** 2024 Commencement Updates **

** 2024 Commencement Updates **

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Fire-related medical and emotional assistance

After Wildfire Guide from afterwildfirenm.org

Post-fire flood resources, safety and preparations

From NMDOT: Post Fire Response Map
This map is intended to work as a tool for residents to identify areas of concern from potential post fire flooding and debris flow. Post Fire Response Planning Interactive Map

San Miguel County RAVE Alerts
The San Miguel County RAVE Alert System has the ability to provide Advanced Weather Alerts for specific locations which are tied to the National Weather Service. To sign up for San Miguel County RAVE Alerts, text SMCNOTIFY to 67283.


General government assistance

Government resources I FEMA (English) I FEMA (español) I FEMA rumor control

Disaster Unemployment Insurance

Property loss assistance (including rentals) I Additional resources I Post-fire flood insurance and resources (opens in new tab) I Assistance events

New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
NMDHSEM has information about federal assistance, housing, how to donate and current fire information across the state.
FIRE RESOURCES 1-800-432-2080 (now a direct line; option #4 no longer needed)

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Federal Assistance:

Official message from Governor Lujan  Grisham 5/5/22
“If you are affected by New Mexico’s ongoing wildfires and need support identifying shelter or other resources, please call the state fire resource hotline: 1-800-432-2080 (now a direct line; option #4 no longer needed). Find additional up to date information on the fires at www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/”

Register at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ for federal assistance.

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Assistance events

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Advisory
The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act provides $2.5 billion to compensate New Mexicans impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office
On September 30, President Joseph R. Biden signed the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act. This historic fire, and subsequent flooding, had devastating impacts on New Mexican communities. The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office will disperse the $2.5 billion in compensation included in the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act. The funding may cover eligible losses including personal injury, loss of property, business loss or financial loss. The losses must be a result of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. FEMA is committed to ensuring a simplified claims process. This will include providing one-on-one assistance at fixed and mobile offices to those who submit a claim.

Public Comment Period
On November 14, 2022, in the Federal Register, FEMA will announce the start of the 60-day public comment period for Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance regulations. These regulations will guide the claims process and describe necessary documentation, evaluation criteria, compensation available, and provide for appeal rights, arbitration, and judicial review. Note: The regulations will be published on November 14, before that date unpublished regulations can be found here.

The public comment period will run from November 14, 2022, through January 13, 2023, and comments can be submitted at Regulations.gov. The Federal Register Notice docket number is FEMA-2022-0037. For information on submitting a public comment, please visit: FEMA.gov/Hermits-Peak.

Additionally, four public meetings will be held to collect public comments. The in-person public meetings will be managed by FEMA and will be staffed with both English and Spanish speakers, as well as American Sign Language interpreters.

These public meetings will include an overview of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance regulations and allow members of the public to provide verbal comments for the record during the public meetings. These public meetings will not serve as a forum for claimant questions and answers.

Public Comment Community Meeting Schedule

Old Memorial Middle School – 947 Legion Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701
November 17, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. MT and December 15, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. MT

Mora High School – 10 Ranger Road, Mora, NM  87701
December 1, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. MT and January 5, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. MT

Claims Process to Begin
Also starting November 14, New Mexicans impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire can begin submitting Notice of Loss forms. Completing this form signals interest in starting the claims process.

The Notice of loss form and information on how to submit will be available on November 14 at FEMA.gov/Hermits-Peak. After submitting a Notice of Loss form, claimants should expect to receive correspondence from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office acknowledging receipt of the form. Once the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office acknowledges the receipt and completion of the Notice of Loss form, the Claims Office will have 180 days to determine whether compensation is due to the Claimant.

It’s important to emphasize that while Notice of Loss forms will be accepted beginning November 14, it will take time to build out the operation to its full capacity, which means that payment processing will begin in early 2023. The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office will include a physical footprint, with Customer Service Centers and mobile units to provide one-on-one assistance to those with questions about the claims process.

Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact your FEMA External Affairs Liaison Mike Peacock at Michael.Peacock@fema.dhs.gov.

