FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Georgia Wildfires

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

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

“FEMA has approved this request to make sure Georgia has the resources it needs to battle this fire,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “We will continue to work closely with the frontline responders who are fighting this wildfire.”

The state requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), and it was granted in the late evening of November 13, 2016. The fire started on November 11, and at the time of the request, had burned more than 250 acres of state and private land. The fire was threatening 150 homes in and around the City of Trenton and the Rising Fawn community. In addition, the fire is threatening utility lines, a communications tower, roads, and cultural resources. Currently, mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 200 people (60 homes) and evacuations are expected to continue. 

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

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

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

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FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Georgia Wildfires

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Smith Mountain Complex Wildfire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Smith Mountain Complex Wildfire

Disaster Assistance Tops $3.1 Million for Virginia Survivors

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – One week after President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia, more than $3.1 million has been approved for homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Matthew on Oct. 7, 2016.

This assistance comes in the form of federal grants to individuals and households as part of a joint effort by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials. More than 1,970 households have applied to FEMA for disaster grants for homeowners and renters. Assistance is currently available to residents in four cities, Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.

Disaster assistance for individuals may include grants to help homeowners and renters with temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and serious disaster-related needs. Disaster assistance grants from FEMA are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, and other federal programs. Grants do not have to be repaid to the federal government and do not count as taxable income.

FEMA-contracted housing inspectors have completed more than 1,035 inspections of disaster-damaged properties to verify damage.

Although $3.1 million has been approved in FEMA grants, flood insurance policies have paid more than $12.3 million to those who were covered by flood insurance. To date 2,179 claims have been filed.

Everyone in the disaster declared municipalities is eligible to buy flood insurance, whether they are a business owner, reside in, rent, or own a primary or secondary residence inside or outside a high risk or special flood hazard area. Even condominium complexes can purchase flood insurance. Flood insurance is the best tool for economic recovery after a flood event.

One of FEMA’s federal partners in disaster recovery, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster.  TTY users may call 800-877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Registering with FEMA is the first step in qualifying for disaster assistance. January 3, 2017 is the deadline for survivors to file an application. FEMA encourages all survivors who sustained disaster-related damage or losses to apply by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3622. TTY users should call 800-462-7585. Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

The Commonwealth and FEMA operate Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. DRCs are open Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  An easy-to-use DRC Locator is available online at //asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

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Disaster Assistance Tops $3.1 Million for Virginia Survivors

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Tennessee Wildfires

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Tennessee Wildfires

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Kentucky Wildfires

ATLANTA, Ga.–The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized federal funds to reimburse costs to Kentucky to fight the Eagles Nest Fire in Breathitt County.

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

“FEMA has approved these funds to make sure that Kentucky has the resources to fight this fire and protect lives, structures and property,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “These federal dollars will help commonwealth responders continue the hard work to combat the fire.”

The state requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), and it was granted shortly afterwards, on November 8, 2016, at 11:32 PM EST. The fire started on November 2, 2016, and had burned in excess of 2,000 acres of commonwealth and private land. Across the commonwealth, fires had burned more than 24,000 acres. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 1,100 homes in and around the City of Jackson, population 2,170.  

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

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

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

 

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FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Kentucky Wildfires

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted For Little Valley Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of Nevada to combat the Little Valley Fire burning in Washoe County.

On October 14, 2016, the State of Nevada submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the Little Valley Fire burning in Washoe County.  At the time of the request, the fire was immediately threatening 150 homes in and around the community of West Washoe Valley.    Mandatory evacuations were taking place for approximately 200 people.  The fire, which also started on October 14, has burned in excess of total 700 acres of state and private land.

The Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region IX, determined that the Little Valley Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.  The State’s request was immediately approved on October 14, 2016.

Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) provide federal funding for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs.  The Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires which threaten to cause major disasters.  Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools; materials; supplies and mobilization; and demobilization activities.

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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.

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FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted For Little Valley Fire

$12.5 Million in FEMA Grants Awarded to Support State Projects that Limit Disaster Impact

AUSTIN, Texas—FEMA announced today more than $12.5 million is being awarded to support state and local efforts that reduce the impact of future disasters.

The funding—through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program—is provided in addition to the federal aid that supports the recovery following a major disaster declaration.  This year, disasters were declared following severe storms and flooding in March, April and June; the $12.5 million in grants is the total HMGP assistance for all three.

HMGP grants to the state are typically 15 percent of the total FEMA assistance provided for recovery. While funding for disaster recovery is provided only for the affected counties, HGMP funds are available for communities throughout the state.

Some recent examples of HMGP projects around the state:

  • Cooke County’s safe room rebate program, which provided up to $3,000 to homeowners who built tornado shelters or safe rooms.
  • Bastrop County’s hazardous fuels mitigation program, which thinned 4,000 acres of woodland and vegetative debris, effectively limiting the source of fuel for wildfires.
  • The ongoing, multi-year home buyout program in Harris County, where since 1995, more than 2,000 homes have been removed from the high-risk flood zone.
  • The City of San Marcos’ early-warning system of 14 sirens placed on poles at strategic locations around the community.

The federal share of each approved project is 75 percent. FEMA provides the funding to the state, which sets project priorities and administers the program.  Eligible projects may be funded for or through:

  • State agencies;
  • Federally-recognized tribes;
  • Local governments, and
  • Private nonprofit organizations.

Individuals do not apply directly to the state, but their local government may apply on their behalf.

