Resolve to be Ready in Alabama, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready in Alabama, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

ATLANTA — This year was characterized by extremely active and devastating weather events across the country; flooding in the Southeast as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Isaac, wildfires across the Midwest, and Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Northeast and was the second-largest Atlantic storm on record.

As 2012 comes to a close and people make resolutions for the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) are encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2013 by committing to emergency preparedness.

“In Alabama we have learned being ready is no longer an option, it is truly a must,” says AEMA Director Art Faulkner. “Alabama has a very unique weather pattern so people can no longer look at the calendar and say they will be prepared this month and not the next, we all must be prepared daily.”

As we have seen in 2012, including the recent severe weather affecting many parts of the country during the holidays, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.  Resolve to be Ready in 2013 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year. 

“Resolve to be Ready is one new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep,” said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare for emergencies, such as putting together an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan. Taking these steps will help keep you and your family safe, and could be the most important pledge you make.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, people can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes and businesses.  To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to put together a kit and make a plan.

Here are a few important tips to get you started:

  • Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area and learn what you need to do to get ready for them. One way you can do this is by signing up to receive information on your mobile device.  Here are a few agency websites that offer timely information:
  • Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones when a disaster strikes. Think about how you would reach your kids at school or your spouse at work. If you had to evacuate, where would you go? Thinking this through in advance will make a big difference.
  • Build two emergency supply kits – one for home and one for the car – that include water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or are stranded in your car. This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.
  • Get Involved.  Be an advocate and educator for safety and emergency preparedness within your community. Contact your local Citizen Corps.

Spread the word to your loved ones and encourage them to Resolve to be Ready in 2013. Anyone can learn more by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.gov.  

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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Resolve to be Ready in Alabama, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready in Kentucky, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready in Kentucky, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

ATLANTA — This year was characterized by extremely active and devastating weather events across the country; flooding in the Southeast as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Isaac, wildfires across the Midwest, and Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Northeast and was the second-largest Atlantic storm on record.

As 2012 comes to a close and people make resolutions for the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) are encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2013 by committing to emergency preparedness.

“Although local, state and federal governments are ready to assist the public during times of emergencies and disasters, preparedness starts at home.  In the event of large scale disasters, it may take time to respond immediately,” said KYEM Director John W. Heltzel.

“The severe weather and tornadoes that destroyed much of West Liberty last March and other past disasters have taught us many valuable lessons which we continue to learn from,” continued Heltzel. “One of the most important lessons is the value of individual and family preparedness.”

As we have seen in 2012, including the recent severe weather affecting many parts of the country during the holidays, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.  Resolve to be Ready in 2013 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year. 

“Resolve to be Ready is one new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep,” said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare for emergencies, such as putting together an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan. Taking these steps will help keep you and your family safe, and could be the most important pledge you make.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, people can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes and businesses.  To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to put together a kit and make a plan.

Here are a few important tips to get you started:

  • Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area and learn what you need to do to get ready for them. One way you can do this is by signing up to receive information on your mobile device.  Here are a few agency websites that offer timely information:
  • Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones when a disaster strikes. Think about how you would reach your kids at school or your spouse at work. If you had to evacuate, where would you go? Thinking this through in advance will make a big difference.
  • Build two emergency supply kits – one for home and one for the car – that include water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or are stranded in your car. This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.
  • Get Involved.  Be an advocate and educator for safety and emergency preparedness within your community. Contact your local Citizen Corps.

Spread the word to your loved ones and encourage them to Resolve to be Ready in 2013. Anyone can learn more by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.gov.  

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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Resolve to be Ready in Kentucky, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

ATLANTA — This year was characterized by extremely active and devastating weather events across the country; flooding in the Southeast as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Isaac, wildfires across the Midwest, and Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Northeast and was the second-largest Atlantic storm on record.

As 2012 comes to a close and people make resolutions for the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2013 by committing to emergency preparedness.

As we have seen in 2012, including the recent severe weather affecting many parts of the country during the holidays, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.  Resolve to be Ready in 2013 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year. 

