SPRINGFIELD, IL – Less than a month after tornadoes swept across Illinois, more than $1 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency grant assistance has been approved to help those affected by the storms.

1,632 people have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance.

In addition to FEMA grants for individuals and families, other forms of disaster assistance are provided by partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA often refers survivors to those agencies. Businesses are also referred to the SBA. Other callers may be interested in non-FEMA programs such as disaster unemployment assistance, the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or legal aid.

The following is a snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of Dec. 10:

  • 200 households approved for FEMA grants that assist with temporary rentals and personal property loss.
  • $760,124 approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
  • $334,766 approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
  • 329 home inspections completed.
  • 226 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
  • 3 disaster recovery centers currently open.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance coverage, survivors are urged to apply for help. They can use any of the following methods:

  1. By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in most languages. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  2. Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  3. By tablet or smartphone, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

Survivors who register with FEMA and are referred to SBA will be contacted with options on how to apply for a low-interest disaster loan. After being contacted by SBA, survivors should complete and submit an application even if they do not plan to accept a loan. It is part of the FEMA grant process and can pave the way for additional disaster assistance. SBA disaster loans are available with interest rates as low as 2.25 percent and terms up to 30 years.

Complete an online application at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Call the SBA customer service center with questions at 800-659-2955. People who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-877-8339. For more information, visit sba.gov.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema.

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. 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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Original article – 

More than $1 Million in Federal Assistance Approved for Nov. 17 Storm Survivors in Illinois

Springfield, Ill. – In the aftermath of a disaster, misconceptions about disaster assistance can often prevent survivors from applying for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration. A good rule of thumb: register, even if you’re unsure whether you’ll be eligible for assistance.

 

Registering with FEMA is simple. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a mobile device by downloading the FEMA app or by visiting m.fema.gov. You can also register over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Clarification on some common misunderstandings:

  • MYTH: I’ve already cleaned up the damage to my home and had the repairs made. Isn’t it too late to register once the work is done?
    FACT: You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair costs, even if repairs are complete.
  • MYTH: I believe FEMA only makes loans so I didn’t apply for help because I don’t want a loan.          FACT: FEMA only provides grants that do not have to be paid back. The grants may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to renters, homeowners and businesses of all sizes. Some applicants may be contacted by SBA after registering with FEMA. You are not obligated to take out a loan, but if you don’t complete the application, you may not be considered for other federal grant programs. You can apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. For more information on SBAs Disaster Loan Program, visit SBA.gov/Disaster, call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

  • MYTH: I don’t want to apply for help because others had more damage than I had; they need the help more than I did.
    FACT: FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors with their disaster-related needs. 
  • MYTH: I’m a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners for home repairs.
    FACT: FEMA assistance is not just for homeowners. FEMA may provide assistance to help renters who lost personal property or who were displaced.
  • MYTH: FEMA assistance could affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
    FACT: FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income.
  • MYTH: I heard registration involves a lot of red tape and paperwork.
    FACT: There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. The process is very easy and normally takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
  • MYTH: Since I received disaster assistance last year, I’m sure I can’t get it again this year.
    FACT: Assistance may be available if you suffered damages from a new federally-declared disaster.
  • MYTH: My income is probably too high for me to qualify for FEMA disaster assistance.
    FACT: Income is not a consideration for FEMA grant assistance. However you will be asked financial questions during registration to help determine eligibility for SBA low-interest disaster loans.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. 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. 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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Media Contact: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

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Source: 

Myth vs. Fact: The Truth about Registering for Federal Disaster Assistance

LINCROFT, N.J. — When Hurricane Sandy struck New Jersey on Oct. 29, 2012, the devastation caused by the storm surge and high winds affected public buildings, utilities and infrastructure statewide.

Thirteen months later, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has dispersed more than $1 billion in Public Assistance funds to communities affected by the storm.

This is part of a total of $5.7 billion in disaster assistance, which also includes more than $3.5 billion in flood insurance claim payments, $897 million in Individual Assistance and $834 million in U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans.

