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Mitigation Teams Continue to Offer Free Home Repair Advice

WARREN, Mich. – Mitigation specialists continue their outreach in five new locations in Oakland and Wayne counties to give free advice on rebuilding properties damaged in the August floods, and to answer questions on how to be disaster-ready.

The new locations are:

Oakland County:
Home Depot
1177 Coolidge Highway
Troy, MI 48084
Oct. 19 to Nov. 3, Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Thursdays.

Lowe’s Home Improvement
434 W. 12 Mile Road
Madison Heights, MI 48071
Oct. 22 to Nov. 4, 2014, Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Thursdays.

Wayne County:
Home Depot
23300 W. Allen
Woodhaven, MI 48183
Oct. 20 to Nov. 3, 2014, Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Thursdays.

Ace Brooks Lumber
2200 Trumbull Ave.
Detroit, MI 48216
Oct. 23 to Nov. 4, 2014, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed Sundays.

Lowe’s Home Improvement
23111 Outer Drive
Allen Park, MI 48101
Oct. 24 to Nov. 4, 2014, Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Thursdays.

The mitigation specialists offer free advice and publications on rebuilding, and provide information on how to minimize damages ahead of the next disaster.

FEMA provides mitigation information in coordination with the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management Homeland Security Division.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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

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

Link:

Mitigation Teams Continue to Offer Free Home Repair Advice

Federal Disaster Aid in Michigan Tops $84 Million

Main Content

Release date:

October 17, 2014

Release Number:

DR-4195-MI NR-014

WARREN, Mich. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that nearly $84 million in federal disaster grants and loans has been approved for Michigan survivors of the Aug. 11-13 storms and flooding.

As of close of business Oct. 16:

Nearly 80,000 Michigan residents in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties have registered for federal disaster assistance;

Nearly $56 million has been approved for housing assistance, including rental assistance and home repair costs;

More than $17 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses, lost personal possessions and child care;

More than $11 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration;

More than 100 disaster survivor assistance specialists are in the affected communities and available to explain the types of disaster assistance;

3,177 residents have visited four Disaster Recovery Centers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties since they opened in early October;

2,845 people have received rebuilding advice from mitigation specialists located at home improvement big-box stores and special events in the affected communities;

Housing inspectors in the field have completed nearly 67,000 inspections of damaged properties.

Residents can register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a smart phone or Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362. TTY users may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

Last Updated:

October 17, 2014 – 17:23

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Region V

Related Disaster:

Michigan Severe Storms and Flooding

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Federal Disaster Aid in Michigan Tops $84 Million

Michigan Residents Warned of Fake Building Contractors

WARREN, Mich. – With more than $69.3 million in disaster recovery assistance approved for Michigan homeowners and renters, fake building contractors are angling to get their hands on some of it, state and federal officials warned.

Scam artists and other criminals often prey on survivors who have received money to repair their storm-damaged homes. Authorities in Michigan have already received isolated reports of people doing just that.

“In times of crisis, Michiganders pull together and help each other when it’s needed most,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Unfortunately, there are some people who will try to take advantage of disaster survivors. We strongly recommend that individuals take a few simple steps to make sure they’re dealing with an honest person.”

Homeowners and renters may be anxious to repair their homes as quickly as possible, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges them to first check the credentials of anyone offering to do repairs.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) offers valuable resources to help determine whether a contractor is a legitimate professional:

For residential builders and maintenance and alteration contractors, an online license search is available at www.michigan.gov/licenselookup or by calling the LARA’s Corporations, Securities and Commercial Licensing Bureau at (517) 373-8376.
Electricians, plumbers and mechanical contractors are licensed by LARA’s Bureau of Construction Codes and must have a license that corresponds to the work to be done. Mechanical contractors must also have the proper license classification. To verify license information, go to www.michigan.gov/bcclicense or call (517) 241-9313.

“In every disaster, there are always a few individuals who want to profit from the recovery effort,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph A. Diemont. “Asking just a few questions can save people from a lot of heartache.”

It is important to note that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse contractors to repair homes. FEMA housing inspectors do not determine eligibility for assistance.

