TRENTON, N.J. — Just two weeks remain for Hurricane Sandy survivors in New Jersey to register for potential recovery assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The deadline is Friday, March 1 at 10 p.m. local time by phone and at midnight for those who register online.

March 1 is also the deadline to return applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans, which is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding. The quickest way to apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan is filling out an online application at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

New Jerseyans who applied for federal disaster assistance are urged to stay in touch with FEMA and SBA. Applicants can track their claims and should notify FEMA and SBA of changes to their mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses.

To date, more than $358.1 million in grants has been approved for home repairs or replacement, rental assistance and other needs. Another $446.7 million in SBA low-interest disaster loans has been approved for more than 6,400 homes and businesses.

Survivors can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov until midnight March 1. New Jerseyans can also register by telephone until 10 p.m. March 1 via FEMA’s toll-free numbers: 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-621-3362. Recovery assistants remain available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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.

Link to article – 

Two Weeks Left For Survivors To Register For Disaster Assistance In New Jersey

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Philadelphia County has been added to the Public Assistance declaration for Hurricane Sandy recovery in Pennsylvania, according to officials from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

This announcement makes categories A-G of the federal Public Assistance program available to eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia County.

Through the Public Assistance program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private nonprofit organizations. The Public Assistance program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.

Applicants for Public Assistance typically include organizations that provide public service, such as municipalities, townships and school districts. Other applicants might include volunteer fire fighter organizations; sewer authorities; emergency management offices; and regional police departments.

To be eligible for federal Public Assistance, applicants must show that their project is required as a direct result of Hurricane Sandy during the period from October 26 to November 8, 2012.

Public Assistance funding may cover costs incurred to return elements of the infrastructure to as close to their pre-disaster condition as possible.

Expenses may include costs for work such as debris removal and repair or replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other public components.

FEMA Public Assistance specialists work closely with individual applicants to review specifics of each project to determine which expenses may be covered.

FEMA manages the Public Assistance program, approves grants and provides technical assistance to the Commonwealth and applicants. The Commonwealth educates potential applicants, works with FEMA to manage the program and is responsible for implementing and monitoring the grants awarded under the program. Local officials are responsible for identifying damage, providing information necessary for FEMA to approve grants and managing each project funded under the program.

The addition of Philadelphia County brings the total number of counties in Pennsylvania eligible to apply for federal assistance for Hurricane Sandy recovery to 18. The 16 counties in the major disaster declaration signed by President Obama on January 10 include: Bedford, Bucks, Cameron, Dauphin, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Potter, Somerset, Sullivan and Wyoming. Montgomery County was the 17th county added to the disaster declaration on January 17.  

All counties within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Mitigation funding may cover costs of eligible projects to lessen the impact of disasters.

For a list of frequently asked questions about the federal Public Assistance process, see: http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-frequently-asked-questions.

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 http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

 

 

Original article:  

Philadelphia County Added to Hurricane Sandy Disaster Declaration for Pennsylvania

TRENTON, N.J. Getting free advice on how to repair or rebuild your home to minimize future disaster damage is as easy as visiting your local home improvement store. Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will offer their expertise on building techniques that can help protect your home, business or other property.

This free service also offers information and publications on topics such as:

  • Ridding a home of mold and mildew.
  • Understanding flood- and wind-resistant building methods.
  • Knowing the benefits of flood insurance.
  • Elevating or anchoring utilities.

FEMA specialists are available daily from Tuesday, Feb. 12, to Friday, Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the following home improvement stores:

  • Atlantic County—Home Depot, 421 Absecon Blvd., Absecon, NJ 08201
  • Hudson County—Lowe’s, 400 Bayonne Crossing Way, Bayonne, NJ 07002
  • Monmouth County—Lowe’s, 118 Highway 35, Eatontown, NJ 07724
  • Monmouth County—Home Depot, 310 Highway 36, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
  • Middlesex County—Home Depot, 373 Route 9, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
  • Middlesex County—Home Depot, 1090 Route 9, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
  • Union County—Home Depot, 399-443 Springfield Ave., Newark, NJ 07103        

For additional information on rebuilding stronger, visit fema.gov/SandyNJ and click on “Mitigation Resources.”

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.

Original article: 

FEMA Specialists Provide Free Repair and Rebuilding Advice

NEW YORK – Following Hurricane Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been working to reimburse local governments and some private nonprofits for some of the costs of emergency response, debris removal and for repairing or rebuilding damaged public facilities.

So far, nearly $608 million in Public Assistance (PA) grant funding from FEMA has been approved for projects in the 14 New York counties designated for PA disaster assistance.  