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FEMA is now on-site at many of the evacuation locations.

NEW 5/18/22 FEMA Rumor control

You can also find specific information about documentation and FEMA assistance here: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/federal-assistance/

If you do not have Internet access, please call 1-800-621-3362. Lines open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Here’s what you need, if you have them:

Photos of damage to property and belongings
List of damaged or lost property and belongings

If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company.

Documents to provide to FEMA
Insurance identification letter
Proof of identification
Proof of occupancy or ownership

There are three ways to apply for FEMA aid:

Download the FEMA app

DisasterAssistance.gov

By phone: 800-621-3362
TTY: 800-462-7585

Please note: FEMA cannot provide assistance for losses covered by insurance.

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Comience su proceso de recuperación

Tome fotografías de los daños a su vivienda y sus pertenencios
Haga una lista de artículos dañados o perdidos.

Si tiene seguro, necesita presentar una reclamación a su compañía
de seguros.

Documentos que necesita presenter a FEMA:
Evidencia de su identificación
Carta de la decisión del seguro
Comprobante de titularidad o domicilio

Tres maneras de solicitar el ayuda del FEMA:

En línea a través de disasterassistance.gov/esp

A través de la aplicación móvil de FEMA

Llamando a 800-621-3362
TTY: 800-462-7585

FEMA no puede proporcionar asistancia para pérdidas cubiertas por pólizas de seguros

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New Mexico Workforce Connection Center disaster unemployment assistance
New Mexicans may apply for disaster unemployment assistance at various evacuation shelters, at any New Mexico Workforce Connection Center across the state, or by calling 1-877-664-6984, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The deadline to apply is June 15, 2022. For more information, visit https://www.dws.state.nm.us/DUA.

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Those experiencing wildfire-related property loss and damage

NEW July 7, 2022

FEMA loosens requirements for proof of ownership:https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/verifying-home-ownership-occupancy

Excerpt from a newsletter from Prof. Cliff Villa, Supervising Attorney, on behalf of the University of New Mexico Clinical Law Program:

“Historically, applicants for FEMA’s Individual Assistance to rebuild damaged or destroyed homes were required to provide certain forms of proof of property ownership.  In 2021, however, FEMA changed its historic policy, recognizing that diverse communities may own property as a result of inheritance or other transactions without traditional forms of documentation. This change in policy may help victims of the New Mexico fires establish ownership for purposes of FEMA assistance, allowing alternate forms of proof including sworn statements.”

FSA EFRP Press Release – San Miguel and Mora Counties
FSA has issued a news release for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) for San Miguel and Mora Counties: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAFARMERS/bulletins/31f0a99

Please take a look at the link and follow up with FSA for an application.

Here is a brief list of what we expect to be eligible and ineligible activities:

Eligible:

  • Removing down or damaged trees and debris
  • Preparing a land for planting or natural regeneration
  • Seedlings, planting materials and labor
  • Tree tubes/shelters/netting to protect new trees from wildlife
  • Fence (if fence existed prior to disaster)
  • Restoring roads, firebreaks/lanes, erosion control structures
  • Habitat enhancements for wildlife

Ineligible:

  • Engineering, consultant, project manager fees
  • Landowner transportation costs
  • Loss of revenue
  • Items not associated with approved technical practices
  • Additional restrictions found in the small print

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End press release

FEMA Types of Assistance: PDF document
Includes lodging, rental and home repair assistance not covered by your insurance.

Free legal assistance hotline from the State Bar of New Mexico
888-985-5141, M-F 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Begins Monday, June 6 at 9 a.m. More information at www.sbnm.org/wildfirehelp

Assistance for displaced renters
https://www.nmdfa.state.nm.us/office-of-the-secretary/erap-fire-assistance/
Info from:
Pamela C. GarcíaConstituent Services Director | Office of U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (N.M.)P.O. Box 1368 Las Vegas, NM 87701Excerpt below:

May 18, 2022

DFA Offers Housing Assistance to Renters whose housing was destroyed by the 2022 Wildfire Season

SANTA FE – The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) offers emergency temporary housing assistance to renters whose rental unit was destroyed by the 2022 wildfire season and are currently displaced. The New Mexico Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) allows New Mexico renters to receive aid for current, temporary, or new rental housing in New Mexico.

