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FEMA Encourages Participation in the Great SouthEast Earthquake Drill

WASHINGTON – FEMA is encouraging families, schools, businesses, tribes and state and local governments to participate in the first ever Great SouthEast ShakeOut, a regional earthquake drill in which participants – from the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia – simultaneously practice the recommended action to take during an actual earthquake.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and can have disastrous and far-reaching effects. While earthquake hazards vary from region to region, the Southeast is prone to this dangerous hazard.

The regional earthquake drill comes on the heels of the 2012 National Preparedness Month in September and the 1-year anniversary of the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Mineral, Virginia. That earthquake was felt as far north as New England and as far south as Georgia, and caused widespread light to moderate damage from central Virginia to southern Maryland and Washington, DC, including millions of dollars in damage to area landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the National Cathedral.

“It is vitally important for people to have a plan and know what to do during an earthquake,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “The Great SouthEast ShakeOut provides a timely and relevant opportunity for all levels of government, non-profit and faith-based organizations, the private sector, individuals and families to review preparedness plans and practice what to do during an actual event.”

When an earthquake happens, you only have seconds to react, so it’s important to know what to do when the ground starts shaking. The action you need to take is known as “Drop, Cover and Hold On.”

DROP to the ground;
Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table; and
HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

If it’s not possible to get to the floor to safely take cover, before the exercise, identify an inside corner of the room near your work station or the other locations you may be in, away from windows and objects that could fall on you. The Earthquake Country Alliance advises getting as low as possible to the floor. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices should lock their wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, including information for seniors and those with disabilities, visit http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes.

Plan now to invest in safety for 90 seconds on Thursday, October 18 at 10:18 am, your local time. Drop, Cover and Hold On, as part of the 2012 ShakeOut earthquake drill. There are many ways for individuals, households, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, and others to participate in the ShakeOut. For information about the drill and how to pledge to participate, please visit http://www.shakeout.org/ or http://www.shakeout.org/southeast/.

In addition to the areas participating in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut, similar drills will also be held on October 18 in California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Guam, Puerto Rico, Alaska and Arizona. For details on U.S. earthquake information by state and territory, visit http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/.

Follow FEMA online at http://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 .

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FEMA Encourages Participation in the Great SouthEast Earthquake Drill

Free Crisis Counseling Can Help Hurricane Isaac Survivors Cope

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisianians who survived Hurricane Isaac — or saw neighbors or family experience loss — may suffer emotional stress as real as the hurricane’s physical destruction.

To help people experiencing post-disaster emotional stress, free crisis counseling is available in the parishes designated for Individual Assistance under the major disaster declaration. The program, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH), is open to any child or adult in designated parishes.

“FEMA funds this important program because counseling can help people understand and process their emotional reactions to the disaster,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA. “The right support can help most survivors regroup and move on with their lives.”

Those who have suffered losses may be likely to experience at least one of several emotional responses, including anger, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, nightmares, depression, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, or increased alcohol or drug use. Children are particularly vulnerable to emotional stress after a disaster. Their stress symptoms may include excessive fear of the dark, crying, fear of being alone, and constant worry.

Trained counselors are provided by the network of state Human Services authorities and districts. Calls to the crisis lines are free of charge, as are face-to-face follow-up sessions for adults and children whose needs cannot be fully served through phone counseling.

Participating districts/authorities, the parishes they serve and their phone numbers are:

Florida Parishes Human Services Authority
Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington
1-800-272-8367
Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority
Jefferson
504-832-5123
Metropolitan Human Services District
Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard
504-826-2675
South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority
Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, Terrebonne
1-877-500-9997

Statewide resources include:

DHH-Office of Behavioral Health Louisiana Spirit Crisis Line: 1-866-310-7977
Louisiana Behavioral Health Partnership: 1-800-424-4399
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 1-800-985-5990

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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Free Crisis Counseling Can Help Hurricane Isaac Survivors Cope

FEMA, Private Sector Partner to Share Critical Information with Millions of Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – Critical recovery information has reached more than 2.3 million Hurricane Isaac survivors in Louisiana via Private Sector pathways, including businesses and nonprofit groups.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has partnered with the Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center, chambers of commerce and trade associations to share messaging such as how to register for federal disaster assistance in prominent locations. Examples include:

The Outdoor Advertising Association of America displaying important registration information on electronic billboards,
In Lafourche Parish, Water District #1 and South Coast Gas Co. included registration information with their bills, while Vision Communication posted that information on its community access channel, and
Lodgenet Interactive Corporation flashing that same registration information on screens in 23,000 local hotel rooms.

