New Mexico ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

New Mexico ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now 

Release Date: May 30, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-099

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — One major hurricane, which resulted in a federal disaster declaration, serves as reminder to New Mexicans that now’s the time to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

The 2012 Hurricane Season begins on June 1, and while experts are predicting a slower season than in past years, most of the predictions still call for at least a normal amount of activity. The 50 year average is a little over 11 named storms, six of those becoming hurricanes and two becoming major ones – Category 3 or higher.

Reports show that New Mexico has had one storm that resulted in a federal declaration. It was an emergency declaration for Hurricane Katrina (2005) and resulted in the state receiving a more than $1 million in federal disaster aid under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.

The state received an emergency declaration after Katrina impacted Louisiana. The funding was made available to reimburse New Mexico for its costs related to housing Katrina evacuees.

In addition to hurricane winds and rain, the season also brings threats of flooding and tornadoes which can and have impacted states that are not on the coast.

“The bottom line is that New Mexicans should be prepared for all hazards,” said Acting FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We say it often, but it’s the best way to get a clear message out there – Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Stay Informed.

For more information on the upcoming hurricane season, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare.

Volunteering is one way to be prepared to help others. Use VolunteerMatch to locate local Red Cross volunteer opportunities in your community. You can also visit www.citizencorps.gov for ways to help and be prepared.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-May-2012 10:48:33

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New Mexico ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

Arkansas ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

Arkansas ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now 

Release Date: May 30, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-097

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — One major hurricane and two tropical storms, which resulted in federal disaster declarations, serve as reminders to Arkansans that now is the time to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

The 2012 Hurricane Season begins on June 1, and while experts are predicting a slower season than in past years, most of the predictions still call for at least a normal amount of activity. The 50 year average is a little over 11 named storms, six of those becoming hurricanes and two becoming major ones – Category 3 or higher.

Reports show that Arkansas has had three storms that resulted in federal declarations. One was an emergency declaration for a hurricane and the other two for tropical storms that were downgraded from hurricanes by the time they moved into Arkansas.

The hurricane was Katrina (2005) and the tropical storms were Gustav and Ike (2008). All three occurred in the last decade and resulted in Arkansas receiving a total of $51.9 million in federal disaster aid under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.

The state received an emergency declaration after Katrina impacted Louisiana. The funding was made available to reimburse Arkansas for its costs related to housing Katrina evacuees. Meanwhile, tropical storms Gustav and Ike brought inland flooding to Arkansas and caused major damage to its public infrastructure.

“These statistics more than demonstrate the need for all Arkansans to be prepared,” said Acting FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We say it often, but it’s the best way to get a clear message out there – Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Stay Informed.

For more information on the upcoming hurricane season, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare.

Volunteering is one way to be prepared to help others. Use VolunteerMatch to locate local Red Cross volunteer opportunities in your community. You can also visit www.citizencorps.gov for ways to help and be prepared.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-May-2012 10:52:09

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Arkansas ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

Subtropical Storm Beryl Expected To Make Landfall Today

Subtropical Storm Beryl Expected To Make Landfall Today 

Individuals are Advised to Follow the Directions of Local Officials

Release Date: May 27, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-39

WASHINGTON — Although the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, two storms have already formed in the Atlantic, and recently formed subtropical storm Beryl is expected to make landfall today. According to National Weather Service, tropical storm warnings remain in effect for the Volusia/Brevard county line in Florida to Edisto Beach, South Carolina. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is advising residents in these areas to follow the directions of local officials.

FEMA, through our regional office in Atlanta, Ga., is monitoring subtropical storm Beryl, and deployed a liaison to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. to share information on current conditions with the FEMA regional office and affected states.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm has maximum sustained winds near 50 miles per hour, with higher gusts. Little change in strength is expected before subtropical storm Beryl makes landfall. Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the coast within the warning area from northeastern Florida to southern South Carolina late this morning or this afternoon, and continue throughout tonight. Dangerous surf conditions, including rip currents, are expected along the coast from northeastern Florida to North Carolina for the remainder of the Memorial Day Weekend.

