The Sovereign Navajo Nation and FEMA Sign Formal Disaster Aid Agreement

The Sovereign Navajo Nation and FEMA Sign Formal Disaster Aid Agreement

Mentmore, NM – The signing of a precedent setting formal agreement to implement federal disaster assistance directly with the Sovereign Navajo Nation will take place on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at the Navajo Division of Transportation complex.  The ceremony, conducted with representatives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and tribal leadership, reflects the working partnership developed to assist the Navajo Nation with their recovery from severe freeze that occurred December 15, 2012 to January 21, 2013. 

This is the first FEMA-Tribal agreement implemented west of the Mississippi since the amendment of the Stafford Act that provides federally recognized tribal governments to make a request directly to the President for a major disaster declaration without going through a state government.

“We are thankful that we are taking a step to further strengthen our sovereignty as the Navajo Nation. This agreement recognizes the government to government relationship we have with the federal government. We look forward to working together to help our people,” Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly said.

The Presidential disaster declaration for this severe freeze event made FEMA’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs available to the tribe.  “I am pleased to partner with the Navajo leadership in addressing their disaster-related needs,” said FEMA Region IX Administrator Nancy Ward.  “Our team of public assistance and mitigation specialists will continue to work closely with Tribal members to document all eligible costs and damages and to make funds available to assist with repairs and improvements.” 

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental funding to state, tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations to help them recover from disasters.  It partially reimburses eligible applicants for extraordinary costs incurred while responding to a disaster and costs related to restore damaged infrastructure.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funds to supplement those of eligible applicants to undertake projects that build resilience and eliminate or reduce damage in future hazardous events.

 

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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.

 

Original article: 

The Sovereign Navajo Nation and FEMA Sign Formal Disaster Aid Agreement

Funding For Railroads Damaged By Irene Tops $22 Million

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – While the destruction of large parts of Vermont’s road system by Tropical Storm Irene received much attention, the state’s railroad network was also heavily damaged.

Now, federal and state officials say that more than $22 million has been put into repairs of damaged railroad tracks, bridges, and other infrastructure, including almost $20 million worth of Federal Emergency Management Agency funding.

“Vermont’s roads took a significant hit during Irene, but many residents may not have been aware how much of the rail infrastructure was also damaged or destroyed,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s mission in Vermont. “Restoring these bridges and rail lines has been an important part of the recovery effort.”

“The Rail Division of the Vermont Agency of Transportation did a remarkable job restoring service immediately after Irene, and their work in making permanent repairs to the rail system has been a success story that deserves recognition,” said Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Joe Flynn.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program has approved funding for a total of 80 projects related to the repair or replacement of damaged rail infrastructure, including 16 for bridges and 64 for the repair of damage to various segments of track, including the rail bed and associated culverts.

Total estimated project costs to date are as follows:

 

Project

Cost

Est. federal share

 

 

 

16 Bridges

$18,272,212

$16,444,990

 

 

 

Repairs to rail beds and small structures

$3,740,920

$3,366,829

 

 

 

Total estimated project costs to date:

$22,013,132

$19,811,819

For projects related to Tropical Storm Irene, FEMA’s Public Assistance program pays 90 percent of the eligible costs and the applicant is responsible for the remaining 10 percent.

To date, FEMA has provided Vermont with more than $23 million in grants to individuals and households for losses related to Irene, and another $133 million in grants to cover the cost of emergency services related to the disaster, and for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads, buildings and utilities.

FEMA has also obligated nearly $13 million for hazard mitigation efforts including home buyouts to remove damaged or destroyed homes from harm’s way.

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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.

Excerpt from:

Funding For Railroads Damaged By Irene Tops $22 Million

FEMA and HSEM Provide More Than $4.3 Million Combined for Scanlon Interceptor Repairs

DULUTH, Minn. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that $2,012,087 has been made available to the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) in federal disaster aid for repairs to the Scanlon (Division D) Interceptor. Additionally, Minnesota Recovers has approved $2,334,497 in Disaster Relief Appropriation Funds to assist with essential restorations. The interceptor sustained damages during the June 14 – 21 severe storms and flooding. The FEMA funds are being made available as part of recovery efforts in response to President Obama’s federal disaster declaration of July 6, 2012.

 

The Scanlon Interceptor is a 36 inch iron pipe that carries wastewater to the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) Knowlton Creek Pump Station in West Duluth. Flooding damaged a 150 foot portion of the Pipe Bridge, where the pipeline emerges from ground cover and is elevated over a creek. Three of the seven supporting concrete piers and the pipe itself were damaged. Rip-rap was eroded on each side of the creek and a portion of the six-foot high chain link fence that surrounds the pipeline and piers was destroyed.

