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United Efforts in Circle Bring Completion to Home Repairs

ANCHORAGE, AK – The final six repairs to homes in Circle damaged as a result of last year’s spring breakup flooding along the Yukon River have been completed thanks to a united effort that included faith-based skilled volunteers, the State of Alaska and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

For more than six weeks, 27 Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers worked nearly 3,000 hours to complete the final repairs. Last summer, 27 Mennonite volunteers, three of whom returned to Circle this year, completed work on eight homes in the Interior Alaska community.

“I think the fact that MDS had been there in 2013 helped pave the way for us,” said Mennonite Disaster Service team leader Harold Miller. “We were not new to the community and the quality of our work had been established, so we just really only finished what had already been started.”

Circle’s First Chief Jessica Boyle and Second Chief Tanya Carrol welcomed the rebuilding help.

“I think the Mennonites are the best thing that’s happened to this community since the flood,” Boyle said. “I don’t think a lot of people’s homes would have gotten repaired if they were not involved. They are master carpenters. These guys are craftsmen and they did more than I ever expected.”

According to Miller, the MDS mission is to restore hope. Miller said it took volunteers along with FEMA and the State of Alaska to make it happen in Circle.

Unlike other communities affected by the 2013 floods which are only accessible by air or barge, a 160-mile-long road connects Circle with Fairbanks. This allowed FEMA to transport construction supplies, equipment and other materials directly to the area. The state and FEMA also arranged for local lodging and in-state air travel for the volunteers.

“It was a real pleasure working with FEMA and the State of Alaska to get the needed materials and having them arrive in a timely manner,” Miller said. “I sincerely hope that any future disasters bring together the same partnerships to provide healing to those families whose homes have been damaged.”

In addition to leaving behind habitable homes for survivors, the Mennonites also left behind a reminder of the friendships made and the mission that brought them to the small, self-reliant community of about 90 people, primarily Athabascan Natives. The Mennonites presented homeowners and the community with a collection of handmade quilts symbolizing the unity of effort that came together in Circle.

Photos from Circle are available on the FEMA Multimedia Library at http://www.fema.gov/media-library. A video by FEMA videographer Adam DuBrowa on Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers in Circle is available on the FEMA Multimedia Library or link to the following for this news release: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/97269

For more information on the Mennonite Disaster Service, please visit http://www.mds.mennonite.net/home/.

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United Efforts in Circle Bring Completion to Home Repairs

FEMA Announces Emergency Food and Shelter Program Awards for 2014

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced $120 million in federal funding to assist organizations dedicated to feeding, sheltering and providing critical resources to our nation’s hungry and homeless.

Funding was made available by Congress for the national board of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) for fiscal year 2014 to support social service agencies in cities and counties across the country.

“The Emergency Food and Shelter Program supports communities across the nation and some of their most vulnerable residents,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. “The program enables our nonprofit partners to ensure that the most basic needs of these citizens are met.”

The national board governs the EFSP. It is chaired by DHS/FEMA and has representatives from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, the Jewish Federations of North America, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, the Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide. The national board has selected United Way Worldwide to serve as secretariat and fiscal agent to the national board.

EFSP funding is allocated to qualifying jurisdictions based on thresholds involving population, unemployment and poverty levels both nationally and locally. Grants are then awarded to nonprofit community and government organizations that are chosen by local boards in the qualifying jurisdictions. This year’s award to the National Board brings the total aid disbursed in the EFSP’s 32-year history to more than $4.0 billion.

A state-by-state list of the eligible jurisdictions and award amounts is available at www.efsp.unitedway.org.

Congress placed the EFSP under FEMA in 1983 to underscore the emergency nature of the funding in getting assistance to those most vulnerable with food and shelter needs.

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FEMA Announces Emergency Food and Shelter Program Awards for 2014

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Washington Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

August 12, 2014

Release Number:

HQ-14-062-FactSheet

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 Washington.

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

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal 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, tribal and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

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

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.

Last Updated:

August 12, 2014 – 10:35

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Washington

Related Disaster:

Washington Wildfires

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Washington Declaration

FEMA Urges Preparedness in Hawaii Ahead of Hurricanes Iselle and Julio

Hawaii Residents and Visitors Urged to Follow Direction of Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its National Watch Center in Washington and its Pacific Area Office in Oahu, is continuing to monitor Hurricanes Iselle and Julio in the Pacific Ocean. FEMA is in close contact with emergency management partners in Hawaii.

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Iselle is about 900 miles east southeast of Honolulu with sustained winds of 85 MPH, and Hurricane Julio is about 1,650 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, with sustained winds of 75 MPH. Tropical storm conditions are possible on the Big Island of Hawaii on Thursday. These adverse weather conditions may spread to Maui County and Oahu Thursday night or Friday. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Hawaii County, and tropical storm watches are in effect for Maui County and Oahu.

