facebook - femacontract.com

Prepare Now: Severe Weather System Threatens the Midwest This Week

CHICAGO – With a potentially volatile midweek forecast that includes severe storms, heavy rains, strong winds and the potential for tornadoes, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages everyone to get prepared.

“Because severe weather can strike with little or no warning, everyone needs to be prepared now,” FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III said. “Learn your community’s emergency alert system and take all warnings seriously. You may only have seconds or minutes to take shelter in an emergency, so always be aware of where you and your family need to go to stay safe.”

Individuals should follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated information related to the storm system. If a warning is issued, get indoors, and move to the center of an interior room (closet, interior hallway) on the lowest level, such as a basement, away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls.
Heavy rains can also trigger localized flash flooding. Do not walk or drive through flood water. Just six inches of water can knock people off their feet or stall a vehicle.

Find valuable tips to help you prepare for severe weather at http://www.ready.gov/severe-weather and or download the free FEMA app, available for your Android, Apple or Blackberry device. Visit the site or download the app today so you have the information you need to prepare for severe weather.

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: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

Link:

Prepare Now: Severe Weather System Threatens the Midwest This Week

FEMA Awards $1,050,990 Grant to the Village of Glenwood

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released $1,050,990 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the village of Glenwood, Ill., for the acquisition and demolition of nine residential structures in the Thorn Creek floodplain.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “The acquisition and demolition of these homes permanently removes the structures from the floodplain and greatly reduces the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“This grant is good news for the village of Glenwood and residents who have been hit by flooding many times in the past,” said James K. Joseph, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “The residents can now move to higher ground and avoid future heartache and property losses, and local response agencies will no longer need to wage costly flood fights.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $1,401,320 eligible project cost. The village of Glenwood will contribute 25 percent of the remaining funds, or $350,330.

###

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

View article:

FEMA Awards $1,050,990 Grant to the Village of Glenwood

“Spring Ahead” And Be Flood Ready

CHICAGO – You may be ready to enjoy more daylight hours after we “Spring ahead” an hour on March 8, but are you ready for the threat of flooding that warmer months can bring?

“With the change of seasons comes the risk of snow melt, heavy rains, and rising waters—we’re all at some level of flood risk,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA Region V administrator. “It is important we prepare now for the impact floods could have on our homes, our businesses and in our communities.”

Take action with these simple steps to protect what matters before a flood threatens your community:

Your Home
• Ensure you’re insured. Consider purchasing flood insurance to protect your home against the damage floodwaters can cause. Homeowners’ insurance policies do not typically cover flood losses, and most policies take 30-days to become effective. Visit FloodSmart.gov for more information.
• Keep important papers in a safe place. Make copies of critical documents (mortgage papers, deed, passport, bank information, etc.). Keep copies in your home and store originals in a secure place outside the home, such as a bank safe deposit box.
• Elevate mechanicals off the floor of your basement—such as the water heater, washer, dryer and furnace—to avoid potential water damage.
• Caulk exterior openings where electrical wires and cables enter your home to keep water from getting inside.
• Shovel! As temperatures warm, snow melt is a real concern. Shovel snow away from your home and clean your gutters to keep your home free from potential water damage.

Your Family
• Build and maintain an emergency supply kit. Include drinking water, a first-aid kit, canned food, a radio, flashlight and blankets. Visit www.Ready.gov for a disaster supply checklist for flood safety tips and information. Don’t forget to store additional supply kits in your car and at the office too.
• Plan for your pet needs. Ensure you have pet food, bottled water, medications, cat litter/pan, newspaper, a secure pet carrier and leash included in your emergency supply kit.
• Have a family emergency plan in place. Plan and practice flood evacuation routes from home, work and school that are on higher ground. Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan in advance: how you will get to a safe place; how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.

To learn more about preparing for floods, how to purchase a flood insurance policy and the benefits of protecting your home or property investment against flooding visit FloodSmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419. For even more readiness information follow FEMA Region V at twitter.com/femaregion5 and facebook.com/fema. Individuals can always find valuable preparedness information at www.Ready.gov or download the free FEMA app, available for Android, Apple or Blackberry devices.

###

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

Link:

“Spring Ahead” And Be Flood Ready

Deadline Nears For Youth Preparedness Council Applications

DENTON, Texas —The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now accepting applications for its Youth Preparedness Council. The Council supports FEMA’s commitment to involving young people in preparedness-related activities and provides an opportunity for them to offer their perspectives, feedback and insights on how to help make the United States more resilient.

Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities and their potential to expand their impact as national advocates for youth preparedness.

While FEMA’s National Youth Preparedness Council was first formed in 2012, FEMA Region 6’s Youth Preparedness Council got its start in 2014. The Council is made up of young people from each Region 6 state – Casey Williams of Vilonia, Ark.; Lanie Comeaux of Thibodaux, La.; Samantha Adams of Las Cruces, N.M.; Rosie Niles of Oologah, Okla.; and Obie Jones of Austin, Texas. Jones is also a member of the National Youth Preparedness Council.

“Young people are such an important part of the emergency management team,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “They bring fresh and new ideas to the table, as well as new energy and can be a positive catalyst for change. We are so proud of our Region 6 Youth Preparedness Council members. They are doing great work, helping all of us be better prepared for disasters.”

