Statements by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and US Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell on the Wildfire in Arizona

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Release date:

July 1, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-069

Statement by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate:
 
“Yesterday the emergency management community lost 19 of our family. When wildfires threaten lives and communities, firefighters bravely face some of the most unpredictable and dangerous conditions that mother nature has to offer. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona. FEMA stands behind the first responders who continue to fight the blazes across the West.”
 
Statement by U.S. Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell:
 
“It is with great sorrow that I received news of the loss of 19 firefighters responding to the Yarnell Hill Fire in Yavapai County, Arizona. This is a tragic loss for the citizens of Arizona and the nation as a whole.  These brave firefighters were responding to a wildfire with the potential to destroy homes and structures in a wildfire season among the worst in many years.
 
“The U.S. Fire Administration remains in close coordination with the fire-fighting communities in Arizona, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Department of Interior and the National Interagency Fire Center. FEMA recently awarded a fire management assistance grant for the Yarnell Hill Fire, making financial support available for ongoing efforts to fight and mitigate the volatile wildfire conditions.”

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.

Last Updated:

July 1, 2013 – 14:52

Excerpt from – 

Statements by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and US Fire Administrator Ernest Mitchell on the Wildfire in Arizona

TRENTON, N.J. –The Federal Emergency Management Agency reminds state agencies and local jurisdictions that the State of New Jersey has extended the deadline to Oct. 31 to complete debris removal and emergency work under FEMA’s PublicAssistance program.

The extension provides extra time for eligible state agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations to complete their debris removal and emergency work projects.

Under the Public Assistance program, funds are made available to the State of New Jersey, which then distributes grant money to the applicants based on a cost share.

To learn more about FEMA Public Assistance in New Jersey, visit fema.gov/public-assistance-localstate-tribal-and-non-profit and state.nj.us/njoem/plan/public-assist.html.

For more information about New Jersey’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4086twitter.com/FEMASandy, facebook.com/FEMASandy and fema.gov/blog.

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.

Source – 

Deadline To Complete Debris Removal, Emergency Work After Sandy Extended To Oct. 31

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

TRENTON, N.J. — All disaster recovery centers in New Jersey will be closed Saturday, Feb. 9, due to forecasted severe weather. Centers will reopen Monday, Feb. 11, at 9 a.m.

Help and information are always available online or by phone. Survivors can check on the status of their disaster assistance applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using a smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS.

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.

Source:  

New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers Closed Saturday

TRENTON, N.J. — Saturday hours for New Jersey disaster recovery centers will change to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 2. Monday through Friday the hours will remain 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Survivors can locate their closest center online at FEMA.gov/DRC.

Help and information are always available online or by phone. Survivors can apply for disaster assistance or check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using a smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS.

Survivors can ask questions about their Small Business Administration disaster home loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ

There have been more than 67,000 survivor visits to New Jersey centers since opening in November.

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 here – 

Disaster Recovery Center Hours Change Saturday

TRENTON, N.J. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of New Jersey will continue to help the dwindling number of families needing transitional sheltering assistance during a two-week extension of the program.

FEMA has continuously been in contact with households in the transitional sheltering program to determine their housing needs and how to help them. From those contacts, FEMA and the state of New Jersey recognized the declining need for the program.

Approximately 1,300 households currently using the program have told FEMA that they have worked out longer-term housing. Transitional sheltering is a short-term solution for housing and the extension will end Jan. 26.

Since the program began on Nov. 1, 2012, more than 5,400 people have stayed in more than 430 hotels and motels. The average stay is 25 days.

FEMA provides disaster survivors with rental resources and referrals to partner agencies to help with temporary housing needs.

FEMA reminds applicants to call the FEMA Helpline or visit a disaster recovery center for assistance if their needs or living situation change. Call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.

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.

