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Fire Departments in Texas Receive More than $1.2 Million in FEMA Preparedness Grants

DENTON, Texas — Fire departments in Texas have been awarded more than $1.2 million in preparedness grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Lancaster Fire Department received more than $740,640 to boost hiring efforts for firefighters. The Leander Fire Department received $473,375 in funding, which will be used to hire a Volunteer Liaison who will recruit new, diverse volunteers and also work to retain current and future members.

The federal grants are part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants program. SAFER awards provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations.

“These grants help to fulfill a critical need, which is to make sure there are enough firefighters and volunteer firefighters to help protect lives and properties in communities,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson.

For more information on the SAFER Grant program, visit http://www.fema.gov/staffing-adequate-fire-emergency-response-grants.

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Fire Departments in Texas Receive More than $1.2 Million in FEMA Preparedness Grants

FEMA Awards $656,147 Grant to Clark County: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to acquire and demolish 12 flood prone structures

CHICAGO –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $656,147 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Clark County,Ill., for the acquisition and demolition of 12 residential structures located in the floodplain of the Wabash River and its tributaries. Following demolition, these properties will be maintained as permanent open space in the community.

“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.

“Approval of this grant is good news for these Clark County residents who have been devastated by flooding many times in the past,” said Jonathon Monken, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “The grant will enable them to move out of the floodplain and avoid future heartache and property losses.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $874,862 eligible project cost. The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $218,715, will be provided by Clark County.

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 $656,147 Grant to Clark County: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to acquire and demolish 12 flood prone structures

Colorado Flooding – Six Months Later

DENVER – In the past six months, more than $284 million in federal funds has been provided to Coloradans as they recover from last September’s devastating floods.

More than $222 million has come in the form of disaster grants to individuals and families, flood insurance payments and low-interest loans to renters, homeowners and businesses. More than $62 million has been obligated to state and local governments’ response and recovery work.

At the same time, long-term recovery efforts are underway, staffed and funded by federal, state and local governments, and by volunteer agencies dedicated to helping those most in need.

The $284.9 million breaks down this way: (All figures are as of COB March 3, 2014.)

$60,418,419 in FEMA grants to more than 16,000 individuals and families for emergency home repairs, repair or replacement of essential personal property, rental assistance, and help with medical, dental, legal and other disaster-related expenses;
$98,750,000 in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans to more than 2,440 homeowners, renters and businesses;
$63,641,332 in National Flood Insurance Program payments on 2,071 claims, and
$62,055,973 in FEMA Public Assistance reimbursements to state and local governments for emergency response efforts, debris cleanup, repairs or rebuilding of roads, bridges and other infrastructure, and restoration of critical services.

“The flooding disrupted the lives of thousands, changed the course of streams, isolated mountain communities, and left major roadways impassable in many places,” said Tom McCool, federal coordinating officer for the disaster. “More than 1,200 men and women from FEMA were mobilized from all over the country to this disaster. We’re proud to be part of the team as Coloradans recover, rebuild and renew their lives.”

Over a five-day period last September, historic rainfall swept through the Front Range, with some areas receiving more than 17 inches of rain. The flooding killed 10 people, forced more than 18,000 from their homes and destroyed 1,882 structures, damaging at least 16,000 others. Some of the hardest hit communities included Jamestown, Lyons, Longmont, Glen Haven, Estes Park and Evans.

At the request of Gov. John Hickenlooper, President Obama signed a major disaster declaration for Colorado on Sept. 14, 2013.

The 11 counties designated for Individual Assistance under the major disaster declaration are Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Clear Creek, El Paso, Fremont, Jefferson, Larimer, Logan, Morgan and Weld.

The 18 counties designated for Public Assistance are Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Clear Creek, Crowley, Denver, El Paso, Fremont, Gilpin, Jefferson, Lake, Larimer, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Sedgwick, Washington and Weld.

