News and reports from the Department of Homeland Security.

All FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Georgia will be closed on Sundays, starting Feb. 19, 2023. Regular hours will resume Monday through Saturday.

Three Disaster Recovery Centers are open in the following locations. Residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can visit the centers to update FEMA applications and learn about other disaster assistance which may be available.

The need for the services provided by critical facilities, such as police stations and government centers that serve the community, is vital during a disaster and to preserve the lives and safety of people.

Just 30 days after President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for the state of Alabama following the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes, more than $8.1 million in federal assistance has been provided by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support disaster recovery here.

FEMA teams are on the ground helping people in Pike County, which was added to the major disaster declaration for Georgia’s severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes of Jan. 12.

Those affected by the severe winter storms, which caused massive flooding across the state from Dec. 27, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023, may need more financial assistance for long-term recovery than FEMA can provide. A disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may go a long way in helping to recover from the storms.

After you apply 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. Make sure that FEMA has your up-to-date contact information.

More than 379,000 households are receiving help from FEMA as they recover from Hurricane Ian

After you apply for disaster assistance from FEMA, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If you receive an email from the SBA with a disaster loan application link, you should click the link, fill out the application, and return it.

Applicants for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole should ensure that FEMA has their current contact information. FEMA may need to contact applicants for more information or to arrange a home inspection to verify damage

The Biden-Harris administration’s Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission released a report yesterday, outlining a strategy to meet aerial firefighting equipment needs through 2030

Pike County has been added to the major disaster declaration for Georgia’s severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes of Jan. 12, meaning residents who sustained damage or losses from the storms may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

After the impact of Hurricane Maria, hundreds of churches and houses of worship opened their doors to lend a hand in their communities. People came to these places of worship for food, basic supplies, and even assistance in picking up debris and replacing tin roofs that did not withstand the wind.

FEMA and the State of Alabama are opening a disaster recovery center Feb. 13 in Morgan County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by the Jan. 12 severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.

Homeowners and renters in Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Putnam, St. Johns or Volusia counties who have loss or property damage caused by Hurricane Nicole have until 11:59 p.m. ET Feb. 13, 2023, to submit an application for FEMA assistance.