FEMA

FEMA has a pool of cash set aside to reimburse burial costs — even retroactively — to the families of COVID victims. But clerical challenges and slow outreach have stymied the application process.

The Post spent a year chronicling how the Federal Emergency Management Agency is struggling in its increasingly urgent mission to help America’s disaster survivors in the age of climate change and stark inequality

Due to inclement weather, the FEMA COVID-19 testing site at the Brownsville Sports Park in Brownsville will delay its opening on Friday by three hours. The testing site will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.Officials said individuals that were scheduled to test anytime between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Friday will receive an email notification informing them of their updated schedule time. The testing site will resume its normal hours of 8 a.m. to 6 pm. This testing site will remain open for the next three weeks or while federal resources last. The testing site is only for those individuals who have registered online and received a confirmation.

New FEMA program would place homeless disaster survivors in apartments instead of trailer parks and also offer more social services.

Governor Greg Abbott announced Saturday that he is sending help to those affected by the devastating tornadoes that tore through western Kentucky.

Three teams have been deployed to hospitals across the state of Michigan amid its fourth surge.

Many homeowners can expect to see a change in their flood insurance premiums very soon.

Sterling Guidry's home was destroyed during Hurricane Ida when a tree fell through it.

Puerto Rico residents, who are U.S. citizens, are not eligible to get the advance child tax credit payments that have lifted many children out of poverty.

Brande Duke’s cellphone is her lifeline to what’s left of her home in New Orleans.

FEMA announced Thursday that it will no longer require disaster survivors living on inherited land to prove they own their homes before they can get help rebuilding.

Louisiana is beginning the tough task of recovery after Hurricane Ida swept through the state's coast and caused significant damage and power outages.

FEMA awarded the City of Laredo almost $2 million in reimbursement funds for the...

The NRG Park vaccination site, which was opened in February and initially operated by FEMA, will be shutdown

FEMA has authorized a $1,921,990 reimbursement to the City of Laredo for any expenses...

More than 619,000 people have died in the U.S. from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.

More than 619,000 people have died in the U.S. from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.

FEMA is raising rates for homeowners who live closer to sources of flooding.

FEMA is raising rates for homeowners who live closer to sources of flooding.

CVS Health has stopped offering J&J's single-dose Covid-19 in its pharmacies but will continue to make the shots available at certain MinuteClinic locations.

Unvaccinated counties could see increased rates of delta variant transmission.

TOWN SQUARE | Some homeowners may want to consider getting flood insurance even if their home isn’t in a flood zone.

The Biden administration has provided assistance to rescue efforts through FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Journalists have accused DeSantis of throttling the condo-collapse-emergency response.

The city of Houston has been awarded a $5 million grant following the deadly Texas winter storm in February, Sen. John Cornyn announced Friday.

"The people that got out are never gonna go back and live in that building, of course. And so some of them have lost everything that they had," said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Vaccine providers are slowly moving away from large scale sites and focusing on smaller community sites.

Administrator testifies for congressional subcommittee seeking reforms at the agency after approval rates for disaster aid fell to an all-time low this year.

The historic Brownsville Central Fire Station has some interior mold issues and fire department personnel have been relocated temporarily until remediation is complete and the station is reopened.

By Abbie PerraultPRESIDIO COUNTY — Presidio County voters will have the chance to approve or reject the legalization of horse race betting in the county after commissioners voted last Wednesday to put it on the ballot this November. At that same meeting, commissioners heard about opportunities to tap into two federal grant funds. The county would be on the hook only for paying those employees’ benefits out of pocket, at most $6,684, Roach told commissioners. The first marker under discussion was the “Presidio County” marker, which was placed on Highway 90, half a mile east of Marfa, in 1936 and commemorates the formation of Presidio County. County seat Fort Davis, 1875, Marfa, since 1885.”The second was the “Presidio – Oldest Town in America” marker, which is placed next to the Presidio County marker, just outside of Marfa.

A tropical disturbance in the Gulf could develop into a tropical storm in the coming days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Scammers are targeting the relatives of people who died from covid-19. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the con artists are claiming to offer help with funeral expenses, reaching out to people by phone, email and text message.

President Biden said he insists on "nothing less than readiness for all these challenges."

More than 4,400 Tennesseans have applied for FEMA's Funeral Assistance Program in its first month.

