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FEMA Public Assistance Extended in Eight Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today has extended federal disaster aid in eight Louisiana parishes to include supplemental funding for infrastructure repairs in the wake of Hurricane Isaac.

Eligible applicants in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Livingston, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St John the Baptist and West Feliciana parishes can now apply for FEMA Public Assistance (PA) reimbursement for repairs to roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities and other facilities.

The eight parishes already had been designated for FEMA Public Assistance funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures

“Getting hurricane-affected communities up and running is an important aspect of the overall recovery effort,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall. “Supplementary funding for infrastructure repairs in these parishes will also help people and businesses recover from the storm.”

Supplementary funding under the PA program goes to the state and its agencies, local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations. Under the program, FEMA obligates funds to the state for 75 percent of eligible costs, while the applicant covers the remaining 25 percent. The state forwards the federal funds to the eligible local governments or organizations that incurred costs.

In all, current federal disaster declaration designates a total of 55 parishes as eligible to apply for some level of FEMA Public Assistance.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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 us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Public Assistance Extended in Eight Parishes

FEMA Speaks Multiple Languages

BATON ROUGE, La. – Hurricane Isaac survivors in Louisiana’s diverse communities are the focus of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) effort to connect with survivors who otherwise may miss important recovery information.

FEMA’s multilingual Community Relations specialists are canvassing Louisiana neighborhoods to provide information to ethnic communities hit by the storm. Armed with informative materials in English, French, Creole, Vietnamese, Greek, Korean and Cambodian, the FEMA teams are providing survivors with valuable information about registering with FEMA and, if eligible, getting local, state and federal assistance. Information in Braille also is provided for those who are blind or have low vision.

“Our goal during a disaster recovery effort of this magnitude is to get the message out about the many ways FEMA may help affected homeowners, renters and businesses,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall. “That means communicating effectively with everyone who needs assistance, regardless of their language or other needs.”

Multilingual specialists also maintain contact with media outlets whose audience consists mainly of non-English-speaking readers, listeners or viewers.

FEMA has translated its English-language booklet, “Your Guide to Disaster Assistance Programs,” into several languages. This handout provides more in-depth information to help disaster assistance applicants understand eligibility for federal programs. These booklets are being distributed by FEMA specialists in the field and at nearly 30 Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the designated Louisiana parishes.

Multilingual telephone operators are available to help non-English-speaking survivors register for disaster aid and to get their questions answered. After dialing FEMA’s registration/helpline, 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585, callers should choose Option 3. FEMA can provide translation/interpretation services in 250 languages. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362.

Groups, associations and businesses that have non-English-speaking members who sustained damage as a result of Hurricane Isaac and who want to know more about federal and state disaster assistance may contact FEMA’s Speakers Bureau in Baton Rouge at 1-225-388-4797. The Speakers Bureau is available to speak to groups of all types and sizes, and can provide presentations in Spanish, French, Creole and Vietnamese. Sign language interpreters also are available.

Survivors with uninsured or underinsured damages may 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, call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Speaks Multiple Languages

President Declares a Major Disaster for Alabama

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available for the state of Alabama to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Isaac during the period of August 26 to September 5, 2012.

Federal funding also is 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 Hurricane Isaac in the counties of Baldwin, Mobile, and Pickens.

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

Joe M. Girot has been named Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Girot 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 http://blog.fema.gov, 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 a Major Disaster for Alabama

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Alabama Disaster Recovery

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

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Local 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, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (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, tribal 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 the state 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.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, 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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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Alabama Disaster Recovery

FEMA Awards $2,307,074 Grant to Will County

CHICAGO — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $2,307,074 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Will County, Ill., for the acquisition of nineteen flood-prone homes that have been repetitively damaged from flooding.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “The acquisition of these nineteen structures in Will County, and their removal from the floodplain, will establish a permanent open space that will reduce damages and lessen the impact of flooding on the local community.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $3,076,098 eligible project cost. The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $769,024, will be provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

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Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. 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 Awards $2,307,074 Grant to Will County

FEMA Region V Highlights National Preparedness Month

CHICAGO – September is National Preparedness Month and as we remember the tragic events of the September 11 terrorist attacks, FEMA Region V would like to remind everyone to make preparedness a priority.

