With More than $133 Million Obligated to Repair Vermont Infrastructure, FEMA Public Assistance Process Continues

WITH MORE THAN $133 MILLION OBLIGATED TO REPAIR VERMONT INFRASTRUCTURE, FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROCESS CONTINUES

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has so far obligated more than $133 million to repair eligible storm-impacted roads, bridges, culverts and other elements of Vermont’s infrastructure; the Public Assistance process continues. In their ongoing partnership, FEMA and the State of Vermont announce a series of meetings to update individual applicants from local governments and some private non-profit organizations.

The meetings, the first of which is scheduled to be held on Monday, Aug. 6, are intended to update Public Assistance applicants in Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Lemoille, Orange, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties.

“These meetings will serve to underscore FEMA’s commitment to working with the State of Vermont to ensure that all applicants for Public Assistance receive the maximum amount of funding for which they are eligible,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nick Russo. 

The meetings are intended to provide a common understanding as to the way ahead, including changes of scope, time extensions and appeals. Applicants will be briefed on the close out process, relevant terminology and other topics related to exit interviews.

“It is the intent of the state to support FEMA’s effort to ensure Public Assistance applicants are aware of the status of project worksheets and have a common understanding as to the road ahead,” said State Coordinating Officer Ross Nagy. 

 

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With More than $133 Million Obligated to Repair Vermont Infrastructure, FEMA Public Assistance Process Continues

National Flood Insurance Probation for West Pittston, PA

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Borough of West Pittston, PA, is scheduled to be placed on probationary status with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on October 1, 2012, unless the Borough is able to address identified corrective actions prior to that date.  FEMA sent a letter to the Borough on June 5, 2012, that identified floodplain management violations and program deficiencies that must be corrected.

The deficiencies cited in the probation letter include failure to manage floodplain development in accordance with the Borough’s floodplain program, and lack of adequate record keeping.  Direct violations of the community’s flood damage prevention ordinance include lack of enforcement on substantially flood damaged structures following the September 2011 floods.

Property owners will still be able to purchase and renew flood insurance coverage during the probationary period, but a $50 surcharge will be added to each policy sold or renewed in the community beginning on October, 1, 2012.  There are currently 358 flood insurance policies in the Borough.

If the Borough fails to make progress, the Borough could be suspended from the program. The result of suspension is the loss of federally backed flood insurance in the community, meaning that residents will not be able to purchase or renew their flood insurance policies after the suspension occurs.  Additionally, if a flood disaster occurs in a suspended community, most types of federal disaster assistance for structures within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), including federal assistance to individuals and households is not available.  Furthermore, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 prohibits federal agencies from making grants, loans, or guarantees for the acquisition or construction of structures located in a SFHA.

FEMA remains committed to work with the officials of West Pittston to help the Borough achieve a good standing in the NFIP.

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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National Flood Insurance Probation for West Pittston, PA

Louisiana Export and Import Gateway Receives FEMA Assistance

NEW ORLEANS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced $210,000 in federal aid to the Port of South Louisiana, the largest tonnage port district in the western hemisphere, for damages incurred during Hurricane Katrina.

Stretching more than 54 miles along the Mississippi River, the Port of South Louisiana is called on by approximately 4,000 oceangoing vessels and 55,000 barges each year and owns facilities within St. Charles, St. James and St. John the Baptist parishes.

FEMA’s recent funding for hurricane damages pertain to the port’s Globalplex Intermodal Terminal located in Reserve, La., within St. John the Baptist Parish. This terminal provides handling and storage for bulk, break bulk and containerized cargo. During Hurricane Katrina, strong winds and flooding damaged its scale and security house facility. 

“As a result of Katrina’s damages, the terminal’s scale and security house currently operates from a temporary facility. FEMA’s recent grant will aid in the construction of a permanent facility for the port,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan.

Located at the entrance to the terminal, the scale and security facility ensures that all entering vehicles and occupants register with the guards, and containers and goods are also weighed upon entrance as needed. Construction of the new, post-Katrina scale and security facility is expected to begin soon.

“We appreciate FEMA’s response to the port’s needs for a replacement to the port terminal’s scale and security house facility,” said Port of South Louisiana Executive Director Joel Chaisson.

To date, including this recent grant, FEMA has provided approximately $800,000 to the Port of South Louisiana for hurricane-related damages. This funding represents mentioned damages from Hurricane Katrina and other damages incurred during Hurricane Gustav.

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.

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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Louisiana Export and Import Gateway Receives FEMA Assistance

Keep in Touch With FEMA

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Tropical Storm Debby survivors who have already registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency are urged to keep in touch with the agency, especially if they have been displaced by the disaster.

Survivors who have registered for state and federal assistance should keep their contact information current to ensure timely delivery of important assistance updates.

Applicants who need to update their contact information or have questions regarding their application can call the toll-free FEMA helpline or visit a disaster recovery center for in-person help.