FEMA encourages individuals to monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.

On this first day of Hurricane Preparedness Week, FEMA encourages all individuals in hurricane-prone areas, to “Be a Force of Nature”: know your risk, make a pledge to prepare at www.ready.gov/hurricanes, complete your emergency preparedness plan, update your emergency kit and share your preparedness efforts with family and friends.

You can save a life by sharing your readiness tips with others and encouraging them to do the same. Make a YouTube video on how you prepared, post information on Facebook, comment about the importance of preparing on a blog or sending a tweet. You can also share FEMA’s preparedness widget on your website and through your social media network.

More information on how we can all be prepared for this hurricane season can be found by visiting www.Ready.gov/hurricanes.

For information about the hurricane outlooks and National Hurricane Preparedness Week, visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare.

Stay informed. Sign up for local weather alerts and warnings at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/.

Last Modified: Sunday, 27-May-2012 14:24:31

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Subtropical Storm Beryl Expected To Make Landfall Today

FEMA, Vermont, And Local Officials Prepare For The Next Disaster

FEMA, Vermont, And Local Officials Prepare For The Next Disaster 

Hurricane Season begins June 1: The time to prepare is now

Release Date: May 25, 2012
Release Number: 4022-082

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

MONTPELIER, Vt. — With the 2012 hurricane season officially starting on June 1 and the effects of Tropical Storm Irene still visible in many areas of Vermont, federal, state, and local officials worked together this week to get ready for the next time a disaster strikes the state.

Community leaders from Richmond and Huntington took part in a two-day course offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross on Community Mass Care and Emergency Assistance. Community agencies, public and private organizations, and businesses are trained to work together with emergency management and traditional mass care providers to provide services to those affected by a disaster.

The course in Richmond on May 23–24 was a pilot program. This is only the second time it has been held anywhere in the United States.

“This was an ideal location to pilot the Mass Care and Emergency Assistance training,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo. “Irene and last spring’s storms are still fresh in people’s minds and this is when it is easier to commit time to doing something that will have long-term effects.”

Across Vermont, every Secretary and Commissioner in state government went through special in-depth emergency training at Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) this week to prepare for the next emergency event.

“This training is part of our mission to build back stronger following Irene. Training for emergency response will help our state hone its response for the next big storm,” said Secretary of Administration Jeb Spaulding. “Our state employees performed with great skill and dedication during and after Tropical Storm Irene, and have learned many lessons from that experience. We know that success in an emergency depends upon being well prepared for the next event.”

VEM staff ran the executives through Incident Command basics, Emergency Operations Plans, and Continuity of Operations Planning among many other tenets of emergency response. The integration of all state agencies has long been an important part of Vermont’s emergency response, and those agencies have representatives at Vermont’s Emergency Operations Center during incidents.

In addition to government entities, individuals also need to take responsibility when damaging weather is moving in their direction. Families need to keep an eye on the sky and have an emergency kit and a plan for communicating with each other if they are separated in a storm. More information may be found at vem.vermont.gov/preparedness and www.ready.gov/.

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

Last Modified: Friday, 25-May-2012 15:25:26

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FEMA, Vermont, And Local Officials Prepare For The Next Disaster

FEMA Urges Preparedness for Hurricanes and Severe Weather

FEMA Urges Preparedness for Hurricanes and Severe Weather 

Mobile wireless emergency alerting capabilities will be available nationwide through participating carriers

Release Date: May 24, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-038

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hurricane Season begins June 1, 2012, FEMA is providing additional tools for federal, state, local, tribal and territorial officials to alert and warn the public about severe weather. Using the Commercial Mobile Alert System, or CMAS, which is a part of FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, this structure will be used to deliver Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to wireless carriers for distribution to the public.