Through the Public Assistance program, FEMA grants state governments the funds to reimburse municipalities, county governments and eligible private nonprofit agencies for the repair or replacement of damaged roads and bridges, water-control facilities, public buildings and their contents, publicly owned utilities, and parks and recreation areas. It also includes funds for emergency services and eligible debris-removal costs related to the disaster. FEMA reimbursed these applicants 90 percent of the eligible cost.

As of Nov. 25, 2013, 4,417 projects have been obligated by FEMA. Public Assistance anticipates 5,096 Sandy-related projects will eventually be funded.

Included in the $1 billion total are:

  • More than $77.1 million in Ocean County for countywide debris removal.
  • $18.6 million to repair and rebuild educational facilities statewide.
  • $14.6 million for repairs to piers, boardwalks, the marina and recreational areas at Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park in Elizabeth.
  • Nearly $13 million to the New Jersey State Police for emergency protective measures on the barrier islands as the storm hit.

For more information on New Jersey’s Sandy recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4086, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

See more here:  

FEMA Public Assistance Funds for Sandy Eclipse $1 Billion

Fifth Extension Approved for Transitional Sheltering Assistance

Main Content

Release date:

November 26, 2013

Release Number:

NR-102

DENVER – At the state’s request, FEMA has approved a fifth extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program. TSA pays for eligible flood evacuees to stay in participating hotels and motels.

Individuals and families who are still being assessed regarding their housing needs may continue to be eligible for TSA through Dec. 14 (checkout Dec. 15). The previous checkout date was Dec. 1.

TSA allows eligible individuals and families to stay temporarily in participating hotels, with FEMA and the state paying for eligible room costs and taxes.

  • A personal phone call notifies applicants if they are eligible for this period of assistance ending Dec. 14.
  • A total of 23 households stayed in hotels and motels last night under TSA.
  • Individuals and families who are not eligible for the program may be considered for additional FEMA rental assistance.
  • Applicants may need to provide rental agreement information.

For questions, contact the FEMA helpline by phone, 800-621-3362, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., MST, seven days a week.  Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages. People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585; users of 711 or Video Relay Service can call

800-621-3362.

Last Updated:

November 26, 2013 – 17:15

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Link to original:

Fifth Extension Approved for Transitional Sheltering Assistance

LINCROFT, N.J. ­­­­– Among the most devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey was the storm’s impact on sewage treatment facilities along the coast.

During and after the storm, sewage plants and pump stations along the coast were inundated by flood waters and without power for as long as three days, resulting in the discharge of some two billion gallons of untreated and partially treated sewage into New Jersey waterways (New York Daily News, 4/30/2013).

The environmental damage was unprecedented – and the financial impact was devastating.  Total costs to repair and reconstruct the damaged sewage treatment facilities now top more than $100 million.

With the help of Public Assistance Grants, sewerage authorities throughout the state have acted to reduce the risk of a similar disaster through mitigation measures that include constructing flood walls, elevating sensitive equipment, and relocating vulnerable facilities out of the flood zone.

In southern Monmouth County, the South Monmouth Regional Sewerage Authority owns, operates and maintains 11 sewage pump stations in Belmar, Brielle, Lake Como, Manasquan, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights and Wall Township.

The majority of the Authority’s sewage pump stations were constructed and placed into operation in the 1970s. But in Sea Girt, the authority converted an existing facility constructed in the 1900s.

By 2006, that facility had outlived its useful life and the Authority made plans to replace it.

The Sea Girt pump station had been flooded in the past, and the likelihood was high that it would experience repeated flooding.

While the Authority considered relocating the facility, that idea was not feasible because of the cost, permitting restrictions and the lack of available land in the heavily residential community.

Instead, the project team comprising Authority officials and project engineers worked together to design a facility that could remain within the footprint of the old plant but that would be better equipped to function and survive during a major storm.

The plan they decided upon called for a mobile trailer for the pumping station’s most sensitive equipment. The trailer can be moved out of harm’s way when flooding threatens.

