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FEMA hires 500 New York residents for recovery operation

NEW YORK – More than 500 residents from New York City’s five boroughs and Long Island have been hired by FEMA in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Within the first weeks of the storm, FEMA deployed nearly 3,800 reservists from all over the country. These reservists came from every walk of life and professional background. For example, in External Affairs, a former TV broadcaster from Tennessee may work alongside a retired Navy public affairs officer from Missouri.

As some of the reservists begin to return home, FEMA’s practice on large-scale disasters is to hire some of its workforce from the local community. These are full-time, temporary positions.

Sometimes there is a misconception that FEMA only hires local people who have been affected by the disaster, but that is not the case. The agency hires people based on experience and qualifications.

Those hired work in a range of departments and positions.

While local hires often have a sense of mission working for the agency, FEMA benefits from their cultural and geographic knowledge. In the Brighton Beach area of Brooklyn, where many in the Russian-Jewish population have a limited proficiency in English, FEMA has benefited from hiring several employees from the community.

Another advantage to FEMA is that many local hires go on to have a successful career in emergency management. Some even go all the way to the top. Justo Hernandez started as a housing inspector for the agency in 1989 during Hurricane Hugo and went on to become a Federal Coordinating Officer, which is the top federal executive position in a disaster operation.

To learn more about Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts in New York, visit www.FEMA.gov/SandyNY.

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.

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.

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FEMA hires 500 New York residents for recovery operation

FEMA’s Public Assistance program helps New York rebuild

NEW YORK – Following Hurricane Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been working to reimburse local governments and some private nonprofits for some of the costs of emergency response, debris removal and for repairing or rebuilding damaged public facilities.

So far, nearly $608 million in Public Assistance (PA) grant funding from FEMA has been approved for projects in the 14 New York counties designated for PA disaster assistance.

FEMA recognizes the financial burden on local agencies for response and recovery costs and is committed to helping ease that burden, according to Michael F. Byrne, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for New York.

“The Public Assistance reimbursements will help significantly reduce the impact of Hurricane Sandy costs on local budgets,” Byrne said. “Our goal is to help agencies obtain the maximum disaster assistance they are eligible for under the law.”

More than 129 PA grants have been approved since the Oct. 30, 2012 Presidential disaster declaration, including a $103 million reimbursement to the New York Health and Hospitals Corporation to replace medical equipment and repair damaged clinics, $106 million for the NYPD for personnel overtime and materials used for emergency protective measures and more than $114 million to the New York University Langone Medical Center for patient evacuation, emergency repairs and clean-up of critical service and facilities.

To be eligible for PA grants, damage must be a result of the disaster, be located within the designated disaster area and be the responsibility of the applicant. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal nations and certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations that provide an essential public service.

There are two types of work eligible for reimbursement through a PA grant: emergency work and permanent work. Emergency work may include reimbursement for debris removal and emergency action

taken to protect lives or property. Permanent work may include reimbursement for repair or restoration of public facilities, such as roads, bridges and public buildings.

FEMA reimburses eligible applicants for 75 percent of their eligible costs. The remaining 25 percent comes from non-federal funds.

Other New York grants include: a $1,600 grant to the Mattituck Park District in North Fork for material to prevent further erosion to sidewalks, more than $112,000 to reimburse the Town of Shelter Island for debris removal and remediation and a $220,000 reimbursement to the Hudson River Park Trust for the clean-up of an oil spill and debris.

To learn more about FEMA Public Assistance in New York, visit: http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery.

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

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FEMA’s Public Assistance program helps New York rebuild

Preliminary Flood Maps in Matagorda Co, TX Ready for Public View: Public Open House Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk Information

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in Matagorda County, Texas are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

Matagorda County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move forward with any development.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort follows the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks. To share that data, a public workshop is scheduled in the county where interested citizens can obtain more information about the proposed changes.

