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Two Years After Sandy, Most Of New Jersey’s Boardwalks Rebuilt

EATONTOWN, N.J. – Many of the boardwalks in New Jersey that were damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Sandy have been successfully rebuilt in the two years that have passed since the storm.

Construction in most shore towns began as soon as it was feasible, and the boardwalks were complete and open for the start of the summer tourism season. Spring Lake used a composite material to rebuild its boardwalk, while Sea Girt used recycled boards for part of its repairs. Atlantic City repaired the damaged northern section of its boardwalk with ipe wood and is upgrading access ramps and adding more lighting.

One exception was Long Branch, where city officials waited to rebuild until they could secure federal funds, including assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which obligated $79 million for 84 Sandy-related boardwalk and beach restoration projects.

In January 2014, Long Branch received $14.5 million from FEMA to repair an approximately 1-mile section of boardwalk and bluffs. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

The bluffs will serve as the support system for the boardwalk and new roadway from Melrose Place south to Brighton Avenue. They will be repaired with a new concrete foundation, 95,740 cubic yards of additional material, and 11,489 square yards of dune grass.

Plans call for 69,850 square feet of the boardwalk to be demolished and rebuilt. New lights, railings, and ramps will be installed from the boardwalk to the beach.

In October, the Long Branch City Council introduced a $30.4 million bond ordinance that includes $18.1 million for repairs to the boardwalk and bluff. The council anticipates that FEMA will reimburse the city for the cost of the boardwalk repairs and bluff construction, which Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. said could begin in the spring of 2015.

Belmar took the opposite approach, rebuilding its boardwalk first, and then working on a design for protective dunes. Belmar reopened its boardwalk in May 2013 before announcing plans for new dunes. The dunes will be sturdy, with 30-foot-long pieces of steel driven into the sand to a depth of 26 feet so the bulkhead stands out approximately 4 feet. The steel infrastructure will be covered with sand and plants will be added so that it looks like a natural dune. The $6 million dunes will shield the $8 million boardwalk from future hurricanes.

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.”

Two Years After Sandy, Most Of New Jersey’s Boardwalks Rebuilt

State, Federal & Tribal Recovery Partners Collaborate & Coordinate on New Mexico Federal Disaster Declaration

SANTA FE – Getting disaster aid quickly into the hands of eligible state agencies, tribal governments, certain nonprofits, community ditch associations and other local government entities affected by the July 27–August 5, 2014 flooding is a collaborative goal of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NM DHSEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

State and Federal recovery officials are coordinating to quickly move through the steps needed to get critical Public Assistance funding to eligible entities in Guadalupe, Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, and San Miguel counties, and the Acoma and Santa Clara pueblos.

A federal declaration was approved on October 6 and an amendment followed on October 24 designating the six counties and two pueblos as eligible for the FEMA Public Assistance program (PA).

Under the program, federal grants are reimbursed to eligible applicants for costs covering emergency protective measures taken to protect lives and property; the cleaning up of downed trees, power poles and other debris; and the repairing of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public utilities.

Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA pays 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant are responsible for the remaining 25 percent. Find details of the Public Assistance program at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.

“Our commitment to eligible entities under this declaration is to move as quickly as possible to get critically needed funds reimbursed as soon as possible,” said State Coordinating Officer Anita Statman.

“When we all work together – state, local, federal, and tribal – our common goal of providing assistance in a timely manner is easily reached.” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper.

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More information on New Mexico disaster recovery is available online at www.nmdhsem.org/. DHSEM is the state’s homeland security and emergency management agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to New Mexico by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies.

Link –

State, Federal & Tribal Recovery Partners Collaborate & Coordinate on New Mexico Federal Disaster Declaration

Flood Risk Open House to View Maps in Aransas and San Patricio, TX

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in the Texas counties of Aransas and San Patricio are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move forward with any development.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort follows the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks. To share that data, public workshops are scheduled in each of the counties where interested citizens can obtain more information about the proposed changes.

San Patricio County Aransas County

Wednesday, November 5 Thursday, November 6

San Patricio County Fairgrounds-Civic Center City of Rockport Service Center

219 W. 5^th Street 2751 SH 35 Bypass

Sinton, TX Rockport, TX

2 p.m. – 7 p.m. 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to these counties, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said FEMA R6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

Additional information is available, including links to the interactive mapping website on www.txchart.com. Residents can also contact the floodplain administrator in each county for more details.

View original article:

Flood Risk Open House to View Maps in Aransas and San Patricio, TX

More New Mexico Counties and a Pueblo added to Oct. 6 Federal Disaster Declaration for Summer Floods

SANTA FE – An amendment to the October 6 major disaster declaration for New Mexico adds public assistance funding eligibility to three additional counties and a pueblo following the severe storms and flooding that impacted the state from July 27 – August 5.