FEMA recognizes the financial burden on local agencies 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.

“The Public Assistance reimbursements will help significantly reduce the impact of Hurricane Sandy costs on local budgets,” Byrne said.  “Our goal is to help agencies obtain the maximum disaster assistance they are eligible for under the law.”

More than 129 PA grants have been approved since the Oct. 30, 2012 Presidential disaster declaration, including a $103 million reimbursement to the New York Health and Hospitals Corporation to replace medical equipment and repair damaged clinics, $106 million for the NYPD for personnel overtime and materials used for emergency protective measures and more than $114 million to the New York University Langone Medical Center for patient evacuation, emergency repairs and clean-up of critical service and facilities.

To be eligible for PA grants, damage must be a result of the disaster, be located within the designated disaster area and be the responsibility of the applicant.  Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal nations and certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations that provide an essential public service.

There are two types of work eligible for reimbursement through a PA grant: emergency work and permanent work.  Emergency work may include reimbursement for debris removal and emergency action

taken to protect lives or property. Permanent work may include reimbursement for repair or restoration of public facilities, such as roads, bridges and public buildings.

FEMA reimburses eligible applicants for 75 percent of their eligible costs. The remaining 25 percent comes from non-federal funds.

Other New York grants include:  a $1,600 grant to the Mattituck Park District in North Fork for material to prevent further erosion to sidewalks, more than $112,000 to reimburse the Town of Shelter Island for debris removal and remediation and a $220,000 reimbursement to the Hudson River Park Trust for the clean-up of an oil spill and debris.   

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

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

Continue at source: 

FEMA’s Public Assistance program helps New York rebuild

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in Matagorda County, Texas are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

Matagorda County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move forward with any development.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort follows the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks. To share that data, a public workshop is scheduled in the county where interested citizens can obtain more information about the proposed changes.

Thursday, Feb. 21                                          

Bay City Civic Center                  

201 7th Street                        

Bay City, TX 77414                                             

2 p.m. – 8 p.m.                                                                  

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the county, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said FEMA R6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

Additional information is available, including links to the interactive mapping website on www.txchart.com. Residents can also contact the Matagorda County Floodplain Administrator for more details.

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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 us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

 

Original post – 

Preliminary Flood Maps in Matagorda Co, TX Ready for Public View: Public Open House Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk Information

Individuals Urged to Continue to Follow Direction of Local Officials and Check on Neighbors

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners, including the National Weather Service, continue to closely monitor the major winter storm systems impacting the Northeast and developing across the Northern and Central Plains.  FEMA’s regional offices in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, New York City, and Philadelphia are in contact with state emergency management counterparts and with tribal emergency managers in the path of the storm.  FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. continues to monitor the situation and hold regular operational briefings with regional and federal partners as the severe winter weather continues.

At the state’s request, FEMA liaisons have been positioned in state emergency operations centers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York (both in Albany and New York City), Rhode Island, and Vermont. A National Incident Management Assistance Team is deploying to the Northeast to provide support if additional support is requested to help with emergency response coordination and other needs. These personnel are in addition to the joint state and federal field office staff already in place supporting ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont following Hurricane Sandy.  Other teams and personnel are ready to support, if needed and requested.

According to the National Weather Service, blizzard conditions, heavy snow and high winds are expected to continue today into tonight in portions of the Northeast and will produce moderate to locally major coastal flooding.  The wet heavy snow may cause downed tree limbs and power lines, creating power outages.  Additionally, the National Weather Service forecasts that snow, and in some areas, blizzard conditions are expected across parts of Colorado, Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wyoming through the weekend into Monday, in some areas. 

“Everyone has a role to play in the response to this winter storm,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Follow the direction of your state, local and tribal officials, and if you are told to stay off the roads, stay home, and when it is safe, check on your neighbors or friends nearby who may need assistance or extra support. Older adults and individuals who are dependent on life-sustaining medical equipment or assistive devices such as a ventilator or mobility devices, may need additional support in areas that have lost power.” 

FEMA echoes the warnings issued by the National Weather Service and local elected officials in the affected region, and asks citizens and visitors in areas with severe winter storms to avoid all travel both during and immediately following the storm and to heed all advice and safety information provided by state, tribal and local emergency officials. Individuals in the path of the storm should monitor their NOAA weather radio and local weather forecast office or www.weather.gov for the latest information, including additional or changing weather watches and warnings.

Individuals in areas affected by the storm, are reminded of these safety tips during the storm:

  • Stay indoors during the storm.
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways.
  • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.  If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
  • Keep dry.  Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. 
  • Use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents.
  • Check on your neighbors or friends nearby who may need assistance or extra support.

