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FEMA and Ad Council Help Americans Prepare for Severe Weather

WASHINGTON – Recent severe weather and the start of the Atlantic hurricane season reinforce the need for Americans to familiarize themselves with the look, sound and authenticity of real-time Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). To encourage, educate and empower Americans to identify WEAs so they can take steps to prepare for emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ad Council are unveiling new public service advertisements (PSAs). The PSAs are a part of the Ready campaign which for ten years has encouraged Americans to prepare in advance of natural disasters and other emergencies.

The new English and Spanish PSAs will be distributed as part of Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 26 – June 1, 2013), an annual effort by FEMA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Hurricane Center to inform the public about hurricane hazards and provide knowledge which can be used to prepare and take action. A lack of hurricane awareness and preparation has historically contributed to the devastation wrought by past major hurricane disasters.

WEAs are emergency messages sent by local authorized government authorities through wireless carriers’ networks. The alerts include a special tone and vibration. The messages are no more than 90 characters and contain the type and time of the alert, any action individuals should take and the issuing agency. Types of alerts include extreme weather such as hurricane, tornado or flash flood warnings; AMBER alerts and alerts issued by the President*. More than 100 carriers, including all of America’s largest wireless carriers, offer the WEA service for free and no subscription is necessary. Alerts are broadcast from area cell towers warning everyone in range with a WEA-capable device of a potential emergency situation.

“Many people may not realize that they carry a potentially lifesaving tool with them in their pockets or purses every day,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “As hurricane season approaches, we want Americans to know that Wireless Emergency Alerts delivered to their mobile phones by FEMA, the National Weather Service and other agencies, can help people take appropriate preparedness steps when facing potential man-made and natural disasters.”

Created by Washington, DC and Oakland, CA based Free Range Studios, the PSAs highlight the potentially lifesaving role of WEAs when facing natural disasters, as well as other emergencies. The TV PSA drives home the preparedness point and the crucial role of mobile technology with a slow-motion montage of lifesaving objects (pedestrian signal, life preserver, defibrillator, and seat belt) which transition to an image of a wireless device delivering a WEA. The PSA ends by demonstrating the positive result of WEAs by showing a family taking shelter after receiving a tornado alert. The English radio, TV, and digital PSAs direct audiences to Ready.gov/alerts for more information. The Spanish radio, TV and digital PSAs direct to Listo.gov/alertas.

“It was an honor to work with the Ad Council and FEMA on this PSA campaign,” said Erica Priggen executive producer at Free Range Studios. “Wireless Emergency Alerts are an invaluable new way of getting information out in the face of disasters, crises and national news breaking events. Knowing that WEAs can help save lives, and empower people in serious times of need, made the project a very gratifying collaboration.”

“Utilizing the power of communication to keep Americans healthy and safe is our mission and nowhere is this better exemplified than in our 10-year partnership on the Ready campaign,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “We are excited to launch this new facet of the campaign and continue to help FEMA deliver critical messages to the American public.”

Since its launch in 2003, the Ready campaign has encouraged Americans to prepare in advance, to minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes or businesses. WEAs are another tool to help Americans be more prepared in times of crisis. To date, the campaign has received over $1 billion in donated media and the campaign website Ready.gov has received over 77 million visits. More than 88 million preparedness materials have been requested or downloaded from Ready.gov and Ad Council tracking surveys show that since 2005, the proportion of U.S. households who have taken any steps to prepare has increased by 13%, from 45% to 58%. Per the Ad Council model, PSAs are distributed to media outlets nationwide and run and air in advertising time and space donated by the media.

For more information on the campaign visit Ready.gov or follow the campaign on Facebook and Twitter @ReadyGov.

* Participating carriers may allow subscribers to block all but Presidential alerts.

FEMA

The Advertising Council

The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshaling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has affected, and continues to affect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. For more information, please visit www.adcouncil.org. You can also visit www.facebook.com/adcouncil or follow the Ad Council on Twitter @AdCouncil.

Free Range Studios

Free Range works with visionary companies and organizations to create story-based brands, transforming clients’ visions for a better future into emotionally compelling media — from interactive and mobile to print and video. We believe people are hungry for brands and movements that offer empowerment, not fear and insecurity. Our home offices are in Washington, DC and Oakland, CA. For more information visit our website at freerange.com, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/freerangestudios, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/freerangestudio.

