AURORA, IL – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, in Woodford County to allow residents affected by the recent severe storms and flooding to meet with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and FEMA, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

The location is:

Woodford County

Woodford County Emergency Management

301 S. Main St.

Roanoke, IL 61561

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

DRCs also offer an additional service for those who may have questions or need help in applying for disaster aid. Information about other disaster programs is also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents should apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and assist survivors with their loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

View original article: 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Woodford County

NEW YORK – As hurricane season approaches, pledge to protect your family, friends and businesses by knowing your risk, taking action and being an example.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration have partnered again this year to promote National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week – May 26 through June 1 – highlights the importance of planning ahead to protect our families and secure our communities. Hurricane season is June 1 through Nov. 30.

“I’m sure New Yorkers who saw Sandy’s impact know the importance of preparing for hurricane season,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “Everyone should take the pledge and use social media to let their friends know how they can prepare against disasters.”

Recent studies show that many people use social media during a disaster to let relatives and friends know they are safe. Social media provides the perfect platform for preparedness. Pledge to use it and to and take the following steps:

Know your risk: Understand how hurricanes could impact you, your family and your community. When you understand your risk, you are more apt to know how to prepare.  Check weather forecasts regularly, sign up for local alerts from your emergency management officials and get a NOAA Weather Radio.

Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan and practice how and where you will evacuate if instructed by local emergency management officials. Post your plan in your home where friends and family can see it. Understand the National Hurricane Center watches and warnings. Purchase flood insurance now – there’s a 30-day waiting period and download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane. Stay informed with FEMA’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Be an example: Once you have pledged and taken action, be an example by talking to your family, friends, colleagues and neighbors on what you have done to prepare and inspire others.

More information can be found at www.ready.gov/hurricanes. Information on different types of severe weather such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flooding is available at www.weather.gov  and www.ready.gov/hurricanes or the Spanish-language website www.listo.gov.

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

View original:

2013 National Hurricane Preparedness Week, Pledge to Prepare

CHICAGO – Illinois residents will get the opportunity to assist with the state’s disaster recovery while building their professional skills and drawing a paycheck. Temporary, full-time positions are available locally with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA has joined forces with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) to recruit and screen individuals to work in positions including finance and administration, writing and public information, planning, individual disaster assistance, information technology, and logistics. All temporary employees will have a hand in their state’s disaster recovery.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes finger printing and credit check, be able to furnish his/her own transportation to and from work and live within 50 miles of the employing office. Employees are also required to participate in mandatory direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payment.

Candidates in DuPage and Cook counties may apply by e-mailing their resume to FEMA@workforceboard.org. Applicants must include the Local Hire Job Order Number and Job Title in the subject line of the email and on their attached resume.

Candidates for all counties may apply at www.IllinoisJobLink.com.  Enter “FEMA” into the keyword search to find available positions.

FEMA is committed to employing a highly qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation.  All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, non-disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation, and any other non-merit factor.  The federal government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

###

See more here – 

FEMA Seeking Local Hires to Assist in Disaster Recovery

CHICAGO – Illinois residents who are not United States citizens may be eligible for federal disaster assistance for damage from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5.

Only one member of a household needs to be eligible to qualify the entire household for assistance, so parents and guardians may apply for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on behalf of a minor child who was born here. The child’s information, including his or her social security number, will be needed to register for assistance.

Any citizen living in the affected household can apply for FEMA aid. FEMA does not collect information on the immigration status of other household members who are not registering for disaster assistance.

Non-citizen nationals, including those born in American Samoa or Swains Island, or those whose parents are U.S. non-citizen nationals (subject to certain residency requirements) also may qualify to register.

Applying for FEMA disaster assistance will not affect one’s eligibility to become a U.S. citizen.

Undocumented immigrants from a household with no one eligible to apply for federal financial assistance may still be eligible for programs run by state, local or voluntary agencies.

Those in the United States with temporary tourist visas, student visas, work visas and temporary resident cards are not eligible for disaster assistance.

To register for disaster assistance, go to www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Under the presidential declaration, disaster assistance is available for residents in the following counties: Bureau, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Will and Woodford counties.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

Visit site:  

Citizenship Status May Not Limit Disaster Assistance Eligibility

AUSTIN, Texas – The state/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in West, Texas will be closed Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27. The center will reopen Tuesday, May 28 at 8 a.m. 