Thursday, Feb. 21

Bay City Civic Center

201 7^th Street

Bay City, TX 77414

2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the county, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said FEMA R6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

Additional information is available, including links to the interactive mapping website on www.txchart.com. Residents can also contact the Matagorda County Floodplain Administrator for more details.

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Preliminary Flood Maps in Matagorda Co, TX Ready for Public View: Public Open House Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk Information

Preliminary Flood Maps in Galveston Co, TX Ready for Public View: Public Open House Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk Information

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in Galveston County, Texas are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

Galveston County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move forward with any development.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort follows the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks. To share that data, public workshops are scheduled in the county where interested citizens can obtain more information about the proposed changes.

Tuesday, Feb. 19 Wednesday, Feb. 20

Moody United Methodist Church League City Civic Center

2803 53^rd Street 400 W. Walker Street

Galveston, TX 77551 League City, TX 77573

2 p.m. – 8 p.m. 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the county, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said FEMA R6 Regional Administrator Tony Robinson. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

Additional information is available, including links to the interactive mapping website on www.txchart.com. Residents can also contact the Galveston County Floodplain Administrator for more details.

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Preliminary Flood Maps in Galveston Co, TX Ready for Public View: Public Open House Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk Information

President Declares Emergency Declaration for Connecticut

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available in the state of Connecticut to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from a severe winter storm beginning on February 8, 2013, and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all eight counties and the Tribal Nations of Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan in the state of Connecticut.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding. This emergency assistance will be provided for a period of 48 hours.

Albert Lewis has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.

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 Emergency Declaration for Connecticut

FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer to host live Twitter chat

Main Content

Release date:

February 8, 2013

Release Number:

NR-165

NEW YORK – To continue the conversation with New Yorkers about Hurricane Sandy recovery, Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne will host a Twitter chat on Monday, Feb. 11, 2-3 p.m. EST.

During the session, Mr. Byrne will be answering questions live from the official Twitter handle @FEMASandy, using the topic hash tag #NYFEMAchat. Using this hash tag will allow users to follow and participate in the conversation.

Similar to the previous live tweeting session, each of Mr. Byrne’s tweets will be signed -mb.

Survivors can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice.

Last Updated:

February 8, 2013 – 12:30

State or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

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FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer to host live Twitter chat

Reminder: Disaster Recovery Center hours altered Saturday due to severe winter weather

NEW YORK – Because of a winter storm warning issued for the New York area, all Disaster Recovery Centers will remain closed Saturday, Feb. 9. The Federal Emergency Management Agency takes this action out of concern for the safety and well-being of Hurricane Sandy survivors who might be planning to visit a recovery center.

The FEMA Helpline will remain open for normal operations. Hurricane Sandy survivors who have questions can still call 800-621-3362 (7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services are available) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice. Disaster Recovery Centers will re-open at 9 a.m., Monday, Feb. 11.

Residents or visitors should follow guidance issued by emergency officials and check with their local weather forecast office or www.weather.gov for the latest information, including additional watches and warnings.

Now is the time to prepare for intense cold, limited travel options, and the possible loss of electrical power. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and car with supplies such as a NOAA weather radio, plenty of clean water, and non-perishable foods. More information on how to prepare for severe weather is available at www.Ready.gov.

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

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Reminder: Disaster Recovery Center hours altered Saturday due to severe winter weather

FEMA Working With Partners Across The Northeast Ahead of Severe Winter Weather

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working closely with its partners, including the National Weather Service, to monitor the developing winter storm in the Northeast. FEMA’s regional offices in Boston and New York City are in contact with state emergency management counterparts. FEMA’s National Watch Center in Washington, D.C. continues to monitor the situation and hold regular operational briefings with regional and federal partners as the severe winter weather advances and as impacts are felt through the overnight hours into Saturday.