A Houston woman has pleaded guilty to a fraud scheme that she orchestrated to get money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Just 46% of respondents said they were at least somewhat confident in the J&J shot, compared with 69% who said the same for Pfizer and Moderna's vaccines.

The rate of U.S. vaccinations continued to slide in recent days as average daily case counts dropped below 60,000 on Friday for the first time since March 25.

After receiving requests for an extension from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Mayor Sylvester Turner and other officials, FEMA and the Texas Division of Emergency Management have agreed to extend the duration of the vaccination site at NRG.

Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Chicago area and the rest of Illinois.

Houstonians who had to bury their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for reimbursement of funeral costs from FEMA.

A Florida state agency says dam safety experts consider the risk of a possible second breach in a leaking wastewater reservoir to be “unsubstantiated.”.

The first bus carrying unaccompanied migrant children arrived at a facility in north Houston Friday evening, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee told KPRC 2.

Greg Abbott has joined Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in asking FEMA for an extension on the vaccination super-site at NRG. According to a news release by Abbott, he and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) asked FEMA for extensions for the NRG site as well as the federally supported vaccination sites in Arlington and Dallas. On top of asking for the extension on the already-existing sites in Texas, the TDEM submitted a request to establish a new site at the Alamodome in San Antonio, which FEMA denies, according to the release. AdAbbott’s announcement comes days after Hidalgo and Turner submitted their own letter asking for an extension of the NRG vaccination site through at least May. FEMA has yet to respond to the requests.

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo are requesting an extension of the FEMA supersite at NRG Park. The COVID-19 vaccination clinic, which opened on Feb. 24, was scheduled to remain at NRG Park for eight weeks. Now, Turner and Hidalgo are asking for the site to remain open through at least May 31. “On Monday, the eligibility is going to extend to everyone in Houston, Harris County, and across the state of Texas. That mass vaccination site is needed even more so now, so the request is to extend that vaccination site, pretty much indefinitely,” Turner said during a news briefing Wednesday.

Biden administration sends FEMA to border to help care for unaccompanied migrant children The Biden administration is deploying FEMA to the southern border to help handle a surge in unaccompanied migrant children. Washington Post reporter Nick Miroff joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with more on how the administration is responding, and the conditions teenagers are fleeing in other countries.

Biden facing pressure amid surge in migrants at border President Biden has deployed FEMA to help with the influx of migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joined CBSN to discuss how the administration is responding.

Eye Opener: FEMA deployed to assist with influx of minors at southern border The Biden administration is deploying FEMA to assist with the mass influx of minors arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. Also, a major winter storm is creating dangerous travel conditions across the Rockies. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener. Your world in 90 seconds.

More than 4,200 unaccompanied minors held in border patrol custody, FEMA deployed to assist CBS News has learned that more than 4,200 unaccompanied migrant children are being held in government custody. Because of the lack of space, due in part to COVID-19 restrictions, the children are being held in short-term facilities, some of which are designed to detain adults. The Department of Homeland Security is deploying FEMA to help address the surge of minors who have crossed the border. They will help provide food, water and basic medical care. Weijia Jiang reports.

More than 4,200 unaccompanied minors held in border patrol custody, FEMA deployed to assist CBS News has learned that more than 4,200 unaccompanied migrant children are being held in government custody. Because of the lack of space, due in part to COVID-19 restrictions, the children are being held in short-term facilities, some of which are designed to detain adults. The Department of Homeland Security is deploying FEMA to help address the surge of minors who have crossed the border. They will help provide food, water and basic medical care. Weijia Jiang reports.

FEMA to help process migrant kids as lawyers reveal disturbing conditions they endure The Biden administration is enlisting FEMA to help process the record number of unaccompanied minors crossing the U.S., Mexico border as lawyers detail the harrowing conditions migrant children shared with them at a facility in Donna, Texas. CBS News immigration reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez joins CBSN's Nikki Battiste to discuss how conditions in the facility became so deteriorated and how the Biden administration aims to alleviate the overcrowded facility.

The decision was made because only 37% of the initial appointments as of Sunday were grabbed by Chicago residents, spurring FEMA officials to fear the communities hardest hit by the pandemic were not getting their share of the vaccine, city and state officials said. That goal of getting shots to the groups that need it the most is often branded as “equity” by those leaders, including Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Pritzker.

