columbia - femacontract.com

FEMA Region III Releases Preparedness Infographics

PHILADELPHIA – FEMA Region III has created four new infographics to promote individual and community preparedness. Infographics can be used in many different ways to help reach multiple audiences and guide action. We encourage everyone to use, share and promote these vibrant visual tools. Each infographic focuses on a specific topic:

Protect against a Flood Infographic. If you live in a flood prone area, taking protective measures is a must in order to protect your house and valuables. This image focuses on ways you can make your home more resilient to floods. This infographic can enhance a community newsletter or email. Download at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/108453.

Pet Preparedness Infographic. A significant number of families have pets who also need to be ready for a disaster. We encourage everyone to take simple steps to prepare their pets, including building a pet preparedness kit and having a pet-friendly plan for disasters. This infographic is perfect for pet stores and veterinarian offices as it promotes pet preparedness and safety. Download at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/108455.

Make Your Business Resilient Infographic. Roughly 40 to 60 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors following a disaster, but you can. Encourage workplace resiliency through planning and preparation for the unexpected. This infographic is great to share in an email to your workforce and to post on bulletin boards and breakrooms. Download at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/108451.

Is your Disaster Kit Stocked? Infographic. Hurricane Sandy knocked out power to 8.5 million customers for seven days. Make sure your disaster kit is up-to-date and you have a plan in place for your family. Consider this infographic and display at local stores and supermarkets. Download at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/108699.

By promoting preparedness, we can reduce the impact of future 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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

See original:

FEMA Region III Releases Preparedness Infographics

State/FEMA Recovery Center to Open in Pontotoc County

OKLAHOMA CITY – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open in Pontotoc County to help people in Oklahoma who were affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding and tornadoes occurring May 5 through June 22.

The DRC officially opens on Tuesday, August 4, at:

Pontotoc County
Evergreen Building
221 North Rennie
Ada, OK 74820
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

As previously announced, DRCs will also open in Carter, Okfuskee and Okmulgee counties during the week of August 3 in:

Carter County on Tuesday, August 4, at:
Ardmore Convention Center
(Conference Rooms 3 & 4)
2401 N. Rockford Road
Ardmore, OK 73401
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Okfuskee County on Tuesday, August 4, at:
Okfuskee Fair Grounds
(Administrative Building)
1202 E. Columbia
Okemah, OK 74589
Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(This mobile DRC closes on Wednesday, August 5 at Noon.)

Okmulgee County on Friday, August 7, at:
Green Country Technological School
1100 N. Loop 56
Okmulgee, OK 74447
Hours: Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
(This mobile DRC closes on Tuesday, August 11, at 7 p.m.)

DRCs are one-stop shops where survivors can get information and guidance about what disaster assistance may be available. Information from the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other federal agencies and volunteer organizations is available at the recovery centers. Visiting a DRC is not required but strongly recommended.

Survivors may apply for state and federal assistance online with any computer, smartphone, or tablet at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362 to register. Hours to register: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4222 or visit OEM at www.oem.ok.gov.

Link:

State/FEMA Recovery Center to Open in Pontotoc County

State/FEMA Recover Centers to Open in Carter, Marshall and Okfuskee Counties

OKLAHOMA CITY – Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will open in Carter, Marshall and Okfuskee counties to help people in Oklahoma who were affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding and tornadoes occurring May 5 through June 4.

The DRC in Carter County officially opens on Friday, July 17 at 7 a.m. at:

Convention Center (Conference Rooms 3 & 4)
2401 N. Rockford Road
Ardmore, OK 73401
Hours: Monday – Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
(This DRC closes on July 24 at 7 p.m.)

The Mobile DRC in Marshall County officially reopens Friday, July 17 at 7 a.m. at:

Kingston Multi-Purpose Activity Center (KMAC)
Kingston Intermediate High School (Common Room)
403 North East Third Street
Kingston, OK 73149
Hours: Friday, Saturday & Monday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
(This mobile DRC closes on July 20 at 7 p.m.)

The Mobile DRC in Okfuskee County officially opens Friday, July 17 at 7 a.m. at:

County Fairgrounds (Administrative Building)
1201 E. Columbia
Okemah, OK 74859
Hours: Friday, Saturday, Monday & Tuesday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
(This mobile DRC closes on July 21 at 7 p.m.)

Survivors may apply for state and federal assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. Hours to register: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Standard Time), Sunday to Saturday.

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4222 or visit OEM at www.oem.ok.gov.

###

Source article:

State/FEMA Recover Centers to Open in Carter, Marshall and Okfuskee Counties

More Than $13 Million in Federal Assistance Provided to West Virginia

Charleston, W.Va. – State and federal officials say that more than $13 million in federal assistance has been delivered to the State to help cover the costs of the severe winter storm, flooding, landslides and mudslides March 3-14, 2015, that damaged infrastructure in 32 counties.

