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FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

Survivors are Encouraged to Register for Assistance

WASHINGTON — The Administration, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remains in close contact with emergency officials and continues to coordinate federal support to state, tribal and local officials in Oklahoma through FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. and Regional Response Coordination Center in Denton, Texas. At the President’s direction, FEMA continues to provide resources to support response and recovery efforts.

On Monday, May 20, 2013, the President declared a major disaster for the State of Oklahoma, supporting state, local and tribal emergency work in affected areas. Federal disaster aid also is available to affected individuals in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in these affected areas are encouraged to apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week.

Today, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano traveled to Moore, Oklahoma to meet with Governor Mary Fallin, state and local officials and ensure that first responders are receiving the assistance they need in on-going response and recovery efforts to the severe weather that impacted the region. At the direction of the President, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate is on the ground in Oklahoma to ensure all Federal resources are supporting our state, local, and tribal partners in life saving and safety operations including search and rescue.

“Our priority is to get disaster assistance to the survivors of this storm,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Residents and business owners who sustained losses are encouraged to register for federal assistance.”

Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) are on the ground to help federal, state, local, and tribal partners gather detailed information on the affected communities during the critical first hours, days and weeks. DSATs address immediate and emerging needs of disaster survivors including: on-site registration, applicant status checks, on-the-spot needs assessments, and access to partners offering survivor services. All teams wear FEMA photo identification badges in plain sight. As of 7 a.m., more than 1,000 Oklahomans have registered for assistance.

Disaster Recovery Centers also continue to be established in the affected areas where survivors can register for assistance and receive information about FEMA and other disaster assistance programs.

In coordination with the state, FEMA has more than 400 people on the ground in support of response and recovery efforts, including a liaison officer, three national Urban Search and Rescue teams, a national Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) and a regional IMAT to Oklahoma to coordinate with state and local officials in support of recovery operations. Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) assets also are in Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics and operations support elements. Additional teams are en route.

Rapidly removing disaster related debris enables a community to recover more rapidly. Yesterday, FEMA implemented a pilot program for debris removal that offers communities financial incentives for the timely removal of debris and a time limited financial incentive for having a pre-incident debris management plan.

The Red Cross Safe and Well secure website provides a way for people to find information on survivors affected by the storms. To register, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell. Open Red Cross shelters can also be found on www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter.

The state of Oklahoma in coordination with the United Way of Central Oklahoma, has established the OK Strong Disaster Relief Fund Donations. Those who wish to provide assistance to support disaster relief efforts can donate online at www.unitedwayokc.org or find additional information on the voluntary agencies playing a vital role in disaster recovery by visiting: National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD).

Individuals with a Blackberry, Android or Apple device can download the FEMA app to access safety tips, shelter locations, and more.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are 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..

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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FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

Free Advice on Rebuilding Stronger, Safer, Smarter

CHICAGO – If your home was damaged by the spring floods and you are beginning to make repairs, you can get advice on how to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter.

Federal Emergency Management Agency hazard mitigation specialists will be at two home improvement stores this week:

Ellis Ace Hardware

255 S. Main St.

Seneca, IL 61360

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Lembke & Sons True Value Hardware

6734 Pershing Road

Berwyn, IL 60402

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; closed Sunday

FEMA specialists can answer your specific questions about building techniques that can reduce the potential for damage to your home, business and property from future storms.

Topics include:

Flood cleanup tips and techniques
Flood- and wind-resistant building methods
Elevating utilities
Flood insurance

FEMA publications are available online at www.fema.gov or can be ordered by calling toll-free 800-480-2520.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Free Advice on Rebuilding Stronger, Safer, Smarter

Second Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Cook County

CHICAGO – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, in Des Plaines for residents of Cook County to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. The location is:

Cook County

Des Plaines

1486 Miner St (next door to the Des Plaines Theatre)

Des Plaines, IL 60616

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 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.

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 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362.

