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Recovery Efforts Continue with over 600 FEMA Personnel Following Typhoon Mawar, FEMA Urges Residents in Guam to be Cautious as Possible Flooding Threatens the Area
Recovery Efforts Continue with over 600 FEMA Personnel Following Typhoon Mawar, FEMA Urges Residents in Guam to be Cautious as Possible Flooding Threatens the Area

WASHINGTON -- Following President Biden’s amended Major Disaster Declaration for Guam on Sunday, FEMA has received nearly 5,300 registrations for assistance and urges survivors to continue to register.

More than 630 FEMA personnel are supporting response and recovery efforts in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Additional Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are being deployed to Guam to help survivors register for federal assistance.

An extended flood watch remains in effect for Guam through late Saturday night due to heavy rains, residents can expect additional flash flooding and power outage fluctuations. Residents should pay attention to local authorities and avoid driving or walking through flooded areas.

Resources for Survivors

  • Guam residents can register for federal assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA App, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Residents who use a relay service, such as video relay or captioned telephone service, can give the FEMA operator the number for that service.
  • Survivors who are covered by insurance should file a claim with their insurance company or agent as soon as they can. Next, they should apply for FEMA disaster assistance, which may include funding to repair or replace their homes, temporary housing resources, access to low-interest loans or other programs to help them jumpstart their recovery.
  • Residents who need to protect their property should make emergency repairs now, if possible, particularly if they have wet bedding, carpet or furniture that should be disposed of before mold becomes a problem. Do not wait for a FEMA inspector, but make sure to take photographs, document the damage, keep receipts and take necessary actions to protect property. Farmers who suffered crop loss should document their losses and contact 671-300-7972/3 or email agriculture@doagguam.gov for more information on available assistance.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Guam businesses and residents who were affected by Typhoon Mawar. To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must first register at DisasterAssistance.gov.
    • 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. 
    • Disaster loans up to $200,000 may be available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.
    • Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
    • Interest rates can be as low as 4% for businesses, 2.375% for private nonprofit organizations and 2.5% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.
  • The Bank of Guam announced it is automatically deferring payments on personal loans and credit cards for Guam and Rota accounts for three months. Affected customers in Saipan and Tinian may request deferment arrangements at any branch locations or by emailing consumerbanking@bankofguam.com.
  • The National Disaster Distress Helpline remains activated and anyone who has been affected by Typhoon Mawar can call 1-800-985-5990 for immediate counseling and support. Survivors in Guam that may be experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis can call or text the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

Safety Tips for Residents

  • Make sure food is safe to eat. Residents should throw out any perishable food in their refrigerator that has not been refrigerated at 40° F degrees or lower or if their refrigerator has been without power for over four hours. Never taste food to determine if it is safe to eat.
  •  Be safe using generators. Generators can help during a power outage but can present serious health and safety risks. Only use a generator outdoors and far from open doors and windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Visit Ready.gov/power-outages for more on how to use generators safely.  
  • Avoid downed power or utility lines. They may be live with deadly voltage. Stay away and report them immediately to the power or utility company. Do not cut or cover cables with debris.
  • Exercise caution when cleaning and making repairs. Residents who are returning home, should:
    • Wear protective clothing and appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris, and always work with someone else.
    • Document any damage with photographs and contact their insurance company so you can quickly file a claim.
    • Ask for help if moving heavy debris in or around their home.
  • Boil or use bottled water. As water boil advisories remain in effect for parts of CNMI and the entire island of Guam, residents should continue to use bottled water or boil their water for cooking, drinking and hygiene.
  • Stay tuned to local authorities. With heavy rains forecasted, residents should take these precautions:
    • If driving, be alert for low visibilities and slippery roads in heavy rain.
    • Slow down where water is ponding on the road.
    • Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
    • Do not camp, park or hike along streams and rivers.