“Resolve to be Ready is one new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep,” said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare for emergencies, such as putting together an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan. Taking these steps will help keep you and your family safe, and could be the most important pledge you make.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, people can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes and businesses.  To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to put together a kit and make a plan.

Here are a few important tips to get you started:

 

  • Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area and learn what you need to do to get ready for them. One way you can do this is by signing up to receive information on your mobile device.  Here are a few agency websites that offer timely information:
  • Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones when a disaster strikes. Think about how you would reach your kids at school or your spouse at work. If you had to evacuate, where would you go? Thinking this through in advance will make a big difference.
  • Build two emergency supply kits – one for home and one for the car – that include water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or are stranded in your car. This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.
  • Get Involved.  Be an advocate and educator for safety and emergency preparedness within your community. Contact your local Citizen Corps.

Spread the word to your loved ones and encourage them to Resolve to be Ready in 2013. Anyone can learn more by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.gov.  

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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Resolve to be Ready, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

New Jersey, FEMA Identify 769 Rental Units In Atlantic, Monmouth, Ocean Counties

TRENTON, N.J. — The state of New Jersey and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have identified 769 homes and apartments currently available for rent in Atlantic, Monmouth and Ocean counties. 

Households that qualified for FEMA assistance may use their FEMA rental assistance for the security deposit and rent for these units. Households that earlier told FEMA they did not need housing may request FEMA assistance to move to rental housing if their housing situation has changed.

FEMA lists available units at www.fema.gov/housingportal. Rental availabilities are also listed at www.socialserve.com where you can select the New Jersey link to do a search.

The number of available units is in constant change as units are occupied and new listings are added. Here are the details of available housing on Dec. 27 shown by county and community: 

Atlantic County—250 units

Absecon—21, Atlantic City—28, Brigantine—2, Egg Harbor City—5, Egg Harbor Township—6, Estell Manor—1, Galloway—60, Hammonton—7, Lindenwold—12, Linwood—3, Margate City—27, Mays Landing—20, Northfield—2, Pine Hill—2, Pleasantville—12, Somers Point—30, Tavistock—1, Ventnor City—11.

Within Atlantic County there are 66 one-bedroom units, 70 two-bedroom units, 99 three-bedroom units and 15 four-bedroom units.

Monmouth County—353 units

Allentown—2, Asbury Park—24, Atlantic Highlands—7, Avon By The Sea—3, Belmar—12, Bradley Beach—9, Cliffwood—5, Colts Neck—3, Cream Ridge—3, Eatontown—31, Englishtown—8, Farmingdale—9, Freehold—21, Hazlet—3, Highlands—2, Howell—3, Keansburg—9, Keyport—25, Lake Como—1, Lincroft—2, Long Branch—36, Manalapan—7, Manasquan—1, Marlboro—3, Matawan—25, Middletown—5, Millstone Township—3, Monmouth Beach—2, Monmouth County—1, Morganville—7, Neptune—17, North Middletown—3, Oakhurst—1, Ocean—25, Ocean Grove—10, Red Bank—9, Roosevelt—1, Rumson—3, Spring Lake—10, Tinton Falls—2.

Within Monmouth County there are 141 one-bedroom units, 124 two-bedroom units, 69 three-bedroom units and 19 four-bedroom units.

Ocean County—166 units

Barnegat—7, Brick—22, Cream Ridge—4, Forked River—4, Jackson—19, Lakehurst—1,  Lakewood—30, Lavallette—1, Little Egg Harbor—1, Little Egg Harbor Township—5, Long Beach—1, Manahawkin—2, Manchester—9, Manchester Township—4, Point Pleasant Beach—4, Seaside Heights—3, Toms River—37, Tuckerton—2, Waretown—1, West Creek—7, Whiting—2.

Within Ocean County there are 38 one-bedroom units, 78 two-bedroom units, 43 three-bedroom units and 7 four-bedroom units.

Landlords with available units may list them at www.socialserve.com or call 877-428-8844. To request FEMA housing assistance, visit a disaster recovery center or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or 711/VRS.

