OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes the city of Livermore’s perseverance in making its community safer, more flood resilient and lowering flood insurance premiums for residents.
As a part of the National Flood Insurance Program, the Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum program requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community’s actions.
The city of Livermore has improved its flood safety by guiding development away from high-risk flood areas, educating the public on flood risks within the community and collaborating with neighboring communities to identify and reduce shared risks.
Livermore residents now receive a 20 percent discount on their flood insurance, which was previously only 5 percent – a savings of several hundred dollars a year for individuals and thousands of dollars citywide. In 2019, California residents from 96 communities saved more than $13.7 million – an average annual policy savings of $112 per resident across participating CRS communities.
Where it can rain, it can flood. And flood insurance is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself financially and recover faster from the devastating effects of flooding.
Did you know an inch of floodwater can cause more than $25,000 in damage to siding, flooring, sheetrock, insulation, cabinets, and even ventilation and electrical systems?
The time to buy flood insurance is now. A flood can happen anywhere, at any time – even outside of the high-risk flood areas. Visit floodsmart.gov to learn more.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Hurricane Sally survivors receiving Social Security payments or other government assistance have no cause for concern that FEMA disaster assistance might affect their benefits.
If you live in Baldwin, Escambia or Mobile county and have registered with FEMA for federal disaster assistance, you are in no danger of losing other federal benefits to which you are entitled.
FEMA disaster grants are not taxable income. Accepting a FEMA grant will not affect your Social Security benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other federal welfare and entitlement programs.
Disaster grants help survivors pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.
Survivors can apply for disaster assistance in the following ways:
Download the FEMA App to your cellphone and click on “Disaster Resources” which will lead to “Apply for Assistance Online.” Click on that button to register for assistance, to find other sources of assistance that may be available to you. If you’ve already registered, you also can check the status of your application by clicking on that button.
Call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open daily 6 a.m. to midnight, Central Time, 7 days a week.
When you apply, you will need your Social Security number, information on how to contact you, bank account numbers, as well as information about your homeowners’ insurance and flood insurance, if applicable.
The deadline to register with FEMA is Nov. 19, 2020.
SALEM, Ore. – Oregon residents displaced from their homes by wildfires and straight-line winds beginning Sept. 7
may find FEMA rental assistance an important way to move their recovery forward.
FEMA rental assistance provides survivors a grant to pay for somewhere to live while they work on permanent
housing plans such as repairing or rebuilding their home. Options include renting an apartment, house, or
recreational vehicle that can keep survivors near their jobs, schools, homes, and places of worship.
Funds can be used for security deposits, rent and the cost of essential utilities such as electricity, gas, and water.
They may not be used for to pay for cable or Internet.
Survivors who live in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn or Marion county,
should follow these steps if their home is uninhabitable and they need financial help to find a place
to stay:
▪ File an insurance claim. If insured, survivors should check with their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
agent about additional living expenses coverage, often referred to as ALE, as part of their policy that may
assist in relocating to a temporary residence.
▪ Apply for FEMA assistance. Survivors who have homeowner’s insurance should submit their settlement
documents to FEMA for review to determine their eligibility status. If their policy does not include ALE, or if
they exhaust this coverage and their home remains uninhabitable, they may be eligible for rental
assistance from FEMA.
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA app or by calling the disaster assistance helpline
at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PDT, seven days a week. Those who use a Relay
service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their assigned number for that
service.
For the deaf and hard of hearing information regarding FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program is available in
both Closed Caption and American Sign Language, visit bit.ly/3dMmu2Z.
At any time applicants with disabilities who may require a reasonable accommodation can ask FEMA staff directly or
submit their accommodation request via email to FEMA’s Office of Civil Rights at
FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov or by calling FEMA’s Civil Rights Resource Line at 833-285-7448.
A FEMA inspector will contact applicants by phone to ask questions about the type and extent of damage. It may be
necessary for FEMA to perform a remote inspection if an applicant reported they are not able to safely live in their
home.
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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-
3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a Relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA
with their assigned number for that service. They should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified
number. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish)
Disaster survivors affected by the Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds can also get personalized mitigation advice to repair
and rebuild safer and stronger from a FEMA Mitigation Specialist. For information on how to rebuild safer and stronger or to
inquire as to your new flood risk following a fire near you, email FEMA-R10-MIT@fema.dhs.gov, a FEMA Hazard Mitigation
specialist will respond survivor inquiries.
Follow FEMA Region 10 on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA.gov for more information.
BATON ROUGE, La. –– Hurricane Delta survivors with flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program are beginning to make claims on their flood-damaged properties and should be aware of what to expect during the claims process.
Policyholders who filed flood insurance claims after Hurricane Laura will need to file new claims if damage was sustained from Hurricane Delta. You will need to document new damages and be prepared to provide receipts and documentation for any repairs you made from your prior loss.
