Mississippi – One Month After The Storm

PURVIS, Miss. – In the month since thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding caused widespread destruction across the Pine Belt, the federal government has approved more than $3.2 million to help Mississippians respond to and recover from the storms.

On Feb. 13, the president declared a major disaster and ordered federal aid to individuals and households and to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the storms. Counties either initially declared eligible for assistance or added later are Greene, Forrest, Lamar, Jefferson Davis, Marion, Perry and Wayne.

The response to the storm and flooding damage has involved the whole community: federal, state, and local agencies, the private sector, faith-based and voluntary agencies.

The Mississippi disaster at a glance:

(As of close of business March 10)

  • 2,816 people contacted FEMA for help or information.
  • $2.4 million distributed to individuals and households. This includes:
    • $1,754,997 in housing assistance.
    • $623,595 in other needs assistance.
  • 1,706 homes inspected.
  • 1,581 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers in five different locations. Two centers currently are in operation Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
    • Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg.
    • Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive Hattiesburg.
  • Small Business Administration:
    • 1,390 applications issued to homeowners, businesses, and renters.
    • $747,400 approved.
  • 29 FEMA community relations specialists have met face-to-face with hundreds of storm survivors. Paired with MEMA specialists, teams have delivered vital recovery information door-to-door, to community and faith-based organizations and to people with special needs.
  • 1,081 customers at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Economy Supply and Marvin’s spoke with FEMA mitigation-outreach experts on how best to repair and rebuild safer and stronger.
  • Nine FEMA Corps team members have assisted in all phases of the disaster recovery process.

Assistance to individuals and households is only part of federal disaster-recovery assistance.

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, an estimated $6.1 million may be available to reimburse state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for their response and recovery efforts.

Additional funds for eligible hazard-mitigation measures will be made available to the state of Mississippi to help prevent damage from future disasters.

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

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

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

###

View original post here:  

Mississippi – One Month After The Storm

Reach Out For Help When Disaster-Related Stress Strikes

PURVIS, Miss. – Mississippians facing the loss of their homes, businesses or cherished possessions after the recent tornadoes may be struggling also with the emotional impact of the disaster. It is not uncommon for those living through a disaster to suffer anxiety, sorrow and depression. These emotions can emerge days, weeks or even months later.

Everyone has a different way of coping. Many find that talking about what has happened with trusted friends or family helps them move forward. Seeking and accepting help from counseling services also can be effective and health-restoring.

Brochures and other information are available at the MEMA/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, at:

  • Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg
  • Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive, Hattiesburg

Pine Belt Mental Health Resources, with offices in nine Mississippi counties, operates a crisis-counseling hotline: 601-544-4641. See the PBMHR website at www.pbmhr.com

A Disaster Distress Helpline is run by the federal government under the Department of Health and Human Services. Trained crisis counselors are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-985-5990. TTY is 800-846-8517. You can text the helpline as well: “TalkWithUs” to 66746.

You can reach the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for information and referrals to certified service providers online at http://www.dmh.ms.gov.

Some of the most common signs of stress include:

  • Difficulty communicating or sleeping.
  • Depression, sadness or feelings of hopelessness.
  • Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol.
  • Limited attention span and poor performance at work or school.
  • Headaches and stomach problems, flu-like symptoms, disorientation or confusion.
  • Reluctance to leave home (temporary agoraphobia).
  • Mood swings and frequent bouts of crying.
  • Overwhelming feelings of guilt and self-doubt.

Disaster-related anxiety can be especially acute among older adults, particularly those living alone and somewhat isolated from friends and family. It is not unusual for seniors to become withdrawn, agitated and disoriented in the wake of terrifying events. Family and others should be on the lookout for these and other stress-related problems and try to address them immediately.

Children also can be severely affected by a disaster. Some simple ways to help calm their anxieties include:

  • Keeping routines as consistent as possible and answer questions openly and honestly at a level a child can understand.
  • Allowing your kids to talk about the disaster. Listen to their concerns and questions. Let them know it is OK to feel angry or sad.
  • Reassuring them that they are loved and will be cared for.
  • Providing a peaceful household to the extent possible under the circumstances.
  • Limiting their exposure to frank adult discussions and lurid news reports about the disaster.

For more information, visit www.ready.gov/coping-with-disaster or http://www.bt.cdc.gov/mentalhealth.

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

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

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

###

Original article:

Reach Out For Help When Disaster-Related Stress Strikes

FEMA Awards More Than $2.7 Million to Texas for University of Texas Medical Branch Mitigation Measures

DENTON, Texas – More than $2.7 million was recently awarded to the state of Texas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the implementation of mitigation measures during repairs to the University of Texas Medical Branch’s (UTMB) 1902 Harborside Building.

