT.

Residents in the Copper River, Kuspuk, Lower Kuskokwim, Lower Yukon, and Yukon Flats Regional Educational Attendance Areas (REAAs) impacted by the ice jam and snow melt flooding that occurred between May 12 through June 3, 2023, are encouraged to call the FEMA Alaska Hotline at 1-866-342-1699 to register for federal assistance and ask questions.

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. Language assistance is available for individuals who do not speak English well. If you require a reasonable accommodation or need assistance in a language other than English, please call or text 907-727-6221, email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov, or notify staff in the field.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 10 Office of External Affairs:

News Desk at (425) 487-4610 or FEMA-R10-NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov
Congressional Affairs at FEMA-R10-CongQ@fema.dhs.gov
Tribal Affairs at FEMA-R10-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov
Private Sector at FEMA-R10-CommunityPartners@fema.dhs.gov

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn and visit FEMA.gov for more information.

FEMA Mission

Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

mary.j.edmon Sat, 09/16/2023 - 04:23

FEMA Announces Nearly $3 Billion in Funding Selections to Drive Resilience to Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

mary.j.edmon — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 23:11:04 +0000

FEMA Announces Nearly $3 Billion in Funding Selections to Drive Resilience to Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events

BOTHELL, Wash. - Today, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, and Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu announced the project selections for nearly $3 billion in climate resilience funding as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The selections, through two competitive grant programs, will help communities across the nation enhance resilience to climate change and extreme weather events.

Today’s selections include $1.8 billion for critical resilience projects funded by the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) national competition and $642 million for Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) community-scale flood mitigation projects. These selections build on $160 million in BRIC and FMA selections that FEMA announced in May for efforts to support mitigation projects, project scoping, and adoption of hazard-resistant building codes. Combined, the funds awarded this grant cycle of the BRIC and FMA programs total nearly $3 billion including management costs.

“Today is an exciting day for disaster resilience in FEMA Region 10's states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington,” said FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn. “Each state has received multi-million dollar selections from the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) fiscal year 2022 grant program. These selections will vastly improve the resilience of our region and tackle challenging issues we collectively face, like the City of Portland's effort to reduce extreme urban heat by planting over 10,500 trees in targeted urban locations.”

“From Hawaii to Maine, and everywhere in between, we are seeing the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, devastating communities nationwide. Though FEMA will always help communities respond and recover to these disasters, it is also paramount to build resilience before disasters strike,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we have more resources than ever to meet this moment and provide our state, local, territorial, and tribal partners with the resources they need to help us create a more resilient nation.”

The top five primary hazard sources of the projects selected in the national competition for each program include flooding, infrastructure failure, fire, drought and dam or levee break hazards.

These new selections can be found online. Learn more at fema.gov.

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

mary.j.edmon Mon, 08/28/2023 - 23:11

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Burns Paiute Tribe

mayshaunt.gary — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 22:53:10 +0000

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Burns Paiute Tribe

WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced today that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Burns Paiute Tribe to supplement response and recovery efforts due to severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from June 11-12, 2023.

Public assistance federal funding is available to the tribe and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Burns Paiute Tribe.

Mr. Toney L. Raines has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribal Nation and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

mayshaunt.gary Mon, 08/28/2023 - 22:53

FEMA Assistance Available for Alaska Spring Flooding

mary.j.edmon — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 19:37:44 +0000

FEMA Assistance Available for Alaska Spring Flooding

Anchorage, Alaska – FEMA Individual Assistance is now available for residents in Copper River, Kuspuk, Lower Kuskokwim, Lower Yukon, and Yukon Flats Regional Educational Attendance Areas (REAAs) affected by the ice jam and snow melt flooding between May 12 and June 3, 2023.

Even if you have already registered for the State of Alaska's disaster assistance program, you must also register with FEMA to determine if you may be eligible to receive additional funds through FEMA.

FEMA assistance is unable to duplicate benefits offered through insurance, state programs, or other programs. But if your losses or damage go beyond disaster assistance available from other sources – or include items or categories not covered by other assistance – you may be eligible for additional funds from FEMA.

