Mitigation Experts Offer Tips to Rebuild Safer, Stronger, Smarter

Mitigation Experts Offer Tips to Rebuild Safer, Stronger, Smarter

Main Content

Release date:

May 23, 2014

Release Number:

026

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Rebuilding or repairing property damaged from the recent severe storms? Get advice on building safer, stronger and smarter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Mitigation experts from FEMA will be on hand at home improvement stores in Conway, Searcy and Little Rock to offer information on rebuilding after a disaster. The advisors can answer questions about protecting homes from future disaster-related damage and offer tips to build hazard-resistant homes.

FEMA officials estimate that every dollar spent on mitigation saves almost four dollars if another disaster hits.

Individual homeowners and contractors can learn more at the following locations:

 

Home Depot
500 Elsinger Blvd.
Conway, Ark.  72032
Sunday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

(Final day: June 2)

Lowe’s
1325 Highway 64 West
Conway, Ark. 72032
Sunday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

(Final day: June 2)

 

Home Depot
12610 Chenal Pkwy.
Little Rock, AR
Sunday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

(From May 29 – June 2)

 

Lowe’s
3701 E. Race Ave.
Searcy, AR
Sunday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

(Final day: May 27)

 

The experts will not be at the stores on Wednesdays or on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26.

In addition, FEMA and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) have created a “one stop” web site for information to help Arkansans protect lives and property from tornadoes and floods:  www.fema.gov/ar-disaster-mitigation.

 

Last Updated:

May 27, 2014 – 12:20

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Arkansas

Related Disaster:

Arkansas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

This article:

Mitigation Experts Offer Tips to Rebuild Safer, Stronger, Smarter

FEMA Rebuilding Experts to Provide Advice in Tupelo

JACKSON, Miss. – Residents in the Tupelo area can learn how to build or rebuild to reduce the likelihood of damage the next time severe storms, tornadoes or floods hit. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s mitigation experts know how and they are sharing their knowledge.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be at Lowe’s in Tupelo for five days next week to discuss specific methods with anyone who stops by. They will have free booklets and pamphlets with additional details.

Tuesday, May 27, through Saturday, May 31

Lowe’s

3354 N. Gloster St.

Tupelo, Miss. 38804

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Disaster survivors in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Individuals and households in those counties can online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (central time) and assistance is available in multiple languages.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to FEMA.gov/Disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. 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.

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Original link – 

FEMA Rebuilding Experts to Provide Advice in Tupelo

Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Open Memorial Day

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Disaster recovery centers will remain open on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, to assist survivors of the recent severe storms and flooding in Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties.

Operating hours of the centers are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., until further notice.

Center locations are:

Escambia County

Brownsville Community Center

3100 W. DeSoto St.

Pensacola, FL 32505

 

Okaloosa County

Senior Centerview Parks & Recreation

205 Stillwell Blvd.

Crestview, FL 32536

                                     

Santa Rosa County

Gulf Breeze Recreation Center

800 Shoreline Drive

Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

 

Pensacola State College

Building 4000

Milton Campus

5988 Highway 90 W

Milton, FL 32583

 

Walton County

Community Church of Santa Rosa Beach

3524 US 98

Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Specialists from the State Emergency Response Team, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions. Survivors will be able to:

  • Discuss their individual disaster-related needs;
  • Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies;
  • Find out the status of their application;
  • Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance;
  • Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners;
  • Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

If possible, before visiting a center, survivors should register with FEMA. This can be done by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at  800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA disaster loans also may be available to homeowners, renters and business owners for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

Link:

Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Open Memorial Day

Florida Survivors Have Access to a Wide Array of Disaster Services

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are working together to connect survivors to a wide array of disaster services and resources. This includes crucial help for people who are experiencing disaster-related unemployment, legal issues or stress.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Disaster survivors who lost their jobs or those who are self-employed and have lost income as a direct result of the severe storms and flooding that took place April 28 through May 6 in parts of the Panhandle may be eligible for FEMA-funded unemployment benefits.

