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Take Time to Check for Earthquake Damage

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – When earthquakes occur, some of the damage happens in areas of our homes and businesses that may be nearly impossible to spot without close attention. Residents and business owners in Napa and Solano Counties continue to discover damage from the South Napa Earthquake.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge people in those counties to take time to check for any signs of potential damage and register for assistance as soon as possible.

“Earthquake damage sometimes goes unnoticed,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Steve DeBlasio. “Earthquakes are different from other disasters, because damages can mimic regular wear and tear or be so subtle that they are hard to find at first. A new crack or stuck door, for example, could be the sign of a serious problem.”

Homeowners and renters in Napa and Solano Counties who had damage from the South Napa Earthquake have until Dec. 29, 2014 to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA. Disaster assistance includes grants to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

“Every resident and business should take the necessary time to do a thorough double check for damages of their property,” said Cal OES Director Mark Ghilarducci. “It’s important for homeowners and businesses to take advantage of available federal assistance and register as soon as possible.”

Cal OES and FEMA offer the following questions and tips to help everyone spot potential damage:

Exterior Structure:
• Has the house shifted off its foundation? Has it fallen away from the foundation in any place?
• Is the structure noticeably leaning? When looked at from a distance, does it look tilted?
• Do you see severe cracks or openings between the structure and outdoor steps or porches?
• Do you experience seriously increased vibrations from passing trucks and buses?
• Do you see severe cracks in external walls or foundation?
• Are there any breaks in fence lines or other structures that might indicate nearby damage?
• Did you check for damage to ceilings, partitions, light fixtures, the roof, fuel tanks and other attachments to the main frame of the structure?

Chimneys:
• Are there cracks between the chimney and the exterior wall or the roof?
• Are there cracks in the liner?
• Did you find unexplained debris in the fireplace?

Utilities:
• Are power lines to your house noticeably sagging?
• Is your hot water heater leaning or tilted?
• Are all the water connections secure including those for pipes, toilets, faucets?

Interior:
• Are any doors and windows more difficult to open or close?
• Is the roof leaking? Is there water damage to the ceiling?
• Has the furnace shifted in any way? Are ducts and exhaust pipes connected and undamaged?
• Do you feel unexplained draftiness? Are any cracks in the walls, poorly aligned window frames or loosened exterior sidings letting in breezes?
• Has the floor separated from walls or stairwells anywhere inside the house?
• Are there cracks between walls and built-in fixtures such as lights, cupboards or bookcases?
• Does the floor feel “bouncy” or “soggy” when you walk on it?
• Have you checked crawl spaces, stairwells, basements, attics and other exposed areas for signs of damage such as exposed or cracked beams, roof leaks and foundation cracks?

Low-interest disaster loans are also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations that had damage or loss as a result of the South Napa Earthquake. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

To apply for disaster assistance, register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or VRS may call 800-621-3362.

FEMA must verify damages for every application. FEMA inspectors have completed more than 2,600 inspections in Napa and Solano Counties. FEMA inspectors display photo identification badges.

Damage inspections by FEMA are free and generally take 30 to 45 minutes, and they are conducted by FEMA contract inspectors who have construction or appraisal expertise and have received disaster-specific training. Inspectors document the damage by checking the building structure and its systems, major appliances and any damaged septic systems and wells.

If applicants discover additional damage to their property after the inspection takes place, they can request another one by calling FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Additional information on California disaster recovery is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4193.

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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.

The Cal OES protects lives and property, builds capabilities and supports our communities for a resilient California. Cal OES achieves its mission by serving the public through effective collaboration in preparing for, protecting against, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the impacts of all hazards and threats.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations 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 website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Take Time to Check for Earthquake Damage

FEMA Registration Deadline Nears

WARREN, MI – The State of Michigan and FEMA report that the registration deadline for Michigan residents affected by last August’s severe storms and flooding is approaching.

November 24^th is the last day that homeowners, renters and businesses can apply for federal disaster assistance. To date, more than 111,000 residents have registered with FEMA online at disasterassistance.gov or have called 800-621-3362. Hundreds more are registering every day.

“The clock is ticking, and FEMA wants to reach each and every homeowner and renter who sustained property damage or losses from the August flooding disaster,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont. “We urge them to register for assistance right away.”

More than $170 million in federal assistance has been paid to eligible applicants and is jump-starting the recovery efforts of individual survivors, their families and communities in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties, the three counties designated as disaster areas.

