Federal Agencies Actively Engaged in Response and Recovery Operations throughout the Southeast United States

FEMA Urges Residents Affected by Flooding in North Carolina to Register for Assistance
 

WASHINGTON – As life-threatening flooding throughout the eastern Carolinas continues, Federal agencies remain active in supporting a wide array of response and recovery efforts throughout the Southeast United States.

On October 10, President Obama signed a major disaster declaration for North Carolina, allowing residents in declared areas of the state to register for FEMA assistance that may 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 Hurricane Matthew. Federal funding is also available to state and eligible tribal and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for debris removal and emergency protective measures for declared areas.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in North Carolina can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.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 will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice. 

At the President’s direction, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is leading the federal government’s response efforts to provide assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. There are more than 1,500 FEMA personnel on the ground supporting response and recovery efforts including Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams; and seven Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs). There are three Urban Search & Rescue teams working in North Carolina actively conducting rescues and another team on standby in South Carolina.

Today, President Obama signed a major disaster declaration for the state of South Carolina. This is in addition to the major declarations issued for Florida and Georgia making federal funding available to state and eligible tribal and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for debris removal and emergency protective measures for declared areas. Damage assessments are underway and additional designations and forms of assistance may be added at a later date.

Additionally, FEMA is transporting pre-positioned commodities to affected areas as requests are submitted. More than 6.9 million meals; 4.3 million liters of water; 89,000 blankets; and 522 generators were made available for state, tribal and local officials to distribute to individuals. Thus far, states have received the following commodities:

  • Florida: More than 4.4 million meals; 1.2 million liters of water; 17,200 blankets; 128 Generators;
  • Georgia: More than 875,000 meals, 930,000 liters of water; 245 Generators;
  • North Carolina: More than 1.4 million meals; 1.95 million liters of water; 49,000  blankets; 148 Generators; and,
  • South Carolina: More than 267,000 meals; 400,000 liters of water; 4,400 blankets.

Survivors in affected areas who have flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and whose property suffered flood damage are encouraged to contact their local insurance agency or company to file a flood insurance claim. When calling, they should have their policy number and a telephone number/email address where they can be reached. Policyholders affected by Hurricane Matthew are also now eligible for advanced payments under their flood insurance policy. 

Policyholders with additional questions about filing a claim or about their NFIP policy can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 and press option “2.”  For a TTY line, call 800-462-7585. The line is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT Monday to Friday.

Ongoing Federal Response and Recovery Efforts:

The National Guard continues to support states impacted by Hurricane Matthew. During the next 24 hours, the total number of Guardsmen is decreasing from approximately 8,000 to 6,000; however the number of activations in North Carolina will increase as flooding concerns continue.

The American Red Cross continues providing shelter throughout the affected areas. Nearly 4,800 people stayed in 90 Red Cross and community shelters. Although sheltering numbers are decreasing in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, shelter numbers increased overnight for North Carolina as additional flooding occurs. The American Red Cross has more than 3,000 trained disaster workers on the ground in addition to 155 pre-positioned response vehicles and more than 100 trailer loads filled water, ready-to-eat meals, shelter and kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies and comfort kits, insect repellant, gloves, masks, shovels, rakes, coolers and more. As conditions permit, Red Cross response vehicles will begin circulating through the hardest hit areas to begin delivering food and relief supplies. For Hurricane Matthew shelter locations, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-768-8048.  The American Red Cross still has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations as Hurricane Matthew has forced the cancellation of many blood drives. Residents who are in an unaffected area, are encouraged to give blood or platelets, to help patients in the affected areas with great need. Go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced recovery assistance in the form of low-interest disaster loans are now available to North Carolina survivors and businesses affected by Hurricane Matthew. SBA’s Field Operations Center staff also joined FEMA, state and local officials today to assist conducting Preliminary Damage Assessments in both Florida and South Carolina.