Media Contacts

Lisa Cullen, Ad Council, 202-331-5052, lcullen@adcouncil.org

FEMA, 202-646-3272, FEMA-News-Desk@dhs.gov

Frankie Ridolfi, Free Range Studios, 510-292-4737, frankie@freerange.com

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FEMA and Ad Council Help Americans Prepare for Severe Weather

Federal Aid Programs for the State of North Dakota Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

May 29, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-055Factsheet

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 North Dakota.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local and Tribal 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 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, local and tribal 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.

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 29, 2013 – 18:06

State/Tribal Government or Region:

North Dakota

and

Region VIII

Related Disaster:

North Dakota Flooding

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of North Dakota Declaration

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Woodford County

AURORA, IL – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, in Woodford County to allow residents affected by the recent severe storms and flooding to meet with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and FEMA, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

The location is:

Woodford County

Woodford County Emergency Management

301 S. Main St.

Roanoke, IL 61561

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors.

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.

DRCs also offer an additional service for those who may have questions or need help in applying for disaster aid. Information about other disaster programs is also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents should 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 assist survivors with their loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Woodford County

Federal cost-share for Sandy cleanup, rebuilding projects in New York increased to 90 percent

NEW YORK – At the request of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, President Obama has approved a federal cost-share increase for projects funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance grant program from 75 percent to 90 percent.

This increase allows FEMA to reimburse local, state and tribal governments and certain private nonprofit organizations 90 percent of eligible costs of emergency expenses, debris removal and infrastructure repair. The remaining 10 percent is provided by non-federal funds.

After Hurricane Sandy struck, the President authorized 100 percent federal funding for 15 days for emergency power restoration and emergency public transportation. The increase to 90 percent applies to Public Assistance projects not eligible for the 100 percent funding.

To date, FEMA has approved nearly $1.3 billion in Public Assistance grants to help New York communities recover and rebuild.

To learn more about FEMA Public Assistance in New York, visit: fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery/.

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

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Federal cost-share for Sandy cleanup, rebuilding projects in New York increased to 90 percent

Keeping Your Family Safe During a Disaster

TRENTON, N.J. ─ With another hurricane season approaching, now is the perfect time to develop a plan that will help keep your family safe and in touch should normal life be disrupted by a hurricane or other natural or man-made disaster.

Working together to plan and prepare for a potential disaster can help you and your family remain calm and to cope efficiently when an emergency occurs.

There are many things you can do to become better prepared for the unexpected. Here are a few things to consider as you design your family preparedness plan:

Take Advantage of Technology:

Update your contact lists in your phone, email and social media. This will make it easy to reach out to the right people quickly to get information and supply updates. Consider creating a group list serve of your top contacts.
Learn how to send updates via text and internet from your mobile phone to your contacts and social channels in case voice communications are not available. Text messages and the internet often have the ability to work in the event of a phone service disruption.
Keep extra batteries for your phone in a safe place or purchase a solar-powered or hand-cranked charger. These chargers are good emergency tools to keep your laptop and other small electronics working in the event of a power outage. If you own a car, purchase a car phone charger because you can charge your phone if you lose power at your home.
Program “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) contacts into your cell phone so emergency personnel can contact those people for you if you are unable to use your phone. Let your ICE contacts know that they are programmed into your phone and inform them of any medical issues or other special needs you may have.
If you have a traditional landline (non-broadband or VOIP) phone, keep at least one non-cordless receiver in your home because it will work even if you lose power.
If you are evacuated and have call-forwarding on your home phone, forward your home phone number to your cell phone number.
If you do not have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card to use if needed during or after a disaster.
Prepare and distribute a family contact sheet with names, relationships and phone numbers. This should include at least one out-of-town contact that may be better able to reach family members in an emergency.

Store your financial and other critical records “in the cloud” or on a flash or jump drive.

Important documents such as personal and financial records can be stored now in a password-protected area in the Cloud or on a secure flash or jump drive that you can keep readily available. A flash drive can be kept on a key ring so it can be accessed from any computer anytime, anywhere.
Remember important documents, such as personal and property insurance, identification including Driver’s license/passport (for family members, as well) and banking information.

Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit

Plan to stock enough non-perishable food and other supplies to last your family three days without outside assistance
Customize your kit to meet your family’s specific needs such as prescription medications, infant formula and diapers and pet supplies.
Plan to store one gallon water per person per day for drinking and sanitation
Include a battery-powered radio, a NOAA weather radio and extra batteries
Flashlights and extra batteries
First Aid supplies
A whistle to signal for help
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Dust masks or cotton t-shirts to help filter the air
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
A tool kit that includes a wrench and pliers to turn off utilities
A manual can opener
A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Clothing appropriate to the climate that includes one complete change of clothing per person

Maintain Your Kit

It’s important to make sure that your disaster supplies are in good condition and ready to use. Periodically use or discard the supplies you’ve stored and replace them so that they are ready for use when disaster strikes.

Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life
Throw out any canned goods that become swollen, dented or corroded
Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.
Change stored food and water supplies every six months
Review your disaster kit every year to make sure that it fits your family’s changing needs.

In advance of a storm or other anticipated emergency:

Make sure your automobiles are fully fueled: gas stations may run out of fuel or be unable to operate gas pumps if the power goes out
Make sure you have enough cash on hand to cover emergency purchases. ATM machines may not be working.

For more tips on developing a family disaster plan, visit www.Ready.gov.

FEMA Region II News Desk: 877-434-4084

# # #

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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Keeping Your Family Safe During a Disaster

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Peoria County

AURORA, IL – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, in Peoria County to allow residents affected by the recent severe storms and flooding to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and FEMA, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

The location is:

Peoria County

Chillicothe Fire Department (Fire Hall)

217 W. Chestnut

Chillicothe, IL 61523

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven 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.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Peoria County

Prevent Mold From Ruining Your Home and Your Health

Aurora, IL – Floodwaters have receded from the storms that hit several weeks ago, but they have left behind the perfect damp environment for mold and mildew to thrive.

Mold should be cleaned up as soon as possible or it may create health hazards, especially among the elderly, the very young and those with compromised immune systems, allergies or asthma.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, individuals can prevent mold after a flood by properly drying all porous and water damaged items, such as carpets, drywall and floors.

“Exposure to mold can cause coughing, sneezing, wheezing, upper respiratory irritation, and asthma symptoms, especially for sensitive individuals,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director, LaMar Hasbrouck, MD, MPH.

“If your home flooded and you have experienced these symptoms, contact your doctor,” Dr. Hasbrouck said.

You can identify mold by its musty, earthy odor and its fuzzy growth or discoloration on hard surfaces, furniture and carpeting. But it is not always visible—it can spread through cooling/heating ducts as well as wall insulation.

The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends cleaning all hard surfaces, such as metal, glass, solid wood, plastic and other nonporous materials with a non-ammonia detergent and hot water.

Then, disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a 10 percent bleach solution (one cup of bleach in one gallon of water).

Do not to mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Wear protective gear including rubber boots and gloves, goggles and an N-95 mask while cleaning.

Then dry or air dry by opening windows and doors, and turning on ceiling fans for more ventilation.

The general rule for porous materials is, if you cannot wash it, throw it away.

Throw out all moldy items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned, such as carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, pillows, wall coverings and all paper products.

Remove drywall or insulation that has been dampened by floodwater. Allow the wall studs to dry before installing new insulation and drywall.

For areas of mold clean-up larger than 30 square feet, The Illinois Department of Public Health suggests that residents seek out the assistance of a professional mold remediator.

For a mold removal company, people can search the Yellow Pages of a telephone book under “Fire and Water Damage Restoration.” The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (http://iicrc.org/consumers/care/mold-remediation) and the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (http://www.ascr.org) allow consumers to perform a search for their members online. The results of a typical search will include names of professionals, geographic location, and a telephone number.

Some nonprofit, faith or community based organizations can help to remove flood debris from the homes of residents unable to do it themselves. If you live within the Chicago city limits, call 311 for information. Outside of the city, call the local emergency management office to find out if volunteer help is available.

For more information, the Illinois Department of Public Health website at http://www.idph.state.il.us/floodinfo/index.htm has links to flood clean-up and related topics.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Prevent Mold From Ruining Your Home and Your Health

FEMA Seeking Local Hires to Assist in Disaster Recovery

CHICAGO – Illinois residents will get the opportunity to assist with the state’s disaster recovery while building their professional skills and drawing a paycheck. Temporary, full-time positions are available locally with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA has joined forces with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) to recruit and screen individuals to work in positions including finance and administration, writing and public information, planning, individual disaster assistance, information technology, and logistics. All temporary employees will have a hand in their state’s disaster recovery.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes finger printing and credit check, be able to furnish his/her own transportation to and from work and live within 50 miles of the employing office. Employees are also required to participate in mandatory direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payment.

