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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in LaSalle County

CHICAGO, IL – A federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Friday, May 17, in Marseilles for residents of LaSalle County to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. The location is:

LaSalle County

Marseilles Fire Department

205 Lincoln Street

Marseilles, IL 61341

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

DRC services include help with applying for disaster assistance and finding out about other disaster programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents must apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

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. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and accept completed loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339 or online at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Individuals can register online at disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m.to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema, and 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: 609-508-2238

Originally from:

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in LaSalle County

Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud

CHICAGO, IL – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) urge Illinois residents affected by recent severe storms and flooding to be alert for potential fraud and to keep these points in mind:

FEMA does not charge for information that it gives out. Apply free online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
FEMA does not send out text messages asking recipients to call fee-based telephone numbers. The toll-free numbers above are used for all contact with FEMA, including applying and follow-up.
FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration do not charge fees for information regarding filling out the SBA loan applications. Free assistance is available by calling SBA’s toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) are canvassing affected areas to provide information about disaster assistance and give Illinois residents an opportunity to register. While FEMA DSATs are offering at-your-door service, it’s important to remain vigilant about protecting your personal information:

Residents should always ask for ID. Federal and state officials always have identification clearly visible. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it.

DSAT members may offer residents the opportunity to use a tablet computer to register, or ask to enter information on their behalf. DSAT members will never require Illinois residents to provide personal information. If residents prefer to use personal computers or phones to register, they can call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585), visit DisasterAssistance.gov or use a mobile device at m.fema.gov.

Anyone with knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse may call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 800-323-8603. You may also send an email to DHSOIGHotline@dhs.gov. Complaints may also be made via the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or with state or local law enforcement officials or consumer agencies.

Media Contact: 609-508-2238

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Beware of Disaster-Related Fraud

FEMA Releases Preliminary Flood Hazard Information for Modoc County

Latest study reveals increased flood risk along the Pit River

OAKLAND, Calif. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working with the city of Alturas and Modoc County, Calif., to update flood hazard risk information. FEMA released preliminary flood maps that will help community officials, individuals and business owners identify known flood risks. When finalized, the maps will be used for flood insurance, land use, and development decisions. The revised maps are digital, incorporating the latest technology to identity flood risk based on detailed engineering models, decades of rainfall, storm gauge information, and current topographic data.

The preliminary flood maps propose changes to areas for structures near the Pit River, North Fork Pit River and South Fork Pit River. Currently, there are approximately 210 structures located within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or high risk flood zone. The preliminary flood maps propose approximately 145 structures may be added to the SFHA, from moderate to high flood risk and 15 structures may be removed from the SFHA, from high to moderate flood risk. The last map update was June 4, 2010.

Individuals and business owners who believe the proposed flood maps contain errors will be able to submit appeals by submitting additional scientific or technical information through their community officials to FEMA. Once all appeals are resolved, FEMA will make any necessary updates and notify community officials. Floodplain administrators in each community have copies of the maps available for public viewing.

To view preliminary maps online visit: http://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload.

Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States. Homeowners, renters and business owners are encouraged to look at the preliminary flood maps to become familiar with flood risks in their community. These flood maps can help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about flood insurance options and flood protection measures. For more information about flood insurance and to find a local agent, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

For questions about flood maps, visit http://msc.fema.gov, call 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or email FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

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FEMA Releases Preliminary Flood Hazard Information for Modoc County

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Fulton County

CHICAGO, IL — A federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, in Canton for residents of Fulton County to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

Fulton County Health Department

700 E Oak St

Canton, IL 61520

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

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. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and accept completed loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 1-800-659-2955, (TTY) 1-800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m.to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.

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.

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Media Contact: Dick Gifford, 609-508-2238

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Fulton County

FEMA offers rebuilding advice at area home improvement stores

NEW YORK – People whose property was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy can get rebuilding advice from a Federal Emergency Management Agency hazard mitigation specialist. The specialists are knowledgeable about cleanup and building safer and smarter to avoid future losses.