An esthetically designed portable trailer houses an emergency generator, a successful mitigation project South Monmouth Regional Sewerage Authority (SMRSA) implemented in their Sea Girt pump station before Superstorm Sandy struck. Sea Girt, N.J., Oct. 2, 2013– This aesthetically designed portable trailer houses an emergency generator, a successful mitigation project South Monmouth Regional Sewerage Authority (SMRSA) implemented in their Sea Girt pump station before Superstorm Sandy struck. Rosanna Arias/FEMA
The enclosure consists of two rooms, one sound-attenuated room for the emergency generator and another climate-controlled room for the electrical equipment, including controls, alarm systems, variable speed drives, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, and various other components. Electrical and control connections between the enclosure and the pump station and its equipment are made with cables and plugs that can be opened to permit removal of the enclosure.

The trailer can be removed when emergency management officials notify the Authority of an impending storm.

When the trailer is removed, an expendable portable generator and transfer switch is put it in its place, allowing the pump station to operate even when utility power is lost. This secondary, sacrificial electrical and control system, mounted on the site, powers the pumps and other equipment on utility or generator power until destroyed or damaged by flooding.

Once the storm subsides, the mobile trailer can be moved back into place and put back on line.

The mobile trailer plan minimizes any damage to the station’s electrical equipment and significantly reduces downtime for the station.

The cost savings is also substantial: A generator may cost $60,000 to replace. The cost of reconstructing a pump station and providing emergency generator capacity until power is restored to the site can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“The mobile enclosure saved the Authority an estimated $1.5 million dollars in repair/recovery monies as a result of the fact that there was no substantial damage to the Sea Girt Pump Station during Irene or Sandy,” said South Monmouth Regional Sewerage Authority Engineer Ryan Krause. “There was no loss of sewer service to residents and no sewer service overflows.”

The station is then able to return to normal operation within hours of the passing storm, rather than days, weeks, or months, as required to rebuild or reconstruct the facilities. A faster recovery for the sewer system reduces the public health risk that can result when untreated sewage is discharged into waterways or into the community.

The Sea Girt pump station complements Governor Chris Christie’s goal to make New Jersey’s infrastructure resilient and is considered a model for Best Management Practice for sewerage and water authorities, enabling continuous operation during adverse weather events, thus eliminating or substantially reducing the potential for an environmental disaster caused by the release of untreated sewage.

As a result of the steps the Authority took to mitigate the site, the infrastructure survived and the Sea Girt Pump Facility became operational within hours.

The SMRSA, has recently been awarded a FEMA grant for a “least cost alternative project” which incorporates the mobile enclosure concept for its Pitney Avenue Pump Station in Spring Lake, NJ and is evaluating the feasibility of incorporating this innovative design for its Belmar Pump Station, both of which were damaged during Sandy.  The FEMA grant for Pitney Avenue PS is for reimbursement of 90% of the eligible cost(s) up to $1,201, 428.00.

The two mobile concept facilities, developed here in Monmouth County, are the only two in the world.

Because of its success in mitigating damage from Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, the concept is being considered by FEMA as a nation-wide Best Management Practice for mitigation of potential damages to equipment as a result of a flood event.

Additional information on the Sea Girt mobile enclosure can be found at the Authorities website; www.smrsa.org

 

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

 

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 reading: 

Sewerage Authority Mitigation Plan Reduces Risk of Environmental Disaster

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its regional offices in Chicago and Kansas City, is monitoring severe weather, including strong tornadoes, that continues to impact the Midwest and staying in close coordination with officials in affected and potentially affected states. Earlier today, FEMA elevated its National Watch Center in Washington, D.C. to a 24/7 enhanced watch, and has deployed liaisons to support state emergency operation centers in a number of impacted states.

“Residents should continue to monitor weather conditions as they develop and follow the direction of local officials,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Be prepared for power outages and dangerous road conditions as a result of downed power lines and flooding – remember if you encounter a flooded road while driving, turn around, don’t drown.”

Since before the storm system developed, FEMA has been in close coordination with state and local partners through its regional offices. FEMA’s Region V Administrator, Andrew Velasquez III, has been in close contact with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, the Wisconsin Emergency Management Agency, the Michigan Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security regarding the potential impacts in those states.

FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to support the State of Illinois. FEMA also has deployed liaison officers to emergency operations centers in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, and additional liaison officers are on standby and ready to deploy, if requested. FEMA is in continued contact with its emergency management partners in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

According to the National Weather Service, numerous fast-moving thunderstorms, capable of producing strong tornadoes along with widespread damaging winds and large hail, will move across portions of the middle Mississippi and Ohio Valley region and the southern Great Lakes region for the remainder of today into this evening.

Visit www.ready.gov to learn more about what to do before, during, and after severe weather. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind should severe weather occur in your area:

  • Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a tornado hazard.
    • A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area.
    • A tornado warning is when a tornado is actually occurring, take shelter immediately.
  • Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan.
  • If you haven’t already, now is the time to get prepared for tornadoes and other disasters. Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning:
    • Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
    • In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
    • Vehicles, trailers and mobile homes are not good locations to ride out a tornado. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
    • If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
       

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.

Original link – 

FEMA Monitoring Severe Weather in the Midwest; Urges Residents to Follow Direction of Local Officials

DENVER – The deadline for eligible applicants to apply for a Request for Public Assistance has been extended to Nov. 30, 2013.

Eligible applicants are local governments, certain nonprofit organizations and state agencies in the 18 Colorado counties designated for Public Assistance.

Originally, the first 10 counties designated in September had a deadline of Nov. 16. The counties are Adams, Boulder, Clear Creek, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Logan, Morgan, Washington and Weld.

The additional eight counties designated in October, Arapahoe, Crowley, Denver, Fremont, Gilpin, Lake, Lincoln and Sedgwick, previously had a Nov. 20 deadline.

FEMA Public Assistance funding helps communities recover by providing a 75 percent federal reimbursement for eligible, disaster-related costs for debris removal, emergency measures, and permanent work to repair and replace disaster-damaged public facilities.

The remaining 25 percent non-federal share comes from state and local sources. The state manages the grants for all projects.

Projects fall into the following categories:

  • Category A: Debris Removal
  • Category B: Emergency Protective Measures
  • Category C: Road Systems and Bridges
  • Category D: Water Control Facilities
  • Category E: Public Buildings and Contents
  • Category F: Public Utilities
  • Category G: Parks, Recreational and other

More here:

Request for Public Assistance deadline extended until Nov. 30

SANTA FE – Saturday, November 16 is the deadline for state agencies, tribal governments, certain nonprofit organizations, community ditch associations and other local government entities to submit their Requests for Public Assistance (RPA) to the State of New Mexico.

This deadline applies to the counties hit hard by the July 23 through 28 storms and flooding: Bernalillo, Colfax, Luna, Sandoval, and Socorro counties as well as the Cochiti, Kewa (Santa Domingo), San Felipe, and Sandia Pueblos.

Filing these requests with the state is the first step in the process of applying for federal reimbursements under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program.

“We don’t want any eligible entity to miss out on reimbursements for expenses incurred,” said State Coordinating Officer Anita Statman. “This is a very important deadline.”

These grants are obligated to the state in order to reimburse eligible applicants for expenses incurred while taking emergency measures to protect lives and property; cleaning up downed trees, power poles and other debris; and repairing public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public utilities. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA reimburses the state for 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant pay the remaining 25 percent.

Although the program is oriented to public entities, private nonprofit organizations may apply directly to FEMA via the RPA for uninsured costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures. Additionally, nonprofits may qualify for FEMA assistance to make infrastructure repairs if they provide critical services, such as fire and emergency rescue; medical treatment; power, water and sewer resources; and communications systems.

Public entities in these counties and pueblos which haven’t reported damages from the July 23-28 storms are urged to report them to their local emergency managers. Officials in these counties and pueblos who have questions about Public Assistance Applicants briefings and Requests for Public Assistance should contact Brian Williams at 505-476-9601.

Details of the PA program are on FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.
More information on New Mexico disaster recovery is available online at www.nmdhsem.org/

The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is the state’s homeland security and emergency management agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to New Mexico by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies.

