FEMA Announces 2012 Individual and Community Preparedness Award Winners

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the recipients of the 2012 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards. These Awards recognize the innovative practices and achievements of individuals, Citizen Corps Councils, and non-profit, faith-based, and private sector organizations working throughout the nation to make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to manage any disaster or emergency event.

“It has been shown time and time again that after a disaster, the very first responders are our neighbors,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “The award recipients promote preparedness across America’s communities – the bedrock of our national resiliency. I commend each and every one of the awardees for their service and innovation. They serve as a model for communities everywhere.”

Each applicant demonstrated their ability to engage the Whole Community through partnerships, achievements, and activities that took place from January 2011 to June 2012. For example, the American Red Cross Gateway to the Golden State Region chapter trained more than 16,000 individuals in lifesaving skills, such as disaster preparedness, CPR, and basic first aid, and developed a cadre of more than 200 bilingual volunteers.  The Texas State Citizen Corps Program trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers who were integrated into the response to the Bastrop Complex Fire last fall and North Texas tornadoes earlier this year.

Other awardees participated in emergency planning activities and established creative methods to address the needs of their communities. For example, North Dakota State University developed two Smartphone applications, one to address the needs of individuals and families affected by local flooding and one with information for residents stranded during a winter storm.

The Second Annual John D. Solomon Preparedness Award is being  presented to Florida’s Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE)  for collaborative work as a team of nearly 500 disaster preparedness and response organizations, engaging in efforts that reach the business community, children and youth, under-served populations, faith-based organizations, first responders, and individuals with access and functional needs, and more. The John D. Solomon Preparedness Award is named for the late creator of the groundbreaking blog, In Case of Emergency, Read Blog: A Citizen’s Eye View Of Public Preparedness. John’s body of work was striking in its reporting, analysis, engagement and impact, in preparing the public, informing professionals, and effecting change in the public and private sectors. Administrator Fugate once stated that he “set the standard for what it meant to be part of our nation’s emergency management team.”

All winners will be invited, as FEMA’s honored guests, to a community roundtable event in Washington, D.C. During the roundtable the honorees will share their innovative and successful approaches to community preparedness with emergency management leadership.

FEMA congratulates the following awardees:

Outstanding State Citizen Corps Council Initiatives

  • Texas Citizen Corps (TX)

Outstanding Local Citizen Corps Council Initiatives

  • New York City Citizen Corps Council (NY)

Outstanding Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Initiatives

  • CERT Program and Volunteers, City of Newport Beach (CA)

Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness

  • Chinatown Community Development Center (CA)

Preparing the Whole Community

  • American Red Cross Gateway to the Golden State (CA)

Promising Partnerships

  • Partners in Preparedness (NY)

Awareness to Action

  • American Red Cross of the Poconos (PA)

Innovative Use of Technology

  • North Dakota State University Agriculture Communication (ND)

Volunteer Integration

  • West Pierce County Fire and Rescue CERT Program (WA)

Community Preparedness Heroes

  • Michael Parker (CA)
  • Mohamed Ali (WA)
  • Scott Ellis (NJ)

Second Annual Recipient of the John D. Solomon Preparedness Award

  • Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) (FL)

The award winners were selected by a panel of leaders representing the Whole Community, including the National Emergency Management Association, the International Association of Emergency Managers, Target, the American Red Cross and FEMA. 

For a description of the award categories, please see the Application Guide.

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.

Originally posted here – 

FEMA Announces 2012 Individual and Community Preparedness Award Winners

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Home fires can happen at any time and spread in just minutes, claiming the lives and property of those affected. During the week of October 7-13, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association, are encouraging individuals and families to have a fire escape plan. People can protect their homes and loved ones from emergencies by making their homes safer now and throughout the year.

Hundreds of thousands of fires happen in and around American homes every year, killing or injuring thousands of people and causing untold damage to families and communities. In 2010 alone, a total of 362,100 residential fires resulted in 2,555 deaths, 13,275 injuries, and more than $6.6 billion in property loss. For more information on fire statistics, visit: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/estimates/index.shtm.

FEMA Region III Acting Regional Administrator Robert Welch encourages everyone to prepare for and prevent against a fire: “In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Having an escape plan and practicing it can help you get out quickly.”

