LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Two more Arkansas counties are now eligible to apply for FEMA’s Public Assistance funding to supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas that sustained damage from April 26 to May 19.Fulton and Searcy counties may now request reimbursements under the Public Assistance grant program. Assistance would cover eligible disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or rebuilding of public facilities, such as roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, public utilities, parks and recreational facilities.The president’s June 15, 2017, major disaster declaration was amended...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A mobile State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will visit Des Arc in Prairie County on Saturday and Sunday, July 22-23, to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding between April 26 and May 19.The disaster center location and hours are as follows:Prairie County Courthouse Annex605 Highway 38 EastDes Arc AR 72040 Saturday, July 22, through Sunday, July 23 Hours: Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.Disaster Recovery Centers are staffed with representatives from the Arkansas...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Most people associate the use of motor homes with recreational life—accessing parks, lakes and other scenic areas to reduce the stress of the daily grind.FEMA maintains a national fleet of similar vehicles it rolls out for a different purpose—to reduce the stress on rural residents recovering from natural disasters. Their technical name is Mobile Communications Operations Vehicle, or MCOV. As such, they often are used as command vehicles in various response or recovery situations.Where federal disasters are declared, MCOVs become Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MDRCs).FEMA stages MCOVs...

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) welcomes Naomi Winston from Thibodaux, La. as one of the 15 national selectees for the 2017–2019 Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).The FEMA YPC was formed in 2012 to bring together high school-age youth leaders from across the country who are interested and engaged in emergency preparedness. The 15 council members are attending the YPC Summit in Washington, D.C., from July 18-19, to meet with FEMA leaders and prepare for the year ahead.Naomi Winston served as the Louisiana representative for the FEMA Region VI...

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) welcomes Hannah Farris from Arlington, Texas as one of the 15 national selectees for the 2017–2019 Youth Preparedness Council (YPC). The FEMA YPC was formed in 2012 to bring together high school-age youth leaders from across the country who are interested and engaged in emergency preparedness. The 15 council members are attending the YPC Summit in Washington, D.C., from July 18-19, to meet with FEMA leaders and prepare for the year ahead.Hannah Farris stands out as a leader among her peers. As a...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas disaster survivors whose homes were damaged in the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding between April 26 and May 19 do not have to wait for an insurance settlement to apply for federal assistance.Survivors with insurance may register with FEMA for grants for temporary rental assistance, essential home repairs and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.Registration is encouraged even if survivors have insurance coverage. Policies vary in coverage and may not pay for temporary housing or have other insurance gaps.Once registered, applicants with insurance...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas residents still needing assistance in recovering from the  severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding between April 26 and  May 19 have less than a month to apply for FEMA disaster assistance grants and/or SBA low-interest loans.The last day to apply is Monday, Aug. 14. Online applications may be submitted until midnight and the FEMA Helpline is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Individuals needing assistance in applying to either FEMA or SBA may visit any Disaster Recovery Center currently open in Arkansas.Federal assistance is...