FEMA has provided a total of more than $13 million to the state thus far including roughly $85,000 for emergency protective measures to safeguard lives and property while responding to the disaster. More than $12 million of these funds are for permanent repair work, primarily to West Virginia Division of Highways.

“The severe weather in March had a significant impact on our state and our recovery continues,” said State Coordinating Officer Jimmy Gianato. “We are actively and consistently engaged with FEMA and all of our partners throughout this process.”

“We are continuing to work with eligible applicants to ensure projects are being completed,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Suzann Cowie. “This funding represents the strong partnership FEMA has with the state and our ongoing commitment to West Virginia’s recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance Programs provide state and local governments and eligible private non-profit organizations, in designated counties, with federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads, bridges, buildings and utilities. Hazard Mitigation funding is for cost-effective measures that would prevent or reduce the threat of future damages.

The State, which distributes the FEMA funds to local governments and qualified non-profits, must review Public Assistance projects, along with FEMA, to ensure compliance with regulations.

###

More Than $13 Million in Federal Assistance Provided to West Virginia

Moises Dugan Sworn In as New FEMA Region 6 Deputy Administrator

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 6 Office has a new Deputy Administrator. Moises Dugan was officially sworn in today by FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson.

“Moises Dugan is an effective leader and brings a wealth of experience to this critically important position at FEMA Region 6,” said Robinson. “As Deputy Regional Administrator, he will work very closely with our federal, state, local and tribal partners in our Region 6 states – Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.”

Dugan began his emergency management career in 1989 with the Texas Department of Public Safety. He’s also worked for the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General in Washington, D.C. and North Texas, as well as FEMA Region 6 and FEMA Region 4 in Atlanta, Ga.

During his previous stint with FEMA Region 6, he worked on a number of high-profile federal disasters, including the Cerro Grande fire in New Mexico in 2000 and the loss of the Shuttle Columbia over Texas and Louisiana in 2003. Additionally, Dugan served as a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps.

“I am happy to be coming back home to FEMA Region 6,” said Dugan. “It’s an honor to again be associated with this group of dedicated and caring emergency management professionals. I know that, together, we will continue to make a real difference in the lives of the people we serve.”

###

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.

Moises Dugan Sworn In as New FEMA Region 6 Deputy Administrator

FEMA Awards $2.35 Million in Disaster Funds for Okanogan County PUD

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded more than $2.35 million to the state of Washington to help pay for disaster-related repair costs of the Okanogan County Public Utilities District (PUD).

Under its Public Assistance (PA) program, FEMA funding helps eligible tribes, state agencies, local governments and certain nonprofits pay for the approved cost for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or replacement of infrastructure damaged or destroyed by the wildfires. FEMA provides 75 percent of these costs, while non-federal sources pay for the remainder.

On Aug. 11, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration that authorized FEMA to coordinate federal disaster relief to help the state recover from the Carlton Complex Fire that occurred between July 9 and Aug. 5. The disaster declaration covers Kittitas County, Okanogan County and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

The $2.35 million award will help reimburse the Okanogan County PUD for the repair of 280,000 linear feet—more than 53 miles—of fiber optic cable and associated infrastructure damaged by the wildfires. Its fiber optic network backbone provides a wide variety of data services and stretches from the Columbia River junction in Brewster to the Canadian border.

For more information about this disaster—including the total dollar amount of PA grants—click on Washington Wildfires, or go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4188.

Visit link –

FEMA Awards $2.35 Million in Disaster Funds for Okanogan County PUD

President Declares Disaster for Georgia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Georgia to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm during the period of February 10-14, 2014.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by a severe winter storm in Baldwin, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Candler, Carroll, Columbia, Coweta, Dade, Emanuel, Fayette, Fulton, Gilmer, Glascock, Hancock, Haralson, Heard, Jasper, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, McDuffie, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Newton, Pickens, Pike, Richmond, Screven, Spalding, Upson, Walker, Warren, Washington, Whitfield, and Wilkes counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Michael Moore has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Moore said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

# # #

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.

Originally posted here:

President Declares Disaster for Georgia

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of Maryland

PHILADELPHIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency will evaluate a Biennial Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. The exercise will take place during the week of October 21, 2013 to test the ability of the State of Maryland to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

“These drills are held every other year to test government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III. “We will evaluate state and local emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile emergency-planning zone of the nuclear facility.”

Within 90 days, FEMA will send their evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise in a public meeting at 11:00 a.m. on October 25, 2013 at the Sheraton of Annapolis, 173 Jennifer Rd., Annapolis MD. Scheduled speakers include representatives from FEMA, NRC, and the State of Maryland.

