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Five Disaster Prep Hacks You Need to Know

CHICAGO –Disasters can happen with little or no warning, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be ready for them. Use these five life hacks to help you better prepare for whatever the unexpected may be:

1. Take small steps toward building your emergency supply kit. Pick up a couple of extra bottles of water and cans of non-perishable food the next time you’re at the grocery store. When you buy replacement batteries for the remote control, set aside a few extras along with a flashlight. Small purchases such as these will eventually help you create a robust emergency supply kit that could be vital to survive on your own after an emergency. If you’re wondering what supplies you might need to stock up on, reference Ready.gov’s Recommended Supply List.

3. Get and stay connected with the ones you love. If your family members aren’t together in an emergency and telephone circuits are jammed, does everyone know what to do? If the answer is no, go to Ready.gov’s Family Communications Plan to help you get started collecting and sharing the important information your family may need in the event of an emergency. Make sure everyone knows where to go and who to contact so you never have to worry about your family’s safety after a disaster.

3. Make your smartphone a lifesaving tool. FEMA’s App can be downloaded to keep you aware of impending severe weather for up to five locations across the U.S., along with customized information to stay safe and other readiness resources to help you prepare for potential disasters.

4. Get smart… Everyone lives in a flood zone – but do you know whether your home is located in a high- or low- to moderate-flood risk area? If not, FEMA’s FloodSmart page has a One-Step Flood Risk Profile tool where you can enter your address and find out. Learn about all of the disaster risks unique to your community—and any location you may visit or spend time—so you’re not caught unaware if something were to occur. Visit America’s PrepareAthon! page and get educated about the specific hazards in any area you choose.

5. Then act the part! Once you know the type of disasters most common to your community, take steps to reduce your risk. Talk to your insurance agent and verify you’re fully covered – did you know homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage? What about the fact that sewer backup damage is typically covered by a rider added to your homeowner’s coverage? You can also mitigate disaster risks by taking other simple steps like storing important papers in a safe place, elevating mechanicals off the floor of your basement to avoid potential flood damage and caulking exterior openings where electrical wires and cables enter your home to keep water from getting inside. Learn more about risk reduction techniques by visiting FEMA’s Protecting Homes webpage.

For even more readiness information follow FEMA Region V at twitter.com/femaregion5 and www.facebook.com/fema. Individuals can always find valuable preparedness information at www.Ready.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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Five Disaster Prep Hacks You Need to Know

Arkansas Awarded More Than $2.7 Million for the Replacement of the Bella Vista Lake Dam

DENTON, Texas – The state of Arkansas has been awarded more than $2.7 million for the replacement of the Bella Vista Lake Dam in Bentonville. This comes in the aftermath of the 2011 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

The storms and ensuing flooding overtopped the entire length of the Bella Vista Lake Dam resulting in extensive erosion; a loss of support beneath the dam’s concrete slope cover; and damage to much of the structure’s other sections of concrete.

The funding, which is made possible by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program, covers the demolition, removal and disposal of the original dam, as well as the materials and labor required to build the replacement dam.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $50.1 million for the 2011 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Arkansas.

The funding represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Arkansas; the state then disburses the grant to the eligible applicant.

Follow FEMA Region 6 on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

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Arkansas Awarded More Than $2.7 Million for the Replacement of the Bella Vista Lake Dam

Washington Wildfire Survivors Urged to Act Now on Flood Insurance

SEATTLE – Flood risk is higher this year as a direct consequence of the wildfires that burned thousands of acres in eastern and central Washington. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging residents in areas affected by the wildfires to consider purchasing flood insurance now.

When fire burns away trees and other vegetation, healthy roots that soak up rainwater are lost. Heavy rains on burn scars can cause flash flooding or debris flows that can severely damage homes and businesses.

While properties burned in the blazes face the highest risk of wildfire-related flooding, the risk also increases for homes downstream or below scorched areas. Such conditions are one reason flooding is America’s most common natural disaster.

Yet, most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

A flood insurance policy is the best option for property owners and renters to safeguard their homes and belongings from flood losses. Most flood insurance is written through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is administered by FEMA. The NFIP offers flood insurance to property owners and renters in communities that participate in the program.

Due to the waiting period, NFIP policies become effective 30 days after the premium is paid.

Less than half of the floods in the U.S. result in a federal disaster declaration, while NFIP pays claims even if a disaster is not declared. What’s more, one out of every four claims paid is from an area at medium-to-low risk of flooding.

Most Washingtonians can obtain flood insurance from the agent who handles their homeowners or renters insurance policy, or they can go to the NFIP website at www.floodsmart.gov to get a list of the agents in their area who sell the policies. The interactive website also offers an easy way to get the estimated annual cost of flood insurance for a specific address.

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Washington Wildfire Survivors Urged to Act Now on Flood Insurance

National PrepareAthon! Day: Take Action and Be Disaster Ready

CHICAGO –Join National PrepareAthon! Day on September 30 and take action to improve your family’s emergency preparedness and resilience to potential disasters.