Other federal recovery activities and programs include:

Hazard Mitigation

Approximately 50 percent of Public Assistance permanent repair work and nearly 65 percent of large (more than $67,500) Public Assistance projects contain mitigation measures to lessen the impact of similar disasters on publicly owned infrastructure. These mitigation measures have been approved for 123 projects with a cost of $3,439,200.
FEMA hazard mitigation specialists have provided county and local officials with technical assistance and reviews of existing flood control measures and challenges, helping revise hazard mitigation plans, and providing advice and counsel on numerous mitigation and flood insurance issues.
FEMA flood insurance inspectors assisted county officials to assess substantial damage at identified sites.
National Flood Insurance Program specialists as well as the state NFIP coordinator and state mapping coordinator met with the City of Evans to discuss floodplain management and the city’s recent adoption of the Weld County preliminary maps. The State and FEMA will continue to work with city officials by providing additional training and technical assistance to support their floodplain management program.

Disaster Case Management Program

FEMA has awarded a Disaster Case Management Grant of $2,667,963 to the State of Colorado. Under this state-administered program, case managers will meet one-on-one with survivors to assess unmet disaster-related needs that have not been covered by other resources.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

$302,795 has been dispersed to 151 applicants in this federally funded, state-administered program.

Crisis Counseling Grant Program

Colorado Spirit crisis counselors have talked directly with 18,178 people and provided referrals and other helpful information to more than 88,000. Counselors met with nearly 1,200 individuals or families in their homes. The counselors are continuing door-to-door services and community outreach counseling programs. In mid-March, the longer-term Crisis Counseling Regular Services Program grant will be awarded to the State to continue the program.
The grant will provide an additional nine months of crisis counseling outreach services to survivors.

Voluntary Agencies

At the height of the disaster there were 53 agencies that ultimately provided a total of 275,784 volunteer hours. Survivors received shelter, food, water, snacks, muck-out, and debris removal.
Long Term Recovery Groups have been established in Larimer, Weld and Boulder counties, and Longmont and Lyons.
El Paso and Fremont counties are offering case management through El Paso County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.

Disaster Legal Services Program

Through the Colorado Bar Association/American Bar Association program, 284 State Bar-Licensed volunteer attorneys assisted 619 survivors with disaster-related legal issues. The program completed operations at the end of February.

Federal Disaster Recovery Coordination

The Federal Disaster Recovery Coordination group has brought together federal and state subject-matter experts to advise local and state decision-makers on the best methods to achieve an effective recovery. The FDRC focuses on how best to restore, redevelop and revitalize the health, social, economic, natural and environmental fabric of the community.
The group’s recently released Mission Scoping Assessment lists recovery-related impacts and the breadth of support needed, as well as evaluates gaps between recovery needs and capabilities. Its soon-to-be-released Recovery Support Strategies document outlines state recovery priorities and discusses how federal agencies can support those efforts.
The State of Colorado, FDRC and other federal agencies are:
assisting Lyons and Jamestown with long-term community planning and recovery organization;
facilitating a survey to gauge impacts of flooding on business communities;
helping identify housing options for disaster survivors, and
helping local governments identify stream channel choke points so local communities can prioritize limited hazard reduction in streams.

Social Media

By clicking the “like” button on the COEmergency Facebook page, Coloradans can get detailed posts with useful information and photos. The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s (DHSEM) Twitter account COEmergency has more than 23,000 followers and offers disaster recovery information, links to news products and other information that disaster survivors may still find useful.
More than 1,000 tweets have provided response and recovery information. Since the September floods began, more than 1,200 new participants have started following FEMA Region 8.

Originally posted here –

Colorado Flooding – Six Months Later

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Georgia Declaration

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 Georgia.

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

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state 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 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.

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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.

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.

Source:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Georgia Declaration

President Declares Disaster for Georgia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Georgia to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm during the period of February 10-14, 2014.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by a severe winter storm in Baldwin, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Candler, Carroll, Columbia, Coweta, Dade, Emanuel, Fayette, Fulton, Gilmer, Glascock, Hancock, Haralson, Heard, Jasper, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, McDuffie, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Newton, Pickens, Pike, Richmond, Screven, Spalding, Upson, Walker, Warren, Washington, Whitfield, and Wilkes counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Michael Moore has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Moore said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Originally posted here:

President Declares Disaster for Georgia

FEMA Awards $707,507 Grant to City of Carmi: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to acquire 22 flood prone structures and seven vacant lots in…

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $707,507 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds the City of Carmi, Ill., for the acquisition and demolition of 22 residential structures and the purchase of seven flood prone vacant lots located in the Little Wabash River floodplain. Following demolition, these properties will be maintained as permanent open space in the community.

