New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Kaufman County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Kaufman County, Texas 

Release Date: June 4, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-103

DENTON, Texas – Kaufman County, Texas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Kaufman County flood maps become effective on Tuesday, July 3 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to July 3 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

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

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Jun-2012 13:02:29

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Kaufman County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Zapata County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Zapata County, Texas 

Release Date: June 5, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-102

DENTON, Texas – Zapata County, Texas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Zapata County flood maps become effective on Tuesday, July 17 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to July 17 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

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

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Jun-2012 13:01:47

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Zapata County, Texas

Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins Today

Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins Today 

Release Date: June 1, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-041

MIAMI, Fla. — Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Deputy Administrator Rich Serino, NOAA National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read and Florida Governor Rick Scott to discuss the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season outlook and preparedness measures with leadership of hurricane-prone states.

“We may not know exactly what Mother Nature will bring this year, but we are leaning forward in our preparations, utilizing the ‘Whole Community Approach’,” said Secretary Napolitano. “As part of this approach, we are engaging the broadest possible set of partners in our preparedness efforts—integrating planning across federal, state, local, tribal and territorial governments as well as with private sector, community, non-governmental, and faith-based partners.”

Hurricane season begins June 1 and extends through November 30. Being aware of risks and hazards and taking the steps to prepare can reduce the impacts of hurricanes.

“Hurricane season officially begins today and yet we have already had two named storms,” said FEMA Administrator Fugate. “When it comes to preparing for disasters, don’t simply focus on the calendar … focus on the need to be prepared. You can go to www.ready.gov and find all of the tools and information you need to prepare your home, business and family.”

This season, we ask families, communities and businesses to be a force of nature by taking the pledge to prepare at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

For more information, visit www.ready.gov.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Jun-2012 08:43:25

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Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins Today

Atlantic Hurricane Season Beings Today

Atlantic Hurricane Season Beings Today 

Release Date: June 1, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-041

MIAMI, Fla. — Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Deputy Administrator Rich Serino, NOAA National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read and Florida Governor Rick Scott to discuss the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season outlook and preparedness measures with leadership of hurricane-prone states.

“We may not know exactly what Mother Nature will bring this year, but we are leaning forward in our preparations, utilizing the ‘Whole Community Approach’,” said Secretary Napolitano. “As part of this approach, we are engaging the broadest possible set of partners in our preparedness efforts—integrating planning across federal, state, local, tribal and territorial governments as well as with private sector, community, non-governmental, and faith-based partners.”

Hurricane season begins June 1 and extends through November 30. Being aware of risks and hazards and taking the steps to prepare can reduce the impacts of hurricanes.

“Hurricane season officially begins today and yet we have already had two named storms,” said FEMA Administrator Fugate. “When it comes to preparing for disasters, don’t simply focus on the calendar … focus on the need to be prepared. You can go to www.ready.gov and find all of the tools and information you need to prepare your home, business and family.”

This season, we ask families, communities and businesses to be a force of nature by taking the pledge to prepare at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

For more information, visit www.ready.gov.

Last Modified: Monday, 04-Jun-2012 16:42:00

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Atlantic Hurricane Season Beings Today

FEMA Dollars Fund New Louisiana SPCA Facility In New Orleans

FEMA Dollars Fund New Louisiana SPCA Facility In New Orleans 

Release Date: June 4, 2012
Release Number: 1603 – 977

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced nearly $8 million in consolidated funding to the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, allowing the private, nonprofit to construct their new animal control facility on higher ground.

Pre-Katrina, the Louisiana SPCA’s animal control facility, which provided care and basic medical services for homeless animals, was located on 1319 Japonica Street in New Orleans. During the storm, the building sustained significant damages—both from wind and floodwaters.

“Given the level of damages at their original facility, the Louisiana SPCA asked us if they could utilize FEMA funding to build their post-Katrina facility at a new location—one that makes them less vulnerable to future flooding. Our recent grant approves this request, supporting not only their recovery efforts, but preparedness efforts as well,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan.

Through FEMA’s grant, the Louisiana SPCA plans to construct their new, animal control facility at 1700 Mardi Gras Boulevard, which—because of its proximity to the riverbank—is on higher ground within New Orleans. While its space configuration and capacity will be different than before (since it qualified as an improved project under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program), the new animal control building will replace the same function of the pre-Katrina facility.