Membership on the National Youth Preparedness Council is open to all applicants of any state or tribal nation between 13 and 17 years old. They must also be engaged in individual and community preparedness or have experienced a disaster that motivated them to make a positive difference in their community. Individuals who applied for 2014 are encouraged to apply again. Current Council members have an option to extend for an additional year, upon FEMA request. Adults working with youth or on community preparedness are encouraged to share the application with young people who might be interested in applying for the Youth Preparedness Council.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must submit a completed application form and two letters of recommendation. Completed applications and all supporting materials must be received no later than March 2, 2015, 9:59 p.m. MDT/10:59 p.m. CDT. New Youth Preparedness Council members will be announced in May 2015.

For more information about completing and submitting the application, please visit: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council.

Link to original –

Deadline Nears For Youth Preparedness Council Applications

FEMA Offers Safety Tips for Continued Bitterly Cold Temperatures Expected This Week

CHICAGO – Dangerously low temperatures and bitterly cold wind chills continue to be in the forecast for much of the Midwest this week. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants individuals and families to be safe when faced with the hazards of cold temperatures.

“Whether traveling or at home, subfreezing temperatures and wind chills can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA Regional Administrator. “FEMA continues to urge people throughout the Midwest to monitor their local weather reports and take steps now to stay safe.”

During cold weather, you should take the following precautions:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to the cold;
• Dress in layers and keep dry;
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance;
• Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
• Bring your pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen water.
• Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, blanket and flashlight – and keep the fuel tank above half full.
• If you are told to stay off the roads, stay home. If you must drive, don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule and stay on main roads.

You can find more information and tips on being ready for winter weather and extreme cold temperatures at http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

###

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

Read this article:

FEMA Offers Safety Tips for Continued Bitterly Cold Temperatures Expected This Week

CORRECTION: FEMA 2014 Funding for Arkansas Tops $43 Million

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided more than $43 million in 2014 funding to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) and community partners for disaster recovery, mitigation and preparedness.

“FEMA, in partnership with ADEM, continues to provide funding to assist communities recovering from and mitigating against future damage,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We are committed to helping Arkansas residents strengthen their resilience.”

The $43 million includes more than $3 million from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, $23 million in Public Assistance dollars for repair and replacement of infrastructure after a disaster, $6 million in Hazard Mitigation, and more than $11 million in Preparedness funding to mitigate damage from future disasters.

“We at Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and all Arkansans affected by disaster appreciate the partnership we have with FEMA,” said ADEM Director David W. Maxell. “This relationship allows governmental entities and individuals to better protect themselves before an emergency and then begin down the road to recovery if a disaster occurs.”

The 2014 federal funding covered numerous projects in Arkansas including:
•   More than $2.3 million to individuals for rental and lodging expenses, home repair, and replacement for those who suffered damage during the April severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding.
•   Over $3 million was used to either replace or repair bridges and low water crossings destroyed or substantially damaged during the declared events.
•   $2.2 million was provided for school safe rooms throughout the state increasing the capacity to protect students, faculty/staff and residents.

In addition to providing federal funding, FEMA’s Mitigation Division has taken steps to improve the on-line resources for communities. In 2014 the Risk Communications Guidebook was updated to include the most recent information on the National Flood Insurance Program reform.

CORRECTION: FEMA 2014 Funding for Arkansas Tops $43 Million

FEMA 2014 Funding for Texas Exceeds $211 Million

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided more than $211 million in 2014 funding to the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) and community partners for disaster recovery, mitigation and preparedness.

“FEMA, in partnership with TDEM, continues to provide funding to assist communities recovering from and mitigating against future damage,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We are committed to helping Texas residents strengthen their resilience.”

The $211 million includes more than $262,000 from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, $26.9 million in Public Assistance dollars for repair and replacement of infrastructure after a disaster, $57.7 million in Hazard Mitigation, and more than $126.6 million in Preparedness funding to mitigate damage from future disasters.

The 2014 federal funding covered numerous projects in Texas including:
•   More than $14 million to assist in the construction of a new high school in West, TX which included the construction of a tornado shelter within the school.
•   Over $23.1 million was awarded through the Operation Stonegarden preparedness program. The intent of this program is to enhance coordination among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to secure the borders.
•   $1.8 million was provided for the construction of two safe rooms in Quanah, TX. When completed, these safe rooms will provide protection to 1,757 nearby residents during the threat of tornadoes.

Read this article:

FEMA 2014 Funding for Texas Exceeds $211 Million

President Declares Major Disaster for Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribe’s efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, and mudslides during the period of December 4-6, 2014.

Federal funding is available to the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, flooding, and mudslides.

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

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

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.

See more here:

President Declares Major Disaster for Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Federal Aid Programs for Mississippi Disaster Recovery

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

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

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 less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (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 the 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.

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 does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Federal Aid Programs for Mississippi Disaster Recovery

President Declares Disaster for New York State

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 New York to supplement state, local and tribal recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm, snowstorm, and flooding during the period of November 17-26, 2014.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local and tribal 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, snowstorm, and flooding in the counties of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Orleans, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming.

In addition, federal funding is available to the state 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 Erie, Genesee, and Wyoming counties.

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

William L. Vogel has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Vogel 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 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.

Link:

President Declares Disaster for New York State

Page 18 of 61 « First ... « 16 17 18 19 20 » ... Last »