Disaster Unemployment Assistance to Louisiana Residents Tops

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana residents whose jobs were affected by the August flooding have received more than $1 million in Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance supports Louisiana residents who:

  • Have had at least a week of unemployment as a consequence of the flooding;
  • Were unable to reach work because of flooded routes or damaged transportation;
  • Were prevented from starting a new job because of the flooding;
  • Became the monetary support for a household whose head died from the flood; or
  • Cannot work because of an injury caused by the flooding. 

Although the deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance has passed, eligible individuals who applied for the program before the deadline may receive payments until Feb. 18, 2017, as long as their unemployment continues to be disaster-related.

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Disaster Unemployment Assistance to Louisiana Residents Tops

FEMA Offers Free Resources for Property Owners Rebuilding after Disaster

NORTH LITTLE ROCK –  FEMA offers a wide range of free resources for Arkansas homeowners who are either rebuilding after the winter storms or preparing for the next time disaster strikes.

FEMA maintains an extensive online library, including bilingual and multimedia resources, which describe the measures contractors or do-it-yourselfers can take to reduce risks to property. FEMA publications can be viewed online and downloaded to any computer.

For rebuilding information, go to www.fema.gov and click on “Plan, Prepare and Mitigate.” There are numerous links to resources and topics including “Protecting Homes,” “Protecting Your Business” and “Safe, Strong and Protected Homes and Communities.” There are also links to information about disaster preparedness.

The decision to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter may save lives and property in a future disaster.

http://www.fema.gov/protect-your-property – offers a comprehensive overview of available publications to help protect your home or business against hazards including earthquakes, fire, flood, high winds and others.

http://www.fema.gov/small-business-toolkit/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster – provides links to resources for protecting your community, your business and places of worship, and offers helpful links like these:

# # #

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 Offers Free Resources for Property Owners Rebuilding after Disaster

City of Leon Valley, Texas, Unveiling High Water Mark, Announcing Initiative Targeting Local Flood Risk

DENTON, Texas – In October of 1998, the City of Leon Valley was devastated by flooding. On January 9, 2016, officials will unveil a High Water Mark in that city. They will also announce the start of a new initiative reminding residents of the community’s flood risks. Mayor Chris Riley will unveil the High Water Mark at Raymond Rimkus Park at 9:00 a.m.

The High Water Mark Initiative places a permanent High Water Mark on the Raymond Rimkus Park Walking Path. It encourages local residents and businesses to learn about their flood risks. They are also encouraged to make emergency plans and put together disaster supply kits. The initiative was based on tools and strategies developed by FEMA and eight other Federal agencies.

Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Someone with a 30 year mortgage has a 26 percent chance of flooding. That’s more than twice the chance of a fire.

Visit www.leonvalleytexas.gov or call 210-684-1391 to learn more about this initiative and use the “Cost of Flooding” tool at https://www.FloodSmart.gov to see how much damage flooding can do to your home, inch by inch.

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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.

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

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City of Leon Valley, Texas, Unveiling High Water Mark, Announcing Initiative Targeting Local Flood Risk

FEMA Offers Resources for Property Owners Rebuilding After Disaster

NORTH LITTLE ROCK –  FEMA offers a wide range of free resources for Arkansas homeowners who are either rebuilding after the spring storms or preparing for the next time disaster strikes.

FEMA maintains an extensive online library, including bilingual and multimedia resources, which describe the measures contractors or do-it-yourselfers can take to reduce risks to property. FEMA publications can be viewed online and downloaded to any computer.

For rebuilding information, go to www.fema.gov and click on “Plan, Prepare and Mitigate.” There are numerous links to resources and topics including “Protecting Homes,” “Protecting Your Business” and “Safe, Strong and Protected Homes and Communities.” There are also links to information about disaster preparedness.

The decision to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter may save lives and property in a future disaster.

http://www.fema.gov/protect-your-property – offers a comprehensive overview of available publications to help protect your home or business against hazards including earthquakes, fire, flood, high winds and others.

http://www.fema.gov/small-business-toolkit/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster – provides links to resources for protecting your community, your business and places of worship, and offers helpful links like these:

# # #

 

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 Offers Resources for Property Owners Rebuilding After Disaster

March 16-22 Is Flood Safety Awareness Week

DENTON, Texas –   Do you know what to do before, during and after a flood? Find out during Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 16-22. Emergency management experts will be reminding the public about the dangers related to flooding, ways to prepare for flood events and to prevent future damage from floods.

“Flooding is the nation’s number one natural disaster and it can happen in any of our regional states,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson.  “Homeowners, renters and business owners should find out if their home or business is at risk for flood and then take steps to address that risk.”

Before a Flood
• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

During a Flood
• Listen to local officials and monitor your local radio or television for information.
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If it does, immediately move to higher ground. 
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to suddenly flood.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. Turn Around; Don’t Drown. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.

After a Flood
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
• Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

Find more information on flooding, flood hazards, and flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov, http://www.ready.gov/floods and www.nws.noaa.gov/floodsafety/.

 

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 www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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March 16-22 Is Flood Safety Awareness Week

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Wisconsin Declaration

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Wisconsin Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

August 8, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-090Factsheet

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 Wisconsin.

Assistance for the State, Tribal, and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal, 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, tribal, and local 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, tribal, 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.

Related Links:

President Declares Disaster for Wisconsin

Last Updated:

August 8, 2013 – 22:24

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Wisconsin

and

Region V

Related Disaster:

Wisconsin Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Wisconsin Declaration

Midwestern Residents Urged to be Aware of Flood Dangers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should:

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

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

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

Additional tips to consider:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Midwestern Residents Urged to be Aware of Flood Dangers

Graham County Makes Flood Insurance Available to its Residents and Property Owners

ATLANTA – Graham County, N.C. is now a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means property owners in unincorporated areas of Graham County can purchase federally-underwritten flood insurance.