The state-administered disaster unemployment assistance program is available for those who lost work as a direct result of the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment assistance.

To file a claim for disaster unemployment assistance, call 800-681-8102.

Disaster Legal Services

Assistance is available for survivors who need help with disaster-related legal issues but can’t afford a lawyer. Free legal services, including legal advice and counseling, may be provided to disaster survivors through a FEMA program administered by the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyer’s Division.

To request free legal assistance, survivors can call 866-550-2929. Callers will likely get a recording, but they are urged to leave a message and they will receive a call back within two business days.

Disaster-Related Stress Help

Survivors who are experiencing stress as a result of the recent storms and flooding can call the disaster distress helpline any time at 800-985-5990. People can also text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.

Disaster Recovery Centers

Survivors with questions about disaster assistance can also meet face to face with recovery specialistsfrom the State Emergency Response Team, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration at five disaster recovery centers in Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties.

To locate the nearest disaster recovery center, go to FEMA.gov/DRCLocator or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

If possible, before visiting a center, survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call (TTY) 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. central time and assistance is available in multiple languages.

For more information on Florida disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4177. Visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at FloridaDisaster.org or Facebook page at facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

Originally posted here – 

Florida Survivors Have Access to a Wide Array of Disaster Services

May 25-31 is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Be Prepared. Get a Plan. Know Your Evacuation Zone

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is joining its federal, tribal, state and local partners in Louisiana and Texas to commemorate Hurricane Preparedness Week by sharing critical information about the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season which starts on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.

The week-long campaign not only provides an opportunity for emergency management experts to remind everyone about this year’s hurricane season outlook and how to prepare in advance, but it also gives individuals, families, and communities a chance to take action now and practice for an emergency.

“We encourage everyone to take basic steps to get ready before hurricane season begins,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Tony Robinson. “In addition to talking about what you should do and building emergency kits, people can also take part in exercises, drills and discussions about emergencies that are being held in their communities.”

Those in hurricane-prone areas are urged to visit www.ready.gov/prepare to learn about America’s PrepareAthon! and get involved in local training sessions. Basic hurricane preparedness tips include:

  • Before a hurricane
  • Prepare an evacuation kit; you can find more information on what you need in the kit at www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov.
  • Secure any important papers in a waterproof container.
  • Fill your vehicle’s tank up with gas.
  • Get any necessary prescription medications refilled.
  • Have enough cash on hand to last for several days.
  • Make sure you have enough extra food and water for your pet.
  • During a hurricane
  • Listen to the radio or TV for information.
  • If you are directed by local authorities to evacuate, be sure to follow their instructions.
  • Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
  • After a hurricane
  • Safety is a primary issue, as is physical and mental well-being.

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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 us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

See more here: 

May 25-31 is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Be Prepared. Get a Plan. Know Your Evacuation Zone

Website Helps Arkansans Protect Lives and Property When Severe Weather Strikes

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have joined together to bring Arkansans a “one stop” spot on the Internet for information on protecting lives and property from tornadoes and floods.

The web address is www.fema.gov/ar-disaster-mitigation. There, folks will find links to topics such as safe rooms, rebuilding and repairing structures to make them more storm-resistant, different types of roofs, and dealing with mold. The site also has links to the ADEM Safe Room Rebate Program, the Arkansas Attorney General’s office, Home Builders of Arkansas and more.

“This site has information for anyone interested in building back safer and stronger, or who plans new construction and wants to incorporate safe building practices from the start,” said State Coordinating Officer David Maxwell of ADEM. “Whether it’s building a safe room or reducing the risk of high winds penetrating your home through a leaky garage door, this website has expert information for Arkansans.”

“FEMA engineers have long studied how to reduce risks from tornadoes, floods and other severe weather,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) Timothy J. Scranton. “They’ve found a number of steps people can take, and many of them don’t cost much. I urge Arkansans to visit this website to gain insight into protecting themselves from the next round of dangerous weather.”