Storm surge from Hurricane Ike flooded the 1902 Harborside Building which houses medical records; payroll information; acquisitions; information systems and print shop functions. Hurricane-force winds also damaged the roof and exterior façade.

The FEMA funding, as part of the repair process, allows UTMB to incorporate flood-proofing measures such as replacing the first-floor slab; reinforcing and waterproofing perimeter walls; installing flood gates at first-floor-level doorways; and relocating mechanical, plumbing and electrical equipment to the second floor.

“The UTMB facilities play a critical role for the city of Galveston, serving citizens and their healthcare needs,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “These flood-proofing measures will reduce the threat of future flood damage to the 1902 Harborside Building. We are proud of the work that is being done, in conjunction with our local and state partners, to help restore these facilities after Hurricane Ike.”

FEMA’s contribution, made possible by a Public Assistance grant, represents a 90 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Texas; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.
                                                                        
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. 

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

More:

FEMA Awards More Than $2.7 Million to Texas for University of Texas Medical Branch Mitigation Measures

FEMA Awards Nearly $500,000 in Hurricane Sandy Relief for Infrastructure Recovery in Delaware

SMYRNA, Del. — Nearly $500,000 in federal Public Assistance funding has been awarded for Hurricane Sandy recovery thus far in Delaware, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

This is the initial allocation of Public Assistance funding for recovery of roads, bridges, utilities and other elements of the infrastructure. Additional funding is forthcoming following state and federal review and approval.

The majority of the funding for Hurricane Sandy recovery in Delaware, $449,980, is awarded for category B Public Assistance, which covers emergency protective measures. The remainder of the funding is for costs associated with debris removal and repair of damaged facilities.

Federal Public Assistance was made available for the counties of Kent, New Castle and Sussex on Nov. 16, 2012 when the President declared a Major Disaster for Delaware due to Hurricane Sandy.

Visit www.FEMA.gov for more information on the Public Assistance program, including a complete listing of Public Assistance categories.

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.

Originally posted here:

FEMA Awards Nearly $500,000 in Hurricane Sandy Relief for Infrastructure Recovery in Delaware

Hurricane Sandy Survivors: Keep Your Receipts

TRENTON, N.J. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends Hurricane Sandy survivors who received money to keep the receipts or bills for which the money was used for three years.        

FEMA assistance must be used for eligible disaster expenses only, as identified in the approval letter from the agency. Survivors must save documentation that demonstrates how the funds were used in meeting their disaster-related needs in case they are audited.

Examples include:

  • Receipts for items purchased for home repair
  • Contractor invoices
  • Proof of hotel room charges if you received housing assistance
  • Rent payment receipts if you received housing assistance
  • Receipts for moving and storage expenses
  • Receipts for repairing or replacing personal property

More information on FEMA programs for individuals and households can be found in the “Help After a Disaster” guide. The guide was mailed to each applicant but also is available online at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

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 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.

Link: 

Hurricane Sandy Survivors: Keep Your Receipts

For More Than Registering – FEMA Helpline Helps

PURVIS, Miss. – Those affected by the recent Mississippi tornados, storms and flooding can use the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Helpline for more than registering for assistance. It’s a valuable tool in the recovery process.

By calling 800-621-3362, applicants also can:

  • Check status of an application.
  • Get answers to any other questions they might have about their application.
  • Find out if FEMA needs more information and provide it.
  • Receive information on the home inspection process.
  • Get answers to any question regarding insurance and its bearing on FEMA assistance.
  • Update insurance information.
  • Add or delete a person designated to speak for the applicant.
  • Learn how to appeal a FEMA application decision.

All of this can be done by calling the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. Helpline hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. C-Spire wireless customers can reach the Helpline by calling #362.

Applicants can stay in touch with FEMA through the Helpline, online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or at m.fema.gov on a smartphone or other web-enabled mobile devices.

Survivors creating an online profile may view application status or FEMA documents sent to them, but cannot submit new information other than contact data.

Insured applicants should not wait to file an insurance claim. They should provide FEMA with a copy of the insurance settlement as soon as it is available. If the applicant was determined ineligible for federal assistance, an inadequate insurance settlement may prompt FEMA to reconsider that decision.

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 hazard

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.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

###

Excerpt from:

For More Than Registering – FEMA Helpline Helps

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.4 Million to Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office for Hurricane Isaac Recovery

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office will receive a nearly $1.4 million federal grant to reimburse the parish for its efforts to protect citizens during and after Hurricane Isaac, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said Thursday.

