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Federal Aid To Vermont For Winter Storm Repairs Tops $1 Million

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – State and federal officials say that more than $1 million in federal assistance has been delivered to the state to help cover the costs of the December 9-12, 2014 winter storm that wreaked havoc on Vermont’s infrastructure, downing trees and power lines.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the $1 million in FEMA aid to the state thus far for infrastructure repair includes roughly $670,000 for emergency protective measures to safeguard lives and property while responding to the disaster, and another $384,000 in permanent repair work. Another $2 million in FEMA aid is anticipated, most of it for Vermont Electric Cooperative.

“The December storm was a four-day event that caused an estimated $4+ million in damage and response costs,” said State Coordinating Officer Robert Schell with Vermont’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “The federal dollars coming to Vermont are assisting numerous communities and non-profit utilities.”

Governor Peter Shumlin requested preliminary damage assessments in the ten most heavily damaged Vermont counties immediately after the storm and sent the assessments to FEMA with a request for a federal disaster declaration.

President Barack Obama approved the request in early February, and FEMA and state disaster teams began meeting with jurisdictions to explain how federal dollars flow to the state and on to eligible municipalities and non-profit entities.

“We will continue to support our state and local partners to ensure that applicants receive all of the assistance for which they are eligible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo, the head of FEMA’s recovery operations in Vermont.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides state and local governments and eligible private non-profit organizations in designated counties federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads, buildings and utilities.

Both FEMA and the state, which distributes the FEMA funds to municipalities and qualified non-profits, must review Public Assistance projects to ensure compliance with regulations.

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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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Federal Aid To Vermont For Winter Storm Repairs Tops $1 Million

Louisville Disaster Recovery Centers To Transition to Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The two remaining disaster recovery centers in Louisville, which are operated by the commonwealth of Kentucky and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will close on Thursday, May 28, at 6 p.m. (EDT) and reopen as disaster loan outreach centers on Friday, May 29, at 9 a.m.

April storm survivors can continue to call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585, Video Relay Service 800-621-3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

The two Jefferson County centers that will close on Thursday are located at 205 W. Wellington Ave. (Beechmont Community Center) and 8501 Preston Highway (fire station) in Louisville.

Survivors who suffered losses during the severe storms in April in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties can register using the following methods:

· Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

By calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585, Video Relay Service 800-621-3362).
By smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and essential home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Disaster loan outreach centers to open in Louisville

The disaster loan outreach centers that will open in Louisville will be operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) until further notice.

The loan centers focus on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery. Businesses, homeowners and renters will be able to talk individually with SBA representatives.

Small businesses and most nonprofits with or without physical damage may apply for an economic injury disaster loan, which is a working capital loan to help with disaster-related cash flow problems.

Businesses, homeowners and renters may check on the status or ask any questions about their SBA disaster loan application at the loan centers.

Survivors with questions about an SBA disaster loan application can also call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

To learn more about what preventive measures to take before, during and after an emergency, visit www.ready.gov.

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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 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.

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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Louisville Disaster Recovery Centers To Transition to Disaster Loan Outreach Centers

Hurricane Season Begins June 1—Are You Ready?

ATLANTA – As the 2015 hurricane season begins, FEMA has launched a new feature to its mobile app to help you be prepared and stay informed about severe weather. The free feature allows you to receive weather alerts from five locations you select anywhere in the country, even if the phone is not located in the area. This tool makes it easy to follow severe weather that may be threatening your family and friends in other areas.

“Whether this years’ hurricane season is mild or wild, it’s important to be prepared,” said Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “Despite forecasters’ predictions for a below-normal number of storms, fewer storms do not necessarily mean a less destructive season. FEMA is reinforcing preparedness basics and resources to help people be ready whether they live along the coast or farther inland.” Visit FEMA’s www.ready.gov/hurricanes for step-by-step information and resources for what to do before, during and after a hurricane.

Cellphones and mobile devices are a major part of our lives and an essential part of how emergency responders and survivors get information during disasters. According to a recent survey by Pew Research, 40 percent of Americans have used their smartphone to look up government services or information. Additionally, a majority of smartphone owners use their devices to keep up to date with breaking news, and to be informed about what is happening in their community.

The new weather alert feature adds to existing features in the app to help Americans through emergencies. In addition to this upgrade, the app also provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and Disaster Recovery Centers, and tips on how to survive natural and manmade disasters. The FEMA app also offers a “Disaster Reporter” feature, where users can upload and share photos of disaster damage. The app defaults to Spanish language content for smartphones that have Spanish set as their default language.

