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President Declares Disaster for Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, and mudslides during the period of June 20-28, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribal, 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 severe storms, flooding, and mudslides in Ashland, Bayfield, Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Richland, St. Croix, and Vernon counties and the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Bayfield County.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

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

Follow FEMA online at fema.gov/blog, 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.

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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President Declares Disaster for Wisconsin

Registration to End but Right to Appeal FEMA Decision for 60 Days Remains

AURORA, IL – Though registration ends this week—Aug. 8—for federal assistance to recover from severe weather and flooding of April 16-May 5, there is a right to appeal a FEMA decision within 60 days of the determination letter’s date.

One may appeal any decision. If an applicant does not agree with an inspection report, with the amount of assistance, or with a denial letter from FEMA, an appeal can be made for review of the case.

The appeals process begins with a letter from the applicant stating in as much detail as possible why the decision about the amount or type of assistance received may not be correct. Correspondence may include estimates for repair, invoices for repair work that could indicate additional time and expenses for work. The appeal letter may also include information about an insurance settlement. For a case to be reviewed, an appeal letter must be postmarked within 60 days of the decision letter’s date. Remember to date the appeal letter.

Review of one’s case requires:

You or someone who represents you or your household sign the letter. If the person writing the letter is not a member of your household, there must be a signed statement saying the person may act for you.
The nine-digit FEMA identification number be included.
The disaster number be included: DR-4116-IL (shown at the top of the decision letter).

Mail the appeal letter to:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

Or fax the appeal letter to: (800) 827-8112

Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

All appeals are reviewed and decisions are usually made within 30 days of receiving the request.

Notification of the response to an appeal comes by mail. For additional information, review “Help After a Disaster,” the guide sent to each applicant after registration. Information is also available at www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

FEMA’s helpline continues as a source of information and assistance.

How to reach FEMA:

Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov
Visit m.fema.gov via a web-enabled phone
Dial the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Call 800-621-3362 for 711 Relay or Video Relay Services
Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 at the Helpline if in need of assistance in other languages.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femaregion5, 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.

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Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Registration to End but Right to Appeal FEMA Decision for 60 Days Remains

Fema Mitigation Grants Important For Recovery, Protection

LINCROFT, N.J. — FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides important assistance to local, state and tribal governments following a major disaster declaration, both speeding recovery and protecting life and property from future disasters.

With the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides funds to the state to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during recovery from a disaster.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant program can be used to fund projects to protect public or private property as long as the project fits within state and local government mitigation strategies. Funds are sent to the state for distribution.

Examples of projects include:

Acquiring and relocating structures from hazard-prone areas, such as the $29.5 million acquisition of flood-prone properties in Sayreville.
Retrofitting structures to protect them from floods, high winds, earthquakes or other natural hazards.
Constructing certain types of minor and localized flood control projects.
Constructing safe rooms inside schools or other buildings in tornado-prone areas.
Helping state, local or tribal governments develop mitigation plans.

Federal funding under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is made available at the request of a state’s governor following the declaration of a major disaster.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding is allocated using a sliding scale formula based on the percentage of funds spent on FEMA’s Public and Individual Assistance Programs for each declared major disaster.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, 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.

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Fema Mitigation Grants Important For Recovery, Protection

Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station Exercise And Public Meeting Postponed Until Further Notice

Kansas City, Mo. –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region VII office announced today the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station public meeting and emergency response exercise, scheduled to take place this week near Fort Calhoun, Nebraska has been postponed until further notice. High wind speeds reaching approximately 90 mph were reported during a severe thunderstorm this morning, and power was lost. The power has since been restored and there are no safety concerns.

The states of Nebraska and Iowa along with Washington County in Nebraska and Pottawattamie and Harrison Counties in Iowa will work with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), FEMA and the Omaha Public Power District to reschedule the exercise for a future date to be determined.

The exercise is a biennial requirement to determine the adequacy of the state and local radiological emergency preparedness and response plans. It tests the abilities of the state, the utility company, and participating counties to protect the health and safety of the public living and working in the vicinity of the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station.

The exercise requires the activation of emergency facilities operated by state, county and local units of government, all of which generating response activities that are evaluated by the FEMA Region VII Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program. Concurrently, the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station on-site performance is evaluated by officials from the NRC.

Members of the public and the media will be informed when the exercise and the public meeting outlining the full-scale response exercise process, has been rescheduled.

For more information about FEMA’s REP Program, visit http://www.fema.gov/radiological-emergency-preparedness-program.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station Exercise And Public Meeting Postponed Until Further Notice

Midwestern Residents Urged to be Aware of Flood Dangers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With several areas throughout Kansas and Missouri experiencing bouts of late-summer flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging residents to stay informed about the potential hazards of flooding.

