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FEMA Seeks Applicants for Youth Preparedness Council

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking nominations for participants in the Agency’s Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).

The Youth Preparedness Council provides an opportunity for young leaders to serve as a member of a distinguished national council; to complete a youth preparedness project of their choosing; to learn about youth disaster preparedness from the leadership at FEMA and other national organizations dedicated to youth preparedness; to voice their opinions, experiences, and share innovative ideas and solutions; and to participate in the Youth Preparedness Council Summit where the council meets with emergency management leadership to discuss steps to strengthen the nation’s resiliency against all types of disasters.

Participants are expected to represent the youth perspective on emergency preparedness and relay information within their communities. Each council member is expected to develop and complete one preparedness-related project specific to his/her region and interests. In addition to attending the Summit in the summer of 2013, council members will potentially participate in national, regional, state, tribal and local preparedness meetings and present their work. It is expected that members will meet with FEMA on a regular basis via conference call to provide ongoing input on strategies, initiatives and projects throughout the duration of their term.

Anyone between the ages of 12 and 17, who is engaged in individual and community preparedness, is encouraged to apply or be nominated to serve on the Youth Preparedness Council. An individual may apply on his/her own behalf, or can be nominated by an adult familiar with his/her youth preparedness activities. Individuals interested in applying must submit a completed application form, a narrative, and a letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation can be from any adult, including a parent, guardian, community first responder, or teacher. Applications that do not include a letter of recommendation will not be reviewed. Individuals interested in nominating a young leader to the council should complete the application form and narrative, but a letter of recommendation is not mandatory. Specific information about completing and submitting the application and attachments can be found on the application.

All applications and supporting materials must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. E.D.T. on April 19, 2013 in order to be eligible.

Council members will be selected based on vacancies and announced in May 2013. Once selected, members serve on the Council for one year, with the option to extend for an additional year, based on a formal request by FEMA.

For more information about the Youth Preparedness Council and FEMA’s work on youth preparedness, and to access the application materials, please visit www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness.

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FEMA Seeks Applicants for Youth Preparedness Council

FEMA’s Post-Irene Housing Pilot Program Deemed Success

BARRE, Vt. – After Tropical Storm Irene swept through Vermont, many residents were left homeless in areas of the state that were already experiencing shortages of affordable housing.

Local, state and federal officials worked together on a number of fronts, including a pilot program that helped renovate unoccupied and uninhabitable multi-family rental housing units in Barre through a private-public partnership.

Now with the last disaster survivors moving out or becoming rent-paying tenants, the project is being hailed as a success story for all of the parties involved.

“This project not only provided cost-effective housing for seven families displaced by Irene, but it helped refurbish rental housing stock in an area that really needed it,” said Dave Rapaport, Vermont’s Irene Recovery Officer.

The Multi-Family Repair Program takes Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to renovate unoccupied multi-family rental housing units that need to be brought to a habitable standard in areas where existing rental units cannot meet the needs of disaster survivors.

The owners of the property agree to make the repaired rental units solely available to FEMA-identified disaster survivors for up to 18 months from the date of the disaster.

In Barre, that meant using roughly $87,000 in federal funds to fix up a South Main Street apartment building to provide five rental units to families, several of whom owned their own homes but needed alternate living quarters while they made repairs to their damaged dwellings.

“It could have cost as much as $50,000 apiece to purchase mobile homes for use by these families,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont operations. “Then we would have had to sell off the mobile homes or otherwise dispose of them. This was much more cost-effective.”

A total of 106 mobile homes and 157 stick-built homes were destroyed or substantially damaged by Irene in Washington County, an area that was already facing a tight housing market before the storm struck.

“This was not only a case of helping our neighbors, but also helping our city,” said Barre Mayor Thom Lauzon. “The investment in this building not only helps our tax base and improves the area, it provides additional rental capacity for Barre residents now that the disaster survivors have moved into their own homes again. This truly was win-win-win for the displaced victims, the private sector and the City.”

In fact, one of the residents who had been displaced by Irene and had been having their rent paid by FEMA is remaining in the building and has already signed a private lease with the owners.

“The Multi-Family Repair Program was a great fit here,” said FEMA’s Albert Ferri, who oversaw its implementation in Vermont. “FEMA is committed to trying new programs designed to assist survivors, and it’s gratifying to see positive results like these.”

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’s Post-Irene Housing Pilot Program Deemed Success

FEMA Extends Deadline For Irene-Related Mitigation Grants

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – The state and Vermont municipalities and non-profits seeking federal grants for projects to make their communities more resilient in future disasters will have more time to apply for these funds.