This amendment adds Lincoln, Otero and Sandoval counties and the Santa Clara Pueblo for both emergency and permanent work categories according to officials from the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NMDHSEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“The state applauds the teamwork that went into ensuring that we quickly added these counties and the pueblo to the original declaration,” said State Coordinating Officer Anita Statman.

“We continue to be committed to ensuring reimbursements are made quickly to these new applicants and the entities named in the original declaration,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper.

Under the Public Assistance Program, emergency work may include debris removal and emergency protective measures, while permanent work may include repairs to road systems, bridges, water control facilities and public buildings, contents and utilities, and repairs to parks and recreational facilities.

Entities that may be eligible for Public Assistance include:

State agencies;
Tribal governments;
Local government entities;
Ditch associations; and
Certain private nonprofit organizations.

Three counties, Guadalupe, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel, and the Pueblo of Acoma were previously made eligible under the October 6 declaration.

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Link to article:

More New Mexico Counties and a Pueblo added to Oct. 6 Federal Disaster Declaration for Summer Floods

Hurricane Sandy: After Two Years, $6.67 Billion, FEMA Continues N.J. Recovery

EATONTOWN, N.J. – Since Hurricane Sandy made landfall Oct. 29, 2012, FEMA, in partnership with the federal family and state and local governments, has been on the scene helping individuals, government entities and eligible non-profits as New Jersey recovers from the storm’s devastation.

FEMA has funded more than 5,185 Public Assistance projects including repairing and restoring hospitals, schools, waterways, parks, beaches, marinas, water treatment plants and public buildings. A roster of services has been restored, including utilities critical to everyday life. Billions of federal dollars have been expended during the past two years. The numbers below tell the story. In the two years since Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey:

$6.67 billion has been provided to the state of New Jersey for Hurricane Sandy Recovery.

$422.9 million has been distributed to help survivors get back on their feet via temporary housing assistance, disaster

unemployment and other needs assistance.

$3.5 billion has been paid to policyholders for flood claims through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.

$1.5 billion in Public Assistance funds has been obligated to communities and certain non-profit organizations for debris

removal, emergency work and permanent work.

$279.5 million in grants has been provided for projects to protect damaged facilities against future disasters.

$123.9 million in funding for property acquisitions, elevation and planning updates has been paid to New Jersey communities

through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

$847.7 million has been approved by the Small Business Administration for SBA disaster loans to 10,726 individuals and

1,718 small businesses.

To learn more about FEMA Public Assistance in New Jersey visit: fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and http://www.state.nj.us/njoem/plan/public-assist.html. For more information, visit http://www.fema.gov/sandy-recovery-office or the New Jersey Sandy Recovery website at http://www.fema.gov/new-jersey-sandy-recovery-0

Original post:

Hurricane Sandy: After Two Years, $6.67 Billion, FEMA Continues N.J. Recovery

Michigan Flood Aid Tops $110 Million; Registration Deadline Nears

WARREN, Mich. – State and federal officials report more than 92,000 Michigan residents affected by the August floods have been approved for more than $110 million in federal disaster assistance. Survivors are strongly encouraged to register for federal assistance before the Nov. 24 deadline.

Applications must be received by the November date to be considered for assistance from the FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The deadline only refers to the last day survivors can apply. Disaster funds will continue to flow beyond that date.

“One month may seem like a long time but it’s surprising how fast it can slip by, especially at this time of the year,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Michiganders who have not registered should do so today, so we can see how we may help.”

Storm-affected homeowners and renters in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties may be eligible for federal grants to help cover various disaster-related expenses including essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

“Thousands of Michigan residents are putting state and federal recovery assistance to good use toward their recovery,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph A. Diemont. “We urge survivors who have not registered to do so before the deadline.”

Homeowners are eligible to apply for SBA low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged primary homes.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for loans up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property including automobiles.
Businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.
Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for working capital loans.

Residents can register for Individual Assistance or check the status of their registrations online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors who have questions regarding the registration process, the status of their application and available disaster assistance programs are encouraged to visit a Disaster Recovery Center, Business Recovery Center or recovery support site, or contact FEMA at 800-621-3362.

To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, the following options are available: Text DRC and ZIP Code to 43362, and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, the Disaster Recovery Center locator is available online at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

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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 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.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

Originally posted here:

Michigan Flood Aid Tops $110 Million; Registration Deadline Nears

Check Flood-Damaged Heating Systems Say Emergency Officials

WARREN, MICH. – Winter is on its way, and the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and FEMA remind homeowners to make sure their heating systems and water heaters are in good working condition, especially those damaged by the August flooding.

“Michigan homeowners and their families may be at risk with flood-damaged furnaces, water heaters and electrical appliances,” warns Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “If the flood waters reached your heating system or water heater, have them checked for operating safety by experienced repair personnel.”

Dolph A. Diemont, the disaster’s lead federal official, reminded Michigan homeowners that FEMA grants may be available to help repair damaged furnaces and water heaters and replace those destroyed by flood waters.

