PORTSMOUTH, N.H.—On April 17, President Obama authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse government and some private non-profit entities in Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk, Massachusetts, counties for their eligible emergency response costs due to the Marathon bombings. On June 5, Bristol County was added to the counties eligible for this aid.

The emergency declaration authorizes FEMA’s Public Assistance program to reimburse 75 percent of eligible costs, such as police and fire department overtime and equipment expenses. The period for which expenses are eligible is April 15-22, 2013.

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.

Read More – 

Assistance for Four Massachusetts Counties’ Bombing Expenses

AURORA, Ill. – The federal/state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Woodford County will close at
7 p.m. Friday, June 14.

Woodford County

Woodford County Emergency Management Office

301 S. Main St.

Roanoke, IL 61561

After the DRC closes, registration continues to be available in several ways: online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information, visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

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.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

Continue reading: 

Disaster Recovery Center in Woodford County to Close

AURORA, Ill. – The eight Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) operated by the state of Illinois and FEMA have changed their schedule of operations.

They will now be open from Monday through Saturday, rather than seven days a week.  The DRCs will be closed Sundays. Hours of operation remain 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The DRC locations are as follows:

Chicago

North Park Village              

5801 N. Pulaski, Bldg. C                 

Chicago, IL 60646

Chicago

Royal Savings Bank                

9226 S. Commercial Ave.                                       

Chicago, IL 60617

Cook County

Forest View Fire Department        

7010 W. 46th                         

Forest View, IL 60402

Cook County

1486 Miner St. (Next to

Des Plaines Theater)                          

Des Plaines, IL 60016              

DuPage County

Lisle Police Department                  

5040 Lincoln Ave.                 

Lisle, IL 60532

Peoria County

Chillicothe Fire Department (Fire Hall)                                        

217 W. Chestnut St.                    

Chillicothe, IL 61523

Rock Island County

Rock Island County Emergency Management Office     

6120 78th Ave.                         

Milan, IL 61264

Woodford County

Woodford County Emergency

Management Office               

301 S. Main                            

Roanoke, IL 61561

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

DRCs also offer an additional service for those who may have questions or need help in applying for disaster aid. Information about other disaster programs is also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents should apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

Hazard Mitigation staff, located at the DRCs, can provide information on repairing or rebuilding homes to minimize damage from future storms and flooding events.

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.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

Link – 

Schedule Changes for Illinois/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

WASHINGTON – After completing 10 months of service to disaster survivors around the country, the nation’s first class of FEMA Corps members will be honored at graduation ceremonies in Vicksburg, Miss., and Vinton, Iowa this month.

FEMA Corps is an innovative partnership between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to enhance the nation’s disaster response and recovery capacity while expanding career opportunities for young people.

Established as a new unit within the existing AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), FEMA Corps engages young adults ages 18 to 24 to provide 10 months of full-time service on disaster response and recovery projects.  More than 300 members of the inaugural FEMA Corps class will graduate at ceremonies in Vicksburg on June 6 and Vinton on June 13. 

“These FEMA Corps members have made a real difference in FEMA’s disaster response and recovery efforts,” said Richard Serino, FEMA Deputy Administrator. “They have brought incredible energy and enthusiasm for community service, directly impacting the lives of disaster survivors and paving a path for future FEMA Corps teams.”

“I am so proud of the work AmeriCorps members have done as part of FEMA Corps and the positive impact they have had for disaster survivors,” said Wendy Spencer, CNCS CEO. “Through their selfless service, they have helped thousands of survivors move forward with their lives and blazed the trail for future FEMA Corps teams to make an even greater impact.”

FEMA Corps teams from the two campuses were integral in the response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Sandy. Teams were on the ground in New York and New Jersey in the first few days following the hurricane and provided direct assistance to disaster survivors by working at Disaster Recovery Centers and going door-to-door in impacted neighborhoods providing disaster information. FEMA Corps also provided assistance in 20 other states including Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Florida during their 10 month assignment.

The joint partnership between FEMA and CNCS is a five-year program that that will engage thousands of FEMA Corps members in all aspects of emergency management by responding to disasters across the country. Their service has contributed to delivering disaster assistance in a more expedited way by combining their resources and technology to help register disaster survivors in person. Their highly visible FEMA Corps uniforms also have let impacted communities and disaster survivors know that FEMA is present and helping to meet their needs.

As part of their service, FEMA Corps graduates will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to help them pay for college or pursue other learning opportunities in and out of emergency management.

“Being able to serve and to directly help disaster survivors in their greatest time of need has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined when I signed up for the program,” said Margarita Andryushchenko, FEMA Corps Team Leader.  “The experiences my team members and I have had over the past 10months will stay with us forever.”

In addition to FEMA Corps campuses in Vicksburg and Vinton, FEMA Corps is also based out of Denver and Sacramento, Calif., and in the fall the campus in Baltimore, Md. will inaugurate its first class. A second class of FEMA Corps members from Vicksburg and Vinton will also begin in the fall.

