FEMA-DR-4339-PR | Congressional Advisory | November 9, 2017

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sent this bulletin at 11/09/2017 12:00 PM EST

fema

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency
                           DR-4339-PR Congressional Affairs

 

 

FEMA DR-4339-PR Congressional Affairs Advisory

By the Numbers

Number of Federal Civilian Employees and Military Personnel
FEMA: 1,826
Department of Defense: 11,274
Surge Capacity Force: 528

Individual and Households Program
Total registrations: 1,052,596
Total IHP: $125,951,495

The Small Business Administration (SBA)
Applications Received: 8,527
Dollars Approved: $8.7 million

Generators

Generators Installed: 470

Number of Generators Assessments Completed: 955

 

Tarps Distributed: 68,090

Blue Roof Mission

Rights of Entry Signed: 34,534

Blue Roofs Installed: 6,948

 

Potable Water: 6.3 million gallons

Bottled Water: more than 37.6 million liters

TOTAL Meals Delivered: 28.4 million

Public Assistance
Total Dollars Approved: $426,691,549

Debris Cleared

Total Debris Cleared to Date: 165,437 CY
Total Miles Road Debris Cleared: 2,932

Status PR

AAA metered customers with service

85.38%

AEE Generation clients with electric service

42.40%

MIDA (Chamber of the Food marketing and Distribution Industry) Markets open

89.38%

Gas Stations open

84.27%

Waste Water Treatment plants operational

94%

Hospitals open

99% (67/68)

Dialysis Centers open

94% (45/48)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Historic Federal Response to Puerto Rico:

Longest sustained air mission of food and water in FEMA history: 50 days and counting.

Largest air mission in FEMA’s history.

Largest commodity mission in FEMA history: 37.6 million liters of water and 28.4 million meals.

Largest power mission for the 249th Engineer Battalion on U.S. soil: 470 generators installed, 955 assessments completed.

Largest medical response mission ever:  4,700 + medical personnel and 46,000+ patients cared for.

Largest sea-bridge operation of federal disaster aid in FEMA history.

At the request of the government of Puerto Rico, FEMA has assigned USACE the mission to maintain and repair non-federally installed generators. USACE deployed their Honolulu District Temporary Emergency Power Planning and Response Team and contracted with Louis Berger to take on this unprecedented mission.

To date, there have been 941 requests for generator assessments with 955 completed and 470 installed which translates to more than 135 MW of electricity per day.

PREPA report on status.pr shows the current load is 42.4% of the average pre-storm load.

35 states are supporting 146 requests for mutual aid.

Food and Water

According to the Puerto Rico Chamber of Marketing, Industry, and Distribution of Food (Cámara de Mercadeo, Industria y Distribución de Alimentos de Puerto Rico (MIDA)) 89.38% of the grocery stores are open and serving customers.

The Government of Puerto Rico and FEMA are still providing water and meals on a daily basis to survivors.

Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) reports that 83.3% of their metered customers have access to running water.

Across Puerto Rico, there are 237 communities whose water systems were damaged by Maria. Of those systems, 150 are functioning within pre-hurricane parameters. Those communities still affected can access http://www.acueductospr.com/ for locations of the nearest oasis to receive fresh potable water.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Project Hope, Water Mission, Samaritan’s Purse, the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross go into these communities every day and help address the potable water issues based on each NGO’s capabilities and assets.

Housing Resources

In order to meet the demand for safe housing, the government of Puerto Rico and FEMA are making use of a unique range of housing options that best meet the needs of the residents of Puerto Rico. 

Tu Hogar Renace (Your Home Reborn) – Direct Assistance to Disaster Survivors

The government of Puerto Rico is leading an effort to allow property owners to remain in their homes while repairs are being made.

Under the program, a homeowner’s primary residence may be eligible for necessary repairs to return the home to safe, sanitary, and functional conditions. 

For the first time under this program, and to address the prolonged timeframe that many residents will be without power, FEMA will consider provision of a generator where needed. 

