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National Disaster Recovery Framework Activated in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. – Now that Louisiana’s response to the Hurricane Isaac disaster has entered the recovery phase, a new collaborative will help communities find creative ways to fund solutions to their continuing needs.

The state of Louisiana, along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has activated the National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) for the first time. The framework recognizes that extended recovery requires a united effort beginning at the local level, plus the private sector and individuals – the whole community.

It all starts with input from the public, said Wayne Rickard, who was appointed the federal disaster recovery coordinator for Louisiana’s Hurricane Isaac recovery effort. Mark Riley has been designated as the state disaster recovery coordinator.

“People engage with their local officials to tell them their priorities for recovery,” Rickard said. “In turn, we ask those leaders what their communities need, and the team will figure out what we can do to help them make that a reality. By coordinating state and federal agencies from several disciplines, we may be able to identify other funding streams and technical assistance to help communities rebuild stronger and smarter.”

The NDRF names six recovery support functions that are led by designated federal coordinating agencies at the national level:

Community Planning and Capacity Building (DHS/FEMA)
Economic (Department of Commerce)
Health and Social Services (Health and Human Services)
Housing (Department of Housing and Urban Development)
Infrastructure Systems (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), and
Natural and Cultural Resources (Department of Interior).

Most of the agencies already had a presence in Louisiana, Rickard said, and their roles in the recovery process are not too different from what they usually do. What is different is the level of collaboration among agencies.

“By pooling our resources and talents, we can make a bigger difference than we can working alone,” Rickard said.

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.

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).

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National Disaster Recovery Framework Activated in Louisiana

Pearl River County – Poplarville Disaster Center Open Through Wednesday

CLINTON, Miss. – The MEMA/FEMA disaster recovery center for Pearl River County, Poplarville, located at the Baker Maid Building, 403 South Main St., will close effective 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26.

After that date, people affected by Hurricane Isaac still can register or get help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or visit a recovery center in another county.

In addition to going on line, other ways to get assistance include:

By smartphone at m.fema.gov;
By phone, call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily;
TTY 800-462-7585; and
Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.

To find a disaster recovery center nearest you, go online to the DRC Locator at: https://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/drcLocator.jsp. Or, call
800-621-3362.

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Pearl River County – Poplarville Disaster Center Open Through Wednesday

Take Precautions When Returning Home After Hurricane Isaac

Baton Rouge, La. – As Louisianians begin to return home following Hurricane Isaac, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds residents that the dangers have not ended just because the worst of the storm is over. Dangling power lines, flooding and other hazards remain – and survivors should know what to do to safeguard themselves and their families.

“Remember to practice safety first as you return home,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA. “It’s important to first heed instructions from local authorities about when it’s safe to go home. Then, take a few precautions before entering your neighborhood and your home.”

Before returning home, survivors should make a cleanup kit that includes rubber gloves, cleaning products, bleach, sponges, goggles, spatula, rubber boots, odor-control products, trash bags, hydrogen peroxide, adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointments and work towels.

Survivors should read the following tips for staying safe BEFORE beginning the clean-up process.

Safety Tips: Before Entering a Building

Utility checks: Check for downed or loose power lines and gas leaks. Gas leaks can smell like rotten eggs. Call the utility company immediately if a gas leak is suspected. If a downed power line is seen, move away from the line and from anything touching it and contact the utility company. Do not try to move either the downed power line or anything in contact with it by using another object such as a branch, stick or broom. Do not drive over a downed line.

Look for external damage: Examine the foundation, roof and chimney for cracks or other damage. Inspect porch roofs and overhangs. If obvious damage is found or if serious safety doubts exist, contact a building inspector before going inside.

Enter the building slowly and carefully: If the door sticks at the top as it opens, it could mean the ceiling is ready to cave in. If forcing the door open, stand outside to avoid being hit by falling debris. If in doubt about the safety of a building, do not enter. If the ceiling is sagging, or other signs the building is in a weakened condition or about to collapse exist, leave the building immediately.

Safety Tips: After Entering a Building

Do not approach wild animals that take refuge in the home: Wild animals often seek refuge from floodwaters on upper levels of homes and have been known to remain after water recedes. Call animal control or a wildlife resource office to handle the situation. Also, watch household pets closely and keep them under direct control.

