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FEMA Urges Vermonters To Remember Pets In Disaster Plans

WILLISTON, Vt. – You’ve made an emergency plan and set up a phone tree for your family members to call during a disaster. You’ve even put together a disaster kit with water, food, a flashlight and portable radio.

But have you planned for what you’ll do with your dog or cat if a flood or other disaster strikes?

September is National Preparedness Month, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is urging people to remember their pets as they make plans to cope with an emergency.

“For many of us, a pet is a beloved family member,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont operations. “As you are taking steps to ensure your family’s safety, don’t forget that emergencies affect animals as well.”

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency.

Whether you stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets but bear in mind that what’s best for you is usually what’s best for your animals.

“Vermont has the highest rate of pet ownership in the nation at over 70 percent,” said Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer James McPherson. “That means most Vermonters need to think about their needs as well the needs of other family members.”

While many emergency shelters will not permit pets inside, officials still advise against leaving them behind if you are forced to evacuate, instead urging people to make alternative arrangements.

“If you evacuate your home, you should bring your pets with you,” Landry said. “Pets will find it difficult to survive alone, and even if they do you may not be able to locate them when you return.”

Pet owners should keep a photograph of themselves with their pet both to establish ownership and assist in efforts to locate the pet, and may wish to consider having a microchip implanted in their animal to make identification easier. A collar with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device can also assist in locating a pet after a disaster.

For more information, check out: www.ready.gov/caring-animals

“Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners” Video- (closed captioning & ASL)

http://youtu.be/aUbSF_S20bE

Email us: ready@fema.gov or citizencorps@dhs.gov

Order publications: call 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585

Monthly Preparedness text messages: Text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) to receive monthly

preparedness tips. (msg/data rates apply)

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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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FEMA Urges Vermonters To Remember Pets In Disaster Plans

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Announces Brief Delay in Release of Preliminary Flood Risk Maps for York and Cumberland Counties in the State…

BOSTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is announcing today that they are briefly delaying the issuance of the Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps for York and Cumberland Counties for the State of Maine that was planned for Monday, September 16, 2013. Over the past several years, FEMA has been working closely with state and local partners on these latest map revisions. The reason for this brief delay is to allow time to ensure that FEMA has a viable engagement plan, given possible financial challenges associated with a new and uncertain fiscal year. FEMA remains committed to ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged appropriately, and anticipates providing a revised schedule by the end of September.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion1, 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.

Excerpt from:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Announces Brief Delay in Release of Preliminary Flood Risk Maps for York and Cumberland Counties in the State…

FEMA Hosts Live Twitter Chat on Emergency Preparedness for Colleges and Universities

PHILADELPHIA – September is National Preparedness Month and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is hosting a live Twitter chat on campus readiness to discuss how colleges and universities throughout the nation can prepare for disasters, alert students and faculty during emergencies and share best practices.

FEMA, in partnership with DePaul University, Boston College, Virginia Tech and Florida State University will pose questions and provide answers that highlight innovative ways that campuses can prepare for disasters and respond during emergencies, encouraging a nationwide conversation.

Experts from these schools will answer questions regarding their emergency preparedness methods, best practices and lessons learned. Colleges, universities, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the online chat. Everyone can follow the conversation and contribute using the #EDUprepChat hashtag on Twitter.

What: Live Twitter Chat on Emergency Preparedness for Colleges and Universities

Date: Wednesday, September 18th

Time: 1:00 – 2:00pm EDT

FEMA Twitter Handle:@FEMAlive

Conversation Hashtag:#EDUprepChat

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

Media Inquiries: FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or 215-931-5949

Link:

FEMA Hosts Live Twitter Chat on Emergency Preparedness for Colleges and Universities

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.3 Million for St. John Parish School Repairs

DENTON, Texas – Nearly $1.3 million was recently awarded to the state of Louisiana by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for repairs to the interior of the East St. John High School Main Building in St. John Parish.