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

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

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

View article:  

Deadline For Requests For NM Public Assistance Is Saturday

OKLAHOMA CITY – An additional $5.8 million has recently been approved in federal funding for recovery in Oklahoma following the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred from May 18 – June 2, 2013. This amount includes three awards: $1.3 million for crisis counseling services; $3.5 million for debris removal; and $1 million for public electric utilities. This funding—along with additional amounts from Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)—brings state and federal assistance approved for Oklahoma to more than $85 million

The latest Individual Assistance funding covers eligible crisis counseling services and training. The funding will be awarded to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Initial funding for crisis counseling services was made available on June 11, 2013. Services were available to survivors immediately following the presidential disaster declaration. The latest reward is an extension that will continue to offer support to individuals and families impacted by the spring storms.

There are no cost-share requirements for the latest Individual Assistance amount and FEMA will obligate funding directly to the state.

“We remain dedicated to providing individuals and families with the necessary resources to fully assist them in their recovery,” said State Coordinating Officer and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management Deputy Director Michelann Ooten.

More than $14.7 million in disaster assistance for housing and disaster-related expenses has been approved for qualified homeowners and renters. This includes more than $10.1 million in rental costs and house repairs, and more than $4.6 million for medical expenses, replacement clothing, vehicle repairs, funeral and burial costs, and other needs generated by the storms.

“We are continuing to assess individual needs to ensure that survivors are fully supported as the recovery process continues. Public Assistance funding is also ongoing as communities continue on the road to full recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman.

More than $26 million has thus far been approved in Public Assistance funding. An additional $3.5 million has been approved for debris removal. The funding covers eligible debris removal costs under a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Alternative Procedures Pilot Program which is one of the new programs introduced in the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013. The program funds expenses such as debris removal and debris recycling from public property and right-of-ways.

An additional $1 million award has also been provided to Western Farmers Electric Cooperative for repair and replacement of components of their electrical transmission system.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $47 million in low-interest disaster loans for qualified homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma.

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4117 or visit the OEM site at oem.ok.gov.

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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.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) prepares for, responds to, recovers from and mitigates against emergencies and disasters. The department delivers service to Oklahoma cities, towns and counties through a network of more than 350 local emergency managers.

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 homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations 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.

View original – 

Latest Approved Funding Brings Total for Oklahoma Recovery to More Than $85 Million

New York – Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the appointment of Jerome Hatfield by President Barack Obama to serve as the Regional Administrator for FEMA Region II.

“We’re proud to welcome such a dedicated first responder and emergency manager to the FEMA team,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Jerome will be working in his own backyard – a region where he has served disaster survivors for nearly three decades. As Regional Administrator, Jerome will continue to be their champion as he supports the region’s resiliency and response to disasters.”

Click here for an official photograph of Regional Administrator Hatfield

Hatfield is a 27 year veteran of the New Jersey State Police where as a Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded more than 800 enlisted, professional and administrative staff, and as the Deputy Superintendent of Homeland Security oversaw more than 80 state and federal grant programs.

Hatfield has served as a member of the National Advisory Council to FEMA, and is Vice-Chairman to the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) which is responsible for conducting nationwide assessments of federal, state, territorial and local emergency management and homeland security programs.  Additionally, he has led EMAP liaisons to Kenya in support of international assessments conducted in conjunction with the Department of Defense (U.S. African Command) and the Center for Disease and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine (CDHAM).

In September 2005, Hatfield was deployed to the State of Louisiana with more than 600 of New Jersey’s first responders in support of Hurricane Katrina response efforts.  He was designated incident commander during Operation LEAD (Louisiana Emergency Assistance Deployment).

Hatfield holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and is a graduate of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, Naval Post Graduate School, Executive Leader’s Program.  LTC Hatfield is a Certified Public Manager (CPM), awarded by Farleigh Dickinson University.  He is married with two children.

As Regional Administrator for FEMA Region II, Hatfield will oversee FEMA’s operations in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and work closely with state, territorial and local emergency managers in their on-going efforts to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate disasters.

 

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 this link – 

Jerome Hatfield Appointed as FEMA Region II Administrator

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