 

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. For more information, visit FEMA.gov

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads the President’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

View original article:

FEMA Corps Graduates First AmeriCorps Members

AUSTIN, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damages from the April 17 fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas have two weeks left to register for disaster assistance from the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The registration deadline for FEMA disaster assistance is June 18.

“We’re urging residents with explosion-related damages to apply for FEMA assistance before June 18 and keep us posted of any insurance settlements they may receive,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes of FEMA. “This allows us to continue processing their registrations for any unmet needs.”

A U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) is open at the POINTWEST Bank located at 210 N. Roberts Rd in West, Texas. The DLOC hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice. At the DLOC, SBA representatives will answer questions, explain the application process, help individuals and businesses apply for low-interest disaster loans and close their approved disaster loans.  FEMA Individual Assistance specialists are available at the DLOC to answer questions and provide information on the types of disaster assistance available from FEMA.

“Residents are encouraged to visit the DLOC or they may contact our FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 with any specific questions or concerns,” said Hannes. “We remain committed to helping West survivors until they have received all the state and federal assistance they are eligible for and we will be here as long as needed.”  

SBA’s Disaster Assistance will continue to be available beyond June 18. The filing deadline to return SBA applications for property damage is July 1, 2013.  The deadline to return economic injury applications is February 3, 2014.

Survivors should register now at www.disasterassistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information about SBA’s Disaster Assistance, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659 2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov.  Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877 8339.  Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Read original article: 

FEMA Registration Deadline Two Weeks Away for West, Texas Plant Explosion Survivors

• MYTH: There’s no easy way to get true, reliable information about FEMA’s disaster assistance programs.
FACT: Straight answers and plain facts are available from the disaster assistance program experts on FEMA’s Help Line. Call 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585 to learn about disaster assistance programs and to register for aid.

• MYTH: It’s hard to register for FEMA disaster assistance.
FACT: There are three ways to register for disaster assistance. Call 1-800-621-3362; TTY 1-800-462-7585; online, visit www.disasterassistance.gov or go to m.fema.gov via web-enabled phone. Users of 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 1-800-621-3362.
o Oklahoma residents who live in counties designated for federal assistance — Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie — are urged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. 

• MYTH: It takes a long time for disaster aid to reach survivors.
FACT: FEMA already has Individual Assistance specialists on the ground in Oklahoma. They will continue to process assistance for eligible survivors as applications are received.

• MYTH: Survivors can’t register for FEMA assistance if they have insurance.
FACT: Survivors may be eligible for FEMA disaster aid for their uninsured and underinsured losses and damage.

• MYTH: Renters can’t get FEMA aid.
FACT: Renters whose homes were made unlivable by a disaster may be eligible for FEMA disaster grants, including rental assistance and other disaster-related needs. 

• MYTH: When survivors register, they immediately qualify and receive payments from FEMA.
FACT: After survivors register, their completed applications are reviewed, and an inspector may call to schedule an inspection at their home. If survivors are eligible for assistance, they should receive a U.S. Treasury/State check or notification of a direct deposit to their bank accounts. Other types of assistance may be provided later, based on specific eligibility and need.

• MYTH: If you receive FEMA assistance, it could reduce your social security benefit.
FACT: FEMA assistance will not affect your social security payments.

• MYTH: Only businesses can get low-interest disaster loans from SBA.
FACT: SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes (including landlords) and private nonprofit organizations for disaster damages not fully covered by insurance or other compensation.

• MYTH: Immigrants do not qualify for federal assistance.
FACT: It’s true that applicants must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or a qualified alien to be eligible for FEMA assistants. However, assistance may be available if someone registers on behalf of a child in the home who is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien under 18.

• MYTH: Receiving a letter from FEMA stating the applicant is not eligible means the person will not get any assistance.
FACT:   Receiving such a letter does not necessarily mean an applicant is not eligible for disaster aid, even when the letter states “ineligible” or “incomplete.” It can be an indication that further information is needed, or that the applicant’s insurance claim needs to be settled first before disaster aid can be granted.
For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4117 or visit the OEM site at www.oem.ok.gov. The fema.gov website has a link to a Rumor Control Page, which clarifies disaster-related rumors.
 

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) prepares for, responds to, recovers from and mitigates against emergencies and disasters. The department delivers service to Oklahoma cities, towns and counties through a network of more than 350 local emergency managers.

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

Continue reading:  

Myths and Facts about FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for Oklahoma Tornado Survivors

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages New Jerseyans to include their pets as they update their emergency plans.

For millions of animal owners, pets are important members of the household. The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire, flood, tornado or terrorist attack could depend on emergency planning done today. Knowing what supplies to have available, how to evacuate with your pets, where your pets will stay and how you will meet your pets’ needs throughout the disaster are all critical questions to address.