“The DRC will be closed this Sunday and Monday in honor of the men and women who have paid the ultimate price to secure our freedom,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes of FEMA. “If residents have questions or need assistance during that time, we encourage them to call our FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.”

“It is very important that survivors keep us up to date of any changes in their contact information. This includes their address or any telephone number changes or updates relating to their insurance settlements,” Hannes said.

Disaster Recovery Center Location:
POINTWEST Bank
210 N. Roberts Rd.
West, Texas 76691
Closed Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27

Specialists from the state of Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions at the DRC and to provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

Survivors may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They also may call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Continued: 

West, Texas Disaster Recovery Center Closed Sunday and Monday for Memorial Day

More Illinois Counties Added to Disaster Declaration 

CHICAGO – Illinois residents in 14 additional counties who were affected by the severe storms and flooding in April are now eligible to register for federal disaster assistance, state and federal officials announced today.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved Governor Pat Quinn’s request to add Bureau, Crawford, Henderson, Knox, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford counties to the major disaster declaration issued May 10.

This brings the total to 25 counties in the Illinois disaster declaration for severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5. Previous counties designated under the declaration are Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry and Will.

Illinois Emergency Management Teams and FEMA continue to assess damage and help residents begin their recovery.

Individual Assistance for homeowners and renters can include grants to help pay for temporary rental assistance, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs. Also, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 1-800-621-3362.

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. Information and assistance from SBA is available at 1-800-659-2955, (TTY) 1-800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

Read article here: 

More Illinois Counties Added to Disaster Declaration

Survivors are Encouraged to Register with FEMA

WASHINGTON — The Administration, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remains in close contact with emergency officials and continues to coordinate federal support to state, tribal and local officials in Oklahoma through FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. and Regional Response Coordination Center in Denton, Texas. FEMA and its federal partners continue to provide resources to support the ongoing efforts.

Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and FEMA Deputy Administrator Rich Serino traveled to Moore, Oklahoma to meet with Governor Mary Fallin, U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, Mayor Glenn Lewis, Red Cross President Gail McGovern and other state and local officials to tour disaster affected areas and ensure that first responders are receiving the assistance they need in on-going response and recovery efforts to the severe weather that impacted the region. 

At the direction of President Obama, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate traveled to Oklahoma on Tuesday and remained there today to ensure all federal resources are supporting our state, local and tribal partners in life-saving and safety operations including search and rescue.

In coordination with the state, FEMA has more than 400 personnel on the ground in Oklahoma in support of response and recovery efforts, including a liaison officer, three national Urban Search and Rescue teams, a national Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) and a regional IMAT to coordinate with state and local officials in support of recovery operations. Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) assets also are in Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics and operations support elements. Additional teams are en route.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie counties are encouraged to apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.  Disaster assistance applicants who use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

Federal activities underway today to support Oklahoma response efforts include the following: 

