Arkansas ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

Arkansas ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now 

Release Date: May 30, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-097

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — One major hurricane and two tropical storms, which resulted in federal disaster declarations, serve as reminders to Arkansans that now is the time to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

The 2012 Hurricane Season begins on June 1, and while experts are predicting a slower season than in past years, most of the predictions still call for at least a normal amount of activity. The 50 year average is a little over 11 named storms, six of those becoming hurricanes and two becoming major ones – Category 3 or higher.

Reports show that Arkansas has had three storms that resulted in federal declarations. One was an emergency declaration for a hurricane and the other two for tropical storms that were downgraded from hurricanes by the time they moved into Arkansas.

The hurricane was Katrina (2005) and the tropical storms were Gustav and Ike (2008). All three occurred in the last decade and resulted in Arkansas receiving a total of $51.9 million in federal disaster aid under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.

The state received an emergency declaration after Katrina impacted Louisiana. The funding was made available to reimburse Arkansas for its costs related to housing Katrina evacuees. Meanwhile, tropical storms Gustav and Ike brought inland flooding to Arkansas and caused major damage to its public infrastructure.

“These statistics more than demonstrate the need for all Arkansans to be prepared,” said Acting FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We say it often, but it’s the best way to get a clear message out there – Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Stay Informed.

For more information on the upcoming hurricane season, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare.

Volunteering is one way to be prepared to help others. Use VolunteerMatch to locate local Red Cross volunteer opportunities in your community. You can also visit www.citizencorps.gov for ways to help and be prepared.

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

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-May-2012 10:52:09

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Arkansas ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana 

Release Date: May 24, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-094

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new East Baton Rouge Parish flood maps which cover portions of Zachary, Central City and the unified city and parish of East Baton Rouge become effective on Tuesday, June 19 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to June 19 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at the Parish Government Office.

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

Last Modified: Thursday, 24-May-2012 08:51:26

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

Six Months Remain Before Flood Maps are Effective in Cameron Parish, Louisiana

Six Months Remain Before Flood Maps are Effective in Cameron Parish, Louisiana 

Release Date: May 23, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-093

DENTON, Texas – In six months, on Nov. 16, new flood maps for Cameron Parish will become effective. Before the maps are final, state, local and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps to understand their flood risk and consider purchasing flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA Region 6 Acting Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.”

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) who is located at the local Police Jury Office.

FEMA Map specialists and Flood Insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat:

  • To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com
  • To use the live chat service, visit go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
  • For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, flood facts and to locate an agent in your area, visit www.FloodSmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Participation in the NFIP can assure a faster recovery in the event of a devastating flood.

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

Last Modified: Wednesday, 23-May-2012 16:50:39

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Six Months Remain Before Flood Maps are Effective in Cameron Parish, Louisiana

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Madison Parish, Louisiana

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Madison Parish, Louisiana 

Release Date: May 23, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-095

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — Madison Parish, Louisiana homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Madison Parish flood maps become effective on Tuesday, June 19 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to June 19 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at the Parish Office Building.

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

Last Modified: Wednesday, 23-May-2012 15:31:39

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Madison Parish, Louisiana

Louisiana’s Legal System Receives Recovery Aid From FEMA, Benefiting The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court

Louisiana’s Legal System Receives Recovery Aid From FEMA, Benefiting The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court 

Release Date: May 21, 2012
Release Number: 1603 – 975

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today approximately $103,000 in consolidated public assistance funding to the Louisiana Judicial System, helping the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in New Orleans replace contents damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

During the storm, floodwaters fully inundated the basement of the courthouse, located at 2700 Tulane Avenue within the city. Pre-Katrina, this area provided office space for various Orleans Parish Criminal District Court departments, including the Judicial Administration Office which handles administrative functions required for the court to operate.

“Katrina’s floodwaters stayed in the courthouse’s basement for approximately two weeks following the storm, damaging all contents within these offices,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan. “Our recent grant assists with replacing damaged contents, helping Louisiana’s Judicial System fully recover from Hurricane Katrina as needed.”

Contents to be replaced with FEMA’s aid include computer equipment and two-way radios, as well as drug testing equipment.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

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

Last Modified: Tuesday, 22-May-2012 10:34:01

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Louisiana’s Legal System Receives Recovery Aid From FEMA, Benefiting The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court

St. Bernard Parish’s Public School System Enters Final Leg of Recovery

St. Bernard Parish’s Public School System Enters Final Leg of Recovery 

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Release Number: 1603-974

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today a $148.3 million consolidated grant to the St. Bernard Parish School Board, largely supporting the implementation of their post-Katrina, overall recovery plan.

“For nearly six and a half years, we have been steadfast in our efforts to fully rebuild our schools for the children of St. Bernard. These efforts, comprised of partnerships between our school board, FEMA and the state, have culminated in this monumental grant, which allows us to finish our final recovery endeavors,” said St. Bernard School Board Superintendent Doris Voitier.

During Hurricane Katrina, St. Bernard Parish’s public school system was destroyed, with most of their facilities rendered inoperable following the storm. Prior to the unprecedented destruction, these facilities served nearly 9,000 students throughout the local community.

“Given the reality of the large-scale catastrophe at hand, St. Bernard Parish School Board Superintendent Doris Voitier had to swiftly make initial, yet effective, recovery decisions with the goal of quickly returning students to school. Through her leadership, these early efforts transformed into a comprehensive recovery plan that is now nearing fruition,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan.

The school system’s new layout is built upon the determination that rebuilding all damaged facilities at their original locations was not in the best interest of the community’s post-Katrina needs. Instead, the same functions and capacities that existed pre-Katrina were restored in a different configuration.