In total, including recent funding for the Louisiana SPCA, FEMA has provided approximately $1.3 billion in public assistance grants to date to nonprofit organizations across the state for recovery efforts related to hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 04-Jun-2012 14:16:30

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FEMA Dollars Fund New Louisiana SPCA Facility In New Orleans

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorized for 60 Days

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorized for 60 Days 

Congressional Action Extends the NFIP Until July 31, 2012

Release Date: June 1, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-040

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congress passed and the President signed legislation to extend the National Flood Insurance Program for an additional 60 days, assuring FEMA has the legal authority to continue to sell, renew or modify flood insurance policies until July 31, 2012. This short-term extension allows consumers critical time to renew and purchase their flood insurance policies, and complete new mortgage and loan transactions where flood insurance is required.

“This short-term extension of the National Flood Insurance program provides property owners, renters and businesses critical time to renew, purchase, or modify insurance policies to protect themselves against the devastating effects of flooding,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

Under the NFIP, federally backed flood insurance is made available to homeowners, renters and business owners in communities that adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances designed to reduce future flood losses by regulating new construction. The NFIP identifies areas of flood risk, encourages communities to implement measures to mitigate against the risk of flood loss, provides financial assistance to help individuals recover rapidly from flooding disasters, and lessens the financial impact of flood disasters on individuals, businesses, and all levels of government.

The start of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane season today provides an important reminder that flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster to affect every state across the country. Homeowner policies do not typically cover flood insurance and most everyone can purchase flood insurance – including renters, business owners and homeowners. Generally, NFIP policies take 30 days to become effective; therefore, FEMA is urging residents to purchase flood insurance now.

Learn more about your flood risk, flood insurance and hurricane preparedness at www.floodsmart.gov and www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

Follow FEMA online at 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.

Last Modified: Friday, 01-Jun-2012 11:53:39

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FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorized for 60 Days

Texas Hurricane History Demonstrates Need to Prepare For Upcoming Season

Texas Hurricane History Demonstrates Need to Prepare For Upcoming Season 

Release Date: May 30, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-101

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — Fourteen hurricanes and six tropical storms since 1961, which resulted in federal disaster declarations, serve as reminders to Texans that now is the time to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

The 2012 Hurricane Season begins on June 1, and while experts are predicting a slower season than in past years, most of the predictions still call for at least a normal amount of activity. The 50 year average is a little over 11 named storms, six of those becoming hurricanes and two becoming major ones – Category 3 or higher.

In the last 50 years, Texas has had 20 storms that resulted in federal declarations. Fourteen were hurricanes and six were tropical storms. The hurricanes were Carla (1961), Cindy (1963), Beulah (1967), Celia (1970), Allen (1980), Alicia (1983), Gilbert (1988), Bret (1999), Claudette (2003), Katrina (2005 – Emergency), Rita (2005), Dolly (2008), Ike (2008) and Alex (2010). The tropical storms were Danielle (1980), Allison (1989), Charley (1998), Frances (1998), Fay (2002) and Erin (2007).

Six of the hurricanes and two of the tropical storms occurred in the last decade and resulted in the Lone Star State receiving approximately $7.5 billion in federal disaster aid. That assistance fell under both the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) and Individuals and Households (IHP) programs and included funding for direct housing, crisis counseling, disaster legal services, disaster unemployment, and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans.

Hurricane Katrina in Texas was an emergency declaration and provided reimbursements to the state for housing Katrina evacuees.

There have been no hurricanes or tropical storms resulting in a FEMA disaster declaration in the past two years, but several storms have affected the state nonetheless. Tropical Storm Hermine in 2010 caused major inland flooding in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 stirred up winds that exacerbated a weekend wildfire in Bastrop County.

“These statistics more than demonstrate the need for all Texas to be prepared,” said Acting FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We say it often, but it’s the best way to get a clear message out there – Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Stay Informed.

For more information on the upcoming hurricane season, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare.

Volunteering is one way to be prepared to help others. Use VolunteerMatch to locate local Red Cross volunteer opportunities in your community. You can also visit www.citizencorps.gov for ways to help and be prepared.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-May-2012 10:57:43

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Texas Hurricane History Demonstrates Need to Prepare For Upcoming Season

Oklahoma’‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

Oklahoma’‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now 

Release Date: May 30, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-100

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — One major hurricane, which resulted in a federal disaster declaration, serves as reminder to Oklahomans that now is the time to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

The 2012 Hurricane Season begins on June 1, and while experts are predicting a slower season than in past years, most of the predictions still call for at least a normal amount of activity. The 50 year average is a little over 11 named storms, six of those becoming hurricanes and two becoming major ones – Category 3 or higher.

