Merced County Included in Presidential Major Disaster Declaration

It was announced this weekend that the White House approved California's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, an action that will help the County and State respond to ongoing storm impacts.

The Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, which included Merced County, will help residents impacted by recent flood events become eligible for public assistance programs and support as they work to recover. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the disaster impacts.

More information about these programs and services will soon be made available.

The statement from the White House can be viewed here: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves California Disaster Declaration | The White House

In the coming days, FEMA will be out in impacted communities throughout Merced County conducting damage assessments and surveying impacts. If a FEMA representative visits you at your home or business, please be aware that they will carry official identification. Residents are encouraged to ask any FEMA representative for their official badge, which shows the representative's name, photo, and possibly an ID number. FEMA representatives conducting inspections will never ask for money.

At the local level, the Merced County Emergency Operations Center continues to operate around the clock as personnel manage prior storm impacts and prepare for the next weather system, which is expected to reach Merced County today and last through Monday.

Please Note: Road closures, shelter sites, evacuation warning areas, and mandatory evacuation areas can be viewed on the Merced County Emergency Operation Center's Perimeter app.

Sandbags will remain available throughout the County. See Sandbag Locations for more information. To sign up for Merced County emergency alerts, visit the Merced County Emergency Notification System webpage. Further details about the current storm system, including alerts and safety information, is available at the National Weather Service’s website listed in the resources below.

Residents are encouraged to follow Merced County and the Merced County Office of Emergency Services (linked below) on social media for continued updates regarding donations, Merced County resource teams dispatched to impacted areas, food box operations, and flood fighting efforts. 

Additional Resources: 

- For emergencies, dial 911

- Merced County Flood Hotline: (209) 385-7563

- National Weather Service

- Flood Safety Checklist

- Merced County Road Closure / Resource Map

- Follow “Merced County” and the “Merced County Office of Emergency Services” on social media for future updates

President Approves California Disaster Declaration