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The Filing Deadline for the National Flood Insurance Program is October 29

NEW YORK – The time limit to file proof of loss claims for policyholders affected by Hurricane Sandy is Oct. 29, 2014.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) usually requires policyholders to submit a fully documented, signed and sworn proof-of-loss claim within 60 days from the date of their loss.

The magnitude of the Sandy disaster is the reason the filing deadline was extended for two years to give policyholders additional time to file claims.

The Proof of Loss document is included in the claims package that documents flood losses. The claims package should include:

photos and/or video of the flooding and resulting damage

a comprehensive, itemized list of what was damaged

receipts, if possible, for damaged items along with any other supporting documents showing the value of what you lost

As for filing, the location is dependent upon who wrote the policy. If a Standard Flood Insurance Policy was issued by a Write Your Own program-participating insurance company, the claimant should contact their insurance agent or the carrier directly to find out the proper address for submitting the Proof of Loss with supporting documentation.

To download a blank NFIP Proof of Loss document: http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2545

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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The Filing Deadline for the National Flood Insurance Program is October 29

Hurricane Sandy: After two years, $13.6 billion, FEMA continues N.Y. recovery

NEW YORK—Since Hurricane Sandy made landfall Oct. 29, 2012, FEMA, in partnership with the federal family and state and local governments, has been on the scene helping individuals, government entities and eligible non-profits as New York recovers from the storm’s devastation.

FEMA has funded more than 3,500 Public Assistance projects including repairing and restoring hospitals, schools, transit venues, waterways, parks, beaches, marinas, water treatment plants and public buildings. A roster of services has been restored, including utilities critical to everyday life. Billions of federal dollars have been expended during the past two years. The numbers below tell the story.

2	It has been two years since Hurricane Sandy struck New York.
$13.6 billion	Total FEMA has already provided to New York.
$1 billion	The dollars given to help survivors get back on their feet with temporary housing assistance, disaster unemployment and other needs assistance.
$3.9 billion	Amount paid by FEMA to 53,288 policyholders for flood claims through its National Flood Insurance Program.
$5.5 billion	Total Public Assistance obligated to communities and certain non-profit organizations to help recover from Hurricane Sandy and includes: $620.6 million for debris removal $1.22 billion for emergency work $3.68 billion for permanent work
$1.7 billion	Added to permanent repair projects to protect against future damage.
$84.7 million	Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to projects throughout the state to protect against future damage.
$1.5 billion	Small Business Administration loans for homeowners and businesses affected by the storm.

To learn more about FEMA Public Assistance in New York, visit: fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery.

For more information, visit http://www.fema.gov/sandy-recovery-office

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Hurricane Sandy: After two years, $13.6 billion, FEMA continues N.Y. recovery

New Orleans’ Edgewood Park Named to National Register of Historic Places

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in partnership with the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) are pleased to announce the new listing of New Orleans’ Edgewood Park Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places. The listing, approved by the National Park Service in late September, marks a major milestone for the community and those involved in the nomination process.

Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, FEMA surveyed the city of New Orleans to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act which requires FEMA to consider the effects of its program grants on historic properties.

During the process, FEMA collaborated with community members, preservation organizations and the State Historic Preservation Officer to document the richness and cultural heritage of the city. In doing so, it became clear that many neighborhoods and districts might be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. In order to be considered, a property’s significance and integrity are reviewed and evaluated.

During the survey, FEMA identified Edgewood Park as a notable historic neighborhood that clearly met many of the eligibility requirements for consideration. The Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) requested that FEMA officially nominate Edgewood Park to the National Register as one of the mitigation measures specified in the Hazard Mitigation Programmatic Agreement as a public benefit to the neighborhood, the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.

FEMA conducted extensive research and documentation over several years utilizing a team of historic preservation specialists and historic architects. SHPO provided feedback and input and a final nomination document was prepared and submitted in July 2014 to the state’s national Register Review Committee.

Developed in 1909, Edgewood Park appealed to residents due to its streetcar accessibility, bucolic nature, high natural elevation, new drainage systems, cement sidewalks and a short commute to downtown New Orleans.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, some buildings in the southern end had floodwaters up to the eaves but the neighborhood, now nine years later, has recovered and retained its historical integrity. Today, Edgewood Park features many early to mid-20th century architectural styles.