Floods, especially flash floods, kill more people each year than any other weather phenomenon. This recent spate of severe weather-related events across the Midwestern states serves as a pointed reminder just how dangerous floods can be and how important it is to stay abreast of weather warnings, understand flood terms, and take action by monitoring, listening, preparing and acting accordingly.

Beth Freeman, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region VII urges residents to be constantly aware of their environment and any potential for flooding. “There’s no doubt that when people are aware of the dangers and power of flooding, they can take measures to lessen the exposure to danger for themselves and family members,” Freeman said. “When you’re driving and you see the road ahead is flooded, be safe. It’s best to ‘turn around, don’t drown.’ FEMA is monitoring the situation and is on standby to help states if assistance is requested.”

While floods are the most common hazard in the United States, not all floods are alike. Floods typically occur when too much rain falls or snow melts too quickly. While some floods develop slowly, flash floods develop suddenly.

One of the most dangerous elements of a flood is floodwaters covering roadways, and motorists are urged to never attempt driving through them. About 60 percent of all flood deaths result from people trying to cross flooded roads in vehicles when the moving water sweeps them away.

While flood risks can indeed be a formidable threat, there are simple steps citizens can take today to reduce their risk to all types of floods.

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

Listen to your radio or television for information.
Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood that could affect you, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should:

Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Unplug electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
Take essential documents (http://www.ready.gov/evacuating-yourself-and-your-family)

If you must leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk in areas where the water is not moving. Use a pole or stick to make sure the ground continues in front of you.
Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away.
Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
A foot of water will float many vehicles.
Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.

Additional tips to consider:

United Way’s 2-1-1 is a helpful resource before, during and after disasters. Keeping this number and an up-to-date family communication plan handy is a must-do when preparing for emergencies.
Keep emergency supplies on hand, such as non-perishable food, medicine, maps, a flashlight and first-aid kit.
Use extreme caution when returning to flood damaged homes or businesses.

Become familiar with the terms that are used to identify flooding hazards:

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Flash Flood Watch: Rapid rises on streams and rivers are possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Flash Flood Warning: Rapid rises on streams and rivers are occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

The National Weather Service is the official source for weather watches and warnings.

For more information on flood safety tips and information, visit www.ready.gov/floods or the Spanish-language web site www.listo.gov.

For information on how to obtain a flood insurance policy, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Midwestern Residents Urged to be Aware of Flood Dangers

Scotland County Added to Missouri Disaster Declaration

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Scotland County is now eligible for federal assistance from the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred during the period of May 29, 2013, to June 10, 2013.

Scotland County joins the 27 previously declared Missouri counties eligible for FEMA Public Assistance, which may include assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

The counties now designated for FEMA Public Assistance include: Barton, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Chariton, Clark, Howard, Iron, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Maries, Marion, Miller, Montgomery, Osage, Perry, Pike, Putnam, Ralls, Shelby, St. Charles, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Scotland, Stoddard, Sullivan, Texas, and Webster Counties.

All counties in the State of Missouri are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Hazard Mitigation assistance may enable counties to implement measures to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property for natural hazards, before a disaster strikes.

For more information on the Missouri disaster declaration visit: fema.gov/disaster/4130.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. 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.

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Scotland County Added to Missouri Disaster Declaration

California To Receive FEMA Funding For The Falls Fire In Riverside County

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 Falls Fire currently burning in Riverside County.

On August 5, 2013, the state of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Falls Fire. The authorization of that request makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 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 1,050 primary residence homes in and around the City of Lake Elsinore, the community of Lakeland Village, and the gated community of Rancho Capistrano. The State of California has further reported that the fire at one point burned in excess of 1,200 acres of federal, state and private land.

The President’s Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for federal fire management grants made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible costs covered by the grant can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

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California To Receive FEMA Funding For The Falls Fire In Riverside County

Disaster Recovery Centers in Galena and Fairbanks Transition Update

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The State/Federal Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Galena and Fairbanks will close August 9 and transition to weekly visits to Galena and Fairbanks by FEMA caseworkers to meet the disaster-assistance needs of survivors of the 2013 Spring Floods.

Both Disaster Recovery Centers will cease operations at noon Friday, Aug. 9, 2013.

Until then, the centers will continue to provide face-to-face help from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The Galena DRC is located in the Galena Interior Learning Academy, 359 Challenger Road.

The Fairbanks DRC is located at 751 Old Richardson Hwy., Suite 202.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Those with losses due to flooding between May 17 and June 11, 2013, in the Regional Educational Attendance Areas (REAAs) eligible for Individual Assistance can continue to register by telephone or online through Aug. 26, 2013.

The eligible REAAs are Alaska Gateway, Lower Yukon, Yukon Flats and Yukon-Koyukuk.

