FEMA, Vermont, And Local Officials Prepare For The Next Disaster

FEMA, Vermont, And Local Officials Prepare For The Next Disaster 

Hurricane Season begins June 1: The time to prepare is now

Release Date: May 25, 2012
Release Number: 4022-082

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

MONTPELIER, Vt. — With the 2012 hurricane season officially starting on June 1 and the effects of Tropical Storm Irene still visible in many areas of Vermont, federal, state, and local officials worked together this week to get ready for the next time a disaster strikes the state.

Community leaders from Richmond and Huntington took part in a two-day course offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross on Community Mass Care and Emergency Assistance. Community agencies, public and private organizations, and businesses are trained to work together with emergency management and traditional mass care providers to provide services to those affected by a disaster.

The course in Richmond on May 23–24 was a pilot program. This is only the second time it has been held anywhere in the United States.

“This was an ideal location to pilot the Mass Care and Emergency Assistance training,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo. “Irene and last spring’s storms are still fresh in people’s minds and this is when it is easier to commit time to doing something that will have long-term effects.”

Across Vermont, every Secretary and Commissioner in state government went through special in-depth emergency training at Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) this week to prepare for the next emergency event.

“This training is part of our mission to build back stronger following Irene. Training for emergency response will help our state hone its response for the next big storm,” said Secretary of Administration Jeb Spaulding. “Our state employees performed with great skill and dedication during and after Tropical Storm Irene, and have learned many lessons from that experience. We know that success in an emergency depends upon being well prepared for the next event.”

VEM staff ran the executives through Incident Command basics, Emergency Operations Plans, and Continuity of Operations Planning among many other tenets of emergency response. The integration of all state agencies has long been an important part of Vermont’s emergency response, and those agencies have representatives at Vermont’s Emergency Operations Center during incidents.

In addition to government entities, individuals also need to take responsibility when damaging weather is moving in their direction. Families need to keep an eye on the sky and have an emergency kit and a plan for communicating with each other if they are separated in a storm. More information may be found at vem.vermont.gov/preparedness and www.ready.gov/.

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

Last Modified: Friday, 25-May-2012 15:25:26

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FEMA, Vermont, And Local Officials Prepare For The Next Disaster

Federal Aid Programs for State of Kansas Disaster Recovery

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Federal Aid Programs for State of Kansas Disaster Recovery

FEMA Funding Made Available to Help Nevada Fight TRE Fire

FEMA Funding Made Available to Help Nevada Fight TRE Fire 

Release Date: May 23, 2012
Release Number: R9-12-002

» 2012 Region IX News Releases

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help the state of Nevada fight the TRE Fire in Douglas County.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time the state of Nevada submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant, the fire was threatening 700 homes in and around Topaz Ranch Estates. The fire was also threatening numerous businesses, infrastructure and utilities in the area. Voluntary evacuations had taken place for approximately 300 people.

“FEMA Region IX remains in constant contact with the Nevada Division of Emergency Management to identify needs and provide ongoing support as requested,” said FEMA Region IX Administrator, Nancy Ward.

The President’s Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for federal fire management grants made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible firefighting costs, covered by the grant, must meet a minimum threshold for costs before delivery of assistance. Eligible costs covered by the aid can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

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

Last Modified: Wednesday, 23-May-2012 14:36:16

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FEMA Funding Made Available to Help Nevada Fight TRE Fire

Disaster Assistance Still Available with FEMA’s Help Line

Disaster Assistance Still Available with FEMA’s Help Line 

Release Date: May 11, 2012
Release Number: 4059-066

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Even though there are no longer any state and federal Disaster Recovery Centers open in West Virginia, the FEMA Help Line is still in business. Counties whose residents might be eligible for assistance are Lincoln, Logan, Harrison, Marion, Mingo, Preston, Taylor and Wayne.

For those disaster survivors who have already registered for federal assistance, the Help Line is the place to follow the progress of your case, get answers to questions and help in navigating the assistance process. Just call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week.

The operators can register those with disaster related damages. You can also sign up online at DisasterAssistance.gov. For TTY users, the number is 800-462-7585. With a Web-enabled smart phone or other PDA, log onto m.fema.gov.

“We are ready to help anyone who qualifies,” said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “Assistance is not dependent on your income or ability to pay. We can provide assistance to whoever is eligible.”