  • As of 3:00 p.m. today more than 1,500 disaster survivors have registered for FEMA assistance. FEMA continues to encourage disaster survivors to register for FEMA assistance.
  • FEMA implemented a pilot program for debris removal that offers communities financial incentives for the timely removal of debris and a time limited financial incentive for having a pre-incident debris management plan.
  • Three national FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Teams (Texas Task Force 1, Nebraska Task Force 1 and Tennessee Task Force 1) remain on the ground and performed search and rescue operations in Oklahoma. 
  • FEMA Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) assets are positioned in Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics, and operations support elements. 
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) subject matter experts were on site at the National Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. and at the Regional Response Coordination Center in Denton, Texas. 
  • More than 160 Oklahoma National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, under the governor’s direction, conducted search operations, provided security and check point operations, and provided logistics support for the Moore tornado recovery efforts in non-federal status.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration deployed customer service staff to the affected areas and announced low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Oklahoma residents and business owners in the counties of Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie.
  • Three Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open in the affected areas to help disaster survivors register for assistance and access information to help them with their recovery. 
  • There are members of the Disaster Survivor Assistance Team (DSAT) supporting the Moore and Shawnee DRCs. Three teams were canvassing neighborhoods in Moore, north and south, to support registration intake and supporting disaster survivors.  The teams were supporting survivors who lived close to the former Briarwood elementary school that was destroyed.
  • The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) deployed 18 additional AmeriCorps members to help in the response activities.
  • Red Cross disaster teams in Oklahoma have five open shelters.  Nearly 30 emergency response vehicles were on the ground or en route to distribute food and water and five emergency aid stations were open where people can find a safe refuge, food and snacks, emotional support, health care services and information about what other help is available.
  • The Southern Baptist Convention, working with the American Red Cross, are providing two kitchens and are beginning to prepare meals today. The kitchens are able to make tens of thousands of meals a day if needed
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced steps it is taking to support Oklahoma recovery.  USDA is inventorying unoccupied multi-family housing rental units and the USDA Rural Development notified lenders who guarantee USDA housing loans that they may offer a moratorium on mortgage payments to borrowers in the disaster area.
  • FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., a multi-agency coordination center that provides overall coordination of the federal response to natural disasters and emergencies, and FEMA’s Region VI Response Coordination Centers (RRCC) located in Denton, Texas remains activated to coordinate any requests for federal assistance, if requested.
  • Additional resources beyond these immediate assets will also be available to support response and recovery efforts, including for affected individuals and small businesses.

The American Red Cross Safe and Well secure website provides a way for people to find information on survivors affected by the storms. 

The HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA) Disaster Distress helpline remains activated. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 via telephone (1-800-985-5990) and SMS (text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746) to survivors who are experiencing emotional distress.

If you were affected by the disaster and need a place to stay, open Red Cross shelters can also be found on www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter.   

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) member organizations such as American Red Cross, Salvation Army and many others continue to be heavily involved in the disaster response by providing assistance to disaster survivors.  For individuals and businesses who are interested in knowing how they can help, cash donations to their voluntary agency of choice is the preferred means of assistance.  For information on the voluntary organizations that support disaster response and recovery efforts, visit www.nvoad.org. Also, information can be found on the state’s official web portal at http://www.ok.gov/okstrong/.

For information on yesterday’s federal activities, visit fema.gov.
There are tools and resources available online to help prepare for, respond to and recover from any type of disaster. Visit www.ready.gov to learn more. The Spanish language site – listo.gov. Those with a Blackberry, Android or Apple device can download the FEMA app to access safety tips, shelter locations, and more.

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.

See original article:

FEMA, Federal Partners Support Survivors of Severe Storms in Oklahoma

The Federal Emergency Management Agency urges property owners to take steps now to minimize damage in future storms. To better protect your family and yourself in the event of an emergency, ensure that your home is a safe structure.

The following are some house maintenance tips from Ready.gov, FEMA.gov and FloodSmart.gov on how to strengthen and protect your property from rain, wind and flood damages:

RAIN AND FLOODS

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work, but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam.

  • Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
  • Make sure your sump pump is working and then install a battery-operated backup in case of a power failure.
  • Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
  • Anchor any fuel tanks.
  • Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation.

For more information, go to Ready.gov/floods.

HIGH WINDS AND HURRICANES

  • Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Reinforce your garage doors. If wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.

For more information, go to Ready.gov/hurricanes or fema.gov/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster.

For all emergencies, you should build an emergency kit and make a communications plan. To learn how, visit Ready.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.

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.

Source:  

Prepare Your Property Now For A Future Storm

CHICAGO – If you’ve registered for federal disaster assistance and received a letter saying you’re ineligible, make sure to double check that you provided all the necessary information when you initially applied.

Federal Emergency Management Agency eligibility determinations are based on information an individual supplies in an online application or during a phone call with a FEMA representative. 

Since May 10, when the disaster was declared for the spring storms and flooding, homeowners and renters in 11 Illinois counties have been applying for disaster assistance. To date, more than $38.4 million has been approved for more than 12,100 eligible applicants.

Applicants who received a determination letter, but were deemed ineligible may just need to supply additional information to FEMA.

“We want to make sure eligible Illinois residents who suffered damages or uninsured losses as a result of the spring storm receive disaster assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Moore. “The best thing for applicants to do to make sure this happens is to read the FEMA correspondence carefully and follow up with us.”

