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Berlin, NJ Firefighters to Receive New Personal Safety Equipment – Federal Grant will Fund Purchase

NEW YORK — The regional volunteer firefighting alliance in Berlin Borough and Berlin Township is currently operating with obsolete, 14-year-old safety equipment that is out of compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards.

The items to be replaced are self-contained breathing apparatuses at Berlin firehouses in both the Borough and Township. The Borough’s Fire Chief, William Behnke, and the Township’s Fire Chief, Joseph Jackson, Jr., say that the combined 47 SCBAs at both facilities have been subject to wear and tear over 14 to 15 years and “numerous documented failures.”

But thanks to an Assistance to Firefighters Grant totaling nearly $280,000.00 effective May 20, the two firehouses will be receiving 47 new SCBAs, each of which will consist of a harness/backpack, a face piece, and two breathing cylinders.

Chief Behnke reports that the two firehouses conducted a joint needs assessment and concluded that “replacing our old, obsolete, non-compliant, and failing SCBA is the highest priority for improving firefighter safety and operations in the region.”

Unlike the worn-out gear it will replace, the new equipment will be compatible with that used by neighboring firehouses. It will allow firefighters to communicate with each other, display the amount of cylinder air available, and provide access to “rapid intervention teams,” which rescue trapped firefighters. The equipment also has other technological features enhancing safety.

The total grant amounts to $293,750.00 with $13,988.00 being contributed locally.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency administers the AFG program. Dale McShine, director of FEMA’s Region II Grants and National Preparedness Division, said she is pleased that the new equipment will have such a positive impact on the firefighters’ personal well-being. “If they’re not safe, their ability to protect residents is also at risk.”

Located in southwestern New Jersey, and with a population of some 16,000 residents, Berlin Borough responded to 854 alarms last year, while the Township answered 806.

Berlin Mayor James Bilella says that this grant is “truly significant to a small town like ours because it allows us to serve our population effectively.” He added, “Our volunteer first responders need updated, modern equipment to do their jobs safely.”

Tania Hedlund, FEMA’s Region II Branch Chief for grants, reports that in fiscal year 2014, the Region awarded 273 AFG awards totaling $95.6 million.

Original article:

Berlin, NJ Firefighters to Receive New Personal Safety Equipment – Federal Grant will Fund Purchase

Protect Yourself from Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

AUSTIN, Texas – As storms and flooding wreak havoc across Texas, FEMA officials are warning of another danger: scam artists and unscrupulous contractors out to fleece communities and survivors struggling to recover from disaster.

Be aware of these most common post-disaster scams:

Housing inspectors: If home damage is visible from the street, an owner/applicant may be vulnerable to those who pose as housing inspectors and claim to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Ask for identification. Federal and state representatives carry photo ID. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of affiliation with the government.
FEMA inspectors never ask for banking or other personal information. < >EMA housing inspectors verify damage but do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They do not determine eligibility for assistance.
Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references; recovery experts recommend getting a written estimate from at least three contractors, including the cost of labor and materials; and read the fine print.
Demand that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If he or she is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.
Avoid paying more than half the costs upfront. Doing so offers little incentive for the contractor to return to complete repairs.

Pleas for post-disaster donations: Con artists play on the sympathies of disaster survivors, knowing that people want to help others in need. Disaster aid solicitations may arrive by phone, email, letter or face-to-face visits. Verify charitable solicitations:

Ask for the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and web address, then phone the charity to confirm that the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.
Don’t pay with cash. Pay with a check made out to the charity in case funds must be stopped later.
Request a receipt. Legitimate nonprofit agencies routinely provide receipts for tax purposes.

Offers of state or federal aid: Beware of anyone claiming to be from FEMA or the state and asking for a Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information. Scammers may solicit by phone or in person, promising to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance or building permit process. Others promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. If you have any doubts, do not give out information and file a report with the police.

If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. If you are a victim of a home repair or price-gouging scam, call the Office of the Texas Attorney General at 800-252-8011. For information regarding disaster-related fraud and how to protect yourself, visit texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/disaster-scams.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

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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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.

Originally posted here:

Protect Yourself from Disaster-Related Fraud and Scams

Texans Have One Week Left to Register for Disaster Assistance for April Storms

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the April storms and flooding in 12 counties have only until Friday, June 24, to register for FEMA disaster assistance.