“Edgewood Park’s official designation on the National Register of Historic Places is first and foremost, honorary, and it is a great privilege to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places,” said Jessica G. Richardson, National Register Coordinator for the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation. “Additionally, there are benefits associated with listing on the National Register including eligibility for certain Federal and State tax incentives, a Restoration Tax Abatement Program, and the ability to apply for grants when they are available,” continued Richardson. “Edgewood Park’s listing on the National Register does not restrict the use of a property.”

FEMA continues to collaborate with local and state officials, community members and preservations groups to ensure that all revitalization projects comply with federal and state laws by exploring ways to avoid, minimize and offset any negative effects to properties listed on the National Register.

For more information on this district and the wealth of historic resources in the State of Louisiana, visit SHPO’s website at http://www.crt.state.la.us/cultural-development/historic-preservation/index. or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Louisiana-Office-of-Cultural-Development/….

You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/nr/.

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New Orleans’ Edgewood Park Named to National Register of Historic Places

FDRC Initiative Brings Colleges, Towns Together For Recovery

EATONTOWN, N.J. — It started with an emergency grant request. Then a marketing plan needed to be developed. Dunes needed repair and construction permits needed to be filed. Then someone decided a wastewater feasibility study was worth pursuing.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, students and faculty at colleges and universities in New Jersey lent their expertise to all of these projects and more. It was done with the guidance of the Academic Recovery Team (ART), a creation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator’s office.

The ART team is a group of experts from various academic institutions and disciplines, including landscape architecture, coastal engineering, environmental policy, economic and community planning, emergency management and homeland security.

FEMA reached out to colleges around the state to create the ART. Participating schools now include Richard Stockton College, Rowan University, Monmouth University, Rutgers’ Department of Landscape Architecture, Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Montclair State University.

“We sought out most of those schools,” FDRC’s Mark Strohoefer said. “We were looking for places that could provide skill sets the towns needed – engineering, architecture, business schools, economics, and social work.” He also said that the schools were interested in a more formal format for handling disaster relief, and that FDRC would be interested in contacting other colleges based on geography and the demands of future projects.

One of the initial impulses behind the creation of ART was that colleges had been getting involved in disaster relief work before, but weren’t communicating and working with the surrounding communities. ART allows FEMA and FDRC to match the skills and competencies of students and faculty with suitable projects, providing a benefit to both the college and the town.

It began immediately after Hurricane Sandy struck, when Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor Township had an urgent need for a grant writer. The FDRC put the municipalities in touch with Stockton, who sent a student volunteer to assist. Later, a marketing class went to Tuckerton to create marketing plans for the town. The college started a “Downtown and Main Street” roundtable consisting of professors, three FEMA representatives, and mayors, city council members and business leaders from five neighboring towns.

The Stockton Center for Community Engagement announced the Adopt-a-Town program, which will enhance connections between the school’s students and faculty and towns in need of help recovering from disasters. Through the program, which officially launched in mid-September 2014, the school adopted Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor Township as its partners. Over the next two years, the alliance expects to expand the Tuckerton marketing plan, create an economic development plan for the area and build three rain gardens.

Strohoefer credits the Center for Community Engagement with driving the initiative in its early days. It was Stockton officials who brought FDRC and Rowan together.

This past summer, Rowan students began a 12-month long wastewater feasibility study for Cumberland County. NJIT offered “Alternative Spring Break” and had approximately 40 students go to Sea Bright to work on repairing dunes, and Monmouth students helped the Highlands construction department clear a backlog of permit applications.

The extra assistance is welcome, as many of the municipalities affected by Sandy were small towns, which lack the personnel, money, or expertise to deal with the multitude of issues they faced post-Sandy. When Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor Township and neighboring Eagleswood Township needed help managing their coastline issues, FEMA helped them combine into one project to present to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor Township were awarded a $2.4 million grant from NJDEP.