On March 21, 2013, Graham County was re-instated into the NFIP and is now among nearly 22,000 communities participating in the program nationwide.  The NFIP does more than make flood insurance available; it also supports local communities in their efforts to reduce the risk and consequences of serious flooding. In order to participate in the program, a community must agree to adopt and enforce sound floodplain management regulations and ordinances to reduce future flood damage. In exchange for these practices, flood insurance is available to homeowners, business owners and renters in participating communities.

Standard homeowner’s, business owner’s, and renter’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so a separate flood insurance policy can provide property owners with financial protection against the devastating effects of flooding. Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S., so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone.

Even if you don’t live in an area at high-risk of flooding, you should still consider flood insurance because anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods. In fact, about 25 percent of flood insurance claims occur in lower risk flood zones.

The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency which works with nearly 90 private insurance companies to provide flood insurance to property owners and renters in NFIP-participating communities.  Flood insurance policies may be written by state-licensed property and casualty insurance agents.

For more information on the National Flood Insurance Program, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Continued: 

Graham County Makes Flood Insurance Available to its Residents and Property Owners

Purchasing — and MAINTAINING — Flood Insurance is a Great Investment at Any Time

DENVER – There’s a hidden threat that strikes countless unprepared Americans each year – flooding.  Unlike fire, wind, hail or most other perils, flood damage is not covered by a homeowners policy. An uninsured flood loss can undo a lifetime’s worth of effort and create a mountain of bills. Fortunately, a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy provides the defense against such losses and can ensure that a flood doesn’t bring financial ruin.

Flooding is an ever present threat; it can happen at any time and in virtually any location. While certain areas may be more prone to flooding – especially those in coastal areas or riverine environments – history has shown that almost no place is immune to flooding.  Flooding can have many causes: a quick heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt can cause flash flooding, a blocked culvert or storm sewer drain can create flooding in a city neighborhood, or prolonged wet weather can swell streams and rivers. Even dry conditions can pose a threat, as minimal rainfall in wildfire burn areas or drought stricken regions can create flash flooding when soils are unable absorb even slight precipitation.

Flood insurance is easy to get, the only requirement is that you live in a participating community (which might be a county or other jurisdiction for those living in unincorporated areas). That’s right; you don’t need to live in a floodplain to purchase a policy. In fact, if you live outside a floodplain you may be eligible for a preferred risk policy that has a much lower premium than for a policy in a higher flood risk area. And in most cases you can purchase an NFIP policy with the insurance agent you already deal with for other insurance needs.  When that isn’t possible, NFIP can put you in touch with another agent that can get you a flood insurance policy.

One key difference of an NFIP policy from another insurance policy is the 30 day waiting period prior to the policy going into effect. But that doesn’t mean anyone should view a policy like a lottery ticket, something purchased only if flooding appears imminent. A policy should be viewed as protection against a continuing threat rather than a hedge against a singular event such as anticipated spring flooding or flooding following a wildfire.

The average cost of flood insurance is about $650 a year – less than $2 a day for financial protection from what could be devastating effects of a flood to one’s home or business. By purchasing a policy now, or keeping your existing policy, you have peace of mind. As with any insurance, be sure to talk with your agent about the specifics of your policy – how much coverage you need, coverage of contents as well as structure and any other questions you might have.

Find out more about your risk and flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov. To purchase flood insurance or find an agent, call 1-800-427-2419.

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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Purchasing — and MAINTAINING — Flood Insurance is a Great Investment at Any Time

Free Rebuilding Advice From FEMA At A Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse

CLINTON, Miss. – Mississippi residents who suffered damage from wind and flooding from Hurricane Isaac can get free advice on rebuilding stronger, more disaster-resistant homes and buildings from FEMA.

Specialists have free publications and can offer helpful advice about making repairs, rebuilding and retrofitting damaged structures. They also can make recommendations on:

  • Preparing for emergencies.
  • Repairing roofs.
  • Clearing out and reconstructing flooded buildings.
  • Cleaning up mold and mildew.
  • Protecting electrical systems and appliances.
  • Reinforcing structures from high wind.
  • Elevating buildings in flood prone regions.
  • Buying flood insurance.

Visit one of the following Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouses today through Monday, Oct. 1.

 

Hinds County

2250 Greenway Drive

Jackson, MS

Hours:

Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

Madison County

910 East County Line Rd.               

Ridgeland, MS

Hours:

Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

 

The in-store events are geared toward both do-it-yourself projects and building contractors.

Learn more about ways to protect your home and property on FEMA’s web site at www.FEMA.gov under Mitigation.

Additional information is available online:

Once a major storm hits, it’s too late to protect your home and property. There are things you can do now to reduce damage from high winds and water from future storms.

Protecting your property from flooding can involve a variety of actions from elevating a home in flood prone regions to ensuring water properly drains away from the building.

This report presents flood proofing techniques that can be used for existing residential structures.

FEMA has prepared this guide specifically for homeowners who want to know how to protect their homes from flooding

This publication shows how flood-prone houses in south Florida were elevated above the 100-year flood level following Hurricane Andrew. Alternative elevation techniques are also demonstrated.

Flooding in residential areas is bound to happen in flood-prone areas resulting in property damage. This manual is for designers, developers, builders, and others who wish to build elevated residential structures in flood-prone areas.

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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.

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.

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Free Rebuilding Advice From FEMA At A Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse

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