The office will receive $1,387,500 to reimburse its expenses associated with supporting evacuation operations and search and rescue, setting up road closures, securing property, assisting in shelter operations, supplying emergency equipment to damaged facilities, assisting in sand bagging and transporting supplies by water.

“The men and women of the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office were on the front lines to make sure residents stayed safe during this devastating hurricane,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of FEMA. “Their work before, during and after the storm helped save lives and prevent even more property damage.”

The newly awarded funds are a portion of the nearly $223 million in total Public Assistance recovery dollars approved for the state since the Aug. 29, 2012, disaster declaration.

Once FEMA reimburses the state of Louisiana, it is the state’s responsibility to manage the funds, which includes making disbursements to local jurisdictions and organizations that incurred costs.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

More here – 

FEMA Awards Nearly $1.4 Million to Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office for Hurricane Isaac Recovery

Strengthen Foundation Connections To Minimize Storm Damages

TRENTON, N.J. — A free online resource is available to New Jerseyans where they can learn about measures that can limit or eliminate damage to their homes during severe weather events.

“Improving Connections in Elevated Coastal Residential Buildings” at Region2Coastal.com describes how New Jerseyans can make their homes stronger during floods and high winds by strengthening the floor-to-pile foundation connections.

Connections are responsible for attaching an elevated level of a structure to its foundation. During Hurricane Sandy, many New Jersey homes were damaged or destroyed because the floor-to-pile connections were weak. Flood waters exceeded the capacity of the connections and homes were pushed off their foundations.

The document describes how strengthening connections can reduce the likelihood of a structure separating from its foundation. Strong floor-to-pile connections minimize the chances of this happening during floods and strong winds.

Floor-to-pile connections in coastal homes are susceptible to corrosion. Homeowners can learn in the document how to reduce the chances of this happening.                                                                                            

New Jerseyans should contact their local emergency management office if they have questions about mitigation techniques for their home.

For more information, visit Region2coastal.com or FEMA.gov/building-science-publications.

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 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.

Continued:  

Strengthen Foundation Connections To Minimize Storm Damages

Last Chance to Visit Disaster Recovery Center in Petal – Others Remain Open

PURVIS, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency remind those who want to meet with disaster recovery specialists that Saturday, March 9 will be the last day to visit the Disaster Recovery Center in Petal. Two other centers will remain open.

The disaster recovery center in Petal at the Petal Civic Center, 712 S. Main St. will serve visitors from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, its last day.

Survivors can still meet with disaster-recovery specialists at two centers Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at:

  • Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12th Ave., Hattiesburg
  • Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Drive, Hattiesburg

Individuals can register for assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov or other web-enabled mobile devices.

Applicants also may call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. C-Spire wireless customers can register by calling #362.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

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

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

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

###

Visit site:  

Last Chance to Visit Disaster Recovery Center in Petal – Others Remain Open

More than $3.5 Million Awarded to Kentucky to Reduce Future Flood Damage: FEMA Grants will Fund Projects in Kenton and Jefferson Counties

ATLANTA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved two grants which will help communities in Kentucky take steps to reduce future flood damage.

The first grant of more than $1.6 million will be used to remove 24 residential properties from flood-prone areas along the Banklick Creek in Kenton County, Ky. The properties are located in high-risk areas of flooding, causing them to be vulnerable to dangerous and costly flood damage. After the properties are acquired, they will be demolished and the land will be returned to a natural state to function as a floodplain for Banklick Creek. The land will have a conservation easement and will be transferred to Kenton County.  The total project cost is nearly $2.2 million, which includes the federal share and the remainder will come from non-federal sources.

The second grant of more than $1.8 million will be used to eliminate existing flooding and loss of service to Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s Healthcare System (JHSMH) in Jefferson County, Ky. The project includes elevating portions of the parking lot so that it will no longer be flood-prone and to make channel improvements adjacent to the hospital.  The total project cost is nearly $2.5 million, which includes the federal share and the remainder will come from non-federal sources.

The grants are awarded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which provides funding to communities to implement long-term mitigation measures to reduce loss of life and property as a result of natural disasters. FEMA will obligate funding for these projects directly to the Commonwealth for it to manage and disburse to the communities. 

“This funding reflects all levels of emergency management working together so that people and structures are better protected from dangerous and costly flood damage.” said FEMA Southeast Regional Administrator Phil May. 

HMGP funds are made available following a major disaster declaration, such as the one for Kentucky after the August 2009 severe storms and flooding.  The HMGP is authorized under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. 

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.

 

###

Read original article:

More than $3.5 Million Awarded to Kentucky to Reduce Future Flood Damage: FEMA Grants will Fund Projects in Kenton and Jefferson Counties

 Page 124 of 183  « First  ... « 122  123  124  125  126 » ...  Last »