RACES Logger by KB3HIY

As of March 18, unless otherwise noted

Since the federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Michael, Bay County residents have received nearly $640.4 million in federal funds:

As of March 18, unless otherwise noted

Since the federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Michael, Gulf County residents have received more than $130.3 million in total federal funds:

Since the federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Michael, residents of Jackson County have received nearly $62 million in total federal funds:

Orlando, Fla. – FEMA has approved $17,063,935.71 to the State of Florida to assist the Florida Department of Military Affairs defray the costs of emergency protective measures taken for Hurricane Irma.

Orlando, Fla. – FEMA has approved $2,237,544.02 to the State of Florida to assist Clay Electric Cooperative defray the costs of emergency protective measures taken for Hurricane Irma.

Myth: FEMA assistance could affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
Fact: FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income by the IRS.

Myth: I can’t get FEMA help since I have insurance.
Fact: While FEMA, by law, cannot duplicate insurance benefits, many homeowners find they were underinsured for their losses and should apply to see if they qualify for assistance.

Oakland, Calif. – A new grant to build a storm drain diversion facility will significantly reduce the risk of flooding for 56 homes in Casitas Springs. The $7 million hazard mitigation infrastructure project will safely route floodwaters, sediment and debris from the Fresno Canyon watershed to the Ventura River.  

DENVER - As winter comes to a close, communities look forward to the coming of spring and a return to the warm outdoors. But it’s also a time to be aware of the threat of Mother Nature, meaning severe storms and flooding.  Rapid snowmelt or a couple of inches of rainfall can create potential flooding.

FEMA Region VIII Preparedness and Mitigation experts have several recommendations to help you get ready for that threat. Region VIII includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

DENVER – There’s a hidden threat that strikes countless unprepared Americans each year – flooding.  Unlike fire, wind, hail or most other perils, flood damage is not covered by a homeowners’ policy.  An uninsured flood loss can undo a lifetime’s worth of effort and create a mountain of bills.  Fortunately, a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy provides the defense against such losses and can ensure that a flood doesn’t bring financial ruin.

AUSTIN, Texas — Natural disasters affect each household differently. Some Hurricane Harvey survivors lived in hotels while rebuilding their homes, others needed to replace vehicles and furniture, and still more had to find new jobs. One thing they all had in common was a need for money.

Tallahassee, Fla. – FEMA has approved $2,712,946 to the state of Florida to assist the City of Mexico Beach with reimbursement for the costs of debris removal following Hurricane Michael under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

FEMA funds will reimburse the city for the collection, reduction, disposal and site management of debris within Mexico Beach following the October 2018 storm.

Tallahassee, Fla. – FEMA has approved $1,659,907 to the state of Florida to assist 16 eligible applicants with reimbursement for eligible costs of emergency response and protective measures, as well as temporary facilities, for Hurricane Michael under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

Tallahassee, Fla. – FEMA has approved $7,495,304 to the state of Florida to assist Panama City with reimbursement for the costs of debris removal following Hurricane Michael under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

FEMA funds will reimburse the city for the collection, reduction, disposal and site management of debris within Panama City following the October 2018 storm.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – FEMA mitigation specialists will visit home improvement stores in Anchorage, Eagle River and Wasilla March 18-23 to provide advice on how to repair and rebuild structures safer and stronger, and general tips to help Alaskans prepare for the next earthquake.

by Lee dePalo

The old saying is that April showers bring May flowers. Well, in FEMA Region VIII we have learned that March snowfall can bring April, May or even June flooding. The recent heavy snows have left considerable snowpack both in the Rocky Mountains and across the plains.  Individuals and communities must prepare for potential flooding.

Tallahassee, Fla. – FEMA has approved $1,659,907 to the state of Florida to assist 16 eligible applicants with reimbursement for eligible costs of emergency response and protective measures, as well as temporary facilities, for Hurricane Michael under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The State/FEMA disaster recovery center in Panama City will close at 1 p.m.
Saturday, March 16. At 9 a.m. Monday, March 18, a Community Recovery Center will open in the same location, the Bay County Public Library.

The purpose of the Community Recovery Center is to encourage and support a localized, community-based approach to disaster recovery. The center will promote the ability of the Bay County community to tailor recovery programs, resources and services to its population’s unmet needs.

CLANTON, Ala. – The State of Alabama and FEMA will open two disaster recovery centers in the Lee County cities of Smiths Station and Opelika Friday, March 15.
The centers offer in-person support to individuals and businesses in Lee County affected by the recent tornadoes.
Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the state and other interests will be at the centers to talk about available assistance and to help anyone who needs guidance. The centers are located at:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with West Virginia Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM), the West Virginia School Building Authority, the Kanawha County Board of Education, the Nicholas County Board of Education, and the applicant’s contractor(s), including their environmental contractors, are working in partnership to complete environmental assessments for the replacement of four flood damaged schools in Kanawha County and Nicholas County, West Virginia.

From day one, volunteer organizations have been key in helping survivors in Puerto Rico rebuild their lives after hurricanes Irma and María. To continue helping survivors through their journey to long-term recovery, the Government of Puerto Rico and FEMA opened community recovery centers, or CRCs across the island where nonprofits could meet face to face with survivors.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Floridians can learn how to preserve family heirlooms and salvage keepsakes damaged by Hurricane Michael. Specialists from the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative will discuss preservation options and demonstrate how to handle, dry, and clean damaged objects at two free workshops—the first in Panama City and the second in Port St. Joe. The experts also will offer tips to ensure personal safety, set priorities and prepare for the next disaster.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Free legal assistance is available to low-income Alaskans who need help with earthquake-related issues such as home repair contracts and contractors; life, medical and property claims; FEMA applications and appealing FEMA decisions.
 

If you received a letter from FEMA that says you’re ineligible for housing assistance, that’s not the last word. You might just need to provide more information to FEMA.

CLANTON, Ala. – After registering for disaster assistance, you may receive a determination letter by mail or email from FEMA. Read your determination letter carefully to understand your eligibility for federal assistance.

There are many reasons for an initial ineligibility determination. The most common reason is the need to provide FEMA with a copy of a letter verifying your insurance coverage before FEMA can process your grant application.

AUSTIN, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded nearly
$4 million to the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) for help with search and rescue operations following Hurricane Harvey.

TEEX used labor, equipment, materials and contracts to direct teams who rescued stranded citizens and searched flooded buildings for survivors.