management - femacontract.com

There’s More to the NFIP than Just the Policy

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. Recently there have been more frequent severe weather events, like Hurricane Sandy that ravaged the East Coast. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which provides flood insurance policies that give millions of Americans a defense against flooding. But flood insurance policies are only one component of the program and just part of the protection that the NFIP provides to individuals and the American public.

Anyone living in an NFIP participating community can purchase an NFIP flood insurance policy. It is up to the community to decide to enter the NFIP program for the benefit of its citizens. When joining the program, the community agrees to assess flood risks and to establish floodplain management ordinances. As a result, residents can buy federally-backed flood insurance policies. You can find out if your community participates in the NFIP by reviewing the Community Status Book, available at fema.gov/cis/nation.

“By participating in the NFIP, communities take great strides to make everyone in the community more resilient to flooding” said FEMA Region III Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “Not only does it make the community stronger, but it opens up a lot of resources to everyone in the community; it’s a huge step to preparing for flooding.”

One of the cornerstones of the NFIP is the flood mapping program. FEMA works with states and local communities to conduct studies on flood risks and develop maps that show the level of risk for that area, called Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). These FIRMs have useful information that can help communities plan development. The area that has the highest risk of flooding is the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), commonly called the floodplain. The SFHA has a one percent chance of being flooded in any given year. Because of the greater risk, premiums for flood insurance policies for properties in the SFHA are greater than for those for properties outside of it.

Equally important to knowing the risks of flooding is having a plan to address those risks. This is the role of floodplain management. Local communities must comply with minimum national standards established by FEMA, but are free to develop stricter codes and ordinances if they want to. Key elements of floodplain management include building codes for construction in the floodplain and limitations on development in high risk areas. Floodplain management is an ongoing process, with communities continually reassessing their needs as new data becomes available and the flood risk for areas change.

The NFIP brings all levels of government together with insurers and private citizens to protect against the threat of flooding. Federally sponsored flood maps and locally developed floodplain regulations give property owners the picture of their risk and ensure building practices are in place to minimize that risk. As a property owner, purchasing a flood insurance policy is a measure you can take to further protect yourself. To find out more about your individual risk contact your local floodplain administrator. For more information on flood insurance policies or to find an agent, visit floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

Link:

There’s More to the NFIP than Just the Policy

In Route to Be Better Prepared

SAN JUAN, PR – They are young, enthusiastic and prepared to respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards in their school and communities. A few weeks ago a group of teenagers in Humacao, led by Gabriela Rodriguez-Boria, completed their Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training as part of Gabriela’s project as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region II Youth Council Representative.

While seeking opportunities to prepare youngsters to be ready before and after a disaster strikes, Gabriela’s project includes CERT training for teenagers. CERT is a program that educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. With a solid commitment to encourage that generations are better aware of emergency preparedness, FEMA counts on programs, such as CERT and projects like Gabriela’s to help communities become smarter and more resilient sooner.

“As we prepare our plans, we have to keep in mind the importance of including younger audiences in the process. Youngsters have a significant influence on their peers and families, and we see Gabriela and her project as a good example. She drives this preparedness message further on,” said FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division Director, Alejandro De La Campa.

Thirteen-year old Gabriela, organized a CERT of approximately 15-20 students at the school she attends, the Colegio Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro in Humacao. Her parents and this private school have been very supportive and involved in Gabriela’s activities to the point of completing various emergency preparedness courses.

“We are organizing a Preparedness Day at our school and plan to replicate the Teen CERT training in other schools in neighboring communities. We can get our schools, neighbors, churches, families and friends involved in similar activities so they can learn surviving techniques for future emergencies. This is my goal,” said Gabriela, who represents FEMA Region II in the Youth Preparedness Council. Puerto Rico is one of the jurisdictions under this Region, which also includes New York, New Jersey and the US Virgin Islands.

This week, March 3-9, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and FEMA have partnered again for the National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, futhering the readiness message and encouraging every one in our communities to get better prepared for severe weather events. Gabriela’s project represents an innovative and personal approach to improve emergency preparedness in her community.

There is additional information about Gabriela’s project and the Youth Council at www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthindex. If you are interested in becoming a CERT member, locate the nearest CERT team or check for upcoming training opportunities, visit www.citizencorps.gov/cert. Learn more about emergency preparedness and how to improve your community resiliency to emergency situations by visiting www.fema.gov, www.weather.gov or www.ready.gov.

FEMA News Desk (787) 296-3554, 3560

###

Visit source:

In Route to Be Better Prepared

Renters should complete and submit SBA applications

NEW YORK – New York renters may be eligible for additional grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. To find out if renters qualify, they must complete and submit their disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

No one has to accept an SBA disaster loan. But information provided on that loan application may be used to help determine eligibility for a variety of FEMA programs that can help renters rebuild their lives.

“Renters are tightly woven into the fabric of New York and their recovery is crucial to the city’s recovery,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer in New York. “Many renters have registered with FEMA and many of them are receiving help now.”

Renters, like homeowners, may be eligible for FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance, designed to help survivors with uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. It’s important for survivors to understand that they must complete and return their SBA loan application in order to be eligible for Other Needs Assistance grants.

These grants can be used for:

Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the disaster, household items such as room furnishings or appliances, and tools and equipment required by the self-employed for their jobs
Primary vehicles and approved second vehicles damaged by the disaster
Disaster-related medical and dental expenses
Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses

Renters who do want an SBA loan may be eligible for a loan up to $40,000 for personal property losses.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance or an SBA disaster loan is March 29, 2013.

A simple way to complete the application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting sba.gov.

Individuals can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585. The phone lines operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.

Continue reading here:

Renters should complete and submit SBA applications

Disaster Recovery Center In Lamar Park To Close Friday

PURVIS, Miss. – The Disaster Recovery Center in Lamar Park at 226 Pinewood Dr. will close Friday, March 15, at 6 p.m., according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

One other DRC in Mississippi will remain open at the Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12^th Avenue in Hattiesburg. People who are unable to visit the Lamar Park facility before it closes can talk to disaster specialists at the Ben McNair center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice.

At the DRC, applicants and others with questions about disaster recovery can meet face-to-face with state and federal specialists who can provide information and answer questions about storm-related assistance. Also on hand at the DRC are representatives from the US Small Business Administration who can help survivors understand and complete applications for low-interest disaster loans.

For those unable to visit the centers, help is readily available by phone at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. C-Spire Wireless customers can reach FEMA by calling #362. Disaster survivors can register for assistance at these numbers or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. With an internet-capable smartphone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov.

The SBA toll-free number is 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. SBA help also is available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or on the web at www.sba.gov.

MEMA and FEMA urge people affected by the recent storms and flooding to register with FEMA before visiting the center.

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 temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

###

Originally posted here:

Disaster Recovery Center In Lamar Park To Close Friday

The Sovereign Navajo Nation and FEMA Sign Formal Disaster Aid Agreement

The Sovereign Navajo Nation and FEMA Sign Formal Disaster Aid Agreement

Mentmore, NM – The signing of a precedent setting formal agreement to implement federal disaster assistance directly with the Sovereign Navajo Nation will take place on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at the Navajo Division of Transportation complex. The ceremony, conducted with representatives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and tribal leadership, reflects the working partnership developed to assist the Navajo Nation with their recovery from severe freeze that occurred December 15, 2012 to January 21, 2013.

This is the first FEMA-Tribal agreement implemented west of the Mississippi since the amendment of the Stafford Act that provides federally recognized tribal governments to make a request directly to the President for a major disaster declaration without going through a state government.

“We are thankful that we are taking a step to further strengthen our sovereignty as the Navajo Nation. This agreement recognizes the government to government relationship we have with the federal government. We look forward to working together to help our people,” Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly said.

The Presidential disaster declaration for this severe freeze event made FEMA’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs available to the tribe. “I am pleased to partner with the Navajo leadership in addressing their disaster-related needs,” said FEMA Region IX Administrator Nancy Ward. “Our team of public assistance and mitigation specialists will continue to work closely with Tribal members to document all eligible costs and damages and to make funds available to assist with repairs and improvements.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental funding to state, tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations to help them recover from disasters. It partially reimburses eligible applicants for extraordinary costs incurred while responding to a disaster and costs related to restore damaged infrastructure.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funds to supplement those of eligible applicants to undertake projects that build resilience and eliminate or reduce damage in future hazardous events.

###

Original article:

The Sovereign Navajo Nation and FEMA Sign Formal Disaster Aid Agreement

FEMA, MEMA and FEMA Corps Reach Out to University of Southern Mississippi

PURVIS, Miss. –Students, staff, alumni and fans at the University of Southern Mississippi may have noticed some new faces around campus and sporting events. Folks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and FEMA Corps were on campus and at athletic events this past month to assist Golden Eagle fans affected by the recent tornadoes and flooding.

A Disaster Information Station set up on campus in the R.C. Cook Student Union served as a hub for busy students and faculty to receive information and ask questions about disaster assistance. More than 50 people visited the station between Feb. 25 and March 1.

To get the word out even more, the MEMA/FEMA community relations teams were at the USM men’s basketball game March 2 when the Golden Eagles defeated East Carolina at the Reed Green Coliseum. They greeted people at the gates, handed out flyers and answered questions as fans filed in for the game.

“Some people would walk by and we’d hand them a card and some would stop to talk,” said MEMA Individual Assistance Director Dan Magee. “A lot of people would walk up and say thank you, we appreciate ya’ll. They were really great and thankful.”

At the USM baseball game Saturday, teams stood outside the gates at Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field, greeting fans and making themselves available for questions.

“We were there to provide info if they needed it,” said FEMA Corps member Katy Cobb. “They mostly just kind of gave us a smile and walked into the game.”

Though they weren’t donning black and gold like the fans, they were still there for the same reason: to support the USM community.

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.

###

Excerpt from:

FEMA, MEMA and FEMA Corps Reach Out to University of Southern Mississippi

FEMA helpline offers many services to Sandy survivors in New York

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors who have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance can take advantage of the many services available through the FEMA helpline, 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Survivors can check the status of their applications, update contact information, and learn how their insurance affects FEMA assistance.

Survivors also can call the helpline to:

Update insurance information
Receive information on the home inspection process
Add or remove the name of a person designated to speak for the applicant
Find out if FEMA needs more information about their claim
Update FEMA on the applicant’s housing situation
Learn how to appeal a FEMA application decision
Get answers to other questions they might have about their application

Helpline hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. Survivors can also visit DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov.

The deadline to register for possible disaster assistance is March 29, 2013. FEMA offers financial help to eligible survivors of federally-declared disasters to cover uninsured losses and critical expenses that are not covered by other means.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit FEMA.gov/SandyNY, Twitter.com/FEMASandy, Facebook.com/FEMASandy and FEMA.gov/blog.

Read original article –

FEMA helpline offers many services to Sandy survivors in New York

Attention Senior Sandy Survivors: Beware Of Scams

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey seniors recovering from Hurricane Sandy are strongly advised to beware of scam artists claiming to represent the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration or the National Flood Insurance Program.

By going door to door to storm-damaged homes or making contact by phone or on the Internet, scam artists may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers or falsely claim that you need to make a payment to a federal agency.

To avoid being a victim of a scam, remember:

On any follow-up calls, a FEMA representative will only ask for the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number.
While a FEMA representative may visit your home in connection with your claim, they will not ask you to make a payment.
If someone comes to your door identifying themselves as a FEMA, SBA or NFIP representative, ask to see their federal identification badge. All authorized FEMA or SBA employees are required to display a laminated photo identification badge at all times.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 800-323-8603 or call the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846.

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.

Continued:

Attention Senior Sandy Survivors: Beware Of Scams

FEMA Awards More Than $2.7 Million to Texas for University of Texas Medical Branch Mitigation Measures

DENTON, Texas – More than $2.7 million was recently awarded to the state of Texas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the implementation of mitigation measures during repairs to the University of Texas Medical Branch’s (UTMB) 1902 Harborside Building.

Storm surge from Hurricane Ike flooded the 1902 Harborside Building which houses medical records; payroll information; acquisitions; information systems and print shop functions. Hurricane-force winds also damaged the roof and exterior façade.

The FEMA funding, as part of the repair process, allows UTMB to incorporate flood-proofing measures such as replacing the first-floor slab; reinforcing and waterproofing perimeter walls; installing flood gates at first-floor-level doorways; and relocating mechanical, plumbing and electrical equipment to the second floor.

“The UTMB facilities play a critical role for the city of Galveston, serving citizens and their healthcare needs,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “These flood-proofing measures will reduce the threat of future flood damage to the 1902 Harborside Building. We are proud of the work that is being done, in conjunction with our local and state partners, to help restore these facilities after Hurricane Ike.”

FEMA’s contribution, made possible by a Public Assistance grant, represents a 90 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Texas; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.

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.

FEMA Awards More Than $2.7 Million to Texas for University of Texas Medical Branch Mitigation Measures

FEMA’s Public Assistance program helps New York schools rebuild

NEW YORK – Following Hurricane Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been working to reimburse schools and school districts in New York for costs associated with emergency work, permanent work and debris removal.

So far, more than $8.1 million in Public Assistance grant funding from FEMA has been approved for school projects in the 14 New York disaster impacted counties designated for Public Assistance.

FEMA recognizes the financial burden on public schools for response and recovery costs and is committed to helping ease that burden, according to Michael F. Byrne, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for New York.

“These Public Assistance reimbursements will help significantly reduce the impact of Hurricane Sandy costs on local school districts,” Byrne said. “Our goal is to make sure students and teachers get back to the classroom and continue their focus on education.”

Below is a sampling of school project reimbursements to date:

Permanent work expenses

$3.8 million to Long Beach Public Schools for repairs to Long Beach High School, LIDO Elementary and Middle School, East Elementary School, West Elementary School and Lindell Elementary School
$2.8 million to East Rockaway Union Free School District for repairs to the junior and senior high schools
$263,000 to the State University of New York (SUNY) for repairs, such as replacing concrete drainages and restoring campus lawns
$27,000 to Suffolk County Community College to repair or replace various damaged school buildings

Emergency work expenses

$867,206 to East Rockaway Union Free School District for relocation of students, teachers, staff and educational materials
$152,644 to Seaford Union Free School District for providing school transportation for students
$19,112 to Port Chester & Rye Union Free School District for opening, maintaining and cleaning an emergency shelter at the Port Chester High School
$11,896 to Harborfields Central School District for transportation of displaced students
$1,233 to Irvington High School for reimbursement of community shelter labor costs

Debris removal

$58,509 to Baldwin Union Free School District for district-wide debris removal
$36,007 to Port Chester & Rye Union Free School District for district-wide debris removal
$17,366 to Concordia College for debris removal

FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses state, tribal, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations 75 percent of eligible costs of emergency and permanent work. The remaining 25 percent is provided by non-federal funds. The state forwards the federal funds to the eligible local governments or organizations that incurred costs.

To learn more about FEMA Public Assistance in New York, visit: fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit and dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4085, twitter.com/FEMASandy, facebook.com/FEMASandy and fema.gov/blog.