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FEMA Announces Emergency Food and Shelter Program Awards for 2014

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced $120 million in federal funding to assist organizations dedicated to feeding, sheltering and providing critical resources to our nation’s hungry and homeless.

Funding was made available by Congress for the national board of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) for fiscal year 2014 to support social service agencies in cities and counties across the country.

“The Emergency Food and Shelter Program supports communities across the nation and some of their most vulnerable residents,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. “The program enables our nonprofit partners to ensure that the most basic needs of these citizens are met.”

The national board governs the EFSP. It is chaired by DHS/FEMA and has representatives from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, the Jewish Federations of North America, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, the Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide. The national board has selected United Way Worldwide to serve as secretariat and fiscal agent to the national board.

EFSP funding is allocated to qualifying jurisdictions based on thresholds involving population, unemployment and poverty levels both nationally and locally. Grants are then awarded to nonprofit community and government organizations that are chosen by local boards in the qualifying jurisdictions. This year’s award to the National Board brings the total aid disbursed in the EFSP’s 32-year history to more than $4.0 billion.

A state-by-state list of the eligible jurisdictions and award amounts is available at www.efsp.unitedway.org.

Congress placed the EFSP under FEMA in 1983 to underscore the emergency nature of the funding in getting assistance to those most vulnerable with food and shelter needs.

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FEMA Announces Emergency Food and Shelter Program Awards for 2014

Disaster Awareness Is A Priority For Avalon Mayor, Cape May County OEM

EATONTOWN, N.J — When Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi was promoted to Director of Cape May County’s Emergency Management Communications Center in August 2013, he found himself with two things: another job title, and a problem that most people wouldn’t expect a county surrounded by open water on three sides to have.

“There were no shelters in the county before I took over,” he said.

Pagliughi, who retired from an engineering company as the national industry manager, environmental division, went to work finding space and was able to secure four shelters in two months. Then Hurricane Sandy struck the New Jersey shore.

“We sheltered over 700 people,” he said.

Pagliughi was born in Vineland and has lived in Avalon since 1974. He was first elected to Avalon’s City Council in 1987 before becoming mayor in 1991. He is also the head of Avalon’s Office of Emergency Management, a role he assumed in 2001, making him very familiar with the unique difficulties Cape May County’s geography and demographics represent.

The county is a narrow peninsula with barrier islands, which makes evacuating people more of a challenge.

“We had an ice storm in 2006, and we had over 150 people who wouldn’t evacuate the barrier islands because they didn’t want to leave their pets behind,” he said.

That inspired one of his more ambitious Mayor Pagliughi stands before the emergency pet shelter. Mayor Pagliughi addresses residents in front of the emergency pet shelter. undertakings before Sandy hit. He purchased a 52-foot trailer and had it converted into a mobile animal shelter, which housed 120 pets during the storm, including several birds and a snake. The trailer, which had heat, hot water and food storage for the animals, was parked next to a Red Cross shelter. The trailer cost Avalon $22,000. The borough received $24,000 in donations to pay for it. Cape May County has also purchased two trailers and is converting a third with the help of Cape May County Technical High School students who have made it their class project.

As Sandy made its way toward New Jersey, Pagliughi moved quickly to take preventive measures and prepare for the storm’s aftermath. He secured a debris cleanup contract and a reconstruction contract to repair any damage to government buildings the storm would cause. With those arrangements in place, debris was cleared out of Avalon in three days.

He also created an emergency website for Avalon that integrated reverse 911, allowing residents and other observers to get important, updated information during Hurricane Sandy, as well as photos and live video. During the storm’s pass across New Jersey, the site got 2.4 million hits.

He is now working on a similar site for Cape May County. “People thrive on information,” he said. “The more they have, the better.”

Some of the problems that arose during the storm proved to be far easier to solve than others. When the county’s shelters ran low on food, the Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Cape May Court House prepared 2,300 meals in two days and delivered them via the county’s fare-free bus network.

And even though Cape May County escaped the devastation that Sandy inflicted on other areas of New Jersey, three days passed before the state lifted the evacuation order for the county, causing problems for residents trying to re-enter the county and check on their homes and creating traffic issues when they were allowed to return. Pagliughi believes that municipal OEMs should be able to determine the safety of their own towns.

Pagliughi is already anticipating dealing with future incidents. Last year, the New Jersey National Guard sent four high-wheeled trucks to Cape May County to help with rescue and evacuations. However, a change in Guard policy means the New Jersey Guard will no longer deploy high-wheeled vehicles before a disaster. To compensate, Pagliughi went through the Army Surplus Program and bought 22 of the five-ton trucks, setting six aside as the county fleet and giving the rest to county municipalities.