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance teams are deployed to Haiti, Jamaica and the Bahamas and are working with local authorities to coordinate relief efforts. Updates on the status operations throughout the Caribbean are available on travel.state.gov and on individual Embassy websites.  U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad are encouraged to enroll their travel plans on the agency’s website using the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and to read the “Country Specific” information also found on the site.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) deployed more than 500 AmeriCorps members, including FEMA Corps, to areas affected by Hurricane Matthew. These deployments include 59 teams of FEMA Corps members – 471 AmeriCorps members in total – that have been pre-staged to support FEMA’s response to affected states. An additional 90 AmeriCorps members are supporting shelter and emergency operations in Florida and South Carolina. CNCS is coordinating with local partners in each state, including governor-appointed state service commissions and voluntary organizations, to support state emergency operations and volunteer response efforts. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages producers with crops insured under the Federal crop insurance program to immediately contact their local crop insurance agent to report any damage to insured crops after the storm. For assistance with Rural Development financed housing, business or community assistance information, and to get help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service for debris removal, click here. Additional disaster resource information as well as food safety, livestock and pet guidance is available at www.usda.gov. USDA Foods’ inventories have been requested from all potentially impacted state agencies, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) staff is prepared to respond to any state requests for disaster SNAP and/or other SNAP-related needs. Additional information about USDA’s disaster assistance resources is available here.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) deployed more than 100 personnel in response to Hurricane Matthew. USACE is supporting temporary power restoration, coast engineering-damage assessments, emergency operation center activations and dam inspections. USACE military leadership remain engaged at state emergency operations centers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The Temporary Emergency Power support for North Carolina includes members of the 249th Engineer Battalion and Power Planning and Readiness Teams who manage and install generators. Personnel supporting power missions in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia have been released. Coastal Engineers continue damage assessments in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The dam inspections are occurring on 83 privately-owned dams in South Carolina. Debris and temporary roofing subject matter experts continue performing ground assessments along impacted state coastal areas. USACE is also participating in port surveys in coordination with the Coast Guard. USACE has deployed our Public Health and Safety Officer to FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) who is working on Zika virus related issues connected with the recession of flood waters in support of the Department of Health and Human Services. Seven of USACE’s emergency operations centers remain activated in the affected areas.

U.S. Northern Command continues to support seven Incident Support Bases and Federal Staging Areas in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia to support federal and state resources needed for response. Additionally, Defense Coordinating Officers and Defense Coordinating Elements remain in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, along with a Defense Coordinating Officer in Virginia. Dual-status commanders are designated in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

A 46-member Disaster Medical Assistance Team from the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) continues to provide medical support to a hospital in Brevard County, Florida, assisting with a surge in demand for emergency department services. Approximately 570 personnel from the National Disaster Medical System, U.S. Public Health Service, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response remain activated and another 350 are on alert ready to assist in other communities as needed, particularly as rivers crest after the storm. HHS agencies continue to promote public health messaging and tips on staying healthy after the storm at www.phe.gov/hurricanematthew and www.cdc.gov.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued an official memo to impacted states regarding immigration enforcement activities.  The message notifies the public that there will be no immigration enforcement initiatives associated with evacuations or sheltering related to Hurricane Matthew, including the use of checkpoints for immigration enforcement purposes in impacted areas during an evacuation.  The message has been translated in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Additionally, CRCL and FEMA ODIC holding daily calls of the Interagency Coordinating Council on Individuals with Disabilities (ICC) to share information and resources with interagency partners on any issues impacting individuals with disabilities in the affected states.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services encourages those whose application, petition or immigration status may be impacted by Hurricane Matthew to call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 (TDD for the deaf and hard of hearing: 800-767-1833) to learn how to request certain types of relief. For more information, click here.

The U.S. Coast Guard continues working with the U.S. Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), local port authorities, and other partners to reopen the Georgia ports of Savannah and Brunswick. The teams are surveying channel depths to ensure safe navigation for commercial vessels. The Coast Guard also continues to assist in search and rescue efforts and remains poised to assist in future rescue efforts from those affected by Hurricane Matthew to ensure the safety of individuals that may be in distress from this storm. Additional information for Haiti operations and ongoing support for the Brunswick and Savannah, Georgia ports is being updated online.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) continues working with energy partners in affected areas as power restoration continues. Requirements for restoration vary state-by-state and with local jurisdictions, which may cause delays for some communities and neighborhoods.  As power is being restored to communities affected by Hurricane Matthew, it is important to note that structural inspections are required before any damaged homes can start receiving power. DOE is providing daily situational updates on power outages and restoration throughout the affected area.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) deployed housing assessment teams in each affected state.  The teams are compiling damage data on all of HUD’s Multifamily and Public Housing apartments.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s United States Geological Survey (USGS) is now focusing on historic inland flooding in North Carolina. Personnel from 40 crews continue to collect the surge sensors and gages that identify high water marks in the affected states.  USGS has additional crews making flood measurements and repairing stream gages damaged by river flooding.  The overall storm totals were 393 sensors at 290 locations, making the Matthew deployment the largest in USGS history.  Sensor recovery operations in GA and SC may be completed by early Wednesday.  Sensor recovery in NC is underway and may be completed late Wednesday. Crews there are actively responding to the period-of-record riverine flooding that in some cases rivals or exceed Hurricane Floyd peaks. Some areas are devastated with access problems and no food or gas nearby. Safety is the top priority. Information on all sensors and gages is available online.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service reports that 10 Atlantic coast national park units in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina remain closed in the wake of Hurricane Matthew as the NPS continues to determine the extent of damage caused by the storm’s wind and water. The NPS deployed its Eastern Incident Management Team to Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve to coordinate and oversee the assessment and recovery operations at all of the affected parks. NPS deployed more than 130 personnel for Hurricane Matthew response.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that 19 wildlife refuges and two fish hatcheries remain closed until it is safe for staff to return.

