DENTON, Texas – More than $2.4 million was recently awarded to Louisiana for repairs to multiple buildings in Jefferson Parish and Plaquemines Parish, including a school, as part of the recovery efforts after Hurricane Isaac.

Of the total Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance funding, more than $1.2 million covered repairs for different Jefferson Parish Department of Water facilities, as well as mitigation measures to protect against future damage. This includes Water Plants, Distribution Centers, a Payment Center, sewer lines, water lines and lift stations on the West Bank, the East Bank and in Grand Isle.

In Plaquemines Parish, the more than $1.2 million in Public Assistance funding covers repairs, the replacement of some storm-damaged components and mitigation measures to protect against future disasters in the following communities:

  • Belle Chasse – Belle Chasse Fire Station III; Belle Chasse Government Building;  Belle Chasse Library; Belle Chasse Lockup; Belle Chasse Public Right-of-Way Maintenance Shop; Belle Chasse Water Collection Office; Community Action Agency building;  Council on Aging building; the Emergency Management Services Building; and the Recreation North Facility;
  • Boothville – Boothville-Venice Elementary School Campus main building, gymnasium and cafeteria; and the Boothville-Venice Fire Station;
  • Buras – Buras Auditorium; Buras Community Center; and the Buras Fire Station;
  • Davant – the Percy Griffin Community Center;
  • Empire – O’Brien Fire Station;
  • Phoenix – the Phoenix Fire Station;
  • Point A La Hache – Epalh Fire/Emergency Management Services Station; and
  • Port Sulphur – District 8 Council building; Port Sulphur Community Center; Port Sulphur Fire Station; and the Port Sulphur Public Right-of-Way Maintenance Building.

To date, FEMA has awarded more than $312 million in Public Assistance funding to Louisiana in relation to Hurricane Isaac. The Public Assistance funding represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Louisiana; the state then disburses the grant to the eligible applicant.

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

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Louisiana Receives More Than $2.4 Million for Repairs in Jefferson Parish and Plaquemines Parish Following Hurricane Isaac

DENTON, Texas – Homeowners, renters and business owners in Lafayette Parish are encouraged to look over newly-revised preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

Parish officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the revised preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks in their area. Residents and business owners can use this information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and other building decisions. Community leaders can use this information to identify how the community should move forward with any development.    

“We have worked with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the parish and hope that everyone reviews the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “It is very important to have the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process.”

To view the revised flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator who may be located at City Hall or the local parish government building. You can also visit http://msc.fema.gov/portal or http://maps.riskmap6.com. To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in your area.
                                                           
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Revised Preliminary Flood Maps in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas – Homeowners, renters and business owners in El Paso County in Texas are encouraged to look over newly-revised preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) presented the revised preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks in their area.  Residents and business owners can use this information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and other building decisions.  Community leaders can use this information to identify how the community should move forward with any development.   

“Working together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the county, we hope that everyone reviews the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Having the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

To view the revised flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator who may be located at City Hall or the local courthouse. You can also visit http://msc.fema.gov/portal or http://maps.riskmap6.com. To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in your area.
 
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

Read this article – 

Revised Preliminary Flood Maps in El Paso County, Texas Ready for Public View

Warren, Mich. – The State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center located at the Wayne County Community College District will transition to a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) on Monday, Dec. 1.

A DLOC focuses on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery. Homeowners, renters and businesses will be able to talk individually with SBA representatives. Specialists from FEMA will also be available.

At this center:

  • Businesses, homeowners and renters may check on the status or ask any questions about their SBA disaster loan application.
  • Applicants may check the status of their FEMA registration and get clarification of any written correspondence received.

The center is located at:

Wayne County Community College District, NW Campus, Old Administrative Building  
8200 West Outer Drive
Detroit, MI 48219

The centers, operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be open:

Monday through Saturday- 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 30, Reopens Monday, Dec. 1.

Disaster survivors may register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.  Applicants may call 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585.  The toll-free telephone numbers are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

For SBA information or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955; TTY users call
800-877-8339.

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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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195
 

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FEMA’s Wayne County Recovery Center Becomes SBA Loan Center

DENTON, Texas – The state of Texas has received more than $1.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for mitigation measures for a University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) building.

Hurricane Ike damaged the UTMB Customs House, also known as the 1700 Strand Building, in 2008. These mitigation measures will protect it from potential future storm damage.