Aid can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Texans with disaster-related damage or loss from the April storms may be eligible for assistance if they live or work in the following 12 counties: Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton.

Texans can register the following ways:

online at DisasterAssistance.gov
phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
visit a disaster recovery center

To find the nearest disaster recovery center, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

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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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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Texans Have One Week Left to Register for Disaster Assistance for April Storms

Federal Disaster Assistance Includes Right to Appeal

AUSTIN, Texas – Not every Texan who registered for federal disaster assistance following the April storms and flooding will qualify for aid. However, an appeal process can ensure those affected by the storms will receive all aid for which they are legally eligible.

People who live or work in the following 12 counties may be eligible for assistance for the April 17-24 storms: Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton.

Applicants from those counties have 60 days from the date on FEMA’s determination letter to file their appeal. The FEMA letter describes the amount and type of assistance being offered.

Applicants who are dissatisfied with FEMA’s decision may call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585 for information on how to file an appeal. Specialists are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Additional information is available on pages 9-10 of the FEMA booklet, “Help after a Disaster: Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals & Households Program.” This free booklet is available in multilingual formats as a PDF to download at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

To appeal FEMA’s decision, write a letter explaining why the amount or type of assistance authorized is not correct. The letter should also include:

applicant’s full name
last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number
applicant’s FEMA registration number
the disaster number (DR-4269-TX)
address of the damaged property
current contact information
signature of the applicant

Sign, date and mail the letter to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

Letters may also be faxed to 800-827-8112 with a cover sheet marked: Attention – FEMA.

Texans can register the following ways:

online at DisasterAssistance.gov
phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

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

Federal Disaster Assistance Includes Right to Appeal

Complete an SBA Loan Application to be Considered for Other Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the May flooding and were referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration may lose income-based FEMA grants if they don’t complete and submit the SBA loan application.

Other Needs Assistance grants may cover uninsured losses for furniture, appliances and other personal property, even vehicles. Survivors will not be considered for this type of assistance unless they complete and return the SBA loan application.

Applicants from Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller and Washington counties should complete the application, even if they don’t want a loan.

“The SBA loan application is used to review an applicant’s eligibility for additional assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “For that reason, complete the application even if you don’t plan to accept the loan.”

Some types of Other Needs Assistance—medical, dental and funeral expenses—are not SBA dependent, and completing the loan application is not required. However, it is always recommended by recovery experts. The application is not required for survivors seeking temporary rental assistance.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property, offering low-interest disaster assistance loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

Survivors may apply online using the electronic loan application via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s customer service center by calling 800-659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339. For more disaster assistance information or to download applications, visit sba.gov/disaster.

Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76155.

SBA loan applications can be submitted even as disaster survivors await an insurance settlement. The loan balance will be reduced by the settlement. SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance.

Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence.
Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.
Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury. SBA offers low-interest working capital loans—called Economic Injury Disaster Loans—to small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

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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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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Complete an SBA Loan Application to be Considered for Other Assistance

More Than $22.7 Million in Federal Disaster Aid to Help Texas Communities Recover from the March Storm

AUSTIN, Texas – Federal officials estimate more than $22.7 million in disaster assistance will help fund local governments’ recovery from the March 7-29 tornadoes and flooding.

The presidential declaration on March 19 made federal assistance available to 13 Texas counties including Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Jasper, Limestone, Marion, Newton, Orange, Parker, Shelby and Tyler.

FEMA funds helping fuel the recovery in these counties include Public Assistance, an essential element of federal disaster response that benefits everyone—neighborhoods, cities and states, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations.

Public Assistance dollars help local governments:

clean up the community and repair roads and bridges;
put water systems and utilities back in order;
repair hospitals and emergency services;
rebuild libraries and replace damaged books;
rebuild schools and universities; and
restore damaged public parks for families to enjoy again.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides a minimum of 75 percent of the cost to repair or replace disaster-damaged infrastructure.

“Public Assistance grants support the work that helps an entire community recover,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “These are federal tax dollars coming back to Texas to rebuild taxpayer-funded infrastructure.”

