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 California to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by the Rim Fire during the period of August 17 to October 24, 2013.

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 Rim Fire in Tuolumne County.

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

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

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Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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 California

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Survivor Assistance crews, or DSA crews, are now canvassing areas affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes to provide information, identify immediate needs, give survivors an opportunity to register for disaster assistance, answer questions related to an individual’s FEMA application status, and provide referrals to other governmental and nongovernmental assistance providers.

Nearly 75 DSA crew members are visiting homes, businesses, organizations and high-traffic locations in affected areas. They also meet with local officials and community leaders to identify disaster-related issues and unmet needs.

“FEMA is sending teams directly to Illinois communities affected by this disaster to expedite the recovery process,” said Donald Keldsen, the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in Illinois. “This staff is equipped to register people on the spot, answer questions about federal assistance and provide referrals for additional help if it’s needed.”

While DSA crews are offering in-person service, it’s important that Illinois survivors remain vigilant about protecting their personal information. For example, residents should always ask for identification. Federal and state officials always have and official photo identification badge clearly visible. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it.

DSA crew members may offer residents the opportunity to use a tablet computer to register, or ask to enter information on their behalf.  Illinois residents will not be required to share personal information unless they wish a DSA crew member to help them with an in-person registration or answer specific questions about their FEMA application status. Residents are reminded to ask for federal identification before providing personal information.

Disaster survivors in counties designated for FEMA assistance in Illinois can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile device at m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline at
800-621-3362.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. 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. 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.

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).

Media Contact: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

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FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Blanket Illinois’ Storm-Damaged Areas

RAPID CITY, S.D. –South Dakota workers, including ag producers, have less than two weeks left to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits. The deadline to apply for DUA is Wednesday, Dec. 18.

South Dakota workers who lost their jobs or whose income was affected by the severe winter storm, snow storm and flooding that occurred Oct. 3-16 can file a claim by calling the Unemployment Insurance Call Center at 605-626-3179. DUA is available to those whose employment or income have been affected by the disaster but are not eligible for state unemployment benefits, including ranchers, farmers and the self-employed.

“Bottom line, if you are self-employed and lost income due to the October blizzard, I would encourage you to call 605-626-3179 to find out if you may be eligible for disaster unemployment benefits,” said Federal Coordinating Officer, Gary Stanley.

DUA is available for individuals who live or work in Butte, Corson, Custer, Dewey, Fall River, Haakon, Harding, Jackson, Lawrence, Meade, Pennington, Perkins, Shannon and Ziebach counties as well as the Cheyenne River Reservation and the Pine Ridge Reservation.

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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Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline is Approaching – Aid may be available to producers who sustained losses in October Storm

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 Nebraska to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, winter storms, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of October 2-6, 2013.

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 severe storms, winter storms, tornadoes, and flooding in Adams, Dawes, Dixon, Howard, Sheridan, Sherman, Sioux, Thurston, and Wayne counties.

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

Elizabeth Turner has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Turner 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 blog.fema.gov, 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.

 

Source article – 

President Declares Disaster for Nebraska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Alaska’s winters can bring deep cold, high winds, floods, avalanches and more. The key to surviving any unexpected weather hazard is preparation, according to state and federal emergency management officials.

“We urge all Alaskans to plan ahead for the dangerous threats our winters bring,” said State Coordinating Officer Bryan Fisher of the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Advance preparation is key to remaining self-reliant and ensuring the safety of our families during hazardous situations.”

Every part of Alaska is vulnerable to natural disasters. Wind-driven waves from intense storms crossing the Bering Sea produce coastal flooding that can drive large chunks of sea ice inland, destroying buildings near the shore.

High winds, especially across Alaska’s Arctic coast, can combine with loose snow to produce a blinding blizzard and life threatening wind chills. Extreme cold and ice fog can last a week or more at a time.

Heavy snow can impact the interior and is common along the southern coast. Heavy snow accumulation in the mountains builds glaciers, but can also cause avalanches or collapse building roofs throughout the state.

“Although there are just three steps to preparing for emergencies, folks tend to put off getting them done,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont of FEMA. “One easy approach is to make preparation a family project for just an hour or two over a couple of weekends.”

The three easy steps to prepare for winter disasters in Alaska are:

Step 1 – Make a Plan: 

  • Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another and what each of you will do in case of an emergency.
  • Decide on an emergency plan together. Keep information handy that isn’t easy to remember and store it in a safe place. Make a game or song to help younger children memorize important information.
  • Pick one friend or relative for each person to call to help your family get connected if you become separated.  An out-of-town contact is best because long-distance phone service is less likely than local service to be affected by an emergency.
  • Know where you will meet. Pick a meeting place for when family members are at home and find out the evacuation locations for work, school, day care and other place family members often go.
  • Write down important information for all family members – name, social security number, date of birth and important medical information. Collect telephone numbers for doctors and pharmacies, along with critical health, homeowner and/or rental insurance information.

Step 2 – Get a kit of emergency supplies: 

  • You may need to rely on your own supplies for at least seven days, maybe longer. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately, especially in rural parts of Alaska. Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewer and telephones could be cut off for days or longer.
  • Remember to include unique family needs like pet supplies, infant formula and medicines. Store these items in easy-to-carry bags or bins. Consider two kits – one for home and a second lightweight, portable kit to keep in your car.
  • Both kits should include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit for winter weather.

