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FEMA Teams in Neighborhoods Helping Kentucky Storm Survivors

FEMA Teams in Neighborhoods Helping Kentucky Storm Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Disaster survivor assistance teams are working in storm-stricken neighborhoods helping Kentuckians recover from the April storms.

The teams are made up of disaster specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and FEMA Corps. They are canvassing areas to give residents an opportunity to register for disaster assistance and to quickly address immediate and emerging needs. The teams can also provide application updates and referrals to additional resources when needs remain.

Using tablets, the FEMA teams can input a survivor’s information and submit a request for federal assistance. These mobile team members can be identified easily by their photo identifications and FEMA clothing. Kentucky residents are reminded to ask for federal identification before providing personal information.

Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the April storms in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties can register for federal assistance.

Federal disaster assistance for qualified applicants may include:

Grants to rent a new place to live temporarily as needed.
Grants for essential home repairs not covered by insurance.
Grants for serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance — such as medical, dental, transportation, funeral expenses, moving and storage fees, personal property loss and child care.

In addition to the registration opportunity offered by recovery teams, survivors can register for assistance by the following methods:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
Calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585, Video Relay Service 800-621-3362).
By smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time seven days a week until further notice.

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FEMA Teams in Neighborhoods Helping Kentucky Storm Survivors page 2

Business owners can find an electronic loan application on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Questions can be answered by calling the SBA disaster customer service center at 800-659-2955/(TTY) 800-877-8339 or visiting www.sba.gov.

To learn what protective measures to take before, during and after an emergency, visit www.ready.gov.

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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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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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FEMA Teams in Neighborhoods Helping Kentucky Storm Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Franklin County to Help Kentucky Storm Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Franklin County to Help Kentucky Storm Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A disaster recovery center operated by the commonwealth of Kentucky and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will open at noon Wednesday, May 13, in Franklin County.

The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Saturday. The Franklin center is located at 101 University Drive (Kentucky State University Exum Center) in Frankfort.

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

Survivors who suffered losses in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties can receive person-to-person assistance from specialists skilled in many disaster-related subjects.

Specialists can help with registration, check an individual’s case, answer questions about an application or review information needed to process an application.

Survivors who sustained losses from the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides April 2 through April 17, 2015, should register for assistance before visiting a center.

Survivors can register by using the following methods:

· Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

By calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585, Video Relay Service 800-621-3362).
By smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time seven days a week until further notice.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and essential home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

To learn more about what preventive measures to take before, during and after an emergency, visit www.ready.gov.

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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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Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Franklin County to Help Kentucky Storm Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Rowan County to Help Kentucky Storm Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Rowan County to Help Kentucky Storm Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A disaster recovery center operated by the commonwealth of Kentucky and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will open at noon Tuesday, May 12, in Rowan County.

The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Saturday. The Rowan center is located at 314 Bridge St. (Morehead City Administration Building) in Morehead.

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

Specialists can help with registration, check an individual’s case, answer questions about an application or review information needed to process an application.

Survivors who sustained losses from the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides April 2 through April 17, 2015, should register for assistance before visiting a center.

Survivors can register by using the following methods:

· Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

By calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585, Video Relay Service 800-621-3362).
By smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time seven days a week until further notice.

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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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Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Rowan County to Help Kentucky Storm Survivors

Two Disaster Recovery Centers To Open

Two Disaster Recovery Centers to Open to Help Kentucky Storm Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Two disaster recovery centers operated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will open at noon Friday, May 8, in Carter and Jefferson counties.

The centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The centers are located at 671 South State Highway 7 (Utility Commission Building) in Grayson and 8501 Preston Highway (Fire Station No. 1) in Louisville.

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

People who suffered losses in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties can get person-to-person assistance at the centers from specialists skilled in many disaster-related subjects.

Specialists can help with registration; check an individual’s case; answer questions about their claim; or review information needed to process their claim.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides April 2 through April 17, 2015, should register for assistance before visiting a center.

Registration is available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; those who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time seven days a week until further notice.

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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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Two Disaster Recovery Centers To Open

Digital Preliminary Flood Maps For Polk County Ready For Public Viewing

ATLANTA– Newly revised digital flood insurance rate maps for Polk County, Fla. will be available for residents to review at three public open houses during the week of May 11, 2015. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding and are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

The open houses provide residents of Polk County and its municipalities the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Residents can meet one-on-one with a variety of specialists who will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and more.

