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New York: By the Numbers

NEW YORK — Disaster assistance to New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy has reached nearly $3.2 billion, including:

Nearly $954 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
- Nearly $818 million for housing assistance
- More than $136 million for other needs
Nearly $1.4 billion in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
Nearly $824 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and some nonprofit organizations that serve the public

Other assistance:

More than $3.3 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
271,188 people have registered for assistance in the 13 designated counties
183,358 housing inspections completed
179,240 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers
5.6 million cubic yards of debris removed
More than 500 voluntary agencies involved in recovery
26 languages used to communicate assistance information to survivors

Individuals can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week.

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New York: By the Numbers

New York disaster recovery center to remain open

NEW YORK – The disaster recovery center in Long Beach, N.Y., remains open as a full-service survivor resource that is staffed by state and federal specialists.

Hurricane Sandy survivors can visit the center at the Recreation Center and Ice Arena, 700 Magnolia Blvd., Long Beach, N.Y., 11561. The center is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Individuals may register for FEMA help online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app.

Federal disaster assistance can include money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Survivors who have questions may call FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week until further notice.

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New York disaster recovery center to remain open

Tell Your Friends And Neighbors About FEMA Assistance

TRENTON, N.J.–Tell your friends and neighbors who have not registered for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that the last day to register is May 1, 2013. Make sure they know the facts about FEMA registration; many Hurricane Sandy survivors are eligible for disaster assistance and just may not know it.

With about two weeks left to register, here are facts about FEMA assistance:

FEMA assistance does NOT affect benefits from other federal programs, such as Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
FEMA assistance is available for renters; it is not exclusive to homeowners.
FEMA provides grants; it does not make loans. These grants do NOT have to be repaid, and they are NOT considered taxable income.
You may be eligible for reimbursement for repairs to your home, even if the repairs are already completed.
You may be eligible for FEMA assistance even if you have flood or homeowner’s insurance.
Income is NOT a consideration for eligibility for FEMA assistance.
A grant you may receive does not take away from another survivor’s assistance; FEMA has sufficient funding to assist all eligible survivors with their eligible disaster-related needs.
There is no paperwork to register with FEMA; the process normally takes between 15 and 20 minutes.

The rule of thumb is that if you’re unsure if you are eligible for assistance, call 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or go to DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY,call 1-800-462-7585directly. If using 711 or Video Relay Service, call 1-800-621-3362.

Although the assistance process may continue after the deadline, May 1 will be the last day to call or go online to register for FEMA and apply for SBA physical damage disaster assistance.

FEMA grants cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs. The objective is to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.

Some applicants may receive a loan application for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) after registering with FEMA. The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to renters, homeowners and businesses of all sizes. No one is obligated to take out a loan, but if they don’t complete the application they may not be considered for other federal grant programs.

The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Also, up to $2 million is available for businesses for their uncompensated disaster losses.

For more information about the SBA, call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Friday, at 1-800-659-2955. Survivors may apply online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants also may visit the SBA Web site at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Officials want to encourage those residents who may be hesitant to register for disaster assistance. Federal taxes are appropriated specifically to fund disaster assistance. Also, the assistance one individual may receive will not take away from another applicant’s federal assistance funds.

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 –

Tell Your Friends And Neighbors About FEMA Assistance

Spring’s First Widespread Severe Storm System is Here: Are You Ready?

CHICAGO – With an ominous mid-week forecast that includes severe storms, heavy rains, strong winds and the potential for tornadoes, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V encourages everyone to get prepared.

“Severe weather can strike with little or no warning. The threat of severe weather requires everyone to get prepared now,” FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III said. “Knowing what to do before the storm will help keep you and your family safe.”

Follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information. If a warning is issued, get indoors, and move to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls.

Find valuable tips to help you prepare for severe winter weather at http://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 winter 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.

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Spring’s First Widespread Severe Storm System is Here: Are You Ready?

FEMA Implements FEMA For Kids Program

TRENTON, N.J.–The Federal Emergency Management Agency has implemented its FEMA for Kids program for pre-to-middle school children in New Jersey.

FEMA for Kids is an interactive, educational program that advocates disaster preparedness to children ages 4-11, in areas that have been affected by a disaster.

In schools and other community-based programs, FEMA teaches children how to prepare for and respond to disasters. Children learn how to create family emergency plans, assemble disaster supply kits and care for their pets in the event of an emergency. The program is presented in an engaging and fun environment.

The program helps children understand their recent experiences by discussing words they might hear after a disaster, such as “emergency,” “shelter” and “evacuation.”

FEMA for Kids also provides the children an opportunity to express their feelings and concerns about Hurricane Sandy by creating art.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialists and FEMA Corps members are scheduled to present this program at more than 20 New Jersey schools and community-based programs this April.

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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FEMA Implements FEMA For Kids Program

ICYMI: FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate Calls for Tribal Input on Disaster Assistance

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, today on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) blog, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate called on tribal communities to take part in consultations regarding changes to the disaster assistance process. The Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 included a provision to amend the Stafford Act allowing tribes direct access to federal disaster relief. FEMA is consulting with tribal governments, tribal leaders, and tribal stakeholders to consider these changes and provide feedback.

Full text of Fugate’s blog post below and online here: https://www.fema.gov/blog/2013-04-08/getting-it-right-indian-country

Getting it right for Indian Country

Posted by: Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator

When you’re tackling a new and challenging topic, starting from a solid foundation is crucial to success. Right now, there is an opportunity to change how the federal government provides disaster assistance and we’re looking for tribal leaders to help set a solid foundation for those changes.