Hurricane Isaac flooded the school with eight inches of water, damaging flooring, drywall and baseboards, as well as the electrical and alarm systems. The building’s air conditioning units were also damaged by the flooding, causing temperatures and humidity levels to rise inside the school, allowing for significant mold growth.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $18.8 million in Public Assistance funding for St. John Parish Schools.
“Hurricane Isaac caused major devastation in St. John Parish last year,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We are proud of the successful recovery efforts there so far, and pledge to continue our successful collaboration with parish and state leaders as even more progress is made.”

FEMA’s contribution, made possible by a Public Assistance grant, represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Louisiana; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.

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FEMA Awards Nearly $1.3 Million for St. John Parish School Repairs

FEMA Continues to Support Response to Colorado Flooding

President Obama Makes Federal Assistance Available to Individuals

Residents Urged to Follow Instructions from Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to support state and local response efforts to the flooding in Colorado through its National Response Coordination Center in Washington and its Regional Response Coordination Response Center in Denver, Colo.

On Saturday, President Barack Obama declared a major disaster declaration for Boulder County, Colorado. The President’s declaration makes federal assistance available to individuals for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners in their recovery.

“As response efforts continue, FEMA encourages residents in affected areas to stay informed about changing flood conditions and follow the direction of local officials,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Let your friends and family know that you’re safe. Impacted residents in Boulder County can start registering for federal assistance today.”

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in Boulder County, Colo. can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster survivors who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. Those in the affected area with access to the internet may register by Web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

The President’s major disaster declaration also makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain non-profit organizations to support emergency work in Boulder County to save lives, protect property and remove debris.

When natural disasters such as flooding occurs, the first responders are state and 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.

FEMA’s priority is to support local efforts to keep residents and communities safe. FEMA has two Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) and a liaison officer on site at the Colorado emergency operations center to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response. Three federal urban search and rescue teams, Colorado Task Force 1, activated by the state, Utah Task Force 1 and Nebraska Task Force 1, are on the ground to support search and rescue operations in hard hit areas. Two additional federal urban search and rescue teams, Nevada Task Force 1 and Missouri Task Force 1, are en route to Colorado.

FEMA proactively staged commodities closer to the hardest hit areas and areas potentially affected by the severe weather and flooding. More than 65,000 liters of water, 50,000 meals and other supplies have been delivered to Incident Support Bases established by FEMA. These resources are being provided to the state as needed and requested. A FEMA Incident Response Vehicle is in Colorado providing communications support to the emergency operations center for the town of Lyons. FEMA has identified additional teams and personnel to support the state should they be needed and requested.

On Thursday, September 12, President Barack Obama declared an emergency for three counties in Colorado, and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts. The declaration made direct federal assistance support immediately available to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety in areas of Colorado, including Boulder, El Paso and Larimer counties, affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides.

We urge residents to continue to monitor weather conditions, and those in impacted areas to listen carefully to instructions from their local officials and take recommended protective measures to safeguard life and property while response efforts continue. According to the National Weather Service, the official source for severe weather watches and warnings, flooding advisories remain in effect for several areas in Colorado, and severe weather remains in the forecast through the weekend in some areas.

Here are a few safety tips to help keep you safe during flooding:

Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Avoid flooded areas.
Give first responders space to do their work by following local public safety instructions.
Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or flooded road, turn around, don’t drown. Go another way.

Those in areas with the potential to be affected by flooding should familiarize themselves with the terms that are used to identify a flood hazard and discuss what to do if a flood watch or warning is issued:

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if local officials give notice to evacuate, do so immediately.
Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are now being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carriers’ networks. WEAs sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service are designed to get your attention and to provide brief, critical instructions to warn about imminent threats like severe weather. Take the alert seriously and follow instructions. More information is available on WEA at www.ready.gov/alerts.

For more information and flood preparedness tips, please visit: www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to find out how you can prepare your family for flooding and other disasters.

