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PRELIMINARY FLOOD MAPS IN CHAMBERS AND COASTAL HARRIS COUNTY, TX READY FOR PUBLIC VIEW Public Open House Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk…

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in the Texas counties of Chambers and coastal communities in Harris are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

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

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

Harris County                                     Harris County                                          Chambers County
Tuesday, June 25                               Wednesday, June 26                                Thursday, June 27
Webster Civic Center                         Webster Civic Center                                  Baytown Community Center
311 Pennsylvania Ave.                         311 Pennsylvania Ave.                                 2407 Market St.
Webster, TX 77598                             Webster, TX 77598                                      Baytown, TX 77520
2 p.m. – 8 p.m.                                   2 p.m. – 8 p.m.                                            2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

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

Additional information is available, including links to the interactive mapping website on www.txchart.com. Residents can also contact the floodplain administrator in each county for more details.

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.

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PRELIMINARY FLOOD MAPS IN CHAMBERS AND COASTAL HARRIS COUNTY, TX READY FOR PUBLIC VIEW Public Open House Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk…

FEMA AUTHORIZES FUNDS tO HELP FIGHT COLORADO’S WEST FORK COMPLEX FIRE

DENVER – 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 the West Fork Complex in Mineral and Rio Grande counties.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Doug Gore has approved the state’s request for a Federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). At the time of the request, the fire was threatening over 200 homes in and around the town of South Fork and numerous rural subdivisions and scattered homes. Mandatory evacuations have been issued for 250 to 300 homes and there are several thousand additional tourists included in the mandatory evacuation area. The fire is also threatening watersheds, recreation and tourism in the area. US Highway 160 is closed due to the fire between the town of South Fork and Treasure Falls.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. 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.

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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.

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FEMA AUTHORIZES FUNDS tO HELP FIGHT COLORADO’S WEST FORK COMPLEX FIRE

FEMA advisory flood-risk data maps released for Rockland County, N.Y.

NEW YORK–The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released Advisory Base Flood Elevation maps (ABFEs) for Hudson River communities in Rockland County, N.Y. The ABFEs reflect the best available data from the most recent analysis of coastal flood hazards along the Hudson River and are based on sound science and engineering. ABFEs are derived from more recent data and improved study methodologies compared to the data and analyses used to prepare the existing Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

ABFEs will help Rockland communities along the Hudson River better understand flood hazard conditions and rebuild safer and stronger for future events such as Hurricane Sandy. The ABFEs for Rockland are the result of requests by local government and advocacy by elected officials for FEMA to develop ABFEs for Hudson River communities in Rockland County. As a result FEMA initiated a new project to process storm surge data and prepared the requested

ABFE maps to support rebuilding and recovery in those communities.

FEMA encourages communities in Rockland County to use this information in instances where base flood elevations have increased and/or where new Special Flood Hazard Areas are shown on the ABFEs. Using these ABFEs will help state and local officials with their rebuilding and recovery efforts after Hurricane Sandy and will guide property and business owners of damaged or destroyed property with their own decisions about rebuilding.

More information on ABFEs is available at www.Region2Coastal.com.

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

More information on ways to protect your property from disasters to come is available at: www.fema.gov.

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FEMA advisory flood-risk data maps released for Rockland County, N.Y.

Protect Against Future Storm Damage

AURORA, Ill. – As thousands of structures in Illinois are being rebuilt or repaired due to damage from this spring’s severe weather, state and federal emergency management officials are urging homeowners and business owners to take steps that will minimize damage from future storms.

“We know that disasters of this kind will occur again, but Illinoisans do not need to continue experiencing the same losses,” said W. Michael Moore, the federal official in charge of disaster recovery. “In addition to gaining a safe, more damage-resistant home or business, strengthening a structure might someday save a life. It also could enhance a property’s value and save money by reducing insurance premiums.”

Illinoisans living in flood-prone houses are encouraged to raise electrical components as well as ventilating and cooling equipment above potential flood levels. Electrical system components, including fuse and breaker boxes, meters, switches, and outlets are easily damaged by floodwater. If inundated for even a short period, an electrician or the local municipal building department should be consulted.

“There is no better time to do this than when your home is being repaired and the disaster is fresh on your mind,” added Moore.

Rebuilding to make structure more disaster resistant is called hazard mitigation.

Homeowners and business owners should discuss with their contractors the following hazard mitigation measures:

Installation of appropriate roof bracing.
Installation of storm shutters.
Bolting walls to the foundation.
Installation of masonry ties, which help to secure brick walls to the wood structure.
Elevating basement furnaces.
Replacement of a weak garage door, which can create entry for wind that can easily lift an unstrapped roof.
Elevating the entire structure above potential flood levels.

Information on how to help protect your home is available free at any of the FEMA/state Disaster Recovery Centers, or at one of the Mitigation Outreach events at home improvement stores.

Individuals and families living in one of the designated counties for Individual Assistance may be eligible for help if the damage occurred between April 16 and May 5. They should register with FEMA to begin the process.

They can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fem a.gov/disaster/4116.

The deadline to register for FEMA disaster assistance is Tuesday, July 9.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Protect Against Future Storm Damage

St. Bernard Parish Continues Rebuilding Key Infrastructure with Additional FEMA Grants

NEW ORLEANS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced nearly $13.6 million in additional funding to repair sewage systems, canal crossings and roads in St. Bernard Parish damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

“These projects are a result of the continued partnership between St. Bernard Parish and FEMA,” said Parish President David Peralta. “The additional monies will help fund major infrastructure projects and improve the quality of life for the residents of St. Bernard Parish.”

