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National Flood Insurance Program Probation for West Pittston, PA

PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEMA has issued a letter to West Pittston that establishes a new deadline of December 1, 2012, for the community to correct the floodplain management violations and program deficiencies. FEMA listened to the concerns from stakeholders about the deadline established for the NFIP probation action and has approved a two month extension for West Pittston Borough, PA.

The deficiencies cited in the probation letter include failure to manage floodplain development in accordance with the Borough’s floodplain program, and lack of adequate record keeping. Direct violations of the community’s flood damage prevention ordinance include lack of enforcement on substantially flood damaged structures.

Property owners will still be able to purchase and renew flood insurance coverage during the probationary period, but a $50 surcharge will be added to any policy sold or renewed in the community for the next year beginning on December 1, 2012. There are currently 358 flood insurance policies in the Borough.

If the Borough fails to make progress during the first six months of the NFIP probation, or by June 1, 2013, the Borough could be suspended from the program. The result of suspension is the loss of federally backed flood insurance in the community, meaning that residents will not be able to purchase or renew their flood insurance policies after the suspension occurs. Additionally, if a flood disaster occurs in a suspended community, most types of federal disaster assistance for structures within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), including federal assistance to individuals and households is not available. Furthermore, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 prohibits federal agencies from making grants, loans, or guarantees for the acquisition or construction of structures located in a SFHA.

FEMA remains committed to work with the officials of West Pittston to help the Borough achieve a good standing in the NFIP.

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 athttp://www.fema.gov/medialibraryandwww.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/femaregion3.

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National Flood Insurance Program Probation for West Pittston, PA

Two Weeks Remain for Debby Survivors to Register for Assistance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Tropical Storm Debby survivors have two weeks remaining to register for federal disaster assistance.

Applications must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 4, to be considered for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

All survivors who had storm-related damage to their home, vehicle, personal property, business or its inventory between June 23 and July 26 should register for assistance.

Federal disaster assistance helps eligible applicants with temporary housing, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs.

Anyone who has not registered with FEMA for disaster aid, has questions about their application or needs more information about recovery programs should call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at

800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call (TTY) 800-462-7585. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and assistance is available in many languages. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Survivors must register with FEMA to be considered for federal disaster assistance even if they have contacted the state, their local emergency management agency, the American Red Cross or other charitable organizations.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.SBA.gov. They may also apply for disaster loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applications are due Sept. 4.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: www.twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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.

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Two Weeks Remain for Debby Survivors to Register for Assistance

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions in Pasco County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a home improvement store are teaming up this week to provide information and advice on cleaning up and rebuilding homes after Tropical Storm Debby.

FEMA mitigation specialists, who can explain disaster-resistant ways to repair and rebuild, will be in Pasco County beginning Wednesday, Aug. 15.

The specialists will be available to answer questions at Lowe’s from Wednesday, Aug. 15, through Sunday, Aug. 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The address is 7921 Gall Blvd. in Zephyrhills.

Mitigation specialists offer suggestions on cleaning mold and mildew. They also provide information on flood insurance.

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FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions in Pasco County

FEMA Awards More than $5.4 Million to New Mexico for Debris and Sediment Removal

DENTON, Texas – More than $5.4 million has been awarded to the state of New Mexico by the Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA) for debris and sediment removal from a number of retention ponds in the aftermath of severe storms and torrential rains in late

August 2011.

More than $4.1 million of the funding will cover costs related to the removal and disposal of silt and debris from 11 secondary retention structures

for the Santa Clara Pueblo. Nearly $1.3 million of the funding will cover costs to remove and dispose of sediment from a Cochiti Pueblo retention structure.

“We are committed to working with our state, local and tribal partners to assist in the recovery process. Debris and sediment removal

activities such as this are critical to the communities’ recovery because debris can pose a significant threat to the lives and safety of

residents,” said FEMA Region 6 Acting Administrator Tony Robinson.

FEMA’s contribution, made possible by a Public Assistance grant, represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding

for projects directly to the state of New Mexico; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.

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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 Awards More than $5.4 Million to New Mexico for Debris and Sediment Removal

FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions in Hillsborough, Pasco Counties

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and local stores are teaming up this week to provide information and advice on cleaning up and rebuilding homes after Tropical Storm Debby.