“This grant will enable us to build on our previous flood mitigation efforts in Carmi, which removed more than three dozen homes from the floodplain,” said Illinois Emergency Management Director Jonathon Monken. “With these additional property acquisitions, even more families can avoid the emotional and financial costs from future floods.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay $707,507 or 75 percent of the project’s total cost. The City of Carmiwill contribute 25 percent of the remaining funds, or $235,836.

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

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FEMA Awards $707,507 Grant to City of Carmi: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to acquire 22 flood prone structures and seven vacant lots in…

Be “Alert Savvy” to Stay Safe in Severe Weather

CHICAGO – Understanding severe weather watches and warningswill help to keep you and your family safe during a disaster. FEMA and the National Weather Service (NWS) encourage everyone to learn this life-saving information and act if extreme weather threatens their area.

NWS alerts that are used to warn of severe weather, flood and tornado hazards include:

• Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.

• Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm. Gather family members and pets and take shelter immediately. Have your emergency supply kit ready and continue to monitor your NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for more information.

• Tornado Watch – Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.

• Tornado Warning – A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

• Flood Watch – Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.

• Flash Flood Watch – Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.

• Flood Warning – Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

• Flash Flood Warning – A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately. Do not attempt to drive into flooded areas or walk through moving water.

Be aware that sirens are designed as an outdoor warning system only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching. A NOAA Weather Radio can be critical to ensure you’re alerted to dangerous weather when indoors.

“The National Weather Service provides accurate and timely warnings and advisories, but they are only effective if people receive them, understand their risk, and take the correct action to protect themselves,” said Teri Schwein, Acting Central Region Director, National Weather Service. “Everyone should make time to prepare themselves before severe weather strikes by signing up for local weather emergency alerts, understanding NWS warnings and developing an emergency action plan.”

“Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) sent to a mobile device are also used to notify individuals of potentially dangerous weather conditions,” said Andrew Velasquez, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “If you have a WEA-capable phone and your wireless carrier participates in the program, this will enable you to be immediately aware of potentially life-threatening emergencies.”

You can find more information about WEA at www.fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts, and for valuable tips to help you prepare for severe weather visit www.ready.gov/severe-weatheror download the free FEMA app, available for your Android, Apple or Blackberry device.

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.

Media Contact:Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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Be “Alert Savvy” to Stay Safe in Severe Weather

Severe Weather: Get the Facts. Know How to Act.

CHICAGO – Do you know your tornado and severe weather risks and what to do if bad weather threatens your community? FEMA wants to make sure you’re not relying on severe weather myths when it comes to keeping your family safe.

“Severe weather can strike unexpectedly, but there are steps you can take to prepare for it,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “Learn your risk and what to do now so you’re ready to act in dangerous weather conditions.”

Myth 1: Urban areas and communities near lakes, rivers, and mountains are safe from tornadoes.

Fact & Act: No place is safe from tornadoes. Ensure you know the warning system in your community and where to go in the event of a tornado. Contact your local emergency management office to learn the warning system in your area. Outdoor warning sirens are intended to alert individuals who are already outside, so it is important to have a weather radio so you’ll be aware of dangerous weather no matter where you are.

Myth 2:Tornadoes aren’t a risk during the winter months.

Fact & Act: Although the likelihood is lowerduring colder months, tornadoes are a risk any time of year. Most recently, an outbreak of destructive tornadoes hit southern Illinois on February 29, 2012; two days later, a second string caused widespread damage in southern Indiana. It’s important to have a family preparedness plan year-round to ensure you’re always ready for severe weather.

Myth 3:Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage.

Fact & Act: Opening windows doesn’t reduce the risk of home damage from a tornado or severe weather. Instead, close windows tokeep high winds out and minimize damage from flying debris.

Myth 4: If a tornado hits while you’re driving, seek shelter under highway overpasses.