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies.  For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.gov.

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 us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

 

Visit site – 

Website Helps Arkansans Protect Lives and Property When Severe Weather Strikes

Three-Step Process to FEMA Disaster Assistance

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Florida survivors who sustained property damage or loss from the recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding should apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency — even if you have insurance or believe you won’t qualify for assistance.

Survivors in Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance that may include money to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs or other serious disaster-related expenses.

Also, homeowners, renters and business owners may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help recover from losses not covered by insurance, grants or other sources.

Here are three simple steps to follow when applying for federal disaster assistance.

Step One: Registration

Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. In addition, you can register by phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual specialists are available.

  • If you have insurance, contact your agent before registering with FEMA.
  • When calling FEMA, it is helpful to have the following information handy.
    • Social Security number.
    • Address of the damaged primary residence or apartment.
    • Description of damage.
    • Information about insurance coverage.
    • A current contact telephone number.
    • An address where you can receive mail.
    • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.
  • Fill out and return your SBA low-interest disaster loan application, if you receive one. Returning the application does not obligate you to accept an SBA loan, but it is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of disaster assistance.

When applying for assistance, you will receive a nine-digit registration number that can be used for reference when corresponding with FEMA.

Step Two: Inspections

After you register, a FEMA-contracted inspector will call you to set up an appointment to assess your damaged property. Inspectors will never ask for bank account information, and there is no cost for the inspection.

When FEMA inspectors arrive at a home, they will display official photo identification. If the photo identification is not displayed, it is important to ask to see it.

Make sure your home or mailbox number is easily visible from the road. As part of the inspection process, you must provide proof of ownership or occupancy.

  • Homeowners may show a tax bill, mortgage payment receipt or insurance policy with the property’s address.
  • Renters may show a lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was their primary residence at the time of the disaster.
  • Homeowners and renters must also present a valid driver’s license or other photo ID.

Step Three: Follow Up With FEMA

After registering for assistance, you will receive a letter regarding your application status. Some applicants may receive an SMS/text message.

If you receive a FEMA letter stating you are ineligible, it will include an explanation of what steps need to be taken next. You should not be discouraged if you receive a letter indicating ineligibility – FEMA may simply need additional information or documentation.

It is important to read and follow up with any correspondence from FEMA. You may have to log into your account on DisasterAssistance.gov or call the helpline at 800-621-3362 to keep the application process moving. You are also urged to keep your contact information updated with a current address and phone number to ensure FEMA can reach you with new information or questions.

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Original link – 

Three-Step Process to FEMA Disaster Assistance

Voluntarios de MEMA y FEMA trabajan juntos para ayudar a los sobrevivientes del desastre en Mississippi a recuperarse

JACKSON, Miss. – Un esfuerzo cooperativo entre la Agencia para el Manejo de Emergencias de Mississippi (MEMA, por sus siglas en inglés), agencias federales incluyendo a FEMA, gobiernos locales y grupos voluntarios está en efecto para ayudar a los sobrevivientes del desastre a recuperarse de las fuertes tormentas, los tornados y las inundaciones que azotaron a Mississippi entre el 28 de abril al 3 de mayo.

La necesidad es grande. Las autoridades han identificado a más de 700 hogares y personas cuyas viviendas fueron demasiado dañadas como para ser habitables. Cerca de 2,000 otras viviendas fueron dañadas más levemente.

Como para rematar el problema, cerca de 800 hogares que se han inscrito con FEMA para recibir asistencia no tienen seguro.

La limpieza de los escombros es el primer paso para la recuperación. Sin seguro de propietarios de viviendas para pagar la cuenta, puede parecer un obstáculo insuperable. Ahí es donde la generosidad de los grupos de voluntarios puede ser crítica. Organizaciones como el Servicio Menonita de Desastres, la Ayuda para Desastres de los Bautistas del Sur, la Bolsa del Samaritano y el Equipo Rubicon han respondido a Mississippi con la experiencia, las herramientas y el equipo para mover los escombros y hacer reparaciones.