Double check and re-check for gas leaks: To be safe, assume there could be a gas leak in the house. Return to the home during daylight to avoid turning on lights. Do not light candles, cigarettes or operate electrical switches in the house until it has been inspected and is safe. If gas is smelled or a hissing or blowing sound is heard, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if possible. Call the gas company from a neighbor’s residence or from a cell phone away from the building.

Be careful around electricity: If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. If in wet clothing, standing in water, or if unsure of safety, do not check the electrical system. An electrician may need to inspect the wiring.

Once the electrical power is turned off, unplug all appliances: Clean them out and let them dry. Then have them checked by a professional before using them again.

Check water and sewage systems: If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with local authorities to make sure the water is not contaminated. Some Louisiana neighborhoods are under boil advisory. Do not drink or cook with tap water until authorities declare the water supply is safe to drink.

Check the furnace and water heater: The water heater may work, but if floodwater covered part of the entire tank, the insulation between the walls may be damaged. Obtain an estimate to replace the damaged furnace and water heater.

Safety Tips for Cleaning Up

Protective clothing: Wear protective clothing and make sure hands, arms, feet, and legs are covered. If cuts exist on hands or other body parts, protect them from contact with water or debris. Wear a mask for protection from inhaling harmful odors or fumes while cleaning up. Even people with no known risk factors for mold should wear filtering face masks and gloves if they plan to do anything more than look around.

Use extreme caution as cleanup begins: Floors and stairs may be covered with debris and may be very slippery. Watch out for broken bottles, exposed nails, soft spots in the floor and other hazards. When opening cabinets, watch for objects that may fall because they are not secure in their usual place. Standing water should be removed. Fans at open doors and windows can be used to help with the drying out process. They should blow outward, not inward.

When it doubt, throw it out: Get rid of all food and other supplies that may have be contaminated or that may have come in contact with floodwater. Porous materials such as carpets, mattresses, furniture with upholstery should be thrown out. Insulation, ceiling tiles, wallboard, drywall and particle board should be discarded because they are porous.

Register with FEMA

Survivors can register online with FEMA at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. For 711 Relay or Video Relay Services call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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Take Precautions When Returning Home After Hurricane Isaac

Mildew, Mold Likely in Flooded Homes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Mold in flood-damaged homes and other structures can cause health problems if it is not eliminated. People with asthma, allergies and other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold, and people with immune suppression are more susceptible to infections caused by mold, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Quick action can minimize the damage caused by mold and stop its spread. Do not wait for an inspector to begin cleanup. If possible, take pictures of the damage.

The CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency recommend the following steps:

Open windows and doors and use fans to dry out the building as quickly as possible. If possible, use wet vacuums to remove water and use dehumidifiers in closed spaces.
When working in an affected building, wear eye protection, latex or rubber gloves and a mask.
Remove baseboards and soaked drywall to a foot above the watermark and discard. Drain walls by drilling holes or pulling non-porous paneling away from the studs. Check the interior of walls for mold.
Remove porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried – carpeting and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, leather, wood, paper, food and clothing. If there is any doubt about whether the item has been affected by mold, discard it.
Hard, non-porous surfaces (metal, glass, solid wood, plastic, etc.) should be washed with non-ammonia detergent and hot water. Scrub rough surfaces like concrete. Disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a solution of water and bleach; rinse after 10 minutes. Never mix bleach with ammonia.

If the area to be cleaned exceeds 10 square feet or if assistance is required to complete cleanup, consult a professional contractor. For more information, go to http://epa.gov/mold/cleanupguidelines.html.

People who need help cleaning their homes can call the Florida Volunteer and Donation Hotline, which can connect survivors with a local volunteer agency. The number is 800-FL-HELP-1 (800-354-3571).

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Mildew, Mold Likely in Flooded Homes

May is Building Safety Month

Release Date: May 3, 2012
Release Number: R10-12-012

» 2012 Region X News Releases

SEATTLE, Wash. — When you enter a house or building, most likely you assume it is safe and was properly constructed in accordance with building codes. Fortunately, your local safety experts work hard to assure building safety and fire prevention every day. To help raise awareness of building safety, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)proudly celebrates Building Safety Month this May.

Building Safety Month is a month-long celebration of all aspects of building safety to help families, employers, and leaders understand and appreciate the best practices that keep the places where we live, work and play safe. The campaign is presented by the International Code Council and its 50,000 members worldwide, along with a diverse partnership of professionals from the building construction, design and safety community.