Federal, Territorial and Voluntary Actions

  • FEMA is working with local and territorial officials to determine Disaster Recovery Center locations. Once open, survivors can visit these centers to receive one-on-one help with their disaster registration process and emergency assistance.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is also coordinating with government officials and other partners to set up a Business Recovery Center in Guam to offer direct support to businesses, homeowners and renters with losses because of Typhoon Mawar.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has about 140 responders in Guam supporting temporary power, temporary roofing and debris missions. Eight generators have been installed and additional installations are in progress as assessments continue.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting underwater surveys of transit channels and piers to remove any storm-related debris while its pollution response teams continue to assess vessels in the area.
  • Members of the Hawaii National Guard are deployed to supplement Guam National Guard soldiers through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
  • The Guam Power Authority continues its restoration efforts, reporting around 35% of customer demand is restored, with crews working 24-hour shifts. The authority has restored 95% of substation energization, which includes power to 23 of 24 critical substations that will result in increased power to more residents.
  • The Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) reports that over 60 wells are online out of 90 needed to stabilize island-wide service. GWA reports that 53% of water systems are online. GWA is working with FEMA to expedite generators to high-producing well sites, and has two currently being deployed, with an additional eight generator installations in progress for pump stations.
  • Nearly 50% of cell towers are now operational in Guam.
  • Three shelters remain open in Guam with an overnight population of more than 750.
  • The American Red Cross is providing around 3,400 meals per day and delivering emergency relief supplies to about 3,000 households, which includes clean up kits to help survivors with their recovery. The organization is preparing to send several shipment containers full of critical relief supplies, and more trained volunteers to Guam. People who are interested in volunteering can visit the American Red Cross Relief site at the Hilton Guam Resort and Spa or call 1-800-733-2767 for more information.
  • The Salvation Army is delivering around 300 prepared meals to Guam’s Department of Youth Affairs correctional facility.
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a 14-person team supporting response activities in Guam Memorial Hospital and a 15-person team supporting Guam Regional Medical City Hospital.
  • After a disaster, people want to help, but it’s important to donate responsibly. When people support voluntary organizations with financial contributions, it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to the people in need. You can find a voluntary organization to support by visiting the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster’s website at NVOAD.org.

To learn more about the Typhoon Mawar response and recovery efforts, visit FEMA.gov.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 06/01/2023 - 19:50

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:50:13 +0000


FEMA Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month
FEMA Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month

WASHINGTON -- This month, FEMA joins the Biden-Harris Administration in recognition of Pride Month, honoring the diverse members of the LGBTQ+ community and their vast contributions to our agency and our nation.

FEMA’s core values of compassion, fairness, integrity and respect guide every aspect of our service to the nation and its communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, and FEMA will continue to elevate programs and efforts to support them.

This Pride Month, FEMA will host a number of events at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and nationwide through its regional offices, to provide an opportunity for LGBTQ+ community members and their allies to meet and talk about issues pertaining to their identities, get to know each other, build rapport and create a supportive LGBTQ+ Family.

“Administrator Criswell has charged us with putting people first in all that we do, and that includes members of the LGBTQ+ community,” said FEMA’s director of the office of External Affairs Justin Ángel Knighten. “It is critical that before, during and after disaster we are taking steps to reduce barriers to accessing our programs and building up levels of disaster resilience nationwide, and that starts with meeting people where they are. As a member of this vibrant and diverse community, I am proud of the steps FEMA has taken to support us, but we have more work ahead to ensure we have the resources and information needed before disaster strikes.” 

On June 1, FEMA leadership raised the inclusive Rainbow Flag at agency headquarters and will display the flag at all FEMA offices. Later this month, on June 15, the FEMA Pride Employee Resource Group will host an event to celebrate LGBTQ+ achievements and contributions to history, as well as multiple forums throughout June to facilitate discussion and education with representatives of the LGBTQ+ community.  Other events and commemorations during the month will support this effort to highlight gender-inclusivity and the benefits of valuing diversity in emergency preparedness, response and recovery.

These events build on efforts that FEMA has already taken to support the LGBTQ+ community, including virtual roundtables co-hosted this year by FEMA, DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and Out for Sustainability (Out4S). The roundtables focused on helping the LGBTQ+ community prepared for disasters and response and recovery considerations for this community after disaster strikes. Featured speakers included private nonprofits, emergency management, local and state governments, faith-based organizations and other stakeholders that work in disaster preparedness and relief. 