MEMA y FEMA están trabajando juntos y con los gobiernos locales, los voluntarios y los sobrevivientes del desastre para mover los escombros al borde de las carreteras donde pueden ser llevados a los rellenos sanitarios adecuados. FEMA cubre el 75 por ciento del costo de transportar los escombros lejos de los bordes de las carreteras y el estado paga el 25 por ciento restante. Si los propietarios de viviendas contratan la remoción de los escombros, éstos deben ser transportados fuera del lugar por el contratista.

La remoción de los escombros de las propiedades privadas en un costo aprobado por los Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa (SBA, por su sigla en inglés) para préstamos por desastre a bajo interés para los propietarios de viviendas, arrendatarios y negocios.

Los sobrevivientes del desastre en los condados de Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne y Winston pueden ser elegibles para el programa de Asistencia individual de FEMA.

Las personas y los hogares en estos condados pueden inscribirse para recibir Asistencia Individual de FEMA en línea en el sitio http://www.disasterassistance.gov/espanol, mediante un teléfono inteligente o una tableta en m.fema.gov/esp, o llamando a la línea de ayuda de FEMA al 800-621-3362. Las personas con sordera, impedimentos auditivos o que tengan una discapacidad del habla y usen el TTY, deben llamar al 800-462-7585. Las líneas están en funcionamiento de 7 a.m. a 10 p.m. (hora del centro) y hay asistencia multilingüe disponible.

Para obtener información adicional acerca préstamos por desastre a bajo interés de la SBA, llame al Centro de Servicio al Cliente de Asistencia para Desastres de la SBA al 800-659-2955 o TTY 800-877-8339, por correo electrónico DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov o visitando el sitio sba.gov/disaster. Representantes de servicio al cliente de la SBA están disponibles en TODOS los centros de recuperación por desastre.  Los centros de recuperación por desastre se pueden encontrar en línea en FEMA.gov/DRCLocator.

Para más información sobre la recuperación de desastres en Mississippi, vaya al sitio www.fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visite el sitio web de MEMA en msema.org/  o en Facebook, facebook.com/msemaorg.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a todos los ciudadanos y a las agencias de primera respuesta para garantizar que, como país, trabajemos juntos para desarrollar, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos, protegernos y recuperarnos de los peligros, responder ante ellos y mitigarlos.

Los programas de recuperación para desastres están disponibles sin prejuicio en virtud de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, nivel de competencia en inglés o situación económica. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce ha sido víctima de la discriminación, llame sin costo a FEMA al número 800-621-3362. Si usted tiene impedimentos auditivos o del habla y usa un TTY, llame directamente al 800-800-462-7585; si usa el 711 o el Servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS, por sus siglas en inglés), llame al 800-621-3362.

Los programas de asistencia temporal de vivienda de FEMA y los subsidios para gastos de transporte público, gastos médicos y odontológicos, y gastos funerarios y de sepelio no exigen que las personas soliciten un préstamo a SBA. No obstante, las personas que reciban solicitudes de préstamos de SBA deben enviarlas a los funcionarios de préstamos de SBA para poder recibir asistencia que cubra propiedades personales, reparaciones o reemplazo de vehículos, y gastos de mudanzas y almacenamiento.

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Continued here:

Voluntarios de MEMA y FEMA trabajan juntos para ayudar a los sobrevivientes del desastre en Mississippi a recuperarse

Spring Tornadoes Are an Important Reminder to Prepare

DENVER – A year ago Tuesday, on May 20, an EF5 tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, killing 24 and leaving a 17-mile trail of destruction.

A month later, June 20, will be the anniversary of the 1957 EF5 tornado in Fargo that killed 10 and was part of a family of five tornadoes that wreaked havoc for almost 70 miles, from Buffalo, North Dakota, to Dale, Minnesota. The tornado and its damage were studied extensively by T. Theodore Fujita of the University of Chicago, which led to his later development of the 1-5 F-Scale for ranking tornadoes. (The Fargo tornado was ranked in retrospect.) 