To register or reach the helpline survivors can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Assistance is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.

By calling the helpline survivors can: 

  • Update their file with a change of address or new phone number.
  • Ask questions about disaster assistance.
  • Track the progress of their FEMA application.
  • Get information about the inspection process.
  • Learn about the steps to appeal a FEMA decision.

Before calling, survivors should have their registration number available.

They may also go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov. By smartphone or tablet, they may use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Keep in Touch With FEMA

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions in Hillsborough, Pasco Counties

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and local stores are teaming up this week to provide information and advice on cleaning up and rebuilding homes after Tropical Storm Debby.

FEMA mitigation specialists, who can explain disaster-resistant ways to repair and rebuild, will be in Hillsborough County beginning Wednesday, Aug. 8, and Pasco County beginning Friday, Aug. 10.

Mitigation specialists offer suggestions on cleaning mold and mildew. They also provide information on flood insurance.

The specialists will be available to answer questions at Lowe’s from Wednesday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, and Monday, Aug. 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The address is 1515 E. Brandon Blvd in Brandon.

They will also be available at the USA Fleamarket at 11721 U.S. Highway 19 in Port Richey from Friday, Aug. 10, through Sunday, Aug. 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions in Hillsborough, Pasco Counties

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions in Duval County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Home Depot are teaming up to provide information and advice on cleaning up and rebuilding homes after Tropical Storm Debby.

FEMA mitigation specialists, who can explain disaster-resistant ways to repair and rebuild, will be in Duval County beginning Wednesday, Aug. 8.

Mitigation specialists offer suggestions on cleaning mold and mildew. They also provide information on flood insurance.

The specialists will be available for questions at Home Depot from Wednesday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday, August 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 pm. The address is 3790 Third Street South in Jacksonville Beach.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions in Duval County

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council Meets for the First Time; Council Includes Members from Louisiana and Texas

DENTON, Texas – Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Youth Preparedness Council are gathering for their inaugural meeting today in Washington, D.C., to discuss steps to strengthen the nation’s resiliency against all types of disasters.

The Council members are meeting with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and participating in roundtable discussions and plenary sessions during their two-day visit to the nation’s capital. They also will develop their annual work plan to address youth preparedness during national disasters, as well as meet with other federal and private sector partners committed to supporting their work.

“This has been an opportunity for members of the Youth Preparedness Council to share their ideas, experiences, solutions and questions on youth disaster preparedness with FEMA, other federal agencies and national organizations,” said FEMA Administrator Fugate. “Engaging youth is critical to including the whole community in national preparedness. The Youth Preparedness Council is contributing to set a national agenda for how young people play a role in emergency management.”

The Youth Preparedness Council is comprised of 13 members (13-17 years of age) from across FEMA’s 10 regions. They are all dedicated to public service; are making a difference in their community; and are expanding their impact as a national advocate for youth preparedness.

The members from FEMA Region 6 are Dorian Tre’Vaughn Gregory from Breaux Bridge, La., and Jonathan DeLong from Austin, Texas.

Council members are eligible to serve for two years.

To learn more about FEMA’s youth preparedness efforts, please visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthindex.shtm. To learn more about each council member visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthpreparednesscouncil.shtm. 

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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 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council Meets for the First Time; Council Includes Members from Louisiana and Texas

FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grants for Fires in Multiple Counties in Oklahoma

FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grants for Fires in Multiple Counties in Oklahoma

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved requests from the state of Oklahoma for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) for fires burning in multiple counties. This includes the Drumright Fire burning in Payne and Creek counties; the Glencoe Fire in Payne County; the Noble Fire in Cleveland County; the Freedom Fire in Creek County; and the Luther fire in Oklahoma County.

“These fires can be so devastating to communities, and we are committed to supporting our state and local partners during this time,” said FEMA Region 6 Acting Administrator Tony Robinson. “These grants will assist in the efforts to protect life and property.”

Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided. Eligible costs covered by the aid can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

An authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of state and local government eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to reimburse local firefighting efforts for fires that threaten to cause a major disaster.

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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 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grants for Fires in Multiple Counties in Oklahoma

As Part of Youth Engagement, FEMA Welcomes Flat Stanley and Flat Stella

WASHINGTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) welcomed two of their newest “employees” who are charged with serving as ambassadors to America’s youth:  Flat Stanley and Flat Stella.  As a symbol of education and literacy, these characters help educate children across the globe, and FEMA’s Flat Stanley and Flat Stella are helping to teach children and their families about emergency preparedness. 

The introduction of Flat Stanley and Flat Stella is just one part of a larger outreach effort by FEMA to America’s youth. This week, FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council will meet with senior leaders of FEMA leadership and other federal and private sector partners to develop new ways for young people to play an active part in strengthening the nation’s resiliency in the face of emergency situations.   In addition to Flat Stanley and Stella, FEMA’s Ready.gov Kids (http://www.ready.gov/kids) provides materials and resources for kids and their families to take action to be prepared. 

