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FEMA, Federal Partners Monitor Effects of Storm in Central Plains and Urge Preparedness

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 has impacted the Central United States, including parts of central Oklahoma and Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. Residents are urged to continue to follow the guidance of state, local and tribal officials. FEMA’s regional offices in Denton, Texas and Kansas City, Mo., have been in contact with state emergency management counterparts and with tribal emergency managers in the path of the storm. While there have been no requests for federal assistance, FEMA has deployed a liaison officer to the Oklahoma emergency operations center and stands ready to assist if support is needed and requested. Additional personnel are on standby and are ready to deploy as needed and requested to support the state.

According to the National Weather Service, there continues to be a moderate risk of severe weather today 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.

When natural disasters, such as tornadoes and severe storms strike, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and numerous private interest groups who provide emergency assistance required to protect the public’s health and safety and to meet immediate human needs.

FEMA encourages those in the areas affected or potentially affected by these storm systems 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, including additional or changing weather watches and warnings and to follow the instructions of state, local, and tribal officials.

If you haven’t already, now is the time to get prepared for severe weather. Visit www.ready.gov to learn more about how to be better prepared.

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FEMA, Federal Partners Monitor Effects of Storm in Central Plains and Urge Preparedness

In Anticipation of Severe Weather, FEMA Monitors and Stays Ready to Assist

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With the potential for severe weather across the plains and several Midwestern states this weekend and into Monday, staff at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region VII office are coordinating with state and local officials in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska in preparation for the potential storms and urges the public to be prepared and stay informed.

“As the threat of severe weather develops, we urge residents to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local newscasts, monitor digital media feeds for updates and follow the instructions provided by local emergency officials,” said FEMA Region VII Administrator Beth Freeman. “We have been in contact with the National Weather Service and our emergency management partners at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as representatives of the private sector and voluntary agencies throughout the region to ensure proper measures are in place to protect life and property in the event severe weather occurs.”

When severe weather hits, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and numerous private interest groups. The individuals within these organizations provide emergency assistance to protect the public’s health and safety and services to meet immediate needs. During this time, FEMA continues to coordinate closely with state and local partners to monitor any needs that may arise as a result of the storms.

Preparing for Severe Weather Now

This severe weather threat is a reminder that everyone needs a family emergency plan as we can’t always anticipate when or where a disaster might strike. For more information on creating your family’s emergency plan, visit http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.

To prepare for power outages and the disruption of essential services, FEMA urges families to prepare an emergency supply kit for their homes and cars, http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. When preparing a kit, remember water, medications, and items needed for the well-being of your pets.

Responding to Severe Weather

If you have severe weather in your area, keep in mind these safety tips:

Become familiar with the terms used to identify a severe weather hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe weather hazards include the following:

Watch: Meteorologists are monitoring an area or region for the formation of a specific type of threat (e.g. flooding, severe thunderstorms, or tornados).

Warning: Specific life and property threatening conditions are occurring and imminent. Take appropriate safety precautions.

Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. Residents of mobile homes must plan in advance and identify safe shelter in a nearby building.
Be aware that flash flooding can occur within minutes and with little notice. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. Do not drive through flood water.
Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report downed power lines and electrical hazards to the police and the utility company.
After a disaster, be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards in your home. Contact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards and before going back to a property with downed power lines, or the possibility of a gas leak. They may also offer suggestions on finding a qualified contractor to do work for you.
Injury may occur when people walk amid disaster debris and enter damaged buildings. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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In Anticipation of Severe Weather, FEMA Monitors and Stays Ready to Assist

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in LaSalle County

CHICAGO, IL – A federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Friday, May 17, in Marseilles for residents of LaSalle County to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. The location is:

LaSalle County

Marseilles Fire Department

205 Lincoln Street

Marseilles, IL 61341

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

DRC services include help with applying for disaster assistance and finding out about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents must 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 accept completed loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339 or online at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Individuals can register online at disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m.to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema, and 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: 609-508-2238

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in LaSalle County

Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud

CHICAGO, IL – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) urge Illinois residents affected by recent severe storms and flooding to be alert for potential fraud and to keep these points in mind:

FEMA does not charge for information that it gives out. Apply free online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
FEMA does not send out text messages asking recipients to call fee-based telephone numbers. The toll-free numbers above are used for all contact with FEMA, including applying and follow-up.
FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration do not charge fees for information regarding filling out the SBA loan applications. Free assistance is available by calling SBA’s toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) are canvassing affected areas to provide information about disaster assistance and give Illinois residents an opportunity to register. While FEMA DSATs are offering at-your-door service, it’s important to remain vigilant about protecting your personal information:

Residents should always ask for ID. Federal and state officials always have identification clearly visible. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it.

DSAT members may offer residents the opportunity to use a tablet computer to register, or ask to enter information on their behalf. DSAT members will never require Illinois residents to provide personal information. If residents prefer to use personal computers or phones to register, they can call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585), visit DisasterAssistance.gov or use a mobile device at m.fema.gov.

Anyone with knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse may call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 800-323-8603. You may also send an email to DHSOIGHotline@dhs.gov. Complaints may also be made via the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or with state or local law enforcement officials or consumer agencies.

Media Contact: 609-508-2238

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Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud

Parishes Have Customized Community Recovery Resource Guide Available Online

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisianians understand all too well the importance of building communities that can withstand what Mother Nature hurls at them.

As communities throughout the state plan for their future needs, they have a new way to find recovery resources. The National Disaster Recovery Support team has developed a Community Recovery Resource Guide containing Louisiana-specific information to help parishes locate funding sources and other available resources for local projects and initiatives.

“It’s basically a toolkit to help communities understand what’s out there right now,” said Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator Wayne Rickard. “Whether they’re rebuilding from a disaster or just doing normal planning, any community can use this.”

The searchable guide profiles nearly 900 recovery assistance programs through which communities can seek funding possibilities. It also includes grant writing guidance, planning manuals, case studies and examples of how governments can create recovery-related staff positions. It is accessible in two clickable online documents on FEMA’s Hurricane Isaac-specific web page at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4080/.

The first is available at http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=7260. This resource page contains a link to the guide and one to a version that’s accessible for people with disabilities. The second, http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=7261, contains a link to an interactive version of the guide in which people can search for keywords and other terms.

The guide is also available through the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness’s online portal at http://gohsep.la.gov/disasrecovGovernment.aspx.

“A collection like this enables us to move ahead much more efficiently as we plan recovery strategies for future disasters,” said State Recovery Coordinating Officer Mark Riley. “Smaller groups often need some technical assistance to get a program organized and implemented, and these guides can help Louisiana communities find the help they need.”

Program profiles are identified by sector, which include agriculture and environment, economic and workforce development, education, floodplain management, historic and cultural resources, housing and community development, human services and public health, infrastructure and transportation, and public safety. These are divided into several parts, including:

Resource Identification Aids, which include state and federal publications, spreadsheets or directories identifying funding possibilities from state and local governments, regional and national foundations, and other groups;
Job Descriptions and Aids, which may help local governments by providing examples for creating recovery-related staff positions;
Case Studies and Mitigation Planning Publications; and
Miscellaneous resources such as Internal Revenue Service Disaster Loss Kits, a grant writing guide, planning manuals and community mapping project information.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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Parishes Have Customized Community Recovery Resource Guide Available Online

FEMA offers rebuilding advice at area home improvement stores

NEW YORK – People whose property was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy can get rebuilding advice from a Federal Emergency Management Agency hazard mitigation specialist. The specialists are knowledgeable about cleanup and building safer and smarter to avoid future losses.

FEMA specialists will be in Suffolk County at Home Depot stores at 1881 Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore and 5025 Jericho Turnpike in Commack. They will also be available at the Lowe’s store in Suffolk County at 2796 Route 112 in Medford.

Mitigation specialists will be in the home improvement stores from Thursday May 16 to Tuesday May 21. Survivors can get rebuilding information at the following times:

Thursday through Saturday (May 16 – May 18) 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday (May 19) 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Monday (May 20) 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday (May 21) 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Information on the National Flood Insurance Program and Advisory Base Flood Elevation Maps,

Flood Insurance Rate Maps, repair and rebuilding will be provided.