 

In addition to repairing the damages caused by the disaster, WLSSD plans on replacing an additional 265 linear feet of the pipe, lining 175 linear feet of the buried portion of pipeline, and renovating three manholes. WLSSD intends to utilize the MN Recovers funds to cover the costs of these restorations.

 

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides funding to local government jurisdictions and eligible private non-profits for the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure as well as costs incurred for disaster cleanup or emergency actions taken to protect lives or property. The federal share of recovery costs is 75 percent. The remaining share is the responsibility of the state and local government or non-profit organization.

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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.

 

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FEMA and HSEM Provide More Than $4.3 Million Combined for Scanlon Interceptor Repairs

FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program in NY for an Additional 14 Days

New York – The Federal Emergency Management Agency, at the request of the State of New York, has approved a 14-day extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which allows eligible survivors from Hurricane Sandy who cannot return to their homes to stay in participating hotels or motels.

The new extension will allow applicants to remain in participating hotels until Jan. 27, 2013. FEMA will call applicants eligible for the extension to notify them of the extended Jan. 27 checkout date.   

“The Transitional Sheltering Assistance program is a temporary solution for folks who need a place to stay as we continue working with our state and local partners to help get people back into longer-term housing,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “That’s our number one priority.”

“On behalf of Governor Cuomo, I thank FEMA for approving the State’s request to extend the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program,” said Jerome M. Hauer, Commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.  “The extension of this important program provides necessary assistance to those affected by Hurricane Sandy as they continue to recover and rebuild.”

This is a short-term program that places families in hotels while they transition into longer-term housing.

To be eligible for TSA, survivors must first apply for federal assistance through FEMA by:

  • Registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov; 
  • Registering via smartphone or tablet by using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov; or
  • Registering by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 800-462-7585). For 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.                                    

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Source – 

FEMA Extends Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program in NY for an Additional 14 Days

Scam Artists Attempt To Prey On Disaster Survivors

TRENTON, N.J. – Fraud and scams are age-old issues that surface in the aftermath of any disaster. Using old and new methods, scam artists seek to obtain vital information or take advantage of survivors focused on recovery.

New Jersey residents need to be on alert. Some of the most common scams after a disaster include:

Home Repair Scams

Unregistered home improvement contractors may take the disaster survivor’s money and disappear, leaving unfinished work and unsafe homes. Before hiring a contractor, the survivor should check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846 to make sure the contractor is registered, as well as ask for a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance and verify the policy is valid. All contracts should be in writing, and reviewed before being signed. Full payment should not be made until the work is completed.

The local police department should be notified of suspected fraud.

Price Gouging

Excessive price increases are illegal. Check with the New Jersey Consumer Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or call 800-242-5846 if you suspect the prices are too high.

Identity Theft

People may pretend to be employed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or other government agencies, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or public utilities. By going door-to-door to storm-damaged homes, or by phone or on the internet, con artists may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers.

Remember:

  • A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone’s affiliation with these agencies. All authorized FEMA or SBA personnel display a laminated photo identification card, which they are required to wear at all times;
  • Individuals can register for assistance and follow up on previous applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.
  • On any follow-up calls, a FEMA representative would ask only for the last four digits of the applicant’s social security number.

False Payment or Bribe

Imposters may ask for some form of service payment, or bribe – something no FEMA, SBA or federal agency employee should ever do. FEMA-contracted housing inspectors assess damage but do not determine cost estimates. FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs.

Con artists may pose as insurance specialists or expeditors, claiming they can convince FEMA to increase home repair damage aid or the insurer to pay a larger settlement. The scammers ask the applicant or policyholder to sign a contract giving them a percentage of the “increased” payment. The essence of the con is to take a percentage of the damage grant or policy settlement that would be given anyway. FEMA always deals directly with each applicant and is always willing to consider an appeal by sending a new inspector to review damaged property or claimed losses.

Charity Scams

Before donating, people should investigate to be sure the organization asking for donations is registered to solicit in New Jersey and ask how the money will be used.

For other questions, New Jersey residents can contact the New Jersey Consumer Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or by calling 800-242-5846.

 

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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.

Link: 

Scam Artists Attempt To Prey On Disaster Survivors

Help Offered For Stressed Survivors Of Hurricane Sandy

TRENTON, N.J. — Feeling blue?  Disoriented?  Powerless?

For disaster survivors who may feel overwhelmed after Hurricane Sandy, help is just a phone call away.