The U.S. Department of Justice deployed 77 federal law enforcement personnel in the affected states, with an additional 50 personnel on stand-by for assignment, if necessary.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to conduct oil and hazardous material field assessments. In Florida, EPA completed more than 100 field assessments, reporting no hazardous materials. Additionally, EPA is working with affected states to incorporate debris assignments.

The Federal Aviation Administration posted and is updating information on temporary flight restrictions for unmanned aircrafts and other aircraft operations.

The Federal Communications Commission continues monitoring the status of communications networks, and coordinating with providers and government partners on communications status and restoration throughout the affected areas.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration divisions in the southern region continue working with contact permitting agencies & commercial motor vehicle law enforcement agencies in their states to assist with necessary emergency waivers and permits.

To report a missing child, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-866-908-9570. Anyone who finds an unaccompanied child who may have been separated from their parents or caregivers because of the hurricane, can enter basic information and/or a photo into the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Unaccompanied Minors Registry or call 1-866-908-9570.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration deployed about a dozen personnel from division offices to assist with the storm response.  Bridge and road inspectors will make damage assessments in affected areas are beginning.

The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service announced today that North Carolina storm victims will have until March 15, 2017, to file certain individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments, with similar relief expected soon for Hurricane Matthew victims in other states. For more information, go to Tax Relief in Disaster Situations on www.IRS.gov.

Up-to-date information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities is available.

FEMA advises anyone in the impacted areas looking to help or assist with response and recovery efforts can get involved by contacting their American Red Cross chapter or their local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) chapter to connect to many organizations working on the ground that are in need of volunteers. To get in touch with the local VOAD in the affected areas, visit:

For additional information, imagery, graphics and b-roll from FEMA, click here.

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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 FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Source article: 

Federal Agencies Actively Engaged in Response and Recovery Operations throughout the Southeast United States

Federal Government Continues to Ramp Up Resources and Support to Affected States

Residents Urged to Stay off of Flooded Roads, Clean up Begins in Some Areas
 

WASHINGTON –The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its partners continue to mobilize additional resources and personnel to support state and local efforts as record rains and flooding remains a significant concern for public safety.  Local and federal officials are also working to clear debris from major roads, ensure coastal ports are safe to re-open and support efforts to restore power in affected areas.   

At the direction of President Obama, FEMA is leading the federal government’s efforts to provide assistance and support in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Recovery efforts are under way in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina and response efforts continue in North Carolina, including thousands of water rescues supported by federal responders and assets in the state.

There are more than 800 FEMA personnel on the ground supporting response and recovery efforts including Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams; and seven Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs). There are three active Urban Search & Rescue teams with seven additional teams on standby, if needed. To date, USAR teams have conducted 75 rescues.

FEMA is transporting prepositioned commodities to affected areas as requests are submitted. More than 5.2 million meals, 3.7 million liters of water, and 72,000 blankets for state, were made available for state, tribal and local officials to distribute to individuals should they be requested by states. Thus far, states have received the following commodities:

  • Florida: More than 3 million meals; 800,000 million liters of water;
  • Georgia: More than 580,000 meals, 649,000 liters of water; 17,200 blankets;
  • North Carolina: More than 1.39 million meals; 1.85 million liters of water; 49,000 blankets; 
  • South Carolina: More than 267,000 meals; 400,000 liters of water; 4,400 blankets.

The National Business Emergency Operation Center (NBEOC) continues to coordinate with more than 375 national businesses about the effects of Hurricane Matthew and flooding.  Businesses are encouraged to use established social media hashtags to report public safety concerns, share local access areas that remain close or inaccessible, and the status of reopening business hours. The hashtags are:  Florida: #FLOpen4Biz; Georgia: #GAOpen4Biz; South Carolina: #SCOpen4Biz; and North Carolina: #NCOpen4Biz.

On Saturday, October 8, President Obama signed major disaster declarations for Florida and Georgia making federal funding available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for debris removal and emergency protective measures for affected areas. Damage assessments are underway and additional designations and forms of assistance may be added at a later date.