Since Hurricane Delta struck Louisiana on Oct. 16, over 1,300 flood insurance claims have been filed. Policyholders should follow these steps:
Immediately following flood damage,
Contact your insurance agent to report your loss. If you can’t remember the name or number of the insurance company that services your FEMA flood policy, call the NFIP at 877-336-2627 to find out.
An insurance adjuster will be assigned to you and will contact you within a few days of filing your claim. Ask the adjustor if you are eligible for a remote claim adjustment and an advance payment to help you start recovering.
When it is safe to return to your home or business,
Be aware, you may need a permit for repairing and rebuilding. Contact your local floodplain management and building department.
Wear protective gear and take photos and/or videos of the outside and inside of the property.
Keep swatches of carpet, drapes, and upholstery of unrepairable building finishes and contents when removing debris, as the type and quality of material may impact the amount payable on the claim.
All removed materials need to be photographed before disposal.
Follow the EPA’s guidelines for safely removing all mold. The NFIP will not cover mold damage if policyholders fail to take action to prevent the growth and spread of mold. For more information, view: www.floodsmart.gov/flood/document-damage.
Remote flood claims adjusting:
Adjusters will make sure policyholders have the necessary technology and equipment (e.g., a digital camera or a cell phone with camera and something that can be used for measurements) and are comfortable using it to take the photographs required for the adjustment.
The adjuster will also communicate how much time could be required to document the damage (2 to 4 hours, or more), and the importance of high-quality exterior and interior photos of the damaged and undamaged building and contents.
Adjusters typically take their own measurements during a physical inspection; however, for remote adjusting, they will rely on the policyholder to take and document measurements using things like rulers, measuring tape, stepping off toe-to-heel, etc.
There are some instances when a remote adjustment will not be an option, or it may not be the best one for a policyholder’s claim. Some examples include cases where: the policyholder does not have the technology needed; there are large losses with substantial damage; an expert, like an engineer is needed, or other perils are involved, like wind vs. water.
Working with your flood adjuster
The building and personal property deductibles under the NFIP policy applies on a per claim basis. If you had a flood claim from Hurricane Laura and had additional damage from Hurricane Delta, the adjuster assigned to handle your Hurricane Delta claim will determine if your damage requires a second claim and deductible.
During the recovery process, it is important for policyholders to talk to the assigned adjuster or their flood insurance carrier before signing a water remediation contract to have work done that may not be covered under the policy.
The important thing for policyholders to know is if they choose to have their claim remotely adjusted, they can request an in-person inspection at any time during the process. Adjusters are there to support policyholders and address their concerns throughout the claims process.
Adjusters will show you an official identification card. Don't pay a fee to any third party to file your claim.
After the adjuster’s inspection is complete, you will receive a copy of a detailed damage estimate. It is important that you review the estimate and speak with the adjuster concerning any questions you have about the estimate; or if you identify items that he/she omitted or require further review.
To help ensure you receive a claim payment that reflects your flood loss and is within your policy limit, ask your insurance company about any important deadlines you need to meet, like submitting your Proof of Loss form. You must submit a completed and signed Proof of Loss with all supporting documentation to your insurance company within 60 days of the loss.
After your Proof of Loss is processed, you will receive a check made out to you and/or your mortgage company.
Carefully review all the documents you receive before depositing the check.
Wind vs. water insurance claims:
Hurricane Delta is a wind-and-water event that brought damage from rising waters, but also incurred wind damage to buildings like roof damage or damage from downed trees.
The Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) pays only for direct physical loss by or from flooding to insured property.
Your adjuster will be looking for signs of a general condition of flooding and a flood water line. Damage below this line is typically flood damage. Damage above the flood-water line is typically wind damage, such as water-stained ceilings or water damage at broken windows or exterior doors, missing shingles, turbine or fascia damage, water stains to the ceiling or down walls.
Your adjuster may ask for a copy of your wind or homeowner’s damage estimate to confirm no overlap in scope or payment of damage.
When it is too difficult to tell if the damage was from wind or flood, NFIP insurers may recommend the use of an expert to help determine causation and extent of damage by wind and/or flood.
Flood claim appeals
FEMA’s goal is to ensure that you, as an NFIP policyholder, receive the amount you are owed for your claim(s) under the terms of your policy.
If you believe your policy provides more coverage than you received payment for, ask your adjustor or insurer to clarify.
If you receive a denial letter from your insurer for all or part of your claim, you can file a written appeal, including the denial letter and supporting documentation, within 60 days of the date you received the letter. Email your appeal to FEMA-NFIP-Appeals@fema.dhs.gov.
There is no fee to file an appeal and you do not need a third party to represent you.