The White House Proclamation for 2023 Pride Month noted the enduring struggles in the LGBTQ+ community for “freedom, justice and equality.” It is no secret that hate crimes and other hostile transgressions greatly impact our LGBTQ+ friends and colleagues who only desire to live and love freely in the nation that they call home. The actions we take in support of each other demonstrate our commitment to the values we share.

To ensure that we live our values and support this community and others, FEMA made equity one of the top goals in our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Our understanding of each other creates an environment where we can improve our work before, during and after disasters but also strengthen the entire emergency management community.

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 06/01/2023 - 17:14

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 17:14:16 +0000


FEMA is Hiring Tennesseans – Join the Tornado Recovery Team
FEMA is Hiring Tennesseans – Join the Tornado Recovery Team

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – FEMA is seeking Tennessee residents to fill a growing list of positions to assist with recovery from the March 31 to April 1, 2023, storms and tornadoes. Current jobs are based in Nashville.

Immediate openings are available to qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds to fill a variety of emergency management functions. The temporary positions are for 120 days and may be extended in 120-day increments up to a year, based on the needs of the recovery mission. Employment includes sick leave, health benefits and up to 11 paid holidays.

Applicants must be 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. Selected candidates will be required to complete a background investigation, which includes fingerprinting. FEMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The following postings are available in Nashville; they are open for a limited time and will fill quickly. To find FEMA local hire listings where the hyperlink is not provided below, go to USAJOBS - Search and scroll down:

To apply for any of these positions, visit usajobs.gov and search for keywords “local hire” and enter “Nashville, Tennessee” for location. Detailed information is provided for each position including pay and benefits. To submit your application, create an account in USAjobs.gov and upload your resume and documents. You will be contacted via email, phone or mail about the hiring process. You can also link to the usajobs.gov FEMA listings through the HANDSHAKE jobs app and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development at Jobs4TN.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx.

Hiring locally helps build FEMA’s disaster recovery workforce because many FEMA employees began their FEMA careers as local hires after major disasters in their states.

If you have a specific question about working for FEMA in Tennessee, email FEMA-DR-4691-4701-TN-HR@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

For the latest information on Tennessee’s recovery from the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4701. You may also follow TN.gov/TEMA; Twitter.com/TEMA, Facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo, @FEMARegion4/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.

sandra.habib Thu, 06/01/2023 - 16:51

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:51:26 +0000


FEMA Administrator Visits National Hurricane Center, Urges Residents to Prepare Now Ahead of Hurricane Season
FEMA Administrator Visits National Hurricane Center, Urges Residents to Prepare Now Ahead of Hurricane Season

WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell visited the National Hurricane Center in Miami on Wednesday to meet with meteorologists ahead of the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which begins today.

While in Miami, Administrator Criswell and National Hurricane Center Director Mike Brennan briefed President Biden on preparedness efforts ahead of the start of the season.

“Hurricanes today are developing faster and intensifying more rapidly than they have in the past,” said Administrator Criswell. “We have also seen major impacts from hurricanes in communities far from the coast. That’s why people should know their risk, determine how they will get information, and make a plan today. The time to prepare is now!”

Criswell and Brennan also briefed media on preparedness actions to take before a storm threatens your area.

Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released the 2023 Hurricane Season outlook, which forecasts up to 17 named storms, including up to nine hurricanes. One to four of these potential hurricanes are forecast to be “major hurricanes,” with winds of 111 mph or higher.

No matter what the hurricane season outlook says, it only takes one storm to bring widespread devastation. Now is the time to prepare your home and your family.

Remember, hurricanes don’t just affect coastal communities. These powerful storms can bring wind and flooding to areas far inland, so it’s important to know the risks where you live: rain, wind and flooding could happen far from the coast.

To watch Wednesday’s news conference from the National Hurricane Center, click here.