DRCs offer an additional service for those who may have questions or need additional 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 1-800-659-2955, (TTY) 1-800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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

Originally posted here –

Second Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Cook County

FEMA, Federal Partners Mobilize in Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

WASHINGTON — The Administration, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remains in close contact with emergency officials and continues to coordinate federal support to state, tribal and local officials in Oklahoma through FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, DC and Regional Response Coordination Center in Denton, Texas. At the President’s direction, FEMA is already providing resources to support the response.

Last night, the President declared a major disaster for the State of Oklahoma, supporting state, local and tribal emergency work in affected areas. Federal disaster aid also is available to affected individuals in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties.

Today, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano briefed the President on response and recovery efforts, and at the direction of the President, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate traveled to Oklahoma to ensure all federal resources are supporting state, local, and tribal partners in life saving and safety operations including search and rescue.

“First responders are providing critical, life-saving assistance in the impacted area,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Oklahoma residents can help the emergency response by keeping mobile phone lines free from congestion and staying in touch with friends and family by text messaging, email or social media. I urge residents to follow guidance from state, local and tribal officials who are requesting individuals to remain away from the affected areas so first responders can have access to reach hard-hit areas.”

In coordination with the state, FEMA deployed a liaison officer, a national Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) and two regional IMATs to the state emergency operations center in Oklahoma City to coordinate with state and local officials in support of recovery operations. Three national Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams and an additional Incident Support Team have been deployed to support the immediate response efforts. Two Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) teams are in Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics and operations support elements.

Preliminary damage assessment (PDA) teams, comprised of representatives from the state, FEMA and the Small Business Administration, are on the ground and will begin assessments today, which will assist the state in identifying additional eligible federal assistance that may be warranted.

Three Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) are scheduled to arrive in affected areas later today to help federal, state, local, and tribal partners gather detailed information on the affected communities during the critical first hours, days and weeks. DSATs will address immediate and emerging needs of disaster survivors including: on-site registration, applicant status checks, on-the-spot needs assessments, and access to partners offering survivor services.

Individuals with a Blackberry, Android or Apple device can download the FEMA app to access safety tips, shelter locations, and more.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are 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.

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FEMA, Federal Partners Mobilize in Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

Prepare Your Property Now For A Future Storm

The Federal Emergency Management Agency urges property owners to take steps now to minimize damage in future storms. To better protect your family and yourself in the event of an emergency, ensure that your home is a safe structure.

The following are some house maintenance tips from Ready.gov, FEMA.gov and FloodSmart.gov on how to strengthen and protect your property from rain, wind and flood damages:

RAIN AND FLOODS

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work, but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam.

Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
Make sure your sump pump is working and then install a battery-operated backup in case of a power failure.
Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
Anchor any fuel tanks.
Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation.

For more information, go to Ready.gov/floods.

HIGH WINDS AND HURRICANES

Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Reinforce your garage doors. If wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.

For more information, go to Ready.gov/hurricanes or fema.gov/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster.

For all emergencies, you should build an emergency kit and make a communications plan. To learn how, visit Ready.gov.

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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.

Source:

Prepare Your Property Now For A Future Storm

Ineligible? FEMA May Just Need More Information

CHICAGO – If you’ve registered for federal disaster assistance and received a letter saying you’re ineligible, make sure to double check that you provided all the necessary information when you initially applied.

Federal Emergency Management Agency eligibility determinations are based on information an individual supplies in an online application or during a phone call with a FEMA representative.

Since May 10, when the disaster was declared for the spring storms and flooding, homeowners and renters in 11 Illinois counties have been applying for disaster assistance. To date, more than $38.4 million has been approved for more than 12,100 eligible applicants.

Applicants who received a determination letter, but were deemed ineligible may just need to supply additional information to FEMA.

“We want to make sure eligible Illinois residents who suffered damages or uninsured losses as a result of the spring storm receive disaster assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Moore. “The best thing for applicants to do to make sure this happens is to read the FEMA correspondence carefully and follow up with us.”

Following are just a few of the reasons an applicant may have received an ineligibility notification and can follow up.