“Building codes are meant to protect us,” says FEMA Region 10 Regional Administrator Ken Murphy. “The more people understand and respect building codes, the better we will build and the safer our communities will be.”

In order for residents of a community to qualify for flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the community needs to maintain a minimal level of building code protection and floodplain management. If a community enforces even higher standards, they can participate in the Community Rating System (CRS) program. The CRS provides a reduction in flood insurance premium rates for property owners in communities that implement activities above and beyond the basic requirements of the NFIP. These reduced rates reflect the reduced flood risk.

Countless accidents occur in homes across the U.S. and globally where building codes are poorly understood or used improperly. Building Safety Month is an effort to help bridge these gaps and provide a broader platform to share the sphere of knowledge among architects, engineers and skilled industry veterans so that families, businesses and communities can be safe, strong and sustainable.

Last Modified: Monday, 07-May-2012 14:26:40

Original source –

May is Building Safety Month

Kentuckians Have Just Two Weeks Left To Register With FEMA

Release Date: April 20, 2012
Release Number: 4057-060

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Survivors of the severe storms and tornadoes of Feb. 29 through March 3 have only two weeks remaining to register with The Federal Emergency Management Agency for federal disaster assistance. The final day to register is May 7.

Disaster officials urge everyone who suffered damage or losses from the storms to register for assistance with FEMA, including those who may have had insurance to cover some of their losses. Insurance may not cover all losses.

The May 7 deadline also is the same for those submitting disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans are available to homeowners and renters as well as to private nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes.

Completion of the SBA loan application does not obligate an applicant to take out a loan, but the information in the application may be used to determine qualification for further federal assistance through FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program.
Homeowners, renters and business owners in the following 21 Kentucky counties may be eligible: Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Johnson, Kenton, Larue, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe.

Register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Callers with speech or hearing disabilities can use TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Assistance is available in several languages. Smartphone or tablet users can go to m.fema.gov to register.

People who have already registered can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 if they have questions or additional information to provide.
Prior to calling or registering online, residents should have:

The address of the affected property
A brief description of the damages
A current address where they receive mail
Social Security number
Insurance information including policy numbers
A phone number and an alternate phone number

Applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be considered for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. Applicants who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be eligible to receive Other Needs Assistance grants for these items.

The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number is 800-659-2955. Help is also available by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by going online at sba.gov. Loan applications can be made online at SBA’s secure website: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. An SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) is open to assist SBA loan applicants. The center is located in West Liberty in Johnson County at the Kentucky Housing Cooperative Building until April 27.

Last Modified: Monday, 23-Apr-2012 13:19:12

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Kentuckians Have Just Two Weeks Left To Register With FEMA

Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4060-008

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, nearly 600 survivors of the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred Feb. 29 – March 2 have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.

To date, more than $461,000 in grants has been approved to help survivors pay for temporary housing and other needs as a result of damage they incurred. Many more survivors in the 10 disaster-designated counties may be eligible for benefits but may not be registering with FEMA in larger numbers for a variety of reasons:

Unfamiliar with the FEMA registration process – it’s as easy as a phone call or click.

People with storm losses can register simply by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Applicants who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can use TTY 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Don’t know the full scope of available assistance.

FEMA assistance can cover rental costs, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.
FEMA can refer survivors who do not need FEMA assistance, or who have additional needs, to partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA also can refer survivors to groups and agencies who can help them with disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling and legal aid.
SBA low-interest disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters and businesses at affordable terms. Survivors offered an SBA low-interest loan are under no obligation to accept it. However, completing and returning the application may open the door to other forms of assistance such as additional FEMA grants.
Survivors can obtain more information from the SBA website at www.sba.gov and learn how to apply on line or download an SBA application. Applicants with questions specific to SBA can also call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing) for assistance.

Think insurance will cover damages or are waiting for an insurance settlement.

Homeowners and renters with insurance should fill out a FEMA application and SBA loan application while they are waiting for their insurance decision. It saves time.
If insurance doesn’t cover all of their disaster-related expenses, FEMA and/or SBA assistance may be available to fill the gap.

Busy cleaning up debris, repairing homes; haven’t taken the time to register.

Registering by phone or online can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes.

Think FEMA assistance could count against benefits received from other federal programs such as Social Security or Medicare.

FEMA grants for housing and other needs assistance are NOT counted as income and DO NOT affect other benefits or eligibility for programs such as Social Security, Medicaid, welfare assistance, SNAP or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. FEMA grant money does not have to be repaid as long as it is properly spent for your disaster recovery.