Ongoing Support and Preparedness Efforts:

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance teams are deployed to Haiti, Jamaica and the Bahamas and are working with local authorities to coordinate relief efforts. Updates on the status operations throughout the Caribbean are available on travel.state.gov and on individual Embassy websites.  U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad are encouraged to enroll their travel plans on the agency’s website using the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and to read the “Country Specific” information also found on the site.

The National Guard continues support to states impacted by Hurricane Matthew. Additional Guard members are now activated in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia to assist with high water transport. The number of total Guard personnel on duty is expected to drop from more than 8,000 Sunday to approximately 7,500 today.

The American Red Cross continues supporting a massive shelter operation in the affected areas. Nearly 7,000 people stayed the night in 156 Red Cross and community shelters in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. The American Red Cross has more than 3,000 trained disaster workers on the ground in addition to 149 pre-positioned response vehicles and 100 trailer loads filled water, ready-to-eat meals, shelter and kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies and comfort kits, insect repellant, gloves, masks, shovels, rakes, coolers and more. For Hurricane Matthew shelter locations, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-768-8048. The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations as Hurricane Matthew has forced the cancellation of many blood drives. Residents who are in an unaffected area, are encouraged to give blood or platelets, to help patients in the affected areas with great need. Go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) deployed more than 500 AmeriCorps members, including FEMA Corps, to areas affected by Hurricane Matthew. These deployments include 59 teams of FEMA Corps members – 471 AmeriCorps members in total – that have been pre-staged to support FEMA’s response to affected states. An additional 90 AmeriCorps members are supporting shelter and emergency operations in Florida and South Carolina. CNCS is coordinating with local partners in each state, including governor-appointed state service commissions and voluntary organizations, to support state emergency operations and volunteer response efforts. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages producers with crops insured under the Federal crop insurance program to immediately contact their local crop insurance agent to report any damage to insured crops after the storm. For assistance with Rural Development financed housing, business or community assistance information, and to get help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service for debris removal, visit here. Additional disaster resource information as well as food safety, livestock and pet guidance is available at www.usda.gov. USDA Foods’ inventories have been requested from all potentially impacted state agencies, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) staff is prepared to respond to any state requests for disaster SNAP and/or other SNAP-related needs. Additional information about USDA’s disaster assistance resources is available here.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues to engage in dam safety inspections throughout South Carolina, testing more than 80 privately-owned dams at the state’s request. USACE also continues to support damage assessments to coastal regions.

U.S. Northern Command continues to support seven Incident Support Bases and Federal Staging Areas in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia to support federal and state resources needed for response. Additionally, Defense Coordinating Officers and Defense Coordinating Elements remain in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, along with a Defense Coordinating Officer in Virginia. Dual-status commanders are designated in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Members of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Disaster Medical Assistance Team from Pennsylvania continue providing medical support to a hospital in Brevard County, Florida, assisting with a surge in demand for emergency department services. More than 700 personnel from the National Disaster Medical System, U.S. Public Health Service, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response remain pre-positioned or on alert ready to assist in other communities as needed. HHS agencies, continue to promote public health messaging and staying healthy after the storm at www.phe.gov/hurricanematthew and www.cdc.gov.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with FEMA, issued an official memo to impacted states regarding immigration enforcement activities. The DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), in coordination with FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination and FEMA’s Office for Equal Rights, issued a notice to ensure that individuals and communities affected by the disaster do not face unlawful discrimination in the provision of federally assisted services. Additionally, CRCL and FEMA ODIC holding daily calls of the Interagency Coordinating Council on Individuals with Disabilities (ICC) to share information and resources with interagency partners on any issues impacting individuals with disabilities in the affected states.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services encourages those whose application, petition or immigration status may be impacted by Hurricane Matthew to call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 (TDD for the deaf and hard of hearing: 800-767-1833) to learn how to request certain types of relief. For more information, visit here.

The U.S. Coast Guard continues working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA, local port authorities, and other partners to reopen the Georgia ports of Savannah and Brunswick. The teams are surveying channel depths to ensure safe navigation for commercial vessels.

The Coast Guard also continues to assist in search and rescue efforts and remains poised to assist in future rescue efforts from those affected by Hurricane Matthew to ensure the safety of individuals that may be in distress from this storm.

The U.S. Department of Energy continues working with energy partners in affected areas as power restoration continues. Requirements for restoration vary state-by-state and with local jurisdictions, which may cause delays for some communities and neighborhoods.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development deployed housing assessment teams in each affected state.  The teams are compiling damage data on all of HUD’s Multifamily and Public Housing apartments.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s United States Geological Survey deployed more than 40 teams to the affected areas to collect the surge sensors and gages that identify high water marks. USGS has additional crews making flood measurements and repairing stream gages damaged by river flooding.  USGS is placing employee safety as the top priority.  Access issues in some locations and continued significant flooding are impacting field work efforts. Information on all sensors and gages is available online.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service reports that nine Atlantic coast national parks in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina remain closed in the wake of Hurricane Matthew as the NPS continues to determine the extent of damage caused by the storm’s wind and water. The NPS has deployed its Eastern Incident Management Team to Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve to coordinate and oversee the assessment and recovery operations at all of the affected parks.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that 20 wildlife refuges are closed and each will remain so until it is safe for staff to return. 