“Michigan residents are making progress in their recovery from the storms,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “The efforts of residents, combined with those of government, businesses and nonprofit agencies, have made all the difference in Southeast Michigan.”

More than $61 million in state and federal assistance was in the hands of 65,000 residents within two weeks after the disaster declaration was announced, FEMA reports. Those totals increased to $98 million and more than 100,000 residents benefiting from the FEMA grants and Small Business Administration low interest loans after another two weeks.

In addition to these millions in funding assistance to individuals, families, businesses and communities, federal programs are helping survivors with temporary housing, assisting eligible parents with childcare services, and helping connect survivors to other agencies’ assistance programs to ensure they get the help they need.

FEMA’s Recovery Support Sites and Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the three-county area continue to offer registration services and opportunities for one-on-one information sharing. More than 20,000 residents have taken advantage of these face-to-face interactions between applicants and FEMA’s disaster survivor assistance teams.

To qualify for any of this assistance, renters must first register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY users call 800-462-7585. For 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Those with questions about the SBA loan application should call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or TTY users call 800-877-8339. Survivors can also apply online using the electronic loan applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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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 FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

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FEMA Registration Deadline Nears

Nov. 5 & Nov. 23 Deadline for First Step to Receive Federal Aid after Summer Flooding in NM

Oct. 31, 2014DR 4197/4199 NMNR004NMDHSEM: 505-819-8129FEMA: 505-471-4352 or Toll Free 855-413-0777

News Release

Nov. 5 & Nov. 23 Deadline for First Step to Receive Federal Aid after Summer Flooding in NM

SANTA FE – Getting disaster aid quickly into the hands of eligible applicants affected by July 27-August 5 flooding in New Mexico starts with the first step – informing state and federal recovery officials that Public Assistance funding is needed.

State agencies, tribal governments, certain nonprofit organizations, community ditch associations and other local government entities in Guadalupe, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel counties and the Pueblo of Acoma affected by the summer floods have until November 5 to submit the appropriate forms to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NM DHSEM). Lincoln, Otero, and Sandoval counties and the Santa Clara Pueblo have until November 23.

“These are very important deadlines,” said State Coordinating Officer Anita Statman. “We don’t want any eligible entity to miss out on reimbursements for expenses incurred from the floods earlier this year, so we encourage those interested to contact us for forms and more information as soon as possible.”

Officials who have questions about making a Request for Public Assistance and upcoming Applicant Briefing schedules should contact Brian Williams at 505-476-9601.

A federal declaration was approved on October 6, followed by an amendment on October 24 designating the six counties and two pueblos as eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program (PA). Federal grants are reimbursed to eligible applicants for costs covering emergency protective measures taken to protect lives and property; the cleaning up of downed trees, power poles and other debris; and the repairing of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public utilities. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA pays 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant are responsible for the remaining 25 percent. Find details of the Public Assistance program at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.

“FEMA is committed to working with our partners to ensure that we reimburse eligible applicants as quickly as possible,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper. “The quicker the forms are received, the quicker we can move forward to get these applicants the funds they need.”

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More information on New Mexico disaster recovery is available online at www.nmdhsem.org/. DHSEM is the state’s homeland security and emergency management agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to New Mexico by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies.

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. Find more information at www.fema.gov/disaster/4197 and www.fema.gov/disaster/4199.

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Nov. 5 & Nov. 23 Deadline for First Step to Receive Federal Aid after Summer Flooding in NM

Two Years After Sandy, Most Of New Jersey’s Boardwalks Rebuilt

EATONTOWN, N.J. – Many of the boardwalks in New Jersey that were damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Sandy have been successfully rebuilt in the two years that have passed since the storm.

Construction in most shore towns began as soon as it was feasible, and the boardwalks were complete and open for the start of the summer tourism season. Spring Lake used a composite material to rebuild its boardwalk, while Sea Girt used recycled boards for part of its repairs. Atlantic City repaired the damaged northern section of its boardwalk with ipe wood and is upgrading access ramps and adding more lighting.

One exception was Long Branch, where city officials waited to rebuild until they could secure federal funds, including assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which obligated $79 million for 84 Sandy-related boardwalk and beach restoration projects.