He knows the county still needs more shelter space. “There’s not a lot of room here to build,” he said.

He has had to learn emergency management on the job, and each incident has added to his understanding of the processes involved in dealing with a disaster.

“We’ve had, I think, 10 disaster declarations since I took over” as the head of Avalon’s OEM, Pagliughi said. “We know the programs. We know how to get reimbursed.”

With Pagliughi’s new-found experience combined with his positions of authority and knowledge of the area, Cape May County can expect to be prepared when the next disaster strikes.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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.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.

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Disaster Awareness Is A Priority For Avalon Mayor, Cape May County OEM

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Washington Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

August 12, 2014

Release Number:

HQ-14-062-FactSheet

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Washington.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state, tribal and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

August 12, 2014 – 10:35

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Washington

Related Disaster:

Washington Wildfires

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Washington Declaration

Ten Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Charley

ATLANTA—Ten years ago, Hurricane Charley’s arrival on the Florida shore kicked off an unusual string of four devastating hurricanes that hit the state within seven weeks. Florida was the first state to be struck by four hurricanes in one season since Texas in 1886.

Hurricane Charley, first of the four in 2004, is remembered for its wind speed and force. Hurricanes Frances, Ivan and Jeanne bore their own distinct characteristics: Jeanne rambled across the state causing near-record flooding; Ivan was the most powerful; and Frances caused the most widespread destruction because of the 23 tornadoes it spawned.

Tropical Storm Bonnie struck south of Apalachicola hours before Charley made landfall, the first time a state had been directly affected by two tropical cyclones on the same day.

Fast-moving Charley landed on Florida’s west coast and hit Punta Gorda on Friday, the 13^th. Charley had peak winds of 150 mph as it came ashore, and sped through Orlando and across the state with wind gusts in excess of 106 mph.

Power outages lasted days, and in some cases, weeks. Many Floridians lost the roofs of their homes due to Charley’s powerful winds.

At the time, Charley was the strongest storm to strike Florida since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and it left behind an estimated $15 billion in damage.

In the immediate aftermath of Charley, the American Red Cross sheltered 100,000 survivors. Some 3,800 patients received treatment from FEMA Disaster Medical Assistance Teams—rapid response teams of professional and para-professional medical personnel.

Following Hurricane Charley, FEMA provided:

$209 million to 116,789 applicants through the Individuals and Households Program. This included nearly $92 million to pay for lodging expenses, rental assistance, and minor home repairs;
More than $344 million to provide manufactured housing where insufficient housing resources were available to survivors;
Nearly $18 million for Disaster Unemployment Assistance to help people who were otherwise ineligible for unemployment compensation, such as farmers and self-employed individuals out of work as a result of the disaster; and
Nearly $5.3 million for crisis counseling.
FEMA also provided $609 million for the repair or replacement of public infrastructure and public utilities, including public parks, and some private nonprofit groups and emergency protective measures. Of this amount, $288 million helped cover the costs of removing 18 million cubic yards of debris scattered by Charley.
So far, FEMA has provided more than $81 million in funding for projects to help reduce damage from future storms. More funding may be forthcoming as FEMA continues to partner with the State of Florida on recovery from Charley.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided:

Nearly $308 million in low-interest disaster loans to renters and owners of 11,287 homes;
Nearly $199 million to more than 2,141 businesses.

Hurricane Charley brought long term power outages and wind damage. Take time now, before the next storm, to check your roof for any necessary repairs and have emergency tarps to cover roof damage or to protect personal belongings. FEMA has developed a series of publications to help you protect your property from high winds. You can find them here. Batteries and other emergency lighting supplies belong in everyone’s emergency kit. You can also find a useful guide to preparing for hurricanes at FEMA’s America’s PrepareAthon!

“Each storm teaches a lesson,” said FEMA Region IV Acting Regional Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “When the people who live and work in hurricane-prone areas apply those lessons to prepare for future storms, they strengthen their resiliency.”

After you’ve taken steps to prepare your home, inspire others: share your plan and how you prepared with a friend or neighbor.

Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov for more information about how you and your family can be better prepared for the next disaster.

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Ten Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Charley

FEMA Awards $1,248,151 Grant to the City of Lancaster: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to construct a storm water improvement system

CHICAGO –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $1,248,151 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the city of Lancaster in Fairfield County, Ohio, for the improvement of a storm water system in the neighborhood near Glassco Park.