The measures include elevating a new chiller onto a new exterior platform; relocating existing mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems from the basement level to upper floors; and restoring the basement with a new floor plan, new lighting and fire protection system. The basement will now serve as a “shell space,” which is essentially an unfinished space enclosed by an exterior building shell.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $476.8 million for UTMB-related projects, in the aftermath of Ike.

FEMA’s contribution, made possible by a Public Assistance grant, represents a 90 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Texas; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.

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

Continue reading – 

Texas Receives More Than $1.5 Million in Federal Funding for University of Texas Medical Branch Mitigation Measures

EATONTOWN, N.J. — September is National Preparedness Month, and the latter half of the year is an ideal time for people to review their insurance policies. Understanding the details of what specific policies cover and what the policyholder is responsible for after a disaster is important as both clients’ needs and insurance companies’ rules change.

Insurers’ decisions and legislative changes have the biggest effect on changes in policies. Consumers should make themselves aware of possible changes in these areas and know what to look for while reviewing their policies.

What’s Covered

The first check is the most obvious: the actual coverage. Policyholders should look at the specifics of which property is covered and the type of damage that is covered. Property owners should know that floods are not covered by standard insurance policies and that separate flood insurance is available. Flood insurance is required for homes and buildings located in federally designated high risk areas with federally backed mortgages, referred to as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Residents of communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are automatically eligible to buy flood insurance. According to www.floodsmart.gov, mortgage lenders can also require property owners in moderate to low-risk areas to purchase flood insurance.

There are two types of flood insurance coverage: Building Property and Personal Property. Building Property covers the structure, electrical, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning systems. Personal Property, which is purchased separately, covers furniture, portable kitchen appliances, food freezers, laundry equipment, and service vehicles such as tractors.

What’s Not Covered

Policy exclusions describe coverage limits or how coverage can be purchased separately, if possible. Property owners should know that not only is flood insurance separate from property (homeowners) insurance, but that standard policies may not cover personal items damaged by flooding. In these cases, additional contents insurance can be purchased as an add-on at an additional cost. Some policies may include coverage, but set coverage limits that will pay only a percentage of the entire loss or a specific dollar amount.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Standard Flood Insurance Program (SFIP) “only covers direct physical loss to structures by flooding,” FEMA officials said. The SFIP has very specific definitions of what a flood is and what it considers flood damage. “Earth movement” caused by flooding, such as a landslide, sinkholes and destabilization of land, is not covered by SFIP.

Structures that are elevated must be built at least to the minimum Base Flood Elevation (BFE) standards as determined by the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). There may be coverage limitations regarding personal property in areas below the lowest elevated floor of an elevated building.

Cost Impact of Biggert-Waters

The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 extends and reforms the NFIP for five years by adjusting rate subsidies and premium rates. Approximately 20 percent of NFIP policies pay subsidized premiums, and the 5 percent of those policyholders with subsidized policies for non-primary residences and businesses will see a 25 percent annual increase immediately. A Reserve Fund assessment charge will be added to the 80 percent of policies that pay full-risk premiums. Un-elevated properties constructed in a SFHA before a community adopted its initial FIRMs will be affected most by rate changes.

In March 2014, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA) of 2014 were signed into law, lowering rate increases on some policies, preventing rate increases on others, and delaying the implementation of Section 207 of Biggert-Waters, which was to ensure that certain properties’ flood insurance rates reflected their full risk after a mapping change or update. HFIAA also repeals a portion of Biggert-Waters that eliminated grandfathering properties into lower risk classes. Many of the changes have not yet been implemented because the necessary new programs and procedures have not been established.

Other Conditions

The General Conditions section informs the consumer and the insurer of their responsibilities, including fraud, policy cancellation, subrogation (in this case, the insurer’s right to claim damages caused by a third party) and payment plans. Policies also have a section that offers guidance on the steps to take when damage or loss occurs. It includes notifying the insurer as soon as practically possible, notifying the police (if appropriate or necessary) and taking steps to protect property from further damage.

“FEMA’s top priority is to provide assistance to those in need as quickly as possible, while also meeting our requirements under the law,” FEMA press secretary Dan Watson said. “To do this, FEMA works with its private sector, write-your-own insurance (WYO) company partners who sell flood insurance under their own names and are responsible for the adjustment of their policy holders’ claims.”

Policyholders should speak with their insurance agent or representative if they have any questions about coverage. For further information and direction, call the NFIP Call Center at 1-800-427-4661 or the NFIP Referral Center at 1-888-379-9531. Comprehensive information about NFIP, Biggert-Waters, HFIAA and flood insurance in general can be found at the official NFIP website, www.floodsmart.gov.