“I urge residents and visitors to follow the direction of state and local officials,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. “Be prepared and stay tuned to local media – weather conditions can change quickly as these storms approach.”

When disasters occur, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations and numerous private interest groups who provide emergency assistance required to protect the public’s health and safety and to meet immediate human needs.

Although there have been no requests for federal disaster assistance at this time, FEMA has personnel on the ground who are positioned in the Pacific Area Office year round. An Incident Management Assistance Team has also been deployed to Hawaii to coordinate with state and local officials, should support be requested, or needed.

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories.

Safety and Preparedness Tips

Residents and visitors in potentially affected areas should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have a plan for their pets.
Storm surge can be the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical storm or hurricane. It poses a significant threat for drowning and can occur before, during, or after the center of a storm passes through an area. Storm surge can sometimes cut off evacuation routes, so do not delay leaving if an evacuation is ordered for your area.
Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous and almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas, at bridges and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
If you encounter flood waters, remember – turn around, don’t drown.
Get to know the terms that are used to identify severe weather and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued.

For a Tropical Storm:

A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 39 MPH or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours.
A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 MPH or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less.

For Flash Flooding:

A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding.
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.
A Flash Flood Emergency is issued when severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from a flash flood is imminent or ongoing.

More safety tips on hurricanes and tropical storms can be found at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

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FEMA Urges Preparedness in Hawaii Ahead of Hurricanes Iselle and Julio

Volunteers Complete Repairs to Flooded Homes in Hughes and Emmonak

ANCHORAGE, AK – Volunteers with the Disciples of Christ have returned home after repairing nine homes in Alaska that were damaged by last year’s spring breakup flooding along the Yukon River. Last summer, the volunteers completed repairs to seven homes in Hughes. This July, a team of 11 volunteers, three of whom returned for a second season, finished construction on two homes in Emmonak.

“It went really well,” said Disciples of Christ Volunteer Team Leader, David Bell. “We were able to get on the ground and start working right away. Before we knew it, everything was completed.”

Bell attributed much of the success to preparations made by the State of Alaska and the Federal Emergency Management Agency before volunteers arrived. Because Emmonak is not connected to Alaska’s road system, the agency flew in building materials ordered by the eligible homeowners, along with construction tools and safety gear for the teams. The agency also arranged for local lodging and in-state air travel for the volunteers.

“Our goal was to ensure survivors could occupy their repaired homes before the onset of winter. By doing so, we not only provided them a safe and secure place to live, but also helped sustain the culture and fabric of the community,” said State Coordinating Officer, Bryan Fisher. “The Disciples of Christ have been exceptional partners in this effort.”

Following flooding that occurred along the Yukon River in May 2013, six communities needed assistance from the State of Alaska and FEMA in repairing or rebuilding homes, including Emmonak and Hughes. To date, all repairs and rebuilds have been completed in Emmonak, Fort Yukon and Hughes with work in Alakanuk, Circle and Galena still underway and slated to be completed this summer.

The western Alaskan village of Emmonak, located less than 10 miles from the Bering Sea and 490 air miles from Anchorage, has over 750 residents, predominantly Yupik Natives. Many of the locals live a subsistence lifestyle, relying on fishing and hunting during the summer and fall months to feed their families.

Hughes, a small Koyukon Athabascan community of less than 90 people, is located in central, Interior Alaska on the banks of the Koyukuk River about 210 air miles from Fairbanks. Like Emmonak, most locals in Hughes practice a traditional, subsistence lifestyle.

Photos of Disciples of Christ volunteers repairing homes in Emmonak, taken by team leader David Bell, are available on the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s website or link to the following for this news release:

http://ready.alaska.gov/riverwatch/Emmonak

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Volunteers Complete Repairs to Flooded Homes in Hughes and Emmonak

Federal funds authorized to help fight Oregon Gulch Fire

August 2, 2014
News Release

Federal funds authorized to help fight Oregon Gulch Fire

Seattle, WA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Oregon Gulch Fire, burning in Jackson and Klamath Counties, Oregon.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator, Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Oregon Gulch Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on August 1, 2014 at 6:43 p.m. PDT.

On August 1, 2014, the State of Oregon submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Oregon Gulch Fire, burning in Jackson and Klamath Counties. At the time of the request, 123 homes were threatened and about 40 people had evacuated the area. Two major power transmission lines from a hydroelectric facility had been destroyed and a third transmission line was threatened. The fire was also threatening the municipal watershed area, the Pinehurst municipal airport and an elementary school. The fire started on July 31, 2014, and has fire has burned approximately 11,000 acres of Federal and private land. The Firefighting resources committed to the incident include fire crews, structural engines, helicopters, air tankers, dozers and two teams of National Guard forces. Federal Principal Advisor confirmed the threat to homes and power transmission lines. The fire is at zero percent containment.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of Oregon State’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners 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 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.