In January 2014, Long Branch received $14.5 million from FEMA to repair an approximately 1-mile section of boardwalk and bluffs. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

The bluffs will serve as the support system for the boardwalk and new roadway from Melrose Place south to Brighton Avenue. They will be repaired with a new concrete foundation, 95,740 cubic yards of additional material, and 11,489 square yards of dune grass.

Plans call for 69,850 square feet of the boardwalk to be demolished and rebuilt. New lights, railings, and ramps will be installed from the boardwalk to the beach.

In October, the Long Branch City Council introduced a $30.4 million bond ordinance that includes $18.1 million for repairs to the boardwalk and bluff. The council anticipates that FEMA will reimburse the city for the cost of the boardwalk repairs and bluff construction, which Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. said could begin in the spring of 2015.

Belmar took the opposite approach, rebuilding its boardwalk first, and then working on a design for protective dunes. Belmar reopened its boardwalk in May 2013 before announcing plans for new dunes. The dunes will be sturdy, with 30-foot-long pieces of steel driven into the sand to a depth of 26 feet so the bulkhead stands out approximately 4 feet. The steel infrastructure will be covered with sand and plants will be added so that it looks like a natural dune. The $6 million dunes will shield the $8 million boardwalk from future hurricanes.

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.”

Two Years After Sandy, Most Of New Jersey’s Boardwalks Rebuilt

Michigan Flood Aid Tops $110 Million; Registration Deadline Nears

WARREN, Mich. – State and federal officials report more than 92,000 Michigan residents affected by the August floods have been approved for more than $110 million in federal disaster assistance. Survivors are strongly encouraged to register for federal assistance before the Nov. 24 deadline.

Applications must be received by the November date to be considered for assistance from the FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The deadline only refers to the last day survivors can apply. Disaster funds will continue to flow beyond that date.

“One month may seem like a long time but it’s surprising how fast it can slip by, especially at this time of the year,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Michiganders who have not registered should do so today, so we can see how we may help.”

Storm-affected homeowners and renters in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties may be eligible for federal grants to help cover various disaster-related expenses including essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

“Thousands of Michigan residents are putting state and federal recovery assistance to good use toward their recovery,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph A. Diemont. “We urge survivors who have not registered to do so before the deadline.”

Homeowners are eligible to apply for SBA low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged primary homes.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for loans up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property including automobiles.
Businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.
Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for working capital loans.

Residents can register for Individual Assistance or check the status of their registrations online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors who have questions regarding the registration process, the status of their application and available disaster assistance programs are encouraged to visit a Disaster Recovery Center, Business Recovery Center or recovery support site, or contact FEMA at 800-621-3362.

To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, the following options are available: Text DRC and ZIP Code to 43362, and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, the Disaster Recovery Center locator is available online at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

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Michigan Flood Aid Tops $110 Million; Registration Deadline Nears

Preparation is Key to Dealing with Winter Weather

With the winter season approaching, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds individuals to be prepared for winter storms and extreme cold. While the danger of severe winter weather varies across the country, everyone can benefit by taking a few easy steps now to prepare for emergencies. A first step, regardless of where you live, is to visit the Ready.gov website to find preparedness ideas you can use all year long.

“In our part of the country we make the most of winter,” said FEMA Region VIII Acting Administrator Tony Russell. “However, severe storms and blizzards can create major problems and residents need to take winter weather seriously by taking appropriate steps to prepare.”

Severe winter weather can include snow or subfreezing temperatures, strong winds and ice or heavy rain storms. An emergency supply kit both at home and in the car will help prepare you and your family for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads.

Both kits should include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. In addition, your home kit should include a three day supply of food and water. Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:

Rock salt to melt ice on walkways,
Sand to improve traction on driveways and sidewalks,
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment,
And adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm.

When traveling in winter weather conditions, be sure to contact someone both before your departure and when you safely arrive. Always travel with a cell phone and ensure the battery is charged so you can contact someone in the case of a road emergency. If dangerous conditions are forecast, it’s often best to delay travel plans.

Finally, make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a winter storm hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe a winter storm hazard include the following:

Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: www.ready.gov/winter-weather or www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/ or www.fema.gov/about-region-viii/winter-weather-readiness.

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Preparation is Key to Dealing with Winter Weather

Applicants Should Stay in Touch With FEMA

WARREN, MICH. – Staying in touch with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after registering for disaster assistance is one of the most important things Michigan flood survivors can do.