It marked the first annual contraction for the country’s economy since 1998, when it was in the midst of a crippling financial crisis. In comparison, the federal government previously said 38% of people would receive two doses by the end of June. Still, that’s 700,000 doses on hand, when the state is getting 200,000 doses this week, rising to 223,000 next week. AdBharat Biotech has already signed an agreement with Brazil to supply 20 million doses of the vaccine by September. ___COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s mask mandate will continue until a “critical mass” has been reached of people who have received the coronavirus vaccine, a spokesperson for Ohio Gov.

FEMA opening hundreds of COVID-19 vaccination sites nationwide Hundreds of FEMA vaccination sites are opening up nationwide. Government officials say the goal is to increase vaccine access to underserved communities hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. CBS News reporter Nicole Sganga goes inside one site that's set to open to the public in Philadelphia.

FEMA opening hundreds of COVID-19 vaccination sites nationwide Hundreds of FEMA vaccination sites are opening up nationwide. Government officials say the goal is to increase vaccine access to underserved communities hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. CBS News reporter Nicole Sganga goes inside one site that's set to open to the public in Philadelphia.

FEMA opening hundreds of COVID-19 vaccination sites nationwide Hundreds of FEMA vaccination sites are opening up nationwide. Government officials say the goal is to increase vaccine access to underserved communities hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. CBS News reporter Nicole Sganga goes inside one site that's set to open to the public in Philadelphia.

Harris County will receive 12,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine this week, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. City and county health offiicals haven’t yet specified where the Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered. "The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is an excellent vaccine, and if you can get it, you should.”Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the best option for people with transportation issues since it's a single dose, compared to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which require two doses. Tomorrow, Texas will begin receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The state is set to receive more than 200,000 Johnson & Johnson vaccines next week.

HOUSTON – President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden traveled to Houston Friday as Texas recovers from the winter storm. Biden is expected to survey damage and recovery efforts following the deadly winter storm. White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki said this is not a partisan issue for the president. Then they will make stops at the Houston Food Bank, Harris County Emergency Operations Center before taking a tour at the FEMA super-site. “…And then, on top of that, we will be visiting one of the vaccine super sites they have located in Houston.”According to the White House, Biden will deliver remarks after touring the vaccination site.

HOUSTON – The FEMA supersite at NRG Park became fully operational Wednesday. The site plans to administer 126,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine over a three-week period. “The vaccination site here at NRG Park is the largest operation we are running in Texas,” said FEMA spokeswoman Carmen Castro. FEMA said many of the technical issues experienced Wednesday were fixed ahead of Thursday’s opening. However, this, whatever is broken here at NRG, needs to be repaired.”According to the woman, workers told her others have experienced similar issues.

On Wednesday’s show: A new FEMA-funded mass-vaccination site opens, we review the week in politics, and a conversation with actor and choreographer Debbie Allen. On Wednesday’s Houston Matters: The new FEMA-funded COVID-19 vaccination center at NRG Stadium officially opened this morning. The Houston mega-center is a drive-through facility and will start vaccinating people already on the Harris County and City of Houston vaccine wait lists. And Houston native Debbie Allen talks about her career in acting, dance, and choreography. Subscribe to Today in Houston Fill out the form below to subscribe our new daily editorial newsletter from the HPM Newsroom.

HOUSTON – A small number of people were allowed inside NRG Park’s new mass vaccination site for its soft-opening Tuesday. The mega-site is set to open to those on the city of Houston and Harris County’s waitlists. Once the site is open, the goal is to have 126,000 people that meet eligibility requirements get vaccinated. City and county leaders say the focus will be on the elderly, vulnerable and high-risk zip codes. Sunnyside falls within the 70051 zip code, which is among a list of 35 zip codes with the highest risk for COVID-19.

Is FEMA help available for renters too? When you are applying for FEMA help you need to have your social security number, annual household income, contact information, insurance information (if you have it), and bank account information. Christine Tremonte said she is still waiting for FEMA assistance money after filing for assistance after Hurricane Harvey. Christine’s tale should not discourage you from applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA money for this freeze is more for immediate needs.

You no longer have to boil your water, as Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Sunday afternoon the city-wide boil-water notice has been lifted. When water pressure is low, there's a chance bacteria could form in the water supply. Water pressure, which was hit hard by last week's extremely cold temperatures, is back to normal and has been tested and ruled safe to drink again. As for those outside the Houston city limits, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says those residents should check with their local utility district or city before drinking water without boiling. "This is not a disaster we will recover from overnight but we will continue to overcome together as a community.

