U.S. Fire Administration Urges Residents Affected by Hurricane Sandy to Stay Safe as Cold Weather Approaches

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is urging residents to be safe as cold weather blankets the United States, including areas recently impacted by Hurricane Sandy. According to the NOAA National Weather Service, a coastal storm is expected to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast beginning after midnight Tuesday night and continue through Thursday night, with clearing expected by Friday. Impacts to the effected regions include; strong gusty northerly winds of 20-30 mph with gusts of 40-45 mph, rain of 1 to 2.5 inches along the coast, with lesser amounts inland possible, light wintry precipitation is possible inland, and coastal flooding/beach erosion along the New York/New Jersey coast. USFA urges everyone to monitor NOAA weather radio and local news reports for the latest storm conditions and take the necessary precautions to keep safe.

“As the cold weather approaches and residents are taking measures to stay warm, remember to take safety precautions,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernie Mitchell.

Cooking and home heating are the leading causes of residential building fires during periods of cold weather. The risk of fires also increases with the use of supplemental heating, such as space heaters.  Carbon monoxide (CO) is also a serious threat in cold weather. Any fuel-burning appliances in the home, including furnaces and fireplaces, are a potential CO source. Carbon monoxide is called the “invisible killer,” because it is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are an important line of defense in the home, and they give consumers valuable escape time.  About two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or in homes where consumers have removed the alarm’s batteries or where the batteries are dead.

The USFA recommends that in addition to having working smoke and CO alarms, all residents should follow these safety tips to prevent fires and CO poisoning during the recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy:

Preventing Fires

  • Do not enter a building when the smell of natural gas is detected.  Leave the building immediately and contact the fire department.
  • Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
  • Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
  • Make sure your alternative heaters have ‘tip switches.’ These ‘tip switches’ are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
  • Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
  • Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
  • Refuel heaters only outdoors.
  • Make sure wood stoves are properly operating, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
  • Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items
  • Place space heaters on a floor that is flat and level. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets.  Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture, and other flammable materials; and place space heaters out of the flow of foot traffic.  Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
  • To prevent the risk of fire, NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or place a space heater close to any sleeping person.  Turn the heater off when you leave the area.
  • Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
  • Store fireplace ashes in a fire-resistant container, and cover the container with a lid.  Keep the container outdoors and away from combustibles. Dispose of ashes carefully, keeping them away from dry leaves, trash or other combustible materials.
  • Never bring gasoline into a building. 

Preventing CO poisoning

  • Schedule a yearly professional inspection of all fuel-burning home heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents. 
  • NEVER operate a portable gasoline-powered generator in an enclosed space, such as a garage, shed, or crawlspace, or in the home.
  • Keep portable generators as far away from your home and your neighbors’ homes as possible – away from open doors, windows or vents that could allow deadly carbon monoxide into the home.
  • When purchasing a space heater, ask the salesperson whether the heater has been safety-certified. A certified heater will have a safety certification mark. These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features.  An unvented gas space heater that meets current safety standards will shut off if oxygen levels fall too low.
  • Do not use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space, unless they are designed specifically for indoor use.  Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use.
  • Never use gas or electric stoves to heat the home. They are not intended for that purpose and can pose a CO or fire hazard.

For further information regarding these safety tips or other post hurricane safety recommendations, visit www.fema.gov or www.ready.gov.    

As an entity of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the United States Fire Administration is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness, and response.

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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U.S. Fire Administration Urges Residents Affected by Hurricane Sandy to Stay Safe as Cold Weather Approaches

Preliminary Flood Maps in Tarrant County, TX Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in Tarrant County, Texas, are encouraged to look

over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

Tarrant County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary

maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks

and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move

forward with any development..

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the county, we ask that

everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said FEMA Region 6 Acting

Administrator Tony Robinson “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is

very important.”

To view the new flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) who may be located at

City Hall or the local courthouse.

• To view the preliminary map online visit, http://maps.riskmap6.com/TX/Tarrant/.
• To use a live chat service, visit go.usa.gov/r6C.  Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to

FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood

Insurance Program (NFIP).  Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to gather information about this

relatively low-cost federally backed insurance.  Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an

agent in your area.

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.