These specialists will be able to talk about elevating electrical services and appliances; installing sewer back-flow valves; removing and replacing drywall and insulation; channeling water away from foundations as well as repairing with water-resistant materials.

More information on ways to protect your property from disasters to come is available at: www.fema.gov.

For information about New York State recovery programs, visit www.NYSandyHelp.ny.gov or call: 855-NYS-SANDY. The phone line is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

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.

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FEMA offers rebuilding advice at area home improvement stores

President Declares Disaster for Illinois

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Illinois and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of April 16 to May 5, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, and Will counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and 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.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Michael Moore has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Moore said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated county can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://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 have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Follow FEMA online at fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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President Declares Disaster for Illinois

Community Leaders Collaborate in Sayre to Discuss Best Practices and Challenges of Long-Term Recovery from Irene and Lee

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Community leaders from areas hit hard by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee met in Sayre on Saturday, April 27, 2013 to discuss best practices, challenges and objectives for moving forward as their towns continue to rebuild. The collaboration is an initiative to keep local organizations strong and growing in the direction of continued recovery.

The four-hour-long meeting was hosted by Futurescapes. The Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that grew out of the Rebuild Athens Steering Committee, which was established to develop a long-term community recovery plan after Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. Futurescapes was formed in 2012.

“As our long-term recovery group moves beyond the first year of operation, we are seeking a partnership with other volunteers in communities rebuilding after the 2011 flooding. On Saturday, we gained insights on some specific challenges that communities are facing. By sharing our combined experiences, we hope participants came away from the conference with renewed energy and armed with specific information and resources to help them move forward in their recovery process,” said Linda Spagnoli, a Futurescapes board member.

Spagnoli joined 19 other volunteers, as well as county and Commonwealth emergency managers in the roundtable-style discussion. The conversation was moderated by Community Recovery Specialist SheaBrianna Christilaw with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“While all of you were impacted at the same time by the same storm, your roads to recovery have been very different,” Christilaw said. “Some of you are in the process of completing long-term recovery plans, while others published plans as long as one year ago.”

Many of the groups are in the process of securing tax exemption status from the Internal Revenue Service, a designation that will substantially augment their ability to secure further recovery funding.

“We are working to acquire tax exempt status,” said Shickshinny Forward President Brian Phillips.

From new biking and hiking trails that will help areas regain their recreational resources to websites that will boost communication channels, each community is striving to accomplish projects. In many cases, funding will be required. The group highlighted the need for building and developing strong local partnerships.

In West Pittston, volunteers are helping with the development of a website for West Pittston Tomorrow, a nonprofit group that residents established to help rebuild.

“Right now, we are in the process of deciding how to format information and what information should be included,” said West Pittston Tomorrow President Judy Aita.

Organizations from both sides of the New York and Pennsylvania state borders are among the communities participating in the collaboration, which includes participants from Athens, Shickshinny and West Pittston in Pennsylvania and Nichols, Owego and Tioga in New York.

The following organizations were also represented at the meeting: Ashburn Advisors, the Bradford County Emergency Management Agency, the New York Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and the Tioga (N.Y.) County Emergency Management Agency and the Tioga (N.Y.) County Planning Department.

“These communities are working together to share their successes, build a network of peers, and brainstorm solutions to common challenges,” Christilaw said.

Futurescapes is currently analyzing feedback to strategize the next steps that should be taken to continue the collaborative approach. Ideas about locations and times of the next in-person meeting with community leaders will be planned based on information captured in survey results.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

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Community Leaders Collaborate in Sayre to Discuss Best Practices and Challenges of Long-Term Recovery from Irene and Lee

New Director Named for FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson has selected Thomas “Mike” Womack as the new Director for FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office (LRO).

As LRO Director, Womack oversees FEMA’s recovery operations in Louisiana for hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike.

