FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Smith Mountain Complex Wildfire

ATLANTA, Ga.–The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized federal funds to reimburse costs to Tennessee to fight the Smith Mountain Complex fire burning in Bledsoe, Hamilton and Sequatchie counties.

This authorization makes FEMA grant funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire. Eligible costs can include labor, equipment and supplies used for fighting the fire and costs for emergency work such as evacuations and sheltering, police barricading and traffic control.

“This wildfire threatens lives, structures and property, so FEMA has approved this request to make certain that Tennessee continues to have tools and personnel to fight this, and other fires, in the state,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “We will continue to work closely with our state and local partners, who are the frontline responders battling this wildfire.”

The state requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), and it was granted in the early morning of November 11, 2016. The fire started on November 5, and has burned more than 2,400 acres of state and private land. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 330 homes in and around the Smith Mountain Complex. The fire is also threatening the Windridge Community. Mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 15 to 30 homes and evacuations are expected to increase.

Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to fight fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided.

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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.

Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips.

 

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FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Smith Mountain Complex Wildfire

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Tennessee Wildfires

ATLANTA, Ga.–The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized federal funds to reimburse costs to Tennessee to fight the Flippers Bend Fire burning in Hamilton County.

This authorization makes FEMA grant funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire. Eligible costs can include labor, equipment and supplies used for fighting the fire and costs for emergency work such as evacuations and sheltering, police barricading and traffic control.

“FEMA approved this request to ensure that Tennessee has the resources to combat this fire and protect lives, structures and property,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “State responders will continue the hard work to fight the fire with the help of this funding.”

The state requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), and it was granted after 9:00 PM EST on November 9, 2016. The fire started on November 5, and has burned in excess of 800 acres of state and private land. There are 47 other large fires burning uncontrolled across the state. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 45 homes in and around the Boston Branch community. Mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 15 to 20 homes and evacuations are expected to increase. The fire is also threatening the Town of Mont Lake and the Mile Straight community.

Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to fight fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided.

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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.

Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips.

 

Link: 

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Tennessee Wildfires

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Bastrop, Rayville and West Monroe, Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. –Disaster recovery centers will open Saturday, March 26, in Bastrop, Rayville and West Monroe to help Louisiana flood survivors. The centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays until further notice. The centers will be closed on Easter Sunday, March 27.

The disaster recovery centers are located at the following addresses:

Fifth Judicial Court Building
112 Morgan St., Suite D
Rayville, Richland Parish, La.

LSU Agricultural Center 9609 Marlatt St.
Bastrop, Morehouse Parish, La.

Ike Hamilton Center 501 Mane St.
West Monroe, Ouachita Parish, La.

More centers are planned to open in other parishes.

Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, volunteer groups  and other agencies are at the centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register for and receive federal disaster assistance. If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center.

To register, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
 
Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service or require accommodations while visiting a center may call 800-621-3362. All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are available for businesses of all sizes including landlords, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For information call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or go online to  www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4263.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s  www.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at  www.emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information on Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service.  You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.

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

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800)877-8339.

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Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Bastrop, Rayville and West Monroe, Louisiana

Summary Of Hurricane Sandy News For Weekly Newspapers

Deadline for Hurricane Sandy Assistance Extended to March 1

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors now have until March 1 to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA can provide money to homeowners to repair uninsured damage to essential living areas. Also, homeowners and renters may receive money to replace essential personal property.   

Registering with FEMA can be done online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.

Survivors also have until March 1 to return disaster loan applications to the Small Business Administration.

Call FEMA With Questions About Determination Letters

Hurricane survivors who have received a determination letter from FEMA saying they are ineligible for assistance and they disagree with that determination should contact FEMA and file an appeal.

Applicants with questions about any correspondence from FEMA should call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362)/TTY 800-462-7585 or visit a disaster recovery center and speak to a representative about their particular situation.

Disaster Recovery Centers Provide One-on-one Assistance

At a disaster recovery center, Sandy survivors can get clarification on determination letters, check on the status of their applications and get information on other agencies that may provide help.

SBA representatives are available to help survivors apply for low-interest disaster loans as well as FEMA mitigation specialists who can provide information on cost-effective building and repair techniques to reduce property damage.