The latest version of the FEMA app is available for free in the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Android devices. Users who already have the app downloaded on their smartphones should download the latest update for the new alerts feature to take effect. To learn more about the FEMA app, visit: The FEMA App: Helping Your Family Weather the Storm.

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Hurricane Season Begins June 1—Are You Ready?

Federal Aid Programs Available for the State of West Virginia Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

May 21, 2015

Release Number:

HQ-15-028-FactSheet

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

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

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

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

May 21, 2015 – 22:20

State/Tribal Government or Region:

West Virginia

Related Disaster:

West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

Link –

Federal Aid Programs Available for the State of West Virginia Declaration

Disaster Recovery Centers In Bourbon, Madison and Rowan Counties To Close

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The disaster recovery centers in Madison and Rowan counties will close at 6 p.m. (EDT) on Thursday, May 21, and the Bourbon County disaster recovery center will close at 6 p.m. (EDT) on Friday, May 22.

The centers, which have been operated by the commonwealth of Kentucky and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are located at:

525 High St. (Paris Municipal Service Building) in Paris.
558 S. Keeneland Drive (Madison County Joint Information Center) in Richmond.
314 Bridge St. (Morehead City Administration Building) in Morehead.

After the centers close, help is still available to survivors who suffered losses in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties during the severe April storms.

Those who need help with applications or appeals can go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA’s helpline (800-621-3362, 800-462-7585 for TTY or 800-621-3362 for Video Relay Service).

Disaster survivor assistance teams with FEMA Corps members will also be working storm-stricken areas and can help with mobile applications, updates and referrals to additional resources.

Disaster Loan Outreach Center To Open In Madison County

The Madison County disaster recovery center will transition to a disaster loan outreach center on Friday, May 22.

The disaster loan outreach center will be operated by the U.S. Small Business Administration weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) until May 28. The center, however, will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25.

The loan center focuses on funds needed for long-term rebuilding and recovery. Businesses, homeowners and renters will be able to talk individually with SBA representatives.

Small businesses and most nonprofits with or without physical damage may apply for an economic injury disaster loan, which is a working capital loan to help with disaster-related cash flow problems.

Businesses, homeowners and renters may check on the status or ask any questions about their SBA disaster loan application at the loan centers.

Survivors with questions about an SBA disaster loan application can call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

To learn more about what preventive measures to take before, during and after an emergency, visit www.ready.gov.

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For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

Continued:

Disaster Recovery Centers In Bourbon, Madison and Rowan Counties To Close

June 13 Deadline for Severe Weather-related Unemployment Insurance

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Officials from the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that 10 Kentucky counties have qualified for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Kentuckians in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties who have lost work or whose businesses were damaged due to severe weather that occurred from April 2 to April 17, 2015, may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.

Farmers and self-employed people, who are normally not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, may also qualify for disaster unemployment assistance, according to the Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

June 13, 2015, is the deadline for applying for benefits. All regular unemployment insurance benefits must be exhausted prior to receiving any disaster benefits. Applications can be filed at local Kentucky Career Center offices. To find a list of local offices, visit http://kcc.ky.gov/Office/Locations.aspx. If you have questions, you may contact the local office or call 502-564-3240.

When filing a claim, self-employed individuals should bring a copy of their 2014 income tax return. Other applicants need only a photo-identification card and their Social Security number.

Additional counties may be designated for federal disaster assistance at a later date if requested by the commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Additional information about this disaster is available at http://kyem.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

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The Kentucky Career Center links employment, workforce information, education and training. Its goal is to match qualified workers with employers’ needs. For more information about the many services available at no cost, go to www.kentuckycareercenter.com.

For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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June 13 Deadline for Severe Weather-related Unemployment Insurance

Disaster Recovery Center To Open In Bourbon County

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A disaster recovery center operated by the commonwealth of Kentucky and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will open at noon Friday, May 15, in Bourbon County.

The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) Saturday through Friday, May 22. The Bourbon center is located at 525 High St. (Paris Municipal Service Building) in Paris.

Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

Survivors who suffered losses in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties can receive person-to-person assistance from specialists skilled in many disaster-related subjects.

Specialists can help with registration, check an individual’s case, answer questions about an application or review information needed to process an application.