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.twitter.com/FEMASandywww.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, 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.”

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Review, Update Your Insurance Policies

Ad Council, FEMA and Disney launch “Big Hero 6” PSAs to Encourage Emergency Preparedness for Kids

WASHINGTON — Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a new strategy to educate young people about disaster prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery.  The National Strategy for Youth Preparedness Education: Empowering, Educating and Building Resilience (National Strategy) couples attention on emergency and disaster preparedness with community action that focuses specifically on youth readiness for disasters and related events. The National Strategy was developed in partnership with the American Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Education, and more than 25 organizations have affirmed their support.

Research shows that it is important to educate and empower young people to prepare for disasters. A 2010 study from Oregon State University showed that 14 percent of children and teens had experienced a disaster during their lifetime, and four percent had been in a disaster within the past year. Of those who had experience with disaster, a quarter reported experiencing more than one.

Recognizing that children have the ability to play an important role in preparing themselves, their families, and their communities for a disaster, Disney, the Ad Council and FEMA are releasing new Public Service Advertisements (PSAs) as an extension of the Ready campaign. These new PSAs highlight several steps that kids can take to prepare for emergencies: Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Know The Facts. The new English and Spanish ads feature leading characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming film “Big Hero 6,” and they encourage viewers to visit Ready.gov/Kids  to learn how to prepare for emergencies. 

“Children who learn about emergency preparedness experience less anxiety during an actual emergency or disaster,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. “This National Strategy will encourage communities and organizations to give children and their families the information they need to prepare for disasters.”

“When it comes to emergency preparedness, we know that communication and planning in advance are critical,” Ad Council President and CEO Peggy Conlon said. “Research has shown that children can play an important role in creating family emergency plans, which is why this extension of our longstanding campaign with FEMA incorporates wonderfully entertaining Disney characters that will both entertain and educate children.”

“Young people can do amazing things when given the chance,” said Richard Reed, senior vice president of Disaster Cycle Services at the American Red Cross. “Just watch an entire school full of kids evacuate in a couple of minutes for a fire drill, or listen to the story of the young man who gave his birthday money to buy smoke alarms for his community. At the Red Cross, we’re just delighted to stand with this coalition to help prepare young people and their families.”

The National Strategy presents nine priority steps to further youth preparedness education including: building partnerships to enhance, increase and implement youth preparedness learning programs; connecting young people with their families, communities, first responders and other youth; and increasing school preparedness. More information about these steps–as well as the national organizations that have affirmed their support–is available under the National Strategy tab in the FEMA Youth Technical Assistance Center at www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness.

More information about emergency preparedness is available at 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.

From: 

FEMA Unveils National Strategy to Strengthen Youth Preparedness

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The center, operated by the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is located at Oneonta Recreation Park – City Depot, Chamber of Commerce Room, 28161 State Highway 75, Oneonta, 35121

The center will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the final day.

After the center closes, survivors will still be able to contact FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at  m.fema.gov, or by phone at 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585.  Multilingual operators are available.

Survivors may also visit any of the open Recovery Centers in Alabama currently open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the following locations:

·    Baldwin County

o Elberta Town Hall,10352 Main St., Elberta, 36530

o Fairhope Civic Center (Delchamps Room), 161 North Section St., 3653

·    Blount County:

o Oneonta Recreation Park – City Depot, Chamber of Commerce Room,

28161 State Highway 75, Oneonta, 35121

(Closes May 31, 6 p.m.)

·    Jefferson County:

o Maurice C. West Community Center, 171 2nd St. SW, Graysville 35073

o Lawson State Community College, 1100 9th Ave SW, Bessemer, 35022

·    Limestone County:

o Ripley Woodmen of the World Hall, 11281 Ripley Road, Athens, 35611

·    Mobile County:

o Old Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Center, 4851 Museum Drive, Mobile, 36608

·    Tuscaloosa County:

o Salvation Army Building, 1601 University Blvd. East, Tuscaloosa, 35404

(Closes May 31, 6 p.m.)

The deadline to register for disaster assistance is July 1, 2014.