The Help Line has operators who speak a wide spectrum of languages. An applicant does not have to be a U.S. citizen to register as long as he or she is in the country legally.

Those affected by the storms and floods of February 29 through March 5 have until May 15 to register with FEMA for assistance. For those who suffered loss or damage from the flooding of March 15 through March 31, the deadline to register is May 21.

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

Last Modified: Friday, 11-May-2012 10:55:44

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Disaster Assistance Still Available with FEMA’s Help Line

FEMA Approves $1 Million for Acquisition Project

FEMA Approves $1 Million for Acquisition Project 

Release Date: May 7, 2012
Release Number: R3-12-007

» 2012 Region III News Releases

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the approval of a grant totaling more than $1million to acquire and demolish six residential structures in the City of Chesapeake, VA .

The proposed grant will acquire and demolish six (6) repetitive loss properties, thereby eliminating damages from future events. Following the demolition and removal of these properties, the land will be deed restricted into open space in perpetuity.

“This grant will provide flood victims and the City of Chesapeake the opportunity to start anew in a community outside the floodplain,” said FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “As the Commonwealth of Virginia submits applications for grant funding, FEMA is committed to supporting its efforts to make communities free from the risks of natural hazards.”

FEMA will pay $1,248,724.48. This amounts to75 percent of the total project costs. This grant is available through Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

The HMGP provides grants to States and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the HMGP is to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster. The HMGP is authorized under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

The HMGP grant program process is locally driven. Property owners interested in taking steps to reduce risks from future disasters must express their interest to their municipal or county officials. Local officials applying for an HMGP grant must develop a proposal and submit it to their respective State for review prior to it being submitted to FEMA to be considered for funding.

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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

Last Modified: Monday, 07-May-2012 09:48:54

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FEMA Approves $1 Million for Acquisition Project

Federal Storm Aid Tops $3.7m as Registration Deadline Approaches

Federal Storm Aid Tops $3.7m as Registration Deadline Approaches 

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Release Number: 4058-042

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the May 8 deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance quickly approaches, aid continues for Indiana residents and communities affected by severe storms that occurred from Feb. 29 through March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that, as of May 3, $1,504,212 has been approved to fund expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Such expenses include temporary rental assistance, repair and replacement of essential household items and disaster-related medical, dental or funeral costs. FEMA reports 1,447 registrations have been received. Homes are being inspected within 37 hours of registration, and 639 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports $2,227,700 have been approved for homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits. Forty-five loans have been approved thus far, and more approvals are anticipated.

May 8 is the last day to register for FEMA Individual Assistance.

The first step for homeowners, renters and business owners to obtain federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. One easy way to apply is to call the toll-free telephone registration number, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). This number is also a help line individuals may call to ask questions and verify their registration. For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week through Tuesday.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

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

Last Modified: Friday, 04-May-2012 10:26:34

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Federal Storm Aid Tops $3.7m as Registration Deadline Approaches

FEMA Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes

FEMA Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes 

Release Date: May 3, 2012
Release Number: 4059-061

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — West Virginians who receive disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the recent tornadoes and flooding will not pay additional income taxes, see any reduction in their Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.

Disaster assistance for temporary housing, home repair, repair or replacement of personal property or for other needs does not count as income, FEMA officials said. Disaster relief payments from the government or donations from charitable organizations will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits.

Eligibility for assistance is not dependent on income. The determination on the amount of disaster assistance an eligible applicant receives is based on the amount of loss and damages incurred as a direct result of the recent storms and flooding and the amount of their insurance settlement, if any.

Those who have experienced damage from the storms may be eligible for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. This 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 only way to know if you are eligible for disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. By phone, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. People with hearing disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants also can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link to “Apply for Federal Assistance.”

Applicants may visit the Disaster Recovery Center after they register with FEMA. The only West Virginia Disaster Recovery Center currently in operation is in Logan County at the Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department at 2270 Mud Fork Road in the city of Logan. The center will be open until noon, Friday, May 11.

The center is staffed with disaster recovery specialists who can provide information and answer questions about disaster-related assistance, according to FEMA and state officials.