Start Preparing Now

The best way to help your community recover from a disaster is by taking steps now to prepare yourself and your family before a disaster strikes. Consider these actions to make sure you and your family are protected during the 2023 hurricane season:

  • Have a way to receive emergency alerts from emergency officials.
  • Download the free FEMA App to get weather alerts and updates for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
  • It's not too late to create a plan with your family. Visit Ready.gov/plan and use the new "Make a Plan" fillable form to walk through all the steps to begin your plan and then easily save an electronic copy or share with other family members.
  • FEMA’s Text-to-Shelter feature can also let you know how to find shelter during an evacuation this year. When there’s an evacuation order issued, you can text “shelter” and your ZIP code to 43362 for a list of nearby shelter locations. 
  • Many shelters do not take household pets, so remember to create a plan and have supplies available for your pets.
  • Storms may leave your area without power and water for days or weeks. Stock your pantry with non-perishable food, water and medicine. Learn how to build a disaster supply kit that meets the specific needs of every member of your family.
  • Remember, standard homeowner’s and renter’s insurance doesn’t cover flooding. You can get flood coverage from your insurance company or the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
  • Disasters are costly, but preparing for them doesn’t have to be. In fact, taking time to prepare now can help save you thousands of dollars and give you peace of mind when the next disaster or emergency occurs. FEMA’s Ready Campaign recently published a low and no-cost preparedness webpage with tips to help preparedness for a variety of disasters and emergencies, including:
    • Building your emergency supply kit over time, starting with items you may already have in your home -- like a flashlight, extra batteries, copies of important documents, water and non-perishable food.
    • Talking with family or members of your household about where you will go if told to evacuate.
    • Storing important documents and items like passports, birth certificates, maps and electronics in a flood-safe place, like a high shelf or upper floor in resealable water-tight plastic bags to help waterproof them.
People on TV screens.

MIAMI -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and National Hurricane Center Director Mike Brennan brief President Biden and administration officials before the start of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season.  (FEMA photo)

woman and man sitting at table talking to unseen people.

MIAMI -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and National Hurricane Center Director Mike Brennan brief President Biden and administration officials before the start of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season.  (FEMA photo)

Woman at a podium speaking.

MIAMI -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell briefs media at the National Hurricane Center to promote hurricane readiness. The Administrator stressed the importance of taking preparedness measures early. (FEMA photo)

luther.wills-dudich Thu, 06/01/2023 - 16:31

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:31:18 +0000


FEMA May Bridge Insurance Gaps
FEMA May Bridge Insurance Gaps

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma residents affected by the April 19-20 severe weather, straight-line winds and tornadoes are urged to file with their insurance company before registering for assistance from FEMA.

If your home is uninsured or underinsured, FEMA may be able to help you fill in some gaps in your recovery. FEMA cannot duplicate any benefit you may receive from your insurance.

FEMA does not cover an insurance deductible as a disaster-related cost, but may help you with uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses or serious needs.

When applying for assistance, you should tell FEMA about any insurance proceeds or any denials. You should also provide your insurance policy number or the agent and/or the company name. If you are unable to locate important documents, FEMA specialists will help you identify other ways to verify information.

FEMA specialists can then review your case to determine your eligibility.

To apply for assistance, visit www.disasterassistance.gov. If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

alexa.brown Thu, 06/01/2023 - 16:03

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:03:15 +0000


Requests for Public Assistance Deadline Extended to June 9
Requests for Public Assistance Deadline Extended to June 9

LAKE MARY, Fla. – State and local governments, community, and volunteer organizations, including houses of worship, affected by the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County have until June 9, 2023, to submit their requests to the state for FEMA Public Assistance funding.

 

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

Applicants work with FEMA to develop projects and scopes of work. FEMA obligates funding for projects to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) after final approval. Once a project is obligated, FDEM works closely with applicants to complete the grant process and begin making payments. FDEM has procedures in place designed to ensure grant funding is provided to local communities as quickly as possible.

Prospective applicants can contact county emergency management or FDEM for more information.

 

For information on Florida’s recovery, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4709. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

martyce.allenjr Thu, 06/01/2023 - 15:08

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:08:46 +0000


FEMA Funds Will Guarantee Power Generators to Serve Communities
FEMA Funds Will Guarantee Power Generators to Serve Communities

Over $1 million will support critical services during an emergency through backup energy

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocated over $1 million in mitigation measures for generator projects that will help address future disasters in several facilities at Bayamón and Guaynabo. These funds under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will provide essential services to communities during power outages or future natural disasters. To date, the agency has awarded nearly $415.3 million under HMGP for the installation of generators in multiple projects.