Be sure to apply for both state and FEMA disaster assistance so that you can receive all of the assistance from FEMA that may be available based on your eligibility. If you still have unmet needs, they may be able to be addressed through other sources.

You can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, or contacting a FEMA specialist by calling 1-866-342-1699 between 8 AM and 7 PM AKT, Monday through Sunday. The hotline has staff trained to answer Alaska-specific questions.

If you require a reasonable accommodation -- such as language translation or interpretation, mobility assistance, or sign language interpretation -- call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also notify staff in the field.

In addition to Individual Assistance, the Bering Strait School, Copper River, Kuspuk, Lower Yukon, and Yukon Flats REAAs have been approved for FEMA Public Assistance, which provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits, so communities can quickly recover from major disasters or emergencies by helping to cover the cost of debris removal and the restoration of public infrastructure.

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

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

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also let staff in the field know you require an accommodation such as spoken language resources, mobility assistance, or sign language interpreting services. If you feel you have experienced discrimination, call the FEMA Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 or 800-462-7585 (TTY/TDD) or email FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

mary.j.edmon Fri, 08/25/2023 - 19:37

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Liberty Fire in Oregon

mary.j.edmon — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 19:19:47 +0000

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Liberty Fire in Oregon

The state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at 10:00 p.m. PT. He determined that the Liberty Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the second FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight Oregon wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Liberty, South Salem and Salem Hills. The fire also threatened buildings, roads, bridges, public power infrastructure and utilities in the area.

FMAGs are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and are made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair, and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials, and supplies. This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $918,774 will be available to Oregon through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area. 

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

mary.j.edmon Thu, 08/24/2023 - 19:19

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for Alaska

luther.wills-dudich — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 20:27:30 +0000

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for Alaska

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Alaska to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding from May 12 to June 3, 2023.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the Copper River Regional Educational Attendance Area (REAA), Kuspuk REAA, Lower Kuskokwim REAA, Lower Yukon REAA, and Yukon Flats REAA. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

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 flooding in the Bering Strait School REAA, Copper River REAA, Kuspuk REAA, Lower Yukon REAA, and Yukon Flats REAA.

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

Lance E. Davis 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 warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (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.

luther.wills-dudich Wed, 08/23/2023 - 20:27

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight the Gray and Oregon Fires in Washington

mary.j.edmon — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 06:20:14 +0000

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight the Gray and Oregon Fires in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Gray Fire and the Oregon Fire burning in Spokane County, Washington.

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Gray Fire was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 8:17 p.m. PT. The Oregon Fire request was approved on Friday, August 18, at 11:16 p.m. PT. Nunn determined that both fires threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. There have now been seven FMAGs declared in 2023 to help fight Washington wildfires.

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under these FMAGs, another $2,450,064 will be available to the State of Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area. 

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

mary.j.edmon Mon, 08/21/2023 - 06:20

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Lost Horse Creek Fire in Alaska

mary.j.edmon — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 20:50:02 +0000

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Lost Horse Creek Fire in Alaska

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Lost Horse Creek Fire burning in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska.

The state of Alaska’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Acting Deputy Administrator Scott D. Zaffram on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 6:48 p.m. AKDT. He determined that the Lost Horse Creek Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the first FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight Alaska wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the Haystack Subdivision. The fire also threatened the Elliot Highway, local cooperative electrical utility lines, recreational facilities, and the University of Alaska’s Poker Flats Research Site.

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $918,774 will be available to Alaska through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area.

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

mary.j.edmon Fri, 08/04/2023 - 20:50

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Eagle Bluff Fire in Washington

mary.j.edmon — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:39:54 +0000

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Eagle Bluff Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Eagle Bluff Fire burning in Okanogan County, Washington.

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at 8:55 a.m. PT. He determined that the Eagle Bluff Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the fifth FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight Washington wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the community of Oroville. The fire also threatened public buildings, businesses, utilities, an airport, golf course, multiple parks, recreational facilities, local roads, vineyards, orchards, farms, water reservoirs, U.S. Border Patrol communication towers and Canadian high pressure natural gas pipeline.