The open houses will be held between 4 and 7 p.m. The open house dates and locations are:

May 12, 2015

Polk Street Community Center

1255 Polk St.

Bartow, FL 33830

May 13, 2015

City of Lakeland, Magnolia Building

698 E. Orange St.

Lakeland, FL 33801

May 14, 2015

Winter Haven Chain O’ Lakes Complex, Pool Room, South Entrance

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven, FL 33880

The new maps were produced through a partnership with Polk County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data make the maps more accurate. The ultimate goal is to protect property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening or shifting and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes.

Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house. All who attend can meet with specialists to ask questions and learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their communities.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

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Digital Preliminary Flood Maps For Polk County Ready For Public Viewing

Nine Counties Added to Federal Disaster Declaration

ATLANTA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved nine additional counties for the State of Tennessee’s recent disaster declaration from the severe winter storm of Feb. 15-22.

Claiborne, Cocke, Davidson, DeKalb, Greene, Hawkins, Pickett, Rhea and Wayne counties join the list of 36 other counties already receiving federal assistance as a result of the presidential disaster declaration signed April 2, 2015.

The counties were added to the declaration following new damage assessments requested by the state, and conducted by local officials, representatives of Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and FEMA.

Previously declared counties include: Anderson, Bedford, Bledsoe, Blount, Campbell, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, Fentress, Giles, Grainger, Grundy, Hamblen, Hancock, Hardeman, Hardin, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Loudon, Marshall, McMinn, McNairy, Meigs, Monroe, Moore, Morgan, Obion, Overton, Putnam, Roane, Scott, Sevier, Van Buren, Warren and White.

Eligible government entities and certain private non-profits in the declared counties can apply for reimbursement of specific expenses related to disaster response and recovery under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

The Public Assistance Program provides a 75 percent funding reimbursement for costs related to debris removal, emergency protective measures and rebuilding and repairing roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, utilities and recreational facilities.

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Nine Counties Added to Federal Disaster Declaration

Hazard Mitigation Grant Workshop Scheduled

ATLANTA—The Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will hold one workshop on June 10, 2015 to explain a hazard mitigation program that funds projects that reduce or eliminate damage from future disasters.

A portion of the federal funding made available for disaster response and recovery from the February winter storm is allocated for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The program provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation projects.

State officials will be available to answer questions and provide recovery information to workshop participants and to anyone who is interested.

The workshop is scheduled at:

Hall County Emergency Operations Center – Wednesday, June 10 from 10 am to noon, 470 Crescent Drive Gainesville, GA 30501

Examples of HMGP projects include:

Development or improvement of warning systems that include mitigation measures;
Construction of public tornado safe rooms that meet FEMA construction guidelines;
Retrofitting methods, such as elevation in place, structure relocation, structural reinforcement for high wind and seismic events, strapping of utilities, installation of storm shutters, tie downs, and other measures;
Acquisition of property and/or relocation of homes, businesses and public facilities from hazard-prone areas;
Generators that protect a critical facility and meet all other HMGP eligibility criteria. Critical facilities may include Emergency Operation Centers, police and fire stations, hospitals, and water and sewer treatment facilities;
Wildfire mitigation, such as creating defensible space, application of ignition-resistant construction and hazardous fuel reduction;
Soil stabilization projects that protect against erosion and landslides;
Structural hazard control or protection measures, such as floodwalls, detention basins and other storm drainage upgrades; and
Development of a local Hazard Mitigation Plan that meets federal standards.

The state’s priority for the HMGP is to fund projects in the designated counties that reduce or eliminate damages to life and property resulting from severe winter storms.

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Hazard Mitigation Grant Workshop Scheduled

FEMA: As Severe Weather Approaches, Prepare, Stay Informed and Make a Plan

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With the potential for severe weather across the plains and several Midwestern states the remainder of this week and into the weekend, staff at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region VII office are coordinating with state and local officials in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska and urge the public to prepare to stay safe.

“With the threat of severe weather developing, we urge residents to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local newscasts, monitor digital media feeds for updates and follow the instructions provided by local emergency officials,” said FEMA Region VII Administrator Beth Freeman. “As folks make their weekend plans, this severe weather threat is a reminder everyone needs to remain vigilant as we can’t always anticipate when or where a disaster might strike.”

Make A Plan!
Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan in advance. For more information on creating your family’s emergency plan, visit http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.

Have an Emergency Supply Kit!
To prepare for power outages and the disruption of essential services, FEMA urges families to prepare an emergency supply kit for their homes and cars. For more information, visit http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. When preparing a kit, remember water, medications, and items needed for the well-being of your pets.

Stay Informed!
Pay attention to and follow instructions from local emergency officials.

FEMA App Has Weather Alerts (NEW!)
Download the FEMA app (available in English and Spanish, for Apple, Blackberry and Android) to get severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service, https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app.

