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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Pasco County to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Release Date: July 11, 2012
Release Number: 4068-009

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga. — A disaster recovery center is open in Pasco County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by Tropical Storm Debby. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the center to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for aid.

The disaster recovery center is located at the following address:

Pasco County
Trouble Creek Square Shopping Center
4444 Grand Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL 34652

If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm or flooding losses should register with FEMA. There are three ways to apply:

By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages, and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By tablet or smartphone using the FEMA app or m.fema.gov.

Anyone who sustained damage in any of the 14 Florida counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any disaster recovery center.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. After registering with FEMA, survivors and businesses may apply online at SBA’s secure website disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; or obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.sba.gov.

For the latest Tropical Storm Debby Recovery information, follow @FLSERT on Twitter or visit www.facebook.com/floridasert. To get a disaster preparedness plan, go to the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website at www.FloridaDisaster.org.

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.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Jul-2012 15:47:24

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Pasco County to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

FEMA: Affected Residents of Two Colorado Wildfires Could be Eligible for Immediate Flood Insurance Policies

New Law Provides 30-Day Waiting Period Exception to Policies Following Wildfires on Federal Lands

Release Date: July 10, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-061

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced, based on consultation with the U.S. Forest Service, that residents in Colorado affected by flooding as a result of the uncontained wildfire in Waldo Canyon in the Pike National Forest and the contained wildfire in High Park in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest could be eligible for an exception from the 30-day waiting period usually required for flood insurance coverage.

The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, signed into law Friday by President Obama, increases access to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for some residents whose homes were impacted by flooding from federal land that resulted from wildfires. The new law exempts these residents from a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance coverage to become effective. Eligibility for the exception is determined on a case-by-case basis.

“Everyone should know their flood risk and make a smart decision based on their risk on whether they should join the millions of Americans who have purchased flood insurance for their homes,” said David Miller, Associate Administrator of the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA). “Residents impacted by wildfires might live in an area that doesn’t usually have a high risk of flooding, but the fires and dry soil change conditions dramatically. This new law provides a way for people with a heightened risk of flooding following a wildfire on federal land to protect their homes and businesses, and we encourage them to explore this option.”

Individuals and businesses purchasing new insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are typically required to wait 30 days for their flood insurance coverage to become effective. The reform provision in this bill created an exception to that requirement for property:

That is affected by flooding on Federal land,
Where the flooding is caused, or exacerbated by, post-wildfire conditions on Federal land, and
Flood insurance was purchased not later than 60 days after the wildfire containment date.

Floods are the number one natural disaster in the United States in terms of lives lost and property damaged. The NFIP provides a means for property owners to financially protect themselves against flooding, which typically isn’t covered by standard homeowners insurance. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.

The National Flood Insurance Program is administered by FEMA, which works with nearly 90 private insurance companies to provide affordable flood insurance to property owners and renters in NFIP-participating communities. One of the most critical ways to financially protect your home or business and its contents from flooding is to purchase flood insurance. To learn about flood risks in your area and for information on flood insurance, contact your insurance agent, and visit www.floodsmart.gov. For more information on flood preparedness tips and ways you can protect your family before, during and after a flood visit www.ready.gov/floods.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 10-Jul-2012 18:21:32

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FEMA: Affected Residents of Two Colorado Wildfires Could be Eligible for Immediate Flood Insurance Policies

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Clay and Franklin Counties to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Release Date: July 10, 2012
Release Number: 4068-008

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga. — Disaster recovery centers are open in Clay and Franklin counties to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by Tropical Storm Debby. The centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the centers to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for aid.

The disaster recovery centers are located at the following addresses:

Clay County
Clay County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall No. 1
2497 State Road 16W
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Franklin County
Community Service Center (old Apalachicola High School)
192 14^th St.
Apalachicola, FL 32320

If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm or flooding losses should register with FEMA. There are three ways to apply:

By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages, and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By tablet or smartphone using the FEMA app or m.fema.gov.

Anyone who sustained damage in any of the 14 Florida counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any disaster recovery center.

Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. After registering with FEMA, survivors and businesses may apply online at SBA’s secure website https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; or obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.sba.gov.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 10-Jul-2012 16:46:51

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Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Clay and Franklin Counties to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Duval, Nassau, Union Counties Now Eligible for Federal Individual Assistance in Florida

20 Counties Now Eligible for Public Assistance for Cleanup, Repair Costs

Release Date: July 10, 2012
Release Number: 4068-007

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga. — Tropical Storm Debby survivors in Duval, Nassau and Union counties in Florida can now apply for federal disaster assistance. A total of 14 counties have been designated for Individual Assistance.

Twenty counties are now eligible for Public Assistance, which reimburses eligible state and local governments, tribal organizations and some private nonprofit organizations for eligible expenses incurred due to a disaster.

The counties designated for Individual Assistance are Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Franklin, Hernando, Highlands, Nassau, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee, Union and Wakulla.

For survivors and business owners who sustained damages or losses in those counties, money for temporary housing, essential home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance may be available. Renters, homeowners and business owners can register for help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Baker, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Liberty, Manatee, Nassau, Pasco, Sarasota, Suwannee, Union and Wakulla counties have been designated for federal Public Assistance.

Costs eligible for Public Assistance reimbursement can include repairing or replacing damaged buildings and infrastructure and emergency expenses such as debris removal, search and rescue, increased security and overtime pay for employees.

All Florida counties are eligible to apply for funding under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Survivors living in a county designated for Individual Assistance can register with FEMA by one of the following methods.

Call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Assistance is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.sba.gov. They may also apply for disaster loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 10-Jul-2012 13:20:34

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Duval, Nassau, Union Counties Now Eligible for Federal Individual Assistance in Florida

Two Weeks After TS Debby, $5.3 Million Approved for Disaster Aid

Release Date: July 10, 2012
Release Number: 4068-006

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga. — Two weeks after Tropical Storm Debby struck Florida, $5.3 million in state and federal aid has been approved to help those affected by the storm and flooding.

Almost 3,500 survivors have contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help or information regarding disaster assistance. Some are seeking housing assistance from FEMA because the flooding has made their home unlivable or inaccessible.

Other forms of disaster assistance are provided by partner agencies such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Small Business Administration. FEMA refers survivors to those agencies. Businesses are also referred to the SBA. Other callers may be interested in disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling or legal aid.

The following is a snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of July 9:

932 households already approved for FEMA grants that assist with temporary rentals and personal property loss.

$4.7 million approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
More than $551,000 approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
1,715 home inspections completed.
620 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
5 disaster recovery centers currently open.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance coverage, survivors are urged to apply for help. They can use any of the following methods:

By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in most languages. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.
Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By tablet or smartphone, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

Businesses that need help may contact the Small Business Administration at the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339), send an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 10-Jul-2012 09:07:03

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Two Weeks After TS Debby, $5.3 Million Approved for Disaster Aid

FEMA and Florida SERT Teams are in the Field Helping Tropical Storm Debby Survivors Recover

Release Date: July 9, 2012
Release Number: 4068-005

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga. — Florida’s State Emergency Response Team and the Federal Emergency Management Agency community relations teams are in the 11 declared counties going door to door with disaster assistance information to help survivors recover from Tropical Storm Debby.

Anyone representing the SERT or FEMA, including FEMA-contracted home and property damage inspectors, carries a photo ID ensuring they are easily identifiable. FEMA and SERT teams wear agency shirts.

The teams are visiting with individuals to provide information on resources that are available and to identify people who need assistance in the federally designated counties of Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Franklin, Hernando, Highlands, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee and Wakulla.

Officials with the FEMA and SERT teams will not request personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers. Survivors will be asked to provide personal information only when calling FEMA to register the first time.

Once a survivor has registered with FEMA, an inspector will call and set up an appointment to see the damaged property. The inspector will ask for identification and proof of ownership and occupancy (for homeowners) or occupancy only (for renters).

Official FEMA-contracted housing inspectors assess damage, but do not determine cost estimates. They do not charge a survivor for this inspection service. FEMA contractors are not allowed to endorse a contractor or to hire someone on behalf of the survivor.

Suspicions of fraud or attempts to scam survivors should be reported to local law enforcement immediately. People who suspect anyone of committing contractor fraud should contact the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation by calling 866-532-1440 or by emailing ULA@dbpr.state.fl.us.

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), going online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or using the FEMA app or m.FEMA.gov with a smartphone or tablet.

For the latest Tropical Storm Debby recovery information, follow @FLSERT on Twitter or visit www.facebook.com/floridasert. To get a disaster preparedness plan, go to the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website at www.FloridaDisaster.org

For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to get a disaster preparedness plan, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/flsert and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/floridasert.