Eligibility criteria for those affected by the fires include:

  • Applicants must be a renter in New Mexico
  • The rental unit was destroyed by the 2022 wildfire season
  • The applicant or household makes under 80% of the average median income for each respective county

Potential assistance includes:

  • Temporary hotel/motel cost at a New Mexico establishment
  • Three months of future rent and utilities
    • Assistance is only for housing in New Mexico

Individuals should visit DFA’s website to begin the application process. Those affected by the fires will receive priority for temporary housing placement. Renters should fill out the contact information on the website, and a staff member will contact you.

***

End excerpt. Full details here: https://www.nmdfa.state.nm.us/office-of-the-secretary/erap-fire-assistance/


The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website lists the federal resources, including individual assistance programs through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); public assistance grant programs; and the property damage assessment form https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/. You can also find specific information about documentation and FEMA assistance here: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/federal-assistance/

Full-service debris removal program — no cost
This program allows all wildfire debris on residential properties in Mora and San Miguel Counties to be collected, safely removed, and properly disposed of by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with no out of pocket costs to property owners.

Registration and opt-out forms are available on the NMDHSEM website.

If you do not have Internet access, please call 1-800-621-3362. Lines open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.


Anyone who has lost a home or sustained property damage should register (in person if possible) with HELP New Mexico, located at the official American Red Cross shelter at Memorial Middle School. A list of additional resources will be provided to those who register. You can also reach HELP New Mexico staff Julie Martinez at 505-469-2073 or Moriah Griego at 505-235-5276 or 505-573-8886.

Currently assisting those age 55 and over


Property Damage Survey: Call San Miguel County at 505-425-9333 for help with the survey (below) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpuU8asjcPCYgEI0Z_vZ908zNSJWbxTttncI6iMqn5bSAQ4g/ viewform


Help for food producers related to livestock loss, forage loss, fencing, structures, water supply: https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/wildfire


Fire suppression damage to property

From https://www.eastsidefire-rescue.org/

Crews are conducting suppression repair activities around much of the fire perimeter. Suppression repair is a series of post-fire actions taken to repair damages and minimize potential soil erosion and impacts that are a result of fire suppression activities.

We’re asking private property owners that have sustained damage from fire suppression activities to fill this form out, so we have names, addresses, and contact information.

This form is NOT for other fire damages, effects, or flood mitigation.

DISCLAIMER: This information will be shared with managing agencies to assist with suppression repair activities. You can click the following link to complete the survey: https://forms.office.com/g/TU24jdYwBa


FEMA warns of post-fire flash flooding damage and urges flood insurance. More information about what’s covered, what isn’t and how to get flood insurance is here: https://www.floodsmart.gov/


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Additional resources

HELP New Mexico is also providing resources and support in the form of housing vouchers, mental health resources, and more. They are located at Memorial Middle School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily. HELP New Mexico is currently assisting those age 55 and over.

For more detailed information about the tiers of prioritization, refer to the video posted on April 25 on the HELP New Mexico Facebook page: www.facebook.com/HELPNMInc.

Finding shelter and other resources: Emergency Manager Dennis Esquibel at 505-429-6805

Food safety in the event of a power outage: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-safety-during-a-power-outage.html

Evacuation assistance: San Miguel County Sheriff at 505-425-7589.

Medical or emergency assistance call 911: The American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 is available for non life-threatening emergencies

The 100% Community-San Miguel has resources available for those in need. Visit https://www.tenvitalservicesnm.org/san-miguel-choose-service/

After hours NMHU crisis line: 505-795-3665

Statewide NM crisis line:  1-855-NMCRISIS (855-662-7474).

People needing assistance are also encouraged to go directly to Memorial Middle School rather than calling, if possible. Staff members are on site daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


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News releases and Ready, Set, Go evacuation status updates: https://nmfireinfo.com/

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