Yesterday we wrote about an Internet rumor that thankfully proved to be true. But the latest myth circulating about Winter Storm Uri and how Texans can receive relief has been debunked. FEMA tweeted on Saturday that it will not (I repeat, will not) be issuing $800 to Texans in the form of food vouchers. And though FEMA won’t be dolling out vouchers, it is offering other forms of federal relief. The organization reiterated that it will be accepting applications for assistance for those who live in 77 Texas counties impacted by the storm.

If your home was damaged by the storm, you shouldn’t wait until you get assistance money to begin the recovery and repair process, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Take photos or videos of the outside and inside of the building, including damaged personal property, and label them by room before you remove anything. After applying for federal disaster assistanceIt will not be necessary for all survivors who contact FEMA to have an inspector visit their home. If it is determined that a home inspection is necessary, a FEMA inspector will contact the applicant to schedule an appointment. However, because of the large number of damaged homes, it may take up to 30 days for an inspector to contact them to schedule an inspection.

HOUSTON – More than 14 million Texans still do not have safe drinking water in their homes after a powerful winter storm burst pipes and knocked out power across the state this week. Toby Baker, executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, said the number of the state’s 7,000 public water systems affected by the winter storm has increased from Friday to 1,445, but the population affected by those water systems has dropped slightly to 14.3 million. He said about 156,000 homes have no water service at all, which is down from 352,000 reported Friday. Kidd said the state has also ordered 250,000 meals-ready-to-eat to be distributed with another 5 million meals on the way. Kidd said Texans can also help the state complete its damage assessment faster by completing an online form to report damage that their property has sustained.

All rights reserved)President Joe Biden arrives at Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport to visit a Pfizer manufacturing site, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Portage, Mich. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in Texas after extreme winter weather caused power outages and water disruptions for millions in the state. Abbott requested the Major Disaster Declaration on Thursday, requesting individual assistance and public assistance in each of the state’s 254 counties. Abbot requested the Major Disaster Declaration in order to provide individual assistance, public assistance, and hazard mitigation for individuals and communities impacted by the severe winter weather. The Biden administration approved the request for individual assistance in 77 counties and for public assistance in all 254 counties. “I thank President Biden for his assistance as we respond to impacts of winter weather across our state,” said Abbott in statement.

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday prioritized the restoration of water and power to thousands of Texas homes still left dry and cold after this week’s winter storm. “This past week has been an enormous challenge, maybe unlike any challenge that you’ve ever dealt with before,” Abbott said. “It has been far too burdensome for the lives of all those affected.”Abbott said about 165,000 homes are still without power, mostly in Central Texas. Abbott said he has also requested an emergency declaration from the federal Department of Agriculture to help farmers impacted by the storm.

Acting FEMA administrator on Texas weather, power crisis, strategy during pandemic Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the weather, power and water crises in Texas.

HOUSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency said on social media Thursday that a false phone number is being used to scam people seeking help amid the winter weather disaster in Texas. FEMA said the best information will come from local officials and the Texas Division of Emergency Management. KPRC 2 has looked into this number and learned the number is to the IT department of FEMA, and helps people reset log in information. Screenshot of an image circulating on social media on Feb. 18, 2021. No links for payment or claim information related to this Texas disaster has been updated.

FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks during a briefing about the upcoming presidential inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, at FEMA headquarters, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden has confidence in FBI Director Chris Wray and plans to keep him in the job, the White House press secretary said Thursday. FBI directors are given 10-year terms, meaning leadership of the bureau is generally unaffected by changes in presidential administrations. But Biden's spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, was notably noncommittal when asked at her first briefing Wednesday whether Biden had confidence in Wray. "I have not spoken with him about specifically FBI Director Wray in recent days," Psaki said.

President-elect Joe Biden plans to use FEMA and the National Guard to build coronavirus vaccine clinics across the United States, according to new details of his Covid-19 vaccination plan released by his transition team on Friday. Drug store chains and pharmacies were supposed to take on a larger role in distributing the vaccine once the government expanded access to more people. The group estimated that the country's retail pharmacies could administer at least 100 million doses of vaccines each month, which would exceed the incoming administration's promise of 100 million shots in 100 days. ET, more than 31.1 million doses of vaccine had been distributed across the U.S., but just over 12.2 million shots have been administered, according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the plan, Biden will also invoke the Defense Production Act to "maximize the manufacture of vaccine and vaccine supplies for the country."