“Disaster risks in the Midwest can range from severely cold temperatures, to high heat, severe storms and flooding. It’s important to understand each of these risks and what you and your family will need to do to stay safe,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Be proactive, and engage your family, friends and neighbors in one of the many simple ways to prepare for emergencies.”

• Sign up for local alerts and warnings and check for access to wireless emergency alerts. Visit your city and/or county website to find out if they offer emergency alert notifications through their own systems. You should also ensure your cell phone is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to warn you of extreme weather and other emergencies in your area. Remember, warning sirens are intended for outdoor notification. When indoors, your alert-enabled smart phone or weather radio can provide you with critical alerts.
• Develop and test emergency communications plans. Visit www.Ready.gov/plan-for-your-risks for tips on how to ensure your plan is as comprehensive as possible.
• Assemble or update emergency supplies. Include drinking water, a first-aid kit, canned food, a radio, flashlight and blankets. Visit www.Ready.gov/build-a-kit for a disaster supply checklist. Don’t forget to store additional supply kits in your car and at the office.
• Collect and safeguard critical documents. Make copies of important documents (mortgage papers, deed, passport, bank information, etc.). Keep copies in your home and store originals in a secure place outside the home, such as a bank safe deposit box.
• Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards. Discuss with your insurance agent the risks that may threaten your home and the types of coverage you may need to ensure your property is adequately insured.
• Download the FEMA app to your smartphone. You’ll receive alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the U.S. and have access to information about how to stay safe.

America’s PrepareAthon! is a grassroots campaign developed to encourage individuals, organizations and communities to prepare for specific hazards through drills, group discussions and exercises. More information about the ways to participate and register is available at www.Ready.gov/prepare. For even more readiness information, follow FEMA Region V at twitter.com/femaregion5 and facebook.com/fema.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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National PrepareAthon! Day: Take Action and Be Disaster Ready

Kentucky Storm and Flood Survivors Urged to Beware of Frauds and Scams

FRANKFORT, Ky – Kentuckians recovering and rebuilding from recent storms and flooding are urged to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud.

Even as government agencies and charitable groups continue to provide disaster assistance, scam artists and other criminals may attempt to prey on vulnerable survivors, including the disabled and elderly. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors or repair service providers, taking money before work is performed, shoddy work, identity theft, bank account or credit card phishing, price gouging, bogus pleas for disaster donations, and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail, email, or in person. Con artists are creative and resourceful, so survivors are encouraged to remain alert, ask questions and require identification when someone claims to be an official or represent a government agency.

Survivors should also keep in mind that state and federal workers never ask for or accept money, and always carry identification badges with a photograph. No fee required to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or the Commonwealth. Additionally, no state or federal government disaster assistance agency will call to ask for your financial account information; unless you place a call to the agency yourself, you should not provide personal information over the phone.

Those who suspect fraud can call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 (toll free). For more information, contact the Commonwealth of Kentucky Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection at 1-888-432-9257.

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All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY).

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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Kentucky Storm and Flood Survivors Urged to Beware of Frauds and Scams

Texas Receives More Than $2.2 Million in FEMA Preparedness Grants

DENTON, Texas — Fire departments and cities in Texas have received more than $2.2 million in preparedness grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Since August, the grants have been awarded in 16 counties across the state, paying for everything from firefighting equipment to fire vehicles. Here’s how the grants break down by county:

Anderson County:
• City of Palestine Fire Department – firefighting equipment – $170,667

Caldwell County:
• Mic-County Volunteer Fire Department in Lockhart – communications equipment – $399,637

Collin County:
• Anna Fire Department – firefighting equipment – $28,572

Cooke County:
• Muenster Volunteer Fire Department – firefighting equipment – $78,572

Dallas County:
• Garland Fire Department – simulators and other equipment – $18,730

Fort Bend County:
• City of Stafford – firefighting equipment – $152,728

Gregg County:
• Kilgore Fire Department – firefighting equipment – $158,364

Grayson County:
• Van Alstyne Fire Department – firefighting equipment – $33,387

Harris County:
• City of Webster – thermal imaging camera – $23,620
• Eastex Freeway Volunteer Fire Department – communications equipment – $73,119

Hunt County:
• Cash Fire Department Assoc., Inc. in Greenville – $71,760

Kaufman County:
• City of Terrell Fire Department – firefighting and exercise equipment – $246,215

Kleberg County:
• Kingsville Fire Department – pumper truck – $362,728

McLennan County:
• Elm Mott Volunteer Fire and Rescue – vehicle extrication equipment – $31,429

Orange County:
• Orange County Emergency Services District #1 in Vidor – firefighting equipment – $173,993

Tarrant County:
• Richland Hills Fire Rescue – firefighting equipment – $41,214

Trinity County:
• Apple Springs Volunteer Fire Department – firefighting equipment – $53,143

Wood County:
• Quitman Fire & Rescue – firefighting equipment – $111,429

The federal grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. The primary goal of the AFG is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders get critically-needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources.

