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Take Extra Precautions as Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

CHICAGO – Dangerously low temperatures are in the forecast and 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.

“Subfreezing temperatures can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA Regional Administrator. “It is important for everyone to monitor their local weather reports and take steps now to stay safe during times of extreme cold temperatures.”

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.

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

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: Mark Peterson, 312-408-4469

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Take Extra Precautions as Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

If Your Home is Uninhabitable, FEMA Rental Assistance May be an Option

Springfield, Ill. – While survivors of the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes are making repairs to or rebuilding their homes, assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be available to help pay for a warm, clean and safe place to stay during the cold winter months ahead.

First, file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company. Talk to your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance agent about additional living expenses (ALE) coverage as part of your policy to assist with relocating to a temporary residence.
Register for FEMA assistance. If you’re insured, you will need to submit your settlement documents for review before FEMA can determine your eligibility status. If your policy does not include ALE, or you exhaust this coverage and your home remains uninhabitable, you may be eligible for rental assistance from FEMA.
An inspector may arrange a visit to your damaged home or apartment to determine eligible losses. If the inspector determines your home is uninhabitable, you will be offered an option of initial rental assistance to help you relocate. Once exhausted, additional relocation assistance may be available on an as needed basis.
Find an available rental property in your area through online resources such as Nestrent.com or IlHousingSearch.org. Survivors can also call 800-621-FEMA (3362) for recommendations on available rental properties, or to ask questions about temporary rental assistance.

Survivors can register for federal disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov. People may also call 800-621-FEMA or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. 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. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Media Contact: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

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If Your Home is Uninhabitable, FEMA Rental Assistance May be an Option

FEMA Available in Diamond to Answer Questions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and village officials in Diamond have announced that residents affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes can meet with disaster assistance specialists this week beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday at the Diamond Village Hall.

Survivors can get questions answered about available federal disaster assistance programs, help with registration for assistance, and learn about other programs available from the Small Business Administration, state and local agencies and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they have already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

FEMA and SBA specialists are located at:

Diamond Village Hall

1750 Main Street

Diamond, IL 60416

Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The center will close Saturday, Dec. 13.

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. CST seven days a week until further notice.

Media Contact: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

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This article:

FEMA Available in Diamond to Answer Questions

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Rantoul

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be opening at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 in Rantoul to serve homeowners, renters and business owners who were affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes.

DRC services include help with applying for disaster assistance and finding out about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration, 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.

Champaign County

Rantoul Recreation Building

100 East Flessner Ave.

Rantoul, IL 61866

Regular hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week, until further notice

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.

Media Contact: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

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Link:

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Rantoul

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Blanket Illinois’ Storm-Damaged Areas

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Survivor Assistance crews, or DSA crews, are now canvassing areas affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes to provide information, identify immediate needs, give survivors an opportunity to register for disaster assistance, answer questions related to an individual’s FEMA application status, and provide referrals to other governmental and nongovernmental assistance providers.

Nearly 75 DSA crew members are visiting homes, businesses, organizations and high-traffic locations in affected areas. They also meet with local officials and community leaders to identify disaster-related issues and unmet needs.

“FEMA is sending teams directly to Illinois communities affected by this disaster to expedite the recovery process,” said Donald Keldsen, the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in Illinois. “This staff is equipped to register people on the spot, answer questions about federal assistance and provide referrals for additional help if it’s needed.”

While DSA crews are offering in-person service, it’s important that Illinois survivors remain vigilant about protecting their personal information. For example, residents should always ask for identification. Federal and state officials always have and official photo identification badge clearly visible. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it.

DSA crew members may offer residents the opportunity to use a tablet computer to register, or ask to enter information on their behalf. Illinois residents will not be required to share personal information unless they wish a DSA crew member to help them with an in-person registration or answer specific questions about their FEMA application status. Residents are reminded to ask for federal identification before providing personal information.

Disaster survivors in counties designated for FEMA assistance in Illinois can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile device at m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline at
800-621-3362.

Media Contact: Don Jacks, 304-542-6258

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Source:

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Blanket Illinois’ Storm-Damaged Areas

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Preparedness

LINCROFT, N.J.– The heavy demands of the holiday season can be a busy time for all. Managing family obligations and handling seasonal preparations alongside regular day-to-day activities can make disaster preparedness less of a priority. In fact, the onset of winter is a critical time for safety preparation, and several items that are critical in emergencies also make good holiday gifts.

A weather radio is a recommended purchase, preferably one developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Consumer Electronics Association. These radios broadcast National Weather Service forecasts and severe weather warnings 24 hours a day on the NOAA’s radio network. They cost between $20 and $200. Portable and handheld radios generally cost less than desktop models. FEMA recommends that the radio has an alarm, can run on batteries, solar power or a hand crank, and has an external or wireless output for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind, allowing connection to an alarm or other attention-getting device, such as a personal computer or text printer. Visit www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr for more information and to find a list of frequencies used for weather alerts.

A solar charging unit for charging and powering electronic devices is also recommended. These range in size from pocket-sized units to fold-out panel arrays and are powered by the sun, making them useful on clear days when electricity is unavailable. Prices start at less than $10 and can exceed $200.