Two years after Sandy, Strohoefer sees FEMA’s role with the ART and the schools shifting from coordinating recovery to a greater emphasis on preparedness. When FEMA’s mission in New Jersey is over, a state entity is expected to take over and ensure that the team will be ready for the next disaster. The ultimate goal, Strohoefer says, is to create a system that can work for any disaster in any state.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, 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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FDRC Initiative Brings Colleges, Towns Together For Recovery

Stay Prepared: Hurricane Season Doesn’t End with Summer

Eatontown, N.J. — Hurricane season officially begins each year on June 1, but unlike firemen’s fairs, cookouts and fun at the beach, the season for hurricanes doesn’t end along with the summer.

As a new school year begins, now may be a good time to check your stock of batteries, bottled water and other emergency supplies that may be needed should New Jersey experience an autumn hurricane.

While storm frequency tends to peak in August and September, hurricane season in the United States extends to November 30, and while the risk of a Thanksgiving storm may seem remote, it could happen.

In 2012, Superstorm Sandy only missed it by a few weeks.

Sandy made landfall in New Jersey as a tropical cyclone on October 29, flooding coastal communities, taking down trees, tearing up infrastructure and demolishing homes and businesses throughout the state. Forty New Jersey residents lost their lives.

Two years later, the ongoing expenses of repair, rebuilding and recovery from Sandy have made it the second costliest storm in United States history after Katrina, an August 29 storm that devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005.

Like Sandy, many of the most destructive storms in United States history have occurred after Labor Day, causing massive loss of life and property damage in the billions.

On September 8, 1900, a category 4 hurricane engulfed Galveston Island, Texas. Storm tides as high as 15 feet swept away homes and businesses, killing an estimated 8,000 people.

On September 18, 1920, a category 4 hurricane bearing the highest sustained winds ever recorded at that time slammed into Miami Beach and downtown Miami. Believing the storm was over, thousands of people emerged from their homes during a half-hour lull at the eye of the storm and were trapped without shelter as it regained its ferocity. Every building in downtown Miami was either damaged or destroyed and hundreds of people were killed. The storm then crossed into the Gulf of Mexico, where it destroyed virtually every pier, vessel and warehouse on the Pensacola coast.

In the end, more than 800 people were reported missing after the storm and though records are incomplete, the Red Cross recorded 373 deaths and 6,381 injuries as a result of the hurricane.

On September 20 and 21, 1938, a fast-moving hurricane struck the Mid-Atlantic and New England with such force that thousands of people were taken by surprise. On Long Island, some 20 people watching an afternoon movie at a local cinema were swept out to sea and drowned. One of the victims was the theater’s projectionist. In downtown Providence, Rhode Island, flood waters rapidly flooded streets, submerging automobiles and street cars as their occupants fled to the high floors of office buildings to escape drowning. The record-breaking storm was responsible for 600 deaths, causing $308 million in damage in the midst of the Great Depression.

On October 14, 1954, Hurricane Hazel made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane near Calabash, North Carolina, inundating the coastline with an 18-foot storm surge on a lunar high tide. When the storm passed, only 5 of 357 buildings in Long Beach, North Carolina were still standing. The Raleigh, North Carolina Weather reported that “all traces of civilization on the immediate waterfront between the state line and Cape Fear were practically annihilated.” Nineteen people were killed in North Carolina, with several hundred more injured; 15,000 homes were destroyed and another 39,000 were damaged.

On September 11, 1960, Hurricane Donna barreled across Florida, then traveled east through North Carolina, the Mid-Atlantic states and New England, causing $387 million in damage in the United States and $13 million elsewhere along its path.

Accounts like the ones above illustrate the importance of making a plan to protect your family and property from the potentially devastating effects of a hurricane or tropical storm.

With that in mind, why not take a minute to inventory your emergency supplies and schedule a trip to the store to stock up on items that you may need in an emergency.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website, www.ready.gov, has as wealth of information on how to plan, prepare and protect your family should another disaster like Sandy occur in the coming months.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.”

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Stay Prepared: Hurricane Season Doesn’t End with Summer

Ten Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Ivan

ATLANTA—Ten years ago “Ivan the Terrible,” as the deadly hurricane was dubbed, ripped across the Gulf Coast as the strongest storm of the 2004 season. Ten years later, Hurricane Ivan serves as a reminder that the time to prepare for the next hurricane is now.

Ivan is remembered for its storm surge, extensive rains, and 117 tornadoes that caused coastal and inland flooding and tornado damage across much of the southeastern United States. Strong winds spread well inland—damaging homes, and downing trees and power lines. Ten states from Louisiana to New York received federal disaster declarations, including five in the southeast.

