Old Idea Still Works: Storm Shelters Provide Safe Refuge

Old Idea Still Works: Storm Shelters Provide Safe Refuge 

Release Date: May 2, 2012
Release Number: 4058-041

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Recent storms in southern Indiana have heightened awareness of the value of storm shelters among some residents. Near Holton, one family is planning improvements to the storm shelter they installed 25 years ago. Just west of Corydon, a resident is including a shelter in his new home.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) applaud these efforts and encourage residents to consider taking similar steps to reduce their risks of damage from future storms.

In the 25 years since they built their shelter, Don Wood and his family have sought protection through several windstorms and a few tornadoes. Their shelter, which is accessed through a trap door on a deck, has 8-inch-thick walls made of concrete-filled concrete blocks. Improvements the Woods are making now include extending the concrete roof over a part of the stairway and resurfacing the concrete stairs.

Nearby, Jeremy Shireman is incorporating a storm shelter in the basement of his new home, which is under construction. The shelter will occupy the space under the front porch of his home with the concrete floor of the porch serving as the roof of the shelter.

IDHS and FEMA offer several resources for residents interested in reducing their risks of storm losses. Information on the IDHS website includes tornado safety guidelines. Free hazard mitigation publications are available at www.fema.gov or by calling (800) 480-2520. These include Taking Shelter from the Storm and Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses.

IDHS and FEMA officials advise residents with storm shelters to notify their local fire departments or other emergency responders about the locations of their storm shelters. That information can be vital in post-disaster recovery efforts, in the event debris covers the access to the shelter.

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, 02-May-2012 14:05:21

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Old Idea Still Works: Storm Shelters Provide Safe Refuge

As May 8 Deadline Approaches, Fed Storm Aid to Hoosiers Continues

As May 8 Deadline Approaches, Fed Storm Aid to Hoosiers Continues 

Release Date: April 27, 2012
Release Number: 4058-038

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the May 8 deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance quickly approaches, aid continues for Indiana residents and communities affected by severe storms that occurred from Feb. 29 through March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that, as of April 26, $1,431,643 has been approved to fund expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Such expenses include temporary rental assistance, repair and replacement of essential household items and disaster-related medical, dental or funeral costs. FEMA reports 1,420 registrations have been received. Homes are being inspected within 36 hours of registration, and 614 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has thus far approved more than $2 million in low-interest disaster loans. Today, SBA reports $2,016,600 have been approved for homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits. Forty loans have been approved thus far, and more approvals are anticipated. The agency has issued 1,062 home loan applications and 137 business loan applications.

May 8 is the last day to register for FEMA Individual Assistance.

The first step for homeowners, renters and business owners to obtain federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. One easy way to apply is to call the toll-free telephone registration number (800) 621-FEMA (3362). This number is also a help line individuals may call to ask questions and verify their registration. For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

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: Friday, 27-Apr-2012 16:15:46

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As May 8 Deadline Approaches, Fed Storm Aid to Hoosiers Continues

FEMA Home Buyouts Pay Off In West Virginia

FEMA Home Buyouts Pay Off In West Virginia 

Release Date: April 27, 2012
Release Number: 4059-052

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Sometimes it’s unwise to challenge Mother Nature. As West Virginians know all too well, in many areas of the state flash floods are frequent visitors, and an increasing number of homeowners have decided to seek higher ground.

One family in Stollings saw its two-story house inundated time and again by the nearby Guyandotte River. Flood insurance paid for most of the repeated repairs and cleanups, but no policy can make up for the stress of being repeatedly flooded. And as the disasters continue, a vulnerable house inevitably becomes worth less and less.

The Logan County Commission had determined that the flash flooding of 2004 caused enormous damage to many homes in the Stollings neighborhood, and several homeowners chose to take advantage of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s “buyout” process under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. After the flood of May, 2007, the family also decided it was time to move and accepted the county’s buyout offer.

These projects are normal real-estate transactions. Homeowners are paid fair market value for their homes as calculated before the damage occurred. Once the property is purchased, the structures are removed and the property becomes public open space or green space. It can never be developed or sold to private parties. It can be used as a public park, can be leased for agricultural use, but no structures of any kind can be erected thereon.