Fact & Act: Do not seek shelter under highway overpasses or under bridges – these areas can actually become dangerous wind tunnels that collect flying debris. If possible, you should drive away from the tornado or seek shelter in a nearby structure. If a shelter isn’t available,and driving away is not an option, stay in the car with the seat belt on, placing your head below the window and covering it with your hands. If you can safely get lower than the roadway, exit your car, lie in that area and coveryour head with your hands.

Myth 5: Staying in a mobile home is safer than going outside.

Fact & Act: Evacuate immediately! Mobile homes are vulnerable to overturning and destruction from strong winds and tornadoes. If possible, leave and go to a community shelter. If no shelter is available, a ditch, culvert, or other low lying area may offer better protection, but be wary that debris tends to collect in these areas and flash flooding may be possible as well. Have a plan of action prepared before a storm hits.

You can always find valuable tips to help you prepare for severe weather at www.ready.gov/severe-weather and or download the free FEMA app, available for your Android, Apple or Blackberry device. Visit the site or download the app today so you have the information you need to prepare for severe weather.

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.

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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Severe Weather: Get the Facts. Know How to Act.

Severe Weather Safety: What You Need to Know

CHICAGO – Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere.

Spring flooding is common throughout Minnesota—whether along the Red River, Mississippi, or another one of the state’s many bodies of water. In addition, communities in Minnesota regularly face severe storms and tornadoes that leave behind costly damages for residents to recover from. Everyone should be ready for these risks.

March 2 – 8, 2014 marks the third annual National Severe Weather Preparedness Week – a partnership between FEMA and NOAA to encourage all Americans to learn their weather risks and take steps to prepare.

The first step is to know your risk – understand the types of hazardous weather that can affect your community, and the impact it may have on you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Consider purchasing a NOAA weather radio to get the latest updates on severe weather in your area.

Understand the hazards for which you are at risk and then take action: Develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter before a severe weather event. Post your plan in your home where family and visitors can see it. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication—make sure to keep a kit in your car, at the office and at home, so you are protected regardless of where you may be. For a list of items to include in your emergency kit, visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.

Don’t forget to consider pets when making emergency plans, and also take into account any unique needs you or your family might have so you’re best prepared for unforeseen emergencies.

It is also important to take the time to assure you’re fully insured. Remember, homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage, and there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood policy becomes effective. Contact your insurance agent to review your insurance coverage so your home is financially protected.

“Over the past several years, Minnesota has been significantly impacted by costly flooding and dangerous tornadoes,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Taking steps now to prepare will ensure you are ready if severe weather threatens your area this year.”

For even more readiness information follow FEMA Region V at twitter.com/femaregion5 and facebook.com/fema. Individuals can always find valuable severe weather preparedness information at www.ready.gov/severe-weather or download the free FEMA app, available for Android, Apple or Blackberry devices.

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

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Severe Weather Safety: What You Need to Know

Keep Warm, but Beware “The Silent Killer”

CHICAGO – As dangerously low temperatures persist throughout the Midwest, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants individuals and families to remain heat safe, and avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO).

“Carbon monoxide—often called “the silent killer”— is a poisonous gas you cannot see, taste, or smell,” said Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “We encourage everyone to stay warm as these subfreezing temperatures continue throughout the area, but do so safely when heating homes, businesses and vehicles.”

Carbon monoxide poisoning often results from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers or cars left running in garages. Symptoms of poisoning can include headache, nausea and drowsiness, while exposure to high levels can be fatal.

Stay heat safe by taking the following precautions:

• Choose a CO alarm from a recognized testing laboratory and follow manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting. Test these alarms at least once a month.

• Have fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves, coal stoves, space heaters and portable heaters) and chimneys inspected by a professional every year.

• Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace.

• Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.

• Never run a gasoline or propane heater or a grill (gas or charcoal) inside your home or an unventilated garage. The carbon monoxide gas might kill people and pets.

• Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked.

• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice or other materials.

• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.

• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

And during cold weather, remember these tips for you and your family to stay safe:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to the cold;

• Dress in layers and keep dry;

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance;

• Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.

• Bring your pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen water.

• Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, blanket and flashlight – and keep the fuel tank above half full.

You can find more information and tips on being ready for winter weather and extreme cold temperatures at http://www.ready.gov/winter.

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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Keep Warm, but Beware “The Silent Killer”

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