When Hurricane Katrina hit, parish-owned infrastructure sustained damages from flooding and storm surge. The sanitary sewer system was overburdened from storm debris and flooding of manholes. Canal crossings were inundated and scoured by fast-flowing debris deposits. The base material under paved roads was initially compromised by the flooding, and then further destroyed by heavy trucks and machinery brought in to clear debris.

“Basic public infrastructure throughout St. Bernard Parish was cracked, broken and sometimes left nearly unusable following Hurricane Katrina,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Director Mike Womack. “Repairs and new construction have become a way of life since then – a pathway to our complete recovery. FEMA is committed to working side by side with the state and parish officials to ensure all related costs are covered.”

The recent series of FEMA grants work to continue the repairs to this critical infrastructure, including:

$10.2 million for work on the sanitary sewage collection system;
$2.2 million for roadway repairs, including materials testing and architecture and engineering services;
$697,071 for Dravo force main, a sanitary sewer force on the 40 Arpent Canal Levee; and
$504,840 for Rosetta and Lena canal crossings at 20 Arpent Canal.

FEMA has provided $474 million for water, sewer, roads and bridges in St. Bernard Parish, part of more than $1.8 billion granted to date to the parish for damages caused by hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike.

Editors: For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/latro.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femalro, blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

St. Bernard Parish Continues Rebuilding Key Infrastructure with Additional FEMA Grants

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Michigan Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

June 18, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-063 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 Michigan.

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

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state 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 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 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.

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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:

June 18, 2013 – 19:54

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Michigan

Related Disaster:

Michigan Flooding

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Michigan Declaration

President Declares Disaster for Michigan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Michigan to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by flooding during the period of April 16 to May 14, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by flooding in Allegan, Baraga, Barry, Gogebic, Houghton, Ionia, Kent, Keweenaw, Marquette, Midland, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ontonagon, Osceola, Ottawa, and Saginaw counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Mark A. Neveau has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Neveau said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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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.

From:

President Declares Disaster for Michigan

Completed SBA Application Speeds Up Disaster Assistance

AURORA, Ill. – Illinoisans who received a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan application for disaster assistance are urged to complete and return it as soon as possible. Doing so will keep the door open for other types of assistance.

SBA disaster loan applications are sent to disaster survivors who may qualify for disaster aid as a result of the April 16 to May 5 severe weather.

“The disaster loan application provides the necessary information for determining the appropriate assistance for each applicant,” said W. Michael Moore, the federal official in charge of disaster recovery.

Disaster survivors with insurance should not wait for their insurance settlement before applying to SBA. If a survivor is unsure of the amount covered by insurance or other sources, the SBA will consider making a loan for the full amount of the loss, up to its loan limits.

Approval of the SBA disaster loan is contingent on the borrower’s agreement that the SBA loan will be reduced by the amount of the insurance settlement.

“We want to make sure that every disaster survivor remains eligible for help from all of the programs that are available,” added Moore. “The fastest way to accomplish that is to submit the SBA application. If SBA cannot offer a homeowner or renter a disaster loan, the agency will refer the case onward to other sources of assistance.”

Applicants are urged to read all disaster assistance documents carefully while maintaining realistic expectations of what they may receive as disaster aid.

Applicants also are encouraged to stay in touch with FEMA, to ensure FEMA has the correct current address, phone number and email address.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fem a.gov/disaster/4116.

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. Information and assistance from SBA is available at 1-800-659-2955, (TTY) 1-800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Completed SBA Application Speeds Up Disaster Assistance

FEMA Region IV Designated StormReady

ATLANTA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region IV office in Atlanta became the first FEMA office to earn the National Weather Service’s StormReady designation.

Forecasters from the weather service presented the designation to FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May Monday during the Regional Interagency Steering Committee meeting with the region’s eight state emergency management agencies and federal response partners.

“Disaster preparedness is important at every level, from the federal government all the way to each and every member of the public,” May said. “We’re proud to set a good example in our community and we hope that others follow us as we work to become a more resilient nation.”

StormReady is a nationwide program of the weather service that helps communities and organizations to protect their citizens during severe weather, and encourages a proactive approach to improving local hazardous weather operations.

“We are continuously working to get more communities and organizations into the StormReady program,” said NWS Peachtree City Meteorologist in Charge Keith Stellman. “Our goal is that all communities and government installations will take the steps necessary to become StormReady which will in turn mean our residents will be better prepared when severe weather threatens their area.”

The FEMA Region IV campus includes four buildings in the greater Atlanta area, as well as a facility in Thomasville, Ga. And Biloxi, Miss. Less than 30 government facilities nationwide have the StormReady designation.

To be recognized as StormReady, the following criteria must be met:

Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center.
Have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public.
Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally.
Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars.
Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

For more information about StormReady visit www.stormready.noaa.gov.

FEMA Region IV comprises the eight states of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

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FEMA Region IV Designated StormReady

Disaster Registration Deadline Three Weeks Away

AURORA, Ill. – Illinoisans who sustained damages during the April 16 to May 5 severe weather are encouraged to register with FEMA for disaster assistance before the registration period ends on July 9, 2013.

The registration process normally takes less than half an hour. Applicants will need to provide a social security number, current and pre-disaster address and phone number, insurance information and total household annual income. An applicant’s banking information (routing and account number) will be needed for direct deposit into an applicant’s account.

“We want to make sure all eligible residents get the assistance to which they are entitled,” said W. Michael Moore, the federal official in charge of disaster recovery. “However, to get help, residents must register.”

To date, more than $98.4 million in FEMA Individual Assistance has been approved. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved disaster loans for residents and businesses of more than $15.0 million.

You can use the Disaster Recovery Center locator to find the nearest DRC, but it is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA.

Applicants may call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

Online registration is available at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. For more disaster assistance information, visit FEMA’s Illinois disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Disaster Registration Deadline Three Weeks Away

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