Survivors who sustained losses from the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides April 2 through April 17, 2015, should register for assistance before visiting a center.

Survivors can register by using the following methods:

· Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

By calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585, Video Relay Service 800-621-3362).
By smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time seven days a week until further notice.

To learn more about what preventive measures to take before, during and after an emergency, visit www.ready.gov.

Source:

Disaster Recovery Center To Open In Bourbon County

Monitoring for Potential Flooding in Texas

DENTON, Texas – People who live in Texas are urged to get ready now for the possibility of flooding, following days of rain and with more potential rain in the forecast.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 6 office continues to monitor the flooding threat across parts of the state and stands ready to support state and local partners as needed and requested in any affected areas.

Know Your Risk Before a Flood:

• Do your homework. Be aware of the potential flooding risks for the particular area where you live.
• Familiarize yourself with the terms used to identify a flooding hazard. Some of the more common terms used are:

A Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
A Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Take Action Before and During a Flood:

•   Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
•   Listen to local officials and monitor your local radio or television for information.
•   Do not drive into flooded areas. Turn Around; Don’t Drown. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
•   Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off your feet.
•   Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are now being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carriers’ networks. WEAs sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service are designed to get your attention and to provide brief, critical instructions to warn about imminent threats like severe weather. Take the alert seriously and follow instructions. More information is available on WEA at www.fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts.

Visit www.ready.gov or www.nws.noaa.gov for more information on preparing for floods or other disasters.

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Link:

Monitoring for Potential Flooding in Texas

FEMA Teams in Neighborhoods Helping Kentucky Storm Survivors

FEMA Teams in Neighborhoods Helping Kentucky Storm Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Disaster survivor assistance teams are working in storm-stricken neighborhoods helping Kentuckians recover from the April storms.

The teams are made up of disaster specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and FEMA Corps. They are canvassing areas to give residents an opportunity to register for disaster assistance and to quickly address immediate and emerging needs. The teams can also provide application updates and referrals to additional resources when needs remain.

Using tablets, the FEMA teams can input a survivor’s information and submit a request for federal assistance. These mobile team members can be identified easily by their photo identifications and FEMA clothing. Kentucky residents are reminded to ask for federal identification before providing personal information.

Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the April storms in Bath, Bourbon, Carter, Elliott, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Rowan and Scott counties can register for federal assistance.

Federal disaster assistance for qualified applicants may include:

Grants to rent a new place to live temporarily as needed.
Grants for essential home repairs not covered by insurance.
Grants for serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance — such as medical, dental, transportation, funeral expenses, moving and storage fees, personal property loss and child care.

In addition to the registration opportunity offered by recovery teams, survivors can register for assistance by the following methods:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
Calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585, Video Relay Service 800-621-3362).
By smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time seven days a week until further notice.

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FEMA Teams in Neighborhoods Helping Kentucky Storm Survivors page 2

Business owners can find an electronic loan application on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Questions can be answered by calling the SBA disaster customer service center at 800-659-2955/(TTY) 800-877-8339 or visiting www.sba.gov.

To learn what protective measures to take before, during and after an emergency, visit www.ready.gov.

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For more information on Kentucky’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://kyem.ky.gov.

On Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/KYEmergencyManagement. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/kyempio or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

Originally posted here:

FEMA Teams in Neighborhoods Helping Kentucky Storm Survivors

Digital Preliminary Flood Maps For Polk County Ready For Public Viewing

ATLANTA– Newly revised digital flood insurance rate maps for Polk County, Fla. will be available for residents to review at three public open houses during the week of May 11, 2015. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding and are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

The open houses provide residents of Polk County and its municipalities the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Residents can meet one-on-one with a variety of specialists who will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and more.

The open houses will be held between 4 and 7 p.m. The open house dates and locations are:

May 12, 2015

Polk Street Community Center

1255 Polk St.

Bartow, FL 33830

May 13, 2015

City of Lakeland, Magnolia Building

698 E. Orange St.

Lakeland, FL 33801

May 14, 2015

Winter Haven Chain O’ Lakes Complex, Pool Room, South Entrance

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven, FL 33880

The new maps were produced through a partnership with Polk County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data make the maps more accurate. The ultimate goal is to protect property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening or shifting and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes.

Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house. All who attend can meet with specialists to ask questions and learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their communities.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

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Digital Preliminary Flood Maps For Polk County Ready For Public Viewing

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