For more information on the claims process, view the NFIP Flood Insurance Claims Handbook, contact your insurance agent, visit FloodSmart.gov, or call the NFIP at 877-336-2627. Click here for an infographic on how to file a flood insurance claim.
PENSACOLA, Fla. – After you register for federal disaster assistance, it is important that FEMA be able to contact you. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may appear to come from unidentified numbers and make sure that FEMA has your current contact information.
FEMA may need to call some survivors in Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties to conduct a remote house inspection, via telephone, in order to be able to continue processing their application for assistance after the Hurricane Sally. FEMA also may contact survivors to obtain more information for their application.
If there are changes in your phone number, current address, banking or insurance information, you should let FEMA know or you may miss important telephone calls or correspondence.
You can update your contact information in several ways:
Call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service.
The deadline to register with FEMA is Dec. 1, 2020.
When calling applicants, FEMA specialists will have the applicant’s FEMA identification number, telephone number and address of the damaged property. They will not ask for money; there is no charge to apply for FEMA assistance. If you are suspicious about a caller, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) to verify that FEMA is trying to reach you.
The Roberto Clemente Coliseum, the San Juan Natatorium and the Sixto Escobar Park are some of the facilities that will be repaired
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Soon we will begin to see the recovery of some of the Island’s most well-known sports venues. The Roberto Clemente Coliseum, Sixto Escobar Park, the Pedrín Zorrilla Coliseum, the San Juan Natatorium, the Baldrich Club tennis courts and the Dr. José Celso Barbosa Park will be repaired with over $15.3 million in FEMA funds for damage related to Hurricane María.
Just over $7.3 million will help restore the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, which hosts various sporting and entertainment events such as basketball and boxing championships. Similarly, the San Juan Natatorium will be repaired with nearly $2.5 million for the benefit of the students of the Escuela del Deporte and various swim clubs and other aquatic training groups.
“Having rehabilitated facilities encourages family interaction and sports development in our communities. In these structures, outstanding athletes train daily to do their best for our country," said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, José Baquero Tirado.
Rebuilding these facilities places the island in a better position for other competitive events. This is how Sara Rosario Velez, President of the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee, known as COPUR, expressed her thoughts on the matter while describing the federal investment as an opportunity to highlight the island's sportsmanship at an international level.
“Right now the possibility of Puerto Rico hosting the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2022 is being analyzed and knowing that we can count on these facilities in the metropolitan area could be a relief for some sports that don't necessarily have the space in the west zone, which is where the games would be held,” she said.
The economic potential that sports tourism would generate increases as a result of the renovation of these facilities. Along with the benefit to the communities, various federations and athletes that depend on these sports centers, it is estimated that this tourism sector represents about $800 billion worldwide.
Puerto Rican boxers will also benefit from restored facilities at the Sixto Escobar Park, where they are preparing to participate in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. “The repairs are necessary and in turn will motivate athletes to continue their training and have a better quality of preparation," said Tatiana Ortiz Rivera, a member of the National Pre-Selection Team of Amateur Boxing.
In the case of the Baldrich courts, with a grant of more than $2.2 million, they are the only site on the island where the country's field hockey team is able to train.
For his part, the Executive Director of the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience, Ottmar Chávez, mentioned that “the impact that these facilities receive with the recovery funds will allow sports activities and important events to resume, promoting tourism and economic development. Additionally, communities benefit by having their venues repaired for the enjoyment of all. These reconstruction efforts will always continue to promote communication and teamwork between FEMA, COR3 and the sub-recipients.”
Federal funding for the other sports centers includes about $1.9 million for the Sixto Escobar Park, $2.9 million for the Dr. Jose Celso Barbosa Park and over $954,000 for the Pedrín Zorrilla Coliseum.
To date, FEMA has obligated over $19 billion for costs related to hurricanes Irma and María, including projects to help rebuild infrastructure throughout Puerto Rico. FEMA works with COR3 through the agency’s Public Assistance program to obligate recovery funds to private nonprofit organizations, municipalities and agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (October 19, 2020)— Over $7.3 million will help restore the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, which hosts various sporting and entertainment events such as basketball and boxing championships.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (October 19, 2020) -- Federal funding for other sports centers includes over $954,000 for the Pedrín Zorrilla Coliseum.
ORLANDO, Fla. – FEMA has awarded grants totaling $12,231,832 for the State of Florida to reimburse applicants for the costs of repairs following Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The FEMA Public Assistance grants include:
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative: $11,105,629 for repairs to its distribution system, including poles, transformers, streetlights and other equipment and the administrative costs of tracking and accounting for labor, equipment and materials.
