BATON ROUGE, La. — Time is running out for Hurricane Isaac survivors in Jefferson Parish to visit the State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Metairie. The center closes at 6 p.m. Tuesday.  The center located in Marrero will remain open through Oct. 31.

Although the center will close, Hurricane Isaac survivors can still contact FEMA 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.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors may also contact the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) after the center closes at 1-800-659-2955 or www.sba.gov.

The center is located at:
6716 W. Metairie Ave.
Metairie, La 70003

Hours are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday, Oct. 16.

Recovery centers have opened in many affected parishes to assist homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained uninsured or underinsured losses to their home or personal property as a result of Hurricane Isaac. For a list of open centers in Louisiana go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4080.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.
 

Source: 

Metairie Disaster Recovery Center Closes Tuesday

WASHINGTON – In less than two days, more than 13 million people nationwide are expected to participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill.

“Earthquakes occur all year long across our country – in a lot of places you wouldn’t expect,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “For the Great ShakeOut, we’re asking everyone to take just a minute out of your day to drop, cover and hold on, and practice what you would do during an actual earthquake.”

Plan now to take part in the drill on Thursday, October 18 at 10:18 a.m., your local time. When an earthquake happens, you only have seconds to react. The best protective action is to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.”

  • DROP to the ground;
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table; and
  • HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

If it’s not possible to get to the floor to safely take cover, before the exercise, identify an inside corner of the room near your work station or the other locations you may be in, away from windows and objects that could fall on you.  The Earthquake Country Alliance advises getting as low as possible to the floor. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices should lock their wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.

This year marks the first time that southeastern states and jurisdictions will participate in a regional Great Shakeout, just weeks after the one year anniversary of the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Mineral, Virginia. Participating states nationwide include: Alaska, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington.

ShakeOut participants are supported by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC), FEMA and many other local, state, federal and volunteer partners.  In February 2012, CUSEC coordinated a similar drill across nine Central U.S. states.

To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, including information for seniors and those with disabilities, visit http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and can have disastrous and far-reaching effects.  Earthquake hazards vary from region to region.  To learn more about reducing your risks during an earthquake visit http://www.fema.gov/quakesmart

There are many ways for individuals, households, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, and others to participate in the ShakeOut.  Those interested in participating in the ShakeOut are encouraged to first register online at www.shakeout.org .  Once registered, participants will be listed with thousands of other participants, and receive information on how to participate in the drill. 

For details on U.S. earthquake information by state and territory, visit http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema .

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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FEMA Urges National Participation in Great Shakeout on October 18

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — In less than two days, on October 18, 2012 at 10:18 a.m. EDT, over one million people are expected to take part in the first ever Great SouthEast ShakeOut.  The ShakeOut is a regional earthquake drill in which participants simultaneously practice the recommended action during an earthquake.  This action is known as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”, which means:

  • DROP to the ground
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
  • HOLD-ON to it until the shaking stops

The states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia are encouraging their schools, businesses, organizations, government agencies, communities, and households to participate in this historic event. The event is free and open to the public, and teaches easy to do, yet potentially life-saving information.

The ShakeOut comes on the heels of the one year anniversary of the August 23, 2011 M5.9 Mineral, Virginia earthquake. Last year’s earthquake caused significant damage in Louisa County, Virginia, and millions of dollars in damages in Washington, D.C. 

The ShakeOut is a dedicated time where individuals and communities focus on disaster safety and preparedness activities.  Participants in the ShakeOut are encouraged to take actions to become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters; this includes securing heavy items to prevent them from causing injuries during an earthquake, creating an emergency plan or updating emergency supply kits, and talking with their families and neighbors about how they might respond to an emergency.

There are many ways for individuals, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, scouts, and others to participate in the ShakeOut, to get prepared for earthquakes, and to share activities with others.  Although it is only days away, it’s not too late to register and participate.  For more information on the ShakeOut or how to participate in the drill, visit www.shakeout.org.

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.

Source – 

Are You Ready to ShakeOut on October 18?

CLINTON, Miss. – In nearly seven weeks since Hurricane Isaac struck Mississippi, more than $20.3 million in state and federal aid has been approved to help those affected.                                                                                                

MEMA and FEMA provide the following snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of Oct. 15:

  • Nearly 6,100 households have received FEMA grants that assist with housing and personal property loss.
  • Nearly $12.1 million has been approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance, home repair and replacement costs.
  • Almost $2.2 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
  • Nearly $6.1 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist homeowners, renters and businesses.
  • More than 19,500 home inspections have been completed.
  • There were more than 10,200 visits to 16 disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.