FEMA specialists will be in Suffolk County at Home Depot stores at 1881 Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore and 5025 Jericho Turnpike in Commack. They will also be available at the Lowe’s store in Suffolk County at 2796 Route 112 in Medford.

Mitigation specialists will be in the home improvement stores from Thursday May 16 to Tuesday May 21. Survivors can get rebuilding information at the following times:

Thursday through Saturday (May 16 – May 18) 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday (May 19) 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Monday (May 20) 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday (May 21) 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Information on the National Flood Insurance Program and Advisory Base Flood Elevation Maps,

Flood Insurance Rate Maps, repair and rebuilding will be provided.

These specialists will be able to talk about elevating electrical services and appliances; installing sewer back-flow valves; removing and replacing drywall and insulation; channeling water away from foundations as well as repairing with water-resistant materials.

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

For information about New York State recovery programs, visit www.NYSandyHelp.ny.gov or call: 855-NYS-SANDY. The phone line is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

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

Link:

FEMA offers rebuilding advice at area home improvement stores

Fact Sheet-MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DISASTER ASSISTANCE

GENERAL

Q: If I am a renter, do I qualify for FEMA assistance?
A: Homeowners and renters who sustained property damage as a result of the recent fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas are urged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as they may be eligible for disaster assistance.

Q: How do I obtain Rental Assistance from FEMA? What documentation is needed?
A: Rental assistance is based on FEMA verifying that your home is unsafe as a result of the plant explosion. If you have insurance with Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or loss of use; you must exhaust your insurance benefits prior to receiving assistance from FEMA. You will need to submit your insurance settlement or ineligibility letter to FEMA along with a statement requesting rental assistance.

Q: I have been staying with friends. Can I move into a hotel paid for by FEMA?
A: You must first apply for federal assistance through FEMA. To be eligible for FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance, you must meet the following criteria:
• Your residence must be in the zip code (76691) that has been designated for the program;
• Your primary residence must be unlivable or inaccessible due to damage or lack of power or water;
• FEMA must be able to verify your identity;
• FEMA must be able to verify your occupancy; and
• You must be displaced from your primary residence. At the time of registration, your current location cannot be the “damaged dwelling”.
*Eligible applicants are notified by phone of your eligibility.

INSURANCE

Q: Are insurance deductibles covered under FEMA’s programs?
A: FEMA does not cover insurance deductibles. If your insurance settlement does not meet your disaster related need you may be eligible for assistance from FEMA.

Q: My insurance company told me it would be weeks before they come to see my damages. Can FEMA help?
A: If a decision on your insurance settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed the claim you may be eligible for an insurance advancement from FEMA. These funds are considered a loan and must be repaid to FEMA once you receive your settlement from your insurance company. Contact FEMA if your insurance settlement is delayed. FEMA will send you a Request for Advancement and Signature letter. You must complete and return this letter before FEMA can evaluate your request for assistance.

INELIGIBILITY

Q: Why was I denied for FEMA assistance?
A: One of the most common reasons for denial letters are because you have insurance to cover the loss. If you have received your insurance settlement and it does not cover all of your necessary expenses and serious needs, please contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

APPEALING DECISIONS

Q: If I do not agree with the results of the inspection or with the amount of money I received from FEMA, what should I do?
A: You may appeal any decision. Appeals may relate to your eligibility, the amount or type of help provided to you, late applications, requests to return money, or questions regarding continuing help. To be considered by FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, your appeal letter must be postmarked within 60 days of the decision letter’s date.