FEMA liaisons are working directly with our state partners at state emergency operations centers in the Northeast states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York (both in Albany and New York City), Rhode Island, and Vermont. These liaisons are in addition to the joint state and federal field office staff who are already in place to support ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

FEMA echoes the warnings issued by the National Weather Service and local elected officials in the region, and asks citizens and visitors to the Northeast and New England states to avoid all travel both during and immediately following the storm and to heed all advice and safety information provided by local emergency officials. Individuals in the path of the storm should monitor their NOAA weather radio and local weather forecast office or www.weather.gov for the latest information, including additional or changing weather watches and warnings.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are currently being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carrier networks. These alerts are sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service and are designed to get your attention and provide brief, critical instructions to warn about imminent threats like severe weather. More information on WEAs is available at www.ready.gov/warning-systems-signals. Individuals can check with their cellular carrier to determine if your phone or wireless device is WEA-enabled.

For more information on what to do before, during and after winter storms, visit www.ready.gov.

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FEMA Working With Partners Across The Northeast Ahead of Severe Winter Weather

Disaster Recovery Center hours altered due to severe winter weather

NEW YORK – Because of a winter storm warning issued for the New York area, all Disaster Recovery Centers will close at noon Friday, Feb. 8, and remain closed on Saturday. The Federal Emergency Management Agency takes this action out of concern for the safety and well-being of Hurricane Sandy survivors who might be planning to visit a recovery center.

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

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Disaster Recovery Center hours altered due to severe winter weather

After 100 Days, New Jersey Communities On Road To Recovery From Sandy

TRENTON, N.J. — One hundred days after Hurricane Sandy made landfall, storm survivors in New Jersey are rebuilding with a hand from neighbors, nearly 28,000 volunteers and more than $1 billion in state-federal response and recovery assistance.

Following Sandy’s landfall on Oct. 29, a dozen states deployed 440 personnel and equipment to support New Jersey and the more than 2,200 New Jersey National Guardsmen. It was the state’s largest domestic emergency mobilization.

Thirty-five federal agencies contributed more than 2,600 employees and took on 349 assignments at a cost of $169 million. They did everything from cleaning up hazardous fuels to providing bus transportation during the New Jersey transit system outages.

Survivors Repair Homes and Replace Property

To help those affected by Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved more than 58,000 individuals and households for assistance totaling $352 million. Of that financial help, $308 million has gone to help repair homes or pay for a place to rent and $44 million to meet serious needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. Another $26.4 million has provided temporary shelter to those still unable to return home.

FEMA coordinated a housing mission that included the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which used $3.3 million to refurbish 115 housing units at Fort Monmouth.

FEMA and the state also temporarily sheltered 5,538 individuals and families in hotels and motels through the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program that enables survivors to work on longer-term housing solutions.

Two hundred FEMA Corps members and team leaders conducted door-to-door outreach at more than 53,300 homes, providing information about disaster assistance to more than 51,800 survivors.

Low-interest SBA Disaster Loans Fill Recovery Gaps

Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration remain a critical source of money for rebuilding. SBA also provides working capital for small businesses to help alleviate economic losses. SBA has approved more than 5,600 disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses totaling $397.7 million.

Disaster recovery centers have offered one-on-one help to storm survivors. This personal approach helped people with their FEMA applications and SBA loans. More than 71,000 visits have already been made to the 34 centers that have served New Jersey.

At least 40 volunteer groups contributed 760,000 hours of their time during Hurricane Sandy’s response and recovery.

Help with rebuilding homes and infrastructure

To protect lives and property in future disasters, FEMA seized the opportunity to publish advisory base flood elevation maps to guide rebuilding (go to Region2Coastal.com).

FEMA’s Public Assistance program has approved $148.5 million to assist the recovery of state and local governments as well as certain nonprofits.

FEMA has approved 465 projects to help remove hurricane debris and restore disaster-damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Among the largest grants was $11.2 million to the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission for emergency repairs to a wastewater treatment plant that serves 48 communities and treats 330 million gallons of sewage daily.

In the weeks after the storm hit, FEMA also hired 160 local residents in New Jersey to help with disaster recovery operations.

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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After 100 Days, New Jersey Communities On Road To Recovery From Sandy

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