The best way to prepare for a fire is to plan in advance and practice your response plan. Here are some suggestions for how to get ready:

Check that all smoke alarms work: USFA recommends that every residence be equipped with both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors;

  • Make sure that there are two ways out of every room;
  • Make a home fire plan; and
  • Practice with family members including children, older family members, and individuals who have access and functional needs so that every person knows how to use both ways to get to safety.

Please help spread the word about fire safety planning and preparedness. For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit:

National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema.   Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

Source:  

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13

Do You Have a Pet Plan in Place? Disaster Survival for Animals Takes Planning

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – If you are like the thousands of animal owners in the Island, your pet is an important member of your household. The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency, such as a fire or a flood depends largely on emergency planning done today. Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge you to have a disaster plan for your pets.

“Individuals and families with pets must include them on their household disaster plans,” said FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division Director, Alejandro De La Campa. “Early preparation is key for adequate handling of pets in a disaster. We advise entire families, including their pets, to be ready before an evacuation order.”

Before the Disaster:  Have a Safe Place to Take Your Pets

Plan your evacuation strategy and don’t forget your pet!  Local veterinarians or organizations can be contacted for information on preparing household pets for an emergency.

  • Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm’s way are all potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.
  • Prepare a list of facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
  • Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have, as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.
  • If you have no option but to leave your pet in the house while you are gone, make sure it is in a safe place. Also, leave a sign that specifies how many pets are in the house and what type of pets they are.
  • Contact hotels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if “no pet” policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of “pet friendly” places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.

Prepare a portable disaster supply kit for your pet and keep it in an accessible place.

  • Food and water for at least three days
  • Collar with ID tag, harness or leash. Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit. In addition, place copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container and also add them to your kit. You should also consider talking with your veterinarian about permanent identification such as microchipping, and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.
  • A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
  • Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.
  • Medicines
  • First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.
  • Crate or other pet carrier. If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation take your pets and animals with you provided that it is practical to do so. In many cases, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready to transport your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.
  • Sanitation. Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.

Know What to Do As a Disaster Approaches

  • Often, warnings are issued hours, even days in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.
  • Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
  • Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment’s notice.
  • Bring all pets into the house so that you won’t have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
  • Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet’s ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.

You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a pet-sitting service, they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.

Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely. But bear in mind that animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don’t leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or even bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.

It’s never too early to create a disaster plan for you and your entire family. Information on this and other advice on disaster preparedness for animals is available on FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov or www.ready.gov This includes developing a family communication plan, putting an emergency kit together, keeping important papers and valuables in a safe place, and getting involved. 

FEMA News Desk (787) 296-3554, 3560

###

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.

See more here: 

Do You Have a Pet Plan in Place? Disaster Survival for Animals Takes Planning

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Cleveland County

OKLAHOMA CITY –The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and others will provide recovery assistance to those impacted in Cleveland County by the Aug. 3-14 wildfire at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opening in Noble.

The Disaster Recovery Center opens Wednesday, Oct. 3.

Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. As of Oct. 8, the hours will change to Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until further notice.

Twelve Corners Baptist Church
15601 E. Etowah Road
Noble, OK 73068

Registering for assistance before visiting a DRC will shorten applicants’ time at the center. However, visiting a center is not required to be considered for assistance.

Cleveland County residents affected by the fire may register online at: www.disasterassistance.gov, or web-enabled phones at m.fema.gov or the FEMA app. If they do not have a computer, they can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. If using 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, the number is the same: 1-800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT seven days a week; multilingual operators are available.

Homeowners, renters and businesses affected, can apply for an SBA disaster loan after registering with FEMA by going online to SBA’s secure site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; calling 1-800-659-2955 or TTY 1-800-877-8339. For information on SBA disaster assistance, go to www.sba.gov.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofits for their uncompensated physical disaster losses (homes, personal property and business assets).  For small businesses and most private nonprofits, SBA disaster loans are available to cover working capital needs caused by the disaster, whether or not the business suffered physical damage.

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click on www.fema.gov/disaster/4078 or www.oem.ok.gov.