Sometimes a first ineligibility determination is simply a clerical error, such as a name is misspelled, an address doesn’t match or a signature has been left out.
If more than one person from the same home address registered, the applications will be flagged until the head of household can be determined.
The applicant has insurance, and more information about the policy is needed. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits. However, once you receive insurance payment, FEMA may be able to assist with uninsured losses.
Proof of occupancy is required. Whether a homeowner or renter, the damaged dwelling must be a primary residence where the applicant lived at the time of the disaster.
Identity verification is needed. Sometimes an applicant simply needs to submit documentation—such as a passport or military issued ID—so a social security number can be verified. If an applicant was recently married, a marriage certificate or license may be required to verify any name change.

If you have questions about any FEMA correspondence you receive, call 800-621-FEMA (3362), the toll-free line used for registration and follow-up. Have your FEMA application number available so the representative can find your case easily.

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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Ineligible? FEMA May Just Need More Information

FEMA, Federal Partners Support Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

WASHINGTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners, including the National Weather Service, continue to closely monitor the effects of severe weather that impacted Oklahoma and other areas within the Central United States, and at the President’s direction, are already providing resources to support the response.

Today, President Obama, as well as Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, spoke with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin to express concern for citizens impacted by the severe weather and tornadoes, to offer support and make clear the Administration stood ready to provide additional resources as necessary. The administration, through FEMA, is closely monitoring the impacts of the storm and remains in close contact with emergency officials to ensure there are not any unmet needs. FEMA and its partners have teams on the ground in hard hit areas, and is prepared to deploy additional teams and resources, if needed by the states. On Sunday night, at the state’s request, FEMA deployed a liaison officer to the Oklahoma emergency operations center in anticipation of severe weather. FEMA commends the efforts of the local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, and humanitarian organizations who are providing emergency assistance to those in impacted areas.

Federal activities underway today to support Oklahoma response efforts include the following:

FEMA deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to the state emergency operations center in Oklahoma City to coordinate with state and local officials in support of recovery operations. FEMA also deployed Urban Search and Rescue Teams and a Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) Team to Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics, and operations support elements. FEMA also has additional personnel from the Denton, Texas regional office on alert.
This afternoon, FEMA activated the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., a multi-agency coordination center that provides overall coordination of the federal response to natural disasters and emergencies, to support state requests for assistance. FEMA Region VI Response Coordination Centers (RRCC) located in Denton, Texas remains activated to coordinate any requests for federal assistance, if requested.
A FEMA liaison officer is currently at the Oklahoma emergency operations center to assist with coordination efforts. FEMA’s regional office in Denton, Texas is in constant coordination and communications with Oklahoma’s emergency management team and local officials.
FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration deployed preliminary damage assessments teams to help identify the damages in impacted counties.

We urge residents in impacted areas to listen carefully to instructions from their local officials and take the recommended protective measures to safeguard life and property while response efforts continue. Listen to state, local and tribal officials who ask you to remain in shelters, homes or safe places until they give the “all clear” to travel. Roads are very likely to be damaged or blocked by debris, and traffic jams slow emergency managers and first responders as they attempt to reach hard-hit areas.

According to the National Weather Service, there continues to be a risk of severe weather this evening across areas of the southern Plains including Oklahoma and parts of Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas and severe weather is possible further north including parts of Illinois and Wisconsin.

We encourage individuals in the affected area to monitor local radio or TV stations or the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov or a NOAA weather radio for the latest information, for updated weather and emergency information, and to follow the instructions of state, local, and tribal officials. For those in areas that are forecast to be affected by severe weather, now is the time to get prepared for tornadoes and other disasters.

There are tools and resources available online to help you prepare for, respond to and recover from any type of disaster. Visit www.ready.gov to learn more. The Spanish language site – listo.gov. Those with a Blackberry, Android or Apple device can download the FEMA app to access safety tips, shelter locations, and more.

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FEMA, Federal Partners Support Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

FEMA, Federal Partners Monitor Effects of Storm in Central Plains and Urge Preparedness

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners, including the National Weather Service, continue to closely monitor the effects of severe weather that has impacted the Central United States, including parts of central Oklahoma and Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. Residents are urged to continue to follow the guidance of state, local and tribal officials. FEMA’s regional offices in Denton, Texas and Kansas City, Mo., have been in contact with state emergency management counterparts and with tribal emergency managers in the path of the storm. While there have been no requests for federal assistance, FEMA has deployed a liaison officer to the Oklahoma emergency operations center and stands ready to assist if support is needed and requested. Additional personnel are on standby and are ready to deploy as needed and requested to support the state.