The Department of Justice deployed 77 federal law enforcement personnel in the affected states, with an additional 50 personnel on stand-by for assignment, if necessary.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to conduct oil and hazardous material field assessments. In Florida, EPA completed more than 100 field assessments, reporting no hazardous materials. Additionally, EPA is working with affected states to incorporate debris assignments.

The Federal Communications Commission continues monitoring the status of communications networks and coordinating with providers and government partners on communications status and restoration throughout the affected areas.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) divisions in the southern region continue working with contact permitting agencies & commercial motor vehicle law enforcement agencies in their states to assist with necessary emergency waivers and permits.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) deployed staff to Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to support FEMA efforts to establish Joint Field Offices and Disaster Response Centers.  GSA assessment teams are preparing to survey potential damage to federal facilities and will ensure any necessary repairs are undertaken quickly.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) activated its Unaccompanied Minors Registry (UMR). Family members can go to https://umr.missingkids.org or call 1-800-THE-LOST to find unaccompanied children who may have been separated from parents or caregivers because of the floods, by entering basic information and/or a photo.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration deployed about a dozen personnel from division offices to assist with the storm response.  Bridge and road inspectors will make damage assessments in affected areas are beginning.

The Department of Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) latest guidance for taxpayers affected by Hurricane Matthew. 

Up-to-date information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities is available.

FEMA advises anyone in the impacted areas looking to help or assist with response and recovery efforts can get involved by contacting their American Red Cross chapter or their local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) chapter to connect to many organizations working on the ground that are in need of volunteers. To get in touch with the local VOAD in the affected areas, visit:

For additional info, imagery, graphics and b-roll, see our Hurricane Matthew web page: www.fema.gov/hurricane-matthew.

 

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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 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: 

Federal Government Continues to Ramp Up Resources and Support to Affected States

FEMA Working Closely with Federal, State and Tribal Partners to Coordinate Hurricane Response Efforts

Residents Encouraged to Follow Instructions of Local Officials
 

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges residents to follow instructions from state, tribal and local officials as it continues to coordinate requests for assistance from states and tribes affected by Hurricane Matthew with its federal partners at the Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta and the National Response Coordination Center at FEMA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Yesterday, President Barack Obama declared emergencies for requested counties in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, authorizing FEMA to provide support and resources necessary to save lives and protect property.              

Experts at the National Weather Service say the powerful storm is expected to turn toward the north-northwest later this morning and will be close to or over the East Coast of Florida through Friday night. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 120 miles-per-hour with higher gusts. Rainfall totals of six to 12 inches are expected, with isolated amounts up to 15 inches being forecast along east and central Florida, Georgia and South Carolina through Saturday. Significant storm surge and flooding is also expected in those areas.

“You can rebuild a home, but you cannot rebuild a life,” said FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate. “Now is the time to make sure you are listening to your local officials and following their instructions explicitly.”

If you live in areas affected by Hurricane Matthew or know someone in those areas, social media sites like Facebook or Twitter are good way to stay in touch. The American Red Cross has a tool called Safe and Well to keep track of friends and loved ones during and after the storm.  

FEMA support efforts are on-going and include six Urban Search and Rescue task force teams in Florida, and five task force teams in Georgia to assist with anticipated search and rescue efforts.  In addition, an Incident Support Team also is deployed to Georgia to coordinate rescue efforts across these teams.

Incident Support Bases are staffed in Albany, Ga. and Fort Bragg, N.C., to pre-position resources closer to potentially affected areas, should affected states or tribes request them.  Today there are more than 476,000 liters of water and more than 536,000 meals, as well as tens of thousands of cots and blankets on site.

Shelters are open across the potentially impacted states. Download the FEMA mobile app for shelter information, disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips, in English and in Spanish. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, disaster survival tips, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The app also enables users to receive push notifications reminding them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters.

 

Safety and Preparedness Tips

Hurricane Matthew has the potential for life-threatening rain, wind and storm surge. Those in affected areas should follow the direction of their state, tribal or local officials.

There is the potential for flooding with this storm. Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous and almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas, at bridges and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If you encounter flood waters, remember – turn around, don’t drown.