“Michigan residents with flood damage to their furnaces and water heaters must register with FEMA by the Nov. 24 deadline to be eligible for grants,” Diemont added.

“If flood damage is found after the November date and the homeowner has failed to register, no FEMA assistance will be available.”

Homeowners who receive a FEMA grant for repairs and who later discover their furnace needs replacing must use the FEMA appeal process for additional grant funds. The homeowner has 60 days to appeal and must submit an estimate for replacement of the furnace on contractor company letterhead.

Disaster survivors may register online at disasterassistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may call 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

Continued:

Check Flood-Damaged Heating Systems Say Emergency Officials

The Filing Deadline for the National Flood Insurance Program is October 29

NEW YORK – The time limit to file proof of loss claims for policyholders affected by Hurricane Sandy is Oct. 29, 2014.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) usually requires policyholders to submit a fully documented, signed and sworn proof-of-loss claim within 60 days from the date of their loss.

The magnitude of the Sandy disaster is the reason the filing deadline was extended for two years to give policyholders additional time to file claims.

The Proof of Loss document is included in the claims package that documents flood losses. The claims package should include:

photos and/or video of the flooding and resulting damage

a comprehensive, itemized list of what was damaged

receipts, if possible, for damaged items along with any other supporting documents showing the value of what you lost

As for filing, the location is dependent upon who wrote the policy. If a Standard Flood Insurance Policy was issued by a Write Your Own program-participating insurance company, the claimant should contact their insurance agent or the carrier directly to find out the proper address for submitting the Proof of Loss with supporting documentation.

To download a blank NFIP Proof of Loss document: http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2545

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Taken from:

The Filing Deadline for the National Flood Insurance Program is October 29

Hurricane Sandy: After two years, $13.6 billion, FEMA continues N.Y. recovery

NEW YORK—Since Hurricane Sandy made landfall Oct. 29, 2012, FEMA, in partnership with the federal family and state and local governments, has been on the scene helping individuals, government entities and eligible non-profits as New York recovers from the storm’s devastation.

FEMA has funded more than 3,500 Public Assistance projects including repairing and restoring hospitals, schools, transit venues, waterways, parks, beaches, marinas, water treatment plants and public buildings. A roster of services has been restored, including utilities critical to everyday life. Billions of federal dollars have been expended during the past two years. The numbers below tell the story.

2	It has been two years since Hurricane Sandy struck New York.
$13.6 billion	Total FEMA has already provided to New York.
$1 billion	The dollars given to help survivors get back on their feet with temporary housing assistance, disaster unemployment and other needs assistance.
$3.9 billion	Amount paid by FEMA to 53,288 policyholders for flood claims through its National Flood Insurance Program.
$5.5 billion	Total Public Assistance obligated to communities and certain non-profit organizations to help recover from Hurricane Sandy and includes: $620.6 million for debris removal $1.22 billion for emergency work $3.68 billion for permanent work
$1.7 billion	Added to permanent repair projects to protect against future damage.
$84.7 million	Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to projects throughout the state to protect against future damage.
$1.5 billion	Small Business Administration loans for homeowners and businesses affected by the storm.

To learn more about FEMA Public Assistance in New York, visit: fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery.

For more information, visit http://www.fema.gov/sandy-recovery-office

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This article is from:

Hurricane Sandy: After two years, $13.6 billion, FEMA continues N.Y. recovery

Preparation is Key to Dealing with Winter Weather

With the winter season approaching, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds individuals to be prepared for winter storms and extreme cold. While the danger of severe winter weather varies across the country, everyone can benefit by taking a few easy steps now to prepare for emergencies. A first step, regardless of where you live, is to visit the Ready.gov website to find preparedness ideas you can use all year long.

“In our part of the country we make the most of winter,” said FEMA Region VIII Acting Administrator Tony Russell. “However, severe storms and blizzards can create major problems and residents need to take winter weather seriously by taking appropriate steps to prepare.”

Severe winter weather can include snow or subfreezing temperatures, strong winds and ice or heavy rain storms. An emergency supply kit both at home and in the car will help prepare you and your family for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads.

Both kits should include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. In addition, your home kit should include a three day supply of food and water. Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:

Rock salt to melt ice on walkways,
Sand to improve traction on driveways and sidewalks,
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment,
And adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm.

When traveling in winter weather conditions, be sure to contact someone both before your departure and when you safely arrive. Always travel with a cell phone and ensure the battery is charged so you can contact someone in the case of a road emergency. If dangerous conditions are forecast, it’s often best to delay travel plans.

Finally, make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a winter storm hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe a winter storm hazard include the following:

Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: www.ready.gov/winter-weather or www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/ or www.fema.gov/about-region-viii/winter-weather-readiness.

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Preparation is Key to Dealing with Winter Weather

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