Step 3 – Stay informed: 

  • Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected during Alaska’s winters are the same regardless of the type of emergency. However, it’s important to stay informed about the emergency that may affect your family.
  • Listen to a NOAA weather radio or local news broadcasts for critical information about changing weather conditions.
  • Follow instructions from local authorities. Above all, stay calm, be patient and think before you act.

With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected during Alaska’s unpredictable winters. Learn more at http://ready.alaska.gov and http://www.ready.gov.

See the original article here:  

Alaskans Encouraged to Prepare for Extreme Winter Threats

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Many survivors affected by the spring floods are now back in warm, safe and familiar surroundings thanks to the many volunteer groups who contributed their time and skills to help survivors return home.                                                                                                                                                    

Much of the 13,000 volunteer hours—the equivalent of more than six average work years—has been to repair and rebuild homes so that survivors can move back in. These hours are the result of volunteer groups traveling to Alaska from around the country after ice jams this spring damaged homes in the Alaskan bush communities of Alakanuk, Circle, Eagle, Emmonak, Fort Yukon, Galena, Hughes and Tok.

More than 100 home repairs or rebuilds have been completed in affected communities. Of the repairs, 56 were completed in the hardest hit community of Galena. Volunteers groups have contributed to the bulk of this effort since arriving in early August. The repairs have made damaged homes habitable again for survivors so they can sustain the winter in communities where temperatures can get as low as 50 degrees below zero.                                                                                          

“It would have been impossible to have gotten this many home repairs completed in this amount of time were it not for the volunteers,” said State Coordinating Officer Bryan Fisher. “They selflessly spent long periods far away from their families and put in extraordinary hours to help total strangers. Volunteers are a huge reason why many spring flood survivors can be back in their own home and that means a lot to Alaska.”

More than 120 volunteers from United Methodists Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM), Disciples of Christ, Mennonite Disaster Services, World Renew and Arizona Southern Baptists have helped repair, rebuild, muck out and gut homes in Circle, Fort Yukon, Galena and Hughes. Their contributions included repairing and constructing homes as well as skilled labor such as plumbing and electrical work. The Galena Bible Church also contributed by providing shelter to volunteers who came to its hard hit community.

Voluntary agency liaisons with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worked with UMVIM and other participating groups to coordinate and fund their travel to affected communities that needed help. FEMA also paid for building materials. Additionally, the State of Alaska assembled responder camps in Galena to house volunteers.

“FEMA and our state partner play important roles in disaster recovery, but the volunteers make a big difference, too,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont. “Nearly all the damaged homes that were repaired or rebuilt are because of them. The safety of survivors is our priority whenever responding to a disaster and all the volunteer groups helped us immensely in that mission by getting them back home for the winter.”

Volunteers will continue repair and rebuild work on homes in the spring.

Continue at source – 

Volunteer Labor Helps Spring Flood Survivors Return Home

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 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of June 26 to July 11, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to commonwealth 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 severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Fayette, Huntingdon, Jefferson, Lawrence, Venango, and Wayne counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties in the Commonwealth.

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

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Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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.

Excerpt from:  

President Declares Disaster for Pennsylvania

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 Mexico to supplement state, local and tribal recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding during the period of July 23-28, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms and flooding in Bernalillo, Colfax, Luna, Sandoval, and Socorro counties and the Cochiti, Kewa (Santa Domingo), San Felipe, and Sandia Pueblos.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

Nancy M. Casper has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Casper 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 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 Mexico

WILLISTON, Vt. – You’ve made an emergency plan and set up a phone tree for your family members to call during a disaster. You’ve even put together a disaster kit with water, food, a flashlight and portable radio.

But have you planned for what you’ll do with your dog or cat if a flood or other disaster strikes?

September is National Preparedness Month, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is urging people to remember their pets as they make plans to cope with an emergency.

“For many of us, a pet is a beloved family member,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont operations. “As you are taking steps to ensure your family’s safety, don’t forget that emergencies affect animals as well.”

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency.

Whether you stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets but bear in mind that what’s best for you is usually what’s best for your animals.

“Vermont has the highest rate of pet ownership in the nation at over 70 percent,” said Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer James McPherson. “That means most Vermonters need to think about their needs as well the needs of other family members.”

While many emergency shelters will not permit pets inside, officials still advise against leaving them behind if you are forced to evacuate, instead urging people to make alternative arrangements.

“If you evacuate your home, you should bring your pets with you,” Landry said. “Pets will find it difficult to survive alone, and even if they do you may not be able to locate them when you return.”

Pet owners should keep a photograph of themselves with their pet both to establish ownership and assist in efforts to locate the pet, and may wish to consider having a microchip implanted in their animal to make identification easier. A collar with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device can also assist in locating a pet after a disaster.

For more information, check out: www.ready.gov/caring-animals

“Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners” Video- (closed captioning & ASL)

http://youtu.be/aUbSF_S20bE

Follow us: @Readygov

Email us: ready@fema.gov or citizencorps@dhs.gov

Order publications: call 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585

Monthly Preparedness text messages: Text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) to receive monthly

preparedness tips. (msg/data rates apply)

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

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FEMA Urges Vermonters To Remember Pets In Disaster Plans

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the Karuk Tribe and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribe’s efforts in the area affected by a wildfire during the period of July 29 to August 2, 2013.

Federal funding is available to the Karuk Tribe and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the wildfire.

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

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

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema  and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

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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See the article here:

President Declares Major Disaster for Karuk Tribe

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