In addition to the firefighting funds authorized under this FMAG, another $1,225,032 will be available to Washington through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion. Some eligible wildfire project types include defensible space measures, ignition-resistant construction, and hazardous fuels reduction. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 authorizes FEMA to provide HMGP Post-Fire funds to eligible states and territories that receive Fire Management Assistance declarations and federally recognized tribes that have land burned within a designated area. 

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

mary.j.edmon Tue, 08/01/2023 - 00:39

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Golden Fire in Oregon

mary.j.edmon — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 22:06:19 +0000

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Golden Fire in Oregon

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Golden Fire burning in Klamath County, Oregon.

The state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 4:34 p.m. PT. He determined that the Golden Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the first FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight Oregon wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Bly Mountain, Beatty, Bonanza, and Dairy. The fire also threatened Highway 140 and Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines. The State additionally reported the fire had damaged fiber optic communication lines in the area.

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

mary.j.edmon Mon, 07/24/2023 - 22:06

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Newell Road Fire in Washington

mary.j.edmon — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 19:11:19 +0000

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Newell Road Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Newell Road Fire burning in Klickitat County, Washington.

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 12:14 a.m. PT. He determined that the Newell Road Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the fourth FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight Washington wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Roosevelt and Bickleton. The fire also threatened Klickitat County Public Utility District, Bonneville Power Administration Powerlines, Republic Solid Waste Landfill, and wind and solar farms in the area.

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

mary.j.edmon Mon, 07/24/2023 - 19:11

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Baird Springs Fire in Washington

mary.j.edmon — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 21:47:36 +0000

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Baird Springs Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Baird Springs Fire burning in Grant County, Washington.

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 1:25 a.m. PT. He determined that the Baird Springs Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the third FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight Washington wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Trinidad and Crescent Bar. The fire also threatened Grant County Public Utility District and Bonneville Power Administration infrastructure, Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail lines, nearby campgrounds, a large boat launch, golf course, agriculture and tourism businesses, and fishing.

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

mary.j.edmon Tue, 07/11/2023 - 21:47

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight McEwan Fire in Washington

mary.j.edmon — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 19:47:01 +0000

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight McEwan Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the McEwan Fire burning in Mason County, Washington.

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at 11:28 p.m. PT. He determined that the McEwan Prairie Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the second FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight wildfires in Washington.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the community of Shelton. The fire also threatened highways, local ancillary roads, Mason County PUD infrastructure, Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines, Burlington-Santa Fe rail lines, communications towers, parks and hiking trails, and numerous businesses contributing to the manufacturing, mining, and agricultural industries.

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

mary.j.edmon Wed, 07/05/2023 - 19:47

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Tunnel Five Fire in Washington

mary.j.edmon — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 19:11:19 +0000

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Tunnel Five Fire in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Tunnel Five Fire burning in Washington.

The state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was approved by FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie G. Nunn on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at 10:01 p.m. PT. He determined that the Tunnel Five Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. This is the first FMAG declared in 2023 to help fight Washington wildfires.

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the community of Underwood. The fire also threatened businesses, Skamania County Public Utility District infrastructure, Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines, fish hatcheries, and campgrounds and recreational facilities. Additionally, a Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation warning was issued for the nearby city of White Salmon.

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

mary.j.edmon Mon, 07/03/2023 - 19:11

Comment Period Closing on Proposed Changes to the National Flood Insurance Program in Oregon

mary.j.edmon — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 04:00:57 +0000

Comment Period Closing on Proposed Changes to the National Flood Insurance Program in Oregon

BOTHELL, Wash. – The public comment period on proposed changes to the implementation of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in Oregon is closing next week.

These changes may have significant impacts on Oregon communities, individuals, and businesses that intend to develop in the floodplain. FEMA encourages participation during the comment period.

Following findings that the NFIP in Oregon may harm salmon, steelhead, Southern Resident Killer Whale, and additional endangered and threatened fish species, FEMA was required to make changes to how the NFIP is implemented in the state. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, FEMA is currently developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to identify potential social and economic impacts of the proposed changes.

