CNMI gets chance to show Soudelor preparedness lessons learned

Typhoons, as we witnessed with Soudelor, are a double threat. They can produce both dangerously high winds and widespread torrential rains.

Slow moving storms and tropical storms moving into mountainous regions tend to produce especially heavy rain. This not only damages or destroys homes directly with water and wind, but can also produce damages indirectly with landslides or mud slides. Flash flooding is also a possibility, and flooding near streams or low lying areas may persist for several days or more after a storm.

“With another storm approaching the CNMI, there are still things you can do in this last day or two to protect yourself, your family and your property,” said Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer Ryan Brown.

“Securing loose objects around the house and/or removing and securing objects to prevent them from being picked up and propelled by possible, strong winds,” said Marvin Seman, Special Assistant for Homeland Security & Emergency Operations. “Also, residents living in tents, damaged homes, or homes with compromised safety are strongly encouraged to take precautionary measures and to anticipate heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding.”

Other protective actions include:

  • Make sure you have enough food and water for all family members and pets for three days.

     

  • Fill your car’s gas tank, both in case evacuation becomes necessary and in case gas stations are disabled after the storm.

     

  • Secure your property.

    • Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows.

    • A second option is to board up windows with 5/8 inch marine plywood.

    • Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.

  • Install straps or clips to fasten your roof to the frame structure more securely.

    • This will reduce roof damage.

    • It may reduce overall damage, because homes that lose a roof usually suffer serious subsequent damage.

       

  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.

     

  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

     

  • If you have a boat, secure it.

More on these and many other preparedness topics can be found at ready.gov, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website dedicated to helping people and businesses prepare for whatever Mother Nature may throw at them.

 

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CNMI gets chance to show Soudelor preparedness lessons learned

Survivors who incorrectly received FEMA funds should return them

SAIPAN, CNMI – The Federal Emergency Management Agency wants Soudelor survivors on Saipan to get all available assistance. However, they also want to make sure no one ends up having to return money.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program provides grants to Saipan survivors. About $20 million has been approved to date.

Mistakes can lead to money being inappropriately paid to people in any disaster.

“When mistakes happen, no matter whether they’re made by the applicant or by FEMA, the law requires that FEMA recover that money,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen M. DeBlasio Sr. “The last thing we want is for anyone to have to deal with that issue.”

Any survivors who received a FEMA grant and are now unsure of their eligibility should contact FEMA at 800-621-3362. People with speech or hearing disability and use 711 or Video Relay Service should call that number, while those who use TTY should call 800-462-7585.

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

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Survivors who incorrectly received FEMA funds should return them

Residents Urged to Clean Up Now

SAIPAN – Individuals affected by Typhoon Soudelor that occurred August 1-3, 2015 are urged to begin cleaning up their homes and personal property as soon as possible. Officials from the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emphasize that it is not necessary to wait for a housing inspection before beginning this process.

Residents need to document their losses thoroughly and take pictures of all the damages so that when FEMA housing inspectors arrive, they can make a quick analysis and take information with them. Residents will also need to keep all of the receipts they acquire while purchasing new living items during their displacement.

“We encourage individuals affected by the disaster to remain cautious and return home only when it is safe to do so,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen M. DeBlasio Sr. “Property owners should document all losses and damages by taking photos first, or making a list, and then begin immediately removing all damaged personal property to help combat mold and other health hazards and move forward in the recovery process.”

Before making permanent repairs to your home such as drywall, structural components, electrical systems or plumbing, make sure you get the proper permits from the CNMI Department of Public Works to ensure compliance with local building codes.

For more information on local clean-up instructions and local permit requirements, contact the CNMI at 670-237-8000.

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.

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Residents Urged to Clean Up Now

Disaster Help is Available Even After Recovery Centers Close

OKLAHOMA CITY – The remaining Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) set up by the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are closing this Friday, August 14 but FEMA help is still available for those in need.

Anyone who has not yet registered for disaster aid has until August 26 to do so. For the more than 10,000 Oklahomans who have registered, information and guidance is only a phone call or mouse click away.

“Residents and business owners across the state continue to work hard recovering from this year’s disaster, and some may continue to have questions about the disaster assistance process” said OEM Deputy Director and Oklahoma State Coordinating Officer Michelann Ooten. “It’s important for them to know where to turn to get their questions answered as the recovery centers close”.