Vice President Mike Pence listens during a briefing about the upcoming presidential inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, at FEMA headquarters, January 14, 2021, in Washington. Vice President Mike Pence called his soon-to-be successor, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, to congratulate her and offer his assistance before she and President-elect Joe Biden are sworn in next Wednesday, a person familiar with the matter said. The phone call on Thursday between Pence and Harris marked their first discussion since they debated publicly last fall during the vicious presidential campaign. President Donald Trump, who spent weeks angrily denying his election loss to Biden while falsely asserting widespread fraud, has not called the incoming president. The New York Times first reported the call, which it described as gracious and pleasant.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)WASHINGTON – The FBI is tracking an “extensive amount of concerning online chatter,” including calls for armed protests leading up to next week's presidential inauguration, Director Chris Wray said Thursday. Wray said the FBI was receiving a “significant” amount of information that it was pushing out to other law enforcement agencies ahead of the inauguration. States nationwide have already been stepping up security in preparation for possible armed protests and violence this weekend, particularly at statehouses amid legislative sessions and inaugural ceremonies. An FBI bulletin earlier this week warned of potential armed protests in all 50 states. The vice president visited with guard troops keeping watch outside the Capitol, telling them he’s familiar with the National Guard because he used to be a governor.

HOUSTON – More than three years have passed since Hurricane Harvey, but some people are still recovering from the storm’s devastating impact. The Fort Bend County Habitat for Humanity has opened its Harvey Repair Program. The program was made to help repair homes damaged by the storm by using funds from FEMA and insurance. The Harvey Repair Program is now open. The Fort Bend County Habitat for Humanity asks residents in need to fill out its Disaster Home Repair application and return it with the required supporting documentation to mike@fortbendhabitat.org.

DICKINSON, Texas – A Texas Ranger arrived at Dickinson City Hall on Monday with a subpoena for records. City Administrator Chris Heard met with him briefly but said he can’t talk about what they discussed. Friction between Heard and Hunter led to Hunter recently being place on paid leave after only two months on the job. “She brought up some concerns and we will just work through any issues that have arisen,” Heard said. A spokesman for the District Attorney’s office said he can neither confirm nor deny an investigation is underway.

HOUSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency ended the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program, which provided an additional $300 a week to qualified unemployment recipients impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a press release. FEMA previously approved TWC funding requests for the benefits weeks between Aug. 1 to Sept. 5. Recipients will continue to receive normal weekly benefit amounts for any benefit weeks for which they are eligible. The Lost Wages Assistance Program was a temporary provision established after the expiration of the $600 Federal Pandemic Assistance Program, a part of the CARES Act. For more information on eligibility requirements, available benefits and questions about the unemployment process, visit TWC’s COVID-19 FAQ page.

HOUSTON – Hundreds of thousands of Texans are now receiving $300 a week in addition to their unemployment benefits from the state. These are federal FEMA funds used in the Lost Wages Assistance program passed by President Trump after the $600 weekly boost from the feds expired at the end of July. Q: Who qualifies for the Lost Wages Assistance program and the weekly $300 benefit? A: If you are already receiving unemployment benefits, you do NOT need to do anything to receive the extra $300 dollars from the Lost Wages Assistance program. To start or stop federal tax withholding for unemployment benefit payments:• Choose your withholding option when you apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefits Services.

HOUSTON – Local leaders and lawmakers are pleading with the federal government to extend support for COVID-19 testing sites in Texas as cases continue to grow at a rapid rate. Seven COVID-19 testing centers across Texas, including four in the Houston-area, are set to lose federal funding on June 30, after the Trump administration decided not to extend the program that established them. He noted that Harris County has the third-largest population in the country and has seen a significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases in the past weeks. He said there is an increasing demand for testing sites in the county and that testing facilities have routinely reached capacity by midday. He also warned that losing federal support for testing sites could lead to catastrophic by “blunting the progression” of COVID-19.

A FEMA official told CNN that FEMA reviewed the company, which is not a manufacturer, and believed it would be able to fulfill the contract. But when Panthera requested another delivery extension of 96 hours on May 11, FEMA denied the extension and canceled the contract. "In this case, FEMA awarded a $55 million contract to a company for 10 million masks that it did not deliver by the initial May 1 deadline or extended deadline of May 11. The health and safety of our first responders depends on obtaining a sufficient quantity of these essential N95 masks and other personal protective equipment." Since the coronavirus pandemic started, there’s been a global shortage of supplies — including N95 masks, gloves, surgical masks and disposable gowns — that would protect front-line and essential workers from the virus.

Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center in Brush, has had at least 26 residents with lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 tests and at least five residents with probable COVID-19. The facility also has at least 19 staff with lab-confirmed positive tests and at least 14 probable staff cases. "We placed an order on April 17 for some gowns, some face shields, and some disinfectant wipes. On April 24 we were notified that the disinfectant wipes had been reallocated by FEMA," said Griffith. They have still not received a refund for the shipment that never came, Griffith said, though they are working to get one.

For example, California is procuring technology from Ohio-based technology research organization Battelle, which should allow it to sanitize some 80,000 used medical-grade N95 masks per day, making them essentially as good as new. The system, which should arrive to California on Thursday, will help address mask shortages for health workers, first responders and other essential workers in the state. A medical grade N95 mask can be used 20 times over instead of just once if sanitized in this system. Gavin Newsom encouraged suppliers of PPE and medical equipment, including masks, ventilators and more, to list all the resources that they have to sell or donate, on a state-run site called covid19supplies.ca.gov. Cupertino-based Apple has committed to making 1 million face shields, and has already donated 20 million N95 masks to government organizations and hospitals.

Senator Cornyn says the federal response improves dailySenator John Cornyn, (R) Texas, said the response to the COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest challenge of his career. Pat Sorrells is the CEO of Camp for All and Elise Hough is the CEO of Easter Seals Greater Houston. Easter Seals:Easter Seals Greater Houston is taking its annual fundraiser virtual. Support Easter Seals Greater Houston, in partnership with Prosperity Bank, until April 25. Senator John Cornyn, R, TexasU.S. Rep. Al Green, (D), 9th Congressional DistrictElise Hough, CEO Easter Seals Greater HoustonPat Sorrells, CEO, Camp For All

HOUSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is extending the grace period to renew flood insurance policies from 30 to 120 days. This move is to provide relief to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) customers who may be experiencing financial hardships during the coronavirus pandemic. The extension applies to flood insurance policies with an expiration date between February 13 to June 15. Typically, customers have a 30-day grace period to renew policies. We hope this extension will give policyholders some peace of mind and allow them extra time to renew their policies to ensure they are covered should a flood loss occur.”To renew flood insurance policies or resolve an underpayment, policyholders can contact their insurance carriers or call the National Flood Insurance Program Call Center at (877)336-2627.

HOUSTON – Houston-area first responders and others could have access to “millions” of additional N-95 masks and “truckloads of hand sanitizer” if it wasn’t for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the attorney for Auctions Unlimited told KPRC 2 Friday. He is the middle man for companies and individuals trying to sell everything from autographed baseballs to N-95 masks. Within an hour, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an order to commandeer the N-95 masks, 200,000 dust masks, hand sanitizer and other equipment. Harris County officials presented Hidalgo’s order and proceeded to load the commandeered equipment into a white Penske moving truck. He also said Harris County will pay “fair market” price for the dust masks, N-95 masks and other equipment the county ”commandeered.”Harris County has not accused Auctions Unlimited of price gouging.

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner provided an update Thursday on coronavirus testing in Houston. Here are the top takeaways regarding the response to the coronavirus outbreak, including the announcement of the first death in Houston. Houston to sustain 1 testing siteTurner said the Butler Stadium testing facility in Houston has tested 1,100 people. FEMA supplies are comingTurner said FEMA shipped another load of supplies, including 5,000 test kits, Thursday. Free meals at Houston parksThe city of Houston will continue to help feed children during the Stay At Home order.

The deadline is Tuesday for applying for disaster assistance with FEMA and SBA for in Montgomery County affected by Imelda. Residence can go to www.disasterassistance.gov to apply for assistance for physical damage suffered. Or you can visit the physical location: Bullas Sallas Park Pavilion and Rodeo Arena at 21675B McCleskey Rd. New Caney, Texas 77357. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

HOUSTON – FEMA is hiring workers across Texas. In partnership with the state of Texas, the agency is hiring for administrative, logistical and technical jobs related to hurricane recovery. Those hired will join the recovery team made up of local, state and federal workers, voluntary agencies and community organizations that is already in place. Through temporary local employees, FEMA hopes to gain community insights and provide jobs that put Texans to work helping Texans, the agency said. To apply for a position with FEMA, candidates must first register through the Texas Workforce Commission’s website.