Link:

FEMA Continues to Support Response to Colorado Flooding

FEMA Corps Supports Salvation Army’s Feeding Effort in Galena

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — After serving nearly 14,000 meals since beginning feeding operations in Galena, The Salvation Army has transferred its food-preparation operation to Anchorage for the winter. Beginning Monday, survivors in Galena will receive meals prepared at the Salvation Army’s central kitchen, packed with the help of FEMA Corps members and shipped by air.

“While survivors are making progress toward recovery, there is still a need for prepared meals in Galena,” said Jenni Ragland, The Salvation Army emergency services director. “The Salvation Army is providing meals to survivors in shelters and those without the means to prepare meals in their homes.”

FEMA Corps is an innovative partnership between two federal agencies that combines the disaster expertise of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with the service leadership of the Corporation for National and Community Service and AmeriCorps. FEMA Corps members are working alongside FEMA’s existing workforce in Alaska in assisting citizens and communities impacted by the floods of May 17 through June 11, 2013.

More than 500 frozen meals prepared and packed in Anchorage will arrive in Galena by Monday, the first day of the new meal service. On any given day, survivors will be able to choose from a variety of nutritious, hearty meals, such as meatloaf with macaroni and cheese, pork roast or chili with corn bread.

“We will provide a self-serve breakfast and a frozen dinner. People can heat the dinners in microwaves at the community center and take them home to eat as a family,” said Ragland. “This will help restore a sense of normalcy to their lives.”

Meal preparation and deliveries will continue through the winter, as long as there is need for support.

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FEMA Corps Supports Salvation Army’s Feeding Effort in Galena

Get Tech Ready

PHILADELPHIA – When most people prepare for an emergency, they assume they won’t be able to use technology as a resource; the power will probably be out, so technology won’t be able to help. With effective planning, it’s possible to take advantage of technology before, during and after a crisis to communicate with loved ones, manage your financial affairs, and get important information.

“Information and communication are two of the most important aspects of successfully getting through an emergency,” said Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney, “they can get you in touch with loved ones, alert you to where resources are, and let you know when it’s safe to be outside. By using technology as a resource, you can improve your ability to communicate and receive information.”

Getting tech ready means not only preparing your devices to be easy access resources for you and your family, but also planning for ways to keep your devices powered. Get a solar-powered or hand crank charger and a car charger for your phone to keep it powered throughout the emergency.

Follow important officials and organizations on social media channels, doing so will help you receive important information if you can’t access television or radio. By identifying these accounts now, you won’t have to search for them in the middle of an emergency or drain your battery during the search. Key accounts include emergency management agencies, Governors, local officials, and local media. Another good way to keep in touch with officials is to see if they offer text message updates; FEMA has a text message program which includes preparedness tips and other resources, get more information by texting INFO to 43362 (4FEMA) or visiting fema.gov/text-messages.

Synchronize your contacts across all your devices and all your channels so that way you have many ways to get ahold of people. By having access phone numbers, social media accounts, and email addresses, you can get in touch with your loved ones even if one system or channel is down. Often when phone calls are difficult to make, you can send text messages, social media messages, or emails to pass along important information.

Make sure you program “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) contacts into your cell phone so emergency personnel can contact those people for you if you’re unable to use your phone. Let your ICE contacts know that they’re programmed into your phone and inform them of any medical issues or other special needs you may have. If something should happen to you, that action will help you receive the care you need and let your loved ones know where you are.

Download resource apps for your smartphone, they often have important information like phone numbers, first aid tips, and other resources. The FEMA App contains disaster safety tips, an interactive emergency kit list, emergency meeting location information, and a map with open shelters and open FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). There may be other apps available from your state or local emergency management agency, ask them to see what resources you can access.

While these are just a few examples of how you can turn technology into a valuable resource during an emergency, visit ready.gov/get-tech-ready to get more tips.

Media Inquiries: FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or 215-931-5597

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Get Tech Ready

FEMA Continues to Monitor Colorado Flooding and Support State and Local Response

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to closely monitor response efforts to the Colorado flooding through its National Response Coordination Center in Washington and through its Regional Response Coordination Response Center in Denver, Colo. FEMA remains in close coordination with state and local emergency management partners and stands ready to support.