Officials with the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that the deadline for submitting Hazard Mitigation Grant Program applications related to Tropical Storm Irene to FEMA has been extended to September 1, 2013. The state will establish its own deadlines for municipalities and other eligible applicants in order to meet FEMA’s deadline.

The HMGP program provides grant funds in addition to the disaster aid given to individuals and state or local governments after a federally-declared disaster for projects designed to reduce the risks to life and property in future disasters.

“This is an important deadline extension,” said Dave Rapaport, Vermont’s Irene Recovery Officer. “The huge size of this disaster means that we’re receiving more funding through this program than we’ve had the capacity to use before time ran out. The additional time will mean that we’ll be able to avoid leaving money on the table and formulate more eligible projects to prevent damage from future storms.”

The amount of money available is a percentage – 15 percent – of the total disaster aid provided by FEMA, and the program is administered by the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Only state, municipal, or tribal governments and certain non-profits can apply and are responsible for a 25-percent match.

Projects can include flood-proofing structures or making them resistant to hurricanes or tornadoes, or buying out flood-prone properties as Vermont has chosen to do.

“FEMA has already obligated about $13 million in HMGP funds to Vermont, and there could be as much as $21 million more coming,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont operations.

FEMA had already granted Vermont two extensions of three months each from the normal one-year deadline, Landry said, and utilized a little-known provision of the Stafford Act – the law named after former Vermont Senator Robert Stafford that helped create FEMA – to give the state another six months.

An HMGP application can be downloaded from DEMHS’s website at http://vem.vermont.gov/mitigation, or interested parties may contact the State Hazard Mitigation Officer, Ray Doherty, at 800-347-0488 or ray.doherty@state.vt.us for an application or assistance in applying for funds. He will be providing additional detailed guidance for applicants shortly.

HMGP funds are awarded on a competitive basis and all applications are reviewed and selected by the state mitigation project selection committee, then subject to approval by FEMA.

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FEMA Extends Deadline For Irene-Related Mitigation Grants

New England States Urged To Be Aware Of Flood Dangers

BOSTON – With some areas already experiencing bouts of spring flooding, emergency management officials are urging New England residents to stay informed about the potential hazards of flooding.

As part of National Flood Awareness Week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve public awareness.

The agencies’ goal is to improve understanding about flood risk among individuals, families, businesses and communities. Knowledge and the right precautions can protect families, homes and finances.

“New Englanders are generally aware of the hazards of seasonal and coastal flooding, but Hurricanes Irene and Sandy certainly opened peoples’ eyes regarding flash flooding,” said FEMA Region I Acting Administrator Paul Ford. “The value of an emergency plan and a flood insurance policy for your home or business – even if it is not in a flood-prone area – is now apparent.”

Floods are the most common hazard in the United States. However, not all floods are alike. Floods typically occur when too much rain falls or snow melts too quickly. Chunks of ice from a thawing river can block its normal flow and force water out of its banks. While some floods develop slowly, flash floods develop suddenly.

Hurricanes can bring flooding to areas far inland from where they first hit the coast, as we witnessed two years ago from the devastating impacts of Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, and last year from Hurricane Sandy.

There are simple steps citizens can take today to reduce their risk to all types of floods. Flood Safety Awareness Week is an excellent time for people and communities to learn about their flood risk and implement precautions to mitigate the threat to life and property.

One of the most dangerous elements of a flood is floodwaters covering roadways, and the public is urged to never attempt driving through them. Many people lose their lives every year by attempting to drive through flood-covered roadways.

NOAA will issue the 2013 U.S. Spring Outlook and flood assessment on March 21.

For more information on flood safety tips and information, visit www.ready.gov/floods or the Spanish-language web site www.listo.gov For information on how to obtain a flood insurance policy, visit www.floodsmart.gov

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New England States Urged To Be Aware Of Flood Dangers

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Connecticut Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

March 21, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-023Factsheet

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 Connecticut.

Assistance for the State, Tribal 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, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures. (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, tribal and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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:

March 21, 2013 – 18:05

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Connecticut

and

Region I

Related Disaster:

Connecticut Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm

Link:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Connecticut Declaration

President Declares Disaster for Connecticut

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 Connecticut to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm during the period of February 8 – 11, 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 severe winter storm and snowstorm in Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham counties and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations located within New London County.

In addition, assistance is available to state, tribal 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 Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New London, Tolland, and Windham counties and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations located within New London County. This type of assistance is available in Hartford and New Haven counties for a 72- hour period.

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

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

See the article here:

President Declares Disaster for Connecticut

Virtual Flood Map Open House Available for Greater New Orleans Residents

Public Open Houses Set for March 25-27 in St. Charles, St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in the Greater New Orleans area who did not get a chance to visit flood map open houses March 18-20 now have a virtual option to get information about preliminary flood maps.