Follow the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook at twitter.com/okem and www.facebook.com/oklahomadepartmentofemergencymanagement. FEMA tweets about the Oklahoma disaster are at twitter.com/femaregion6. Additional FEMA online resources include blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.

Source – 

Disaster Recovery Center to Open in Cleveland County

SBA Disaster Loan Application Is Win-Win Situation – Apply Before Win-Window Closes

Clinton, Miss. – Disaster recovery officials are concerned that many homeowners and renters with Hurricane Isaac losses could miss out on valuable grants and low-interest loans by not returning completed applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“This is a win-win situation for everybody who received a disaster loan application from the SBA, even if they’re leaning away from a loan,” said Mississippi Emergency Management Director Robert Latham. “If the SBA is not able to approve your home loan application, you could be referred back to FEMA for a possible grant. And if you qualify for a loan, there is no obligation to take it.” 

Many disaster survivors receive loan applications from the SBA after registering with FEMA for help. Loan applications are also available from disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Property damage loan applications must be returned to the SBA no later than Oct. 31, 2012.

Business owners, although not eligible for grants, can apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans to cover uninsured losses to business assets such as real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and more. 

Small businesses can also qualify for economic injury disaster loans. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. 

SBA representatives are at each of the MEMA/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and SBA Business Recovery centers to provide information about disaster loans and offer assistance filing disaster loan applications. To locate a center or learn more about SBA disaster loans, call 800-659-2955,
(TTY) 800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing or send an e-mail to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

To start all forms of disaster assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call 800-621-3362.

                                                                                                   ###

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Visit site: 

SBA Disaster Loan Application Is Win-Win Situation – Apply Before Win-Window Closes

FEMA Obligates Another Public Assistance Grant For $1 Million+ To Aid In Irene Recovery: Town Of Bethel Projects Approved

FEMA OBLIGATES ANOTHER PUBLIC ASSISTANCE GRANT FOR $1 MILLION+ TO AID IN IRENE RECOVERY:  TOWN OF BETHEL PROJECTS APPROVED

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has obligated funding for an approved $1.2 million dollar road repair project in the Town of Bethel.  Public Assistance funding to the Town now totals $4,601,750 for Tropical Storm Irene damage. 

“This money will not only assist the Town of Bethel in its recovery but the entire State of Vermont,” said Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer Steve Ward, head of FEMA’s operations in Vermont. “FEMA is committed to working with all impacted communities and providing all the assistance that applicants are eligible to receive.” 

As of August 28, 344 Vermont municipalities and other applicants have been approved for Public Assistance funding. FEMA has obligated, or paid to the state, over $125.5 million in PA grants to aid in recovery money to reimburse the state and municipalities for repairs to damaged or destroyed infrastructure like roads and bridges and rescue operations.

There are 74 eligible projects in the town of Bethel. The largest project repairs Gilead Brook Road, a Class Three Town Highway, which was severely impacted by Tropical Storm Irene. Repair work includes reconstructing the road base and replacing culverts that had crossed the road in many locations. FEMA has obligated $1,237,055 in reimbursement funds to cover expenses such as contract labor fees incurred with the repair work. The Town of Bethel partially restored sections of the damaged road to pre-disaster condition and replaced the washed out rip rap, stone and fill on the road embankments.

FEMA obligates funding for Public Assistance projects directly to the State. As announced in May 2012, FEMA is paying 90 percent of Vermont applicants’ eligible costs for Tropical Storm Irene rather than the standard 75 percent. The state and municipality share the remainder of the cost.

###

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

 

 

 

Continued here:  

FEMA Obligates Another Public Assistance Grant For $1 Million+ To Aid In Irene Recovery: Town Of Bethel Projects Approved

FEMA Corps Members Begin Work In Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. — Ninety-nine young adults from across the nation start serving Hurricane Isaac survivors in Louisiana today under their first post-graduate assignment with FEMA Corps, a new program aimed at enhancing the nation’s ability to assist disaster survivors while expanding career opportunities for young people.

FEMA Corps is an innovative partnership between two federal agencies that combines the disaster expertise of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with the service leadership of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and AmeriCorps.

The FEMA Corps members – ages 18 to 24 – will work alongside FEMA’s existing workforce in Louisiana in assisting citizens and communities impacted by Hurricane Isaac. Their assignments range from working directly with disaster survivors to supporting disaster recovery centers to sharing disaster response and mitigation information with the public.