Womack joined FEMA in 2012. Prior to that, he served in the Army National Guard for nearly 30 years. He also served as the Response and Recovery Director and then Deputy Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). Former Governor Haley Barbour appointed Womack Executive Director of MEMA in 2006, where he served until 2012.

“Mike brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this position and to the Louisiana Recovery Office,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We are fortunate to have him and I am confident that he will continue to enhance our relationship with Louisiana and its great citizens as we move forward with the recovery efforts in the state.”

“I look forward to working closely with our state and local partners,” said Womack. “The FEMA LRO remains unwavering in its commitment to Louisiana’s full recovery.”

Womack officially started the job on May 5. He assumes the duties from William J. Doran III, who served as LRO Interim Director since November 2012.

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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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New Director Named for FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office

FEMA’S 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge Recipients Announced – California, Hawaii, and American Samoa Organizations among Winners to…

Oakland, Calif.—Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region IX Office is pleased to announce that four of the 30 recipients selected to receive funding under the FEMA 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge program reside in California, Hawaii and American Samoa, all within the Region IX area of responsibility.

Recipients of the award include:

Special Needs Population and Home Bound Patients Registry

American Samoa Department of Health – Pago Pago, American Samoa

Roadmap to Preparedness

United Policyholders – San Francisco, CA

Tribal Emergency Response Crossing Boarders Coordination Project

Smith River Rancheria – Smith River, CA

Hawaii Emergency Preparedness System of Support (HiPSS)

University of Hawaii, Office of Research Services – Honolulu, HI

“We applaud each of these organizations for being a model of excellence in keeping disaster preparedness in the forefront of a geographic area with a very unique set of risks,” said FEMA Region IX Administrator Nancy Ward. “It’s a fine example of how each of us can have a voice in making our communities more resilient.”

The Community Resilience Innovation Challenge program focuses on building local community resilience to man-made and natural disasters, with an emphasis on innovation, collaboration with community stakeholders, sustainability, repeatability and measurable benefits to the community.

The funding comes from The Rockefeller Foundation and is administered by the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation who acted as a third-party intermediary to encourage local communities to engage in creative activities that enhance disaster resilience. Funding levels ranged to a maximum award level of $35,000, and applications were open to most local, state, and tribal agencies and governments; business entities; associations; organizations and groups. Over 1,900 applications were received across the country.

Background of Winners in Region IX:

Department of Health, American Samoa Government:

Project Name: ‘Special Needs Population and Home Bound patients Registry’

Summary: The Special Needs Population and Home Bound patients Registry would collect data on address, illnesses/handicaps, special equipment/medications, types of care needed, etc. and identify the closest health centers to special needs populations. The data collected on registry will enable community health centers to determine what type of care would be needed during disasters in their communities.

United Policyholders:

Project Name: ‘Roadmap to Preparedness’

Summary:United Policyholders (UP) is a California-based non-profit organization that is an information resource and a voice for insurance consumers (not companies) in all 50 states. The goal of the Roadmap to Preparedness Program is to give renters and homeowners the tools and resources to make sound choices in building an insurance safety net and being disaster ready. With this grant they will educate consumers through many channels including community and employer-sponsored events, website resources, printed materials, webinars, incentive activities, and quizzes.

Smith River Rancheria:

Project Name: ‘Tribal Emergency Response Crossing Borders Coordination Project’

Summary: The Smith River Rancheria lies on the California-Oregon Border. The Tribal Emergency Crossing Borders Coordination Project will seek to educate and network efforts across the State line in order to create a network of prepared communities in the event of a natural disaster.

University of Hawaii, Office of Research Services:

Project Name: ‘Hawaii Emergency Preparedness System of Support (HiPSS)’

Summary: The Hawaii Emergency Preparedness System of Support (HiEPSS) will increase community resilience by transforming the most vulnerable members into leaders and subject matter experts to empower, strengthen and unify whole communities. The impact of the project will be measured by the numbers of individuals who are trained, become prepared, or become trainers, and first responders.

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FEMA’S 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge Recipients Announced – California, Hawaii, and American Samoa Organizations among Winners to…

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