Ivan made its first U.S. landfall on September 16, as a strong Category 3 hurricane, just west of Gulf Shores, Alabama, with its strongest winds occurring near the Alabama-Florida panhandle border. Wind and high surf caused extensive damage to Innerarity Point and Orange Beach, Alabama. In Florida, storm surge took out portions of the Interstate 10 bridge system in Pensacola Bay and Perdido Key was significantly damaged. Thousands of homes in Baldwin County (Alabama) and Escambia, and Santa Rosa Counties in Florida were damaged or destroyed. In Escambia County alone debris piles were more than three-quarters of a mile long and 70 feet high. In all, Ivan was the most destructive hurricane to affect this area in more than 100 years.

“Hurricane Ivan serves as a reminder, especially during National Preparedness Month, that we all need to be ready for disasters and emergencies,” said FEMA Region IV Acting Regional Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “September is also the height of hurricane season, so preparing now is even more critical for families and businesses in the Southeast.”

Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare

September marks National Preparedness Month, and this week’s anniversary of Hurricane Ivan is an opportune time to plan for specific needs before a disaster. Whether you are planning for your family, your business or a faith-based or voluntary organization, use this week to understand your preparedness needs. Develop plans ahead of the next disaster. Information to help you make an emergency plan is at www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov. National Preparedness Month culminates on September 30 with America’s PrepareAthon! Check out the information and plan to participate.

Following Hurricane Ivan, FEMA provided:

In Alabama—More than $190 million in grants to more than 89,200 applicants through the Individuals and Households Program for lodging expenses, rental assistance, minor home repairs and other needs assistance; more than $222 million for emergency protective measures, or for the repair or replacement of public infrastructure and public utilities;

In Florida: More than $164 million in grants to more than 79,390 applicants through the Individuals and Households Program for lodging expenses, rental assistance, minor home repairs and other needs assistance; more than $695 million for emergency protective measures, or for the repair or replacement of public infrastructure and public utilities;

In Georgia: More than $4 million in grants to more than 1,300 applicants through the Individuals and Households Program for lodging expenses, rental assistance, minor home repairs and other needs assistance; more than $11 million for emergency protective measures, or for the repair or replacement of public infrastructure and public utilities;

In Mississippi: More than $8.5 million in grants to more than 4,530 applicants through the Individuals and Households Program for lodging expenses, rental assistance, minor home repairs and other needs assistance; more than $14 million for emergency protective measures, or for the repair or replacement of public infrastructure and public utilities;

In North Carolina: More than $13 million in grants to more than 4,000 applicants through the Individuals and Households Program for lodging expenses, rental assistance, minor home repairs and other needs assistance; more than $32 million for emergency protective measures, or for the repair or replacement of public infrastructure and public utilities.

The time to prepare for the next hurricane is now. September is National Preparedness Month, and there is no better time to consider how prepared you and your family are for the next disaster. Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov for a wealth of emergency preparedness resources, including how to create a family emergency plan, build an emergency kit and take part in a community preparedness event. Be Smart. Take Part. Prepare.

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Ten Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Ivan

Ten Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Frances

ATLANTA – September 5 marks 10 years since Hurricane Frances hit Florida and brings timely reminders to be prepared for hurricanes.

Floridians were still recovering from Hurricane Charley as Frances bore down on the east coast of Florida three weeks later. Frances was as big as the state of Texas and twice the size of Charley. As Frances moved slowly over the ocean and approached the coast, orders were given and 2.8 million residents of 41 Florida counties evacuated—the largest evacuation in Florida’s history since Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Frances made landfall on Florida’s east coast as a Category 2 hurricane early on September 5, crossed the Florida Peninsula, and later that night made a second landfall in the Big Bend region.

While Hurricane Frances is remembered for the evacuation, situations requiring people to leave their homes, can happen without warning. Hurricanes may give residents a day or two to move to a safer location, but a fire, chemical spill or transportation accident may require immediate evacuation. Many disasters allow little time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning now is essential.

Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare

September marks National Preparedness Month, and this week’s anniversary of Hurricane Frances is an opportune time to plan how to ‘Reconnect and Reunite with Family Following a Disaster.’ Take time this week to talk with your family about where you will meet and how you will contact each other if separated. Develop plans, including knowing your evacuation zone and routes, ahead of the next severe storm. Information to help you make a family emergency plan is at www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov. Start your plan today! National Preparedness Month culminates on September 30 with America’s PrepareAthon! Check out the information and plan to participate.

Following Hurricane Frances, FEMA provided:

Nearly $412 million in grants to more than 229,500 applicants through the Individuals and Households Program for lodging expenses, rental assistance, minor home repairs and other needs assistance;
Nearly $2.5 million for Disaster Unemployment Assistance;
More than $649 million for emergency protective measures, or for the repair or replacement of public infrastructure and public utilities;
More than $99 million in funding for mitigation projects to help reduce damage from future storms.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided:

More than $227 million in low-interest disaster loans to nearly 11,000 renters and homeowners;
More than $200 million to nearly 2,000 businesses.

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Ten Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Frances

FEMA Urges Preparedness in Hawaii Ahead of Hurricanes Iselle and Julio

Hawaii Residents and Visitors Urged to Follow Direction of Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its National Watch Center in Washington and its Pacific Area Office in Oahu, is continuing to monitor Hurricanes Iselle and Julio in the Pacific Ocean. FEMA is in close contact with emergency management partners in Hawaii.

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Iselle is about 900 miles east southeast of Honolulu with sustained winds of 85 MPH, and Hurricane Julio is about 1,650 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, with sustained winds of 75 MPH. Tropical storm conditions are possible on the Big Island of Hawaii on Thursday. These adverse weather conditions may spread to Maui County and Oahu Thursday night or Friday. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Hawaii County, and tropical storm watches are in effect for Maui County and Oahu.

“I urge residents and visitors to follow the direction of state and local officials,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. “Be prepared and stay tuned to local media – weather conditions can change quickly as these storms approach.”

When disasters occur, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations and numerous private interest groups who provide emergency assistance required to protect the public’s health and safety and to meet immediate human needs.

Although there have been no requests for federal disaster assistance at this time, FEMA has personnel on the ground who are positioned in the Pacific Area Office year round. An Incident Management Assistance Team has also been deployed to Hawaii to coordinate with state and local officials, should support be requested, or needed.

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories.

Safety and Preparedness Tips

Residents and visitors in potentially affected areas should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have a plan for their pets.
Storm surge can be the greatest threat to life and property from a tropical storm or hurricane. It poses a significant threat for drowning and can occur before, during, or after the center of a storm passes through an area. Storm surge can sometimes cut off evacuation routes, so do not delay leaving if an evacuation is ordered for your area.
Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous and almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas, at bridges and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
If you encounter flood waters, remember – turn around, don’t drown.
Get to know the terms that are used to identify severe weather and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued.

For a Tropical Storm:

A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 39 MPH or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours.
A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 MPH or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less.

For Flash Flooding:

A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding.
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.
A Flash Flood Emergency is issued when severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from a flash flood is imminent or ongoing.

More safety tips on hurricanes and tropical storms can be found at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

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FEMA Urges Preparedness in Hawaii Ahead of Hurricanes Iselle and Julio

FEMA: Follow Evacuation Orders; Residents and Visitors Urged to Follow Direction of Local Officials

WASHINGTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its National Response Coordination Center in Washington and its regional offices in Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York and Boston, and in coordination with the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center, is continuing to monitor Hurricane Arthur.

FEMA remains in close contact with emergency management partners in potentially affected states, and the agency encourages those in Arthur’s path to follow any evacuation orders given by local officials. FEMA also urges residents and visitors in potentially affected areas to monitor the storm closely and take steps now to be prepared in advance of severe weather.

“As the holiday approaches, we continue to warn residents and visitors to be aware of evacuation routes in case an evacuation is ordered by state and local officials”, said Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator. “If an evacuation order is given by local officials – leave.”

Yesterday, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate spoke with North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry about preparedness efforts and to ensure there were no unmet needs.

FEMA has liaisons in the emergency operations centers in North Carolina and South Carolina along with an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) in North Carolina to coordinate with state, tribal, and local officials, should support be requested or needed. FEMA is currently working with its federal partners at the Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta and Boston and has also activated its National Response Coordination Center in Washington D.C.

Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) personnel and equipment have been placed on alert to provide emergency management partners with secure and non-secure voice, video and information services in support of emergency response communications.

According to the National Weather Service, a Hurricane Warning is in effect for portions of North Carolina coast as Hurricane Arthur moves northward. Also, a Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Hurricane conditions are expected within portions of the hurricane warning area by tonight. The tropical storm conditions are expected to spread northward in the tropical storm and hurricane warning areas later today and tonight. The National Hurricane Center is forecasting that Hurricane Arthur may become a Category 2 storm when it passes over or near the North Carolina coast. Visit hurricanes.gov and weather.gov for the latest storm track and local forecasts and warnings.

As the first hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season, Hurricane Arthur serves as a reminder for residents in areas prone to tropical storms and hurricanes to refresh their emergency kits and review family emergency plans. Those who do not have an emergency kit or family plan can learn about steps to take now to prepare for severe weather at ready.gov.

Safety and Preparedness Tips

Residents and visitors in potentially affected areas should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have a plan for their pets. Individuals should visit ready.gov or listo.gov to learn these and other preparedness tips for tropical storms.
Know your evacuation zone and be sure to follow the direction of state, tribal and local officials if an evacuation is ordered for your area.
Storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. It poses a significant threat for drowning and can occur before, during, or after the center of a storm passes through an area. Storm surge can sometimes cut off evacuation routes, so do not delay leaving if an evacuation is ordered for your area.
Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous and almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas, at bridges and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
If you encounter flood waters, remember – turn around, don’t drown.
Hurricanes have the potential for tornado formation. If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately in the center of a small interior room (closet, interior hallway) on the lowest level of a sturdy building. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
Get to know the terms that are used to identify severe weather and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued.

For a Hurricane:

A Hurricane Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 74 MPH poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours.
A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 74 MPH or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

For a Tropical Storm:

A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 39 MPH or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours.
A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 MPH or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less.

For coastal flooding:

A Coastal Flood Advisory is issued when minor or nuisance coastal flooding is occurring or imminent.
A Coastal Flood Watch is issued when moderate to major coastal flooding is possible.
A Coastal Flood Warning is issued when moderate to major coastal flooding is occurring or imminent.

More safety tips on hurricanes and tropical storms can be found at ready.gov/hurricanes.

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: Follow Evacuation Orders; Residents and Visitors Urged to Follow Direction of Local Officials

FEMA awards Public Assistance grants for Sandy recovery projects

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded Public Assistance grants for debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent work for Hurricane Sandy recovery projects.

Recent awards include:

• Nearly $12.2 million to Nassau County for waterway debris removal in Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Long Beach, Atlantic Beach, Cedarhurst, Freeport and Island Park.

• Nearly $10 million to City of New York Department of Citywide Administrative Services for emergency protective measures, including labor, communications, light towers, generators and fuel truck rental.

• More than $6.1 million to New York City Department of Parks and Recreation for citywide debris removal.

• More than $4.5 million to New York Health and Hospitals Corporation to provide a temporary facility for the Ida Israel Community Health Clinic.

• More than $2.1 million to Nassau County Police Department for emergency protective measures, including evacuations, patrols and identification of public hazards.

• More than $1.6 million to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for permanent repairs to portions of John F. Kennedy International Airport fencing.

For Hurricane Sandy, FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses local, state and tribal governments and eligible private nonprofit organizations 90 percent of eligible costs for emergency and permanent work. So far, FEMA has awarded $2.4 billion in Public Assistance grants to eligible New York applicants.

Not included in this total is recent approval of $1.4 billion to Long Island Power Authority for repairs, restoration and hazard mitigation. FEMA and LIPA agreed on that amount in a pilot program, Public Assistance Alternate Procedures, in which grants are determined on the basis of fixed estimates, with applicants accepting responsibility for any actual costs that exceed the estimates. If actual costs are less than the fixed estimate amount, the applicant may use the excess funds for certain other purposes that mitigate damage from future disasters.[

To learn more about FEMA Public Assistance in New York, visit: fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery.

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FEMA awards Public Assistance grants for Sandy recovery projects

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