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Transitional Sheltering Assistance Winds Down

TRENTON, N.J. — Some households with property damage received a letter from FEMA that said “insufficient damage.” The FEMA housing inspector reported that the essential living areas in the home were safe, sanitary and functional. People who disagree can ask for a re-inspection.

FEMA can only provide rent or repair money when there is damage to the living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms used by occupants of the home.

FEMA will reconsider a request for housing assistance, and there are other options:

  • Request a re-inspection. Call the FEMA helpline by phone or 711/VRS at 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585.
  • Complete and return your SBA low-interest disaster loan application if you received one. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides disaster loans for individuals. Loan funds may be available for damage to all living areas.
  • Get volunteer help. Dozens of private nonprofit groups are helping in New Jersey. Some  groups provide volunteers to help out with minor repairs to homes. For more information call 2-1-1 or visit NJ211.org online.
  • File an appeal. Any decision by FEMA can be appealed. Filing an appeal relating to habitability requires verifiable documentation to show the disaster caused damage that made the housing uninhabitable. Appeal letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the decision letter.

For information on filing an appeal, survivors should refer to the “Help After Disaster” guide, which is mailed to everyone who registers with FEMA. The guide also is available online at www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

All applicants will receive a letter from FEMA. If you do not understand it, visit a disaster recovery center or call the FEMA helpline.

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.

 

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FEMA Housing Assistance Is Based On Damage To Essential Living Areas

TRENTON, N.J. – Nearly six weeks after Hurricane Sandy ravaged New Jersey, survivors have a chance to reconsider a decision they made in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

Thousands of New Jersey survivors answered “will not relocate” when FEMA housing inspectors asked what they planned to do while repairs are being made on their homes or apartments. That response made them ineligible for FEMA temporary housing assistance.

Some who would like FEMA help today may find the window still open.

Here’s what to do:

  • If it has been less than 30 days since you received a FEMA determination letter, call 800-621-3362 and tell FEMA that your housing situation has changed and that you’d like temporary housing assistance.
  • However, if it has been more than 30 days since you received a FEMA determination letter, you will need to reply in a letter to FEMA stating that you want to change your earlier response, explain how your circumstances have changed and that you’d like FEMA temporary housing assistance.

Survivors can follow up on previous applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Help is also available at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, which can be found at  www.fema.gov/DRCloc.                                                      

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.

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Changed Your Mind About Staying In Your Storm Damaged Home? Tell FEMA Now

WASHINGTON — Today, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate traveled to New York and New Jersey to meet with federal, state and local officials and to discuss ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy. During his visit, Administrator Fugate emphasized that communities in impacted states have the continued, full support of FEMA and the federal family.

In Freeport, NY, Administrator Fugate met with state and local officials to discuss recovery planning for Freeport and Nassau County and how federal programs can support local efforts. Following the meeting, Administrator Fugate surveyed damage in some of the county’s hardest hit areas.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, for designated counties in New York and New Jersey.

Administrator Fugate next traveled to New Jersey, where he visited the Middlesex County Emergency Operations Center and met with state and local officials to discuss recovery efforts, both in the county and throughout the state of New Jersey. At the Sayreville Water Pumping Station, Administrator Fugate was briefed on the impact of Sandy on the station and the emergency efforts undertaken during the storm to restore operations at the facility.

In both New York and New Jersey, Administrator Fugate reiterated FEMA’s continued support for communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy and encouraged impacted residents to register for federal assistance.

President Obama declared major disasters for New York and New Jersey on October 30, making federal assistance available to affected individuals and businesses. Impacted residents in designated counties can apply for assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.  The toll-free telephone numbers are operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

 

Link – 

Readout of FEMA Administrator Fugate’s visit to New York & New Jersey

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s emergency disaster declaration issued for the District of Columbia.

Assistance for District of Columbia Can Include as Required:

  • FEMA is authorized to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the designated areas.
  • Specifically, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent Federal funding.

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 are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Originally from – 

Federal Aid Programs for the District of Columbia Emergency Declaration

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