Almost 24,800 survivors in designated counties have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance. Many people sought housing assistance from FEMA because their primary homes were unlivable or inaccessible.

While all disaster recovery centers have closed, survivors can still have recovery questions answered by FEMA specialists this week at locations in Franklin and Jones counties.                                                                                                                      

Those who have already registered for disaster assistance should stay in contact with FEMA if they change their mailing address, phone number or e-mail address, if they receive an insurance settlement, or discover additional damage by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

The Helpline is also available for Mississippians who have needs not met by federal assistance. It is a good source of information referring survivors to state and local organizations and partner agencies such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors may also call 2-1-1 to be connected to volunteer or faith-based organizations that may be able to help them with resources and needs.

Survivors have through Wednesday, Oct. 31 to register for disaster assistance. They should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile device at m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use
711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Businesses that need help may contact the SBA directly at the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY) 800-877-8339, send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply.

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.

Link:  

$20 Million Approved in Disaster Assistance for Hurricane Isaac

BATON ROUGE, La. — Time is running out for Hurricane Isaac survivors in Livingston Parish to visit the State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Maurepas. The center closes at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. 

Although the center will close, Hurricane Isaac survivors can still contact FEMA 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.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors may also contact the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) after the center closes at 1-800-659-2955 or www.sba.gov.

The center is located at:

American Legion Hall
24195 Hwy. 22
Maurepas, La 70449

Hours are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Wednesday, Oct. 17.

Recovery centers have opened in many affected parishes to assist homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained uninsured or underinsured losses to their home or personal property as a result of Hurricane Isaac. For a list of open centers in Louisiana go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4080.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.
 

From:  

Livingston Parish Disaster Recovery Center Closes Wednesday

BATON ROUGE, La. — Time is running out for Hurricane Isaac survivors in Tangipahoa Parish to visit the State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Ponchatoula. The center closes at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. 

Although the center will close, Hurricane Isaac survivors can still contact FEMA 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.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors may also contact the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) after the center closes at 1-800-659-2955 or www.sba.gov.

The center is located at:

282 Tower Rd.
Ponchatoula, LA 70454

Hours are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday, Oct. 16.

Recovery centers have opened in many affected parishes to assist homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained uninsured or underinsured losses to their home or personal property as a result of Hurricane Isaac. For a list of open centers in Louisiana go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4080.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.
 

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Tangipahoa Parish Disaster Recovery Center Closes Tuesday

BATON ROUGE, La. —  A State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center will be open Monday through Thursday in West Baton Rouge Parish to assist homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained uninsured or underinsured damage to their home or personal property as a result of Hurricane Isaac.

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

The center is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15 and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday (Oct 16, 17, 18) at:

West Baton Rouge Parish Community Center
749 N. Jefferson Ave.
Port Allen, La 70767

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 operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

SBA offers federal low-interest disaster loans to residents and businesses. After registering with FEMA, visit any Disaster Recovery Center where SBA representatives will answer questions, explain the application process and help each resident or business owner apply to SBA. For SBA information or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 1-800-877-8339.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.
 

Original post:  

Disaster Recovery Center Opens for Four Days in West Baton Rouge Parish

BATON ROUGE, La – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at the request of the state of Louisiana, has approved a third extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. The initiative allows eligible Hurricane Isaac survivors whose houses have been severely damaged or destroyed to stay in a hotel or motel for a limited time and have the cost of the room and taxes paid directly to the hotel by FEMA.

“We are aware that some survivors in hard-hit parishes are facing critical challenges to getting back into their homes,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall. “We are working in close coordination with our state and parish partners to arrive at thoughtful solutions to those challenges. Meanwhile, the TSA extension will offer eligible survivors some relief.”

The program, which began Sept. 3, now runs through Oct. 28, with checkout on Oct. 29. Meals, telephone calls and other incidental charges are not covered, and applicants are responsible for any lodging costs above the authorized allowance.  The program does not reimburse previously incurred hotel expenses.

FEMA continues to work in coordination with the state and local parishes to connect survivors in the program to recovery resources in their communities.