The Buyout program is completely voluntary on the part of the property owner and the community. Buyout, or “acquisition,” projects are administered by the state and local communities, be they towns or counties. While FEMA shoulders 75 percent of the costs, it does not buy houses directly from the property owners.

The property owners do not apply to the state for buyouts, but the community may sponsor applications on their behalf. Those applications are prepared by the communities with the input of homeowners whose properties have suffered heavy damage. The applications are completed after the state has advised the community of any state priorities or special restrictions. The state and community work together to identify where buyouts would make the most sense.

The state then submits whatever applications they deem appropriate for action for FEMA’s review, which ensures the rules are being followed, the environment is protected and the buyouts would be a cost-effective use of funds.

If and when FEMA approves the purchase, the community begins to acquire the property. The actual transaction is done by the community or the county. FEMA warns that the process is not quick. The whole buyout process from the day of the disaster to the property settlement can take up to two years.

The family in Stollings has now moved to safer ground. The house is gone and the property is an empty, grassy open space. When the floods hit Logan County in March of this year, this property had no house left to damage or destroy, and the open spaces where houses once sat helped reduce flooding downstream.

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: Friday, 27-Apr-2012 09:20:15

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FEMA Home Buyouts Pay Off In West Virginia

As Disaster Aid Deadline Approaches, Online Storm Help Continues

As Disaster Aid Deadline Approaches, Online Storm Help Continues 

Release Date: April 26, 2012
Release Number: 4058-037

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — With the May 8 registration deadline less than two weeks away, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security point out that storm recovery help is available online. Hoosiers affected by severe storms from Feb. 29 through March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties may visit FEMA’s virtual Disaster Assistance Center, www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Some of the online resources available include:

Personal account

To go directly to the section of the website where Hoosiers can learn the status of their individual FEMA registration, visit: www.disasterassistance.gov/DAC/govBenefitReceiver.do?langcode=EN&action=LOGIN.

Visitors must have a Disaster Assistance Account to access their registration. Those who have registered online may have already created an account. Other applicants may create accounts by clicking the “create my account” link located on the bottom of the page.

Questionnaire for customizing resources for your unique situation

By responding to an anonymous 11-question survey on the Disaster Assistance website, Hoosiers may learn which online resources are available in their unique situations. Depending on the combination of responses, a list of resources is automatically generated. The list may include home and personal property disaster loans, unemployment assistance and mortgage insurance. To locate the survey, visit: www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-assistance/questionnaire#benefits&qc=cat_8.

Help After a Disaster booklet

FEMA’s recovery booklet “Help After a Disaster, Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals & Households Program” is also available through the Disaster Assistance website. The publication includes an overview of FEMA programs for individuals and families, as well as an extensive guide, beginning on page 21, explaining the meaning of letters about ineligibility and appeals decisions. For more details about these and other key recovery points, Hoosiers may access the Help After a Disaster booklet online by visiting: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/assistance/process/help_after_disaster_english.pdf.

General recovery guidelines

Additionally, the disaster assistance website features recovery information about topics ranging from smart ways to salvage household items and rebuild to guidelines for taking photos of damaged property and other suggestions for filing an insurance claim. This information can be accessed by logging onto: www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-information/your-home.

Listing of resources

The disaster assistance website includes links to helpful federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Loan application forms from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can be downloaded from www.sba.gov and submitted online at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. To access the list of agencies, visit:

www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-assistance/browse-by-federal-agency.

Apply for FEMA assistance: May 8 is the last day to register

May 8 is the last day storm-impacted Indiana residents can register for federal recovery assistance. Online registration is possible through www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov. Registering is also possible by calling the toll free telephone registration phone line, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). This number is also a help line through which applicants can ask questions and verify information. For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

May 8 is also the last day to submit SBA loan applications for physical property damage. Assistance is available through SBA’s Customer Service Center. The toll-free number is (800) 659-2955. Individuals with hearing impairments may call (800) 877-8339. The email address for the Customer Service Center is disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Completed applications may be mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Road
Fort Worth, TX 76155.

