President Declares Disaster for the State of New Jersey

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of New Jersey to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm during the period of January 22-24, 2016.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribal, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm and snowstorm in Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties.

Federal funding is available to the state, tribal, and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for snow assistance for a continuous 48 hour period during or proximate to the incident period in Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties.

Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the State of New Jersey.

Seamus K. Leary has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Leary said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, 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. 

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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President Declares Disaster for the State of New Jersey

FEMA Blizzard Aid to Massachusetts Tops $4 Million

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program has obligated more than $4.2 million to help the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with costs due to the February 8-10 blizzard.

On April 19, a major disaster declaration made federal funding available to the commonwealth, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester counties. FEMA has obligated $4,208,651 to aid the affected counties.

FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo said, “This assistance reduces the blizzard’s financial burden on local governments and agencies who worked tirelessly in the days immediately following the crippling storm.”  He added that FEMA continues working to ensure that all receive the maximum disaster assistance for which they are eligible.

Kurt Schwartz, director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, said his agency works closely with FEMA to ensure all eligible federal dollars flow to the commonwealth in a timely manner.

“MEMA will continue to work with our local communities as we move forward with the distribution of these reimbursement dollars,” Schwartz said.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses public agencies and certain private non-profits for 75 per cent of their eligible costs. For the snowstorm, most of the costs were for emergency response overtime work and for clearing tons of snow from public roads and other public facilities.

In addition, assistance is available to the commonwealth and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for snow assistance for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.

 

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FEMA Blizzard Aid to Massachusetts Tops $4 Million

President Declares Disaster for Vermont

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 Vermont to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and flooding during the period of May 22-26, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding in Chittenden, Essex, and Lamoille counties.

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

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

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Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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. 

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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President Declares Disaster for Vermont

Waterbury Complex Funding Progressing

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – The process of determining the federal government’s share of funding for rebuilding the Waterbury State Office Complex is progressing but will not be complete at the end of February.

Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Vermont had hoped to announce how much of the cost of reconstructing the Waterbury campus – flooded by Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011 – would be eligible for FEMA reimbursement on February 28.

“As part of our ongoing partnership with the state, we are exploring all potential funding solutions within the bounds of federal law and policy,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont field office.

The Waterbury State Office Complex consists of 47 buildings – including the Vermont State Hospital – that sustained varying levels of damage when the complex was inundated by floodwaters from the nearby Winooski River.

“This is a complex project and we are working at all levels to secure the maximum funding possible to allow the state to start rebuilding,” Landry said. “We are nearly there but it will take some additional time and we don’t want to leave money on the table by moving too fast.”

Officials have said the funding of repairs to the complex will come from a combination of insurance proceeds, FEMA funding, and state funding.

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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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Waterbury Complex Funding Progressing

New Jersey Disaster and Business Recovery Centers to Close for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster and business recovery centers in New Jersey will close for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday, Jan. 21.

The centers will return to normal hours of operation on Tuesday, Jan. 22. Disaster recovery centers are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Six business recovery centers in Monmouth, Hudson, Essex, Passaic and Union counties are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • The Ocean County center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
  • The Cape May County center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • The centers in Atlantic and Bergen counties are open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Business recovery centers are staffed by SBA customer service representatives who provide help to businesses who suffered losses caused by Hurricane Sandy. To find a business recovery center visit SBA.gov.

To find the nearest disaster recovery center, the following options are available:

Survivors can visit any of the disaster recovery centers to meet with recovery specialists who can answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration.

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.

SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program provides long term, low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit www.sba.gov. All SBA’s program and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.

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New Jersey Disaster and Business Recovery Centers to Close for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Advisory Flood Elevation Maps on the Web

TRENTON, N.J. — For Hurricane Sandy survivors who want to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter, knowing their risk of flooding is paramount. Property owners can find the data they need online in new advisory base flood elevation maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Advisory maps containing recommended building elevations are available for these counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union. To learn more, visit the following web sites:

Advisory maps show, based on the best available information, how high structures should be elevated   to minimize damage from future flood events.  The maps  show that portions of communities are in new flood zones, which may impact insurance rates and building practices.

  • For information on federal flood insurance visit www.floodsmart.gov.You can also call 888-379-9531 or contact your insurance agent.
  • FEMA provides flood insurance resources including publications and frequently asked questions online at www.fema.gov/nfip.