FEMA’s recent grant supports these efforts, approving Voitier’s consolidated alternate project request for the agency to streamline federal funding provided for 15 damaged facilities into nine targeted projects.

The nine projects include Chalmette High School; Chalmette High School’s baseball field house, football field house and storage facility; Maumus Arts Center and Planetarium; new Lacoste Elementary School; the Cultural and Performing Arts Center; the school system’s transportation, maintenance and storage building; Arabi Elementary School’s gymnasium; J.J. Davies Elementary School’s enclosed walkway and new Gautier Elementary School.

“Our consolidated funding best reflects the needs of the St. Bernard Parish School Board as they embark on their final rebuilding efforts and becoming the first school system in Louisiana destroyed by Hurricane Katrina to reach their end goal—full recovery,” added Cadogan.

In total to date, FEMA has provided approximately $500 million in public assistance to the St. Bernard Parish School Board for all recovery work related to restoring their school system following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

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

Last Modified: Wednesday, 02-May-2012 08:16:57

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St. Bernard Parish’s Public School System Enters Final Leg of Recovery

St. Bernard’s Historic Courthouse Restored With FEMA Funding

St. Bernard’s Historic Courthouse Restored With FEMA Funding 

Release Date: April 17, 2012
Release Number: 1603-973

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS – As repairs to St. Bernard Parish’s early 20th century courthouse near completion, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today $638,677 in additional funding for the Katrina-related restoration work.

This new funding brings the agency’s total monetary support to more than $7.5 million for the noteworthy project.

The historic courthouse, known as “St. Bernard’s Old Courthouse,” dates back to 1915 and served as the parish’s first courthouse until 1939. More recently, prior to Hurricane Katrina, St. Bernard Parish leased the courthouse facility to the local public school board for use as Beauregard Middle School. For this reason, the facility is also commonly referred to as the “Old Beauregard Middle School.”

Located on Bayou Road and Beauregard Lane in St. Bernard, the courthouse was flooded by an estimated 8 feet of water during Katrina, causing extensive damages to the historic facility. Nearly seven years later, it is now returning to the community after undergoing successful recovery measures.

“This landmark project, involving one of the parish’s most important historic buildings, is the result of the successful collaboration between the parish government, the state and FEMA’s public assistance and historic preservation groups,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan.
“In the end, the courthouse’s original and historic features will be repaired while returning the building’s functional, pre-Katrina use as an educational facility.”

“Since taking office on January 10, 2012, we have witnessed the exceptional, cooperative relationship fostered between FEMA and St. Bernard Parish. The Old Historic Courthouse is a perfect example of this relationship,” said St. Bernard Parish President David Peralta. “As this refurbished courthouse nears substantial completion, I would like to thank our local FEMA team for an outstanding job regarding their efforts to preserve this historic landmark, which allows the beautiful Old Beauregard Courthouse to return to its days of glory. This is FEMA at its finest.”

As with all federally funded recovery projects, FEMA ensures that efforts comply with federal environmental and historic preservation laws and Executive Orders.

“FEMA’s recovery grants not only enable new life for damaged facilities, but when applicable, also preserve history—as is the case with this project,” said Cadogan.

FEMA-funded work on the storm-damaged courthouse’s historical features includes the masonry walls; ornamental-stamped, copper cornice; and refurbishment of its original wood windows, wood floors and interior plasterwork.

To date, including this recent grant, FEMA has provided approximately $1.7 billion in public assistance funding for recovery work related to hurricanes Katrina and Rita throughout St. Bernard Parish.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

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

Last Modified: Tuesday, 17-Apr-2012 08:33:21

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St. Bernard’s Historic Courthouse Restored With FEMA Funding

Jefferson Parish Playgrounds Benefit From Flexible FEMA Grant

Jefferson Parish Playgrounds Benefit From Flexible FEMA Grant 

Release Date: April 6, 2012
Release Number: 1603-972

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today a consolidated grant totaling approximately $559,000 to Jefferson Parish for the replacement of playground contents damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

“This grant best supports Jefferson Parish’s efforts to restore an essential element of their recreational system—their playgrounds,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan. “Our funding enables Jefferson Parish to pool together contents funding from all of their playground facilities and distribute it as best needed.”

Prior to this grant, FEMA funded these damages through nine separate project worksheets, all the result of “content assessments” across eight of Jefferson Parish’s damaged playgrounds and other facilities, including the Recreational Department’s East Bank Administration Building. The eight playgrounds include the Johnny Bright Playground, Terrytown Playground, Harvey Playground, Pontiff Playground, Girard Playground, Lakeshore Playground and Jefferson Playground.

FEMA’s recent grant, as requested by Jefferson Parish, will fund contents under the following six major categories—information technology, parks and recreational building equipment and supplies, athletic equipment and supplies, furnishings, office equipment and supplies, and kitchen equipment and supplies.

“Jefferson Parish is grateful for the assistance from FEMA, which will allow us to move forward in the ongoing recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Our playgrounds are an essential part of the quality of life our children and families enjoy in Jefferson Parish. This recent grant will ensure repairs and restoration at eight of our playgrounds so that our citizens can continue to benefit from these outstanding recreational facilities,” said Jefferson Parish President John Young.

In total, FEMA has provided approximately $529.8 million for recovery work throughout Jefferson Parish related to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, of which $50.8 million—including FEMA’s recent grant for playgrounds—was provided specifically for the restoration of recreational facilities within the parish.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

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

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 11:42:22

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Jefferson Parish Playgrounds Benefit From Flexible FEMA Grant

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