Link – 

Preliminary Flood Maps in Tarrant County, TX Ready for Public View

Less Than 6 Months Before Flood Maps are Effective in St. Helena Parish

DENTON, Texas – In less than six months, on April 2, 2013, new flood maps for St. Helena Parish, La., will

become effective.  Before the maps are final, state, local and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view

the maps to understand their flood risk and consider purchasing flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured

loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or

coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by

the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the predominant natural disaster in the United States and only flood insurance covers these

unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA

Region 6 Acting Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.”

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, please contact your local

floodplain administrator (FPA) who may be located in the St. Helena Parish Offices or in your City Hall.
 
FEMA Map specialists and Flood Insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached

by phone and online chat:

• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to

FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com
• To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C.  Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
• For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, flood facts and to locate an agent in your

area, visit www.FloodSmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the

program. Participation in the NFIP can assure a faster recovery in the event of a devastating flood.  

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.

Link: 

Less Than 6 Months Before Flood Maps are Effective in St. Helena Parish

The Federal Family and Partners Continue to Support States Affected by Storm

More than $120 million in Individual Assistance Approved for Disaster Survivors

WASHINGTON – At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to lead the federal government’s effort to provide assistance and support to states affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, ensuring the federal family and its public and private partners continue to provide all available resources to support state, local, territorial and tribal communities in affected areas.  This morning, the President convened a briefing at that National Response Coordination Center at FEMA headquarters to receive the latest update on federal efforts to support state and local response and recovery activities. At FEMA, the President was joined by cabinet members and other senior officials from his team. During the briefing the President heard directly from Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, as well as borough presidents and mayors from across the affected area, who joined by phone.

Today, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano traveled to West Virginia and Long Island, New York to meet with state and local officials and discuss ongoing response and recovery efforts to Hurricane Sandy.  Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan joined officials from FEMA, the Department of Transportation and the Army Corps of Engineers in Hoboken, Newark, and Jersey City, N.J., as well as Staten Island, N.Y. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan visited public housing developments in the Rockaways and toured Breezy Point, N.Y. Secretary Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius visited hospital workers, residents impacted by the storm, and local officials in the Manhattan and Brooklyn boroughs of New York City. Small Business Administrator Karen Mills joined Governor Dannel Malloy and other state and local officials, and small business owners in Norwalk and Bridgeport, Conn.

As of 3:00 p.m. today, more than 139,000 individuals in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have registered for assistance, and more than $120 million has been approved in FEMA Assistance.  Disaster Recovery Centers continue to open in the hardest hit areas. Seven Disaster Recovery Centers are open in New York, two in New Jersey and three in Connecticut, and more continue to open. Additional disaster recovery centers are being planned. Specialists from the state, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. To find a disaster recovery center location, check out the disaster recovery center locator at FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by mobile phone at m.fema.gov.   The first step to receiving assistance is by registering with FEMA. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.  The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.  Those in affected areas with access to the internet may register by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or online at www.disasterassistance.gov.  FEMA is asking that those with ability to register online do so to keep phone lines open for those without connectivity and to share this information with friends and neighbors. 

For those who are unable to return home, states, tribes, localities and the Red Cross continue to operate emergency shelters along the East Coast.  As of last night, more than 280 shelters across 9 states supporting more than 17,700 residents.  To find a shelter, people can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check local media outlets. You may also text SHELTER and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA).

FEMA also has activated, at the request of the states, its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for New York and New Jersey. This program allows eligible survivors who are in shelters and cannot return to their homes due to damages caused by Hurricane Sandy to stay in participating hotels or motels until more suitable housing accommodations are available.  

“Individuals are registering for disaster assistance all the time, which means we’re getting more help directly to the survivors of this storm,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Impacted residents and business owners in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey can apply for federal assistance by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), via mobile devices at m.fema.gov or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.”

Residents are experiencing long lines at gas stations in the impacted areas and it will take some time for the region’s fuel supply chain to get back to full capacity.  We are taking immediate steps that will provide relief in the short term at the President’s direction, and working with the National Guard and the Governors of New York and New Jersey. The Defense Logistics Agency is providing much needed fuel to the region, which will be moved directly into the most impacted areas in close coordination with state and local partners.