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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New Jersey, FEMA Identify 769 Rental Units In Atlantic, Monmouth, Ocean Counties

FEMA Breaks Down Barriers to Disaster Assistance

WINDSOR, Conn. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is breaking down barriers so all people have full access to disaster assistance.

“We’re reaching out to the whole community,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “FEMA is working to make sure that everyone in the community can get access to disaster assistance information, programs and registration.”

After the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, FEMA created a team of disability integration specialists/advisors, who ensure recovery assistance is accessible and inclusive.

For example, interpreters for deaf people, who use American Sign Language, have been available in Hurricane Sandy Disaster Recovery Centers in Connecticut.

In addition, FEMA equipped each center with accessibility kits to ensure all people have full access to FEMA information and assistance programs. The kits include devices to help people with a range of needs for mobility, sensory, physical or other impairments.

Also, FEMA reaches out to people with limited English proficiency by providing multilingual operators, making printed literature available in multiple languages and having translators available in the field.

Disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, medical waiver programs, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance.

Disaster survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance; flood insurance claims are handled separately.

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 800-621-3362. 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.

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FEMA Breaks Down Barriers to Disaster Assistance

Stay In Touch With FEMA – Make Sure Your Contact Information Is Current

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors who have already registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency need to keep in touch with the agency, especially if their contact information changes.

Updating contact information with current address and phone numbers will ensure FEMA can reach an applicant with new information or questions.

Individuals can visit a disaster recovery center for help or talk by phone or 711/VRS to the toll-free FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Either method works to:

  • Update an application with a change of address or new phone number.
  • Ask questions about disaster assistance.
  • Track the progress of a FEMA application.
  • Get information about the inspection process.
  • Advise FEMA of insurance settlements.
  • Learn about the steps to appeal a FEMA decision.
  • Obtain a Small Business Administration application and get help filling it out.
  • Learn rebuilding techniques to make a home stronger.

Anyone who was affected by Hurricane Sandy but has not yet registered with FEMA should do so as soon as possible. In addition to the disaster recovery centers and the FEMA helpline, it is possible to register online at www. DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov anytime.

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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Stay In Touch With FEMA – Make Sure Your Contact Information Is Current

FEMA Hires Connecticut Residents to Help in Disaster Recovery

WINDSOR, Conn. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has added Connecticut residents to its staff supporting Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts.

Hiring local individuals is part of FEMA’s overall recovery strategy.

“Local hires bring a great deal to the table,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “They have community insight and valuable work experience. Putting local people to work is an important part of FEMA’s impact on the local economy. Our goal is for Connecticut residents to make up 10 percent of our workforce.”

Connecticut hires are working throughout FEMA’s operations, including Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, Travel and Human Resources, Environmental and Historic Preservation, Logistics, Information Technology, External Affairs, Intergovernmental Affairs, the National Flood Insurance Program, Mitigation and the switchboard.

FEMA is still hiring in Connecticut. Interested job seekers should contact their local unemployment office or go to the Connecticut Department of Labor website www.connecticut.us.jobs. Type “FEMA” and “Windsor, CT” in the search boxes at the top of the page. A list of available local hire jobs will result.

Applicants must be fingerprinted and pass an FBI background investigation as part of the process.

Most FEMA workers are reservists — a cadre of on-call, trained employees who travel to a disaster location, complete their deployments and then return home. As reservists go home, the local hires keep recovery efforts going.

Clarigsa Echandy of East Hartford is working as a travel specialist helping reservists file expense reports. She “always wanted to work for the federal government, especially FEMA.”

“FEMA helps people when they need it most,” Echandy said. “And it’s nice to see how the reservists help each other as well the survivors out in the community. It’s like family.”

Portland, Conn., resident Sam Palfrey, who spent his career in financial service operations, is training as a Private Sector specialist. A relatively new program, Private Sector focuses on businesses, trade associations, academia and other non-governmental agencies as partners in preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

“It’s important to reach out to the business community,” Palfrey said. “One of our goals is to help business people understand what FEMA is doing and the importance of getting recovery messages out to their employees.”