You may follow these steps to appeal the decision:
1. Explain in writing why you think the decision about the amount or type of assistance you received is not correct. You, or someone who represents you or your household, should sign the letter. If the person writing the letter is not a member of your household, there must be a signed statement saying that that person may act for you.
2. Include your FEMA registration number and disaster number (shown at the top of your decision letter) in your letter of appeal.
3. Mail your appeal letter to:
FEMA – Individuals & Households Program National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
4. You can fax your appeal letter to: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

DEBRIS REMOVAL

Q: Is there any help for debris removal on my private property?
A: Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover debris removal. FEMA does not typically pay for cleaning up debris on private property or in gated communities. But if the debris is keeping you or emergency workers from safely getting to your home, FEMA may be able to provide help on a case by case basis. Also, some communities will, at no cost to you, haul off debris that can be brought to the edge of the public right-of-way. Some private voluntary organizations are helping property owners get the debris to the curb. Please consult your newspaper or check with your local officials for more information.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Link:

Fact Sheet-MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Federal Aid Programs for the State of South Dakota Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

May 10, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-045Factsheet

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 South Dakota.

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 removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures 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 for emergency protective measures. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period. Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads. (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, 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:

May 10, 2013 – 17:48

State/Tribal Government or Region:

South Dakota

and

Region VIII

Related Disaster:

South Dakota Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm

Original article:

Federal Aid Programs for the State of South Dakota Declaration

Community Leaders Collaborate in Sayre to Discuss Best Practices and Challenges of Long-Term Recovery from Irene and Lee

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Community leaders from areas hit hard by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee met in Sayre on Saturday, April 27, 2013 to discuss best practices, challenges and objectives for moving forward as their towns continue to rebuild. The collaboration is an initiative to keep local organizations strong and growing in the direction of continued recovery.

The four-hour-long meeting was hosted by Futurescapes. The Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that grew out of the Rebuild Athens Steering Committee, which was established to develop a long-term community recovery plan after Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. Futurescapes was formed in 2012.

“As our long-term recovery group moves beyond the first year of operation, we are seeking a partnership with other volunteers in communities rebuilding after the 2011 flooding. On Saturday, we gained insights on some specific challenges that communities are facing. By sharing our combined experiences, we hope participants came away from the conference with renewed energy and armed with specific information and resources to help them move forward in their recovery process,” said Linda Spagnoli, a Futurescapes board member.

Spagnoli joined 19 other volunteers, as well as county and Commonwealth emergency managers in the roundtable-style discussion. The conversation was moderated by Community Recovery Specialist SheaBrianna Christilaw with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“While all of you were impacted at the same time by the same storm, your roads to recovery have been very different,” Christilaw said. “Some of you are in the process of completing long-term recovery plans, while others published plans as long as one year ago.”

Many of the groups are in the process of securing tax exemption status from the Internal Revenue Service, a designation that will substantially augment their ability to secure further recovery funding.

“We are working to acquire tax exempt status,” said Shickshinny Forward President Brian Phillips.

From new biking and hiking trails that will help areas regain their recreational resources to websites that will boost communication channels, each community is striving to accomplish projects. In many cases, funding will be required. The group highlighted the need for building and developing strong local partnerships.

In West Pittston, volunteers are helping with the development of a website for West Pittston Tomorrow, a nonprofit group that residents established to help rebuild.

“Right now, we are in the process of deciding how to format information and what information should be included,” said West Pittston Tomorrow President Judy Aita.

Organizations from both sides of the New York and Pennsylvania state borders are among the communities participating in the collaboration, which includes participants from Athens, Shickshinny and West Pittston in Pennsylvania and Nichols, Owego and Tioga in New York.

The following organizations were also represented at the meeting: Ashburn Advisors, the Bradford County Emergency Management Agency, the New York Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and the Tioga (N.Y.) County Emergency Management Agency and the Tioga (N.Y.) County Planning Department.

“These communities are working together to share their successes, build a network of peers, and brainstorm solutions to common challenges,” Christilaw said.

Futurescapes is currently analyzing feedback to strategize the next steps that should be taken to continue the collaborative approach. Ideas about locations and times of the next in-person meeting with community leaders will be planned based on information captured in survey results.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

Excerpt from –

Community Leaders Collaborate in Sayre to Discuss Best Practices and Challenges of Long-Term Recovery from Irene and Lee

In Honor of Mother’s Day, West Disaster Recovery Center Closing Sunday Only

AUSTIN, Texas – The State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in West, Texas will be closed Sunday, May 12 for Mother’s Day. The DRC will resume normal operations Monday, May 13. The hours will remain 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice.