The CMAS system will allow the National Weather Service to soon begin issuing WEAs for the most dangerous weather through participating wireless carriers directly to cell phones. The alerts will be broadcast by cell towers much like an AM/FM radio station, and cell phones within range will immediately pick up the signal, provided they are capable of receiving these alerts. The availability of WEA alerts will be dependent on the network status of the wireless carriers and handset availability, since not all cell phones can receive WEAs. People should check with their cellular carriers to see if WEA alerts are available in their area.

“The wireless emergency alert capability provides an additional opportunity for the public to receive life-saving information needed to get out of harm’s way when a threat exists,” said Timothy Manning, FEMA deputy administrator for protection and national preparedness. “The public also has a critical role in their personal preparedness. There are a few simple steps that everyone can take to be prepared, like knowing which risks exist in your area and making a family emergency plan. Information and resources to help individuals and families prepare can be found at ready.gov.”

WEAs will look like a text message, and will automatically appear on the mobile device screen showing the type and time of alert along with any action that should be taken. The message will be no more than 90 characters, and will have a unique tone and vibration, indicating a WEA has been received. If an alert is received, citizens should follow the instructions and seek additional information from radio, television, NOAA Weather Radio, and other official sources for emergency information. Citizens should only call 911 in a life threatening situation.

Only authorized federal, state, local, tribal or territorial officials can send WEA alerts to the public. As with all new cellular services, it will take time for upgrades in infrastructure, coverage, and handset technology to allow WEA alerts to reach all cellular customers.

FEMA urges individuals and businesses to take action to prepare themselves in advance of severe weather and hurricanes such as taking the pledge to prepare at www.ready.gov/pledge. This is the first step in making sure you and your family are ready for an emergency This includes filling out your family communications plan that you can email to yourself, assembling an emergency kit , keeping important papers and valuables in a safe place, and getting involved.

With the start of hurricanes season it is even more important to know your risk, take action, and be an example. While hurricanes often offer some warning that a threat is approaching, severe weather can occur at anytime and in any place, including high winds, inland flooding, severe storms and tornadoes.

For more on family preparedness, visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes for more planning information and safety tips.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 24-May-2012 13:35:51

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FEMA Urges Preparedness for Hurricanes and Severe Weather

FEMA Approves Additional $5.5 Million for Property Acquisitions

FEMA Approves Additional $5.5 Million for Property Acquisitions 

Approvals Top $10.7 Million in Last Three Weeks

Release Date: May 24, 2012
Release Number: 4025-141

» More Information on Pennsylvania Tropical Storm Lee
» More Information on Pennsylvania Hurricane Irene

HARRISBURG, Pa. — More than $5.5 million in additional federal funding has been approved for property acquisitions that will permanently remove flood-prone properties from harm’s way. Additional projects continue to be approved as the application process moves ahead and program requirements are met.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announcement, the funds are being obligated through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Sixty substantially damaged structures located within FEMA’s Special Flood Hazard Areas in three Counties will be torn down and demolished as a result of this program. Property owner participation in the program is voluntary with sponsorship through their local municipality.

A summary of the approved projects and the federal cost share includes:

  • Columbia County: $2,838,070
    • Bloomsburg – $1,259,318 – 11 properties
    • Fernville, Hemlock Township -$1,578,752 – 23 properties
  • Lycoming county: $1,325,419
    • Lewis Township – 2 properties
    • Plunketts Creek Townships – 8 properties
  • Wyoming County: $1,368,921
    • Exeter Township – 14 properties
    • Falls Townships- 2 properties

HMGP funding is made available to encourage states and municipalities to take steps that will reduce the impact of future disasters. The funding represents 15 percent of the total federal cost of the response and recovery. An estimated $66 million is expected to be available to Pennsylvania for the property acquisition program as a result of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

An application for a buyout is prepared by local officials with input from the community. The state receives and reviews applications to ensure they meet the acquisition requirements prior to submitting them to FEMA for approval. FEMA then reviews the applications to ensure they are eligible under the program, are environmentally sound, and are a cost-effective use of funds.