Home inspections do not have to be completed before an applicant can be considered for the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. After a housing inspection is performed, applicants in the sheltering program may remain eligible for this third extension if their home is still unlivable, inaccessible or without power.

TSA is open to eligible applicants whose damaged dwellings are in St. John Parish or in designated zip codes in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles. St. Helena, St. James, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne and Washington parishes.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program Extended Again in Louisiana

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today, the deadline to apply for disaster assistance in both Cleveland and Creek counties is being extended to Wednesday, Nov. 21.

“We want to make sure that all eligible residents have enough time to apply for assistance,” said State Coordinating Officer and OEM Deputy Director Michelann Ooten. “The two counties were not declared at the same time. That is why we are extending the deadline.”

“We hope this additional time will ensure that every one in Cleveland and Creek counties affected by the wildfires has an opportunity to register for state and federal assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III of FEMA. “We want to be sure to reach all wildfire survivors who still need help.”     

Nov. 21 will be the last day for residents to apply for state and federal disaster assistance to help them recover from the Aug. 3-14 wildfires This deadline also applies to homeowners, renters and businesses submitting applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Residents with computers or smartphones may apply or track their status online at; www.disasterassistance.gov, or web-enabled phones at m.fema.gov or the FEMA app, or if they prefer, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. If using 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT seven days a week; multilingual operators are available.

Homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the wildfires, can apply for an SBA disaster loan after registering with FEMA by going online to SBA’s secure site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; calling 1-800-659-2955 or TTY 1-800-877-8339. For information on SBA disaster assistance, go to www.sba.gov.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofits for their uncompensated physical disaster losses (homes, personal property and business assets).  For small businesses and most private nonprofits, SBA disaster loans are available to cover working capital needs caused by the disaster, whether or not the business suffered physical damage.

To date, more than 750 residents of Cleveland and Creek counties have applied for assistance. Nearly $9.8 million in federal assistance has been distributed in Cleveland and Creek counties to help residents with their recovery efforts.

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click on www.fema.gov/disaster/4078 or www.oem.ok.gov. Information can also be accessed via smartphone at m.fema.gov or the FEMA app.

Follow the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook at twitter.com/okem and www.facebook.com/oklahomadepartmentofemergencymanagement. FEMA tweets about the Oklahoma disaster are at twitter.com/femaregion6. Additional FEMA online resources include blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.

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Disaster Assistance Deadline Extended

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — On October 18, 2012 at 10:18 a.m. EDT, more than one million people across five states and the District of Columbia are scheduled to take part in the first ever Great SouthEast ShakeOut.  The ShakeOut is a regional earthquake drill in which participants simultaneously practice the recommended action during an earthquake.  This action is known as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”, which means:

  • DROP to the ground
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
  • HOLD-ON to it until the shaking stops

The states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia are encouraging their schools, businesses, organizations, government agencies, communities, and households to participate in this historic event.  These states are being supported by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC, www.cusec.org), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, www.fema.gov), and many other local, state, federal and volunteer partners. CUSEC coordinates a similar drill across nine Central U.S. states, which had more than 2.4 million participants in February, 2012.

This regional earthquake drill comes on the heels of the one year anniversary of the August 23, 2011 M5.9 Mineral, Virginia earthquake. Last year’s earthquake caused significant damage in Louisa County, Virginia, and also millions of dollars in damages in Washington, D.C.  The event is free and open-to-the-public, and teaches easy to do, yet potentially life-saving information.

FEMA Region III Acting Regional Administrator Robert Welch is encouraging individuals and organizations to register and join the Great ShakeOut “We were reminded last year that earthquakes can and do happen anywhere.  Everyone should make plans and take actions to ensure that disasters do not become catastrophes and this drill is an excellent start.”

Collectively, there are more than 10.5 million people worldwide who are expected to participate in the ShakeOut drills October 18, which makes this the largest safety drill ever held.  Interested citizens, schools, communities, businesses, etc. are encouraged to visit www.shakeout.org/southeast to pledge their participation in the drill. On the website, many resources are available for participants to use to plan their drills including drill manuals, videos, audio drill broadcasts, earthquake scenarios, and more.

There are many ways for individuals, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, scouts, and others to participate in the ShakeOut, to get prepared for earthquakes, and to share activities with others.  For more information on the ShakeOut or how to participate in the drill, visit www.shakeout.org.  

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.

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Original link: 

Millions to Participate in Earthquake Drill Next Week

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