“Disaster survivors who have applied for federal disaster assistance should keep FEMA updated with their current contact information,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Otherwise, they could be delayed in receiving federal dollars to help recover from August’s severe storms and flooding.”

FEMA has many ways for applicants impacted by the August severe storms and flooding to update addresses, phone numbers and personal information:

Log on to the website at www.DisasterAssistance.gov ; or
Call the toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362, or TTY at 800-462-7585; or
Visit any of the four Disaster Recovery Centers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties; or
Visit one of the many recovery support sites in the disaster-designated counties.

When updating information, refer to the nine-digit registration number issued when applying for FEMA disaster assistance. This number is displayed on all correspondence received from FEMA and is a key identifier in tracking assistance requests.

“We understand that people move frequently as they adapt to new situations,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont. “FEMA needs to know current addresses and contact phone numbers so we are assured assistance goes to the right place.”

Disaster Recovery Center locations are in:

Macomb County:
Renaissance Unity Church
11200 E. 11 Mile Road
Warren, MI 48089

Oakland County:
Gerry Kulick Community Center
1201 Livernois St.
Ferndale, MI 48220

Wayne County:
Wayne County Community College Welcome Center
8200 West Outer Drive
Detroit, MI 48219

Wayne County Community College Education and Performing Arts Center
21000 Northline Road
Taylor, MI 48180

All Disaster Recovery Centers are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but closed on Sunday. The FEMA registration line is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week. The best way to find a recovery support site is to go to FEMA’s disaster-specific Web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

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Applicants Should Stay in Touch With FEMA

Mitigation Makes for Success: A Tale of Three Businesses

EATONTOWN, N.J. — Anyone who owns a business along the New Jersey shore is aware of the role the weather plays in its success or failure. A rainy summer can wreak havoc with the cash register — people don’t come to the beach, visit the boardwalk or stop in at shore restaurants when the weather is bad.

And when a storm like Hurricane Sandy threatens the coastline, owners of coastal businesses batten down the hatches and hope that the preparations they’ve made will keep their property secure.

But there’s a lot more you can do to protect your business than simply covering up windows with plywood and storing outdoor furniture inside.

There are many building and mitigation techniques for coastal properties that make it possible for businesses in vulnerable locations to withstand even a storm as strong as Sandy.

In the wake of that historic hurricane, many owners of hard-hit properties have taken steps to build back stronger. Should the shore be hit by another storm, their businesses will be far more likely to survive with little or no damage.

This has been a quiet year for hurricanes in the mid-Atlantic region, but one thing residents of coastal communities know is that sooner or later, another bad storm will head this way.

Protecting your property means making an investment in your future.

As the stories of these three Jersey Shore businesses illustrate, taking action well before a storm is predicted can make all the difference.

Windansea Restaurant, Highlands, NJ

A view of the outside seating area and dock of the Windansea Restaurant Windansea Restaurant Sustained Little Damage from SandyOne month after Superstorm Sandy, Dan Shields and his business partner, Robert Higgins, were thanking their lucky stars. Their waterfront restaurant, Windansea in Highlands, had withstood the raging floods and winds of Superstorm Sandy with relatively minor damage.

The rest of Highlands was not so fortunate. Flood waters inundated dozens of homes and businesses around town. The damage was so extensive that authorities restricted access to the town for several days in order to clear debris and restore public safety. Many of Shields’ and Higgins’ fellow restaurateurs in Highlands were essentially out of business, their kitchens and dining rooms now sodden piles of wreckage.

What saved Windansea?

The partners are quick to credit the borough’s new building code that required properties like their bayside restaurant, which lies in a ‘V’ flood zone, to comply with tough new Federal Emergency Management standards.

When they purchased the property, they’d intended to make only minor renovations, but structural defects required them to replace more than 50 percent of the building, and that meant complying with the new building codes. It was an expensive, time consuming and often frustrating experience, Shields admitted.

But in the end, it saved the restaurant.

Though the building sustained some damage to its first floor lobbies and outdoor Tiki bar, Windansea was back in business less than three weeks after the storm.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant, NJ

When Hurricane Sandy hit the Jersey shore in October of 2012, thousands of businesses up and down the coast — from Middlesex County through Cumberland County — were heavily damaged or completely destroyed.

But inside Jenkinson’s Aquarium on the Point Pleasant Boardwalk, all was well with the penguins, sharks and other sea creatures who call the aquarium home.

The popular seaside tourist attraction sustained only minor damage thanks to the efforts of Jenkinson’s staff.