Social Media—A great monitoring tool!
Most local emergency managers, state and government agencies, including the National Weather Service, have an active social media presence and use it to provide fast, current and critical information before, during and after emergencies. Consider following the Facebook, Twitter or Instagram handles of your local emergency management office, as well as hospitals, schools and voluntary organizations serving your community.

If you don’t already have one, consider using a social media list to monitor the severe weather threat; how local officials are responding; and what they may ask of you and your family. @FEMARegion7 on Twitter has created social media lists for Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Subscribe to your state’s list, www.twitter.com/femaregion7/lists, or use it as a template to create your own. Learn and chat about creating Twitter and Facebook lists using #PrepList.

Tips for Severe Weather Safety!

If you have severe weather in your area, keep these safety tips in mind:

Become familiar with the terms used to identify a severe weather hazard and talk to your family about what you will do if a watch or warning is issued. Here are the terms you need to know:

WATCH: Meteorologists are monitoring an area or region for the formation of a specific type of threat (e.g. flooding, severe thunderstorms, or tornados).

WARNING: Specific life and property threatening conditions are occurring and imminent. Take appropriate safety precautions.

If there’s a tornado warning, you’ll need to know what to do no matter where you are. Learn more before the storms arrive, http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes.

DISTANCE TO SAFE ROOM MATTERS: While community safe rooms offer significant reassurance and protection during a severe weather event, always make the safe and certain choice about where to seek shelter – particularly if there is little time to travel to the location of the community safe room. It is always best to seek shelter in your basement or in the lowest possible structure in your residence if time and warning are limited when severe weather hits.

LOCATION MATTERS: Know your surroundings and your structures if you’re planning to attend an event, take vacation, visit family, or if you are staying in a location other than your home like a hotel, campground or cabin. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the facility’s emergency plans including: sirens and warnings, how to shelter in place, and steps to be taken in the event of an evacuation.

MOBILE HOMES: Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. Residents of mobile homes must plan in advance and identify safe shelter in a nearby building.

FLOODING: Be aware that flash flooding can occur within minutes and with little notice. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. Do not drive through flood water. When you see flood waters ahead: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

SAFETY AFTER THE STORM: Injury may occur when people walk amid disaster debris and enter damaged buildings. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.
Be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards in or around your home. Contact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards and before going back to a property with downed power lines, or the possibility of a gas leak. Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report downed power lines and electrical hazards to the police and the utility company. They may also offer suggestions on finding a qualified contractor to do work for you.

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Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.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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FEMA: As Severe Weather Approaches, Prepare, Stay Informed and Make a Plan

FEMA Awards $2,999,810 Grant to the City of Des Plaines

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released $2,999,810 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the city of Des Plaines, Ill., for the acquisition and demolition of 13 residential structures in the Des Plaines River floodplain.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding for mitigation activities that reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disasters,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “The acquisition and demolition of these homes permanently removes the structures from the floodplain and greatly reduces the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“This grant is great news for these Des Plaines residents who have been hit by flooding many times in the past,” said James K. Joseph, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.” The residents can now move to higher ground and avoid future heartache and property losses, and local response agencies will no longer need to wage costly flood fights.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay $2,999,810 of the $4,380,100 eligible project cost, and the city of Des Plaines will contribute $1,380,290.

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

Source:

FEMA Awards $2,999,810 Grant to the City of Des Plaines

Inspectors Visiting Disaster-Damaged Properties

FRANKFORT, KY – Residents and business owners who applied for federal assistance resulting from the severe storms and flooding in April will hear soon from damage inspectors.

People who suffered losses in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan, and Scott counties may be eligible for assistance by registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Following registration, FEMA usually schedules inspections within seven (7) to 10 days. An inspector first examines structural damage to a house or business, then assesses damage to appliances, such as the washer, dryer, refrigerator, and stove. The inspector also gathers information about serious needs, such as lost or damaged clothing. Homeowners should identify all known damages and tell the inspector if they have a septic system or a well.

Property owners need to show proof of ownership and occupancy. Renters need to show proof of occupancy. If insurance papers are available, residents should show them to the inspector.

Inspectors will ask applicants to show identification. At the same time, applicants should ask for identification from everyone identifying themselves as damage inspectors. All inspectors carry official photo identification.

“If an inspector is not wearing an identification card or badge, please make sure you ask to see it,” said Joe M. Girot, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer for Kentucky.

Girot said it is also important to keep in mind that official inspectors do not charge for this service.

Those who have suffered losses as a result of the April storms, but have not yet applied for assistance are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

The fastest and easiest way to register for assistance is online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 (FEMA) or by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; those who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. eastern, seven days a week until further notice.

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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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Inspectors Visiting Disaster-Damaged Properties

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