As part of this process, FEMA seeks public input relevant to proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to address in the EIS. The initial Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS was published on March 6, 2023 and opened a 60 day public scoping process that ended May 5, 2023. To accommodate additional public input, the comment period reopened May 25, 2023, for an additional 32 days, closing June 26, 2023.

Additional information about the EIS can be found on the project website. Instructions to submit a comment can be found in the NOI.

FEMA administers the NFIP, a nationwide program that reduces future flood damage by requiring minimum floodplain management standards and provides protection for property owners against potential flood losses through insurance.

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

mary.j.edmon Thu, 06/22/2023 - 04:00

FEMA Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to the National Flood Insurance Program in Oregon

mary.j.edmon — Thu, 25 May 2023 18:42:46 +0000

FEMA Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to the National Flood Insurance Program in Oregon

BOTHELL, Wash. – FEMA reopened the comment period for an additional 32 days of public input on proposed changes to the implementation of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in Oregon. These changes may have significant impacts on Oregon communities, individuals, and businesses that intend on developing in the floodplain. FEMA encourages participation during the comment period.

Following findings that the NFIP in Oregon may harm salmon, steelhead, Southern Resident Killer Whale, and other endangered and threatened fish species, FEMA was required to make changes to how the NFIP is implemented in the state. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, FEMA is currently developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to identify potential social and economic impacts of the proposed changes.

As part of the process, FEMA seeks public input relevant to proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to address in the EIS. The initial Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS was published on March 6, 2023 and opened a 60 day public scoping process that ended May 5, 2023. To accommodate additional public input, the comment period will reopen May 25, 2023, for an additional 32 days, closing June 26, 2023.

FEMA will host virtual and in-person public meetings during the comment period. The two scheduled virtual public meetings are June 1 and 7, 4 – 6 p.m. Additional information on these and future in-person meetings is available on the project website.

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter 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 Thu, 05/25/2023 - 18:42

Alaska Survivors Can Still Apply for FEMA Assistance Until Feb. 6

mary.j.edmon — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 01:15:48 +0000

Alaska Survivors Can Still Apply for FEMA Assistance Until Feb. 6

Anchorage, Alaska – Alaskan residents recovering from September’s Typhoon Merbok are still able to apply for disaster assistance with FEMA even though the application period has ended. Survivors have until Feb. 6, 2023, to apply.

Survivors should call the Alaska-based FEMA hotline at 1-866-342-1699. Applicants will be asked to provide a signed letter explaining why they were unable to apply during the application period.

Support Will Continue for Affected Alaskans

If you have any questions or need further assistance with your FEMA application, you can call the Alaska-based FEMA hotline at 1-866-342-1699, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. AKT to 6 p.m. AKT. The hotline will also be open Saturday, Feb. 4, and Sunday, Feb. 5, from 9 a.m. AKT to 6 p.m. AKT. The hotline not only serves as a way for survivors to apply but is also a helpline for applicants who need additional assistance.

Stay in Touch with FEMA

If you have already applied for assistance, you should notify the agency of any additional damage discovered since your home inspection. Be sure to update any changes in your mailing or email address, phone number, and the status of your insurance settlements, if applicable.

Appealing a FEMA Decision

Those who applied for FEMA disaster assistance have the right to appeal FEMA’s eligibility decisions. Survivors who don’t agree with FEMA’s eligibility decision or have additional documentation to provide for their case may file an appeal in writing within 60 days of receiving their letter. If appealing after the 60-day timeframe, survivors must explain the reason for the delay.

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For more information about FEMA’s support to Alaska’s severe storms, flooding and landslide recovery, visit the FEMA Disaster Site. Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

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

mary.j.edmon Thu, 02/02/2023 - 01:15

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

luther.wills-dudich — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 23:23:40 +0000

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

U.S. Small Business Administration Applications are Required before FEMA Individual Assistance can be Provided

mary.j.edmon — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 04:28:41 +0000

U.S. Small Business Administration Applications are Required before FEMA Individual Assistance can be Provided

Anchorage, Alaska – If you were asked to apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of your Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Individual Assistance application, you must submit your application in order to be eligible for additional FEMA Individual Assistance AND State of Alaska Individual Assistance.