FEMA mitigation specialists, who can explain disaster-resistant ways to repair and rebuild, will be in Hillsborough County beginning Wednesday, Aug. 8, and Pasco County beginning Friday, Aug. 10.

Mitigation specialists offer suggestions on cleaning mold and mildew. They also provide information on flood insurance.

The specialists will be available to answer questions at Lowe’s from Wednesday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, and Monday, Aug. 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The address is 1515 E. Brandon Blvd in Brandon.

They will also be available at the USA Fleamarket at 11721 U.S. Highway 19 in Port Richey from Friday, Aug. 10, through Sunday, Aug. 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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FEMA Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions in Hillsborough, Pasco Counties

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council Meets for the First Time; Council Includes Members from Louisiana and Texas

DENTON, Texas – Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Youth Preparedness Council are gathering for their inaugural meeting today in Washington, D.C., to discuss steps to strengthen the nation’s resiliency against all types of disasters.

The Council members are meeting with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and participating in roundtable discussions and plenary sessions during their two-day visit to the nation’s capital. They also will develop their annual work plan to address youth preparedness during national disasters, as well as meet with other federal and private sector partners committed to supporting their work.

“This has been an opportunity for members of the Youth Preparedness Council to share their ideas, experiences, solutions and questions on youth disaster preparedness with FEMA, other federal agencies and national organizations,” said FEMA Administrator Fugate. “Engaging youth is critical to including the whole community in national preparedness. The Youth Preparedness Council is contributing to set a national agenda for how young people play a role in emergency management.”

The Youth Preparedness Council is comprised of 13 members (13-17 years of age) from across FEMA’s 10 regions. They are all dedicated to public service; are making a difference in their community; and are expanding their impact as a national advocate for youth preparedness.

The members from FEMA Region 6 are Dorian Tre’Vaughn Gregory from Breaux Bridge, La., and Jonathan DeLong from Austin, Texas.

Council members are eligible to serve for two years.

To learn more about FEMA’s youth preparedness efforts, please visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthindex.shtm. To learn more about each council member visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthpreparednesscouncil.shtm.

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FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council Meets for the First Time; Council Includes Members from Louisiana and Texas

FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grants for Fires in Multiple Counties in Oklahoma

FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grants for Fires in Multiple Counties in Oklahoma

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved requests from the state of Oklahoma for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) for fires burning in multiple counties. This includes the Drumright Fire burning in Payne and Creek counties; the Glencoe Fire in Payne County; the Noble Fire in Cleveland County; the Freedom Fire in Creek County; and the Luther fire in Oklahoma County.

“These fires can be so devastating to communities, and we are committed to supporting our state and local partners during this time,” said FEMA Region 6 Acting Administrator Tony Robinson. “These grants will assist in the efforts to protect life and property.”

Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided. Eligible costs covered by the aid can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

An authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of state and local government eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to reimburse local firefighting efforts for fires that threaten to cause a major disaster.

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FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grants for Fires in Multiple Counties in Oklahoma

As Part of Youth Engagement, FEMA Welcomes Flat Stanley and Flat Stella

WASHINGTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) welcomed two of their newest “employees” who are charged with serving as ambassadors to America’s youth: Flat Stanley and Flat Stella. As a symbol of education and literacy, these characters help educate children across the globe, and FEMA’s Flat Stanley and Flat Stella are helping to teach children and their families about emergency preparedness.

The introduction of Flat Stanley and Flat Stella is just one part of a larger outreach effort by FEMA to America’s youth. This week, FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council will meet with senior leaders of FEMA leadership and other federal and private sector partners to develop new ways for young people to play an active part in strengthening the nation’s resiliency in the face of emergency situations. In addition to Flat Stanley and Stella, FEMA’s Ready.gov Kids (http://www.ready.gov/kids) provides materials and resources for kids and their families to take action to be prepared.

“Flat Stanley and Flat Stella are great communication tools that are being added to FEMA’s Whole Community approach to emergency management,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Reaching out to children, parents of young children, and teachers is essential in instilling a message of self-reliance, resilience and preparedness. We are using new media and emerging technologies to target and engage youth in our outreach efforts and incorporating their ideas for preparedness and emergency management.”