“We all want peace of mind knowing that our families, our homes and our businesses are safe and protected from threats of any kind,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator of FEMA’s office in Chicago. “Throughout the month of September we are encouraging the whole community – individuals, businesses, community organizations, faith-based groups, and state, local and tribal governments – to focus on preparing for all types of emergencies and disasters that may impact their communities.”

Preparing can start with three important steps:

Put together your own personalized emergency supply kit
Plan now so you know what do to before, during and after disaster strikes
Be informed about specific hazards that could affect your community

Everyone should take responsibility for being prepared with the understanding that disasters may disrupt essential services. Everyone should have sufficient supplies for at least three days. Taking action now to prepare for emergencies and disasters will increase your chances of surviving and recovering from a disaster.

It’s also important to remember you need to be prepared for all seasons. FEMA has many tools to help you plan, including videos and social media links. The following are just a few examples:

Winter is just around the corner, which can bring many types of unforeseen weather emergencies: www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6746

Spring weather is always unpredictable. Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding can occur without much warning: www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/7626

In the summer, weather conditions may seem perfect for outside activities everyone must be aware of dangerous health issues related to extreme heat and high humidity: www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/8966

Most people spend a lot more time on the road than they realize so no matter what the season. An emergency kit for your car should be part of your emergency plan:

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/5546

For more information and ideas, log on to www.ready.gov. And remember to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest information: www.facebook.com/fema, www.twitter.com/fema.

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FEMA Region V Highlights National Preparedness Month

Public Assistance Helps Ohio Communities Rebuild After Disaster

Dublin, OH – Providing assistance to individuals and businesses is not the only concern of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA). Public Assistance (PA) grants will soon help Ohio communities recoup emergency response and debris removal costs from storms in late June.

Thirty seven counties were declared eligible on August 20 for disaster assistance as a result of the June 29-July 2 storms and straight line winds. Under the PA Grant Program, FEMA awards grants to assist state and local governments, tribal nations and certain private nonprofit organizations with their response to and recovery from disasters.

“The declaration opens the door to FEMA grants that help public entities with reconstruction of their infrastructure,” said Mike Moore, federal coordinating officer for the disaster. “The PA program strengthens communities which do not have all the means or resources to bounce back from a disaster, helping to ensure a community’s important public needs are met.”

Public assistance is based on a partnership between FEMA, state and local officials. Local governments identify their needs and costs and submit applications. The state ensures compliance and helps prioritize projects. FEMA is responsible for managing the program, approving grants and providing technical assistance on projects to the state and its applicants.

“This program is important to Ohio taxpayers,” said Nancy Dragani, state coordinating officer for Ohio EMA. “The program will provide federal and state funding to assist with debris removal, emergency protective measures and for some work performed by rural electric cooperatives.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance program pays 75 percent of eligible costs. The state of Ohio is contributing 12.5 percent of the 25% percent non-federal share to eligible political subdivisions and the applicant is responsible for the remaining 12.5 percent balance.

Application procedures for local governments were explained at a series of state applicant briefings held in August and September. FEMA PA specialists provided guidance to state and local officials throughout the application process. Approved projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA. The deadline for applying for assistance is September 19^th.

Federal, state and local teams have already started to inspect disaster-related damage, examine expenses identified by the state or local representatives and prepare reports that outline the scope of repair work needed and the estimated restoration cost.

Non-profit organizations may qualify for assistance to restore certain types of facilities that include educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care and other facilities that provide essential government types of services.