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Federal funds authorized to help fight Oregon Gulch Fire

FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Bald Fire in Lassen County, California

FEMA Public Affairs (626) 431-3843

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California combat the Bald Fire currently burning in Lassen County.

On August 02, 2014, the State of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Bald Fire. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse up to 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 1,170 primary homes in and around the communities of Hat Creek with a population of 1,905, Little Valley with a population of 197, and Burney California with a population of 3,154. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are taking place for approximately 2000 people. The fires started on July 30, 2014, and has burned in excess of 13,000 total acres of Federal, State, and private land.

The Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for federal fire management grants (FMAG’s) through FEMA to assist in fighting fires which threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAG’s can include expenses for field camps; equipment use; repair and replacement; tools; materials; and supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities.

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FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Bald Fire in Lassen County, California

FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Oregon Gulch Fire in Siskiyou County, California

FEMA Public Affairs (626) 431-3843

On August 02, 2014, the State of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Oregon Gulch Fire. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse up to 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 92 primary homes in and around the community of Copco Lake, CA which has a combined population of 203. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are taking place for approximately 203 people. The fires started in the State of Oregon (FEMA Region X) on July 31, 2014, and has burned into the State of California (Region IX) in excess of 21,000 total acres, 4,500 within the State of California, of Federal, State, and private land.

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FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Oregon Gulch Fire in Siskiyou County, California

FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Eiler Fire in Shasta County, California

FEMA Public Affairs (626) 431-3843

On August 02, 2014, the State of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Eiler Fire. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse up to 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

“FEMA Region IX remains in constant contact with the California Emergency Management Agency to identify needs and, where appropriate, will provide support as requested,” said FEMA Region IX Acting Administrator, Karen Armes.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 705 primary homes in and around the community of Hat Creek which has a combined population of 1,905. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are taking place for approximately 600 people. The fire started on July 31, 2014 and has burned in excess of 7000 acres of Federal, State, and private land.

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FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Eiler Fire in Shasta County, California

Central NY State Fire Department to Receive Tanker Truck

ew York, NY — The fire district of Watkins Glen, New York is 58 square miles. Only some 20 percent of their area – roughly 12 square miles – is equipped with fire hydrants, posing a major challenge to Chief Smith, the department’s fire chief. “We and our mutual aid partners are heavily dependent upon mobile water to execute our firefighting obligations in this rural response area,” he says.

“On top of that,” he adds, “the equipment we had put together to serve as our tanker truck, starting with a Volvo cab and chassis back in 1986, had become too unsafe in October of last year to continue operating.”

The award of a $285,000 grant, then, from the Assistance to Firefighter Grants, a unit of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to purchase a new tanker truck is of great value to Chief Smith. The local share is $15,000, totaling $300,000 in funding.

The decrepit tanker that stopped working last year could pump 125 gallons per minute. “The new vehicle,” he said, “will be able to pump a minimum of 750 gallons per minute, and give our 50 volunteers the ability to rapidly establish a water supply that will lead to vastly improved firefighting capabilities.” He added that the implications for enhanced saving of lives and homes were “undeniable.”

The Grants Chief of FEMA’s Region II, Dale McShine, announced the Watkins Glen grant here today. “The AFG program has been assisting firefighters and those they serve for more than a decade, and this grant continues to demonstrate the spirit and purpose of the program,” she said.

Watkins Glen Village sits on the edge of Seneca Lake, one of New York’s famous Finger Lakes. The region has a State Park, and offers camping, hiking, boating, wine-tasting, and other festive attractions, drawing numerous summer vacationers. The area is also home to the renowned Watkins Glen International Racetrack that attracts many NASCAR fans. Not surprisingly, the area’s population more than doubles every summer from roughly 10,000 residents.

“This AFG grant naturally increases the effectiveness of Chief Smith’s volunteers in his large fire district,” said R. Mark Swinnerton, Jr., mayor of Watkins Glen Village. Noting that Chief Smith’s department averages more than 700 alarms every year throughout Schuyler County, the mayor said that “this new tanker truck adds formidable strength and reach to the department’s capabilities. We all benefit, residents and visitors alike.”

FEMA’s AFG program has been aiding firefighters and other first responders since 2001. “The program provides critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards,” said Tania Hedlund, FEMA’s Grants Branch Chief. In 2012, the AFG provided funding of $25,340,000 out of FEMA’s Region II office (New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands).

For further information, contact William H. Douglass at 212-680-3665/917-561-3223.

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Central NY State Fire Department to Receive Tanker Truck

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