Communities are encouraged to adopt advisory base flood elevation maps to reduce future flood risk  and to decrease the cost of flood insurance. Property owners should work with local building officials   to fully understand all requirements – including advisory maps – to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter.

Contact your local officials if you have questions about advisory base flood elevation maps and how they affect you and your community.

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.

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Advisory Flood Elevation Maps on the Web

New Jersey Hurricane Survivors Can Register for Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. — Residents of 10 New Jersey counties who suffered damages from Hurricane Sandy may be eligible for federal disaster assistance as a result of the presidential disaster declaration made Oct. 30, 2012.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) announced jointly that assistance has been made available to residents of Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Union counties.

Joint teams of federal, state and local recovery experts have conducted damage assessments across the state. Officials said additional counties may be added to the declaration.

Individual assistance for eligible homeowners and renters can include grants to help pay for rental housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and some nonprofit organizations can register online anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY 800-462-7585). These toll-free telephone numbers will operate 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. Disaster information and recovery resources are available directly from a smartphone browser at m.fema.gov/.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal disaster aid, even if a person has registered with another disaster relief organization such as the American Red Cross, local officials or churches. Registrants with FEMA must use the name exactly as it appears on their Social Security card. Applicants need to have the following information to register:

  • Social Security number

  • Address of the damaged home or apartment

  • Description of the damage

  • Information about insurance coverage

  • A current contact telephone number

  • An address where the applicant can get mail

  • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of any financial assistance.

 

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.

Original article – 

New Jersey Hurricane Survivors Can Register for Disaster Assistance

Seventeen New Jersey/FEMA Briefings to Begin Tuesday to Help Local Governments Who Apply for Hurricane Sandy Infrastructure Losses

TRENTON , N.J. — New Jersey emergency managers in 21 counties will be briefed by New Jersey and Federal Emergency Management officials in a series of 17 meetings beginning Tuesday to help local governments who are seeking assistance in recovering from losses caused by Hurricane Sandy.

The meetings are designed to help local government officials, and any qualifying private entities that provide public access, to understand what is needed in preparing their requests for assistance. All applicants should contact their local emergency managers for further details.

The meetings are a process of a state-federal “Public Assistance” program that is designed to deal with infrastructure storm losses. They are not public events.

 

Locations and times of the meetings are:

 

DATE             TIME             COUNTIES                            LOCATION

11/13/2012      9:00 a.m.         Cape May                         Cape May County OEM

                                                                                         30 West Mechanic Street

                                                                                         Cape May Court House NJ

                                                                                                                                   

11/13/2012      9:00 a.m.         Middlesex                          Middlesex Fire Academy

                                                                                         Sayreville NJ

                                                                                                                                   

11/13/2012      1:00 p.m.         Atlantic                              Atlantic County OEM

                                                                                          Egg Harbor NJ

 

 

11/13/2012      1:00 p.m.         Union                                 Kean University

                                                                                          Union NJ

                                                                                                                       

11/14/2012      9:00 a.m.         State Agencies                  ROIC (Media Room)

                                                                                          West Trenton NJ

 

11/14/2012      10:00 AM        Ocean                                Ocean County            

     Toms River NJ

                                                                                                                                   

 

11/14/2012      9:00 AM          Sussex/Passaic             Passaic County Public

                                                                                     Wayne NJ

                                                                                                                                   

 

 

11/14/2012      1:00 PM          Monmouth                       Monmouth Fire Academy

                                                                                       Freehold NJ

                                                                                                                                   

11/14/2012      1:00 PM          Hudson                            Hudson County OEM

                                                                                       Secaucus NJ

                                                                                                                                   

11/15/2012      9:00 AM          Gloucester/Camden         Gloucester County OEM

                                                                                        Clayton NJ

                                                                                                                                   

11/15/2012      9:00 AM          Bergen                              Bergen County

                                                                                         Mahwah NJ

                                                                                                                                               

11/15/2012      9:00 AM          Warren/Hunterdon             Warren County Vo Tech

                                                                                          Washington NJ

                                                                                                                                   

11/15/2012      1:00 PM          Salem/Cumberland             Salem OEM

                                                                                          Woodstown NJ

                                                                                                                                   

11/16/2012      9:00 AM          Mercer                                Mercer County OEM

                                                                                          Lawrenceville NJ

                                                                                                                                   

11/16/2012      9:00 AM          Essex                                   Essex Co. Hospital Center

                                                                                            Cedar Grove NJ

                                                                                                                                     

11/16/2012      1:00 PM          Burlington                             Medford Public Safety Cntr.