Get to know the terms that are used to identify severe weather and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued:

For a hurricane:

  • A Hurricane Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 74 miles-per-hour poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. 
  • A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 74 miles-per-hour or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
     

For a tropical storm:

  • A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 39 miles-per-hour or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours.
  • A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 miles-per-hour or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less.
     

For flooding:

  • A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding.
  • A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

To learn more about what to do before, during and after severe weather, visit www.Ready.gov.

 

 

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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 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.

This article is from: 

FEMA Working Closely with Federal, State and Tribal Partners to Coordinate Hurricane Response Efforts

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Iberville, Livingston and Vermilion Parishes for Louisiana Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – Disaster recovery centers will open on Friday, August 26, in Iberville, Livingston and Vermilion parishes to assist Louisiana flood survivors. The centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

These disaster recovery centers are located at the following addresses:

Iberville Parish East Iberville Gym 3285 Highway 75
St. Gabriel, LA 70776

Livingston Parish American Legion Hall 26200 Highway 43
Springfield, LA 70462

Vermilion Parish Old Health Unit
401 S. St. Charles St. Abbeville, LA 70510

Survivors may locate other centers near them at fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

To register with FEMA, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, volunteer groups and other agencies are at the disaster recovery centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.

Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are canvassing many affected areas, and are able to register people for FEMA assistance if needed. Sometimes these teams will remain in certain locations convenient to the community, such as a library or mayor’s office. When residents require further assistance the teams may refer them to a disaster recovery center nearby.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register for and receive federal disaster assistance. If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center.

Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service or require accommodations while visiting a center may call 800-621-3362. All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids. Each disaster recovery center has assistive technologies for people with disabilities. To arrange to have an ASL interpreter at the DRC when you visit, call 225-382-1739.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are available for businesses of all sizes including landlords, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For more information, applicants may contact the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting the SBA’s website at sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

For information call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or go online to  www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4277.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s www.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local  authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at www.emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information on Facebook and Twitter. You can  receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.

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

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at  https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Original post:

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Iberville, Livingston and Vermilion Parishes for Louisiana Survivors

Free Legal Services Available To Disaster Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – Free disaster-related legal advice is available to low-income Louisiana flood survivors through a partnership among the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Louisiana Civil Justice Center, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Low-income survivors facing legal issues may call the Legal Services hotline, 800-310-7029, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Voice mail is available 24/7 and messages are generally returned the next business day. Examples of legal assistance available include:

  • Assistance with securing FEMA and other benefits available to disaster survivors;
  • Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims;
  • Help with home repair contracts and contractors;
  • Replacement of wills and other important legal documents that were destroyed;
  • Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures;
  • Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems; and
  • Counseling on landlord/tenant problems.

Survivors should be aware that there are some limitations. For example, assistance is not available for cases where fees could be paid as part of a court settlement. Those cases will be referred to a lawyer-referral service.

To register with FEMA, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call the FEMA helpline, 800-621-3362 or download the FEMA mobile app. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service or require accommodations while visiting a Disaster Recovery Center may call 800-621-3362. All Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids. Each Disaster Recovery Center has assistive technologies for people with disabilities. To arrange to have an American Sign Language interpreter at the Disaster Recovery Center when you visit, call 225-382-1739.

For information call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4277.

Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the Nation. The latest feature of the app allows you to send notifications to your device to remind you to take important steps to prepare your home and family for disasters. Go to Ready.gov for more details.

See original article here: 

Free Legal Services Available To Disaster Survivors

Update on FEMA and Federal Partners’ Support to Disaster Recovery in Louisiana Parishes Affected by Floods

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), federal partners’ and the state of Louisiana continue to work together to support relief efforts in Louisiana, to include opening Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) today.

FEMA and the State of Louisiana opened two DRCs today, and will continue to open additional centers in locations identified by the state to provide information to survivors. Three additional centers are scheduled to open on Monday. These centers bring together federal, state, and local representatives to share information and answer questions of disaster survivors. Survivors can apply for assistance at DRCs and meet face-to-face with recovery specialists. To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center visit www.fema.gov/DRC, use the FEMA Mobile App or text DRC and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA).

Survivors do not need to visit a DRC to get assistance as there are multiple ways to get assistance. Forty Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in Louisiana and at shelters to address immediate and emerging needs of disaster survivors including: on-site registration, applicant status checks, on-the-spot needs assessments, and access to partners offering survivor services. Residents and business owners who sustained disaster-related losses can also call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Central Time) seven days a week until further notice.

