HONOLULU – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today approved a request from the State of Hawaii to amend the existing Public Assistance program for state, county, and certain private, non-profit entities with eligible costs from the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō lava flow. The amendment to President Obama’s Nov. 3, 2014 disaster declaration adds debris management and permanent work to repair infrastructure as categories of eligible work.

Eligible entities must submit requests for Public Assistance through the state within 30 calendar days from the date of the amendment in accordance with Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 206.202(c).

State, county, and certain private, non-profit entities that have suffered damages or have debris resulting from the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō lava flow are encouraged to submit an application through the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), formerly known as State Civil Defense.

For additional information or to submit a completed application, e-mail HI-EMA at AskCivilDefense@scd.hawaii.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.

 

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Additional Assistance Approved for Eligible Entities Affected by Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō lava flow

CHICAGO –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $2,952,257 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the village of Machesney Park, Ill., for the acquisition and demolition of 24 residential structures in the Rock River floodplain. 

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III.  “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 Machesney Park and residents who have been hit by flooding many times in the past,” said James Joseph, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “The state of Illinois already has purchased more than 60 flood-prone properties in this area.  This grant will enable even more residents to move to higher ground and avoid future heartache and property losses from future floods.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $3,936,343 eligible project cost.  The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $984,086, will be provided by the village of Machesney Park.

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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FEMA Awards $2,952,257 Grant to Village of Machesney Park

EATONTOWN, N.J – Residents and property owners in coastal communities in Essex County, New Jersey will be able to ask questions and obtain information on their property’s flood hazard risk at a 

Public Open House on Flood Maps

Wednesday, March 4, 2015 4 to 8 PM

Azores Social & Sports Club

142 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ

During the past year and a half, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region II office has released updates to the flood hazard maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), for New Jersey’s coastal communities. The FIRMs identify areas of flood risk in these coastal communities.

These Preliminary FIRMS identify areas of flood risk in the following Essex County communities:

North Caldwell, Borough of

Newark, City of

Township of Belleville,

Township of Bloomfield,

Township of Fairfield,

Township of Montclair,

Township of Nutley,

Township of West Caldwell,

Community and county officials in Essex County have arranged for the Flood Risk Open House to assist residents and property owners with questions and concerns regarding flood hazards and flood insurance rate maps.

If you think you may be in a flood zone, or already know you are, feel free to attend the open house between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. No formal presentation will be made and no appointment is necessary.

The preliminary flood hazard maps that will be shared at the Open House are an update of the existing FIRMs. These preliminary FIRMs and the associated Flood Insurance Study (FIS) provide the basis for flood risk education and floodplain management measures. Each community is required to adopt updated maps to continue participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes flood insurance available to the community.

Insurance companies use FIRMs to determine flood insurance rates for buildings, and lenders utilize this information to determine flood insurance requirements. Residents and property owners in these areas are encouraged to learn more about their flood risk and the updates shown on the preliminary flood hazard maps by entering their property’s address in the “What’s my BFE?” tool at www.region2coastal.com

Using interactive flood hazard maps at this Open House, representatives from the State, County, FEMA and their mapping partners, will be available to answer flood risk and insurance questions, and explain the preliminary flood hazard maps. Residents are encouraged to bring their elevation certificates and/or flood insurance policies to the event in order to get the best information about how their flood insurance rates may change as a result of the new preliminary flood maps and legislative reforms.

The Open House will cover flood hazard and FIRM map information only. No information will be available concerning outstanding insurance claims or disaster-related recovery efforts.

Please plan to attend this event if your property is currently mapped within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), newly mapped into an SFHA, or if you are unsure of your flood risk and/or you have any questions on flood insurance. If you cannot attend or want to learn more about your flood risk, please refer to the Preliminary FIRMs which are available on the FEMA Map Service Center website, https://msc.fema.gov/portal, call the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or call your local flood plain administrator or building official.

If you are in a high-risk flood zone, known as the SFHA, you may be required by your lender to carry flood insurance. FEMA staff will be available at the Open House to talk about these changes.

Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States. It is vital for property owners to understand their risk and taking advantage of tools and programs available to them. Property owners can take action by purchasing flood insurance and implementing mitigation actions to help reduce future flooding impacts.

For additional information on flood hazard risk and the mapping process, please visit www.region2coastal.com

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 www.twitter.com/FEMASandy,www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, and www.youtube.com/fema.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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Flood Map Meeting to Take Place in Newark March 4

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be holding the next National Advisory Council (NAC) public meeting in New Orleans, LA from March 4 – 5, 2015.