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:

MaryAnn Tierney

Regional Administrator

FEMA Region III

615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.

Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at fema.gov/radiological-emergency-preparedness-program.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. Region III covers Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Media Contact: 215-931-5597 or FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

See original article:

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of Maryland

Preparing and Engaging Youth

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Emergencies can be scary for people of every age; they can be especially scary for youth because they generally have little control over how their family or community has prepared, and how they will respond. Too often youth are viewed as a liability rather than an asset, when instead they have so much to offer their families and their communities if only they were better prepared and better engaged.

“Involving youth in the preparedness process teaches them about what to do, who to contact, and what the plan is,” said Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney, “it also reduces some of the fear associated with an emergency, but most importantly, youth have excellent ideas that can help everyone prepare for a disaster.”

FEMA recognizes the value that youth can provide, and for that very reason established the Youth Preparedness Council last year. The Council provides an avenue for FEMA to engage the youth population, taking into account their perspectives, feedback and opinions.

Just a few of the accomplishments from this year’s Youth Preparedness Council include designing a “Be Prepared Day” for the community to educate everyone on disaster preparedness, establishing a neighborhood response team, and conducting health and wellness checks. Talk to youth in your community about any ideas they may have and help them where you can.

Young people are capable of playing an important role in emergency preparedness, and have the unique potential to help their communities be safe, stronger and more resilient before, during and after a disaster. As such, we all have a vested interest in engaging and empowering youth to become active participants in individual, family, and community preparedness.

You can engage the youth in your family and your community by teaching them about what hazards are common in your area, explaining to them the warning signs are, and what to do if a certain hazard should strike. When you develop your Family Emergency Plan, make sure to have your children at the table with you so they understand the plan, can ask questions, and can provide ideas for what to do in a disaster.

By teaching youth about how to communicate if your family is separated in a disaster you can build the resiliency and capability of your entire family. Other skills like teaching youth safety skills such as first aid, CPR, and how to safely use a fire extinguisher gets them involved in the process and makes everyone better prepared. Talk to youth that you know about what programs they would like to be involved in and encourage them to explore options like Teen CERT teams.

Youth of any age can be involved in the emergency preparedness process; figure out what’s right for your children and invite them into the process. You could be very surprised by the ideas they have and how much they can help your family and your community in an emergency.

Media Inquiries: FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or 215-931-5597

Excerpt from:

Preparing and Engaging Youth

You Can Be a Local Hero

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Preparing a community for an emergency or disaster can be a daunting task; there are so many people, each with unique needs, and so many aspects that need to be addressed. If such a monumental task is left to just one group of people such as local officials, it’s sure to remain just that, monumental. When the Whole Community comes together to provide input, complete tasks, and take responsibility though, it becomes a very manageable undertaking. Pitching in to help your community prepare for the next disaster has a very large impact, the kind that can make you a local hero.

“Too often we rely upon local officials and first responders to prepare for and respond to a disaster;” said Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney, “there are so many ways that everyone can come together and make their community more resilient.”

Citizen Corps brings together the power of individuals through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds. Citizen Corps has many councils throughout the country at the state and local level, and you can find your nearest council for more information or to sign up at ready.gov/citizen-corps/find-your-nearest-council.

Citizen Corps has many affiliates that offer communities resources for public education, outreach, and training; represent volunteers interested in helping to make their community safer; or offer volunteer service opportunities to support first responders, disaster relief activities, and community safety efforts. Visit ready.gov/citizen-corps-affiliate-programs for more information on Citizen Corps’ affiliates.

In addition to their affiliates, Citizen Corps also has partner programs which give citizens the opportunity get involved. Citizen Corps’ federally sponsored partner programs help build capacity for first responders through the use of volunteers. These programs can be very specific in what they support, such as the Fire Corps which supports fire departments, the Medical Reserve Corps which supports medical needs, and the Volunteers in Police Service which supports law enforcement; or they are more broad in their service, such as the Community Emergency Response Teams or the Corporation for National and Community Service. More information on Citizen Corps’ partners is available at ready.gov/citizen-corps-partner-programs.

There are many community and faith-based organizations that support communities before, during, and after a disaster. Whatever your level of interest, your skill set, or your time, there is a program out there that you can join to support your community. Reach out to organizations that you are already involved in and see what they’re doing or talk to your local officials for ideas.

However you choose to get involved with your community and prepare for the next disaster, know that your work makes a difference to everyone, but for you it can be the difference between being a resident and being a local hero.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

Media Inquiries

FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov 215-931-5597

Read the article:

You Can Be a Local Hero

Page 3 of 8 « 1 2 3 4 5 » ... Last »