Businesses have even asked their workers to spread the word, helping the registration message reach more Hurricane Isaac survivors.

FEMA’s Private Sector and Community Relations specialists have also teamed up to reach out to small, independent and owner-operated businesses, going door to door to learn about the challenges they face and to inform them of possible resources that may help them recover faster.

“The private sector plays an essential role in a community’s recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA. “Their partnership and collaboration with government agencies helps all of us carry out the mission of recovery in Louisiana.”

The major disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac made federal assistance available to eligible survivors in 21 parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington and West Feliciana.

Individuals, families and business owners who sustained uninsured and underinsured damages in those parishes can register for assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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).

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FEMA, Private Sector Partner to Share Critical Information with Millions of Survivors

Federal Aid Programs for District of Columbia Disaster Recovery

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

Assistance for the District Can Include as Required:

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

How to Apply for Assistance:

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

Follow FEMA online at http://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.

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Federal Aid Programs for District of Columbia Disaster Recovery

FEMA Grants More Than $2.3 Million To Florida To Update Flood Maps And Flood Risk Data

ATLANTA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that two grants, totaling more than $2.3 million, will be awarded to the Suwannee River and Northwest Florida Water Management Districts in support of their floodplain mapping programs.

FEMA will provide $2,308,505 in federal funding toward projects to improve existing flood insurance rate maps and flood risk data, which will strengthen local communities’ ability to understand and communicate their flood risk and make informed decisions about flood risk reduction.

With this funding, the Suwannee River Management District will update flood maps and develop watershed reports for the Ecofina-Steinhatchee Watershed including Taylor, Madison, Lafayette and Dixie counties. Funding will also help the following communities identify areas at risk for flooding and solutions for reducing that risk: the Waccosassa Watershed, including Levy, Gilchrist and Alachua counties. Additionally, funding will be used for coastal flood studies for Taylor, Levy and Dixie counties.

The Northwest Florida Water Management District will use funding to develop and support production of flood maps and flood insurance study reports for the Pensacola Bay and Perdido Bay watersheds including portions of Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. Funding will also be used to develop additional flood risk data for coastal studies recently performed within the District

Flood maps and flood risk data are being updated for communities across the country with the ultimate goal of protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. This is a collaborative process, during which FEMA works closely with states and local communities to incorporate the latest and most accurate information into flood risk products.

Flood risks can change over time due to factors such as construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening or shifting, and other natural or manmade changes—which is why it’s important that flood maps and flood risk data are updated periodically to reflect these changes. Additionally, the information developed for these projects will be more precise because the latest science available is applied in gathering flood risk data and creating flood maps.

Updated flood maps and flood risk data will ultimately assist local area governments in planning for future development and rebuilding efforts.

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FEMA Grants More Than $2.3 Million To Florida To Update Flood Maps And Flood Risk Data

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of Virginia

Emergency preparedness exercise scheduled for the North Anna Power Station

Release Date: July 12, 2012
Release Number: R3-12-011

» 2012 Region III News Releases

Philadelphia, PA – The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency will evaluate a Biennial Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the North Anna Power Station. The exercise will take place during the week of July 9 to assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Virginia to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

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

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its 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 am on July 13, 2012at the Richmond Marriott West, 4240 Dominion Boulevard, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Scheduled speakers include representatives from FEMA, NRC, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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 http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and http://www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

Last Modified: Thursday, 12-Jul-2012 11:59:34

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FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of Virginia

Millions In FEMA Assistance For Post-Katrina Plaquemines Parish Government Complex Project

Release Date: July 5, 2012
Release Number: 1603 – 980

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS –The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced more than $5.5 million in consolidated funding to Plaquemines Parish for their proposed, post-Katrina government complex project.

“In support of their recovery endeavors, Plaquemines Parish has been approved to use eligible FEMA funding from 11 storm-damaged donor facilities toward their new government complex project,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan. “Such flexibility within FEMA’s Public Assistance Program enables local communities to rebuild based on their post-disaster needs.”