As FEMA processes your Individual Assistance application, they may refer you to the SBA before a decision can be reached. SBA offers long-term, low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, as well as homeowners and renters. If you are referred to the SBA, you MUST fill out the application. SBA loan officers will process the application to determine if you are eligible for an SBA disaster assistance loan. Before you can be considered for FEMA or State of Alaska assistance, applying to the SBA is a required as part of the FEMA and State of Alaska application process for those selected.

After submitting your application, if you are not approved for a loan then you will be referred back to FEMA and you may be eligible for assistance with personal property, transportation, or a Group Flood Insurance Policy. FEMA’s Individual Assistance program provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs as a result of a presidentially declared disaster. If eligible, potential assistance can help repair or replace subsistence equipment and select personal property lost in the storm.

If you are approved for an SBA disaster loan you do not have to accept the loan. If you are approved for the loan and turn it down, you have six months to change your mind and re-activate the application if you discover additional damage or if your insurance settlement is not enough to cover your repairs. However, please keep in mind that if you are approved and you do not accept it, you will NOT be referred back to FEMA for the additional assistance mentioned above.

Please note that other types of federal assistance are NOT impacted by a referral to the SBA or by your decision regarding the loan offer, but FEMA Individual Assistance to cover personal property items, including subsistence equipment, IS impacted by your SBA application and offer decision.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela. For more information or assistance on SBA applications, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also let staff in the field know you require an accommodation such as spoken language resources, mobility assistance, or sign language interpreting services. If you feel you have experienced discrimination, call the FEMA Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 or 800-462-7585 (TTY/TDD) or email FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

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

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also let staff know you require an accommodation such as spoken language resources, mobility assistance, or sign language interpreting services. If you feel you have experienced discrimination, call the FEMA Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 or 800-462-7585 (TTY/TDD) or email: FEMACivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

mary.j.edmon Fri, 12/02/2022 - 04:28

Apply for Assistance Even If You Are Unsure

mary.j.edmon — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 04:14:10 +0000

Apply for Assistance Even If You Are Unsure

Anchorage, Alaska – If you live in the Regional Educational Attendance Areas (REAA’s) of Bering Strait, Kashunamiut, Lower Kuskokwim and Lower Yukon and were affected by the Sept. 15– 20 severe storms, flooding and landslides, you should apply for FEMA and State of Alaska Disaster Individual Assistance- you only have until Dec. 6, 2022.

Even if your home was not damaged but you own a fish camp or had damage to your personal property, it is important that you apply. FEMA is unable to cover fish camp structures but may cover personal property stored inside the camp or other personal property that was damaged as a result of the disaster. However, the State of Alaska’s Individual Assistance program may cover fish camp structures; this is a part of why it is important to apply to both.

Even if you are unable to survey damage to your property or are unsure if you experienced damage from the storm you should still apply to both before the Dec. 6 deadline. You can report the extent of the damages later, but if you do not apply you will not be eligible for FEMA or State of Alaska Individual Assistance.

The State of Alaska and FEMA are working together to help get you the assistance you need. Make sure to apply with both programs to receive help. Failure to apply with both FEMA and the State of Alaska could result in denial of assistance from one or both programs.

Survivors can apply with FEMA by calling our Anchorage-based hotline at 1-866-342-1699 or online at disasterassistance.gov. TTY users calling from an Alaska area code can dial 711 or, if you are calling from an out-of-state area code, dial 800-770-8973 for Alaska relay service.
Survivors can apply with the State of Alaska by calling 1-844-445-7131 or going online at ready.alaska.gov/IA.

FEMA encourages you to always reach out to get answers to your questions. You can ask about the status of your application or other topics ranging from home inspections to information on appealing FEMA’s eligibility determination or adding the name of someone to speak for the applicant. The hotline is also a helpline – so please reach out immediately so we may address any questions you may have.