Public Assistance grant recipients can include:

state agencies;
local and county governments; and
private nonprofit organizations that own or operate facilities providing essential government services.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the March storms at fema.gov/disaster/4266; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

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

Excerpt from –

More Than $22.7 Million in Federal Disaster Aid to Help Texas Communities Recover from the March Storm

Texans Have 14 Days Left to Register for Disaster Assistance for April Storms

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the April storms and flooding in 12 counties have only until Friday, June 24, to register for FEMA disaster assistance.

Assistance can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Texans with disaster-related damage or loss from the April 17-24 storms may be eligible for assistance if they live or work in the following 12 counties: Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton.

Texans can register the following ways:

online at DisasterAssistance.gov
by phone at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

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

Texans Have 14 Days Left to Register for Disaster Assistance for April Storms

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Akawana fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Akawana fire burning in Jefferson County, Oregon.

FEMA Region X Deputy Regional Administrator Sharon Loper determined that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Loper approved the state of Oregon’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) at 8:44 p.m. PDT on June 8, 2016.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 1,000 homes in and around the Grandview, Forest Park, and Three Rivers communities, total estimated population 3,000. Approximately 250 of the threatened homes are primary residences and 750 are secondary homes. The fire was also threatening campsites, the Lake Billy Chinook State Airport, Native American archeological sites, and two state parks in the area. Mandatory evacuations were issued for approximately 3,000 people. The fire started on June 7, 2016, and had burned in excess of 2,500 acres of private land. There were four other large fires burning uncontrolled within the state. The Principal Advisor confirmed the threat. The fire was zero percent contained at the time of approval.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state of Oregon’s eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

FMAGs are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

Originally from –

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Akawana fire

Disaster Recovery Center to Close June 4 in Columbus

AUSTIN, Texas – The disaster recovery center in Columbus in Colorado County will close at 2 p.m. on June 4.

Location:
Colorado County EMS
305 Radio Lane, Room 101
Columbus, TX 78934

Closing:
2 p.m. Saturday, June 4

Disaster recovery centers are operated jointly by FEMA and the state. Visiting a disaster recovery center is not required to register for FEMA assistance.

After the center closes, Texans whose homes or businesses were affected by the April 17-24 storms and flooding can still register for assistance, get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process or check the status of their claim the following ways:

visit DisasterAssistance.gov
phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Recovery officials encourage Texans who registered for disaster assistance with FEMA to stay in touch. If survivors change their addresses or phone numbers they should update FEMA with the information. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in getting a home inspection or receiving assistance.

Disaster survivors can also visit other recovery centers that remain open. To find the closest one, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269 or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at dps.texas.gov/dem/. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

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

Source:

Disaster Recovery Center to Close June 4 in Columbus

FEMA Offers Advice for Texans on Lessening Storm Damage in Harris and Austin Counties

AUSTIN, Texas – A team of specialists from FEMA will visit two home improvement stores in Harris County and another in Austin County to offer tips and techniques to lessen the impact of disaster-related property damage.

Specialists will be available from June 2-7 at the following locations:

Harris County

Where:
Lowe’s Home Improvement,
1521 North Loop West,
Houston, TX 77008

Hours:
7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 2-4
8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 5
7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, June 6-7

Where:
Gateway Ace Hardware,
6860 Telephone Rd.,
Houston, TX 77061

Hours:
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 2-4
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, June 5
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, June 6-7

Austin County

Where:
A L & M Do-it-Best Building Supply,
300 N. Meyer St.,
Sealy, TX 77474

Hours:
7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, June 2-3
7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, June 4
8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday, June 5
7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, June 6-7

FEMA Mitigation specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to reduce damage in future disasters. Information is geared to both do-it-yourselfers and general contractors on topics such as flood proofing a home, how to elevate utilities and removing and replacing wet drywall.

Booklets are available in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage and other natural disasters. If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access Braille or large print, please let our representatives know. American Sign Language interpreters can be available, if requested, by calling Everett Sedgwick at 202-870-4129. More information on how to strengthen homes, businesses and communities can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation and fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer policyholder questions, service claims, provide general information and offer technical assistance. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 (FEMA) and select option 2. Hours are between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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

Excerpt from:

FEMA Offers Advice for Texans on Lessening Storm Damage in Harris and Austin Counties

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