The New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Helpline at 877-294-4357, or TTY 877-294-4356, is open and ready for talk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“The help is free and confidential,” said Lynn Kovich, Assistant Commissioner in charge of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “Simply talking with a counselor can sometimes ease the symptoms. We can help folks in distress move forward on their path to recovery.

“The majority of calls are from people having temporary reactions, people who before the disaster were healthy and functioning normally. Hotline crisis counseling can help keep the symptoms from escalating into major mental health concerns,” she said.

Disaster-induced mental distress may include:

  • Sleeping too much or too little.
  • Stomach aches or headaches.
  • Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why.
  • Lack of energy or always feeling tired.
  • Severe disorientation or confusion. 
  • Overwhelming sense of guilt.
  • Depression, sadness and feelings of hopelessness.
  • Increased use of substances like drugs or alcohol.

Disaster survivors often doubt that happiness will ever be possible again.  Talking about those feelings with friends or counselors can help, according to experts.

Talking to someone can help survivors keep perspective.  Eventually, these out-of-balance times will improve.  In the meantime, it is important to connect with others.

Rest, exercise, and healthy eating help the body deal with stress.

FEMA also supports a Disaster Mental Health Helpline run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, where counselors are available 24/7.  The number is 800-985-5990.

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.

Credit: 

Help Offered For Stressed Survivors Of Hurricane Sandy

Telephone Hotline For New Jersey Disaster Legal Services

TRENTON, N.J.– A toll-free hotline, 1-888-541-1900, is now available for New Jersey survivors facing legal issues because of Hurricane Sandy.  Disaster survivors with storm-related legal issues can call the hotline to request free legal assistance.

The office will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday by members of the Young Lawyers Division of the New Jersey Bar Association. Voice messages can be left when the office is not staffed.

The type of legal assistance available includes:

  • Assistance with replacing legal documents that may have been lost due to flooding.
  • Assistance with life, medical and property insurance-related claims.
  • Assistance in consumer protection matters, remedies, and procedures.
  • Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems.
  • Counseling on landlord/tenant problems.
  • Creditor-debtor matters.
  • FEMA appeals.

Callers will be interviewed to determine what help they need and then will be matched with a volunteer attorney who can provide assistance or general legal information regarding their issue.

When calling, survivors should make clear that they are seeking legal assistance related to Hurricane Sandy.

The hotline is part of a long-standing partnership between FEMA and the American Bar Association.

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.

 

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Telephone Hotline For New Jersey Disaster Legal Services

Disaster Legal Help Available for Connecticut

HARTFORD, Conn. – Free assistance with legal issues resulting from Hurricane Sandy is available for Connecticut disaster survivors in the counties designated for FEMA assistance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, through an agreement with the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association and in partnership with the Connecticut Bar Association, provides free legal help for survivors in these counties.

Disaster-related legal questions typically involve such matters as lost wills, landlord-tenant relations, property ownership, home repair contracts, and government benefit programs.

Survivors who qualify for assistance will be matched with Connecticut lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal help.

Legal help is available to affected residents of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, and New London counties and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Nation located within New London County. Call the Disaster Legal Services Hotline at: 866-864-4464.

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 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.

Link to article: 

Disaster Legal Help Available for Connecticut

FEMA Designates Glades County for Isaac Disaster Assistance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Local government and certain non-profit organizations in Glades County can now request reimbursement for eligible costs incurred due to Hurricane Isaac.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has designated Glades County for federal Public Assistance after considering the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s Nov. 6 request.

The Public Assistance program reimburses eligible public entities, on a cost-sharing basis, for repairing or replacing damaged buildings and infrastructure and emergency expenses such as debris removal, search and rescue, increased security and overtime pay for employees.

Public Assistance applicants in Glades will join those in 11 other Florida counties that will receive federal and state grants as a result of Hurricane Isaac. The other counties are Bay, Collier, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Martin, Monroe, Okaloosa, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Santa Rosa.

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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FEMA Designates Glades County for Isaac Disaster Assistance

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions at Suwannee Valley Flood Jam

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce and the Lake City/Columbia County Chamber of Commerce are teaming up this week to provide information and advice on cleaning up and rebuilding homes after Tropical Storm Debby.

FEMA mitigation specialists, who can explain disaster-resistant ways to repair and rebuild, will be available to answer questions at the Suwannee Valley Flood Jam on Friday, Aug. 17, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The address is 3076 95th Drive in Live Oak.

Mitigation specialists offer suggestions on cleaning mold and mildew. They also provide information on flood insurance.

The chambers of commerce are holding a business expo Saturday that will include local businesses, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. They will be available to answer questions on recovery issues.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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.

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Link to article:

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions at Suwannee Valley Flood Jam

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