As FEMA processes your Individual Assistance application, it may refer you to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) before a decision can be reached. SBA offers long-term, low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, as well as homeowners and renters. If you are referred to the SBA, it must be ruled out that you would not qualify for an SBA loan before you can be considered for FEMA assistance with personal property or transportation, so completing the SBA application is required as part of the FEMA and State of Alaska Disaster Individual Assistance program. Failing to do so will stop the application process.

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

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also let staff know you require an accommodation such as spoken language resources, mobility assistance, or sign language interpreting services. If you feel you have experienced discrimination, call the FEMA Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 or 800-462-7585 (TTY/TDD) or email: FEMACivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

mary.j.edmon Fri, 12/02/2022 - 04:14

One Week Left to Apply for Disaster Individual Assistance

mary.j.edmon — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 01:34:29 +0000

One Week Left to Apply for Disaster Individual Assistance

Anchorage, Alaska – Residents of the Regional Educational Attendance Areas of Bering Strait, Kashunamiut, Lower Kuskokwim and Lower Yukon have until Dec. 6 to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State of Alaska disaster assistance. To receive disaster Individual Assistance, you must apply before the deadline.

Make sure you register with both FEMA and the State of Alaska to be eligible for Individual Assistance.

FEMA Hotline: 1-866-342-1699 (Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM AKT.)
- - FEMA Hotline TTY users can dial 711 or, TTY users with an out-of-state area code, dial 800-770-8973 for Alaska relay service.
State of Alaska Hotline: 1-844-445-7131 (Monday through Friday 8 AM – 4 PM AKT.)

Don’t forget – the hotline is a helpline! Call to apply, get help with an existing application, or have your questions answered.

There are other ways you can apply for disaster assistance:

Applications for FEMA Individual Assistance can also be submitted at www.disasterassistance.gov or via the FEMA mobile app.

To apply for State of Alaska Individual Assistance survivors can go online to ready.alaska.gov/IA.

Residents who applied for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to SBA to apply for a low-interest disaster loan as the next step in the application process. 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. You are not required to take out a loan, but failure to fill out the application may prevent you from receiving certain types of FEMA funding.

Applicants may apply for SBA, 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.

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

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also let staff know you require an accommodation such as spoken language resources, mobility assistance, or sign language interpreting services. If you feel you have experienced discrimination, call the FEMA Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 or 800-462-7585 (TTY/TDD) or email: FEMACivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

mary.j.edmon Thu, 12/01/2022 - 01:34

Keep FEMA Updated

mary.j.edmon — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 01:22:00 +0000

Keep FEMA Updated

Anchorage, Alaska – If you applied for assistance with FEMA, you need to stay in touch to update the agency with any new information, particularly your housing situation. It is important to keep FEMA informed if you experience any changes in insurance and contact information as soon as possible and as often as necessary. FEMA may need to contact you, and missing or wrong information could delay the delivery of assistance. When contacting FEMA, keep handy the nine-digit number assigned to you when you applied.

Here is how to keep in touch with FEMA:

Login or create an account at DisasterAssistance.gov;
Call the Alaska-based FEMA hotline at 1-866-342-1699. For TTY users, dial 711. For TTY users with an out-of-state area code, dial 1-800-770-8973 for Alaska Relay; or,
Download the FEMA mobile app

When contacting FEMA, be sure to refer to the application number you were issued when you applied. This number is included in all correspondence you get from FEMA.

If you have not yet applied for FEMA help, please do so before Dec. 6, 2022.

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

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to our programs and services without discrimination. If you require a reasonable accommodation, call or text 907-727-6221 or email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov. You can also let staff know you require an accommodation such as spoken language resources, mobility assistance, or sign language interpreting services. If you feel you have experienced discrimination, call the FEMA Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 or 800-462-7585 (TTY/TDD) or email: FEMACivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov.

mary.j.edmon Thu, 12/01/2022 - 01:22

2 Weeks Left to Apply for Disaster Individual Assistance

mary.j.edmon — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 00:47:18 +0000

2 Weeks Left to Apply for Disaster Individual Assistance

Make sure you register with both FEMA and the State of Alaska to be eligible for Individual Assistance.