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FEMA Hires Connecticut Residents to Help in Disaster Recovery

Survivors with Ongoing Housing Needs Should Stay in Touch with FEMA

New York – The Federal Emergency Management Agency understands that some Hurricane Sandy survivors may need additional temporary rental assistance to help them achieve their permanent housing goals.

All applicants who received temporary rental assistance from FEMA were mailed a “Declaration for Continuing Need for Rental Assistance” letter.

This form is mailed 15 days after applicants receive their initial rental assistance grant and explains how to request additional temporary rental assistance from FEMA.

To receive additional temporary rental assistance as quickly as possible, applicants must:

  • Complete the form with all the applicable information and mail it back to FEMA at the address printed on the form.
  • Applicants will need to provide information of both pre-disaster and current expenses that are applicable to their households such as pay-stubs to verify income.
  • They also must provide a copy of their lease and the name and phone number of their landlord.  
  • Applicants who don’t have the form should contact FEMA’s toll-free Help Line

800-621-FEMA (3362).

FEMA expects all families who receive temporary rental assistance to return to their damaged home when it is repaired or to locate and occupy affordable housing without FEMA rental assistance at their earliest opportunity. 

However, FEMA also recognizes this is a difficult time for Hurricane Sandy survivors and that some families need additional temporary assistance to assist them in their recovery. 

Survivors should not hesitate to contact the FEMA Help Line 800-621-FEMA (3362) with any questions or concerns regarding temporary rental assistance from FEMA.                                                                                                          

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

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Survivors with Ongoing Housing Needs Should Stay in Touch with FEMA

SBA Loan Center to Offer Services in Milford

WINDSOR, Conn. — A U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center will replace the FEMA-state Disaster Recovery Center at the former Simon Lake Elementary School, 65 Devonshire Road, Milford, CT, 06460.

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center’s final hours will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 21, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22.

FEMA will still be available to help residents recover from Sandy. The FEMA helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-621-3362, to register for assistance, ask questions about an application or update contact information so FEMA knows how to reach you. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The SBA center will open in the same location at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24.  Hours for the SBA Center are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Homeowners, business owners and renters who had damage from Hurricane Sandy in one of the Connecticut counties designated for Individual Assistance should register for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

If an applicant receives an application for a low-interest disaster loan from SBA as part of the registration package from FEMA, it is important this application be completed and returned. No survivor is required to take out an SBA loan, but completion of the SBA application may make the applicant eligible for further FEMA assistance.

Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register or ask questions by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance; flood insurance claims are handled separately.

Originally posted here:  

SBA Loan Center to Offer Services in Milford

Grant Will Help Sandy Survivors with Unmet Needs

NEW YORK—New York State survivors of Hurricane Sandy whose disaster-related needs cannot be met with existing federal and state assistance will now have access to case management services to identify additional resources for their recovery.

The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that more than $9.6 million in federal funds has been made available for the Disaster Case Management program, which is fully funded by FEMA and administered by the state in partnership with nonprofit, community-based agencies.

Through this program, disaster survivors will have a single point of contact for a broad range of services to help identify resources to meet their needs.

“It’s going to take the whole community working together to help New Yorkers with their recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “Disaster case management is an integral part of helping survivors become self-sufficient. This grant brings together the resources of the state and federal government, in coordination with local communities, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, to match the needs of survivors with the services available within their communities.”

Case managers will assist disaster survivors in developing a goal-oriented plan for their recovery, match survivors’ essential needs to available resources in the area and monitor their progress toward reaching recovery goals. Services are available to any survivor with disaster-caused unmet needs.

At the request of the state, the program is operating in Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties and offering case management services for up to 24 months.

The State of New York is working with FEMA on a request for additional disaster case management assistance in the five boroughs of New York City.

Survivors who have unmet needs are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for information on services available in their area and referrals to case management services.  For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Grant Will Help Sandy Survivors with Unmet Needs

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