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: Thursday, 26-Apr-2012 16:23:38

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Disaster Unemployment Benefits Now Available for Residents of Lincoln and Mingo Counties

Disaster Unemployment Benefits Now Available for Residents of Lincoln and Mingo Counties 

Release Date: April 26, 2012
Release Number: 4061-051

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Some residents who are unemployed as a direct result of the March 15-31 storms and flooding in Lincoln and Mingo counties may now apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance program benefits. The deadline for filing a claim is May 23.

“The DUA program extends coverage to self-employed people, farm workers and others who have lost employment as a direct result of the disaster,” Jimmy Gianato, West Virginia state coordinating officer, said. “It is specifically designed to assist those who are otherwise ineligible for state unemployment benefits.”

The availability of benefits extends to those living or working in either of the two added counties eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance.

You may be eligible to apply for DUA if:

  • You were injured in the disaster and are unable to work, whether you are an employee or self-employed
  • Your workplace was damaged or destroyed
  • Your transportation to work is not available
  • You cannot get to your job because you must travel through the affected area
  • You were about to begin working, but could not because of the disaster
  • You derived most of your income from areas affected by the storms and flooding and your business is down as a direct result of the disaster

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but it is administered through the West Virginia Department of Labor.

To apply for DUA, go to your nearest Workforce West Virginia One Stop Office. The offices serving the three counties are in Charleston, Huntington and Logan. Office locations are available at www.wvcommerce.org and www.workforcewv.org. By phone, find your local Workforce office address by dialing 211.

Have your Social Security number, earnings from your most recent tax year and employment history available.

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: Thursday, 26-Apr-2012 16:18:23

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Disaster Unemployment Benefits Now Available for Residents of Lincoln and Mingo Counties

FEMA Region 6 Prepares For Leadership Transition

FEMA Region 6 Prepares For Leadership Transition 

Regional Administrator Tony Russell Will Depart for New Post

Release Date: April 25, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-079

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 6 Office is preparing for a transition in leadership.

On May 6, current Regional Administrator Tony Russell will become the new Superintendent of FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Russell was appointed as FEMA Region 6 Administrator in December 2009, and has been responsible for the oversight of FEMA operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. He previously served as the

Acting Director of FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office (LRO) and as a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) for FEMA Region 8.

“It is very difficult to leave a job that is so meaningful and rewarding,” said Russell. “I am honored to have served with our federal, state, local, tribal, non-governmental and private sector emergency partners and look forward to working with them further, but now, on a national level.”

Russell’s accomplishments while serving as FEMA Region 6 Administrator include the streamlining and reinvigoration of recovery efforts from hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike in Louisiana and Texas.

He also oversaw many federal disaster and emergency declarations for events such as flooding, tornados and severe winter storms in all five of the region’s states.

FEMA Region 6 Deputy Administrator Tony Robinson will assume the duties of Acting Regional Administrator upon Russell’s departure.

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, 25-Apr-2012 11:34:39

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Just Two Weeks Left To Apply With FEMA: Note These Key Points

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Just Two Weeks Left To Apply With FEMA: Note These Key Points

Mingo County Town Hall Meeting Set for April 26

Mingo County Town Hall Meeting Set for April 26 

Release Date: April 24, 2012
Release Number: 4061-048

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides

CHARLESTON W.Va. — Mingo County residents who suffered losses from recent flooding will be able to learn more about disaster assistance programs at a Town Hall Meeting at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 26, at the Dingess Elementary School, 101 Schoolhouse Road in Dingess. Mingo County was added to the federal major-disaster declaration for Individual and Households Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on April 20.

“Residents of Mingo County are now eligible to receive federal assistance to help affected individuals, families and businesses recover from losses sustained in the flooding of March 15 through March 31,” FEMA’s Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell said.

The town hall meeting will be hosted by FEMA, the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Mingo County Emergency Management Agency. FEMA disaster-assistance experts and representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to answer questions about the available assistance programs.

Residents should register for FEMA assistance by calling FEMA’s 800 HelpLine number 800-621-3362 or apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov before they attend Thursday night’s meeting. Those unsure if they might be eligible for assistance should register with FEMA to find out whether they qualify.