Original post:

Disaster Recovery Center in Oneonta Closing May 31

For Immediate Release:  March 28, 2014
Media Contact:  Mary Simms, mary.simms@fema.dhs.gov, 510-627-7006 or
Kelly Hudson, kelly.hudson@fema.dhs.gov, 510-207-4011

FEMA Launches New Initiative to Increase Preparedness,
Community Resilience Following Disasters
FEMA hosts April 1 workshop in Oakland with local leaders from San Francisco Bay Area

Oakland, Calif., — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) invites you to join us for the 1st ever FEMA Region 9 Whole Community Workshop in Oakland, Calif., on April 1, 2014.  The event will provide representatives of the public, private and non–profit worlds the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and participate in preparedness activities they could then share with their respective communities.  The panelists will share their stories on how to improve community resilience before a disaster strikes.

Weather-related disasters in the United States continue to increase in size, frequency and impact, and experience repeatedly demonstrates that communities are better prepared to withstand an emergency and recover more quickly when everyone is involved.   The workshop is being held as part of a new initiative, America’s PrepareAthon!, a nationwide, community-based campaign for action to increase emergency preparedness and resilience.

FEMA’s Acting Regional Administrator Karen Armes will be joined by preparedness partners from the Bay Area and greater Region 9 area.  The workshop will include a presentation from San Francisco’s Daniel Homsey, Director of Neighborhood Resilience, to discuss San Francisco’s Empowered Communities Program, Building Resilient Cities One Neighborhood at a Time.  Divya Saini, a FEMA Region 9 Youth Member from Palo Alto, Calif., will also discuss local preparedness engagement strategies and activities.

The Emmy award-nominated documentary, “A Village Called Versailles” by San Francisco based documentary filmmaker Leo Chiang will also be screened during the workshop.

Twice yearly through drills, group discussions and exercises America’s PrepareAthon! will provide a national backdrop for individuals, organizations and communities to prepare for local hazards, and practice actions to stay safe.

The goals of America’s PrepareAthon! are to increase the number of citizens who:
• Understand the hazards most relevant to their community;
• Know the corresponding action to stay safe;
• Practice a real-time behavior to increase their preparedness; and
• Contribute to increased whole-community preparedness planning

WHEN:                            Tuesday April 1st, 2014 – 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM*
*Please RSVP to the listed media contacts to request an agenda and media access in advance.
WHERE:                          FEMA Region 9 – 1111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, CA 94607
COST:                             Free

Members of the media:  Please email Mary Simms at mary.simms@fema.dhs.gov or Kelly Hudson at Kelly.hudson@fema.dhs.gov for additional details and to coordinate attendance and interview requests in advance.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femaregion9.

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FEMA Launches New Initiative to Increase Preparedness, Community Resilience Following Disasters; FEMA hosts April 1 workshop in Oakland with local…

LINCROFT, N.J — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s primary mission is to help citizens and first responders prepare for, respond to and recover from all manner of disasters. To that end, FEMA takes the disbursement of necessary funds to the proper parties very seriously.

People who intentionally try to defraud the government are taking money away from those who truly need assistance. FEMA must ensure that taxpayer dollars go only to people who incurred legitimate losses. This may include prosecuting anyone who makes a fraudulent claim.

People who are caught trying to claim false losses can be charged with a felony and, if convicted, face a maximum five- to 10-year prison term and up to $250,000 in fines.

If you know of someone who is filing false damage claims with FEMA, you should report this or other instances of fraud, waste or abuse to the Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Caller identification will remain confidential.

Calls may be answered by a recorded message. The caller will be asked a few questions. The information will be entered into the data system and assigned to a field investigator. If the caller left a name and phone number, it will be the investigator who will call back, not the person who took the call. An inspector has 90 days to verify the complaint. Calls can be taken in both English and Spanish.

You can also fax a complaint to 1-202-254-4292, fill out an online form on the Office of Inspector General website (www.oig.dhs.gov) or send mail to: Office of Inspector General/MAIL STOP 0305, Department of Homeland Security, 245 Murray Drive SW, Building 410, Washington, DC 20528.

Special agents from the Office of Inspector General use a number of methods to detect fraud. An automated system cross-checks information with other agencies and insurance companies to weed out duplicate applications. Field inspections are conducted to verify losses and damages for every person who applies to FEMA for individual assistance. Potential cases of fraud or misuse are referred for prosecution as federal offenses.

Conducting audits and investigating possible fraudulent activities is standard procedure in all federal disaster operations. The U.S. Department of Justice prosecutes cases that result in criminal charges.

Any applicant who has made a mistake when reporting damage or has misrepresented losses has the opportunity to correct or cancel their claim. Individuals need to call FEMA’s Helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA, to withdraw or correct an application and prevent prosecution.

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

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.

Link to article – 

Disaster Fraud: Filing A False Claim With FEMA is a Felony

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