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Public Assistance Helps Ohio Communities Rebuild After Disaster

Vinton and Wyandot Counties Now Eligible For Federal Aid

Dublin, OH – Vinton and Wyandot counties have been added as part of Ohio’s federal disaster declaration and are eligible for all categories of Public Assistance funding, according to officials from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Under this announcement, federal funding is available to local governments and some private non-profits only on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work, debris removal and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the storms and straight line winds beginning on June 29-July 2, 2012.

Vinton and Wyandot join 37 other Ohio counties that are eligible for federal aid under the October 13 disaster declaration. They are: Adams, Allen, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Champaign, Clark, Coshocton, Fairfield, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Logan, Meigs, Miami, Monroe, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Paulding, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Putnam, Shelby, Van Wert, and Washington Counties.

October 19 is the deadline for agencies in Vinton and Wyandot counties to apply for federal assistance. Agencies in the original 37 counties had a deadline of September 19^th to apply.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program pays 75 percent of eligible costs. The state of Ohio is contributing 12.5 percent of the 25 percent non-federal share to eligible political subdivisions and the applicant is responsible for the remaining 12.5 percent balance.

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Vinton and Wyandot Counties Now Eligible For Federal Aid

The Anniversary of Hurricane Rita – Seven Years of Recovery and FEMA Aid in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS – In the wake of Hurricane Isaac’s recent recovery efforts, Louisiana’s restoration from Hurricane Rita persists, enabled by approximately $1.3 billion in Federal Emergency Management Agency public assistance, hazard mitigation and individual assistance funding since her landfall on Sept. 24, 2005.

“While Hurricane Katrina and more recently Hurricane Isaac tend to headline Louisiana’s natural disaster timeline, FEMA understands that communities in the southwestern part of the state think of Hurricane Rita when it comes to devastating storms,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Executive Director Joseph Threat. “Just seven years ago, these communities were greatly impacted by Rita’s landfall and are still recovering today.”

FEMA has provided $671.8 million in public assistance grants for Hurricane Rita-related projects in Louisiana, such as debris removal and emergency protective measures and for permanent work to repair or rebuild public facilities damaged by the storm. Of this funding, nearly 50 percent was provided for recovery work in Cameron, Calcasieu and Vermilion parishes.

“The local officials and residents within these communities have worked together, in partnership with the state and FEMA, to rebuild their neighborhoods. Their success stories and recovery accomplishments to date speak to their resiliency and dedication to restoring Louisiana,” added Threat.

In an effort to help prevent future loss of property and to save lives during future disasters, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program has made more than $137.9 million in funding available to Louisiana in response to Hurricane Rita. Through this program, FEMA is able to provide traditional HMGP grants, for elevations and acquisitions for example, as well as planning grants to assist eligible applicants in setting short- and long-term mitigation goals.

“The ‘on-the-ground’ recovery efforts from disasters like Hurricane Rita, and more recently Hurricane Isaac, are multifaceted in that residents must first recover before communities can progress toward recovery,” said Threat. “That’s why helping individuals affected by disasters remains at the core of FEMA’s recovery mission.”

To aid Louisiana’s residents following Hurricane Rita, FEMA provided approximately $523.5 million in Individuals and Households Program grants to 177,622 individuals and families statewide. These dollars were used as housing assistance for rent, repairs and replacement housing, as well as other needs assistance for such things as furniture, clothing and replacement vehicles.

Editors: For more information about Louisiana’s ongoing recovery efforts, visit FEMA’s website dedicated to the seventh anniversary of hurricanes Katrina and Rita: www.fema.gov/la7year . For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/latro.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femalro, blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

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The Anniversary of Hurricane Rita – Seven Years of Recovery and FEMA Aid in Louisiana

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight the Table Mountain Fire

SEATTLE, Wash — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Table Mountain Fire burning Kittitas and Chelan counties.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Sharon Loper approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on September 19, 2012 at 9:49 PM PDT.

The fire started on September 8, 2012, and has burned approximately 20,000 acres of Federal and private land. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 416 homes.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of Washington eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

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 Authorizes Funds to Help Fight the Table Mountain Fire

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