“As new members of the whole community emergency management team, the work you do in the weeks to come will make a significant contribution to the recovery efforts of Hurricane Isaac survivors,” Mike Hall, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer, told the FEMA Corps members upon their arrival today at the State/FEMA Joint Field Office in Baton Rouge.  “Thank you for dedicating your skills and energies to the people who are still struggling to recover from the storm.”  

Established as a new unit within the existing AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), FEMA Corps engages young adults to provide ten months of full-time service on disaster response and recovery projects. FEMA Corps members in Louisiana received one month of AmeriCorps NCCC training at the AmeriCorps campus in Vicksburg, Miss., followed by FEMA position-specific training.

After completing 1,700 hours of service, each FEMA Corps member will receive a $5,550 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for tuition or pay student loans.  Members will gain significant training and experience in disaster services that can serve as a pathway to employment in the emergency management profession.
To learn more about FEMA Corps or to apply (individuals aged 18-24), visit the AmeriCorps website at http://www.americorps.gov or FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

Originally from:  

FEMA Corps Members Begin Work In Louisiana

SBA Disaster Loan Application is Win-Win Situation—Apply Before Win-Window Closes

Clinton, Miss. – Disaster recovery officials are concerned that many homeowners and renters with Hurricane Isaac losses could miss out on valuable grants and low-interest loans by not returning completed applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“This is a win-win situation for everybody who received a disaster loan application from the SBA, even if they’re leaning away from a loan,” said Mississippi Emergency Management Director Robert Latham. “If the SBA is not able to approve your home loan application, you could be referred back to FEMA for a possible grant. And if you qualify for a loan, there is no obligation to take it.” 

Many disaster survivors receive loan applications from the SBA after registering with FEMA for help. Loan applications are also available from disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Property damage loan applications must be returned to the SBA no later than Oct. 31, 2012.

Business owners, although not eligible for grants, can apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans to cover uninsured losses to business assets such as real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and more. 

Small businesses can also qualify for economic injury disaster loans. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. 

SBA representatives are at each of the MEMA/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and SBA Business Recovery centers to provide information about disaster loans and offer assistance filing disaster loan applications. To locate a center or learn more about SBA disaster loans, call 800-659-2955,
(TTY) 800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing or send an e-mail to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

To start all forms of disaster assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call 800-621-3362.

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.

 

 

See the original article here: 

SBA Disaster Loan Application is Win-Win Situation—Apply Before Win-Window Closes

FEMA Mitigation Advisers to Offer Rebuilding Tips in Terrebonne Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. — Survivors from Terrebonne Parish who are rebuilding after Hurricane Isaac can receive a free consultation with hazard mitigation advisers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The free mitigation stations will be open on a walk-in basis at Lowe’s in Houma starting Sunday.

The advisers can answer questions about protecting homes from future disaster-related damage, as well as offer tips and techniques to build hazard-resistant homes. Most of the information and free publications provided are geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Hurricane safety and recovery topics to be covered include preparedness, roof repair, rebuilding flooded homes, and mold and mildew cleanup and prevention.

The mitigation station will be open Sunday through Saturday, Oct. 13, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., at:

Lowe’s

1592 Martin Luther King Blvd.

Houma, LA

Survivors can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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.

Jump to original – 

FEMA Mitigation Advisers to Offer Rebuilding Tips in Terrebonne Parish

Hurricane Isaac One Month Later: Positive Signs of Recovery

BATON ROUGE, La. – One month since Hurricane Isaac battered Louisiana, survivors are making strong progress in their recovery. Aided by more than $152.5 million in state and federal assistance, Louisianians are cleaning up and rebuilding their homes, businesses and communities.

Tens of thousands of survivors have been in touch with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeking help or information. Some have called FEMA’s helpline, others have met Community Relations specialists visiting their neighborhoods and still others have visited one or more of the 32 Disaster Recovery Centers that have opened in 19 parishes.