Specialists from the state of Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

Disaster Recovery Center Location:

POINTWEST Bank – Front Entrance

210 N. Roberts Rd.

West, Texas 76691

Closed Sunday for Mother’s Day

Regular hours resume Monday, May 13 and will remain 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice.

Survivors may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Residents registering by phone or online will be asked to identify the description of damages sustained and must select the “EXPLOSION” option. Residents will then be asked to identify the type of damage and must select the “fire/smoke/soot/ash” option. (Do NOT select the “other” option).

In Honor of Mother’s Day, West Disaster Recovery Center Closing Sunday Only

West Hanover Elementary School Fourth Graders Start the Countdown to Hurricane Season 2013 Producing Digital Severe Weather Awareness Stories

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Fourth graders at West Hanover Elementary School kicked off the 30-day countdown to Hurricane Season 2013 on May 2 with a special severe weather preparedness program at the school. During the event, representatives of the Dauphin County Emergency Management Agency, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) presented preparedness information.

PEMA Central Area Director Fred Boylstein presented a two-way weather radio that was donated by Motorola through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to fourth grader Reilly Shafer. Shafer received the radio for his digital story about severe weather preparedness featuring Flat Stella and Flat Stanley, the iconic characters of the national Ready.gov preparedness initiative for young people. Shafer and his classmates used their computers to produce the digital stories, which were told in storyboard format.

Shafer’s storyboard, titled “Disaster Kit,” lists items that should be kept in a designated box in case of severe weather. In his story, Shafer listed the following items:

A six-day supply of water with enough for each person to have one gallon per day

Non-perishable food items
Battery-powered flashlights and a radio with extra batteries
Food and extra water for pets
Hats, gloves, blankets and rain gear
Extra cash
A hand-operated can opener
Cell phone with charger
Extra garbage bags
A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

National Hot Rod Association World Champion Bruce Larson was one of three story judges. Larson chose Shafer’s story for its thoughtfulness.

“I was impressed with the work that all of the students put into the contest,” Larson said. “Every topic was addressed with concern for public safety and well thought out. I chose Reilly Shafer’s entry based on his thoughtfulness in providing a list of contents for a disaster kit that should be included in every household for use in a wide variety of emergency situations.”

Emma Leibfried’s story “What to do During a Severe Thunderstorm” explained the importance of tuning into a radio to monitor severe weather. Her story said to listen to the radio throughout the storm while in a safe place.

WPMT-TV FOX 43 Meteorologist MaryEllen Pann chose Leibfried’s story.

“I chose Leibfried’s story because it was very well detailed,” Pann said.

Madison VonNeida’s story “What do You Need to Do During a Tornado” highlighted the importance of taking shelter in the lowest level of the building when a tornado warning is issued.

“Stay away from windows and doors!” VonNeida wrote. “Remain in a safe place until the warning has been lifted.”

WHP-TV CBS 21 Chief Meteorologist Tom Russell selected VonNeida’s story.

“What I really like is the touch at the end: ‘Now let’s go help others!’” Russell said.

“While these three stories were selected, each and every student told an excellent story about severe weather preparedness,” Boylstein told the students.

With Hurricane Season 2013 approaching, the precautions highlighted in the stories are especially important.

“Every student told an important message about being prepared in case of severe weather,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas McCool. “These messages are more important now than ever, as Hurricane Season 2013 approaches.

After the award presentation, students recorded public service announcements based on their winning stories. Judges teamed up with students to rehearse and record 45-second recordings. The announcements will be distributed jointly by PEMA and FEMA in conjunction with the countdown to Hurricane Season 2013, which begins on June 2.

This article:

West Hanover Elementary School Fourth Graders Start the Countdown to Hurricane Season 2013 Producing Digital Severe Weather Awareness Stories

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