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FEMA Unveils National Strategy to Strengthen Youth Preparedness

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

Federal Assistance Expanded in Washington State to Kittitas County

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency today announced it is expanding disaster assistance to Kittitas County.

The disaster aid helps the county pay for repair, restoration, reconstruction or replacement of public facilities, roads and bridges, water facilities and other infrastructure damaged or destroyed by wildfires that occurred between July 9 and Aug. 5.

Kittitas County has been added to the major disaster declaration of Aug. 11, which provided assistance to Okanogan County and the Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation.

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, state, tribal, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in a designated county are eligible to apply for federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, buildings and utilities.

A briefing for local officials will be held where procedures for requesting federal assistance will be explained by FEMA and state officials.

The Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division is responsible for administering federal disaster recovery programs on behalf of the state. The Department’s mission is to minimize the impact of emergencies and disasters on people, property, environment, and the economy of Washington State; provide trained and ready forces for state and federal missions; and provide structured alternative education opportunities for at-risk youth.

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 –

Federal Assistance Expanded in Washington State to Kittitas County

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Hawaii Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

September 12, 2014

Release Number:

HQ-14-077FS

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Hawaii.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

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.

Last Updated:

September 12, 2014 – 17:38

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Hawaii

Related Disaster:

Hawaii Tropical Storm Iselle

View original article:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Hawaii Declaration

FEMA, West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Announce a Statewide Test of the Public Alert and Warning System in West…

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the West Virginia Broadcasters Association, and others will conduct a statewide test of the Public Alert and Warning System on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. The test will begin at approximately 2:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and will last approximately two minutes.

“During an emergency, federal, state and local public safety officials must be able to provide the public with life-saving information quickly,” said Damon Penn, Assistant Administrator of FEMA’s National Continuity Programs. “This test will help us assess the operational readiness of the Public Alert and Warning System to ensure the residents of West Virginia have the information they need in the event of an emergency.”

The test will be seen and heard over radio, television and cable TV systems as part of the regular monthly testing of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) conducted by West Virginia broadcasters. The test is designed to have limited impact on the public with only minor disruptions of radio and television programs that normally occur when broadcasters test EAS in their area.

“Periodic testing of the Public Alert and Warning System capabilities is an important step to ensure that West Virginia’s public safety officials are prepared to alert and warn the whole community during an emergency,” said Jimmy Gianato, Director of West Virginia’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Whether it’s severe weather or another emergency in our community, it’s a reminder that everyone should make preparedness a priority.”

September is also National Preparedness Month, and FEMA reminds the residents of West Virginia to be informed about emergencies that could happen in their community. This year’s theme, Be Disaster Aware and Take Action to Prepare, encourages states, territories, local governments, tribal communities, individuals, families, schools, businesses, faith-based and community-based organizations to be informed and to practice what to do in advance of a disaster to be better prepared to handle any type of emergency they may encounter.

More information on the Public Alert and Warning System and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) is available at www.fema.gov/ipaws or www.ready.gov/alerts. Details on National Preparedness Month are available at www.ready.gov /september.

Originally posted here:

FEMA, West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Announce a Statewide Test of the Public Alert and Warning System in West…

Federal Aid Programs for the Territory of American Samoa Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

September 10, 2014

Release Number:

HQ-14-072-FactSheet

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the Territory of American Samoa.

Assistance for the Territory and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to territory and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, territory administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, territory administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by territory and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, territory administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for territory and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/territory applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the territory from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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.

Last Updated:

September 10, 2014 – 21:58

State/Tribal Government or Region:

American Samoa

Related Disaster:

American Samoa Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides

See the article here:

Federal Aid Programs for the Territory of American Samoa Declaration

When You See the Yellow School Bus, Think Preparedness

Eatontown, N.J. — September is the time of year when those big yellow school buses start making their rounds, offering safe passage to school for millions of kids across the nation.

For parents, teachers and school administrators, keeping children safe and protected is a priority.

That’s why it’s important to let your children know that life may throw some surprises their way, but with a little planning and support, we can handle them.

The most important thing families can do to keep their balance when something upsets the family routine is to create a communications plan so that all members of the family know how to reconnect during a storm or other disaster.

Here are a few tips on reducing the worry and stress that naturally arises when you’re unable to get in touch with those you love:

Complete a contact form for each member of your family that includes name, address, home phone numbers and work and cell numbers for family members. Include the name of a neighbor or relative who is willing to respond in an emergency.

