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President Declares Disaster for North Dakota

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 North Dakota to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the area affected by flooding during the period of April 22 to May 16, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in the counties of Benson, Bottineau, Cass, Cavalier, Eddy, Foster, McHenry, Pembina, Ramsey, Renville, Richland, Rolette, Towner, Traill, Walsh, and Wells and the Spirit Lake Reservation.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

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

Follow FEMA online at fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

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

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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President Declares Disaster for North Dakota

Don’t Disqualify Yourself By Not Registering For FEMA Assistance

AURORA, Ill. – If you choose not to register with FEMA, you disqualify yourself from receiving federal disaster assistance.

Don’t listen to rumors about eligibility for FEMA assistance. Instead, get informed.

Illinois residents who had losses or damages from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 should register with FEMA, even if they think their damages and losses won’t be covered. Here’s why:

Misconception No. 1: “I only had a few inches of water in my basement.”

Why you should apply: If your appliances (furnace, water heater, freezer or refrigerator) sit directly on your basement floor, it may only take a few inches of water to get inside those mechanicals and cause damage. By applying for FEMA assistance, a trained inspector can determine if there are potential damages you may need to have tested and repaired. Don’t wait until winter to test your furnace and discover water damage. By then, it will be too late to register.

Misconception No. 2: “I bought a generator to operate medical equipment when I lost power during the storms.”

Why you should apply: You may be eligible if you purchased a generator to operate medical equipment after you lost power, but before it was restored. FEMA reviews requests for reimbursement of the cost of a generator on a case-by-case basis. Generators purchased for non-medical needs are not eligible for reimbursement.

Misconception No. 3: “I received assistance from FEMA after the 2010 floods. I won’t qualify for help this time.”

Why you should apply: Not necessarily. If you had damage from the April storms and flooding, take the time to register. A FEMA inspector will assess damages and that inspection will help determine eligibility. Receiving FEMA assistance from a previous disaster DOES NOT mean you can’t receive assistance from a subsequent disaster.

Misconception No. 4: “I’m not a U.S. citizen so I can’t apply.”

Why you should apply: Only one member of a household needs to be eligible to qualify the entire household for assistance, so parents and guardians may apply for aid from FEMA on behalf of a minor child who was born here. FEMA does not collect information on the immigration status of other household members who are not registering for disaster assistance.

Misconception No. 5: “I have insurance, so I’m not going to bother to apply for federal assistance.”

Why you should apply: While FEMA cannot duplicate benefits from other sources, including homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you may be eligible for other uninsured damages. For example, flood insurance doesn’t cover additional living expenses. If your home is uninhabitable, FEMA may be able to help you relocate while repairs are made to your damaged dwelling.

Misconception No. 6: “My income makes me ineligible.”

Why you should apply: FEMA does not consider income when determining eligibility for FEMA assistance. Income is a consideration when determining eligibility for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, but you should apply and have an SBA specialist work with you to determine your options. Also, if you are denied by SBA, you may be eligible for even more assistance from FEMA, but you must apply first.

Misconception No. 7: “SBA loans are for businesses only.”

Why you should apply: SBA disaster loans are offered to businesses AND individuals. SBA loans are an affordable way to pay for up to 100 percent of uninsured disaster-related losses. By filling out and returning an application, you can first determine whether you’re eligible. You do not have to take a loan if it is offered to you.

Residents of 25 counties in the major disaster declaration are eligible to register for federal assistance. The counties include Bureau, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Will and Woodford.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362.

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: 571-408-1835

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Don’t Disqualify Yourself By Not Registering For FEMA Assistance

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Woodford County

AURORA, IL – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, in Woodford County to allow residents affected by the recent severe storms and flooding to meet with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and FEMA, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

The location is:

Woodford County

Woodford County Emergency Management

301 S. Main St.

Roanoke, IL 61561

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

DRCs also offer an additional service for those who may have questions or need help in applying for disaster aid. Information about other disaster programs is also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents should apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and assist survivors with their loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Woodford County

Federal cost-share for Sandy cleanup, rebuilding projects in New York increased to 90 percent

NEW YORK – At the request of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, President Obama has approved a federal cost-share increase for projects funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance grant program from 75 percent to 90 percent.

This increase allows FEMA to reimburse local, state and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit organizations 90 percent of eligible costs of emergency expenses, debris removal and infrastructure repair. The remaining 10 percent is provided by non-federal funds.

After Hurricane Sandy struck, the President authorized 100 percent federal funding for 15 days for emergency power restoration and emergency public transportation. The increase to 90 percent applies to Public Assistance projects not eligible for the 100 percent funding.

To date, FEMA has approved nearly $1.3 billion in Public Assistance grants to help New York communities recover and rebuild.

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 on New York’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/sandyny, twitter.com/FEMASandy, facebook.com/FEMASandy and fema.gov/blog.