A ‘virtual’ open house is available online at www.floodrisk-la.org and features information on the proposed flood maps for Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and St. Charles parishes.

The website contains links to the online flood maps, and includes details on how to view your flood risk, what it means if your flood risk changes, what you can do to help reduce that flood risk, how to insure your risk, what actions are being taken to address a community’s risk and details about the mapping process.

Meanwhile, there are three flood map open houses scheduled for March 25-27 where residents can meet one on one with state, local and Federal Emergency Management Agency flood mapping partners and view the preliminary maps. Visitors can drop by anytime between 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. on the days below:

Monday, March 25 in St. Charles Parish @ RK Smith Middle School, 281 Sugarland Parkway in Luling, LA 70070
Tuesday, March 26 in St. Bernard Parish @ St. Bernard Civic Center, 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette, LA 70043
Wednesday, March 27 in Plaquemines Parish @ Belle Chasse Auditorium, 8398 Hwy 23 in Belle Chasse, LA 70037

Additional information is available at www.riskmap6.com and http://go.usa.gov/gzU5. Residents can also contact their local floodplain administrators for more details.

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Virtual Flood Map Open House Available for Greater New Orleans Residents

Renters: Complete and Return SBA Applications

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey renters who had losses during Hurricane Sandy may be eligible to receive federal disaster assistance to replace damaged contents.

Renters can receive up to $40,000 in low-interest disaster home loans from the Small Business Administration for personal property losses. Loan applications are due no later than Monday, April 1.

No one is required to accept a loan offer. Renters may be referred for Federal Emergency Management Agency grants if they are not approved for an SBA disaster home loan.

The simplest way to complete the application is online by using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA customer service center at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. Help is also available by visiting a disaster recovery center for one-to-one assistance. Centers can be located by going to FEMA.gov/DRC.

Survivors can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They can also call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Survivors must register by April 1 to be considered for federal disaster assistance.

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.

Link –

Renters: Complete and Return SBA Applications

Two Weeks Left To Register For Federal Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors who had storm-related damages in New Jersey have just two weeks left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Federal disaster assistance applications are due by Monday, April 1.

April 1 is also the deadline to return applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans, which is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding. Survivors can apply for an SBA disaster home or business loans by filling out an online application at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela.

Survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance are urged to stay in touch with FEMA and SBA. Applicants should notify FEMA and SBA of changes to their mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses.

Survivors can register online and check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They also can call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. Recovery assistants remain available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

There are nine disaster recovery centers open in Atlantic, Cape May, Hudson, Monmouth and Ocean counties. FEMA staff is available at the centers to provide clarification to letters, assist survivors with finding a temporary home if their primary residence was damaged or destroyed, check on the status of applications for assistance or refer survivors to other agencies that may provide additional help. Survivors can locate their nearest center by going to FEMA.gov/DRC.

Survivors can ask questions about their SBA disaster home or business loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ and SBA.gov/Sandy.

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.

Link:

Two Weeks Left To Register For Federal Disaster Assistance

Use Disaster Grants Wisely

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster recovery officials urge recipients of federal grants to use the money wisely.

Upon releasing the funds by direct deposit or check, the Federal Emergency Management Agency sent every recipient a letter providing important information about the grant and outlining how the money can be spent.

Disaster-related grants are for repairs, temporary housing and other approved disaster-related costs. New Jerseyans who have questions about their grants should call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362).

Housing funds may be used for:

Repairs to return a home to a safe and functional condition – may include repairs to windows, doors, water and ventilation systems, or other structural parts of a home
Replacement or rebuilding of a disaster-damaged home
Reimbursement for lodging expenses directly related to the disaster – receipts for these expenses will be requested if the house sustained damages.
Rental assistance – applicants who must remain in temporary housing for a longer period than the initial assistance grant covers may request more assistance until their home can be occupied or other permanent housing arrangements can be made. Disaster-related grant recipients also must turn in proper receipts to receive further assistance.

Recipients of Other Needs Assistance may use the funds for:

Personal property, specialized tools for employment, household items, appliances and vehicle repair or replacement
Medical, dental and funeral expenses and moving expenses

Disaster-related grant recipients are required to sign a declaration and a release certifying that all funds will be spent on the expenses for which they are intended.

Applicants also should be sure to update their address and phone number information by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or update your information online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Assistance is available in many languages. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362.

If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, applicants may miss important letters or phone calls about their applications for assistance or payment status.

By law, FEMA grants, which are taxpayer dollars, cannot duplicate payments from other sources. For example, if a grant recipient receives an insurance settlement covering expenses already paid for by FEMA, those duplicated funds must be reimbursed to FEMA.

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:

Use Disaster Grants Wisely

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