Design plans for the post-Katrina project—which will be located in upper Plaquemines Parish in a reduced-risk flooding area, known as an “a-zone”— are currently underway. Plans are also in progress within Plaquemines Parish to expand the complex site even further, potentially developing it to include an emergency operations center, community recreational facilities and retail space.

“We would like to thank the FEMA team for working with us to fund the construction of the government complex. This will save Plaquemines Parish taxpayers money in the long run and place government operations in the safest part of the parish,” said Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser.

The Plaquemines Parish government complex project will provide office space for various local government departments. The pre-Katrina Plaquemines Parish government building will remain in Port Sulphur to provide additional space for government council offices, a polling place, record storage and a meeting place for lower Plaquemines Parish.

This pre-Katrina government building was not one of the 11 donor facilities in the new government complex project, which instead includes consolidated FEMA-funding previously allocated for facilities such as the District 1 Council Office, the Pointe a La Hache Old Jail and the “Buras Old Fire Station” Warehouse.

In total, FEMA has provided approximately $813.5 million for hurricanes Katrina and Rita recovery efforts throughout Plaquemines Parish.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

Last Modified: Monday, 09-Jul-2012 10:50:32

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Millions In FEMA Assistance For Post-Katrina Plaquemines Parish Government Complex Project

FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support State and Local Response in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Region

Release Date: July 5, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-059

» En Español

WASHINGTON – The Administration, through FEMA, is committed to providing support to Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states affected by the storms. FEMA, through our National Response Coordination Center and Regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa., has been in constant coordination with our federal partners as well as impacted states since the storms first struck on Friday, to make sure there are no unmet needs.

The following timeline provides an overview of federal activities, to date, in support of the impacted states, families and communities.

Thursday, July 5

At the request of the State of New Jersey, FEMA personnel are on the ground working with federal, state and local officials to conduct preliminary damage assessments in New Jersey as a result of the storms. These assessments are an important step in identifying the damages, helping the governor determine whether the event is beyond state and local capabilities, and if federal support might be needed.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the lead agency for Emergency Support Function 12 – Energy, issues a DOE situation report.

Wednesday, July 4

FEMA continues to stage and transfer supplies such as food, water, kits for infants and toddlers, and durable medical equipment to the states as needed, and requested.
Twenty-nine FEMA community relations staff work with the West Virginia National Guard Bureau, visiting residents door-to-door to help spread the word about cooling stations, to assess needs and provide situational awareness to the state. In Ohio, Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Moore, highlights the importance of neighbors helping neighbors.
DOE issues a situation report.

Tuesday, July 3

DOE issues a situation report.
At the request of the State of Maryland, FEMA deploys two Region Liaison Officers to the state Emergency Operation Center to coordinate potential federal resources requirements.
FEMA deploys community relations teams to West Virginia to support state and local efforts to check on residents without power, provide informational resources, and provide situational awareness about conditions in impacted communities.

Monday, July 2

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deployed representatives to the West Virginia State EOC to assess medical needs and requirements for access and functional needs support.
FEMA continues to distribute water and generators to various staging areas in Ohio and West Virginia, to support state and local response efforts.
FEMA’s Regional Disability Integration Specialists in Philadelphia, Pa. and Chicago, Ill. send out information on Cooling Stations to the disability community, including through the National Federation for the Blind and Deaf advocacy groups, and reached out to these groups to determine needs of affected persons with disabilities.

Sunday, July 1

FEMA stages water and generators in West Virginia as well as Columbus, Ohio to transfer to the State to support affected communities.
One Mobile Communications Office Vehicle (MCOV) onsite in Morgantown, W.Va.; 2 MCOVs en route to Charleston, W.Va.
In coordination with FEMA, the U.S. Department of Energy deploys experts to West Virginia and FEMA Headquarters in Washington D.C., and is supporting FEMA’s regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa.
USACE deploys personnel to Ohio to support assessments and generator installations for emergency power.
A FEMA Disability Integration Specialist participates in a coordination call with West Virginia Emergency Management to support identifying the needs of affected populations with access and functional needs.