“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 acting regional administrator Janet Odeshoo. “This project will reduce flood damage to nearby homes and lessen the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“The storm water improvement project and projects like this one are the cornerstone of disaster prevention efforts and illustrate the importance of local, state and federal government working together for the benefit of citizens,” said Nancy Dragani, executive director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay $1,248,151 of the $2,637,078 eligible project cost. The remaining funds, $1,388,927, will be provided by the state of Ohio and the city of Lancaster’s Storm Water Fund.

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.

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

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FEMA Awards $1,248,151 Grant to the City of Lancaster: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to construct a storm water improvement system

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Rowena Fire burning in Hood River County

August 7, 2014
News Release

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Rowena Fire burning in Hood River County

Seattle, WA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Rowena Fire, burning in Hood River County, Oregon.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator, Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Rowena Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on August 6, 2014 at 3:41 p.m. PDT.

On August 6, 2014, the State of Oregon submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Rowena Fire, burning in Hood River County. At the time of the request, 480 homes were threatened and about 500 people had evacuated the area. The fire started on August 5, 2014, and has consumed approximately 1,500 acres of Federal and private land. Firefighting resources committed to this incident include fire crews, strike teams, helicopters, air tankers and engines. The Federal Principal Advisor confirmed the threat to homes, and transportation facilities. The fire is currently uncontained.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of Oregon State’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

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FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Rowena Fire burning in Hood River County

New Jersey Fire Department to Replace 10-Year Old Breathing Mechanisms

Federal Grant Provides Upgraded Gear to Irvington Township

New York, NY, July 31, 2014 – Irvington Township will receive 28 self-contained breathing apparatuses to replace outdated equipment that no longer meets National Fire Protection Association standards, and for which maintenance and upkeep costs have been estimated as high as $40,000 annually.

The preponderance of the funding for the new equipment will come from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), a unit of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. AFG will contribute $157,878, while the local share amounts to $17,542.

The announcement was made here today by Dale McShine, Grants Director for FEMA, Region II.

“Our training dictates that we must preserve all that is valuable in this community, which means ensuring that we can trust our equipment,” says Deputy Fire Chief Randy Wuest. He went on to say that “between 2010 and 2012 the department worked an average of 250 structural fires a year – almost three fires every four days, and we depend on this equipment in every one of these incidents.”

Among other features, the new breathing equipment will enable individual Township firefighters to read displays of remaining breathing air, explains Chief Wuest. He points out also that the new equipment will save the department a considerable amount in maintenance costs.

Serving some 54,000 residents, the Irvington Township Fire Department currently employs 114 full-time career firefighters who work 24-hours on, 72-hours off shifts. The department has three stations and staffs four engine companies and two ladder companies at all times.

“We are very appreciative of the grant provided to the Township of Irvington by the AFG,” said Mayor Tony Vauss. “The safety of our firefighters and our citizens is of the utmost importance to us. These funds will go a long way in promoting this goal.”

FEMA’s AFG program has been aiding firefighters and other first responders since 2001. “The program provides critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards, said Tania Hedlund, FEMA’s Grants Branch Chief. In 2012, the AFG provided funding of $25,340,000 for FEMA’s Region II (New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands).

For further information, please contact William H. Douglass at FEMA: 212-680-3665 or 917-561-3223.

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New Jersey Fire Department to Replace 10-Year Old Breathing Mechanisms

FEMA Urges Preparedness in Hawaii Ahead of Hurricanes Iselle and Julio

Hawaii Residents and Visitors Urged to Follow Direction of Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its National Watch Center in Washington and its Pacific Area Office in Oahu, is continuing to monitor Hurricanes Iselle and Julio in the Pacific Ocean. FEMA is in close contact with emergency management partners in Hawaii.

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Iselle is about 900 miles east southeast of Honolulu with sustained winds of 85 MPH, and Hurricane Julio is about 1,650 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, with sustained winds of 75 MPH. Tropical storm conditions are possible on the Big Island of Hawaii on Thursday. These adverse weather conditions may spread to Maui County and Oahu Thursday night or Friday. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Hawaii County, and tropical storm watches are in effect for Maui County and Oahu.

“I urge residents and visitors to follow the direction of state and local officials,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. “Be prepared and stay tuned to local media – weather conditions can change quickly as these storms approach.”

When disasters occur, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations and numerous private interest groups who provide emergency assistance required to protect the public’s health and safety and to meet immediate human needs.

Although there have been no requests for federal disaster assistance at this time, FEMA has personnel on the ground who are positioned in the Pacific Area Office year round. An Incident Management Assistance Team has also been deployed to Hawaii to coordinate with state and local officials, should support be requested, or needed.