WHAT:     NAC Meeting

WHERE:     Jackson Barracks
6400 St. Claude Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70117

WHEN:             March 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (CST)
March 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (CST)
 
During the meeting, the NAC will meet with the FEMA Administrator, Deputy Administrator, and leadership to receive program briefings, and it will review the progress and potential recommendations of its three subcommittees:  Preparedness and Protection, Response and Recovery, and Federal Insurance and Mitigation.  

The NAC will also discuss other topics to include:

•    Hurricane Katrina Recovery
•    FEMA Office of Response and Recovery Activities and Updates
•    Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration Activities and Updates
•    America’s PrepareAthon!

Members of the public are invited to provide public comments after each subcommittee report- out and between 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST on Wednesday, March 4, 2015. Directions on how to submit public comments can be found on the NAC webpage.

The NAC was established to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of Federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other man-made disasters.  The NAC advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management and incorporates federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and non-profit and private sector partners’ input into the development and revision of FEMA policies and strategies.   
For those planning to attend in person and for additional information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities or to request special assistance at the meeting, please contact the Office of the NAC by email at FEMA-NAC@fema.dhs.gov.  

More information on the NAC is available at www.fema.gov/national-advisory-council.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  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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Next Meeting of National Advisory Council

ATLANTA– People who live in Cheatham County including Pegram, Kingston Springs;  Williamson County including Fairview, Franklin, Brentwood; and Dickson County, Tenn., are invited to look at newly revised preliminary digital flood insurance rate maps at a public open house on March 3, 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 house will provide the residents within this watershed and its counties and municipalities with 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 March 3rd open house will be held between 4-7 p.m. at:

Franklin City Hall
109 3rd Ave South

Franklin, TN 37064

The new maps were produced through a partnership with Harpeth Watershed counties and municipalities, the state of Tennessee, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data and the latest science available have been applied to make the maps more accurate. The ultimate goal is to protect property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Flood risks do change over time due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening or shifting, and other factors—which is why it’s important that maps are updated periodically.

Property owners—both homeowners and business owners—renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house and take advantage of this opportunity to meet with specialists and ask questions, and learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their communities. Residents may also visit their local community’s office to view the maps in person, or call their local floodplain manager with questions about where their property is located on the preliminary maps.

The Harpeth River Watershed preliminary maps will not be officially adopted until after a public comment period for the effected counties and municipalities takes place. This allows property owners to submit comments and appeals if they can show that any part of the maps is in error. Specialists will be available at the open houses to address questions that residents may have about this process. Once all comments are received and addressed, counties and municipalities may adopt the maps. 

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Even people living outside of high-risk areas can have flooding, which is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S. That’s why everyone, regardless of their flood zone, should take steps to financially protect themselves from a disaster which affects far too many communities each year. The primary way to do that is by purchasing flood insurance. It’s available at affordable rates through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary program administered by FEMA.

Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. NFIP policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agents who people already deal with for other property insurance needs. When that isn’t possible, NFIP can put people in touch with another agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov  for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

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.

 

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Harpeth River Watershed Residents Invited to See Preliminary Flood Maps

DENTON, Texas ––In early July, new flood maps for Natchitoches Parish will become effective.

Local, state and federal officials encourage everyone to view the maps before Monday, July 6, 2015 in order to understand their flood risk and then consider buying flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. People without flood insurance, either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), risk uninsured losses to their homes, personal property and businesses.

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “It is critical that everyone is prepared for the hazards and risks in their communities. Knowing your risk of flooding is the first step in taking the appropriate actions to prepare,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson.

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, contact your local floodplain administrator.

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat.  

•    To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C.  Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
•    To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
•    To view a Preliminary Interactive Flood Map: http://maps.riskmap6.com/LA/Natchitoches
     
FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.
                                                                                                

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 us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Natchitoches Parish Flood Maps Become Final in July

DENTON, Texas ––In early July, new flood maps for Pulaski County will become effective.

Local, state and federal officials encourage everyone to view the maps before Monday, July 6, 2015 in order to understand their flood risk and then consider buying flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. People without flood insurance, either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), risk uninsured losses to their homes, personal property and businesses.

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “It is critical that everyone is prepared for the hazards and risks in their communities. Knowing your risk of flooding is the first step in taking the appropriate actions to prepare,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson.

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, contact your local floodplain administrator.

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat.  

•    To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C.  Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
•    To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
•    To view a Preliminary Interactive Flood Map: http://maps.riskmap6.com/AR/Pulaski/

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.                                                                                                   

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 us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Pulaski County, Arkansas Flood Maps Become Final in July

DENTON, Texas –– New flood maps become effective in Pittsburgh County on June 2, 2015.

Local, state and federal officials encourage everyone to view the maps before Tuesday, June 2, 2015 in order to understand their flood risk and then consider buying flood insurance.

Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. People in the special flood hazard areas (SFHA) and with a federally backed mortgage are required to insure their structure and contents, either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  This is a voluntary program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  NFIP policies are available to anyone living in a participating community, including business owners.   

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “It is critical that everyone is prepared for the hazards and risks in their communities.  Knowing your risk of flooding is the first step in taking the appropriate actions to prepare,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson.  To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA). Randy Gropp is the FPA for the Town of Kiowa and can be reached at (918) 432 5841. Richard Howry is the FPA for Pittsburg County, his phone number is (918) 423-4726.

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat.  
•    To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C.  Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
•    To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
•    To view a Preliminary Interactive Flood Map: http://maps.riskmap6.com/OK/Pittsburg;

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.
                                                                                              
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 us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Pittsburg County, Oklahoma Flood Maps Become Final in June

DENTON, Texas —The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now accepting applications for its Youth Preparedness Council. The Council supports FEMA’s commitment to involving young people in preparedness-related activities and provides an opportunity for them to offer their perspectives, feedback and insights on how to help make the United States more resilient.
 
Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities and their potential to expand their impact as national advocates for youth preparedness.
 
While FEMA’s National Youth Preparedness Council was first formed in 2012, FEMA Region 6’s Youth Preparedness Council got its start in 2014. The Council is made up of young people from each Region 6 state – Casey Williams of Vilonia, Ark.; Lanie Comeaux of Thibodaux, La.; Samantha Adams of Las Cruces, N.M.; Rosie Niles of Oologah, Okla.; and Obie Jones of Austin, Texas. Jones is also a member of the National Youth Preparedness Council.
 
“Young people are such an important part of the emergency management team,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “They bring fresh and new ideas to the table, as well as new energy and can be a positive catalyst for change. We are so proud of our Region 6 Youth Preparedness Council members. They are doing great work, helping all of us be better prepared for disasters.”
 
Membership on the National Youth Preparedness Council is open to all applicants of any state or tribal nation between 13 and 17 years old. They must also be engaged in individual and community preparedness or have experienced a disaster that motivated them to make a positive difference in their community. Individuals who applied for 2014 are encouraged to apply again. Current Council members have an option to extend for an additional year, upon FEMA request. Adults working with youth or on community preparedness are encouraged to share the application with young people who might be interested in applying for the Youth Preparedness Council.
 
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must submit a completed application form and two letters of recommendation. Completed applications and all supporting materials must be received no later than March 2, 2015, 9:59 p.m. MDT/10:59 p.m. CDT. New Youth Preparedness Council members will be announced in May 2015.
 
For more information about completing and submitting the application, please visit: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council.

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 us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA

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Deadline Nears For Youth Preparedness Council Applications

DENTON, Texas – More than $2.4 million was recently awarded to Louisiana for repairs to multiple buildings in Jefferson Parish and Plaquemines Parish, including a school, as part of the recovery efforts after Hurricane Isaac.

Of the total Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance funding, more than $1.2 million covered repairs for different Jefferson Parish Department of Water facilities, as well as mitigation measures to protect against future damage. This includes Water Plants, Distribution Centers, a Payment Center, sewer lines, water lines and lift stations on the West Bank, the East Bank and in Grand Isle.

In Plaquemines Parish, the more than $1.2 million in Public Assistance funding covers repairs, the replacement of some storm-damaged components and mitigation measures to protect against future disasters in the following communities:

  • Belle Chasse – Belle Chasse Fire Station III; Belle Chasse Government Building;  Belle Chasse Library; Belle Chasse Lockup; Belle Chasse Public Right-of-Way Maintenance Shop; Belle Chasse Water Collection Office; Community Action Agency building;  Council on Aging building; the Emergency Management Services Building; and the Recreation North Facility;
  • Boothville – Boothville-Venice Elementary School Campus main building, gymnasium and cafeteria; and the Boothville-Venice Fire Station;
  • Buras – Buras Auditorium; Buras Community Center; and the Buras Fire Station;
  • Davant – the Percy Griffin Community Center;
  • Empire – O’Brien Fire Station;
  • Phoenix – the Phoenix Fire Station;
  • Point A La Hache – Epalh Fire/Emergency Management Services Station; and
  • Port Sulphur – District 8 Council building; Port Sulphur Community Center; Port Sulphur Fire Station; and the Port Sulphur Public Right-of-Way Maintenance Building.

To date, FEMA has awarded more than $312 million in Public Assistance funding to Louisiana in relation to Hurricane Isaac. The Public Assistance funding represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Louisiana; the state then disburses the grant to the eligible applicant.

                                                             
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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. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6, and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.
 

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Louisiana Receives More Than $2.4 Million for Repairs in Jefferson Parish and Plaquemines Parish Following Hurricane Isaac

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