“Flat Stanley and Flat Stella are great communication tools that are being added to FEMA’s Whole Community approach to emergency management,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Reaching out to children, parents of young children, and teachers is essential in instilling a message of self-reliance, resilience and preparedness. We are using new media and emerging technologies to target and engage youth in our outreach efforts and incorporating their ideas for preparedness and emergency management.”

As part of the new Flat Stanley and Flat Stella initiative, FEMA and Flatter World, Inc. have joined forces in a collaborative effort to create interactive experiences for students, including a mobile application that provides youth with state of the art interactive and informative experiences both inside and outside of the classroom in the area of emergency preparedness.  

Children, with the assistance of their parents, can download and create their own free customized character on the Flat Stanley website or through the Flat Stanley Mobile Application.  They can share their experiences creating a preparedness kit and their virtual adventure tour with other Flat Stanley users.

FEMA is listed as a destination on the Flat Stanley Mobile Application so kids and their parents can create a character, send it on a virtual FEMA tour and learn how to get better prepared.  On the virtual tour, characters interact with agency personnel, learn about field operations and visit other families who are putting together their own emergency preparedness plans and kits.  Custom FEMA Flat Stanley and Stella templates are also available to assist in preparedness education at www.ready.gov/flatstanley.    

In addition to following the Flat Stanley and Flat Stella characters through their experiences on the mobile app, kids and their families can follow the characters as new FEMA employees on FEMA’s blog.  There they will post information about their experiences, share news about work that is done at the agency and offer timely tips.  

Flat Stanley and Stella also have an interactive space on the Flat Stanley website, and an official e-mail account at FEMA (stanleyandstella@fema.dhs.gov) where parents and their children can contact FEMA to ask questions or offer their stories.

FLAT STANLEY® is an award-winning educational project encompassing more than 6000 schools registered in 88 countries around the world, and is included in the curriculum for more than 15% of elementary schools in the United States. FLAT STANLEY® is a trademark of the Trust u/w/o Richard C. Brown f/b/o Duncan Brown.  FEMA does not endorse any non-Federal government entities.

 

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’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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As Part of Youth Engagement, FEMA Welcomes Flat Stanley and Flat Stella

Nation’s Youth Gather in Washington for Community Preparedness Roundtable

WASHINGTON –Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Youth Preparedness Council today held their inaugural meeting in Washington, DC to discuss steps to strengthen the nation’s resiliency against all types of disasters.

“This has been an opportunity for members of the Youth Preparedness Council to share their ideas, experiences, solutions and questions on youth disaster preparedness with FEMA, other federal agencies and national organizations,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Engaging youth is critical to including the whole community in national preparedness. The Youth Preparedness Council is contributing to set a national agenda for how young people play a role in emergency management.”

The Council members participated in roundtable discussions and plenary sessions on the first day of their two-day visit to the nation’s capital.  The Council will also meet with Administrator Fugate and discuss steps to strengthen the nation’s overall resiliency. In addition to developing their annual work plan to address youth preparedness during national disasters, the Council is meeting with other federal and private sector partners committed to supporting their work.

“As chairperson of FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council, I’m excited to have the opportunity to help lend youth’s voice and ideas to emergency management during disasters,” said Rebekka McCaleb of Sterling, Colorado.

Rebekka was joined by exceptional youth council members who together comprise the Youth Preparedness Council. Tuesday, council members will visit Capitol Hill and learn how disaster management legislation moves through the legislative process.

The Youth Preparedness Council is comprised of 13 youth leaders (13 – 17 years of age) from each of FEMA’s ten regions:

 

  • FEMA Region I: Rachel Little (Massachusetts)
  • FEMA Region II: Gabriela Rodriguez Boria (Puerto Rico)
  • FEMA Region III: Donald “Diesel” Embrey (Virginia)
  • FEMA Region IV: Benjamin Cooke (Tennessee)
  • FEMA Region V: Jason Reed (Indiana)
  • FEMA Region VI: Dorian Tre’Vaughn Gregory (Louisiana)
  • FEMA Region VI: Jonathan DeLong (Texas)
  • FEMA Region VII: Nimansha Jain (Nebraska)
  • FEMA Region VIII: Ashley Houston (Utah)
  • FEMA Region IX: Divya Saini (California)
  • FEMA Region IX: Tiffany Espensen (California)
  • FEMA Region IX: Christian Chowen (Hawaii)
  • FEMA Region X: Cayman Kirkhart (Idaho)

Council members are eligible to serve on the Council for two years.

To learn more about FEMA’s youth preparedness efforts please visit: http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthindex.shtm.

To learn more about each council member visit: http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthpreparednesscouncil.shtm.

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Nation’s Youth Gather in Washington for Community Preparedness Roundtable

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