Reports show that Oklahoma has had one storm that resulted in a federal declaration. It was an emergency declaration for Hurricane Katrina (2005) and resulted in the state receiving more than $12.7 million in federal disaster aid under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.

The state received an emergency declaration after Katrina impacted Louisiana. The funding was made available to reimburse Oklahoma for its costs related to housing Katrina evacuees.

In addition to hurricane winds and rain, the season also brings threats of flooding and tornadoes which can and have impacted states that are not on the coast.

“The bottom line is that Oklahomans should be prepared for all hazards,” said Acting FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We say it often, but it’s the best way to get a clear message out there – Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Stay Informed.

For more information on the upcoming hurricane season, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare.

Volunteering is one way to be prepared to help others. Use VolunteerMatch to locate local Red Cross volunteer opportunities in your community. You can also visit www.citizencorps.gov for ways to help and be prepared.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-May-2012 10:55:13

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Oklahoma’‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

New Mexico ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

New Mexico ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now 

Release Date: May 30, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-099

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — One major hurricane, which resulted in a federal disaster declaration, serves as reminder to New Mexicans that now’s the time to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

The 2012 Hurricane Season begins on June 1, and while experts are predicting a slower season than in past years, most of the predictions still call for at least a normal amount of activity. The 50 year average is a little over 11 named storms, six of those becoming hurricanes and two becoming major ones – Category 3 or higher.

Reports show that New Mexico has had one storm that resulted in a federal declaration. It was an emergency declaration for Hurricane Katrina (2005) and resulted in the state receiving a more than $1 million in federal disaster aid under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.

The state received an emergency declaration after Katrina impacted Louisiana. The funding was made available to reimburse New Mexico for its costs related to housing Katrina evacuees.

In addition to hurricane winds and rain, the season also brings threats of flooding and tornadoes which can and have impacted states that are not on the coast.

“The bottom line is that New Mexicans should be prepared for all hazards,” said Acting FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We say it often, but it’s the best way to get a clear message out there – Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Stay Informed.

For more information on the upcoming hurricane season, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare.

Volunteering is one way to be prepared to help others. Use VolunteerMatch to locate local Red Cross volunteer opportunities in your community. You can also visit www.citizencorps.gov for ways to help and be prepared.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-May-2012 10:48:33

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New Mexico ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

Louisiana Hurricane History Demonstrates Need to Prepare For Upcoming Season

Louisiana Hurricane History Demonstrates Need to Prepare For Upcoming Season 

Release Date: May 30, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-098

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — Sixteen hurricanes and six tropical storms since 1956, which resulted in federal disaster declarations, serve as reminders to Louisianans that now is the time to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

The 2012 Hurricane Season begins on June 1, and while experts are predicting a slower season than in past years, most of the predictions still call for at least a normal amount of activity. The 50 year average is a little over 11 named storms, six of those becoming hurricanes and two becoming major ones – Category 3 or higher. In the last 55 years, Louisiana has had 22 storms that resulted in federal declarations. Sixteen were hurricanes and six were tropical storms.

The hurricanes were two unnamed storms (1956 & 1957), Hilda (1964), Betsy (1965), Camille (1969), Edith (1971), Carmen (1974), Juan (1985), Andrew (1992), Georges (1998), Lili (2002), Ivan (2004), Katrina (2005) Rita (2005), Gustav (2008), and Ike (2008). The tropical storms were Allison (1989), Frances (1998), Allison (2001), Isidore (2002), Cindy (2005), and Lee (2011).

Six of the hurricanes and four of the tropical storms occurred in the last decade and resulted in Louisiana receiving more than $35.5 billion in federal disaster aid. That assistance fell under both the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) and Individuals and Households (IHP) programs and included funding for direct housing, crisis counseling, disaster legal services, disaster unemployment, and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans.

“These statistics more than demonstrate the need for all Louisianans to be prepared,” said Acting FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We say it often, but it’s the best way to get a clear message out there – Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Stay Informed.

For more information on the upcoming hurricane season, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare.

Volunteering is one way to be prepared to help others. Use VolunteerMatch to locate local Red Cross volunteer opportunities in your community. You can also visit www.citizencorps.gov for ways to help and be prepared.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-May-2012 10:49:06

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Louisiana Hurricane History Demonstrates Need to Prepare For Upcoming Season

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