Following are just a few of the reasons an applicant may have received an ineligibility notification and can follow up.

  • Sometimes a first ineligibility determination is simply a clerical error, such as a name is misspelled, an address doesn’t match or a signature has been left out.
  • If more than one person from the same home address registered, the applications will be flagged until the head of household can be determined.
  • The applicant has insurance, and more information about the policy is needed.  FEMA cannot duplicate benefits. However, once you receive insurance payment, FEMA may be able to assist with uninsured losses.
  • Proof of occupancy is required. Whether a homeowner or renter, the damaged dwelling must be a primary residence where the applicant lived at the time of the disaster.
  • Identity verification is needed. Sometimes an applicant simply needs to submit documentation—such as a passport or military issued ID—so a social security number can be verified. If an applicant was recently married, a marriage certificate or license may be required to verify any name change.

If you have questions about any FEMA correspondence you receive, call 800-621-FEMA (3362), the toll-free line used for registration and follow-up.  Have your FEMA application number available so the representative can find your case easily.

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

See original:

Ineligible? FEMA May Just Need More Information

WASHINGTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners, including the National Weather Service, continue to closely monitor the effects of severe weather that impacted Oklahoma and other areas within the Central United States, and at the President’s direction, are already providing resources to support the response.

Today, President Obama, as well as Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, spoke with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin to express concern for citizens impacted by the severe weather and tornadoes, to offer support and make clear the Administration stood ready to provide additional resources as necessary. The administration, through FEMA, is closely monitoring the impacts of the storm and remains in close contact with emergency officials to ensure there are not any unmet needs. FEMA and its partners have teams on the ground in hard hit areas, and is prepared to deploy additional teams and resources, if needed by the states.  On Sunday night, at the state’s request, FEMA deployed a liaison officer to the Oklahoma emergency operations center in anticipation of severe weather.  FEMA commends the efforts of the local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, and humanitarian organizations who are providing emergency assistance to those in impacted areas.

Federal activities underway today to support Oklahoma response efforts include the following: 

  • FEMA deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to the state emergency operations center in Oklahoma City to coordinate with state and local officials in support of recovery operations.  FEMA also deployed Urban Search and Rescue Teams and a Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) Team to Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics, and operations support elements. FEMA also has additional personnel from the Denton, Texas regional office on alert.
  • This afternoon, FEMA activated the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., a multi-agency coordination center that provides overall coordination of the federal response to natural disasters and emergencies, to support state requests for assistance.  FEMA Region VI Response Coordination Centers (RRCC) located in Denton, Texas remains activated to coordinate any requests for federal assistance, if requested.
  • A FEMA liaison officer is currently at the Oklahoma emergency operations center to assist with coordination efforts. FEMA’s regional office in Denton, Texas is in constant coordination and communications with Oklahoma’s emergency management team and local officials.
  • FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration deployed preliminary damage assessments teams to help identify the damages in impacted counties. 

We urge residents in impacted areas to listen carefully to instructions from their local officials and take the recommended protective measures to safeguard life and property while response efforts continue. Listen to state, local and tribal officials who ask you to remain in shelters, homes or safe places until they give the “all clear” to travel. Roads are very likely to be damaged or blocked by debris, and traffic jams slow emergency managers and first responders as they attempt to reach hard-hit areas.

According to the National Weather Service, there continues to be a risk of severe weather this evening across areas of the southern Plains including Oklahoma and parts of Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas and severe weather is possible further north including parts of Illinois and Wisconsin.

We encourage individuals in the affected area to monitor local radio or TV stations or the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov or a NOAA weather radio for the latest information, for updated weather and emergency information, and to follow the instructions of state, local, and tribal officials.  For those in areas that are forecast to be affected by severe weather, now is the time to get prepared for tornadoes and other disasters.

There are tools and resources available online to help you prepare for, respond to and recover from any type of disaster. Visit www.ready.gov to learn more. The Spanish language site – listo.gov. Those with a Blackberry, Android or Apple device can download the FEMA app to access safety tips, shelter locations, and more.

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.

Taken from – 

FEMA, Federal Partners Support Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

 Page 96 of 144  « First  ... « 94  95  96  97  98 » ...  Last »