In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened two business recovery centers in Louisiana, one in Livingston parish and one in Tangipahoa parish. Business recovery centers provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by the severe storms and flooding. An additional four business recovery centers will open on Monday, one in Ascension parish, two in East Baton Rouge parish, and one in Lafayette parish. SBA approved $36.4 million in low interest loans to Louisiana survivors and businesses to assist with uninsured and underinsured flood related losses.

More than 106,000 individuals and households have registered with FEMA for assistance, and more than $55 million has been approved to help survivors with temporary rental assistance, essential home repairs, and other serious disaster-related needs. Additionally, more than 25,000 National Flood Insurance policyholders have submitted claims for flood loss. FEMA has authorized and issued more than $15 million in advanced payments to NFIP policyholders in Louisiana who sustained damages by the flood providing expedited relief to disaster survivors.

Reverend David L. Myers, the director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, is traveling to Louisiana today to meet with the faith-based community. National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) members including voluntary, non-profit and faith-based organizations are also working closely with the affected states and communities to assist with disaster survivor needs. For those looking for ways to help in the community, cash donations offer voluntary agencies flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources and provide money to the local economy to help businesses recover.

In addition to these efforts, the federal government and other partners are providing the following support:

FEMA has more than 2,000 personnel on the ground, including six Incident Management Assistance Teams and Mobile Emergency Response Support personnel. FEMA also provided the state more than 650,000 liters of water, 812,000 meals, 20,000 cots and 42,000 blankets for distribution.

The Corporation for National Community Service (CNCS) deployed more than 445 AmeriCorps members, including FEMA Corps and AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams, to support shelter operations, home clean-up operations, survivor call centers and disaster survivor assistance teams.

The Salvation Army deployed mobile feeding trucks to serve meals, drinks and snacks to residents affected by the flooding.

Tide Loads of Hope mobile laundry truck arrived in Baton Rouge on Friday. The mobile washing unit is collecting, washing, drying and folding laundry free of charge. An extended capacity semi-truck equipped with 32 energy efficient washers and dryers arrive in Louisiana this week. Truck location updates are available at www.twitter.com/tide.

Duracell PowerForward Truck is providing free batteries and mobile charging to those affected by the floods. Truck location updates are available at www.twitter.com/duracell.

The American Red Cross (ARC) operational priorities continue to focus on providing food, shelter and relief supplies to survivors and working closely with local authorities to assess what and where the current needs are. Approximately 3,000 people remain housed in 20 ARC community shelters. Since the flooding began last week, ARC has provided more than 39,000 overnight stays in shelters and served more than 200,000 meals and snacks with feeding partners. The Red Cross Shelter Finder app displays open Red Cross shelters and their locations on an easy to use map interface. Survivors can also find the location of the nearest shelter by texting SHELTER and their Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). The American Red Cross activated the Safe and Well program to allow survivors to let family members know they are safe and for family members to search for loved ones.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) deployed volunteers, equipment and resources, including four kitchens in Baton Rouge, Hammond, Lafayette and Walker. The four kitchens are staffed by SDBR volunteers from Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. Alabama SBDR is preparing for the response and will be sending volunteers and at least one shower unit.

AmeriCares deployed an emergency response team to assess health needs in impacted areas and coordinate aid shipments, including medicine, bottled water and hygiene products.

United Way of Southeast Louisiana set up a flood relief and recovery fund to accept donations to support short- and long-term efforts to provide relief and recovery to areas affected by flooding.

The National Guard activated more than 2,600 National Guardsmen to assist with emergency flood response. Guardsmen have rescued more than 19,000 residents and 2,600 pets, and continue assisting with distribution of water, meals, cots, and tarps, and providing additional security and shelter support.

Team Rubicon deployed a recon team to evaluate the flooding along the Gulf Coast. The team on the ground is connected with Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and has identified a base of operations in Baton Rouge.

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans sent counselors, case managers, and a nurse to assist the organization’s Baton Rouge location.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) deployed team leaders and subject matter expert personnel to assist the state and local government with debris removal and flood response operations.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing technical assistance to FEMA regarding the management and disposal of white goods, household hazardous waste or other potentially hazardous materials. EPA is assisting the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality with emergency response and spill assessment needs in the flooded areas.

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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 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.

Read this article – 

Update on FEMA and Federal Partners’ Support to Disaster Recovery in Louisiana Parishes Affected by Floods

Every disaster survivor has equal access to disaster registration, information, and assistance

Charleston, W.Va – All survivors who sustained damage or losses from the June flooding can get help from local Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).

If you need an accommodation or assistance due to a disability, please notify Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff at the time of registration or anytime throughout the assistance process.

Survivors can meet face-to-face with various agencies and service providers at each DRC. All FEMA DRCs are equally accessible to people with disabilities and provide assistance tools. Use the DRC Locator at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm to find the DRC closest to you.

