SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Many pets were left behind to fend for themselves during the wildfires in California’s Calaveras and Lake counties resulting in serious injuries, death or disappearance.

This occurred because the fire came so fast many survivors had no time to save the animals.

“Pets are members of the family. You wouldn’t want to leave a family member behind during a disaster would you?” said Deputy State Coordinating Officer Charles Rabamad. “Having a plan and emergency kit for your pets is just as important as having them for your mother, father, sister or brother.”

With predictions of more severe weather and flooding this winter due to El Niño now is a good time to develop both a family and pet emergency plan. Here are some tips on what to include in your pet plan:

  • If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, ask your veterinarian about the possibility. Make sure your pet’s tags are up-to-date and fastened to its collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, its tag is its ticket home.
  • Make sure your pet’s immunizations are current and keep a copy of the veterinary records with you.
  • Take a photo of your pet and keep it with you for identification purposes.
  • Make a pet emergency kit. You should have enough pet food, bottled water and medications for three days. Also, pack cat litter and pan, manual can opener, food dishes, leash and collar, brush, blankets, a first aid kit and other supplies. A full list of items to include can be found online at www.Ready.Gov. Information also is available at www.Cal-cares,com and www.CDFA.ca.gov.
  • If you plan to shelter in place, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together. Put all emergency supplies in that room ahead of time, including your pet’s crate and supplies.

Include Your Pets in Emergency Planning

  • Consider checking with your local animal control agency or emergency management office now to determine if a pet-friendly shelter is available in your area. Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in disaster emergencies.
  • Make a buddy system with your friends or neighbors as a back-up emergency plan if you cannot care for your animals yourself. The buddy system will assure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.

Those with larger animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats or pigs should also plan for these animals by:

  • Ensuring all animals have some form of identification.
  • Evacuating animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
  • Making sure vehicles and trailers for transporting animals as well as experienced handlers and drivers are available.
  • Ensuring destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.

Survivors can register for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. Registration continues through Nov. 23.

For more information on California’s wildfire recovery, visit: caloes.ca.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4240 and follow us on Twitter @femaregion9 or @CAL_OES and facebook.com/CaliforniaOES and at Facebook.com/FEMA. For more information on preparing your pets for a disaster go to www.Ready.Gov.   The state program CARES also provides information on animal care and control in the event of a disaster or emergency. Find the agency online at www.cal-cares.com.

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 are referred to SBA for a disaster loan must apply to be eligible for additional FEMA assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Include Your Pets in Disaster Preparedness Planning

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – As Washington responders pick up the pieces from the latest round of severe weather, specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD) are working with local and tribal officials to help communities recover from last summer’s severe wind event.

The presidential disaster declaration and the subsequent amendment stemming from the August 29 windstorm make FEMA Public Assistance (PA) grants available to eligible applicants in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.

The PA program reimburses state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and certain private nonprofit organizations for eligible expenses they incurred in protecting lives and property ahead of the storm and in any subsequent cleaning up and needed repairs.

“Washington’s responders made enormous efforts to protect our citizens and get power lines fixed and debris removed during and after the August windstorm,” said State Coordinating Officer Kurt Hardin of EMD.  “FEMA grants will go a long way toward reimbursing applicants for much of their expenses.”

To date, 31 potential applicants have filed a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) to initiate a disaster claim under the Oct. 15 disaster declaration.

Since the declaration, the EMD, with FEMA support, has held a series of briefings for potential applicants to provide a general overview of the grant program, outline program deadlines and answer any questions.

Also taking place are initial meetings among applicants and project officers from EMD and FEMA to discuss which types of emergency expenses and projects are federally reimbursable. They also discuss the process of rebuilding structures to resist damage in the future. These meetings are an important step in getting assistance dollars back into the communities.

“By helping state, local and tribal governments, and looking for ways to reduce future damages, the Public Assistance program has an impact on every person who lives in those communities,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas Dargan of FEMA.

Under the PA program, FEMA reimburses qualifying applicants for 75 percent of their eligible expenses, while the other 25 percent is the nonfederal share. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which then makes disbursements to the local and tribal jurisdictions and other entities that incurred costs directly related to the disaster.

More information about the PA program is available at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and on the Washington EMD website at http://mil.wa.gov/emergency-management-division/.

Additional information regarding the federal response to the windstorm disaster, including funds obligated, is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4242.

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FEMA Grants to Help Washington Communities Recover Costs from August Windstorm

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As South Carolinians rebuild and repair after the recent historic floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand in Kershaw and Richland counties to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared towards do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Advisers will be available at two locations through Nov. 24. Hours and locations are as follows:

  • Lowe’s located at 11 Bay Lane in Camden (Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • Lowe’s located at 1051 Sams Crossing Drive in Columbia (Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage. More information about strengthening property can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation.