Repairs include:

  • Repairs to keep roofs from leaking.
  • Replace damaged windows and doors necessary to make a home safe and secure.
  • Repairs to damaged walls, and water heaters.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) – Direct Assistance to Disaster Survivors

The Transitional Sheltering Assistance program allows eligible applicants to shelter in a hotel or motel, for a limited period of time, as a bridge to intermediate and longer-term housing.  FEMA pays all costs for rooms and taxes through direct payments to participating hotels and motels.

The cost of the room and taxes will be covered by the government of Puerto Rico and FEMA.  Incidental room charges or amenities such as telephone, room service, food, etc. are not covered and are the responsibility of the disaster survivor.

For eligible applicants currently on Puerto Rico:

  • Consistent with the Governor’s request, FEMA will prioritize placements for the people who are currently residing in emergency shelters in order to target those most in need.
  • FEMA will be providing transportation to select locations in the Continental United States, where you will be connected with support services and lodging.  FEMA will not provide any additional transportation within the Continental United States and cannot provide reimbursement for travel arrangements you may have already made. Transportation also will be provided for your return back to Puerto Rico.
  • Applicants should expect that it may take several weeks to arrange transportation, given the limited availability of commercial flights. 

For eligible applicants currently in the Continental United States:

  • Applicants should be sure to update FEMA with current information by contacting us at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
  • Eligible applicants may stay at any participating hotel.
  • FEMA will not reimburse for travel that already occurred, or travel to a participating hotel within the Continental United States.
  • Applicants should expect that it may take approximately one week before hotels have the information necessary to check in.
  • Applicants are responsible for identifying a participating hotel and checking for availability.
  • FEMA will notify applicants that they are eligible for this program.  To find a participating hotel, disaster survivors should visit http://www.femaevachotels.com/index.php.

Blue Roof Program – Direct Assistance to Disaster Survivors

Operation Blue Roof, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides a temporary covering over the damaged roof.  The reinforced blue plastic sheeting using strips of wood secured to the roof with nails or screws to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made.

In order to be considered for this program, a homeowner/landlord must legally agree to allow the USACE contractors access to the property by signing a Right of Entry (ROE) form.

To find out more about these temporary roofing options, residents may contact their local municipality, call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258), or visit http://www.sad.usace.army.mil/blueroof_espanol/ (http://www.sad.usace.army.mil/BlueRoof/) to find a location where right of Entry (ROE) forms are being collected.

Direct Lease – Direct Assistance to Disaster Survivors

Vacant units are leased by FEMA and are used as temporary housing for disaster survivors. FEMA pays the rent for these units.  Utility costs and other expenses not covered in the lease are the responsibility of the disaster survivor.    

Property owners interested in participating in this program can call (202) 705-9140, or email:  FEMA-Lease-PR@fema.dhs.gov.

FEMA will notify disaster survivors that they are eligible for FEMA-leased units as units become available. 

Multi-Family Lease and Repair – Direct Assistance to Disaster Survivors

Under these programs, FEMA can make repairs to rental properties with vacant rental units through an agreement that allows FEMA to lease the vacant units once they are repaired. 

Vacant units are leased by FEMA and are used as temporary housing for disaster survivors. FEMA pays the rent for these units.  Utility costs and other expenses not covered in the lease are the responsibility of the disaster survivor.    

Property owners interested in participating in this program can call (202) 705-9140, or email: FEMA-MLR-PR@fema.dhs.gov.

FEMA will notify disaster survivors that they are eligible for FEMA-leased units as units become available. 

Rental Assistance – Financial Assistance to Disaster Survivors

Renters, displaced by the storms may be eligible for temporary rental assistance from FEMA. 

To recertify for rental assistance, applicants should have a landlord/tenant agreement for the period FEMA assistance will be used, and receipts for payment should be maintained.

FEMA will provide funds directly to disaster survivors, who are then responsible for finding available rental resources of their choosing.