Some registrants might receive an SBA disaster-loan application in the mail. It is important that the application be completed even if no loan is wanted. The information is needed to determine what additional help might be available, and no one is required to accept an SBA loan.

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: Tuesday, 24-Apr-2012 14:36:33

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Mingo County Town Hall Meeting Set for April 26

Be Ready For Severe Weather

Be Ready For Severe Weather 

Release Date: April 24, 2012
Release Number: R8-12-009

» 2012 Region VIII News Releases

As the nation marks the first anniversary of one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are teaming up this week to prepare the public and help save lives during the first ever National Severe Weather Week, April 22-29.

FEMA and NOAA are encouraging people to know their risk, take action, and “be a force of nature” by taking proactive preparedness measures and inspiring others to do the same. While the type and severity of threats vary across the country, the need to be prepared applies regardless of where you live.

Last April, tornadoes raked the central and southern United States, with a total of more than 300 tornadoes claiming hundreds of lives. The historic outbreak was only one of many weather-related tragedies in 2011,which now holds the record for the greatest number of multi-billion dollar weather disasters in the nation’s history.

“Severe weather can strike anywhere, at any time,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Robin Finegan. “While we can’t control the forces of nature, we can prepare now to be more resilient in the face of natural disasters.”

To “be a force of nature,” FEMA and NOAA encourage citizens to prepare for extreme weather by following these guidelines:

  • Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials.
  • Take action: Develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication. Post your plan where visitors can see it. Learn what you can do to strengthen your home or business against severe weather. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio. Download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.
  • Be a force of nature: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends, school staff and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered with your social media network. For more information on how you can participate, visit www.ready.gov/severeweather

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 Region VIIII on Twitter @femaregion8

Last Modified: Tuesday, 24-Apr-2012 10:45:11

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Be Ready For Severe Weather

Severe Weather Awareness Week

Severe Weather Awareness Week 

Know Your Risk, Take Action, Be A Force Of Nature

Release Date: April 23, 2012
Release Number: R3-12-05

PHILADELPHIA, PA – As the nation marks the first anniversary of one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are teaming up this week to prepare the public and help save lives from severe weather.

The two agencies encourage the public nationwide and in FEMA Region III, to “know your risk, take action, and be a force of nature” by taking proactive preparedness measures and inspiring others to do the same. While the type and severity of threats vary across the 10 FEMA Regions, the need to be prepared is universal.

Last April, tornadoes raked the central and southern United States, spawning more than 300 tornadoes and claiming hundreds of lives. That devastating, historic outbreak was only one of many weather-related tragedies in 2011, which now holds the record for the greatest number of multi-billion dollar weather disasters in the nation’s history.

In late August, 2011 strong hurricane activity in FEMA Region III produced devastating storms such as Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. These two storms rocked communities due to widespread inland flooding, left their lingering and residual effects resulting one of the Region’s largest long term recovery missions.

Additionally, and almost simultaneously, FEMA Region III felt the impact of a multi-state earthquake that is still producing aftershock events still being felt in some areas. The earthquake reminded everyone that severe weather is unpredictable and that we must plan for every type of weather event.

“Severe weather can happen at any time and often with little or no notice.” said FEMA Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “We can’t control where and when severe weather will hit but we can control how prepared we are as individuals and communities. By taking the time during Severe Weather Awareness Week to know your community’s risk, and plan accordingly, you are taking the first steps toward empowering yourself to become your own emergency manager,” added Tierney.

To “be a force of nature,” FEMA and NOAA encourage citizens to prepare for extreme weather by following these guidelines:

  • Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.
  • Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication. Post your plan where visitors can see it. Learn what you can do to strengthen your home or business against severe weather. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio. Download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.
  • Be a force of nature: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends, school staff and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered with your social media network. Studies show individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting – and you can be one of those sources. When you go to shelter during a warning, send a text, tweet or post a status update so your friends and family know. You might just save their lives, too. For more information on how you can participate, visit www.ready.gov/severeweather

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 Region III on Twitter @FEMARegion3

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Last Modified: Monday, 23-Apr-2012 16:17:58

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Severe Weather Awareness Week

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