“Studies have shown that every $1 spent on mitigation avoids $4 that might have been spent for disaster recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s current operations in Texas.

For additional information on the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, go to www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance.  For examples of successful mitigation projects, visit www.fema.gov/mitigation-best-practices-portfolio.

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

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

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$12.5 Million in FEMA Grants Awarded to Support State Projects that Limit Disaster Impact

FEMA Urges Residents to Take Evacuation Orders Seriously Ahead of Hurricane Matthew

WASHINGTON – As evacuations begin today in some coastal counties, with more likely to follow, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging residents to listen closely to state and local officials’ guidance and to take seriously any directions to evacuate. 

FEMA is working with its federal and state partners at the Regional Response Coordination Centers in Atlanta and Philadelphia to help coordinate any requests for assistance from states potentially affected by Hurricane Matthew.

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Matthew is moving northward with sustained winds of 125 miles per hour through the northern Caribbean, and it could impact Florida and the U.S. East Coast this week. Hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings have been issued for Florida’s coastline. Heavy rain between four to ten inches, winds and significant wave heights are expected to impact the Florida Keys, coastal Southeast and the Carolinas beginning on Thursday through the weekend. Evacuations for some coastal counties are beginning today.

“Residents and visitors should take evacuation orders seriously and heed the directions of state, local and tribal officials,” said FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate. “This is a major hurricane that has the potential to cause significant harm to life and property. If instructed to evacuate, don’t wait for the next forecast, evacuate.”

FEMA liaisons are deployed to the state emergency operation centers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina to assist state responses, as needed in advance of the storm. FEMA stands ready to assist additional states and tribes, as needed and requested.

FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) are deployed to emergency operations centers (EOC) in Florida and North Carolina. Additional IMATs are scheduled to arrive at the EOCs in South Carolina and Virginia today to support preparation activities and ensure there are no unmet needs. Additional teams from around the country are ready to deploy to affected states and tribes as necessary.

Four Incident Support Bases have been identified in Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, to pre-position commodities and resources closer to potentially affected areas.

Shelters are beginning to open across the potentially impacted states. Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips, in English and in Spanish. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, disaster survival tips, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The app also enables users to receive push notifications reminding them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters.

Safety and Preparedness Tips

Hurricane Matthew has potential for life-threatening rain, wind and storm surge. Those in potentially affected areas should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have a plan for their pets.

Individuals should visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn these and other preparedness tips for tropical storms or hurricanes. If the storm is expected to affect your area, know your evacuation zone and follow the direction of local or tribal officials if an evacuation is ordered for your area.

If you will be evacuating, contact family and friends to let them know you are leaving and where you’re going; and take your pets with you or pre-identify a pet-friendly safe location like a pet friendly hotel or shelter.

Create a household inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims.

Other steps to take right now to protect property are:

  • Make sure your sump pump is working, and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. If you already have a battery backup, install fresh batteries. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
  • Clear debris from gutters and downspouts. Clear storm drains in the street or near your home of leaves and debris.
  • Move electronics, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.
  • Roll up area rugs, where possible, and store them on higher floors or elevations. This will reduce the chances of rugs getting wet and growing mold.
  • Shut off electrical service at the main breaker if the electrical system and outlets will be under water.
  • If you incur expenses due to protecting your home in preparation for coming storms and flooding – such as purchasing sandbags – you may be able to file a claim against your National Flood Insurance Program flood policy for reimbursement. Call your insurance agent to discuss your coverage and learn more.

There is the potential for flooding with this storm. Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous and almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas, at bridges and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. If you encounter flood waters, remember – turn around, don’t drown.

Get to know the terms that are used to identify severe weather and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued:

For a hurricane:

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

For a tropical storm:

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

For flooding:

  • A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding.
  • A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
     

To learn more about what to do before, during and after severe weather, visit www.Ready.gov.
 

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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 www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

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

 

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FEMA Urges Residents to Take Evacuation Orders Seriously Ahead of Hurricane Matthew

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Pointe Coupee Parish Closing Friday

BATON ROUGE, La. – The disaster recovery center at the following address is closing at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16:

Pointe Coupee Parish

Location:  False River Parking Lot
                  1200 Major Parkway
                  New Roads, LA 70760

With the community continuing to repair and rebuild, its need for this disaster recovery center has diminished, leading to the facility’s closure.

Survivors can still visit any other disaster recovery centers and may locate other centers near them by going online to fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers, calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA mobile app.

For more information or to register with FEMA, go online with any computer, smartphone or tablet to DisasterAssistance.gov, call the FEMA Helpline, or download the FEMA mobile app. Help is available in most languages and the FEMA Helpline is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

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Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Pointe Coupee Parish Closing Friday

Harris County, Texas, Flood Maps Become Final in January

DENTON, Texas –– New flood maps become effective in Harris County on Jan. 6, 2017. Residents are encouraged to look at them so they can determine the need to buy flood insurance. By knowing their risks, individuals and communities can make informed decisions about building and development.

Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their homes, personal property and businesses. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy, or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is a voluntary program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).                                                     

Residents with federal mortgages must have flood insurance if the structures are in flood hazard areas. Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. Not all flooding events result in a major disaster declaration. Even when disasters are declared, there are limits to financial assistance.                                                                                             

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, contact your local floodplain administrator. “We all need to learn what our risks are and prepare for them,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Floods can happen anywhere.”

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat. 

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to examine the benefits of joining the program. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

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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 us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov. 

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Harris County, Texas, Flood Maps Become Final in January

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