The national task force, established at the direction of the President continues to work to restore power to people as quickly possible and address fuel shortages. Members include Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Energy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and representatives from the private sector and local law enforcement. 

The Department of Energy is working with industry partners to ensure that the infrastructure to deliver petroleum is up and running to meet fuel demands.  Normal operations have already resumed at two major refineries in Delaware and New Jersey, and pipeline companies have restored services to six pipelines servicing New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and north to Maine. Yesterday, the President declared that Hurricane Sandy has created a severe energy supply interruption and directed the Energy Department to loan DoD ultra-low sulfur diesel.

Yesterday, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) was directed to purchase up to 12 million gallons of unleaded fuel and up to 10 million gallons of diesel fuel for distribution in areas impacted by the storm to supplement ongoing emergency work and private sector efforts.  Fuel has begun to be distributed throughout New York, New Jersey and other communities impacted by the storm. The federal government also has provided hundreds of generators to help critical infrastructure sites and fuel stations operate until full power is restored. 

Today, Secretary Napolitano announced the expansion of the temporary, blanket waiver of the Jones Act, issued yesterday, to also facilitate the transportation of feedstocks, blending components, and additives used to produce fuels. As a result of impacts caused by Hurricane Sandy, yesterday Secretary Napolitano issued a temporary, blanket waiver of the Jones Act to immediately allow additional oil tankers coming from the Gulf of Mexico to enter Northeastern ports, to provide additional fuel resources to the region. This will provide more fuel to the region.  The U.S. Coast Guard’s continuing efforts are focused on removing all restrictions on vessel movement in the Port of New York and New Jersey, as well as its associated waterways, approaches, and anchorages, and to facilitate the delivery of fuel and other critical commodities.  In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act, earlier this week, to temporarily waive certain federal gasoline requirements for gas sold and distributed in more than a dozen states.  This waiver will help ensure an adequate supply of fuels in the impacted states.

To assist with the metropolitan flood fight, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues to aggressively support a de-watering mission of critical infrastructure at the direction of FEMA. De-watering pumps have been deployed and additional large capacity pumps are en route. Teams are in place at critical areas around the New York City vicinity, as identified by local officials and pumping water operations are underway.  Additional USACE teams are at ports and the waterways in both New Jersey and New York clearing debris, and technical assistance personnel have been deployed to support emergency temporary power operations. 

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, if needed and requested.  In advance of the storm, FEMA and the Department of Defense established Incident Support Bases (ISBs) in Westover, Mass. and Lakehurst, New Jersey to pre-position supplies including water, meals, blankets and other resources closer to impacted areas.  An additional ISB has been established at Lakehurst Naval Air Station to focus on temporary emergency power, to serve as a staging area for generators from FEMA, the Department of Defense, General Services Administration (GSA) and other agencies throughout the country.  Seven federal staging areas are also operating in affected areas.  As of 4 p.m., more than 2.9 million liters of water and more than 2.3 million meals have been transferred to states to supplement their existing inventory.

In support of New York and New Jersey, FEMA has transferred resources such as food, water, and fuel to the state to distribute to individuals at Points of Distribution (POD) sites. Points of Distribution are centralized points where supplies are delivered and the public travels to the site to pick up commodities following a disaster or emergency. The state, in coordination with local governments, identifies the location of the PODs which are currently operating in hard-hit disaster areas. Individuals should contact their local emergency management for more information.

More than 4,400 FEMA personnel are working to support response operations, including search and rescue, situational awareness, communications and logistical support in states affected by the storm.  Community relations teams are on the ground in the hardest hit areas of the Mid-Atlantic going door-to-door to inform disaster survivors about available services and resources and to gather situational awareness.  FEMA continues to coordinate with the federal family to deploy and mobilize hundreds of staff from various federal agencies to support community relations and operational activities. More than 1,400 housing inspectors are on the ground, meeting with disaster survivors to identify damages to homes, to further expedite assistance to individuals.   

Today, the President expanded the Rhode Island declaration to include assistance for 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 in the counties of Bristol, Newport, and Washington. Earlier in the week, the President signed federal emergency declarations for Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.  This allows FEMA to provide resources directly to state, tribal and local government engaged in life-saving and sustaining activities.