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Federal cost-share for Sandy cleanup, rebuilding projects in New York increased to 90 percent

2013 National Hurricane Preparedness Week, Pledge to Prepare

NEW YORK – As hurricane season approaches, pledge to protect your family, friends and businesses by knowing your risk, taking action and being an example.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration have partnered again this year to promote National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week – May 26 through June 1 – highlights the importance of planning ahead to protect our families and secure our communities. Hurricane season is June 1 through Nov. 30.

“I’m sure New Yorkers who saw Sandy’s impact know the importance of preparing for hurricane season,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “Everyone should take the pledge and use social media to let their friends know how they can prepare against disasters.”

Recent studies show that many people use social media during a disaster to let relatives and friends know they are safe. Social media provides the perfect platform for preparedness. Pledge to use it and to and take the following steps:

Know your risk: Understand how hurricanes could impact you, your family and your community. When you understand your risk, you are more apt to know how to prepare. Check weather forecasts regularly, sign up for local alerts from your emergency management officials and get a NOAA Weather Radio.

Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan and practice how and where you will evacuate if instructed by local emergency management officials. Post your plan in your home where friends and family can see it. Understand the National Hurricane Center watches and warnings. Purchase flood insurance now – there’s a 30-day waiting period and download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane. Stay informed with FEMA’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Be an example: Once you have pledged and taken action, be an example by talking to your family, friends, colleagues and neighbors on what you have done to prepare and inspire others.

More information can be found at www.ready.gov/hurricanes. Information on different types of severe weather such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flooding is available at www.weather.gov and www.ready.gov/hurricanes or the Spanish-language website www.listo.gov.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.fema.gov/blog.

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2013 National Hurricane Preparedness Week, Pledge to Prepare

Keeping Your Family Safe During a Disaster

TRENTON, N.J. ─ With another hurricane season approaching, now is the perfect time to develop a plan that will help keep your family safe and in touch should normal life be disrupted by a hurricane or other natural or man-made disaster.

Working together to plan and prepare for a potential disaster can help you and your family remain calm and to cope efficiently when an emergency occurs.

There are many things you can do to become better prepared for the unexpected. Here are a few things to consider as you design your family preparedness plan:

Take Advantage of Technology:

Update your contact lists in your phone, email and social media. This will make it easy to reach out to the right people quickly to get information and supply updates. Consider creating a group list serve of your top contacts.
Learn how to send updates via text and internet from your mobile phone to your contacts and social channels in case voice communications are not available. Text messages and the internet often have the ability to work in the event of a phone service disruption.
Keep extra batteries for your phone in a safe place or purchase a solar-powered or hand-cranked charger. These chargers are good emergency tools to keep your laptop and other small electronics working in the event of a power outage. If you own a car, purchase a car phone charger because you can charge your phone if you lose power at your home.
Program “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) contacts into your cell phone so emergency personnel can contact those people for you if you are unable to use your phone. Let your ICE contacts know that they are programmed into your phone and inform them of any medical issues or other special needs you may have.
If you have a traditional landline (non-broadband or VOIP) phone, keep at least one non-cordless receiver in your home because it will work even if you lose power.
If you are evacuated and have call-forwarding on your home phone, forward your home phone number to your cell phone number.
If you do not have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card to use if needed during or after a disaster.
Prepare and distribute a family contact sheet with names, relationships and phone numbers. This should include at least one out-of-town contact that may be better able to reach family members in an emergency.

Store your financial and other critical records “in the cloud” or on a flash or jump drive.

Important documents such as personal and financial records can be stored now in a password-protected area in the Cloud or on a secure flash or jump drive that you can keep readily available. A flash drive can be kept on a key ring so it can be accessed from any computer anytime, anywhere.
Remember important documents, such as personal and property insurance, identification including Driver’s license/passport (for family members, as well) and banking information.

Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit

Plan to stock enough non-perishable food and other supplies to last your family three days without outside assistance
Customize your kit to meet your family’s specific needs such as prescription medications, infant formula and diapers and pet supplies.
Plan to store one gallon water per person per day for drinking and sanitation
Include a battery-powered radio, a NOAA weather radio and extra batteries
Flashlights and extra batteries
First Aid supplies
A whistle to signal for help
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Dust masks or cotton t-shirts to help filter the air
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
A tool kit that includes a wrench and pliers to turn off utilities
A manual can opener
A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Clothing appropriate to the climate that includes one complete change of clothing per person

Maintain Your Kit

It’s important to make sure that your disaster supplies are in good condition and ready to use. Periodically use or discard the supplies you’ve stored and replace them so that they are ready for use when disaster strikes.

Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life
Throw out any canned goods that become swollen, dented or corroded
Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.
Change stored food and water supplies every six months
Review your disaster kit every year to make sure that it fits your family’s changing needs.

In advance of a storm or other anticipated emergency:

Make sure your automobiles are fully fueled: gas stations may run out of fuel or be unable to operate gas pumps if the power goes out
Make sure you have enough cash on hand to cover emergency purchases. ATM machines may not be working.

For more tips on developing a family disaster plan, visit www.Ready.gov.