When hiring a contractor:

Ask the individual to show you his or her “pocket card,” which will contain the license number.
Use licensed local contractors backed by reliable references.
Get a written estimate from at least three contractors, including the cost of labor and materials, and read the fine print.
Select only contractors that carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If the contractor is not insured, the homeowner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property.

The most common post-disaster fraud practices involve not only fraudulent building contractors, but phony housing inspectors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Those who suspect fraud may call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement or through the Michigan Attorney General’s office at 877-765-8388 or online at www.michigan.gov/ag.

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

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

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Michigan Residents Warned of Fake Building Contractors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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

FEMA Says Disaster Recovery Centers Are One-Stop Shops

WARREN, Mich. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages disaster survivors to visit one of the four Disaster Recovery Centers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to learn about the many paths toward recovering from the August severe storms and flooding.

The recovery centers are one-stop shops where disaster survivors can register for assistance, discuss types of disaster assistance programs with specialists, receive the status of their existing application and obtain other information.

The advantage of already being registered before visiting a recovery center is that FEMA staff can look up an applicant’s case and tell how it is progressing. The same information is available at FEMA’s toll-free number, but the face-to-face experience at the centers makes it easier.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) customer service representatives at the recovery centers can explain the several different kinds of low-interest, long-term disaster assistance loans available. Not only businesses and private nonprofit organizations, but homeowners and renters can apply for SBA disaster recovery loans.

Rebuilding stronger and safer homes is the specialty of FEMA’s mitigation specialists. They are at the centers and can explain how to protect property against damaging winds and floods, and reduce damages from future events.

The centers should not be confused with the recovery support sites located throughout neighborhoods in southeast Michigan. The support sites are open for a short period of time and are staffed with FEMA personnel who can help survivors register and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

It is not necessary to go to a recovery center to register for the various federally-funded recovery programs that can be accomplished better by phone or on the web.

Register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smart phone or Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362. TTY users may call 1-800-462-7585.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Nov. 24, 2014.

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

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

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FEMA Says Disaster Recovery Centers Are One-Stop Shops

FEMA Awards $971,295 Grant to the Village of Cary: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to acquire and demolish four flood prone structures

CHICAGO –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $971,295 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the village of Cary, Ill., for the acquisition and demolition of four residential structures in the floodplain. Following demolition, these properties will be maintained as permanent open space in the community.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V acting regional administrator Janet Odeshoo. “The acquisition and demolition of these structures permanently removes them from the floodplain and greatly reduces the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“This grant is good news for the Village of Cary and residents who have been hit by flooding many times in the past,” said Jonathon Monken, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “The residents can now move to higher ground and avoid future heartache and property losses, and the village will no longer need to wage costly flood fights.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $1,295,060 eligible project cost. The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $323,765, will be provided by the village of Cary.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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FEMA Awards $971,295 Grant to the Village of Cary: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to acquire and demolish four flood prone structures

Former Hightstown Firefighter David C. Lidke to be Honored at Sunday’s National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

EMMITSBURG, MD — David C. Lidke of Hightstown, New Jersey, will be one of 107 fallen firefighters to be honored at the 2014 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 12.

The service will take place at 10 a.m. at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md.and will be available via live stream.

A Fire Police Lieutenant with Hightstown Fire Company No. 1 and also a member of the Mercer County Fire Police, Mr. Lidke died in the line of duty on December 23, 2013 after returning from an emergency call. He was 51. More information about Lt. Lidke is available on the Fallen Firefighter Roll of Honor at http://www.firehero.org/fallen-firefighter/david-c-lidke/

His name will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial on the Academy grounds. The national tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration.

More than 5,000 people, including members of Congress, Administration officials and other dignitaries, members of the fire service, and families and friends of the fallen firefighters are expected to attend.

Families of the fallen heroes will receive memorial flags flown over the U. S. Capitol and the National Memorial. Members of the fire service, honor guard units and pipe and drum units from across the U.S. will participate in this national tribute.

Lt. Lidke was one of two New Jersey firefighters who lost their lives in 2013. Jeffrey Scheurer, 35, a member of the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service and a volunteer firefighter in Readington, died in the line of duty in March of 2013 after being struck by a vehicle while conducting a controlled burn along Highway 629.

The annual tribute for fallen firefighters is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s U.S. Fire Administration.