For eligible survivors, FEMA has provided more than $92.6 million in assistance to make essential repairs to primary homes that are too damaged to live in. A portion of those funds have gone for other disaster-related expenses including medical, dental or personal property loss such as vehicles, clothing and household items. Other survivors have benefitted from disaster unemployment assistance, legal aid and temporary sheltering in hotels and motels.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, a partner in Louisiana’s recovery effort, has already approved more than $23 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and business owners affected by the storm. These loans will finance significant repairs or rebuilding of hurricane-damaged homes and businesses, allowing neighborhoods and communities to bounce back from the storm.

Survivors who did not need or qualify for federal disaster assistance or who had additional needs have been referred to local voluntary agencies, partners in the whole community recovery effort. Volunteers from around the country and scores of local community- and faith-based organizations and other nonprofit groups are helping survivors. They have been working in the impacted communities since before the hurricane hit, and they will remain for months to come.

“Survivors are working hard to repair and rebuild after Hurricane Isaac,” said Mike Hall, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer. “With the whole community working alongside them, we’re already seeing positive signs of recovery.”

Additional funds, now totaling more than $36.7 million, are being awarded under the Public Assistance Grant Program for eligible state agencies, local and federally recognized tribal governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.

Below is a snapshot of the assistance dollars and some milestones reached during the past month:

$152.5 million

To date, more than $152.5 million in federal assistance has been approved to aid eligible Louisianians and their communities.

 

$92.6 million

 

More than $92.6 million in disaster aid has been approved for Louisianians through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, which helps eligible applicants with emergency home repairs; uninsured personal property losses; and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster. It also helps cover other disaster-related expenses.

 

$78.9 million

Nearly $78.9 million has been paid to 12,223 policyholders through the FEMA-administered National Flood Insurance Program.

 

$36.7 million

 

FEMA has obligated more than $36.7 million to cover 75 percent of the costs incurred for removal of storm-related debris and for measures taken to protect people before, during and after the hurricane – including search and rescue, security forces, shelters and emergency care.

 

$23 million

 

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $23 million in low-interest disaster loans for 692 homeowners and business owners throughout the disaster area.

 

190,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

More than 190,500 Louisianians have registered for disaster assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or m.fema.gov on a smartphone. Survivors also are using FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services are calling 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

125,500

FEMA housing inspectors have completed more than 125,500 home inspections, an important first step in determining eligibility for housing assistance.

 

20,000

Nearly 20,000 storm survivors have visited FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Centers since Isaac struck last month. FEMA has opened 32 recovery centers since the Aug. 29 disaster declaration. For a list of open centers in Louisiana go online to www.fema.gov/disaster/4080.

 

8,600

FEMA mitigation specialists have provided advice and tips on how to rebuild safer and stronger to more than 8,600 Louisianians at Disaster Recovery Centers and home improvement stores.

 

2,200

 

 

 

 

1,350

Nearly 2,200 storm survivors have received Transitional Sheltering Assistance. The program allows eligible evacuees from Hurricane Isaac whose neighborhoods are not accessible or whose houses have been destroyed or lack utilities to stay in a hotel or motel for a limited time. FEMA pays the hotel for the cost of the room and taxes.

 

More than 1,350 FEMA specialists have deployed from around the United States to help Louisiana respond to and recover from Hurricane Isaac. FEMA teams continue to work with whole community partners to advance the recovery effort.

 

300

More than 300 Community Relations specialists have canvassed parishes designated for Individual Assistance. The specialists have provided information and answered survivors’ questions in neighborhoods, at Disaster Recovery Centers, and at points of distribution and shelters.

 

100

More than 100 voluntary agencies have called upon their volunteers to provide one-on-one help to Isaac survivors.

 

55

A total of 55 Louisiana parishes are designated for assistance under FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program: Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, East Carroll, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, Iberia, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, La Salle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Point Coupee, Rapides, Richland, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terrebonne, Union, Vermillion, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Carroll and West Feliciana.

 

21

A total of 21 parishes have been designated for aid under the Individuals and Households Program. These include Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington and West Feliciana parishes.

 

1

It has been one month since Hurricane Isaac battered Louisiana.

 

Survivors may still register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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 http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Link:

Hurricane Isaac One Month Later: Positive Signs of Recovery

 Page 52 of 60  « First  ... « 50  51  52  53  54 » ...  Last »