FEMA Hotline: 1-800-621-3362 (Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM AKT.)
- - FEMA Hotline TTY users can dial 711 or, TTY users with an out-of-state area code, dial 800-770-8973 for Alaska relay service.
State of Alaska Hotline: 1-844-445-7131 (Monday through Friday 8 AM – 4 PM AKT.)

Don’t forget – the hotline is a helpline! Call to apply, get help with an existing application, or have your questions answered.

There are other ways you can apply for disaster assistance:

Applications for FEMA Individual Assistance can also be submitted at www.disasterassistance.gov or via the FEMA mobile app.
To apply for State of Alaska Individual Assistance survivors can go online to ready.alaska.gov/IA.

Residents who applied for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to SBA to apply for a low-interest disaster loan as the next step in the application process. 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. You are not required to take out a loan, but failure to fill out the application may prevent you from receiving certain types of FEMA funding.

Applicants may apply for SBA, 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.

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

mary.j.edmon Wed, 11/23/2022 - 00:47

Flood Insurance is a Valuable Resource

mary.j.edmon — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 23:01:38 +0000

Flood Insurance is a Valuable Resource

Anchorage, Alaska –If you experienced damage from recent severe storms, flooding and landslides, flood insurance may be an option to prepare for future storms.

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 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by the federal government and administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

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. Areas outside of the mapped floodplain are also subject to flooding and an NFIP policy can provide coverage.

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. The average annual cost of a flood insurance policy in Alaska is $593 per year. That comes out to around $50 per month. Even if your home is not in a designated high-risk area, it can still be flooded. Keep in mind, as many as one-fourth of all NFIP claims come from areas NOT designated as high risk.

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.

Flood insurance coverage is available in participating communities regardless of federal disaster declarations. To find out if your community participates in the NFIP visit the FEMA Community Status Book at https://www.fema.gov/cis/AK.html. There is a 30-day waiting period before new policies go into effect, so don't wait to obtain a policy.

For additional information and to purchase an NFIP policy, contact your insurance agent today. Find out more about your risk and flood insurance at https://www.floodsmart.gov/. To purchase flood insurance or find an agent, call 1-800-427-4661.

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mary.j.edmon Tue, 11/01/2022 - 23:01

Purchase Flood Insurance to Protect What You’ve Built

mary.j.edmon — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 17:52:00 +0000

Purchase Flood Insurance to Protect What You’ve Built

BOTHELL, Wash. – If you do not carry National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance, now is the time to buy it. Wildfire season is slowing down, and once the fires are out, people and communities are at risk for another threat, flooding. Wildfires leave the ground charred and unable to absorb water. This creates a flash flooding potential for years to come, even in areas that rarely experienced flooding in the past. Sometimes these flash floods can pick up ash and large debris, turning into mudflows that are highly destructive.

Unlike many causes of damage, flooding and mudflows are generally not covered by a homeowners’ policy. An uninsured flood loss can eat into your life’s savings. Floods are the most common and expensive natural disaster in the U.S. Just an inch of water in an average-sized home can cause $25,000 in damage. A NFIP policy protects against such losses and can ensure that a flood doesn’t bring financial ruin.

Flood insurance is easy to get, the only requirement is that you live in an NFIP participating community. These include cities, counties and other jurisdictions that manage development. You don’t need to live in a floodplain to purchase a policy. If you live outside a floodplain, insurance will likely cost less than for those living in a higher risk area.

Buyers should be aware of the 30-day waiting period for an NFIP policy to go into effect. It is important to purchase a policy now to protect your property against the continuing threat of flooding. You can usually purchase flood insurance from your current agent. If that isn’t possible, NFIP representatives can help you find one.

As with any insurance, be sure to talk with your agent about the specifics of your policy. Find out more about your risk and flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov. To purchase flood insurance or find an agent, call 1-800-427-4661.

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Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter 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 Thu, 10/27/2022 - 17:52