News published on Federal Newswire in February 2023

News from February 2023


Stay Alert for All Hazards Throughout the Year

Atlantic hurricane season is four months away, but now is the perfect time to start preparations to harden your home against damage from storms, review and update your family’s emergency plan and replenish your disaster supply kit.


Disaster Recovery Centers to Close on Sundays

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 Open in Santa Cruz County

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.


FEMA-funded Generators to Provide More Reliable Security Service Facilities

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.


FEMA, SBA Assistance Tops $8.1 Million for Alabama Tornado Survivors

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 Helping Pike County Survivors Jump-start their Recovery

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.


Make Sure to Apply with SBA

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.


FEMA Needs Your Current Contact Information

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.


379,000 Florida Households Receiving Assistance from FEMA

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


It’s Important to Return SBA Loan Application

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.


Update Contact Information to Keep in Touch with FEMA

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


Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Releases Strategy to Meet Aerial Firefighting Equipment Needs

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 Added to Major Disaster Declaration, Can Now Request FEMA Assistance

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.


Houses of Worship on the Island to be Repaired with Nearly $498 Million from FEMA

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.


Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Morgan County

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.


FEMA Application Deadline for Hurricane Nicole Days Away

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.


Ventura Disaster Recovery Center Open at Fairgrounds

A Disaster Recovery Center is open at Ventura County Fairgrounds, where residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding can update your FEMA applications and learn about state and community programs and other available assistance.


President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Alabama Disaster Declaration

FEMA has made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Alabama to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes on Jan. 12, 2023.


TSA officers prevent Ohio man from bringing loaded gun onto flight at Huntington Tri-State Airport

A Lawrence County, Ohio, man was cited by police after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Huntington Tri-State Airport detected a handgun in the man’s carry-on bag early this morning (Feb. 17). The gun was loaded with five bullets.


TSA Officer stops assault rifle at Louis Armstrong New Orleans

A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) this week stopped a passenger with an assault rifle and 163 rounds of ammunition from being carried onto a plane headed to Houston.