Federal and state personnel are on the ground to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments in several states.  These assessments are designed to give the governor of each state a better picture of damages, and to determine if a request for further federal support is needed. Other assessments may be scheduled as needed and requested.

In addition, the following federal activities are also being coordinated:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has more than 120 employees on the ground in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  As of November 2, the SBA has issued more than 100,000 disaster loan applications to residents and businesses in the three declared states. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property.  Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has 924 national service members that have been deployed to seven states, with more than 850 more on standby for assignments.  These duties include assisting with shelter operations, call centers, debris removal, and mass care in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.  Members include AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and 41 of 42 FEMA Corps teams.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s continuing efforts are focused on removing all restrictions on vessel movement in the Port of New York and New Jersey, as well as its associated waterways, approaches, and anchorages, and to facilitate the delivery of fuel and other critical commodities. 

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has purchased millions of gallons of unleaded and diesel fuel that is being distributed in areas throughout New York, New Jersey and other communities impacted by the storm to supplement ongoing private sector efforts. 

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that national emergency grant funds will be awarded to both New Jersey and New York to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts. More than $15.5 million will be available to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to assist with the restoration of public lands and infrastructure while also providing temporary work to those in need of employment.  More than $27.7 million will be available to the New York Department of Labor to assist with the restoration of public lands and infrastructure.  

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved temporary fuel waivers to assist states impacted by Hurricane Sandy. EPA has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain federal clean gasoline requirements for gasoline sold and distributed in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, District of Columbia, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The waiver was granted by EPA in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE).  On November 1, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy, expanded the emergency waiver of the Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel specifications to allow the use of high-sulfur heating oil in diesel-powered highway and non-road equipment in addition to non-road vehicles in New Jersey. The waiver will be in effect through November 20.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is making $17 million in quick-release emergency relief funds immediately available to New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island to help begin repairing the damage to roads, bridges, and tunnels. Assessments continue throughout the Northeast to determine the full extent of the damage.

The Department of Energy (DOE) continues to work closely with FEMA, and in support of state, tribal, and local officials as the electric industry engages in power restoration efforts.  Daily Situation Reports that detail the storm’s impacts and the restoration activities being taken by the energy sector are available at www.doe.gov.    

The Internal Revenue Service recently announced it is granting taxpayers and tax preparers affected by Hurricane Sandy until Nov. 7 to file returns and accompanying payments normally due on October 31.

The Department of Defense (DoD) continues to coordinate with FEMA, U.S. Northern Command and the National Guard Bureau on providing lifesaving and life sustaining assets to FEMA and governors, as requested, and is available for disaster response to support recovery efforts.  

U.S. Northern Command Regional Defense Coordinating Officers (DCO), and portions of the Defense Coordinating Element (DCE) remain on the ground to validate, plan and coordinate Department of Defense (DoD) support of FEMA’s response operations and to facilitate DOD support of life-saving and response operations. Today, in support of power restoration efforts, Air Mobility Command heavy airlift aircraft supported movement of 61 power restoration vehicles, associated equipment, non-medical personnel and cargo from Travis and March Air Force Bases, Cal., to Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is coordinating with FEMA and affected states to identify housing providers who may have available housing units, including public housing agencies and multi-family owners.  HUD is also speeding federal disaster assistance to Connecticut, New York and New Jersey to provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes in the most heavily impacted areas.  The President’s major disaster declarations for Connecticut, New York and New Jersey allow HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to some families in the designated counties.  This week, HUD also announced it will speed federal disaster assistance to the State of New Jersey, State of New York and State of Connecticut and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes due to Hurricane Sandy.

 

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

 

Follow FEMA online at 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 are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications. 

 

See original: 

The Federal Family and Partners Continue to Support States Affected by Storm

President Obama Signs Rhode Island Major Disaster Declaration

Contact: FEMA Region I News Desk
Phone:  617-513-2582

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to Rhode Island to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy during the period of October 26-31, 2012.

Federal funding is 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 Hurricane Sandy in the counties of Bristol, Newport, and Washington.

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

James N. Russo has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Russo said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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

Follow FEMA online at 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.