Once FEMA gives its approval, the acquisition process begins. The communities purchase the homes, the buildings are removed or destroyed, and the land is cleared. The site is then preserved as open space with no permanent structures in perpetuity.

The project is funded 75 percent by FEMA, with an additional 22 percent from the Commonwealth and the balance from other non-federal sources.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 24-May-2012 10:51:28

Originally posted here: 

FEMA Approves Additional $5.5 Million for Property Acquisitions

FEMA Administrator Statement On New National Hurricane Center Director

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FEMA Administrator Statement On New National Hurricane Center Director

Louisiana’s Legal System Receives Recovery Aid From FEMA, Benefiting The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court

Louisiana’s Legal System Receives Recovery Aid From FEMA, Benefiting The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court 

Release Date: May 21, 2012
Release Number: 1603 – 975

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

NEW ORLEANS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today approximately $103,000 in consolidated public assistance funding to the Louisiana Judicial System, helping the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in New Orleans replace contents damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

During the storm, floodwaters fully inundated the basement of the courthouse, located at 2700 Tulane Avenue within the city. Pre-Katrina, this area provided office space for various Orleans Parish Criminal District Court departments, including the Judicial Administration Office which handles administrative functions required for the court to operate.

“Katrina’s floodwaters stayed in the courthouse’s basement for approximately two weeks following the storm, damaging all contents within these offices,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan. “Our recent grant assists with replacing damaged contents, helping Louisiana’s Judicial System fully recover from Hurricane Katrina as needed.”

Contents to be replaced with FEMA’s aid include computer equipment and two-way radios, as well as drug testing equipment.

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.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 22-May-2012 10:34:01

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Louisiana’s Legal System Receives Recovery Aid From FEMA, Benefiting The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court

State, FEMA Seek Public Input On Waterbury Office Rebuild Plan

State, FEMA Seek Public Input On Waterbury Office Rebuild Plan 

Release Date: May 22, 2012
Release Number: 4022-081

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. — Governor Peter Shumlin and Vermont lawmakers have weighed in, and now state and federal officials want to hear the public’s thoughts on plans to rebuild the flood-damaged state office complex in Waterbury.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and State of Vermont will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in Waterbury seeking public input on the state’s proposal to re-occupy the Waterbury State Office Complex as well as add new buildings at the site.

“We’re asking for feedback on the potential effects of the proposed work on historic and environmental resources, including the planned demolition of some buildings and some new construction,” said Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo, the head of FEMA’s operations in Vermont.

The hearing, which will take place at 7:00 p.m. in Thatcher Brook Primary School cafeteria on Stowe Street, will be preceded by an open house starting at 6:30 p.m. where the public will have the opportunity to view general information and talk directly to federal and state representatives.

“We are proposing to remove some buildings and take other steps to reduce future flooding and restore the floodplain,” said Rob Evans, River Corridor and Floodplain Manager with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. “We’re hoping to hear the public’s thoughts on the impact to the historic campus, as well as on the floodplain.”

Public comments are being sought as part of FEMA’s development of an Environmental Assessment as part of the review process required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

A preliminary copy of the Draft Environmental Assessment is available at the Waterbury Municipal Offices, 43 South Main Street from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and the Waterbury Public Library, 28 North Main Street from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

After the meeting, public comments will continue to be accepted until 4 p.m. on June 15, 2012, and can be mailed to Peter Thomas, FEMA Essex Junction Joint Field Office, 30 Allen Martin Drive, Essex Junction, Vermont, 05452.

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

Last Modified: Tuesday, 22-May-2012 09:41:16

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State, FEMA Seek Public Input On Waterbury Office Rebuild Plan

FEMA Awards $656,625 Grant to the Village of Addison

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FEMA Awards $656,625 Grant to the Village of Addison

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