Last Modified: Monday, 09-Jul-2012 13:03:58

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FEMA and Florida SERT Teams are in the Field Helping Tropical Storm Debby Survivors Recover

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Suwannee and Wakulla Counties to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Release Date: July 5, 2012
Release Number: 4068-002

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga. — Two disaster recovery centers are open in Suwannee and Wakulla counties to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by Tropical Storm Debby. They are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the centers to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for aid.

The disaster recovery centers are located at the following addresses:

Suwannee County
Suwannee Coliseum Exhibition No. 2
1302 S.W. 11th St.
Live Oak, FL 32064

Wakulla County
Wakulla Agricultural Center
84 Cedar Ave.
Crawfordville, FL 32327

If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses should register with FEMA. There are three ways to apply:

By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages, and lines are open7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By tablet or smartphone using the FEMA app or m.fema.gov.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance and essential home repairs not covered by insurance.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.SBA.gov. They may also apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Jul-2012 09:55:50

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Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Suwannee and Wakulla Counties to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support State and Local Response in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Region

Release Date: July 5, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-059

» En Español

WASHINGTON – The Administration, through FEMA, is committed to providing support to Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states affected by the storms. FEMA, through our National Response Coordination Center and Regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa., has been in constant coordination with our federal partners as well as impacted states since the storms first struck on Friday, to make sure there are no unmet needs.

The following timeline provides an overview of federal activities, to date, in support of the impacted states, families and communities.

Thursday, July 5

At the request of the State of New Jersey, FEMA personnel are on the ground working with federal, state and local officials to conduct preliminary damage assessments in New Jersey as a result of the storms. These assessments are an important step in identifying the damages, helping the governor determine whether the event is beyond state and local capabilities, and if federal support might be needed.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the lead agency for Emergency Support Function 12 – Energy, issues a DOE situation report.

Wednesday, July 4

FEMA continues to stage and transfer supplies such as food, water, kits for infants and toddlers, and durable medical equipment to the states as needed, and requested.
Twenty-nine FEMA community relations staff work with the West Virginia National Guard Bureau, visiting residents door-to-door to help spread the word about cooling stations, to assess needs and provide situational awareness to the state. In Ohio, Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Moore, highlights the importance of neighbors helping neighbors.
DOE issues a situation report.

Tuesday, July 3

DOE issues a situation report.
At the request of the State of Maryland, FEMA deploys two Region Liaison Officers to the state Emergency Operation Center to coordinate potential federal resources requirements.
FEMA deploys community relations teams to West Virginia to support state and local efforts to check on residents without power, provide informational resources, and provide situational awareness about conditions in impacted communities.

Monday, July 2

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deployed representatives to the West Virginia State EOC to assess medical needs and requirements for access and functional needs support.
FEMA continues to distribute water and generators to various staging areas in Ohio and West Virginia, to support state and local response efforts.
FEMA’s Regional Disability Integration Specialists in Philadelphia, Pa. and Chicago, Ill. send out information on Cooling Stations to the disability community, including through the National Federation for the Blind and Deaf advocacy groups, and reached out to these groups to determine needs of affected persons with disabilities.

Sunday, July 1

FEMA stages water and generators in West Virginia as well as Columbus, Ohio to transfer to the State to support affected communities.
One Mobile Communications Office Vehicle (MCOV) onsite in Morgantown, W.Va.; 2 MCOVs en route to Charleston, W.Va.
In coordination with FEMA, the U.S. Department of Energy deploys experts to West Virginia and FEMA Headquarters in Washington D.C., and is supporting FEMA’s regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa.
USACE deploys personnel to Ohio to support assessments and generator installations for emergency power.
A FEMA Disability Integration Specialist participates in a coordination call with West Virginia Emergency Management to support identifying the needs of affected populations with access and functional needs.