FEMA Region II News Desk: 877-434-4084

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Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

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

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Keeping Your Family Safe During a Disaster

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Peoria County

AURORA, IL – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, in Peoria County to allow residents affected by the recent severe storms and flooding to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and FEMA, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

The location is:

Peoria County

Chillicothe Fire Department (Fire Hall)

217 W. Chestnut

Chillicothe, IL 61523

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Peoria County

Prevent Mold From Ruining Your Home and Your Health

Aurora, IL – Floodwaters have receded from the storms that hit several weeks ago, but they have left behind the perfect damp environment for mold and mildew to thrive.

Mold should be cleaned up as soon as possible or it may create health hazards, especially among the elderly, the very young and those with compromised immune systems, allergies or asthma.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, individuals can prevent mold after a flood by properly drying all porous and water damaged items, such as carpets, drywall and floors.

“Exposure to mold can cause coughing, sneezing, wheezing, upper respiratory irritation, and asthma symptoms, especially for sensitive individuals,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director, LaMar Hasbrouck, MD, MPH.

“If your home flooded and you have experienced these symptoms, contact your doctor,” Dr. Hasbrouck said.

You can identify mold by its musty, earthy odor and its fuzzy growth or discoloration on hard surfaces, furniture and carpeting. But it is not always visible—it can spread through cooling/heating ducts as well as wall insulation.

The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends cleaning all hard surfaces, such as metal, glass, solid wood, plastic and other nonporous materials with a non-ammonia detergent and hot water.

Then, disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a 10 percent bleach solution (one cup of bleach in one gallon of water).

Do not to mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Wear protective gear including rubber boots and gloves, goggles and an N-95 mask while cleaning.

Then dry or air dry by opening windows and doors, and turning on ceiling fans for more ventilation.

The general rule for porous materials is, if you cannot wash it, throw it away.

Throw out all moldy items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned, such as carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, pillows, wall coverings and all paper products.

Remove drywall or insulation that has been dampened by floodwater. Allow the wall studs to dry before installing new insulation and drywall.

For areas of mold clean-up larger than 30 square feet, The Illinois Department of Public Health suggests that residents seek out the assistance of a professional mold remediator.

For a mold removal company, people can search the Yellow Pages of a telephone book under “Fire and Water Damage Restoration.” The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (http://iicrc.org/consumers/care/mold-remediation) and the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (http://www.ascr.org) allow consumers to perform a search for their members online. The results of a typical search will include names of professionals, geographic location, and a telephone number.

Some nonprofit, faith or community based organizations can help to remove flood debris from the homes of residents unable to do it themselves. If you live within the Chicago city limits, call 311 for information. Outside of the city, call the local emergency management office to find out if volunteer help is available.

For more information, the Illinois Department of Public Health website at http://www.idph.state.il.us/floodinfo/index.htm has links to flood clean-up and related topics.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Prevent Mold From Ruining Your Home and Your Health

FEMA Seeking Local Hires to Assist in Disaster Recovery

CHICAGO – Illinois residents will get the opportunity to assist with the state’s disaster recovery while building their professional skills and drawing a paycheck. Temporary, full-time positions are available locally with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA has joined forces with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) to recruit and screen individuals to work in positions including finance and administration, writing and public information, planning, individual disaster assistance, information technology, and logistics. All temporary employees will have a hand in their state’s disaster recovery.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes finger printing and credit check, be able to furnish his/her own transportation to and from work and live within 50 miles of the employing office. Employees are also required to participate in mandatory direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payment.

Candidates in DuPage and Cook counties may apply by e-mailing their resume to FEMA@workforceboard.org. Applicants must include the Local Hire Job Order Number and Job Title in the subject line of the email and on their attached resume.

Candidates for all counties may apply at www.IllinoisJobLink.com. Enter “FEMA” into the keyword search to find available positions.

FEMA is committed to employing a highly qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, non-disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation, and any other non-merit factor. The federal government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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FEMA Seeking Local Hires to Assist in Disaster Recovery

Citizenship Status May Not Limit Disaster Assistance Eligibility

CHICAGO – Illinois residents who are not United States citizens may be eligible for federal disaster assistance for damage from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5.

Only one member of a household needs to be eligible to qualify the entire household for assistance, so parents and guardians may apply for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on behalf of a minor child who was born here. The child’s information, including his or her social security number, will be needed to register for assistance.

Any citizen living in the affected household can apply for FEMA aid. FEMA does not collect information on the immigration status of other household members who are not registering for disaster assistance.

Non-citizen nationals, including those born in American Samoa or Swains Island, or those whose parents are U.S. non-citizen nationals (subject to certain residency requirements) also may qualify to register.

Applying for FEMA disaster assistance will not affect one’s eligibility to become a U.S. citizen.

Undocumented immigrants from a household with no one eligible to apply for federal financial assistance may still be eligible for programs run by state, local or voluntary agencies.

Those in the United States with temporary tourist visas, student visas, work visas and temporary resident cards are not eligible for disaster assistance.

To register for disaster assistance, go to www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Under the presidential declaration, disaster assistance is available for residents in the following counties: Bureau, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Will and Woodford counties.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Citizenship Status May Not Limit Disaster Assistance Eligibility

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