Link: 

FEMA Mitigation Advisers Offer Guidance to Flood Survivors in Kershaw, Richland Counties

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As South Carolinians rebuild and repair after the recent historic floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand in Florence and Georgetown counties to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared towards do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Advisers will be available at two locations through Nov. 24. Hours and locations are as follows:

  • Home Depot located at 12262 Highway 17 Bypass in Murrells Inlet (Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • Lowe’s located at 1701 Freedom Blvd. in Florence (Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage. More information about strengthening property can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation.

Originally posted here:  

FEMA Mitigation Advisers Offer Guidance to Flood Survivors in Florence, Georgetown Counties

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As South Carolinians rebuild and repair after the recent historic floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand in Dorchester County to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared towards do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Advisers will be available at two locations through Nov. 24. Hours and locations are as follows:

  • Lowe’s located at 1207 North Main St. in Summerville (Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • Ace located at 713 Old Trolley Road in Summerville (Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)                              

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage. More information about strengthening property can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation.

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FEMA Mitigation Advisers Offer Guidance to Flood Survivors in Dorchester County

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Wildfire survivors, don’t miss out on additional grants and loans that can help you recover – submit an application to the U.S. Small Business Administration today.

This notice applies to disaster survivors in Calaveras and Lake counties, California, who applied for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and were referred to the SBA. You must complete a disaster loan application in order to keep your options open and to maintain eligibility for additional FEMA dollars.

The deadline for submitting the application is Monday, Nov. 23 for wildfire losses that occurred between Sept. 9 and Oct. 30, 2015 in the two California counties. As long as the initial loan application is submitted by the deadline, survivors can finalize their preliminary SBA application and loan at a later date.

While SBA’s low-interest disaster loans represent the major source of federal funding for recovery, the application itself may open the door to other FEMA grant programs. People who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be eligible for other FEMA grants.

Here are some key points to consider:

  • Completing and returning a loan application can be done in one of three ways: in person at a Disaster Recovery Center, online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or by mail.
  • Filing the loan application does not obligate people to accept the loan and there is no cost to apply for an SBA loan. Homeowners and renters who are declined for an SBA disaster loan may be considered for certain FEMA grants and programs.
  • Next to insurance, an SBA loan is the primary funding source for real estate property repairs and replacing lost contents following a disaster like the recent wildfires. Homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans up to $200,000 for repair or replacement of their primary residents. In some instances, SBA can refinance all or part of an existing mortgage.

Keep Your Options Open – Submit an SBA Application Now

  • The SBA can help homeowners and renters replace their essential items. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in a disaster.
  • Loans are available for businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations. Loans are available for up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and non-profits also can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by a disaster.
  • Do not wait for an insurance settlement before applying. Insurance may not pay for all of the damage. Survivors can begin their recovery immediately with an SBA disaster loan. The eligible loan amount will be reduced by any insurance settlements.

For more information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, TTY 800-877-8339, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or at sba.gov/disaster. SBA customer service representatives are available at all disaster recovery centers. Centers can be found online at FEMA.gov/DRClocator.

Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. Registration continues through Nov. 23.

For more information on California’s wildfire recovery, visit: caloes.ca.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4240 and follow us on Twitter @femaregion9 or on Facebook.com/FEMA, Twitter @Cal_OES and Facebook.com/CaliforniaOES.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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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Keep Your Options Open – Submit an SBA Application Now

COLUMBIA, S.C. All but two disaster recovery centers will be closed on Sundays beginning Nov. 15. Centers located at the Beck Recreation Center in Georgetown and the Sheriff’s Office in Newberry will be closed Sundays beginning Nov. 22.

All centers will be closed Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving.

Survivors can locate their closest center by visiting asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

Representatives from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies are at centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest loans.

Applicants also can get help by calling 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities should call 800-462-7585 (TTY); those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

For the latest information on South Carolina flood recovery operations, visit scemd.org and fema.gov/disaster/4241.

 

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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.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

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.

 

Taken from:

Disaster Recovery Centers Closed Sundays, Thanksgiving

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As South Carolinians rebuild and repair after the recent historic floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand in Richland County to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared towards do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Advisers will be available at two locations through Nov. 17. Hours and locations are as follows:

  • Home Depot located at 5200 Fernandina Road in Columbia (Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • Lowe’s located at 7420 Garners Ferry Road in Columbia (Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage. More information about strengthening property can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation.