Saturday, June 30

President Obama issues emergency disaster declarations for the State of Ohio for all 88 counties in the state, and the State of West Virginia for all 55 counties in the state. The declaration authorizes FEMA and its federal partners to provide direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance to protect lives and property.
President Obama speaks with Ohio Governor John Kasich, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, and West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin to receive an update on the severe storms, and to express his condolences for the loss of life and his concern for individuals and first responders still confronting the destruction and loss of power that is impacting communities as a result. The President tells the Governors that he has directed FEMA to ensure they continue to provide necessary support to state and local officials in impacted areas as they respond to these events.
The President receives an update from FEMA Administrator Fugate on impacts and response activities in states, including parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia. The President asks Administrator Fugate to stay in close contact with our partners on the ground to make sure FEMA and federal partners are providing all available support, and to keep him updated as the response and recovery continues.
DHS Secretary Napolitano speaks with the Governors of the affected states to express condolences for the loss of life and to ensure that federal support is provided to the states as needed.
FEMA Administrator Fugate contacts District of Columbia Deputy Mayor for Public Safety to provide support as needed.
A Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) team deploys to West Virginia to provide secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations, if needed.
FEMA activates the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), a multi-agency center based at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C. The NRCC provides overall coordination of the federal response by bringing together federal departments and agencies to assist in the preparations for and response to disasters. Select emergency support functions are activated to support state operations.
FEMA activates its Regional Response Coordination Centers (RRCCs) in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa. to support state requests for assistance.
FEMA deploys Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) and liaison officers to West Virginia and Ohio State Emergency Operations Centers to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response.
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate holds a video teleconference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives and to assess their needs or shortfalls.

Friday, June 29

A line of severe thunderstorms moved across parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia causing widespread wind damage and there have been reports of significant power outages and debris.
FEMA through its regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa., begins constant contact with affected states’ emergency management officials. FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney and Region V Regional Administrator Andrew Valasquez III make direct contact with the Emergency Management Directors of the affected states.

For more preparedness information about extreme heat, visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to find out how you can protect your family, pets, business and property.

For information on the latest Energy situation reports, visit www.oe.netl.doe.gov/emergency_sit_rpt.aspx.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Jul-2012 16:40:01

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FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support State and Local Response in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Region

FEMA and Whole Communities Continue Support in Aftermath of Storms

Individuals in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Regions Urged to Check on Neighbors during Extreme Hot Weather

Release Date: July 2, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-055

At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to work closely with states affected this weekend by severe storms in parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) in Washington, D.C. and the Regional Response Coordination Centers in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa. are activated to support state requests for assistance, including coordinating access and functional needs issues affecting storm survivors with disabilities due to power access for medical and mobility equipment, and communications access. FEMA also remains in close contact with our federal partners including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Army Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service forecast offices. In coordination with FEMA, DOE has deployed experts to West Virginia and FEMA Headquarters in Washington D.C., and is supporting FEMA’s regional offices in Chicago, Ill., and Philadelphia, Pa. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has deployed personnel to Ohio to support assessments and generator installations for emergency power. The West Virginia National Guard is also actively engaged in a generator mission for emergency power.

The President issued emergency disaster declarations Saturday for all counties within the states of West Virginia and Ohio in response to requests from the Governors of those states and directed FEMA to coordinate all federal disaster relief efforts in those states. An emergency declaration request is also currently under review for the District of Columbia.

FEMA is staging emergency generators and water supplies in Morgantown and Charleston, West Virginia and Columbus, Ohio to support state and local response needs.

Additionally, FEMA has deployed Incident Management Assistance Teams and liaison officers to the state emergency operations centers in Ohio and West Virginia. A Mobile Emergency Response Support team and Mobile Communication Office Vehicles (MCOV) have been deployed to West Virginia to provide secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations.

FEMA is part of a team that includes federal partners, state, tribal and local officials, the private sector, non-profits and faith-based groups. While FEMA and its federal partners continue to bring resources to bear to support state and local officials, FEMA is also working with other members of this team to leverage all available resources.

“From Ohio to Maryland, we’re seeing communities come together to support one another during this extreme weather,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “We encourage those who are interested in helping to do so by supporting the voluntary agencies that are providing disaster relief in affected areas.”