Agree on a meeting place in your neighborhood as well as out of town, where family members can gather should you be unable to go home.

Identify a family member or friend who lives out-of-state who can act as a central contact for household members to notify that they are safe. It may be easier to make an out-of-town call than to get a local connection.

Be sure that every member of your family knows the phone number of that contact person, has a cell phone or carries change or a prepaid phone card to be used in an emergency.

Each member of the family can program an “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) number in their phone. If you or are a family member is injured, emergency personnel can use that number to contact your family or friends. Be sure to alert the person you choose that you are designating him or her as your emergency contact.

Teach family members how to use text messaging (also known as SMS or Short Message Service) on their cell phones. Text communications can often get through when phone calls do not.

Subscribe to alert services. Many communities relay emergency messages to residents via phone calls, e-mails and text alerts. Check with your local Office of Emergency Management to sign up for the service.

Once you have created your family communication plan, practice your plan once or twice a year. That way, should an actual disaster happen, they’ll be comfortable with the routine and ready to act.

A little preparation can go a long way in helping your family stay safe and connected during an emergency. So when you see that yellow school bus, think of it as a reminder to plan and practice your family communications plan for emergencies.

For downloadable emergency contact cards and more information on developing a Family Communication Plan, view http://www.ready.gov/family-communications.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.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.”

Taken from:

When You See the Yellow School Bus, Think Preparedness

Temporary Housing Assistance One Year After the 2013 Colorado Floods

DENVER – It’s been one full year since historic flooding forced many Colorado residents from their homes. As the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues partnering with the State of Colorado on recovery, here is an overview of temporary housing assistance that is still in progress while survivors get back on their feet.

At peak, 47 households were licensed into 54 Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs). Many of those households that required assistance have since returned to their repaired homes. Others have found new homes as more rental properties are becoming available in Colorado. A total of 27 households have vacated 31 MHUs. Twenty-seven MHUs have been deactivated.

As of September 4, 2014, 24 MHUs are still providing shelter to 20 surviving households. Those MHUs are located in five commercial parks.

FEMA’s direct housing program provides temporary housing in cases when no housing stock is available in the aftermath of a disaster. FEMA MHUs serve as a short-term residence while households make repairs to the damaged home or seek an alternative property to purchase or rent. Recertification specialists meet with residents each month to provide assistance and document progress toward a permanent housing plan. These meetings will continue for MHU occupants through the end of the housing mission.

The housing mission in Colorado can last up to 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration, but individuals are expected to work towards their permanent housing plan on a monthly basis and most will have succeeded in achieving those plans well before the 18 month deadline.

Originally posted here:

Temporary Housing Assistance One Year After the 2013 Colorado Floods

2013 Colorado Floods: Individual Assistance Fact Sheet

Main Content

Release date:

September 9, 2014

Release Number:

R8-14-011

FEMA Individual Assistance Program Overview (as of August 25, 2014)

Individual Assistance Programs

Residents of 11 Colorado counties were able to register for Individual Assistance with FEMA.
Statewide, 28,169 individuals or households registered for assistance in the designated IA counties.
In total, more than $61,628,646 has been provided by FEMA; $56,698,793 for rental assistance and home repair, and $4,929,852 in Other Needs Assistance (ONA). ONA can include such eligible disaster-related expenses as medical and dental expenses.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved $109,646,900 in low-interest disaster loans to repair damaged homes and businesses. $80,427,100 was approved for individuals and $29,219,800 for businesses and private non-profit organizations.
Disaster Recovery Centers were in 21 communities and received 22,314 visits from applicants while in operation.
SBA Business Recovery Centers in Estes Park, Greeley, Longmont and Loveland received a total of 933 visits. SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Aurora, Colorado Springs and Golden received a total of 403 visits.
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program, which is managed by the State of Colorado and funded by FEMA, provided $329,449 in benefits. An additional $125,028 was paid in administrative costs.
A total of $4,929,852.86 was awarded in Other Needs Assistance (ONA). ONA includes services such as Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, disaster-related dental and medical expenses and more.
- $5,749,907 was provided to fund Crisis Counseling grants. Of that amount, $4,058,059 was provided through the Immediate Services Program, which covers the first 60 days of the program.
The Transitional Sheltering Assistance program ended on December 14, 2013 with a total cost of $2,345,663. This program allowed displaced residents to stay in hotel rooms until more permanent housing became available.