As Hurricane Sandy came ashore, a powerful storm surge swept through the lower floor of Jenkinson’s Aquarium, flowing out into the streets and surged several blocks deep into Point Pleasant Beach, then swept back the way it had come as the surge receded.

Despite the direct hit, the building housing Jenkinson’s Aquarium suffered only minor damage. There was debris to be removed. Several of the aquarium’s large plastic garbage barrels, housed in the lower level when the ocean came through, were scattered around the borough. But the staff embedded in the aquarium remained safe and dry. All of the marine lives – penguins, sharks, seahorses, exotic fish – were safe.

What saved Jenkinson’s?

“Our Business Continuity plan was excellent,” notes Cindy Claus, director of Jenkinson’s Aquarium.

“Without it, I really think we would have been in a bad way. We were ready when Sandy got here.”

See a video about Jenkinson’s Aquarium at: http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/11215

Panini Bay, Tuckerton, NJ

When the Panini Bay Waterfront Restaurant in Tuckerton was damaged by Superstorm Sandy, owner and Chef Ivar Johnson had several critical decisions to make. Chief among t A view of the Panini Bay Restaurant with the enclosed wheelchair lift. The Main Feature of the Rebuilt Panini Bay Is the Enclosed Wheelchair Lifthem was how to maintain wheelchair access for customers with disabilities while elevating the remaining structure and incorporating additional mitigation features.

The restaurant had a wheelchair ramp before Sandy, but rebuilding it was not feasible given the height of the elevation.

Panini Bay’s main floor was elevated to sixteen feet above sea level, on 9-foot high pylons. A new seating area was built on a raised platform and the kitchen was relocated to the center of the building. A multilevel staircase was added.

What made elevation workable?

The main feature of the rebuilt Panini Bay is the enclosed wheelchair lift outside the restaurant that transports customers up to the entrance.

The lift cost $25,000. Two people, along with a rider using a wheelchair, can fit inside comfortably. The lift has a seat, a seat belt, and an emergency phone inside. The enclosure cost an additional $12,000 and completely surrounds the lift and its mechanics, but it makes it possible for all of Johnson’s customers to enjoy dinner on the waterfront at Panini Bay.

“The lift gets plenty of use,” Johnson said.

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

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Mitigation Makes for Success: A Tale of Three Businesses

FEMA Awards $368,487 Grant to the Village of Middle Point: Hazard Mitigation funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $368,487 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the village of Middle Point, Ohio, for the construction of a community safe room in the village’s new fire/EMS station. Following the completion of the project, the community safe room will be made available to the citizens of Middle Point.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo. “The construction of this community safe room will protect the lives of vulnerable citizens by providing a secure location to seek shelter from tornados and other high wind events.”

“The safe room project is a clear example of disaster prevention. The efforts of local, state and the federal government working together for the benefit of citizens is what saves lives,” said Nancy Dragani, executive director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $491,316 eligible project cost. The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $122,829, will be provided by the village of Middle Point and the state of Ohio.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at 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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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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FEMA Awards $368,487 Grant to the Village of Middle Point: Hazard Mitigation funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

Recovery Centers Open on Columbus Day

WARREN, Mich. – The disaster recovery centers operating in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties will be open during regular hours on Monday, Columbus Day, for survivors of the August floods seeking recovery assistance.

Jointly run by the State of Michigan and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the four recovery centers offer disaster survivors the chance to interact with FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other organizations. Visitors to the centers can register for assistance, discuss types of disaster assistance programs with specialists, check on the status of their existing application and obtain other information.

Disaster recovery center locations are:

Macomb County
Renaissance Unity Church
11200 E. 11 Mile Road
Warren, MI 48089

Oakland County
Gerry Kulick Community Center
1201 Livernois St.
Ferndale, MI 48220

Wayne County
Wayne County Community College Welcome Center
8200 West Outer Drive
Detroit, MI 48219

Wayne County Community College Education and Performing Arts Center
21000 Northline Road
Taylor, MI 48180

All centers are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but closed on Sunday.

Residents with losses from the storms and flooding will save time by registering for help from FEMA before going to the disaster recovery centers. This can be done by accessing www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a smart phone or Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362. TTY users may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

FEMA News Desk: (586) 574-4222

EMHSD contact: Ron Leix (517) 336-6464

Recovery Centers Open on Columbus Day

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