Centers serving New Jersey’s coastal counties are still open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are located in:

  • Ocean County

Brick-Brick Township Civic Center, 270 Chambers Bridge Road.

Toms River-Bell Crest Plaza Store Front 4C, 863 Fischer Blvd.

Little Egg Harbor-Little Egg Harbor Senior Center, 641 Radio Road.

Manahawkin-Ocean County Southern Resource Center, 179A South Main St.

  • Monmouth County

Leonardo-Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, 945 Highway 36.

Union Beach-Union Beach Municipal Building, 650 Poole Ave.

Monmouth-Belmar Municipal Building  601 Main St.

Long Branch-Long Branch Fire Station No. 4, 205 Union Ave.

  •  Atlantic County

Atlantic City-Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk.

Mays Landing-Hamilton Mall, 4403 Blackhorse Pike.

  • Cape May County

Ocean City-Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave.

  • Hudson County

Jersey City-Hudson County Government Building, 830 Bergen Ave.

  • Middlesex County

Sayreville-Sayreville Senior Center, 423 Main St.

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: 

Summary Of Hurricane Sandy News For Weekly Newspapers

Monday Last Chance to Visit Disaster Recovery Centers in Dekalb, Jackson and Overton County

Monday Last Chance to Visit Disaster Recovery Centers in Dekalb, Jackson and Overton County 

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4060-009

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — survivors of the Feb. 29 – March 2 tornadoes have until 6 p.m., Monday, April 2, to visit disaster recovery centers in DeKalb, Jackson and Overton counties, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Specialists are currently available at the centers to help survivors with specific questions and in completing FEMA registration or low-interest disaster loan applications. This one-on-one help is available to homeowners, renters, businesses and qualified non-profits

Survivors are urged to visit the centers that remain open in Bradley, Claiborne, Cumberland, Hamilton, McMinn and Monroe counties. Representatives from the state, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the centers to explain assistance programs and help survivors register for disaster aid.

If possible, before visiting a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses should register with FEMA. Registering can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes.

Survivors can use any of the following methods:

  1. Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) which is video relay service accessible. Help is available in most languages. People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  2. Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  3. Register using a tablet or smartphone by visiting m.fema.gov

The deadline to apply for individual assistance through FEMA is May 15.

Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration also are available at the recovery center to help survivors with applications for low-interest disaster loans available to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. The deadline to return loan applications to SBA is May 15. Survivors may call 800-659-2955 (TTY) or visit the SBA website at www.sba.gov.

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.

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 Modified: Wednesday, 28-Mar-2012 10:37:43

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Monday Last Chance to Visit Disaster Recovery Centers in Dekalb, Jackson and Overton County

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Thursday In Hamilton, McMinn And Monroe Counties

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Thursday In Hamilton, McMinn And Monroe Counties 

Release Date: March 21, 2012
Release Number: 4060-002

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

ATLANTA, Ga. — The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announce the openings of disaster recovery centers in Hamilton, McMinn and Monroe counties to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding Feb. 29 – March 2. The centers will open at noon Thursday, March 22 and will remain open that day until 6 p.m.

Beginning Friday, March 23, center hours will be 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The centers will remain open until further notice.

Representatives from the state, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the center to explain assistance programs and help survivors register for disaster aid.

The disaster recovery centers will be located at the following addresses:

Hamilton County

Chattanooga Fire Dept. Station #7
6911 Discovery Dr.
Chattanooga, TN 37416

McMinn/Polk counties

Etowah Rural Fire and Rescue
1018 Tennessee Ave.
Etowah, TN 37331

Monroe County

Tellico Plains Community Center
132 Bank St.
Tellico Plains, TN 37385

If possible, before visiting a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses should register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Applicants using TTY can call 800-462-7585. Help is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Survivors can also register by computer online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If using a smartphone or tablet, register at m.fema.gov.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include grants for rental assistance and home repairs, low-interest loans from the SBA to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.

For more information, visit www.TNEMA.org and www.FEMA.gov/assistance.

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 Modified: Thursday, 22-Mar-2012 10:50:21

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Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Thursday In Hamilton, McMinn And Monroe Counties