Original article: 

President Obama Signs Rhode Island Major Disaster Declaration

Make Smart Decisions with Hurricane Recovery Funds

BATON ROUGE, La. – With more than $113 million in Individual Assistance already in the hands of Louisiana’s Hurricane Isaac survivors, federal officials have some advice: Resist the urge to splurge.

“After a period of deprivation and stress, it’s natural for storm survivors to want to indulge in a few luxuries,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “But state and federal disaster assistance is meant to help people pay for necessities, to help them get back on their feet.”

Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for emergency repairs on damaged homes, temporary housing, or other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources.

A letter explaining a payment’s purpose will arrive within a day or two of the check or direct deposit payment. If survivors use payments on anything other than their intended purpose, they may have to repay those funds — and might not be able to receive future disaster assistance.

“Survivors have to make smart decisions with their recovery funds,” Stolar said. “Recovery money can be a foundation on which to build a better future.”
Survivors who have not yet registered may do so online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers 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.

From – 

Make Smart Decisions with Hurricane Recovery Funds

Federal Aid Programs for State of Connecticut 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 Connecticut.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

  • Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable.  Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters.  Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements.  (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
  • Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.  (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
  • Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.   (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)
  • Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals.  (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)
  • Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance.  Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses.  Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance.  (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
  • Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact.  This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
  • Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence.  (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
  • Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans benefits and social security matters.

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, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  (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:

  • Those in the county designated for assistance to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday until further notice.  Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.
  • Application procedures for local and state 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 mitigation 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 to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at 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.

Continue at source: 

Federal Aid Programs for State of Connecticut Disaster Recovery

President Declares Major Disaster for New York

Contact: FEMA Region II News Desk
571-405-1882

WASHINGTON — 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 New York and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy beginning on October 27, 2012, and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk, and Queens counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.        

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk, and Queens counties.

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

Michael F. Byrne has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Byrne said damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated county can begin applying for assistance starting tomorrow by registering online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice. 

Follow FEMA online at 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. 

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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President Declares Major Disaster for New York

Federal Aid Programs for State of New York 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 New York.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

  • Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable.  Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters.  Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements.  (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
  • Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.  (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
  • Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.   (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the state.)
  • Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals.  (Source: FEMA funded; state administered.)
  • Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance.  Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses.  Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance.  (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
  • Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact.  This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
  • Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence.  (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
  • Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans benefits and social security matters.

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

  • Those in the county designated for assistance to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday until further notice.  Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.
  • Application procedures for local and state 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 mitigation 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 to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at 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.

 

More: 

Federal Aid Programs for State of New York Disaster Recovery

$50 Million in Debris Removal Funding Approved for Plaquemines and St. John Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La. – For scores of Louisiana communities battered by Hurricane Isaac, clearing out piles of debris has been one of the most difficult and time-consuming challenges. Through hard work and persistence over the past two months, debris piles are dwindling and, in many cases, disappearing altogether.

With bills from cleanup crews now reaching the local parishes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working to fulfill its role in the process: getting supplementary federal funding through the state into local coffers. FEMA does not perform the actual debris removal work; it reimburses the local governments that contract for the eligible work.
On Monday, FEMA announced it has issued more than $50 million in Public Assistance (PA) grants for reimbursement of debris removal costs for Plaquemines and St. John parishes, two of the hardest hit in Louisiana.  

The total includes the largest-to-date PA grant in Louisiana for Hurricane Isaac, amounting to about $29 million for right-of-way debris removal in Plaquemines Parish. An additional grant, for nearly $19 million, has also been awarded to reimburse the parish for private property debris removal there.

Meanwhile, a PA grant totaling about $3.5 million has been awarded to St. John Parish for right-of-way debris removal.

“The parishes have made significant progress in their efforts to clean up and remove tons of debris caused by Hurricane Isaac,” said Gerard M. Stolar, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer. “FEMA is helping to support our parish partners with millions of dollars in supplemental funding.”  

Under FEMA’s PA program, the agency 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.

For debris removal to be eligible the work must be necessary to:

  • Eliminate an immediate threat to lives, public health and safety,
  • Eliminate immediate threats of significant damage to improved public and private property when the measures are cost effective, or
  • Ensure the economic recovery of the affected community to the benefit of the community-at-large.

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.

Originally posted here:  

$50 Million in Debris Removal Funding Approved for Plaquemines and St. John Parishes

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