Candidates in DuPage and Cook counties may apply by e-mailing their resume to FEMA@workforceboard.org. Applicants must include the Local Hire Job Order Number and Job Title in the subject line of the email and on their attached resume.

Candidates for all counties may apply at www.IllinoisJobLink.com. Enter “FEMA” into the keyword search to find available positions.

FEMA is committed to employing a highly qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, non-disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation, and any other non-merit factor. The federal government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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FEMA Seeking Local Hires to Assist in Disaster Recovery

Citizenship Status May Not Limit Disaster Assistance Eligibility

CHICAGO – Illinois residents who are not United States citizens may be eligible for federal disaster assistance for damage from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5.

Only one member of a household needs to be eligible to qualify the entire household for assistance, so parents and guardians may apply for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on behalf of a minor child who was born here. The child’s information, including his or her social security number, will be needed to register for assistance.

Any citizen living in the affected household can apply for FEMA aid. FEMA does not collect information on the immigration status of other household members who are not registering for disaster assistance.

Non-citizen nationals, including those born in American Samoa or Swains Island, or those whose parents are U.S. non-citizen nationals (subject to certain residency requirements) also may qualify to register.

Applying for FEMA disaster assistance will not affect one’s eligibility to become a U.S. citizen.

Undocumented immigrants from a household with no one eligible to apply for federal financial assistance may still be eligible for programs run by state, local or voluntary agencies.

Those in the United States with temporary tourist visas, student visas, work visas and temporary resident cards are not eligible for disaster assistance.

To register for disaster assistance, go to www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov or 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 numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Under the presidential declaration, disaster assistance is available for residents in the following counties: Bureau, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Will and Woodford counties.

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Citizenship Status May Not Limit Disaster Assistance Eligibility

Hurricane Season Approaches

PHILADELPHIA – Over the past two years, our region has seen numerous major hurricanes and tropical storms. In 2011 Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee brought fierce winds, and heavy rains. Last year Hurricane Sandy brought battering storm surge to coastal and bay areas, and heavy snows to inland areas. All areas of our region saw the various effects that hurricanes and tropical storms can have.

As the 2013 Hurricane Season approaches, FEMA Region III continues to proactively work with its state, local, and federal partners to increase preparedness, coordinate response and recovery capabilities, and empower individuals to take an active role in their community’s emergency management team.

Starting on June 1^st, hurricane season lasts until November; the greatest potential for storm activity is the months of August and September. A great time for the Whole Community to begin planning for hurricane season is Hurricane Preparedness Week designated May 26 – June 1, 2013.

Everyone should take time to ensure that their family, household, and/or business is properly prepared for a potential hurricane or tropical storm. Residents should also communicate and interact with their local emergency officials. By talking to local officials, citizens gain valuable insight, lend input, and develop relationships for planning and communications before a storm.

FEMA recommends that everyone have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Emergency supply kits should include essential items like bottled water, battery-powered radio, flashlight, batteries, medicines, toiletries, non-perishable food items, manual can opener, and first aid supplies. Copy and store your important documents in a waterproof bag. These may include medical records, deeds, leases, banking records, insurance policies, and birth certificates.

When planning, think about the potential needs of everyone in the household during an emergency. If your household includes a person with a disability, an infant, or a senior citizen, be sure to take the necessary steps to assist and make them comfortable during an emergency.

Pets are part of the family too! It is up to pet owners to research pet boarding options and pet friendly emergency shelters within your area in case of an evacuation. Be aware that animals may not always be welcome at some public shelter facilities.

Finally, hurricane season is an appropriate time to assess your risk of flooding and consider purchasing a flood insurance policy. Most homeowners’ policies do not cover flooding, so evaluate whether a flood policy is right for you. Don’t delay though, flood insurance policies take thirty days to take effect. To assess flood risk for your home or find a local agent selling national flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov or call toll-free at 888-379-9531.

For more preparedness information, visit fema.gov, ready.gov, and nhc.noaa.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. 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 fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

Media Contact: (215) 931-5597 FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

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Hurricane Season Approaches

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