Monroe County: $1,126,203 for repairs to the Marathon Airport including the baggage belt system, vinyl shade and aluminum canopies, hangar doors, roofs, security fences and gates, directional traffic and runway signage and other repair costs.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations, including some houses of worship, so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Florida Division of Emergency Management works with FEMA during all phases of the program and conducts final reviews of FEMA-approved projects.
The federal share for projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The state determines how the nonfederal share of the cost of a project (up to 25 percent) is split with the subrecipients like local and county governments.
Reopens Oct. 26 and closes permanently at 6 p.m. Oct. 30
Centers are operating in Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties. Disaster survivors can get help registering at any of the centers. Locations:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Marie Young Wedgewood Community Center, 6405 Wagner Rd., Pensacola, FL 32505
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Lexington Terrace Community Center, 700 S. Old Corry Rd., Pensacola, FL 32507
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Escambia County Equestrian Center, 7750 Mobile Highway, Pensacola, FL 32526
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
OKALOOSA COUNTY
Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Pensacola State College, 5988 U.S. 90, Milton, FL 32583
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
WALTON COUNTY
Freeport Regional Sports Complex
563 Hammock Trail East, Freeport, FL 32439
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Days of operation: Oct. 18-Oct. 22
Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast
427 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Days of operation: Oct. 23-Oct. 28
The centers operate under COVID-19 protocols to ensure visitors and FEMA personnel are safe. Distancing and face coverings are required.
It is not necessary to visit a center to register with FEMA. Disaster survivors with uninsured losses can also apply by:
Calling 800-621-3362 (800-462-7585 TTY). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with their specific phone number assigned to that service.
The deadline to register is Dec. 1, 2020.
The following information is necessary when you register:
Address of the damaged dwelling where the damage occurred (pre-disaster address)
Current mailing address
Current telephone number
Insurance information
Total household annual income
Routing and account number for checking or savings account (this allows FEMA to directly transfer disaster assistance funds into a bank account)
A description of disaster-caused damage and losses
BATON ROUGE, La. — If you were affected by Hurricane Delta and youlive inAcadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, and Vermilion Parish, you may be eligible for FEMA help.
Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners and renters can include grants for needed rentals and repairs to make their primary homes habitable. It can also help other serious disaster-related needs like replacing essential household items, medical and dental expenses and funeral and burial costs.
First, if you have an insurance policy, you should file a claim.
If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, contact FEMA by either going online to disasterassistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or by calling the helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).
Information that you need to have when you register includes:
Address of the damaged primary dwelling where the damage occurred;
Current mailing address;
Current telephone number;
Insurance information;
A description of disaster-caused damage and losses;
Total household annual income;
Routing and account number for checking or savings account so FEMA can directly transfer disaster assistance funds.
Home Inspections and COVID-19
If you reported that you cannot or may not be able to safely live in your home, it may be necessary for FEMA to perform an inspection of the damaged dwelling. Due to COVID-19, home inspections may be conducted remotely by phone.
For remote inspections, FEMA inspectors will contact you to ask questions about the type and extent of damage sustained. Remote inspections provide a new way of evaluating damage – as distinct from traditional, in-person inspections – and helping expedite the delivery of recovery assistance to survivors based on their eligibility.
If you had minimal damage and can live in your home, you will not automatically be scheduled for a home inspection when registering for FEMA assistance. If you find significant disaster-caused damage after you register with FEMA, you can request an inspection.
Part of the FEMA disaster-assistance registration process includes providing a call-back phone number for FEMA to contact you to set up a home inspection and other information.
Applicants using a relay service, such as videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel, should provide your specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA is able to contact you, and you should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Homeowners and renters who suffered damage from Hurricane Sally in Baldwin, Mobile and Escambia counties should apply to FEMA for federal disaster assistance even if they have insurance.
While FEMA cannot duplicate insurance or other benefits, it may be able to help with uninsured or underinsured losses, or if your insurance settlement is delayed. Applicants should notify FEMA of their situation and provide insurance company documentation.
You may be eligible for a grant if you received a settlement from your insurance company and still have unmet disaster-related needs.
FEMA may still be able to assist with disaster-related temporary housing if you have exhausted the settlement from your insurance for additional living expenses.
You may be eligible for grants to cover emergency home repairs, disaster-related medical, dental and other disaster-related expenses if an insurance settlement is insufficient to cover those costs.
If your insurance settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed a claim, you should contact FEMA. After providing the necessary documentation – the claim number, date applied, and an estimate of how long it will take to receive a settlement – you may qualify for an advance that would have to be repaid to FEMA once the insurance settlement is received.
The quickest way to apply for federal assistance is online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362(TTY800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open daily 6 a.m. to midnight, Central Time, 7 days a week.
Homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes may obtain information about U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans by calling 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or online at www.SBA.gov. To apply for an SBA loan, visit www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
FEMA NEWS