According to the National Weather Service, there continues to be a moderate risk of severe weather today across areas of the southern Plains including Oklahoma and parts of Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas and severe weather is possible further north including parts of Illinois and Wisconsin.

When natural disasters, such as tornadoes and severe storms strike, 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.

FEMA encourages those in the areas affected or potentially affected by these storm systems to monitor local radio or TV stations or the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov or a NOAA weather radio for the latest information, including additional or changing weather watches and warnings and to follow the instructions of state, local, and tribal officials.

If you haven’t already, now is the time to get prepared for severe weather. Visit www.ready.gov to learn more about how to be better prepared.

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FEMA, Federal Partners Monitor Effects of Storm in Central Plains and Urge Preparedness

Now is the Time to Prepare for the 2013 Hurricane Season

LINCROFT, N.J. — With the 2013 hurricane season less than a month away, now is the time to update or make a disaster preparedness plan for yourself and your family. The Federal Emergency Management Agency urges all New Jerseyans to assemble a disaster preparedness kit, make a plan and be informed of the risks before the start of the hurricane season.

The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October.

“Every family should have supplies ready to shelter in place for 72 hours following a hurricane, or any other disaster,” Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech said. “We are asking everyone to check their kits, or make a kit, before the start of the 2013 hurricane season.”

New Jerseyans can find information on how to build a preparedness kit at Ready.gov. The kit should include water, food, a flashlight with extra batteries and a first aid kit among other supplies.

Having an updated and accurate Family Emergency Plan is a key component to planning for hurricane season. The unique needs of family members, such as the elderly, infants, those with access and functional needs and any pets should be considered. Also, you should inquire about what plans are in place at work and schools in case of emergency. After all of the information is collected, gather your family to discuss how the plan works. Practice your plan at least twice a year and update it according to any issues that arise.

Being informed of the risks associated with hurricane season is an important part of preparedness. You should identify the hazards that are unique to your area. Local emergency management offices can help pinpoint the hazards in your area and outline the local plans and recommendations for each, which may include evacuations. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and how to secure your property in the event of a hurricane.

Visit www.Ready.gov, www.FEMA.gov or www.FloodSmart.gov for a detailed list of emergency supplies, as well as information on how to prepare for hurricanes and other disasters.

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Now is the Time to Prepare for the 2013 Hurricane Season

Forget About FEMA?

CHICAGO, IL – You’ve cleaned up and started making the necessary repairs from last month’s storms and flooding. Now the bills are coming due.

Your insurance may cover some of those costs, but if you haven’t registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you may be missing out on additional assistance you need to recover. Until you register for assistance, FEMA has no way of knowing who you are, where you are, or what you need.

Calling your insurance agent does not register you with FEMA.
Contacting county or municipal agencies does not register you with FEMA.
Receiving assistance from volunteer agencies does not register you with FEMA.

The only way to determine whether you’re eligible for federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA by phone or online, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are also registering applicants for assistance in neighborhoods throughout the declared disaster area.

Individuals can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week.

FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives are available at all five state-federal Disaster Recovery Centers now open in Illinois. These centers are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Cook County

Forest View Fire Department

7010 46th Street

Forest View, IL

DuPage County

Lisle Police Department

5040 Lincoln Avenue

Lisle, IL

Grundy County

Morris Fire Department

2301 Ashton Road

Morris, IL

LaSalle County

Marseilles Fire Department

205 Lincoln Street

Marseilles, IL

Fulton County

Fulton County Health Department

700 East Oak Street

Canton, IL

Anyone from a declared county in Illinois can go to any of the above Disaster Recovery Centers. Come with questions – leave with answers.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema, and 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: 609-508-2238

Link:

Forget About FEMA?

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