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Help FEMA Help You

Published: 22 July 2025
Categories: FEMA News

RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

As FEMA assistance applications are processed, individual situations can change. It is important that you keep FEMA informed of your current contact information. This will ensure any benefits you are eligible for reach you without delay.

The fastest way to provide missing or new information is to create an account at DisasterAssistance.gov and upload documents there. If you do not have internet access or need services not available on FEMA’s website, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

If more information is needed to process your application, FEMA may call you. These calls may come from unfamiliar phone numbers. It’s important that you answer these calls. FEMA will ask to verify your identity by stating your damaged dwelling address, the last four digits of your social security number, and possibly your registration number. To avoid fraud and scams, verify callers are from FEMA before sharing any information.

Tennesseans in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Dyer, Hardeman, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion and Wilson counties who experienced damage from the April 2-24 severe storms have until Aug. 19 to apply for FEMA assistance. 

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. In-person help is available at any Disaster Recovery Center for submitting applications, getting updates and asking questions. Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema.gov).

Video: What to Expect Before Applying for FEMA Assistance | ASL

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NSF Graduate Research Fellow helps turn ‘forever chemicals’ into valuable resource

Published: 22 July 2025
Categories: National Science Foundation

RSS feed source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

“Forever chemicals” are everywhere — from Teflon pans and dental floss to raincoats and microwave popcorn bags. Known as PFAS, these chemicals (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are noted for their resistance to heat, oil and water. That same staying power makes them a growing concern. PFAS have been linked to a range of serious health risks, including increased risk of certain cancers, fertility issues, immune system dysfunction and developmental problems. Because PFAS remain in water, soil and air for a long time (hence the name “forever chemicals”), removing them from the environment has become a public priority.  

Earlier this year, a team of scientists from Rice University (including U.S. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program alum Kevin Wyss) announced the development of a new method to break down PFAS that is not only extremely effective (removing 99.98% of the most common PFAS pollutant), but also creates the valuable manufacturing material graphene, one of the world’s strongest and lightest materials.  

This pioneering method involves combining PFAS with granular activated carbon and salts, then heating it to over 3,000 degrees Celsius in under a second. The intense heat breaks the chemical bonds in PFAS, turning them into harmless fluoride salts. At the same time, the activated carbon in the mixture is turned into graphene, which is used in industries such as manufacturing, electronics

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