Voluntary agencies are providing shelter for those who are displaced by the storm or without power. National and local organizations are also operating cooling centers and making meals available to families and individuals impacted by the severe weather and power outages in a number of states.

FEMA Regional Disability Integration Specialists in Chicago and Philadelphia are distributing information on cooling stations to the disability community, including through the National Federation for the Blind and Deaf advocacy groups.

Residents should prepare for extreme heat. An Excessive Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. Hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illness is possible. Drink plenty of water. Stay in an air conditioned room. Stay out of the sun, and check on neighbors and relatives. Reschedule strenuous activity to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.

For more preparedness information about extreme heat, visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to find out how you can protect your family, pets, business and property.

For information on the latest Energy situation reports, visit www.oe.netl.doe.gov/emergency_sit_rpt.aspx.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 02-Jul-2012 17:21:16

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FEMA and Whole Communities Continue Support in Aftermath of Storms

FEMA and Federal Partners Continue to Support Storm Response in Affected States in the Midwest And Mid-Atlantic Regions

Release Date: July 1, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-054

Individuals in Affected States Urged to Listen to Local Officials and Take Precautions Due to Severe Weather Forecast for the Ohio Valley and Extreme Hot Weather Along the East Coast

WASHINGTON – At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to work closely with states affected this weekend by severe storms in parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

Yesterday, the President issued emergency disaster declarations for all counties within the states of West Virginia and Ohio in response to requests from the Governors of those states and directed FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts in those states.

FEMA is strategically positioning supplies closer to impacted areas of West Virginia and Ohio. Emergency generators, needed to supply critical infrastructure such as shelters, and water are positioned in staging areas in Morgantown and Charleston, West Virginia and Columbus, Ohio to support state and local response needs.

In addition, FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., and the Regional Response Coordination Centers in Chicago, Ill., and Philadelphia, Pa., continue to be activated to support state requests for assistance. FEMA has deployed incident management assistance teams and liaison officers to the state emergency operations centers in Ohio and West Virginia. A Mobile Emergency Response Support team and mobile communication office vehicles are en route to West Virginia to provide secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations.

FEMA also remains in close contact with our federal partners including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Army Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service forecast offices. In coordination with FEMA, DOE has deployed experts to West Virginia and FEMA Headquarters in Washington D.C., and is supporting FEMA’s regional offices in Chicago, Ill., and Philadelphia, Pa. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has deployed personnel to Ohio to support assessments and generator installations for emergency power. The West Virginia National Guard is also actively engaged in a generator mission for emergency power.

Yesterday, the President spoke with the governors of Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia, to express his condolences for the loss of life and his concern for individuals and first responders still confronting the destruction and loss of power that is impacting communities as a result. Over the weekend, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano also spoke with the governors of Maryland, Ohio, and Virginia, and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate spoke with the District of Columbia Deputy Mayor for Public Safety. The President has directed FEMA to ensure that state and local officials in impacted areas have the support necessary to respond to the severe weather events.

“The threat of severe weather and heat continues to be a risk in many affected areas, and we urge individuals to continue to follow the instructions of state and local officials,” said Fugate. “People should monitor conditions and check on family, friends, and neighbors who may be impacted by the heat and loss of power. FEMA continues to stay in close contact with state and local officials on the ground, and is supporting response efforts led by those teams.”

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the potential exists for another round of scattered thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and damaging winds across parts of the Dakotas through the Midwest to the Ohio Valley and Delmarva Sunday night and Monday. This is an evolving situation and weather developments will be constantly monitored. NWS has issued Heat Advisories in many areas that have been affected by the severe weather and may be without power, and urges everyone to take safety precautions due to the high temperatures.

FEMA continues to work closely with our state and local partners in impacted areas to ensure there are no unmet needs as they continue to respond.

For information on the latest Energy situation reports, visit http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/emergency_sit_rpt.aspx.

More information on severe weather preparedness is available at www.ready.gov, www.listo.gov, and for other languages at www.ready.gov/translations.

Follow FEMA online at 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.

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Last Modified: Sunday, 01-Jul-2012 14:28:26

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FEMA and Federal Partners Continue to Support Storm Response in Affected States in the Midwest And Mid-Atlantic Regions

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