A regular car charger can serve the same purpose. Pricing for these is more closely tied to size, starting at $3 and going up to $70 for multiple-device units. For any charger, make sure that it is properly adapted for the devices you will be using. Cell phones, tablets, cameras and computers have different connection points to external power supplies. More than one unit may be necessary.

Generators can serve as backup power sources in emergencies. A generator that produces a minimum of 4,000-5,000 watts of power is recommended. Contact an electrician to find out how much power your home needs. Generators in the 5,000-8,000 watt range can cost as little as $600 and as much as $4,000, and some may require additional accessories which will cost extra. Portable generators cost less than stationary standby models.

To cook food or heat water, pick up a camping stove. These outdoor-only stoves use propane, butane or other solid fuels. Butane- and cartridge-fueled stoves are less expensive ($10 to $50) than their propane-powered counterparts, but they usually only have one burner and those fuels are less effective in cold weather. Dual-burner stoves are more likely to run on propane and cost between $30 and $100. Single-burner propane stoves range from $20 to $60. You’ll also want to have enough fuel on hand for your stove. Small propane tanks cost between $3 and $6, packs of butane cans cost between $6 and $12 depending on the size of the pack, and solid fuel cartridge packs cost between $8 and $20.

Tea kettles are better for boiling water than pots or pans because they are enclosed and the metal interiors allow for more even heating. Most kettles suited for outdoor use are made of stainless steel, enamel or aluminum. These range in price from $15 to $75.

Ready-made first-aid kits can be purchased for use in the home or car. The Red Cross sells its own at www.redcrossstore.org and many retail stores also carry them. A pre-assembled kit with enough supplies for a family costs less than $40. Visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit for lists of recommended safety kit items.

If you need both hands free to work, search or dig in darkness, consider a head lamp. Most head lamps are mounted on an elastic strap that can be wrapped around a hat or worn directly on the wearer’s head. A consumer-grade lamp can be purchased for less than $100.

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.

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This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Preparedness

FEMA Public Assistance Funds for Sandy Eclipse $1 Billion

LINCROFT, N.J. — When Hurricane Sandy struck New Jersey on Oct. 29, 2012, the devastation caused by the storm surge and high winds affected public buildings, utilities and infrastructure statewide.

Thirteen months later, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has dispersed more than $1 billion in Public Assistance funds to communities affected by the storm.

This is part of a total of $5.7 billion in disaster assistance, which also includes more than $3.5 billion in flood insurance claim payments, $897 million in Individual Assistance and $834 million in U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans.

Through the Public Assistance program, FEMA grants state governments the funds to reimburse municipalities, county governments and eligible private nonprofit agencies for the repair or replacement of damaged roads and bridges, water-control facilities, public buildings and their contents, publicly owned utilities, and parks and recreation areas. It also includes funds for emergency services and eligible debris-removal costs related to the disaster. FEMA reimbursed these applicants 90 percent of the eligible cost.

As of Nov. 25, 2013, 4,417 projects have been obligated by FEMA. Public Assistance anticipates 5,096 Sandy-related projects will eventually be funded.

Included in the $1 billion total are:

More than $77.1 million in Ocean County for countywide debris removal.
$18.6 million to repair and rebuild educational facilities statewide.
$14.6 million for repairs to piers, boardwalks, the marina and recreational areas at Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park in Elizabeth.
Nearly $13 million to the New Jersey State Police for emergency protective measures on the barrier islands as the storm hit.

For more information on New Jersey’s Sandy recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4086, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

See more here:

FEMA Public Assistance Funds for Sandy Eclipse $1 Billion

Be Cyber Smart. Stay Cyber Secure

CHICAGO – Cybercriminals don’t discriminate, so don’t be a target – protect your privacy and guard against fraud by practicing safe online habits. Cyber security threats and attacks are gaining momentum. With more than $525 million in losses due to online criminal activity in 2012, proper security measures are a critical component in keeping your identity and finances secure.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is taking this opportunity to remind our partners and the general public to create a safe, secure, and resilient cyber environment.

“Computers, smartphones and other electronics have become a prevalent part of our daily lives,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Everyone needs to understand how frequently cybercrimes occur and arm themselves with the latest information and tools necessary to protect their families against potential fraud.”

Helpful information on protecting kids online, securing your computer and avoid scams can be found at OnGuardOnline.gov. Here are a few tips to safeguard yourself and your computer:

• Set strong passwords, change them regularly, and don’t share them with anyone.

• Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates.

• Maintain an open dialogue with your friends, family, colleagues and community about Internet safety.

• Use privacy settings and limit the amount of personal information you post online.

• Be cautious about offers online – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Report a cybercrime to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov) and to your local law enforcement or state attorney general as

appropriate.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/fema, twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

Original article:

Be Cyber Smart. Stay Cyber Secure

President Declares Disaster for Pennsylvania

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 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of June 26 to July 11, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to commonwealth 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 severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Fayette, Huntingdon, Jefferson, Lawrence, Venango, and Wayne counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties in the Commonwealth.

Donald L. Keldsen has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Keldsen said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the commonwealth 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.

Excerpt from:

President Declares Disaster for Pennsylvania

Federal Aid Programs for the State of New Mexico Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

September 30, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-108Factsheet

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

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

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. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, local and tribal governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

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

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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