The FEMA Help Line is 800-621-3362. Telephone operators are on duty from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Help is available on-line at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.  Those who still need to register, update their information, or just ask disaster-related questions should contact FEMA using either method.

According to FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer John Long, “Our commitment is to help everyone in Oklahoma get all eligible disaster assistance. We just need you to register and stay in touch with us.”

The same goes for those who have applied for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Homeowners, renters and businesses of any size have access to SBA’s low-interest loans to recover from damage and losses and other economic setbacks attributed to the May 5 through June 22 severe weather and flooding.

The number for the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center is 800-659-2955 (Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339). The website for disaster questions and information can be accessed at www.sba.gov/disaster.

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Disaster Help is Available Even After Recovery Centers Close

Over $31 Million Provided to West Virginia for March, April Storms

Charleston, W.Va. – State and federal officials say that more than $31 million in combined state and federal disaster assistance has been delivered to the State of West Virginia to help cover the costs of the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in March and April that damaged infrastructure across the State.

“We continue to work with FEMA to ensure that eligible projects are completed,” said State Coordinating Officer Jimmy Gianato. “These incidents caused heavy damage to our State. This funding represents our strong partnership and ongoing efforts in recovering from the severe weather in March and April.”

“I am proud of the work we have completed so far in coordination with West Virginia and our partners,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Regis Phelan. “We remain committed to this process and to West Virginia’s recovery from these incidents.”

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.

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.

Media Contact: FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

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Over $31 Million Provided to West Virginia for March, April Storms

President Declares Disaster for New Jersey

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 New Jersey to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storm on June 23, 2015. 

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties.

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

Seamus K. Leary has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Leary 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. 

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.

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President Declares Disaster for New Jersey

President Declares Disaster for Wyoming

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 Wyoming and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding during the period of May 24-June 6, 2015.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Johnson and Niobrara counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.     

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

Thomas J. McCool has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  McCool said additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.  Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. 

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. 

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.

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President Declares Disaster for Wyoming

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.

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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. 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.

 

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

More Than $6 Million in Federal Assistance Provided to West Virginia

Charleston, Wv. – State and federal officials say that more than $6 million in federal assistance has been delivered to the State of West Virginia 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 $6 million to the State thus far including roughly $50,000 for emergency protective measures to safeguard lives and property while responding to the disaster. More than $5 million of these funds are for permanent repair work, primarily to West Virginia Division of Highways.

“The severe March weather caused more than $30 million in damage and response costs, mostly to roads,” said State Coordinating Officer Jimmy Gianato. “FEMA is providing 75 percent of those costs and the State is providing the remaining 25 percent.”

“FEMA continues to support West Virginia to ensure that applicants receive all of the assistance for which they are eligible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Suzann Cowie. “Funding for Hazard Mitigation efforts, statewide, is also available.”

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.

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.

Media Contact: FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

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More Than $6 Million in Federal Assistance Provided to West Virginia

Inspectors Visiting Disaster-Damaged Properties

FRANKFORT, KY – Residents and business owners who applied for federal assistance resulting from the severe storms and flooding in April will hear soon from damage inspectors.

People who suffered losses in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan, and Scott counties may be eligible for assistance by registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Following registration, FEMA usually schedules inspections within seven (7) to 10 days. An inspector first examines structural damage to a house or business, then assesses damage to appliances, such as the washer, dryer, refrigerator, and stove. The inspector also gathers information about serious needs, such as lost or damaged clothing. Homeowners should identify all known damages and tell the inspector if they have a septic system or a well.

Property owners need to show proof of ownership and occupancy. Renters need to show proof of occupancy. If insurance papers are available, residents should show them to the inspector.

Inspectors will ask applicants to show identification. At the same time, applicants should ask for identification from everyone identifying themselves as damage inspectors. All inspectors carry official photo identification.

“If an inspector is not wearing an identification card or badge, please make sure you ask to see it,” said Joe M. Girot, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer for Kentucky.

Girot said it is also important to keep in mind that official inspectors do not charge for this service.

Those who have suffered losses as a result of the April storms, but have not yet applied for assistance are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

The fastest and easiest way to register for assistance is online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 (FEMA) or by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.  Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; those who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. eastern, seven days a week until further notice.

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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.

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

FEMA’s 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.

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov. On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

 

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Inspectors Visiting Disaster-Damaged Properties

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