Link to original: 

FEMA Mitigation Advisers Offer Guidance to Flood Survivors in Richland County

What to do if you disagree with FEMA’s decision letter1. Read the letter carefully to find out why the decision was made.Do you need to provide additional information?• Insurance determination letter.• Proof of occupancy or ownership.• Proof of ID.• Applicant’s signature.Common reasons for the initial decision:• The damage was to a secondary home or a rental property, not a primary residence.• Someone else in the household applied and received assistance.• Disaster-related losses could not be verified.• Insurance covered all losses.2. Contact FEMA for help with filing an appeal or any questions.Call800-621-3362 (711 or Video Relay Service available)800-462-7585 (TTY)VisitA Disaster Recovery Center3. File a written appeal.Explain why you think the decision was not correct.• Provide supporting information and documents.• Include your FEMA registration number on all documents.• Sign the letter.Mail or fax your appeal within 60 days of the decision letter date, or drop it off at a Disaster Recovery Center.SACRAMENTO, Calif. – If Lake and Calaveras County residents receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency saying they are not eligible for disaster assistance, it is important that they read the letter carefully and then contact FEMA if they have questions or need assistance making an appeal.

The appeal must be postmarked within 60 days of the date on the FEMA letter, not the date received. FEMA will help survivors make an appeal.

Survivors can call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. For 711 or video relay service, call 800-621-3362. They can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To locate the nearest center, call FEMA or go online to FEMA.gov/DRC.

A direct telephone hotline is operational to process any requests from survivors who may need additional assistance: 916-381-0330; for TTY, call 711.

The FEMA letter will explain the reason an applicant was determined to be ineligible and what additional information he or she needs to provide or how FEMA’s decision can be appealed.

Some of the reasons for an initial turn down can be easily remedied with more information such as:

  • Calling or writing to FEMA when a final insurance settlement is agreed upon.
  • Providing proof of ownership or residence, especially documents showing the damaged property was the primary residence at the time of the disaster.
  • Returning a completed U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan application.
  • Signing essential documents.

Survivors can ask for a review of the amount or type of help provided or any other decision about federal disaster assistance if they appeal the agency’s decision within 60 days of the date on the FEMA letter. Many issues can be resolved if applicants follow up with updated information or documentation.

When appealing a decision, applicants should explain in writing why they disagree with a decision along with any new or additional documents supporting the appeal.

Appeal letters should include:

  • Federal disaster declaration number ‘DR-4240-CA’ on all pages of documents.
  • Applicant information, including:
    • Nine-digit FEMA application number on all pages of documents
    • Name
    • Date and place of birth
    • Address of the damaged dwelling
  • Copies of verifiable documentation supporting the appeal. All receipts, bills and estimates must include contact information for the service provider. Applicants should keep all originals for their records.
  • Copy of a driver license or state-issued identification card showing the residence address is the same as the damaged property.
  • If a driver’s license or state-issued identification card is not available, an alternative is to have the appeal letter notarized with the following statement included: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
  • The applicant’s signature.

Mail the appeal letter to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD  20782-7055

Applicants may fax the appeal letter to: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA

It is important to have appeal letters postmarked within 60 days of the date on the decision letter.

Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. For 711 or video relay service, call 800-621-3362. For more information go to FEMA.gov/Help-After-Disaster. Even easier is visiting one of the three FEMA disaster recovery centers (DRC).

All three Disaster Recovery Centers will be open on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, with normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To locate the nearest DRC, go to FEMA.gov/DRC.

Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. Registration continues through Monday, Nov. 23.

For more information on California’s wildfire recovery, visit: caloes.ca.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4240 and follow us on Twitter @femaregion9 and at Facebook.com/FEMA.

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 are referred to SBA for a disaster loan must apply to be eligible for additional FEMA assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Link – 

What to do if you disagree with FEMA’s decision letter

News Release

Flood Risk Open House to View Maps in Raymondville and Brownsville, Texas

Public Open House Events Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk Information

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in the Texas counties of Cameron and Willacy are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move forward with any development.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort follows the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks. To share that data, public workshops are scheduled in each of the counties where interested citizens can obtain more information about the proposed changes. Experts will be on hand to answer questions related to the newly identified flood risks.

 

Willacy County                                                          Cameron County                             

Wednesday, Nov. 18                                                 Thursday, Nov. 19   

Tourist Center                                                             Brownsville Public Library

700 FM 3168                                                              2600 Central Blvd.

Raymondville, TX                                                        Brownsville, TX

2:00 – 7:00 p.m.                                                         2:00 – 7:00 p.m.                                                                                      

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to these counties, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

Additional information is available, including links to the interactive mapping website on www.riskmap6.com. Residents can also contact the floodplain administrator in each county for more details.

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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 us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Flood Risk Open House to View Maps in Raymondville and Brownsville, Texas

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