Disaster Relief

FEMA: How to Make a Disaster Plan

A key way to cope with a disaster is to have a plan. Know how to react before, during and after a disaster and know the hazards that could affect where you live, work and go to school. It is important for all Floridians, especially individuals with access and functional needs, to plan ahead. Communication…

FEMA: SBA Provides Federal Disaster Assistance for Businesses in Puerto Rico through June 20th

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available for businesses and private nonprofits that suffered physical damage or economic losses due to hurricanes Irma and Maria. Uninsured and underinsured losses caused by a disaster can impact business owners’ ability to recover. SBA loans can help cover repairs and replacement of damaged physical…

FEMA: Beware of Frauds and Scams When Natural Disasters Occur

When natural disasters occur, it is common to find people who want to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster aid workers or as relatives trying to help survivors complete their applications. FEMA encourages survivors to be aware of fraud and scams. FEMA also encourages survivors to report any suspicious activity or potential…

FEMA: Federal Funding for U.S. Virgin Islands Tops $1 Billion

ST. CROIX, Virgin Islands – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and its partners have provided more than $1 billion to households, businesses, territorial agencies and flood insurance policyholders to help them recover from hurricanes Irma and Maria. As of March 19, the funding includes: $74.8 million in Individual Assistance for individuals and households, including rental assistance,…

FEMA: President Trump Extends U.S. Virgin Islands Disaster Declaration

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that additional disaster assistance is available to the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands through an extension of increased federal funding, including direct federal assistance, to the Territory for debris removal and emergency protective measures undertaken as a result of Hurricane Irma beginning on September 5, 2017 and…

FEMA: 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Released

FEMA released today its 2018-2022 Strategic Plan which seeks to unify and further professionalize emergency management across the country, helping us build a stronger agency and a more resilient nation. When disasters strike, FEMA cannot succeed alone in the mission of helping people.  We need to work in coordination with our partners and stakeholders to…

FEMA: Temporary Emergency Housing Mission Sets Path for Long-Term Recovery

Temporary Emergency Housing Mission Sets Path for Long-term Recovery After Hurricane Irma barreled through Florida, a primary concern was emergency temporary housing for those who had damaged or destroyed homes. The state and FEMA implemented several options for survivors: housing through travel trailers and direct leases, Transitional Sheltering Assistance and the Sheltering and Temporary Essential…

FEMA: SBA Loan Application Can Help Your Eligibility for Other FEMA Grants

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Disaster survivors in Puerto Rico who suffered damage or loss from Hurricane María and were referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration can benefit from other income-based FEMA grants if they complete and submit SBA’s loan application. Among the available options to help survivors, FEMA offers grants under its Other Needs…

FEMA: $2.2 Billion in Federal Aid Approved for Puerto Rico Households and Businesses

With two weeks remaining before the deadline to register with FEMA, more than $2.2 billion in federal aid is helping fuel the recovery for households and businesses in Puerto Rico. More than 1.1 million Puerto Rico households and businesses have contacted FEMA for help and information. Survivors contact FEMA seeking help for various reasons such…

FEMA: Mitigation Grants Program Eclipsed $15 Billion in Helping Communities Rebuild, Recover and Avoid Future Losses

This year marks three decades since the Robert T. Stafford Act was amended to include funding for hazard mitigation; to date, FEMA has provided more than $15 billion in mitigation grants to support state, local, tribal and territorial efforts to rebuild their communities stronger and safer. A National Institute of Building Sciences report issued earlier…