The Village of Ruidoso is proud to announce that two of its dedicated employees, Eric Queller and Ashlie Carabajal, have received statewide recognition and awards for their exemplary contributions to emergency management and public safety and their continued dedication to our community. Their unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership during some of the most challenging times in Ruidoso’s history have set a remarkable standard for service in our community.

The State Forestry Division is offering free hazard tree removal and erosion control assistance to landowners affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Eligible Lincoln County residents can apply for services, including removal of damaged trees near structures, erosion barriers, and soil stabilization measures. This effort aims to reduce future flood risks and aid watershed recovery in burn-scarred areas. Visit the Division’s website for application details.

Already applied for FEMA disaster assistance? Here’s how to stay on track: Keep your FEMA registration number handy for any follow-ups. Regularly check your application status via DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA app, or by calling (800) 621-3362. Update FEMA with any changes in contact info. If eligible, funds will be directly deposited. For questions, visit a Disaster Recovery Center (fema.gov/drc).

With wildland fires posing an increasing threat in our area, being prepared is more important than ever. Join a free Wildland Fire Preparedness session on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the ENMU-Ruidoso Campus. Learn from local fire experts about fire terminology, personal and community preparedness, and collaboration with fire agencies. For more details, contact Bequi Livingston at 505-263-0289.

New Mexico residents impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding have until October 19, 2024, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Homeowners and renters in affected counties and the Mescalero Apache Reservation can receive grants that don't need to be repaid. Apply online, via the FEMA app, by phone, or in person at the Ruidoso Disaster Recovery Center before the deadline.

From October 9-12, residents affected by the recent fires and floods can receive expert advice at the Village of Ruidoso Community Center. FEMA specialists will provide guidance on repairs, rebuilding, and flood insurance. Don’t miss this opportunity to get valuable support and resources for your recovery efforts.

The New Mexico State Board of Licensure outlines guidelines for restoring fire-damaged foundations, including structural assessments, material testing, and code compliance. In fire zones, soil suitability tests may be required for new foundations. For flood zones, rebuilding must comply with floodplain regulations, ensuring safety and stability.

FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program allows an exception to the 30-day waiting period for coverage if post-wildfire flooding originates on federal land. Property owners can get immediate coverage if they purchase a policy before or within 60 days of fire containment. The exception is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Free legal assistance is available to residents of southern New Mexico impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding from June 17 to Aug. 20, 2024. Funded by FEMA and provided by the ABA's Young Lawyers Division, Disaster Legal Services (DLS) helps with issues like insurance claims, home repair fraud, and FEMA appeals. DLS services are confidential and free for those in eligible counties.

The SBA has approved $12.3 million in disaster loans, mainly for homeowners and renters. Following FEMA's closure of the incident period for DR 4795-NM on Aug. 20, 2024, those affected from June 17 to Aug. 20 can apply for loans by the Oct. 19 deadline. SBA reps are available for assistance, and webinars offer additional info. Applying ensures loan availability if insurance or aid falls short.

Join the Village of Ruidoso and FEMA for a Federal Contract Registration Workshop and 1:1 assistance sessions for short-term rental owners and local contractors impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Learn how to register on sam.gov for federal contracts, including FEMA’s Direct Lease program. Sessions will be held at ENMU-Ruidoso on September 10-12, 2024.

Homeowners affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding may be eligible for financial assistance from FEMA and the SBA to repair or rebuild stronger homes. FEMA provides funds for mitigation measures like vent screens, non-combustible gutters, and elevating utilities. The SBA offers low-interest loans for home improvements to prevent future damage. Contact FEMA or SBA for more details.

Ruidoso Mayor Lynn D. Crawford has issued Executive Order 2024-01 to support recovery efforts after the South Fork and Salt Fires and subsequent floods. The order waives all permitting and installation fees for rebuilding destroyed properties, helping to alleviate financial strain on affected property owners and encouraging the community’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The Village of Ruidoso has introduced a Disaster Recovery Dashboard to aid those affected by the South Fork and Salt fires and floods. This online platform offers real-time updates on recovery efforts, including infrastructure restoration, rebuilding guidelines, and available resources. It serves as a centralized hub for essential information to support community recovery.

Join us for a Recovery Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, August 28, at 7:00 P.M. at Ruidoso Middle School, 124 Warrior Dr, Ruidoso, NM. This event, featuring representatives from the Village of Ruidoso, FEMA, SBA, and the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security, will provide information on assistance available for those affected by the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, or flooding. A virtual option via Zoom is available. Details available via QR code.

Join the "Cabinet In Your Community" event in Ruidoso on September 21, 2024, at ENMU Ruidoso. This event offers a State Services Expo from 11 AM to 4 PM, providing enrollment assistance for Medicaid, childcare, and more. A Community Town Hall from 1 PM to 4 PM will feature discussions with Cabinet Secretaries on local issues. Don't miss this chance to engage with state officials and access essential resources.

Residents affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding in New Mexico can receive FEMA assistance for damaged private wells and septic systems. FEMA has extended workshops on home repairs through Aug. 24 at Village Ace Hardware in Ruidoso. Over $5.6 million in assistance and $8.72 million in SBA loans have been approved. The deadline to apply for FEMA aid is now Oct. 19, 2024.

FEMA has extended the deadline to apply for disaster assistance related to the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding to October 19. Workshops in Ruidoso providing home repair tips have been extended through August 24. To date, FEMA has approved over $5.59 million in assistance, and the SBA has approved more than $8.65 million in disaster loans. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov for more details.

FEMA extended the deadline to apply for disaster assistance to October 19, 2024, for residents affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding in New Mexico. Eligible counties include Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, San Juan, and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Applications can be made online, via the FEMA app, by phone, or at Disaster Recovery Centers. SBA loan applications are also due by October 19.

The SBA New Mexico District Office is hosting a series of free disaster recovery webinars in English and Spanish to support those affected by the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and flooding. These sessions will provide essential information and resources from the SBA, FEMA, and other agencies. Deadlines for disaster assistance applications are approaching, with key dates including August 19 and September 9, 2024.