                                                                                            Medford NJ   

 

11/16/2012      1:00 PM          Morris/Somerset                   Public Safety Academy

                                                                                            Parsippany NJ

 

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.

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Seventeen New Jersey/FEMA Briefings to Begin Tuesday to Help Local Governments Who Apply for Hurricane Sandy Infrastructure Losses

Vermont Travelers Should "Pledge To Prepare" For This Weekend

VERMONT TRAVELERS SHOULD “PLEDGE TO PREPARE” FOR THIS WEEKEND          

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – September is National Preparedness Month. As we approach Labor Day weekend, when hotel visits throughout Vermont peak, the Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages travelers to follow this year’s National Preparedness Month theme, “Pledge to Prepare.” Be prepared for emergencies that could happen while staying in hotels.    

“Vermont travelers should pledge to be prepared this holiday weekend,” said FEMA Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer Steve Ward. “As you prepare for your trip, be sure to plan for what you would do to help you and your traveling companions in the event of an emergency.”

How much do you really know about being prepared for a disaster when you’re staying in a hotel? Keeping a few important points in mind could make a difference in an emergency.  

Keep necessary items handy

When you enter your hotel room, place necessary items like your wallet, keys and cell phone somewhere close by the door to be able to grab them and get out of the building as fast as possible. Especially when staying in an area that is unfamiliar to you, it will be important to keep these items in a spot you will remember. 

Know your evacuation routes

Familiarize yourself with the layout of the hotel. Make a note of where the closest stairway or floor-level exit to your room is located. Evacuation routes are typically posted on the back of the hotel room door, at the elevator and in the stairwells.

In the event of a fire

Touch the door to check for heat. If the door feels warm, don’t use it as an exit.

“The first rule in any fire situation is to check the door,” said Tim Armstrong, a Vermont hotel manager.

If you are in a situation where smoke is coming under the closed door, wet towels and put them under the door to prevent smoke from coming inside the hotel room. Call the front desk for instructions.

“While disasters are unexpected, being prepared allows you to enjoy the beauty you’ve planned to see,” said Cody O’Leary, a Vermont hotel manager. “For more information, visit www.Ready.gov.”

FEMA encourages Vermonters to be prepared for emergencies by building a kit, and that guideline may be applied to items packed while traveling. A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of items like a flashlight, water bottles, a battery-powered radio and anything else you may need in the event of an emergency. For more information about disaster supplies kits, visit:  http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.

To view a FEMA video featuring Vermont emergency preparedness advice wherein Vermont hotel managers discuss being prepared for emergencies while traveling on the road and staying in hotels, visit:  http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/9426.

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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Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, 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.

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Vermont Travelers Should "Pledge To Prepare" For This Weekend

With More than $133 Million Obligated to Repair Vermont Infrastructure, FEMA Public Assistance Process Continues

WITH MORE THAN $133 MILLION OBLIGATED TO REPAIR VERMONT INFRASTRUCTURE, FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROCESS CONTINUES

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has so far obligated more than $133 million to repair eligible storm-impacted roads, bridges, culverts and other elements of Vermont’s infrastructure; the Public Assistance process continues. In their ongoing partnership, FEMA and the State of Vermont announce a series of meetings to update individual applicants from local governments and some private non-profit organizations.

The meetings, the first of which is scheduled to be held on Monday, Aug. 6, are intended to update Public Assistance applicants in Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Lemoille, Orange, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties.

“These meetings will serve to underscore FEMA’s commitment to working with the State of Vermont to ensure that all applicants for Public Assistance receive the maximum amount of funding for which they are eligible,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nick Russo. 

The meetings are intended to provide a common understanding as to the way ahead, including changes of scope, time extensions and appeals. Applicants will be briefed on the close out process, relevant terminology and other topics related to exit interviews.

“It is the intent of the state to support FEMA’s effort to ensure Public Assistance applicants are aware of the status of project worksheets and have a common understanding as to the road ahead,” said State Coordinating Officer Ross Nagy. 

 

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With More than $133 Million Obligated to Repair Vermont Infrastructure, FEMA Public Assistance Process Continues