When President Obama signed into law the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013, he amended the Stafford Act to recognize the sovereignty of tribal governments, and this was a big step in the right direction to better meet the unique needs of Indian Country after disasters. However, there’s still work to be done to shape disaster assistance programs and processes most effectively. That’s where we are now — we are consulting with tribal governments, tribal leaders, and tribal stakeholders to consider changes to a range of federal disaster assistance processes and topics:

Input on the major disaster declaration process,
Criteria to declare a major disaster,
Program delivery, and
The unique aspects of Indian culture that might not be currently considered by the rules.

I encourage our tribal partners to join us in developing rules through consultation. You’re invited to join a series of upcoming tribal consultation calls, provide ideas to FEMA’s online collaboration community, or send an e-mail to tribalconsultation@fema.dhs.gov. Now is a great time to make sure the unique needs of Indian Country are considered throughout the federal disaster assistance process.

Why are we looking for input from the community? Up to this point, FEMA has established rules around the disaster declaration process, assistance programs, and other aspects of federal assistance to meet the needs of state governments and individuals in those states. Now, with the recent amendment to the Stafford Act, we have an opportunity to change those rules with regards to the sovereignty of tribal nations.

In a little more than two months since the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act became law, the President has already signed two disaster declarations directly for Indian Country. The new changes have already resulted in federal disaster assistance going directly to tribal communities.

But there’s still much to be done. That’s why we’re having these consultation calls, gathering feedback online, and asking for e-mails. Once the consultation concludes, FEMA will draft proposed rules. Learn more about how to join this discussion by visiting FEMA’s online collaboration community, or send us an e-mail at tribalconsultation@fema.dhs.gov.

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ICYMI: FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate Calls for Tribal Input on Disaster Assistance

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Oklahoma Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

April 8, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-027Factsheet

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 Oklahoma.

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

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency 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 for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period. Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads. (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 and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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

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

Last Updated:

April 8, 2013 – 18:01

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Oklahoma

and

Region VI

Related Disaster:

Oklahoma Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Oklahoma Declaration

President Declares Disaster for Oklahoma

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 Oklahoma to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm during the period of February 24-26, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state 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 severe winter storm and snowstorm in the counties of Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Major, Noble, Roger Mills, Washita, Woods, and Woodward.

In addition, assistance is available to the state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in Dewey and Ellis counties.

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

Sandy Coachman has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Coachman 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.

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President Declares Disaster for Oklahoma

FEMA Approves $1.62 Million for Mitigation Project in Culebra

San Juan, PR – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved $1.62 million to the Puerto Rico Ports Authority for the rehabilitation of the Terminal Cargo Ramp in Culebra. The funds were made available under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to enhance the resilience of the sole cargo ramp in the Island Municipality, which provides normal daily services, as well as during emergency situations.

“For years, when hurricanes and tropical storm events affected Culebra, the residents and visitors of the municipality remained isolated for days. This project assures the continuity of port services, for which most residents depend on for their daily routine. The services will continue without major interruptions during and after disaster events,” said FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division Director Alejandro De La Campa. “More than 1,800 Culebra residents will benefit from this mitigation measure, as well as thousands of tourists that visit the Island on a yearly basis.”

Past hurricanes and continuous wave action have deteriorated the concrete cargo platform at Bahía de Sardinas, in Culebra’s Dewey Ward. If the platform is left unattended, it may collapse eventually. Also, seawaters surrounding Culebra (up to three nautical miles) and its neighboring islands and cays are designated critical habitat for the green sea turtle. These elements were taken into consideration while choosing the structural mitigation measure to apply: improving the structure with the lowest impact on the adjacent ocean environment.

A project of this nature involves the structural evaluation of the terminal cargo ramp, its designing phase and the construction phase of the structure. The rehabilitation activities includes the partial demolition of the existing concrete platform, removal of the concrete debris outside the platform area, construction of a new concrete platform with new reinforcing steel, and concrete deposit with corrosion inhibitor additives. The total project cost is $2.16 million, with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico providing $542,269, which represents the 25% State share.

FEMA’s HMGP provides grants to States and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration, to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

State officials interested in heading up such projects to mitigate public facilities may learn more about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program by going online to FEMA’s Federal Insurance and Mitigation Division section on the Federal Emergency Management website at http://www.fema.gov/fima/mitgrant.shtm.

FEMA News Desk: (787) 296-3554, (787) 296-3560

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FEMA Approves $1.62 Million for Mitigation Project in Culebra

Latest Funding for Hurricane Sandy Brings the Total for Delaware Recovery to $1.2 Million

SMYRNA, Del. — More than $1.2 million in federal funding has been awarded thus far for Hurricane Sandy recovery in Delaware, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

As DEMA and FEMA continue to partner in Hurricane Sandy recovery, additional funding will be forthcoming following state and federal review and approval.

Recent obligations include projects totaling more than $816,877 in Public Assistance funding, bringing the total amount of FEMA dollars awarded thus far to $1,266,857.

Public Assistance is for infrastructure recovery. Public Assistance covers eligible emergency protective measures and restoration of damaged roads, bridges, utilities and other elements of the infrastructure.

Public Assistance was made available for the counties of Kent, New Castle and Sussex on Nov. 16, 2012 when the President declared a Major Disaster for Delaware due to Hurricane Sandy.

Visit FEMA.gov for more information on the Public Assistance program, including a complete list of Public Assistance categories.

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 http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

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Latest Funding for Hurricane Sandy Brings the Total for Delaware Recovery to $1.2 Million

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