For more information on the AFG program, visit http://www.fema.gov/assistance-firefighters-grant.

Follow FEMA Region 6 on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

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Texas Receives More Than $2.2 Million in FEMA Preparedness Grants

FEMA Announces Grant Awards for Fiscal Year 2015 Homeland Security National Training Program/Continuing Training Grants Program

WASHINGTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency today announced the award of five training grants for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP) Continuing Training Grants (CTG) totaling $11,521,000. These awards will provide additional FEMA certified training and certification for first responders, emergency managers, technical specialists, local government and community leaders, preparing them for all types of emergencies. The period of performance for the FY 2015 CTG program is 36 months.

The FY 2015 CTG program focuses on the following four areas: Cybersecurity, Hazardous Materials, Countering Violent Extremism and Rural Preparedness. Rural Preparedness includes the following topics: school-based incidents, mass fatality planning and response, the development of emergency operation plans, rail car safety, media engagement strategies for first responders, agro-terrorism, food and animal safety and hazardous materials.

Grants were awarded to the following organizations:

Cybersecurity: The University of Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute – $3,000,000
Hazardous Materials: The International Association of Fire Fighters – $2,000,000
Countering Violent Extremism: University of Maryland START Consortium – $1,319,405
Countering Violent Extremism: Virginia Center for Policing Innovation – $1,701,595
Rural Preparedness: The Center for Rural Development – $3,500,000

Information on the FY 2015 CTG program can be found on www.grants.gov by searching under Homeland Security Grants, CFDA #97.005.

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FEMA Announces Grant Awards for Fiscal Year 2015 Homeland Security National Training Program/Continuing Training Grants Program

FEMA Encourages Families and Communities to Participate in National PrepareAthon! Day

WASHINGTON –Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and organizations across the nation to take part in National PrepareAthon! Day on September 30th, 2015. Extreme weather is occurring more often across the United States, which is increasing the costs of natural disasters. According to a recent survey conducted by FEMA, fewer than half of Americans have discussed and developed an emergency plan with their household.

As part of National Preparedness Month and National PrepareAthon! Day, FEMA is encouraging everyone to develop and practice their family emergency plan to prepare for disasters that are known threats in their communities.

“The first step in preparing yourself and your family is learning the type of disasters that can happen where you live,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Your family may not be together when disaster strikes. Developing an emergency communication plan doesn’t cost a thing, and the time you’ve invested beforehand will make it easier for your family to reconnect.”

National PrepareAthon! Day is part of America’s PrepareAthon!, a nationwide grassroots campaign for action to increase community preparedness and resilience through hazard-specific group discussions, drills, and exercises. The campaign offers easy-to-implement preparedness guides, checklists, and resources to help individuals, organizations, and communities prepare for the types of disasters that are relevant to their area. People can take these simple steps to increase their preparedness:

Create a family emergency communication plan. Visit ready.gov/prepare and download Be Smart. Take Part: Create Your Family Emergency Communication Plan. Collect the information you need, decide on the places you will meet in case of an emergency, share the information with your family, and practice your plan.
Sign up for local text alerts and warnings and download weather apps. Stay aware of worsening weather conditions. Visit ready.gov/prepare and download Be Smart: Know Your Alerts and Warnings to learn how sign up for local alerts and weather apps that are relevant for hazards that affect your area.
Gather important documents and keep them in a safe place. Have all of your personal, medical, and legal papers in one place, so you can evacuate without worrying about gathering your family’s critical documents at the last minute. Visit ready.gov/prepare and download Be Smart: Protect Your Critical Documents and Valuables for a helpful checklist.
Create an emergency supply kit. Be prepared for bad weather by creating an emergency supply kit for each member of your family. Visit ready.gov/build-a-kit for more ideas of what to include in your kit.

Visit the America’s PrepareAthon! website, ready.gov/prepare for more information, to sign up, and to register your participation.

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FEMA Encourages Families and Communities to Participate in National PrepareAthon! Day

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Calaveras County

SACRAMENTO – The Calaveras County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in San Andreas is opening Monday September 28 at noon, to help survivors impacted by the Butte Fire. Regular hours will begin Tuesday September 29. The DRCs are operated by the California Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the county and local agencies.

DRC Location:
Calaveras County Government Center
891 Mountain Ranch Road San Andreas, CA 95249
Hours of operation until further notice:
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, State of California, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies are among those represented to explain assistance programs and help survivors register.

Survivors with losses are encouraged to register for assistance before going to the disaster recovery center by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362 to register. Online registration is also available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by using a web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Businesses and residents can go to www.sba.gov/disaster or call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (Deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339).

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Calaveras County

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Lake County

SACRAMENTO – The Lake County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Middletown will be open Monday September 28, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., to help survivors impacted by the Valley Fire. Regular hours will begin Tuesday September 29. The DRCs are operated by the California Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the county and local agencies.

DRC Location:
Middletown Senior Center
21256 Washington St., Middletown, CA 95461
Hours of operation until further notice:
Tuesday – Tuesday 8 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

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FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Lake County

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