Those who have registered can continue to receive information and update their applications by telephone, mobile device or online.

By telephone: call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech disability or who are deaf or hard of hearing can call 800-462-7585 (TTY). Multilingual registration can be done by telephone.
By mobile device: at www.m.fema.gov.
Online: go to DisasterAssistance.gov.

Affected individuals who have not yet registered by phone or online can also register at a DRC before noon, Friday, Aug. 9, 2013. Staff at the recovery centers can review and update applicant information and address individual questions and concerns.

If you intend to register at a DRC, please bring:

Your Social Security number
Current and pre-disaster address
Block and lot number
A telephone number where you can be contacted
Insurance information
Total household annual income
A routing and account number from your bank (only necessary if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly into your bank account). Look up your bank routing number.
A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster.

FEMA disaster assistance may include awards to help pay for housing, replace personal property and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. Assistance may also include low-interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The deadline to register for an SBA disaster loan is also Aug. 26, 2013.

SBA offers disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations for their uncompensated losses. Homeowners can receive loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters can receive loans up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Businesses may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace their disaster-damaged property and/or economic losses.

There are three ways to apply for an SBA disaster loan: After registering with FEMA, go online to SBA’s secure site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; call 1-800-659-2955 (the deaf and hard of hearing can call 1-800-877-8339); or visit the DRC for one-on-one service. For more information on SBA disaster assistance, go to www.sba.gov.

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Disaster Recovery Centers in Galena and Fairbanks Transition Update

FEMA Obligates Nearly $2.8 Million to West, Texas Independent School District for Temporary Classrooms and Administrative Buildings

DENTON, Texas – A grant totaling nearly $2.8 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help the West Independent School District (West ISD) move forward after the April 17 fertilizer plant explosion, FEMA has announced.

After the April explosion, three of the four district campuses were no longer operational. West ISD relocated most students to temporary classrooms in nearby Waco, Texas to finish the school year.

With concerns over families returning to the community, school officials have been anxious to keep students in the City of West to attend the upcoming school year.

FEMA’s nearly $2.8 million federal grant to West ISD for Emergency Protective Measures includes funds to provide secure temporary classrooms and administrative buildings to replace those destroyed or damaged as a result of the explosion.

“Getting students back to normal schedules and attending school in their own community is an important part of the recovery,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes. “These funds will help the district recover costs for adding the temporary facilities.”

The FEMA grant will pay the federal share of the eligible costs for the work. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA reimburses the state for 75 percent of the total costs, while the applicant covers the remaining 25 percent. The award is authorized under the current Emergency Declaration which provides reimbursements to the City of West and McLennan County for emergency protective measures and debris removal.

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FEMA Obligates Nearly $2.8 Million to West, Texas Independent School District for Temporary Classrooms and Administrative Buildings

Disaster Preparedness Costs Little, Saves A Lot

LINCROFT, N.J. — Just as every home should have a smoke alarm, every home should have an emergency supply kit packed and ready. Being prepared doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

“Although federal, state and local governments are ready to assist the public during times of emergencies and disasters, you should be prepared to take care of yourself and members of your family for the first 72 hours – that’s three days – following a disaster such as a hurricane, severe winter storm or an ice storm,” said Gracia Szczech, FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer for New Jersey. “A big part of disaster preparation is knowledge and FEMA has developed a comprehensive guide to help folks prepare.”

FEMA’s disaster preparedness website, www.ready.gov is a destination site for information about getting your family prepared for a disaster.

Commercially available disaster kits can range from $75 to $300 and up, but most of the pieces of a disaster kit are already in the home and just need to be gathered together and stored in one place.

An emergency preparedness kit needs to include food and a minimum of one gallon of water for each member of the family, including pets, per day for three days, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, spare batteries, first aid kit, non-electric can opener, local maps and personal sanitation items such as hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, toilet paper, garbage bags and plastic ties.

Your kit should include important family papers such as wills or property deeds and personal identification and any prescription medicines a family member may be taking.

Other items to consider include sleeping bags or blankets, paper towels, books, puzzles and games for children, food and medications for family pets.

It’s helpful to have cash in case banks are closed and there is no power for ATMs.

Remember, many shelters will not accept pets, so make sure you have a plan that protects all your family members.

The emergency supplies can be stored in an easy-to-carry plastic storage container or sports bag, making them easy to grab and go when an emergency forces people to leave their homes.

Experts agree being displaced during and after a disaster is especially difficult for children and the elderly.

The loss of familiar surroundings, schools, favorite toys and pets all contribute to the sense of loss. Including a few favorite toys or stuffed animals in the kit can help with this, but parents should be alert for behavior changes which can be an indication of stress.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, 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.

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Disaster Preparedness Costs Little, Saves A Lot

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