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

Last Modified: Thursday, 03-May-2012 16:45:45

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FEMA Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes

FEMA Dollars Begin Flow Into Washington Disaster

FEMA Dollars Begin Flow Into Washington Disaster 

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Release Number: 4056-006

» More Information on Washington Severe Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

LACEY WA (May 1, 2012) – When the severe winter storms dubbed ‘Snowmageddon’ hit Washington State in January of this year, airports, roads and schools closed, cars crashed, and trees and tons of debris blocked roads and knocked out power to more than 275,000 customers across the state.

Governor Christine Gregoire’s request for disaster funding after the storm estimated damage at more than $32 million.

As of today, more than $354,800 has been approved for 21 of some 800 recovery projects. FEMA will pay 75 percent of that, nearly $266,000 in Public Assistance (PA) disaster relief dollars; the State and local governments will match 25 percent.

Reimbursement dollars have begun flowing.

“Without a doubt, having these dollars begin flowing into these disaster-struck communities will help them with budget shortfalls,” said Kurt Hardin, Washington Emergency Management Division’s state coordinating officer. “The massive January disaster response hit these already strapped local governments hard.”

Following the March 5, 2012 Presidential disaster declaration, the State Emergency Management Division (EMD) and FEMA began processing public assistance applications throughout the 11 disaster declared counties. Projects in Seattle, Lacey, Renton, the Shelton School District, the Cedar River Water and Sewer District, as well as others, were among the first applicants to be approved.

“Our primary goal is to get to ‘yes’ on projects so we can help these Washington communities recover as quickly as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Karl at FEMA’s Lacey-based field office. “This initial funding approval is the first of many to come.”

Eligible counties include Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, and Wahkiakum. FEMA will pay 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned facilities.

Under the PA program, the state is able to forward federal funds to eligible state, local and tribal governments as well as certain private non-profit organizations providing essential community services that incurred disaster-related costs.

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

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

Last Modified: Wednesday, 02-May-2012 10:14:00

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FEMA Dollars Begin Flow Into Washington Disaster

St. Bernard Parish’s Public School System Enters Final Leg of Recovery

St. Bernard Parish’s Public School System Enters Final Leg of Recovery 

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Release Number: 1603-974

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

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today a $148.3 million consolidated grant to the St. Bernard Parish School Board, largely supporting the implementation of their post-Katrina, overall recovery plan.

“For nearly six and a half years, we have been steadfast in our efforts to fully rebuild our schools for the children of St. Bernard. These efforts, comprised of partnerships between our school board, FEMA and the state, have culminated in this monumental grant, which allows us to finish our final recovery endeavors,” said St. Bernard School Board Superintendent Doris Voitier.

During Hurricane Katrina, St. Bernard Parish’s public school system was destroyed, with most of their facilities rendered inoperable following the storm. Prior to the unprecedented destruction, these facilities served nearly 9,000 students throughout the local community.

“Given the reality of the large-scale catastrophe at hand, St. Bernard Parish School Board Superintendent Doris Voitier had to swiftly make initial, yet effective, recovery decisions with the goal of quickly returning students to school. Through her leadership, these early efforts transformed into a comprehensive recovery plan that is now nearing fruition,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan.

The school system’s new layout is built upon the determination that rebuilding all damaged facilities at their original locations was not in the best interest of the community’s post-Katrina needs. Instead, the same functions and capacities that existed pre-Katrina were restored in a different configuration.

FEMA’s recent grant supports these efforts, approving Voitier’s consolidated alternate project request for the agency to streamline federal funding provided for 15 damaged facilities into nine targeted projects.

The nine projects include Chalmette High School; Chalmette High School’s baseball field house, football field house and storage facility; Maumus Arts Center and Planetarium; new Lacoste Elementary School; the Cultural and Performing Arts Center; the school system’s transportation, maintenance and storage building; Arabi Elementary School’s gymnasium; J.J. Davies Elementary School’s enclosed walkway and new Gautier Elementary School.

“Our consolidated funding best reflects the needs of the St. Bernard Parish School Board as they embark on their final rebuilding efforts and becoming the first school system in Louisiana destroyed by Hurricane Katrina to reach their end goal—full recovery,” added Cadogan.

In total to date, FEMA has provided approximately $500 million in public assistance to the St. Bernard Parish School Board for all recovery work related to restoring their school system following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

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

Last Modified: Wednesday, 02-May-2012 08:16:57

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St. Bernard Parish’s Public School System Enters Final Leg of Recovery

FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant for Fire in Jeff Davis County, Texas

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FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant for Fire in Jeff Davis County, Texas

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