All pet owners are urged to keep a pet emergency supply kit, which should include at least a three-day supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container, drinking water, bowls for the food and water, current photos of you and your pets together, physical descriptions of each pet, medication, vaccination records and first aid pet supplies. Also include a leash and a pet carrier that can double as a sleeping area. You should consider comfort items for your pets as well, such as their favorite toys and blankets.

Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Talk with your pet care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where you keep your pets’ emergency supply kit. Also designate specific locations, one in your immediate neighborhood and another farther away, where you will meet your buddy in an emergency.

Evacuating pets may be more difficult if you cannot evacuate in your own vehicle. Pet owners must understand their community’s evacuation plans and ensure they are prepared for any variations and restrictions. If officials call for an evacuation, you should be aware that many evacuation shelters do not accept pets and you must plan where you’ll shelter your pets in advance. Many hotels, motels, campsites and other facilities around the country now allow pets. For information on pet-friendly accommodations in your area, visit ready.gov/caring-animals.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit the NJOEM website at state.nj.us/njoem, Ready.gov or Listo.gov or call the toll-free numbers 1-800-BE-READY, TTY 1-800-462-7585 and     1-888-SE-LISTO. You can also text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) and sign up to receive monthly disaster safety tips on your mobile phone.

# # #

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.

This article is from: 

New Jerseyans Should Include Pets in Their Preparedness Plan

NEW YORK – As hurricane season approaches, pledge to protect your family, friends and businesses by knowing your risk, taking action and being an example.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration have partnered again this year to promote National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week – May 26 through June 1 – highlights the importance of planning ahead to protect our families and secure our communities. Hurricane season is June 1 through Nov. 30.

“I’m sure New Yorkers who saw Sandy’s impact know the importance of preparing for hurricane season,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “Everyone should take the pledge and use social media to let their friends know how they can prepare against disasters.”

Recent studies show that many people use social media during a disaster to let relatives and friends know they are safe. Social media provides the perfect platform for preparedness. Pledge to use it and to and take the following steps:

Know your risk: Understand how hurricanes could impact you, your family and your community. When you understand your risk, you are more apt to know how to prepare.  Check weather forecasts regularly, sign up for local alerts from your emergency management officials and get a NOAA Weather Radio.

Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan and practice how and where you will evacuate if instructed by local emergency management officials. Post your plan in your home where friends and family can see it. Understand the National Hurricane Center watches and warnings. Purchase flood insurance now – there’s a 30-day waiting period and download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane. Stay informed with FEMA’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Be an example: Once you have pledged and taken action, be an example by talking to your family, friends, colleagues and neighbors on what you have done to prepare and inspire others.

More information can be found at www.ready.gov/hurricanes. Information on different types of severe weather such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flooding is available at www.weather.gov  and www.ready.gov/hurricanes or the Spanish-language website www.listo.gov.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.fema.gov/blog.

View original:

2013 National Hurricane Preparedness Week, Pledge to Prepare

AURORA, IL – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, in Peoria County to allow residents affected by the recent severe storms and flooding to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists, officials said today.

The DRC, operated jointly by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and FEMA, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

The location is:

Peoria County

Chillicothe Fire Department (Fire Hall)

217 W. Chestnut

Chillicothe, IL 61523

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week

Disaster recovery officials work closely with community leaders to find DRC locations that provide safe and easy access for all survivors. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

DRCs also offer an additional service for those who may have questions or need help in applying for disaster aid. Information about other disaster programs is also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations. Residents should apply with FEMA even if they already provided damage information to local officials, other agencies or organizations.

SBA low-interest disaster loans may be available for homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations of all sizes to repair or replace real estate, contents and/or personal property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. SBA customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and assist survivors with their loan applications. Information and assistance from SBA is also available at 800-659-2955, (TTY) 800-877-8339 or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

###

Excerpt from – 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Peoria County

CHICAGO – Illinois residents will get the opportunity to assist with the state’s disaster recovery while building their professional skills and drawing a paycheck. Temporary, full-time positions are available locally with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA has joined forces with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) to recruit and screen individuals to work in positions including finance and administration, writing and public information, planning, individual disaster assistance, information technology, and logistics. All temporary employees will have a hand in their state’s disaster recovery.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, and possess a high school diploma or GED. Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes finger printing and credit check, be able to furnish his/her own transportation to and from work and live within 50 miles of the employing office. Employees are also required to participate in mandatory direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payment.

Candidates in DuPage and Cook counties may apply by e-mailing their resume to FEMA@workforceboard.org. Applicants must include the Local Hire Job Order Number and Job Title in the subject line of the email and on their attached resume.

Candidates for all counties may apply at www.IllinoisJobLink.com.  Enter “FEMA” into the keyword search to find available positions.

FEMA is committed to employing a highly qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation.  All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, non-disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation, and any other non-merit factor.  The federal government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

###

See more here – 

FEMA Seeking Local Hires to Assist in Disaster Recovery

 Page 84 of 129  « First  ... « 82  83  84  85  86 » ...  Last »