As part of the new Flat Stanley and Flat Stella initiative, FEMA and Flatter World, Inc. have joined forces in a collaborative effort to create interactive experiences for students, including a mobile application that provides youth with state of the art interactive and informative experiences both inside and outside of the classroom in the area of emergency preparedness.

Children, with the assistance of their parents, can download and create their own free customized character on the Flat Stanley website or through the Flat Stanley Mobile Application. They can share their experiences creating a preparedness kit and their virtual adventure tour with other Flat Stanley users.

FEMA is listed as a destination on the Flat Stanley Mobile Application so kids and their parents can create a character, send it on a virtual FEMA tour and learn how to get better prepared. On the virtual tour, characters interact with agency personnel, learn about field operations and visit other families who are putting together their own emergency preparedness plans and kits. Custom FEMA Flat Stanley and Stella templates are also available to assist in preparedness education at www.ready.gov/flatstanley.

In addition to following the Flat Stanley and Flat Stella characters through their experiences on the mobile app, kids and their families can follow the characters as new FEMA employees on FEMA’s blog. There they will post information about their experiences, share news about work that is done at the agency and offer timely tips.

Flat Stanley and Stella also have an interactive space on the Flat Stanley website, and an official e-mail account at FEMA (stanleyandstella@fema.dhs.gov) where parents and their children can contact FEMA to ask questions or offer their stories.

FLAT STANLEY® is an award-winning educational project encompassing more than 6000 schools registered in 88 countries around the world, and is included in the curriculum for more than 15% of elementary schools in the United States. FLAT STANLEY® is a trademark of the Trust u/w/o Richard C. Brown f/b/o Duncan Brown. FEMA does not endorse any non-Federal government entities.

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. The social media links provided are for reference only.

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As Part of Youth Engagement, FEMA Welcomes Flat Stanley and Flat Stella

FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant for Fire in Blaine County, Oklahoma

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved a request from the state of Oklahoma for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to help fight the Geary Fire burning in Blaine County.

“We support our local and state officials in their efforts to combat this fire threat and keep people and property safe from harm,” said FEMA Region 6 Acting Regional Administrator Tony Robinson.

Eligible state firefighting costs covered must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided. Eligible costs can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

An authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of state and local government eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to reimburse local fire fighting efforts for fires that threaten to cause a major disaster.

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FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant for Fire in Blaine County, Oklahoma

Mildew, Mold Likely in Flooded Homes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Mold in flood-damaged homes and other structures can cause health problems if it is not eliminated. People with asthma, allergies and other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold, and people with immune suppression are more susceptible to infections caused by mold, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Quick action can minimize the damage caused by mold and stop its spread. Do not wait for an inspector to begin cleanup. If possible, take pictures of the damage.

The CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency recommend the following steps:

Open windows and doors and use fans to dry out the building as quickly as possible. If possible, use wet vacuums to remove water and use dehumidifiers in closed spaces.
When working in an affected building, wear eye protection, latex or rubber gloves and a mask.
Remove baseboards and soaked drywall to a foot above the watermark and discard. Drain walls by drilling holes or pulling non-porous paneling away from the studs. Check the interior of walls for mold.
Remove porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried – carpeting and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, leather, wood, paper, food and clothing. If there is any doubt about whether the item has been affected by mold, discard it.
Hard, non-porous surfaces (metal, glass, solid wood, plastic, etc.) should be washed with non-ammonia detergent and hot water. Scrub rough surfaces like concrete. Disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a solution of water and bleach; rinse after 10 minutes. Never mix bleach with ammonia.

If the area to be cleaned exceeds 10 square feet or if assistance is required to complete cleanup, consult a professional contractor. For more information, go to http://epa.gov/mold/cleanupguidelines.html.

People who need help cleaning their homes can call the Florida Volunteer and Donation Hotline, which can connect survivors with a local volunteer agency. The number is 800-FL-HELP-1 (800-354-3571).

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Mildew, Mold Likely in Flooded Homes

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