FEMA will require documentation of receipts, and disaster survivors must be able to demonstrate that they are working toward a more permanent housing option by repairing their home or by identifying some other long-term option.

Home Repair Assistance – Financial Assistance to Disaster Survivors

Financial grant to help make minimal repairs to a primary residence, utilities, and residential structure, including privately-owned access routes (driveways, roads, or bridges) to a safe, sanitary and functioning condition.

FEMA may provide financial assistance for the repair of real property components, including, but not limited to:

  • Structural components of a home (foundation, exterior walls, roof)
  • Windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, and cabinetry
  • Access and egress, including privately-owned roads and privately-owned bridges
  • Blocking, leveling, and anchoring of a mobile home, and reconnecting or resetting its sewer, water, electrical, oil, trash, and fuel lines and tanks 
  • Utility systems, including electrical, gas, water, trash, oil, and septic/sewage systems
  • Items or services determined to be eligible hazard mitigation measures that reduce the likelihood of future damage to the residence, utilities, or infrastructure

Other Needs Assistance – Financial Assistance to Disaster Survivors

Other Needs Assistance (ONA) may provide assistance for uninsured or underinsured, disaster-related, necessary expenses and serious needs. 

This may include housing related expenses other than rent such as repair or replacement of household appliances and furnishings, uniforms, tools and equipment required for work or school, and disaster-related medical, dental and funeral expenses.

Low Interest Disaster Loans – Financial Assistance to Disaster Survivors

The SBA provides low-interest, long-term disaster loans to help homeowners and renters with personal property, transportation, and moving and storage expenses incurred due to a declared disaster.

FEMA refers the applicant’s registration to SBA if the applicant’s income meets SBA minimum guidelines.

FEMA encourages applicants to fill out an SBA disaster loan application if referred, to ensure that they are considered for all forms of Other Needs Assistance

Homeowners and renters who do not qualify for a disaster loan from the SBA may be eligible for additional assistance from FEMA for personal property, moving and storage, and transportation assistance.

Assistance for Individuals

Assistance from FEMA is available to help individuals and families affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria take care of necessary expenses and serious needs that are not covered by insurance or other forms of assistance.

There are 4 ways to register for FEMA Assistance. Survivors may: call 1-800-621-3362, (711/VRS - Video Relay Service, TDD call 800-462-7585); visit DisasterAssistance.gov; download the mobile FEMA app; or visit an open Disaster Recovery Center.

Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in Aguadilla, Arecibo, Barranquitas, Bayamon, Camuy, Canóvanas, Carolina, Cayey, Culebra, Fajardo, Guayama, Guaynabo, Humacao, Manati, Mayagüez, Naranjito, Orcovis, Ponce, Ponce, Rio Grande, Toa Baja, and Vieques and for disaster survivors. (List and addresses at the end of this document).

At a DRC, specialists from the Government of Puerto Rico and municipalities, FEMA, other federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations and the local community, will be available to help survivors register for assistance, answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. Services are provided in English and Spanish.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

The United States Department of Labor extended the filing deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance claims related to Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria to January 11, 2018 based on Puerto Rico’s continued recovery from hurricane impacts.

Employees or self-employed individuals who became unemployed as a direct consequence of Hurricane Irma or Hurricane Maria may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. All 78 municipalities are authorized for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Eligible workers may file a claim at http://www.trabajo.pr.gov/ or call the Puerto Rico Department of Labor call center at 787-945-7900, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information on Disaster Unemployment Assistance eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2017/10/25/4339/fact-sheet-survivors-may-be-eligible-disaster-unemployment-assistance.