The event is open to the public. Live streaming information—including satellite coordinates—is available at http://media.firehero.org. The media contact is Tom Olshanski at 202-400-0029 or Thomas.Olshanski@fema.dhs.gov.

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.

View original article –

Former Hightstown Firefighter David C. Lidke to be Honored at Sunday’s National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

107 Fallen Firefighters to be honored Sunday at National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

Those remembered include firefighters lost from the West (Texas) fertilizer plant explosion and Yarnell Hill (Arizona) wildfire

EMMITSBURG, M.D. — The lives of 107 firefighters lost in the line of duty will be remembered at the 33^rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 12. The service begins at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, which is on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center. The event is free and open to the public.

The individual story of each fallen firefighter is available at http://media.firehero.org. Sunday’s service will be streamed live online, and satellite coordinates for broadcasters are also available.

More than 5,000 people are expected to attend the ceremony, including the families, friends and co-workers of the fallen firefighters as well as members of Congress, senior-level federal officials, members of the fire service and other dignitaries. FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and USFA Administrator Ernie Mitchell will offer remarks, and families will then receive flags flown over the U. S. Capitol and the National Memorial. Honor guard and pipe and drum units from across the nation will also participate.

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service is part of the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Additional events will be taking place, including a candlelight service on Saturday, October 11, at 6:30 p.m. The candlelight service will also be streamed live online, and satellite coordinates for broadcasters are available.

This annual tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s U.S. Fire Administration. Additional information on the service, memorial weekend, broadcasting instructions and the fallen firefighters being honored is available at http://media.firehero.org.

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107 Fallen Firefighters to be honored Sunday at National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

FEMA Housing Inspectors Contacting Flood Survivors

WARREN, Mich. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that more than 400 housing inspectors are in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties reaching out to Michigan homeowners and renters who have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.

These FEMA inspectors are scheduling appointments with registered applicants to document the extent of damage to thousands of properties, but do not determine whether a particular applicant qualifies for FEMA assistance.

Inspectors will make multiple attempts to contact an applicant and set an appointment for the inspection. Residents who have not received a call from an inspector within one week of registering should call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.

Homeowners must be able to verify their identity and provide proof of ownership of the property. Renters can show occupancy proof with a driver’s license or a recent utility bill.

Within a few days after the inspection, applicants will be notified by letter, text or email alert to advise them of the decision about their claim. Applicants appealing a decision may do so in writing within 60 days of the decision.

Guidelines for appeals can be found in the Applicant’s Handbook sent to everyone who registers with FEMA.

FEMA’s contracted housing inspectors carry FEMA identification and are thoroughly trained. These inspectors use specialized software to ensure every resident receives the same inspection for consideration.

Experienced inspectors re-visit a random sample of applicants to assess the quality and content of the inspection performed.

Residents can register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a smart phone or Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-FEMA (3362). TTY users may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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

FEMA News Desk: (586) 574-4222
EMHSD contact: Ron Leix (517) 336-6464

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FEMA Housing Inspectors Contacting Flood Survivors

FEMA Offers Free Home Repair Advice

WARREN, Mich. – Residents who want to reduce the risk of property damage from storms, floods and other potential hazards have the opportunity to meet with hazard mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Mitigation specialists will be available in:

Macomb County
Lowe’s Home Improvement
31140 Van Dyke Ave.
Warren, MI 48093
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays through Oct. 21

Wayne County
Wal-Mart Supercenter
7555 Telegraph Road
Taylor, MI 48180
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays through Oct. 19

Ace Hardware Store
8544 McGraw Ave.
Detroit, MI 48210
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sundays Oct. 9-22

Home Depot
18700 Meyers Road
Detroit, MI 48235
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays from Oct. 10-22

Residents can get free publications to help them protect their properties against storms and flooding. Mitigation measures may help protect electrical systems, furnaces and other appliances.

FEMA mitigation specialists will provide registration assistance for disaster applications and offer flood insurance information.

Residents can register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smart phone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362. TTY users may call
1-800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA is providing mitigation information in coordination with the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management Homeland Security Division, and Wayne County Emergency Management. Publications will be available in English and Spanish.

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

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

FEMA News Desk: (586) 574-4222

EMHSD contact: Ron Leix (517) 336-6464

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FEMA Offers Free Home Repair Advice

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