Both anniversaries are a poignant reminder of the importance of preparing for tornadoes, point out emergency managers from the North Dakota Division of Emergency Management and from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). North Dakota gets an average of 23 reported tornadoes per year, mostly in June, July and August.

The state’s website (http://www.nd.gov/des/uploads/resources/150/tornadotips.pdf) provides these suggestions for what to do during a tornado:

  • In a house with a basement: Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators, waterbeds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor and crush you.
  • In a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment: Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down, and cover your head with your hands. A bath tub may offer a shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against falling debris in case the roof and ceiling fail.
  • In an office building, hospital, or nursing home: Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building — away from glass. Crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly. Stay off the elevators; you could be trapped in them if the power is lost.
  • In a mobile home: Get out! Even if your home is tied down, you are probably safer outside, even if the only alternative is to seek shelter out in the open. Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes; and it is best not to play the low odds that yours will make it. If there is a sturdy permanent building within easy running distance, seek shelter there. Otherwise, lie flat on low ground away from your home, protecting your head. If possible, use open ground away from trees and cars, which can be blown onto you. The only fatality in the Northwood tornado remained in his home.
  • At school: Follow the drill! Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly way as you are told. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.
  • In a car or truck: Vehicles are extremely dangerous in a tornado. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Otherwise, park the car as quickly and safely as possible — out of the traffic lanes. Get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If in the open country, run to low ground away from any cars which could roll over onto you. Lie flat and face-down, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris.
  • Outside: If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not, lie flat and face-down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can.
  • In a shopping mall or large store: Do not panic. Watch for others. Move as quickly as possible to an interior bathroom, storage room or other small enclosed area, away from windows.
  • In a church or theater: Do not panic. If possible, move quickly but orderly to an interior bathroom or hallway, away from windows. Crouch face-down and protect your head with your arms. If there is no time to do that, get under the seats or pews, protecting your head with your arms or hands.

Research shows that most people wait until bad news is confirmed by a second source before taking action. With tornadoes, act first, emergency officials warn. Take shelter yourself, then be the second source that confirms the emergency for others by phone or social media.

FEMA’s Ready.gov website cites a study of tornado damage in Marion, Illinois, that showed half of all tornado-related injuries came after the tornado, from rescue attempts, clean up, and so forth. Almost a third of the injuries came from stepping on nails. Be very careful when entering any damaged structure, and use battery-powered light if possible rather than candles to minimize the danger of fire or explosions.

A timeline of some of the most significant tornadoes to affect the six-state region covered by FEMA’s Denver regional office, with links for more information, is available at http://www.fema.gov/fema-region-8-tornado-timeline.

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.

 

Continued:

Spring Tornadoes Are an Important Reminder to Prepare

Disaster Recovery Centers Now Open for Survivors in Okaloosa and Walton Counties

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Additional disaster recovery centers are now open in Okaloosa and Walton counties to assist Florida Panhandle survivors affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

The disaster recovery centers will be open until 5 p.m. today, Saturday, May 17, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 18.

Beginning Monday, May 19, the centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays. The centers are located at:

Okaloosa County

Senior Centerview Parks and Recreation

205 Stillwell Blvd.

Crestview, FL 32536

 

Walton County

Community Church of Santa Rosa Beach

3524 U.S. 98

Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Specialists from the State Emergency Response Team, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions. Survivors will be able to:

Discuss their individual disaster-related needs.

  • Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies.
  • Find out the status of an application.
  • Obtain information about different types of state and federal assistance.
  • Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners.
  • Receive referrals to the American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate disaster-related needs.

Before going to a center, if possible, survivors should register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability can call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Disaster assistance may include money to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Low-interest SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

For more information on Florida disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4177. Visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at FloridaDisaster.org or Facebook page at facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

Link:  

Disaster Recovery Centers Now Open for Survivors in Okaloosa and Walton Counties

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