“Guaranteeing power during an emergency is critical for communities. This is one of the measures that FEMA is working on to strengthen the preparedness of government agencies and non-profit organizations that will serve Puerto Rico during a future response,” explained Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator José G. Baquero.

The Onofre Carballeira Coliseum — which includes the premises of the Rubén Rodríguez Coliseum and the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón — is one of the facilities where nearly $248,000 from the agency were invested. With these funds, two 500-kilowatt and 480-volt generators were purchased, which will protect against the impact of future natural events. The place is key for the municipality as it serves as a shelter for some 140 people and as a distribution center for food, water and other essential resources to the community after a disaster.

Another significant project at Bayamón is the installation of eleven emergency generators for eleven water distribution plants of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) around various communities in the municipality. The installation of these generators with over $670,000 from the agency supposes an essential support to some 16,000 families during an interruption of the energy service.

Meanwhile, the Home for the Elderly of the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico (CIAPR, in Spanish) also received over $117,000 for energy backup that already benefits its residents. The obligation allowed the installation of a 125-kilowatt emergency generator with a 583‑gallon gasoline tank.

The president of the CIAPR, Faustino González Quiles, explained that the previous 60-kilowatt generator had been operating for more than 30 years. The new generator now provides electricity to the common area of each floor and will ensure that residents can have a refrigerator that will be supplied during emergencies to store medicine and water. “This generator contributes to guarantee the well-being of the elderly in emergency situations,” added González Quiles.

CIAPR’s Home for the Elderly has 101 apartments for low-income seniors and has operated for more than 50 years. The building also has terraces, a passive park, a common laundry area, a room for activities and a chapel, among other amenities.

The executive director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3, in English), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera, stated: “at COR3 we have worked together with the subrecipients to identify opportunity areas for the development of projects through FEMA’s HMGP program. These projects, that are under development and others completed, provide energy redundancy to improve services and the quality of life of our people. Important projects remain to be obligated and our commitment is to continue supporting the subrecipients in the process until these works materialize.”

To date, FEMA has awarded over $3.1 billion for 150 HMGP projects that will address mitigation measures for a more resilient Puerto Rico.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s recovery,  visit fema.gov/disaster/4339fema.gov/disaster/4473 and recovery.pr. Follow us on our social media at Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRicoFacebook.com/COR3pr and Twitter @COR3pr.

frances.acevedo-pico Thu, 06/01/2023 - 15:02

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:02:59 +0000


Get Ready NOW: Hurricane Season Starts Tomorrow
Get Ready NOW: Hurricane Season Starts Tomorrow

New York, NY — With hurricane season upon us, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages residents in Puerto Rico to get their families and property ready now. Taking early preparedness steps enhances the response and recovery processes from these severe weather events.

“Getting ready for hurricane season should be a routine to residents in the Caribbean area since it only takes one weather event to destroy properties and threat lives. We all have learned that the tough way”, said David Warrington, FEMA Region 2 Administrator. “While keeping a consistent pace on current recovery operations due to hurricanes Fiona and Maria, and other events, FEMA maintains a complete workforce solely focused on providing Puerto Rico with preparedness resources to be ready for the next emergency incident.”

To support and build up the response capacities of the Government of Puerto Rico, FEMA has coordinated through the Caribbean Area Office in Puerto Rico (CAO-PR) a series of preparedness initiatives that integrate lessons learned into exercises, drills, seminars, and workshops, where local, state, and federal stakeholders bring their experience and knowledge to develop a whole community approach to emergency preparedness. This constant, direct interaction has developed mutual respect and trust bonds which are instrumental before, during and after response and recovery operations.

“We continue to work with our state counterparts and provide preparedness resources to all sectors involved in preparedness, whether municipalities, private sector, non-profit and faith-based entities, so that they are ready to assist and support. We have hired and trained additional personnel and have increased our supply of communication equipment to reinforce federal communication capabilities. We will continue our deep commitment with our communities because they are taking the steps before a disaster strikes,” said Orlando Olivera, CAO-PR Coordinator.