Direct Housing Mission

Due to lack of available housing resources in and around the declared area, a direct housing mission was initiated.

At peak, 47 households were licensed into 54 Manufactured Housing Units
- 80 commercial pads were leased in 5 different locations.
- 56 Manufactured Housing Units were delivered and installed.

Commercial Sites – FEMA leased space and is currently housing 20 households at commercial sites.

There are currently 24 occupied Manufactured Housing Units (20 households in 24 units).

Boulder County – 9 households in 10 units
Larimer County – 2 households in 3 units
Weld County – 9 households in 11 units

The housing mission in Colorado is expected to last up to 18 months.

FEMA Individual Assistance

County	Applicants	IHP Amount	HA Amount	ONA Amount
Adams	988	$1,251,366.87	$1,114,910.32	$136,456.55
Arapahoe	2,721	$3,580,836.79	$3,285,586.88	$295,249.91
Boulder	15,554	$35,307,807.47	$32,999,595.45	$2,308,212.02
Clear Creek	181	$246,784.23	$244,110.69	$2,673.54
El Paso	1,466	$1,773,591.41	$1,578,068.39	$195,523.02
Fremont	101	$61,302.39	$59,351.99	$1,950.40
Jefferson	912	$1,599,530.57	$1,561,088.80	$38,441.77
Larimer	3,874	$6,991,351.23	$6,594,030.38	$397,320.85
Logan	311	$534,413.76	$491,538.67	$42,875.09
Morgan	56	$92,353.45	$84,061.40	$8,292.05
Weld	2,005	$10,189,307.98	$8,686,450.32	$1,502,857.66
Total	28,169	$61,628,646.15	$56,698,793.29	$4,929,852.86

SBA Total Disaster Loans for Colorado

County	Loans	Dollars
Adams	76	$1,731,200
Arapahoe	200	$4,036,100
Boulder	1,458	$65,716,000
Clear Creek	9	$171,800
El Paso	96	$2,156,000
Fremont	5	$45,400
Grand	1	$81,700
Jefferson	92	$3,112,600
Larimer	377	$20,318,400
Logan	25	$1,491,300
Morgan	3	$65,400
Weld	177	$10,721,000
Total	2,519	$109,646,900

Last Updated:

September 9, 2014 – 00:12

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Region VIII

and

Colorado

Related Disaster:

Colorado Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

Link:

2013 Colorado Floods: Individual Assistance Fact Sheet

2013 Colorado Floods: By The Numbers

1 Joint Field Office established to coordinate recovery efforts (located in Centennial)

11 Number of counties designated for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program.

15 Applicants FEMA has provided funding for stream clearance

18 Number of counties designated for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

20 Total households that are licensed into Manufactured Housing Units

21 Communities that hosted federal/state Disaster Recovery Centers

47 Households were licensed into 54 MHUs at peak of FEMA housing operation

1,201 FEMA Public Assistance project worksheets

22,314 Individual visits to the many federal/state Disaster Recovery Centers

28,169 Registrations for assistance from the 11 Individual Assistance counties

$4,929,852 Aid provided from FEMA/State Other Needs Assistance* Program

*ONA provides funding for personal property and other items like vehicles and tools

$56,698,793 Repair and rental Aid provide from FEMA’s Housing Assistance Program

$61,628,646 Total FEMA assistance grants under the Individual Assistance Program

$109,646,900 Low-interest disaster loans approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration

$262,193,453 Public Assistance* funding was awarded statewide

*FEMA Public Assistance program provides funding for emergency actions undertaken by communities as well as aid to repair or replace damaged public infrastructure

2013 Colorado Floods: By The Numbers

FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Oregon Fire in Trinity County, California

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California combat the Oregon Fire currently burning in Trinity County.

On August 24, 2014, the State of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Oregon Fire and FEMA approved the State’s request on August 25, 2014. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse up to 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 400 primary homes in and around Weaverville with a population of 1,000. Mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 375 people, and voluntary evacuations are taking place for approximately 375 people. The fire started on August 24, 2014, and has burned in excess of 650 acres of Federal, State,and private land.

The Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for Federal Fire Management Grants (FMAG’s) through FEMA to assist in fighting fires which threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAG’s can include expenses for field camps; equipment use; repair and replacement; tools; materials; and supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities.

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Link:

FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Oregon Fire in Trinity County, California

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