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories.

Safety and Preparedness Tips

Residents and visitors in potentially affected areas should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have a plan for their pets.
Storm surge can be the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical storm or hurricane. It poses a significant threat for drowning and can occur before, during, or after the center of a storm passes through an area. Storm surge can sometimes cut off evacuation routes, so do not delay leaving if an evacuation is ordered for your area.
Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous and almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas, at bridges and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
If you encounter flood waters, remember – turn around, don’t drown.
Get to know the terms that are used to identify severe weather and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued.

For a Tropical Storm:

A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 39 MPH or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours.
A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 MPH or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less.

For Flash Flooding:

A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding.
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.
A Flash Flood Emergency is issued when severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from a flash flood is imminent or ongoing.

More safety tips on hurricanes and tropical storms can be found at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

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FEMA Urges Preparedness in Hawaii Ahead of Hurricanes Iselle and Julio

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Hansel Fire

August 6, 2014
News Release

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Hansel Fire

Seattle, WA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Hansel Fire, burning in Chelan County, Washington.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator, Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Hansel Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on August 5, 2014 at 9:22 p.m. PDT.

On August 5, 2014, the State of Washington submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Hansel Fire, burning in Chelan County. At the time of the request, 220 homes were threatened and about 720 people had evacuated the area. The fire started on August 2, 2014, and at least 10 fires are burning uncontrolled in Chelan Count. The Hansel Fire has consumed approximately 1,500 acres of Federal and private land and is being fueled by heavy timber. Firefighting resources from local, State, and Federal, and out of state are fighting the fire, include strike teams , type 2 IA crews, air resources, tenders and an Incident Management Team to support fire suppression activity. The Federal Principal Advisor confirmed the threat to homes, dams, overhead power lines, and rail line. The fire is currently uncontained.

A state of emergency was declared by the Governor late Tuesday, July 14 in 20 Eastern Washington counties in response to multiple wildfires threatening homes, businesses, public infrastructure, and natural resources in many parts of the state as fire crews face continued severe fire weather conditions.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of Washington State’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

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FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Hansel Fire

Volunteers Complete Repairs to Flooded Homes in Hughes and Emmonak

ANCHORAGE, AK – Volunteers with the Disciples of Christ have returned home after repairing nine homes in Alaska that were damaged by last year’s spring breakup flooding along the Yukon River. Last summer, the volunteers completed repairs to seven homes in Hughes. This July, a team of 11 volunteers, three of whom returned for a second season, finished construction on two homes in Emmonak.

“It went really well,” said Disciples of Christ Volunteer Team Leader, David Bell. “We were able to get on the ground and start working right away. Before we knew it, everything was completed.”

Bell attributed much of the success to preparations made by the State of Alaska and the Federal Emergency Management Agency before volunteers arrived. Because Emmonak is not connected to Alaska’s road system, the agency flew in building materials ordered by the eligible homeowners, along with construction tools and safety gear for the teams. The agency also arranged for local lodging and in-state air travel for the volunteers.

“Our goal was to ensure survivors could occupy their repaired homes before the onset of winter. By doing so, we not only provided them a safe and secure place to live, but also helped sustain the culture and fabric of the community,” said State Coordinating Officer, Bryan Fisher. “The Disciples of Christ have been exceptional partners in this effort.”

Following flooding that occurred along the Yukon River in May 2013, six communities needed assistance from the State of Alaska and FEMA in repairing or rebuilding homes, including Emmonak and Hughes. To date, all repairs and rebuilds have been completed in Emmonak, Fort Yukon and Hughes with work in Alakanuk, Circle and Galena still underway and slated to be completed this summer.

The western Alaskan village of Emmonak, located less than 10 miles from the Bering Sea and 490 air miles from Anchorage, has over 750 residents, predominantly Yupik Natives. Many of the locals live a subsistence lifestyle, relying on fishing and hunting during the summer and fall months to feed their families.

Hughes, a small Koyukon Athabascan community of less than 90 people, is located in central, Interior Alaska on the banks of the Koyukuk River about 210 air miles from Fairbanks. Like Emmonak, most locals in Hughes practice a traditional, subsistence lifestyle.

Photos of Disciples of Christ volunteers repairing homes in Emmonak, taken by team leader David Bell, are available on the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s website or link to the following for this news release:

http://ready.alaska.gov/riverwatch/Emmonak

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Volunteers Complete Repairs to Flooded Homes in Hughes and Emmonak

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