03/21/2020
Purpose: To reduce recovery activities in the field; to protect survivors and the FEMA Disaster workforce from COVID-19 exposure. This Transition plan will mitigate the number of people affected, while managing disaster operations from remote locations.
Critical Considerations:
- This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and Leadership staff will provide updated information as it becomes available, in addition to following all CDC updated guidance.
- Health and safety are our highest priorities – for survivors and for FEMA and State personnel assisting recovery.
- All decision making and messaging will be done in conjunction with TEMA.
Concept of Operations:
- All Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) and Mobile Registration Intake Centers (MRICs) will implement an operational pause 03/22/20 at 1800.
- DRC 1: (Putnam County) 2390 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN
- DRC-2: (East Park Community Center) 600 Woodland St., Nashville, TN
- DRC-3: (Hadley Park Community Center) 1037 28th Avenue N., Nashville, TN
- DRC-4: (Hermitage Community Center) 3720 James Key Lane, Hermitage, TN
- DRC-5: (Gentry Bldg, Fairgrounds) 925 E. Baddour Pkwy, Lebanon, TN
- DRC-6: (Mt Juliet Community Cntr) 1075 Charlie Daniels Pkwy, Mt Juliet, TN
- MRIC: 4004 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN
- DR-4476-TN will continue to operate individual assistance in a virtual environment starting 03/23/20.
- Help for Survivors is Still Available
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- The FEMA Helpline is staffed from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice. Call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
- Use the Helpline to:
- Register with FEMA for assistance.
- Provide a change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information.
- Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
- Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.
- Ask questions about a determination letter from FEMA.
- Learn how to appeal a FEMA decision.
- Survivors are also strongly encouraged to set up a disaster account with FEMA online. This is an easy way to keep in touch with FEMA. Applicants can:
- Upload critical documentation.
- Check the status of the application and inspection.
- Update personal information, such as current mailing address and phone number.
- Securely view messages from FEMA.
- To set up a disaster account online:
- Go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Select the “Create Account” button at the bottom of the page and follow instructions.
- A PIN will be sent to the email address on file. You can then log into your account.
- Documents can be uploaded in the Upload Center.
- Applicants can submit important documents as well by faxing them to (800) 827-8112, being sure to include the registration number prominently on the cover page, or by mailing them to:
- FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
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- FEMA will also suspend activities of field personnel, specifically Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) Teams
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- All DSA staff will demobilize the following morning after DRC operations are paused.
- DSA traditional operation of face-to-face will be on pause.
- Call outs to Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and Community Based Organized (CBOs) with information distributed via email if available and/or drive by drop off only will continue.
- DRC resources and information will be placed on the State’s 211 and 311 websites for survivors use.
External Affairs Strategy (DR-4476-TN)
FEMA External Affairs will provide timed and targeted information to disaster survivors, the media, business community, state and local leaders and congressional staff as a result of the suspension of DRC operations and DSA activities due to the COVID threat. This messaging will ensure all communities can access survivor-centric messages through various communication channels. Below is a strategic approach in meeting the informational needs of those affected.
- Proactive media outreach on Individual Assistance in the designated counties of Davidson, Wilson, and Putnam.
- Co-Messaging with State Leadership, to include the Tennessee Governor, the State Director or designee. Messaging will be closely timed with suspension of field operations.
- Outreach to include the following products:
- News releases and media advisories
- Congressional Advisories
- Public Service Announcements
- Social Media Posts
- Infographics
- Fact Sheets and Backgrounders
- Fliers and Posters
- Informational campaign to address survivor concerns before, during, and after the disaster will include but is not limited to:
- Registration information
- What to expect after registering with FEMA?
- How to move your FEMA assistance application forward.
- Dissemination of informational products are timed to the stages of disaster for survivor needs.
- Media strategy will include responding promptly to any incoming queries through interviews, follow-up calls, and media callouts in full coordination with the State of Tennessee.
- Outreach to federal Congressional district offices in full partnership with state.
- Tactics include conference calls, advisories and office visits to brief legislators, as warranted, on disaster-related topics and kickoff meetings.
- Outreach to federal and state legislators in full partnership with state.
- Tactics include conference calls and advisories to brief federal and other legislators, as warranted, on disaster-related topics and kickoff meetings.
- Support SBA partnership by amplifying their messaging as requested.
*Note that the overall communications plan will be developed in coordination with TNEMA External Affairs and will incorporate more full component plans.
Talking Points
Update on FEMA field Operations in Tennessee
- In conjunction with the TEMA, and in consideration of the current environment, FEMA will reduce our recovery activities in the field.
- Health and safety are the highest priorities—for survivors and for FEMA personnel assisting recovery, and in that consideration, we have suspended field activities, including:
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- Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) Teams.
- Inspections of damaged residences
- Disaster Recovery Centers
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The field operations noted above will be on hold until greater safety protocols can be implemented.
Remember, that Help for survivors is still available
- The FEMA Helpline is staffed from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice. Call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
- Survivors are also strongly encouraged to set up a disaster account with FEMA online.
- To set up a disaster account online:
- Go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
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