Fraud

Survivors are urged to watch for fraudulent claims to register survivors for FEMA assistance. Individuals can protect themselves by:

  • Asking to see official identification badges
  • Never providing financial information over the phone
  • Getting a written contract for work performed
  • Taking pictures contractor’s business card and driver’s license

Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) locations

The center in Aguadilla is located at:

Estadio Luis A. Canena Marquez
Carr. #2 Km. 124
Aguadilla PR 00603

The center in Arecibo is located at:

Coliseo Manuel G. Iguina Reyes
Expreso Jose De Diego
Arecibo, PR 00612
Open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The center in Barranquitas is located at:

Centro de Recepciones y Bellas Artes
Ave. Jose Zayas Green, PR 152 Ramal
Barrio Barrancas, Barranquitas, PR 00794
Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The center in Bayamon is located at:

Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel
Carr. 2 Int. Calle Estadio
Bayamón PR 00959

The center in Camuy is located at:

Centro Villa Pesquera
Carr. 485 Km. 2.3 Bo. Membrillo
Camuy PR 00627

The center in Canóvanas is located at:

Centro Cultural Loiza Valley
Calle Amapola # 2 Esq.
Azucena
Canóvanas PR 00729
Open Thursday - Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The center in Carolina is located at:

Cancha de Volleyball
Domingo "Lulo" Gonzalez Calle 24 Urb. Villa Carolina, Ext. #2
Carolina PR 00919

The center in Cayey is located at :

Pedro Montañez Municipal Baseball Stadium
PR-14 calle Matías Soto
Cayey, PR 00736

The center in Culebra is located at :

Escuela Ecológica Carmelo Delgado
Calle Luis Muñoz Marín Int.
Calle Escudero Bda. Clark
Culebra  PR 00775

The center in Fajardo is located at :

Estadio Concepción Pérez Alberto
Ave. Valero 310-312
Fajardo  PR 00738

The center in Guayama is located at :

Centro de Convenciones
Catalino Tite Curet Alonso
PR-54 Ave. Pedro Albizu Campos
Guayama, PR 00784

The center in Guaynabo is located at:

Centro Yolanda Guerrero
Calle Parque de los Niños Albolote
Guaynabo PR 00970

The center in Humacao is located at:

Centro de Bellas Artes de Humacao
(Humacao Fine Arts Center)
Boulevard Nicanor Vazquez
Humacao, PR 00792

The center in Manati is located at:

Acrópolis de Manatí Cancha Ramón
“Tigre” Siragura
PR-149 Int. Carr. 670
Manatí PR 00674

The center in Mayagüez is located at:

Estadio Isidoro Garcia
(Isidoro Garcia Baseball Stadium)
Sábalos, Int. Carretera (Road)# 102 & Carretera (Road)# 63
Mayagüez, PR 00682

The center at Naranijto is located at:

Capilla Ecuménica
Sector El Cementerio
Bo. Achiote
Naranjito PR 00719

The center at Orcovis is located at:

Centro de Recepciones de Orocovis
PR-1 Carr. 155
Calle Luis Muñoz Marín
Orocovis PR 00720

The center in Ponce is located at:

72 Calle Mayor
Ponce, PR 00730

The Center in Rio Grande is located at:

Cancha Balonmano Néstor Milete Echevarria
PR-3 Km 2.3 Marginal Zona Industrial
Las Flores
Río Grande, PR 00745
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The center in Toa Baja is located at:

Complejo Deportivo Llanero Avoli
6ta Sección Ave Los Dominicos, Int.
Calle Jose de Diego
Levittown Toa Baja PR 00949

The center in Vieques is located at:

Centro de Uso Múltiples
Calle Antonio G. Mellado Int.
Calle San Francisco
Vieques PR  00765

Unless otherwise noted, Disaster Relief Centers (DRCs) are open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

FEMA Help Survivors English 

FEMA Help Survivors Spanish

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA’s Congressional Affairs Division at (202) 646-4500.


To subscribe to future DR-4339-PR Congressional advisories, please e-mail FEMA-Congressional-Affairs@fema.dhs.gov.

For updates from Puerto Rico on the operational status of hospitals, food and water distribution centers, gas stations, dialysis centers, supermarkets, and other information (available in English and Spanish), please visit: www.status.pr.

Additional information for Puerto Rico is available at the following locations:

 Additional information regarding Hurricane Maria is available in English and Spanish at:

 ###

 

LATEST NEWS RELEASES: