In Honor of Mother’s Day, West Disaster Recovery Center Closing Sunday Only

AUSTIN, Texas – The State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in West, Texas will be closed Sunday, May 12 for Mother’s Day.  The DRC will resume normal operations Monday, May 13. The hours will remain 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice.

Specialists from the state of Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

Disaster Recovery Center Location:

POINTWEST Bank – Front Entrance

210 N. Roberts Rd.

West, Texas 76691

Closed Sunday for Mother’s Day

Regular hours resume Monday, May 13 and will remain 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice.

 

Survivors may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Residents registering by phone or online will be asked to identify the description of damages sustained and must select the “EXPLOSION” option. Residents will then be asked to identify the type of damage and must select the “fire/smoke/soot/ash” option. (Do NOT select the “other” option).

 

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.

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.

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).

 

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In Honor of Mother’s Day, West Disaster Recovery Center Closing Sunday Only

$2.2 Million Awarded to Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for Hurricane Isaac Recovery

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office will receive a nearly $2.2  million federal grant to reimburse its efforts to protect citizens during and after Hurricane Isaac, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said Tuesday.

The office will receive $2,198,261 to reimburse it for expenses associated with providing emergency patrols, responding to emergency calls, closing roads, conducting search and rescue, and staffing the 911 center and Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.

“The men and women of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office worked the front lines to make sure residents were safe during this destructive hurricane,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of FEMA. “Their work before, during and after the storm helped prevent property damage and save lives.”

The newly awarded funds are a portion of the more than $365.4 million in Individual Assistance and Public Assistance recovery dollars approved for applicants in the state since the Aug. 29, 2012, disaster declaration.

FEMA pays 75 percent of the eligible costs of Public Assistance projects, while the state and/or applicant cover the remaining 25 percent. Once FEMA reimburses the state of Louisiana it is the state’s responsibility to manage the funds, which includes making disbursements to local jurisdictions and organizations that incurred costs.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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$2.2 Million Awarded to Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for Hurricane Isaac Recovery

FEMA Announces 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge Recipients

WASHINGTON — Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce the selection of 30 recipients to receive funding under the FEMA 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge program.  The program focuses on building local community resilience to man-made and natural disasters, with an emphasis on innovation, collaboration with community stakeholders, sustainability, repeatability and measurable benefits to the community.

FEMA knows that preparedness is a process that requires continued focus year-round. This year’s award recipients are recognized for programs designed to continue to move community preparedness forward, and assist local areas in building and revitalizing community-based partnerships to advance the nation’s resilience to disasters.

“The best resiliency ideas originate from our states and tribal nations,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “The goal of this effort is to further empower communities to collaborate and develop innovative approaches to effectively respond to disasters.”

The program is being funded by The Rockefeller Foundation and administered by the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation who acted as a third-party intermediary to encourage local communities to engage in creative activities that enhance disaster resilience. Funding levels ranged to a maximum award level of $35,000, and applications were open to most local, state, and tribal agencies and governments; business entities; associations; organizations and groups.

“We live in a time of unpredictable shocks and chronic stresses, from climate change to natural or manmade disasters, and helping local communities become more resilient to these disruptions is more important than ever. Yet we’ve also seen that potential solutions to meet the needs of a community are often best surfaced by those who live with the stresses, and perhaps see them from a different perspective,” said Dr. Judith Rodin, president of The Rockefeller Foundation. “The Rockefeller Foundation is committed to helping people prepare for, withstand, and emerge stronger from disruptions, and is proud to support this program and the innovative efforts of local residents to build resilience in communities across the United States.”

Over 1,900 applications were received across the country. FEMA is grateful to all applicants for their dedication and commitment to building community resilience. FEMA recognizes that a government-centric approach to disaster management is insufficient to meet the challenges posed by a catastrophic incident. To meet our nation’s preparedness goals, the whole community must be actively involved in all phases of the preparedness, response, and recovery cycle. These awards are designed to invest in and enhance the whole community effort.

As we applaud the award winners, we also encourage all applicants to remain vigilant in their commitment to their programs and supporting community resilience.

The following is a list of the FEMA 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge award recipients: 

 

FEMA Region 1

Collaborating for Cape Cods Coastal Resiliency
Waquoit Bay Reserve Foundation – Waquoit, MA

Regional Flooding Risk Assessment and Community Rating System Feasibility Study
Greater Bridgeport Regional Council – Bridgeport, CT

 

FEMA Region 2

Call 2 Action Campaign
Rockaway Waterfront Alliance – Far Rockaway, NY

Comprehensive Community Needs Follow Up and Outreach
Schoharie Area Long Term, Inc. – Schoharie, NY

Farm Disaster Preparation Certificate
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County – Canandaigua, NY

Lake George Water Quality Awareness Committees for Community Resilience
The Fund for Lake George – Lake George, NY

 

FEMA Region 3

Community Resilience Following a Nuclear Detonation in Washington DC
Community Emergency Response Network (CERN) – Laurel, MD

Community Resilience through Maximizing Local Supply Chain Capacity
Arlington Office of Emergency Management – Arlington, VA

Dynamic Decision Support for Managing Regional Resources
Center for Disaster Management, University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, PA

 

FEMA Region 4

Purchase of Garden Area and Cannery
Harvest of the Heart Garden, Inc. – Madison, GA

A Network of Emergency Power in Seymour
Volunteer Fire Department of Seymour – Seymour, TN

 

FEMA Region 5

Countywide Faith Based Community Response
Williamson County Emergency Management Agency – Marion, IL

Trenton Kids to the Rescue
Trenton Police/Emergency Management Service – Trenton, IN

Comprehensive Community Emergency Notification Plan
Indiana Emergency Notification Committee – City of Monticello, IN

Disaster Preparedness:  Surviving Disasters Despite Communication Barriers and Breakdowns Wisconsin Association of the Deaf – Delavan, WI

 

FEMA Region 6

Safe Harbor Master Plan for Vermillion Bay, Louisiana
Twin Parish Port District -Louisiana Sea Grant – Baton Rouge, LA

Greater New Orleans Resiliency Resource Guide
Greater New Orleans Development Foundation – New Orleans, LA

 

FEMA Region 7

Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network
The Salvation Army – Kansas City, MO

Risk Watch Program
Tama County Emergency Management Agency – Toledo, IA

Services Expansion
Delaware County Disaster Recovery Committee – Manchester, IA

Faith Based Planning and Preparedness Initiative
St. Charles County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (SCCCOAD) for Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service – St. Charles, MO

 

FEMA Region 8

Lightning Location and Analysis System
Crystal Park Homeowners Association – Manitou Springs, CO

Situation Awareness Environment and Knowledge Exchange Portal
Western Cyber Exchange, Rocky Mountain (WCX) – Colorado Springs, CO

Teton County Emergency Response Support Team
Teton County – Choteau, MT

 

FEMA Region 9

Special Needs Population and Home Bound Patients Registry
American Samoa Department of Health – Pago Pago, American Samoa

Roadmap to Preparedness
United Policyholders – San Francisco, CA

Tribal Emergency Response Crossing Boarders Coordination Project
Smith River Rancheria – Smith River, CA

Hawaii Emergency Preparedness System of Support (HiPSS)
University of Hawaii, Office of Research Services – Honolulu, HI

 

FEMA Region 10

Radio in a Box
KRBD Community Radio – Rainbird Community Broadcast – Ketchikan, AK

Emergency Hubs at P-Patch Community Gardens
Seattle Office of Emergency Management – Seattle, WA

 

Additional information on the Challenge program and a detailed summary of each recipient’s project can be found at www.fema.gov and www.ResilienceChallenge.org.  

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, 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.

About FEMA:

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.

About The Rockefeller Foundation:

The Rockefeller Foundation aims to achieve equitable growth by expanding opportunity for more people in more places worldwide, and to build resilience by helping them prepare for, withstand, and emerge stronger from acute shocks and chronic stresses. Throughout its 100 year history, The Rockefeller Foundation has enhanced the impact of innovative thinkers and actors working to change the world by providing the resources, networks, convening power, and technologies to move them from idea to impact. In today’s dynamic and interconnected world, The Rockefeller Foundation has a unique ability to address the emerging challenges facing humankind through innovation, intervention and influence in order to shape agendas and inform decision-making. Please visit www.rockefellerfoundation.org for more information.

About LAEPF:

The Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation (LAEPF) is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization focused on community stakeholder collaboration and emergency preparedness.  LAEPF works to create partnerships, identify resources and implement programs addressing the challenges of man-made and natural disasters. LAEPF supports the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Division on a variety of programs including the coordination of activities in the Business Operations Center (BOC) with participation from business, government, academic, faith based, and non-profit sectors. 

LAEPF is committed to building community resilience and very pleased to be supporting the application, selection, and implementation process for the FEMA 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Program. LAEPF congratulates the program winners and all applicants on their dedication to community resilience throughout the United States.        

Link to article: 

FEMA Announces 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge Recipients

Six Months after Sandy, Connecticut Continues to Rebuild

WINDSOR, Conn. — More than $283 million in federal disaster assistance, loans and insurance claims paid to date is funding Connecticut’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Sandy. The huge storm devastated portions of the eastern seaboard and drenched most of the state six months ago.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security provide this summary of assistance to date.

The Hurricane Sandy disaster declaration made federal Individual Assistance (IA) available to the residents of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London counties, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Nation located within New London County.

Assistance to Individuals, Households, and Businesses

To date:

  • 12,452 Connecticut residents registered with FEMA for federal disaster assistance;
  • 6,417 damaged properties have been inspected statewide;
  • More than $13.7 million in Individual Assistance grants were approved:
  • Over $12.6 million has been approved for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs;
  • More than $1.02 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions;
  • $42.8 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration; and
  • $22,196 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance was provided.

Assistance to Help Rebuild Infrastructure

Public Assistance (PA) was made available under the Sandy disaster declaration in the counties of Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London Tolland, and Windham, as well as the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan tribal nations located within New London County.

Public Assistance projects include repairs to roads, bridges, utilities, and other public infrastructure, as well as emergency protective measures taken during and immediately after the storm. FEMA picks up 75 percent of the cost and the remainder is paid for by the state and local government.

To date:

  • More than $76 million in storm-related damage to publicly-owned infrastructure has been identified. The federal share of that portion of the recovery is $57 million, or 75 percent;
  • 220 eligible PA applicants have submitted 425 of an estimated 660 projects; and
  • More than $7.04 million in federal PA grants has been obligated

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation specialists counseled more than 1,800 individuals on lessening the impact of future disasters. The mitigation teams met with individuals on 11 separate occasions at home supply stores throughout the disaster area. 

Additionally, 5,902 flood insurance claims totaling $220,124,212 have been paid to date, representing more than 96 percent of total National Flood Insurance Program claims in the state of Connecticut following Hurricane Sandy.

There were 407 FEMA and 359 state and/or other federal agency employees working fulltime and overtime during the height of the recovery.

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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Six Months after Sandy, Connecticut Continues to Rebuild

Beware of Post-Disaster Fraud

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) urge Illinois residents affected by recent severe storms and flooding to be alert for potential fraud. As federal, state and local officials conduct preliminary damage assessments throughout the state, you can protect yourself by taking the following steps:  

  • Ask for ID. If someone represents themselves as a federal or state employee, but does not produce identification, ask to see it. A FEMA, IEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone’s affiliation with the government. Federal and state employees carry official photo identification at all times.
  • Safeguard personal information. Do not give personal information such as social security and bank account numbers to individuals who visit your home claiming to be affiliated with the government. Federal, state and local assessment teams never require this information.
  • Under no circumstances are FEMA, IEMA or SBA representatives allowed to accept money. If someone claiming to be a federal or state employee attempts to collect money, report the person and their vehicle number to your local police department.

Those who suspect someone of committing fraudulent activities should call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721.

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: Cassie Ringsdorf, FEMA, 312-408-4455 and Patti Thompson, IEMA, 217-836-0742

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Beware of Post-Disaster Fraud

President Expands Emergency Declaration for Texas to Include Assistance to Individuals

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that, in line with the request from the Governor of Texas, the emergency disaster declaration for the State of Texas, declared on April 19, 2013, has been expanded to allow individuals and households affected by the explosion in McLennan County, access to Individual Assistance grants. 

The President’s action makes housing and other assistance available to eligible individuals in McLennan County.  Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs; medical, dental, and funeral expenses; and personal property, transportation and other forms of assistance to help individuals recover from the effects of the disaster. 

Today’s announcement further supports the response efforts previously approved to assist with emergency work to protect lives and property, public health and safety. 

Individuals who sustained losses as a result of the explosion in McLennan County can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).  Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-621-3362.

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.  FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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.

Link: 

President Expands Emergency Declaration for Texas to Include Assistance to Individuals

A few days left for survivors to visit 4 Disaster Recovery Centers in NYC

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors have until April 30 to visit four Disaster Recovery Centers in New York City.

Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to provide:

  • Guidance regarding disaster recovery
  • Status of applications being processed by FEMA
  • Clarification of any written correspondence received
  • Referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance
  • SBA disaster loan information

Below is a list of Disaster Recovery Centers available through Tuesday, April 30:

COUNTY

ADDRESS

HOURS:

Mon.-Fri.

HOURS: Saturday

Kings County

MCU parking lot

1904 Surf Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11224

9 a.m.-6 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Queens County

Fort Tilden Park

415 State Rd.

Breezy Point, NY 11697

9 a.m.-6 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Queens County

Arverne by the Sea

68-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Arverne, NY 11692

9 a.m.-6 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Richmond County

Kia in Staten Island

1976 Hylan Blvd.

Staten Island, NY 10306

9 a.m.-6 p.m.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Survivors may check the status of their registration by calling the FEMA helpline 800-621-3362 (711 Relay or Video Relay Services are available) or TTY 800-462-7585. The Helpline is available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week. Applicants may also visit DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov for more information.

For assistance with SBA disaster loan application, call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.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.

Source: 

A few days left for survivors to visit 4 Disaster Recovery Centers in NYC

FEMA Releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement Addressing Hazardous Fire Risk Reduction Projects in East Bay Hills

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will today release a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) on proposed hazardous fire risk reduction projects in the San Francisco Bay Area, in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.  The DEIS is being published in the Federal Register and will be filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency later this week.  

The University of California, Berkeley (UCB), the City of Oakland, and the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) have submitted a total of four grant applications to FEMA, through the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), for federal financial assistance to implement hazardous fire risk reduction projects in the East Bay Hills of Alameda and Contra Costa counties and at the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline in Contra Costa County.

The funding sought in the four grant applications could be provided under FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).  If awarded, the funding would be used to implement hazardous risk reduction projects in the East Bay hills and in the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, bordering the San Francisco Bay, in the City of Richmond.  FEMA will use the draft EIS, along with input from the public and other agencies, and in conjunction with other relevant materials, to reach a final decision on the submitted applications.

The East Bay Hills and the vicinity of Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline have a hot and dry fall season, wind-conducive topography, flammable vegetation, dense development, and limited accessibility for firefighting. The area is subject to hot, dry winds that can drive a wildfire from the regional parks and other open space areas into residential areas. These factors combine to create a substantial regional fire danger with most of the undeveloped areas in the East Bay Hills in a very severe fire hazard zone. 

Hazardous fire risk reduction refers to long-term, cost-effective actions that reduce the risk of a hazardous wildfire, such as the massively destructive Oakland Hills fire of 1991.  Historically, 15 major wildfires in the East Bay Hills have burned a total of almost 9,000 acres, destroyed approximately 4,000 homes, and killed 26 people. One of the fires, the 1923 Berkeley Fire, destroyed more than 550 homes in a few hours. A fire in 1970 consumed more than 200 acres and burned 37 homes. The 1991 Tunnel Fire killed 25 people, destroyed more than 3,000 homes, and did an estimated $1.5 billion in damage.

Fire risk may be lowered by creating a fire break and reducing the amount of flammable trees, shrubs, and debris that can act as fuel during a wildfire.  The proposed vegetation management work would primarily focus on reducing highly flammable, non-native invasive species.

Based on the wildfire hazard characteristics of the East Bay Hills and the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, FEMA has identified that a need exists to reduce hazardous fire risk to people and structures in these areas.  FEMA is proposing to address this need by providing financial assistance to the sub-applicants — UCB, EBRPD, and Cal EMA, through the Pre-Disaster Mitigation program and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

FEMA will host three public meetings on Tuesday, May 14th and Saturday May 18th.  The meetings will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 14th in the Richard C. Trudeau Center’s Main Room, 11500 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland, CA  94619 and on Saturday, May 18th, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in the Claremont Middle School’s Gymnasium, 5750 College Avenue, Oakland, CA  94618.

The upcoming public meetings will provide information on the draft EIS, which describes the proposed East Bay Hills hazardous fire risk reduction projects and potential environmental impacts on the natural, physical, and human environments in the project.  The purpose of the meetings is to provide information on the draft EIS, to receive oral and written comments, and to allow the public, local businesses, associations, stakeholders, affected governmental agencies, and interested parties to speak directly with federal, state and local representatives regarding the draft EIS. 

Written comments must be submitted or postmarked by midnight on June 17, 2013. Oral and written comments may be made at the public meetings. Written comments may also be submitted through the project website at http://ebheis.cdmims.com, via email at EBH-EIS-FEMA-RIX@fema.dhs.gov, or via mail to P.O. Box 72379, Oakland, CA  94612-8579. 

The draft EIS will be made available on the project website at http://ebheis.cdmims.com and at the following libraries: Oakland Main Library, Berkeley Main Library, San Leandro Main Library, Richmond Main Library, and Oakland Rockridge Library.

 MEDIA CONTACT:  Mary Simms, (510) 627-7006, mary.simms@fema.dhs.gov

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FEMA Releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement Addressing Hazardous Fire Risk Reduction Projects in East Bay Hills

Emergency Preparedness for Kids: Never Too Early

SAN JUAN, PR – What happens if there is an emergency and your children are not around? Will they be ready? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages families to have their children prepared for an emergency as early in their childhood as possible, making them smarter and more resilient as well as enhancing their opportunities to survive and help their communities recover faster from any type of disaster.

“Engaging children in the emergency preparedness process will automatically give them a sense of security and inclusion in such an important task. They will benefit from knowing what their family plans are and how things should work during this type of event, which can be a scary situation for them,” said FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division Director Alejandro De La Campa. “Kids can assist their parents when putting together an emergency kit and by taking care of the pets. It’s very important that they understand their roles in the family emergency plan.”

Every family needs an emergency communications plan that includes a list of phone numbers of key contacts to reach during an emergency; these can be written down in a piece of paper or card, for quick action. The list should include an out of town emergency contact that every family member can reach to inform where and how they are and when they will be able to reunite. Children should always keep a copy of this list in their belongings, such as school bag, luggage, sports bag and emergency kit.

During the upcoming vacation period, if kids will spend time in a summer camp, make sure you know the facility’s emergency procedures and adjust the family plan accordingly.

Another main component of any family emergency plan is an emergency kit. This should include enough supplies for at least three days, such as: Water, canned food, can opener, battery operated radio and additional batteries, first aid kit, flashlight, clothes, blanket, whistle, and any prescribed medicine. Kids can include personal items, such as their favorite toy or game.

Don’t forget that pets are part of the family and should be included in the emergency plan. Children can help by gathering enough pet food and water for at least three days; food should be kept in a waterproof container. Pets should wear a collar with a name tag and an extra collar should be included in the kit. If you haven’t done so already, consider acquiring a pet crate which is a safer to transport your pets. Do not forget any prescribed medicines, toys and supplies to clean up after the pet, such as; plastic bags, paper towels or newspapers. 

Seek additional disaster preparedness information and identify hazards that may impact those places where your family spends most of their time and get ready now. Involve your children, practice your emergency plan frequently and talk about emergency preparedness. Learn more about emergency preparedness and how to improve your community resiliency to emergency situations by visiting www.fema.gov or www.ready.gov.

FEMA News Desk (787) 296-3554, (787) 296-3560

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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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Emergency Preparedness for Kids: Never Too Early

FEMA Announces Next Meeting of the National Advisory Council

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will hold the next National Advisory Council (NAC) public meeting on Friday, April 26, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT at the Hilton Garden Inn Capitol Hill Hotel located at 1225 First Street, NE in Washington, DC.

The NAC was established to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, mitigation for disasters.  The NAC advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management and incorporates federal, state, local, and tribal governments, and private sector partners’ input into the development and revision of FEMA policies and strategies. 

During the April meeting, the NAC will meet with the FEMA Administrator and Deputy Administrator for the purpose of reviewing the progress and/or potential recommendations of its three subcommittees:  Preparedness and Protection; Response and Recovery; and Federal Insurance and Mitigation.  The NAC will specifically discuss:

  • How FEMA allocates planning, training, and funding resources to ensure whole community response and recovery efforts are sustainable;
  • National Mass Care Strategy;
  • National Incident Management System (NIMS);
  • National Flood Insurance Program – Group Flood Insurance Policy;
  • Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012;
  • FEMA Qualification System (FQS); and
  • Sandy Recovery Improvement Act.

In addition, the FEMA Program Offices will brief the Council on emerging topics in emergency management. A public comment period will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT. Those not attending and who wish to submit comments please visit the NAC website for additional information.

For information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities or to request special assistance at the meeting, contact the Office of the NAC by email at

FEMA-NAC@fema.dhs.gov

.

For more information on the NAC please visit www.fema.gov/national-advisory-council.

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FEMA Announces Next Meeting of the National Advisory Council

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