Think they are ineligible for FEMA assistance due to income levels or too little damage.

Income level does not affect possible FEMA assistance for homeowners; and let FEMA determine if the amount of damage qualifies for assistance. Survivors should not disqualify themselves by not registering.

Disaster Recovery Centers

If, after registering, survivors still have questions or need help registering, they can get face-to-face help by visiting any of the nine disaster recovery centers in Tennessee, which are staffed with recovery specialists from TEMA, FEMA, SBA and other agencies able to answer questions. Disaster recovery centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The following disaster recovery locations will remain open until 6 p.m., Monday, April 2:

DeKalb County
County Administrative Building
724 South Congress Blvd.
Smithville, TN 37166

Jackson County
Dodson Branch Community Center
16160 Dodson Branch Hwy.
Cookeville, TN 38501

Overton County
911 EMS Building
253 Industrial Park Dr.
Livingston, TN 38570

The following locations will remain open until further notice:

Bradley County
First Baptist Church Annex
340 Church St.
Cleveland, TN 37311

Claiborne County
Harrogate Volunteer Fire Department #2
132 Harrogate Crossing Rd.
Harrogate, TN 37752

Cumberland County
County Community Complex
1398 Livingston Rd.
Crossville, TN 38555

Hamilton County
Chattanooga Fire Department Station #7
6911 Discovery Dr.
Chattanooga, TN 37416

McMinn/Polk County
Etowah Rural Fire and Rescue
1018 Tennessee Ave.
Etowah, TN 37331

Monroe County
Tellico Plains Community Center
132 Bank St.
Tellico Plains, TN 37385

Last Modified: Wednesday, 28-Mar-2012 09:33:50

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Tennessee Storm Survivors Urged to Register With FEMA

FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice at Walmart

Release Date: March 25, 2012
Release Number: 4057-031

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Federal Emergency Management Agency Mitigation specialists will be offering free information and answering questions about rebuilding for survivors of the recent tornadoes and storms throughout counties designated for federal disaster assistance.

The FEMA teams will be at Walmart stores on March 29 through April 1 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. in Rowan, Johnson, Laurel and Lawrence Counties.

Representatives will answer questions about protecting homes from future disaster damage and offering other home improvement tips and techniques. Topics include safe room construction, flood- and wind-resistant building methods, wind straps and other measures to make homes stronger and safer such as mold and mildew cleanup and prevention. Free publications on these topics, as well as on flood insurance, will be available.

A Congressionally mandated study in 2005 by the National Institute of Building Sciences showed that every dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of four dollars in future losses due to disasters. Information about strengthening property can be downloaded at www.fema.gov/rebuild/.

Location addresses and hours of the FEMA Mitigation Team visits are as follows:

Rowan County:
Walmart
200 Walmart Way
Morehead, KY 40351

Laurel County:
Walmart
1851 Highway 192 West
London, KY 40744

Johnson County:
Walmart
470 North Mayo Trail
Paintsville, KY 41240

Lawrence County:
Walmart
275 Walton Drive
Louisa, KY 41230

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

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 13:02:03

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FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice at Walmart

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Saturday in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton Counties

Release Date: March 23, 2012
Release Number: 4060-005

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

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announce the openings of disaster recovery centers in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton counties to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding Feb. 29 – March 2. The centers will open at noon Saturday, March 24, and will remain open that day until 6 p.m.

Sunday hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Beginning Monday, March 26, center hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The centers will remain open until further notice.

Representatives from the state, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the centers to explain assistance programs and help survivors register for disaster aid.

The disaster recovery centers will be located at the following addresses:

DeKalb County
County Administrative Building
724 South Congress Blvd.
Smithville, TN 37166

Jackson County
Dodson Branch Community Center
16160 Dodson Branch Hwy.
Cookeville, TN 38501

Overton County
911 EMS Building
253 Industrial Park Dr.
Livingston, TN 38750

If possible, before visiting a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses should register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Applicants using TTY can call 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If using a smartphone or tablet, register at m.fema.gov.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include grants for rental assistance and home repairs, low-interest loans from the SBA to cover disaster related damages or losses, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.

For more information, visit www.TNEMA.org and www.FEMA.gov/assistance.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 08:47:58

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Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Saturday in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton Counties

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