The DRCs meet Rehabilitation Act standards:

  • Every disaster survivor has equal access to disaster registration information and assistance.
  • DRCs offer effective communication options including: captioned phones, iPads with video remote interpreting; American Sign Language interpreters upon request; amplified telephones and listening devices for people with hearing loss; phones that display text; and magnifiers for people with vision loss.
  • FEMA documents are available in both Braille, large print, and other formats upon request.

FEMA assistance does not impact government benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, Social Security, or other benefits.

Follow these links to access informational videos in ASL:

Additional information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery can be found by visiting: www.DisasterAssistance.gov; the flood pages at www.WVflood.com; fema.gov/disaster/4273; twitter.com/femaregion3; and fema.gov/blog.

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Every disaster survivor has equal access to disaster registration, information, and assistance

FEMA Ensures Texans with Disabilities, Access Needs Can Register For Disaster Aid

AUSTIN, Texas—Texans who have a disability or access need and sustained damage or losses from the May storms and flooding may face challenges, but registering for federal aid shouldn’t be one of them.

“We reach out to the entire community,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “And FEMA works with our partners to make sure that everybody can get access to disaster assistance information, programs and registration.”

FEMA’s disaster recovery centers – locations where survivors can meet face-to-face with various agencies and service providers – accommodate the needs of the entire community, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

The centers meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards; have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to use amplified telephones; phones that display text; amplified listening devices for people with hearing loss; and magnifiers for people with vision loss.

Some disaster recovery centers use a video relay service available to people who use American Sign Language, allowing them to communicate through an interpreter when registering for disaster assistance. Others make an ASL translator available at the center. In addition, language applications are used for translation.

Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and households in Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington counties. To find the nearest disaster recovery center, go online to asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

In addition to accommodating people with disabilities or access needs, FEMA also reaches out to people with limited English proficiency by providing multilingual operators, making printed literature available in multiple languages and having translators available in the field. Printed materials are available in accessible formats such as Braille and large print.

Texans can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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.

Excerpt from – 

FEMA Ensures Texans with Disabilities, Access Needs Can Register For Disaster Aid

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Akawana fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Akawana fire burning in Jefferson County, Oregon.

FEMA Region X Deputy Regional Administrator Sharon Loper determined that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Loper approved the state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) at 8:44 p.m. PDT on June 8, 2016.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 1,000 homes in and around the Grandview, Forest Park, and Three Rivers communities, total estimated population 3,000.  Approximately 250 of the threatened homes are primary residences and 750 are secondary homes.  The fire was also threatening campsites, the Lake Billy Chinook State Airport, Native American archeological sites, and two state parks in the area.  Mandatory evacuations were issued for approximately 3,000 people.  The fire started on June 7, 2016, and had burned in excess of 2,500 acres of private land.  There were four other large fires burning uncontrolled within the state.  The Principal Advisor confirmed the threat.  The fire was zero percent contained at the time of approval.

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

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

Originally from – 

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Akawana fire

FEMA in Deer Park, Spring Valley (Harris County) and Sealy (Austin County) With Advice on Lessening Storm Damage

AUSTIN, Texas – A team of specialists from FEMA will visit three home-improvement stores in Harris and Austin counties to offer tips and techniques to lessen the impact of disaster-related property damage.

Specialists will be available on the following dates, times and locations:

Austin County

Location:      
AL&M Do-it-Best Building Supply, 300 N. Meyer St., Sealy, TX 77474

Hours:           
7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, June 9-10
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 11
7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 13-17
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 18

Harris County

Location:      
The Home Depot, 8400 Katy Freeway, Spring Valley, TX 77024                       

Hours:           
7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 9-11
8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 12
7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, June 13-14

Location:      
Deer Park Lumber/ACE Hardware, 1600 Center St., Deer Park, TX 7753   

Hours:           
7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday June 9-10
7 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 11
7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 13-17
7 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 18

FEMA Mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips to reduce damage in future disasters. Information is geared to both do-it-yourselfers and general contractors on topics such as flood proofing a home, how to elevate utilities and removing and replacing wet drywall.  

Booklets are available in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage and other natural disasters. If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access Braille or large print, please let our representatives know. American Sign Language interpreters can be available, if requested, by calling Everett Sedgwick at 202-870-4129. More information on how to strengthen homes, businesses and communities can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation and fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer policyholder questions, service claims, provide general information and offer technical assistance. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 (FEMA) and select option 2. Hours are between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

# # #

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.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

Original article:

FEMA in Deer Park, Spring Valley (Harris County) and Sealy (Austin County) With Advice on Lessening Storm Damage

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