Last night, President Barack Obama declared an emergency for three counties in Colorado, and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts. The declaration makes direct federal assistance support immediately available to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety in areas of Colorado, including Boulder, El Paso and Larimer counties, affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides.

FEMA has an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) and a liaison officer on site at the Colorado emergency operations center to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response. An additional Incident Management Assistance Team is also en route. Colorado-Task Force 1, a federal urban search and rescue team, is on the ground to support search and rescue operations in hard hit areas.

“We urge residents to continue to monitor weather conditions, and those in impacted areas to listen carefully to instructions from their local officials,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “If you are driving and come across flood waters, remember to turn around, don’t drown. FEMA continues to have staff on the ground to support state and local lifesaving efforts.”

According to the National Weather Service, the official source for severe weather watches and warnings, flooding advisories remain in effect for several areas in Colorado, and severe weather remains in the forecast through the weekend in some areas. It may take several days or longer for river levels to crest and begin to recede.

Here are a few safety tips to help keep you safe during flooding:

If flooding is occurring or is expected, get to higher ground quickly.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Avoid flooded areas.
Give first responders space to do their work by following local public safety instructions.
It may take several days or longer for river levels to crest and begin to recede.

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if local officials give notice to evacuate, do so immediately.
Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

For more information and flood preparedness tips, please visit: www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to find out how you can prepare your family for flooding and other disasters.

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

Link:

FEMA Continues to Monitor Colorado Flooding and Support State and Local Response

Guidance for Old Town Galena Residents on FEMA Decision Regarding Permanent Construction

Main Content

Release date:

September 5, 2013

Release Number:

FS-004

Because of the continuous threat posed by flood and ice to residents and property in Old Town Galena, FEMA has decided federal funds will not be used to rebuild permanently in Old Town. The decision, supported by our State of Alaska partner, will help ensure that FEMA funds are directed to helping Galena grow stronger and safer for the future. This fact sheet outlines the types of work that will and will not be covered by FEMA and our affiliated agencies in Old Town.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program can provide:

Assistance dollars directly to households to repair their home
Assistance dollars directly to households to pay rental assistance (only available if applicant does not choose any type of direct assistance)

FEMA purchases repair materials, and households ship and perform repairs
FEMA purchases and ships repair materials, and households perform repairs

Additionally:

Emergency assistance work (muck out and gut homes, and minor debris removal) performed by AmeriCorps can continue

Repairs currently happening by FEMA-sponsored voluntary organizations can proceed

FEMA’s Public Assistance program can provide:

Assistance awards to help reimburse the city of Galena for the cost of emergency measures, including debris removal and establishing emergency access, restoring power, etc.

NFIP insurance can be provided in Old Town:

No limitations other than requirements outlined in individual standard flood insurance policy; will require an elevation certificate in the SFHA or “A” flood zone
If eligible, and there is room within the Individual Assistance award cap, a certificate for the 3-year Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP)

Others may assist in Old Town:

Non-FEMA entities are not subject to these limitations
Individuals can contract labor or repairs
Volunteers not sponsored by FEMA are not prevented from assisting with repairs
Other federal, state, tribal or local agencies and organizations can still assist at their discretion

FEMA cannot provide:

FEMA-funded permanent infrastructure repair
FEMA-funded direct contract repairs to structures
FEMA-sponsored voluntary agency (UMVIM, Disciples of Christ, etc.) repair work to structures going forward
FEMA-funded rebuilding of homes and infrastructure
FEMA-funded relocation or elevation of homes and infrastructure

Last Updated:

September 13, 2013 – 12:51

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Alaska

Related Disaster:

Alaska Flooding

Originally from:

Guidance for Old Town Galena Residents on FEMA Decision Regarding Permanent Construction

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Colorado Emergency Declaration

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

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

FEMA is authorized to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the designated areas.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent Federal funding.

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

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Colorado Emergency Declaration

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