FEMA is ready to provide immediate resources, including personnel, as well as the commodities available in warehouses strategically located throughout the island with more than 8.8 million liters of water, more than 6 million ready-to-eat meals (MREs), more than 200 generators, more than 90,000 tarps, more than 28,000 plastic covers and more than 10,300 cots, among other emergency supplies.

“Get ready now. Download the FEMA App to your device and follow its recommendations. Our team is ready to support the government of Puerto Rico as we move forward with all emergency preparedness efforts. Our team is committed to that goal, working alongside our whole community partners; now is your tun,” concluded Regional Administrator Warrington.

Individuals living in flood and landslide prone, or similar hazards areas should identify evacuation routes and the nearest shelters. Create a support network of relatives, friends and others who can help you in an emergency and remember to get enough supplies and medications for at least a week, including a gallon of water daily for each family member, and for pets.

To learn more about emergency preparedness, visit: ready.gov or the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau website for additional information.

# # #

yuisa.rios Wed, 05/31/2023 - 22:36

Wed, 31 May 2023 22:36:58 +0000


How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Typhoon Mawar
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Typhoon Mawar

Guam homeowners and renters who were affected by Typhoon Mawar may apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362. The Helpline is open and available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.

There is no cost for Guam residents to call the helpline.

If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information ready:

  • A current phone number where you can be contacted
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
  • Your social security number
  • A general list of damage and losses
  • Banking information if you choose direct deposit
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

Survivors may be eligible to receive assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from Typhoon Mawar. If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

Disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4715. Follow FEMA at https://twitter.com/femaregion9 and at facebook.com/fema.

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

 

robert.barker Wed, 05/31/2023 - 06:16

Wed, 31 May 2023 06:16:43 +0000


Guam Survivors Don’t Need to Wait on FEMA to Start Cleaning Up from Typhoon Mawar
Guam Survivors Don’t Need to Wait on FEMA to Start Cleaning Up from Typhoon Mawar

Guam residents affected by Typhoon Mawar don’t need to wait for a visit from a FEMA housing inspector or their insurance company to start cleaning up and making repairs. FEMA inspectors and insurance claims adjusters can verify damage even though cleanup has begun.

However, you should take photographs of damage and keep recovery-related receipts. Insurance companies may need both photographs and receipts, while FEMA may need receipts.

Before starting cleanup, it’s important that you first check for structural damage to your damaged home before entering it and to report it to local officials.

Cleanup requires throwing away wet contents like bedding, carpet and furniture because of health issues that may arise with mold. Follow local government guidance for disposing of damaged furnishings and other items.

Remember to Apply for FEMA Assistance

If you haven’t already, it’s important that you register for FEMA assistance as soon as you can. You only need to register once per household. Once registered, survivors should keep in touch with FEMA and if your contact information changes, be sure to notify FEMA of that change.

Every applicant is given a registration number. It’s very important to write the number down and keep it handy. This is how FEMA will identify you and it will be used in all correspondence and other communication with FEMA.

Be aware that FEMA assistance is non-taxable, does not need to be repaid and does not affect other government benefits.

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362. The Helpline is open and available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.

There is no cost for Guam residents to call the helpline.

If you use 711 or Video Relay service, give FEMA the number for that service.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

  • Your address with the zip code.
  • Your Social Security number, if available.
  • Condition of your damaged home.
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name if available.
  • Phone number where you can be contacted.
  • Address where you can get mail or email address to receive electronic notifications.

If you use 711 or Video Relay service, give FEMA the number for that service.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available:

  • Your address with the zip code.
  • Your Social Security number, if available.
  • Condition of your damaged home.
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name if available.
  • Phone number where you can be contacted.
  • Address where you can get mail or email address to receive electronic notifications.

For information on Guam’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4715. Follow FEMA at https://twitter.com/femaregion9 and at facebook.com/fema.

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

 

robert.barker Wed, 05/31/2023 - 06:05

Wed, 31 May 2023 06:05:43 +0000