Saturday, June 30

President Obama issues emergency disaster declarations for the State of Ohio for all 88 counties in the state, and the State of West Virginia for all 55 counties in the state. The declaration authorizes FEMA and its federal partners to provide direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance to protect lives and property.
President Obama speaks with Ohio Governor John Kasich, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, and West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin to receive an update on the severe storms, and to express his condolences for the loss of life and his concern for individuals and first responders still confronting the destruction and loss of power that is impacting communities as a result. The President tells the Governors that he has directed FEMA to ensure they continue to provide necessary support to state and local officials in impacted areas as they respond to these events.
The President receives an update from FEMA Administrator Fugate on impacts and response activities in states, including parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia. The President asks Administrator Fugate to stay in close contact with our partners on the ground to make sure FEMA and federal partners are providing all available support, and to keep him updated as the response and recovery continues.
DHS Secretary Napolitano speaks with the Governors of the affected states to express condolences for the loss of life and to ensure that federal support is provided to the states as needed.
FEMA Administrator Fugate contacts District of Columbia Deputy Mayor for Public Safety to provide support as needed.
A Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) team deploys to West Virginia to provide secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations, if needed.
FEMA activates the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), a multi-agency center based at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C. The NRCC provides overall coordination of the federal response by bringing together federal departments and agencies to assist in the preparations for and response to disasters. Select emergency support functions are activated to support state operations.
FEMA activates its Regional Response Coordination Centers (RRCCs) in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa. to support state requests for assistance.
FEMA deploys Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) and liaison officers to West Virginia and Ohio State Emergency Operations Centers to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response.
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate holds a video teleconference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives and to assess their needs or shortfalls.

Friday, June 29

A line of severe thunderstorms moved across parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia causing widespread wind damage and there have been reports of significant power outages and debris.
FEMA through its regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa., begins constant contact with affected states’ emergency management officials. FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney and Region V Regional Administrator Andrew Valasquez III make direct contact with the Emergency Management Directors of the affected states.

For more preparedness information about extreme heat, visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to find out how you can protect your family, pets, business and property.

For information on the latest Energy situation reports, visit www.oe.netl.doe.gov/emergency_sit_rpt.aspx.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Jul-2012 16:40:01

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FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support State and Local Response in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Region

U.S. Fire Administrator: Stay Safe on the Fourth

Release Date: July 3, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-056

WASHINGTON, D.C. — FEMA’s United States Fire Administration reminds everyone of the dangers associated with fireworks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), far more U.S. fires are reported on July Fourth than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than any other cause of fires. The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14 – more than twice the risk for the general population.

“Every year around the Fourth of July, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell. “Despite the well-known dangers of fireworks, few people understand that misuse of both legal and illegal fireworks can result in devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.”

In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 fires, including 1,100 total structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 others, according to a June NFPA report. That same year, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks related injuries. In 2011, there were four reported deaths from fireworks.

“With so many areas of the nation experiencing drought-like conditions, I would encourage people to attend a local public display,” said Mitchell. “Listen to local fire and safety officials for the most current information regarding fireworks in your area.”

If you are going to use legal and locally approved fireworks, follow these safety tips:

Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Young children suffer injuries from sparklers, for example, which burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
Always have an adult closely supervise fireworks activities if older children are allowed to handle devices.
Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
Never place any part of your body directly over fireworks when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire.
Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

For those seeking more information regarding fireworks in your area, check with local fire officials and visit the following recommended websites:

As an entity of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the United States Fire Administration is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness, and response.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Jul-2012 12:58:05

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U.S. Fire Administrator: Stay Safe on the Fourth

FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight Wyoming’s Oil Creek Fire

Release Date: July 2, 2012
Release Number: R8-12-024

» 2012 Region VIII News Releases

DENVER, Colo. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for Wyoming’s Oil Creek Fire in Weston County.

This is the third Fire Management Assistance Grant for Wyoming this year, all in the last four days. Previously, FEMA approved such grants for the Arapahoe Fire and the Squirrel Creek Fire, both in Albany County.

FEMA Regional Administrator Robin Finegan approved the Fire Management Assistance Grant Monday night, July 2, upon receiving the state’s request. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening more than 300 homes in the vicinity of Osage. Mandatory evacuations were in place for approximately 400 people. The fire started on Saturday, June 30, and had burned more than 12,000 acres of state and federal land. There are six other large uncontrolled fires in Wyoming. Weather predictions for the next two days indicate the Oil Creek Fire may increase to 55,000 acres. The Regional Administrator, Robin Finegan, determined that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster and signed the request at 10:58 p.m. Mountain Time on Monday.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Jul-2012 09:00:31

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FEMA Authorizes Funds to Help Fight Wyoming’s Oil Creek Fire

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