For more information on what to do after winter storms, visit www.ready.gov.

 

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.

Credit – 

FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Monitor Storm Conditions

NEW YORK – Because of a winter storm warning issued for the New York area, all Disaster Recovery Centers will remain closed Saturday, Feb. 9. The Federal Emergency Management Agency takes this action out of concern for the safety and well-being of Hurricane Sandy survivors who might be planning to visit a recovery center.

The FEMA Helpline will remain open for normal operations. Hurricane Sandy survivors who have questions can still call  800-621-3362 (7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services are available) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice. Disaster Recovery Centers will re-open at 9 a.m., Monday, Feb. 11.

Residents or visitors should follow guidance issued by emergency officials and check with their local weather forecast office or www.weather.gov for the latest information, including additional watches and warnings.

Now is the time to prepare for intense cold, limited travel options, and the possible loss of electrical power. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and car with supplies such as a NOAA weather radio, plenty of clean water, and non-perishable foods. More information on how to prepare for severe weather is available at www.Ready.gov.

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

Link: 

Reminder: Disaster Recovery Center hours altered Saturday due to severe winter weather

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working closely with its partners, including the National Weather Service, to monitor the developing winter storm in the Northeast. FEMA’s regional offices in Boston and New York City are in contact with state emergency management counterparts. FEMA’s National Watch Center in Washington, D.C. continues to monitor the situation and hold regular operational briefings with regional and federal partners as the severe winter weather advances and as impacts are felt through the overnight hours into Saturday.

FEMA liaisons are working directly with our state partners at state emergency operations centers in the Northeast states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York (both in Albany and New York City), Rhode Island, and Vermont. These liaisons are in addition to the joint state and federal field office staff who are already in place to support ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

FEMA echoes the warnings issued by the National Weather Service and local elected officials in the region, and asks citizens and visitors to the Northeast and New England states to avoid all travel both during and immediately following the storm and to heed all advice and safety information provided by local emergency officials. Individuals in the path of the storm should monitor their NOAA weather radio and local weather forecast office or www.weather.gov for the latest information, including additional or changing weather watches and warnings.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are currently being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carrier networks. These alerts are sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service and are designed to get your attention and provide brief, critical instructions to warn about imminent threats like severe weather. More information on WEAs is available at www.ready.gov/warning-systems-signals. Individuals can check with their cellular carrier to determine if your phone or wireless device is WEA-enabled. 

For more information on what to do before, during and after winter storms, visit www.ready.gov.

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.

Source:  

FEMA Working With Partners Across The Northeast Ahead of Severe Winter Weather

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges citizens and visitors to the Northeast or New England states to prepare now for an intense and potentially dangerous winter storm forecast for the area.

FEMA’s partner, the National Weather Service, is warning of a major winter storm and blizzard for areas of New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon. Areas of Vermont and Maine are also under winter storm warnings.

Blizzard conditions are extremely hazardous for travel and include sustained winds or frequent wind gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater, reduced visibility, and considerable snowfall and blowing snow. This snow will be wet and heavy and could lead to downed trees and power lines. Accompanying winds with this storm will be from the Northeast at 40-50 mph for many areas, with a potential for wind gusts up to 75 mph on Cape Cod and the offshore islands. Coastal flooding is possible along the Maine and Massachusetts coastlines and beach erosion is anticipated across the entire region.

Residents or visitors to these areas should follow guidance issued by emergency officials and check with their local weather forecast office or www.weather.gov for the latest information, including additional watches and warnings. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are currently being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carrier networks. These alerts are sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service and are designed to get your attention and provide brief, critical instructions to warn about imminent threats like severe weather. More information on WEAs is available at www.Ready.gov.

Now is the time for residents and visitors to the area to prepare for intense cold, limited travel options, and the possible loss of electrical power. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and car with supplies such as a NOAA weather radio, plenty of clean water, and non-perishable foods.  

Special items such as adequate clothing, warm boots and blankets to keep you warm, snow shovels and snow removal equipment, rock salt, flares, a cell phone charger, and a sleeping bag can save your life if you become stranded on the roads during a winter storm. Learn which items to include in an emergency kit at www.Ready.gov/build-a-kit.

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.

 

View article – 

FEMA Urges New England Residents to Prepare Now For Severe Winter Weather

NEW YORK – Because of a winter storm warning issued for the New York area, all Disaster Recovery Centers will close at noon Friday, Feb. 8, and remain closed on Saturday. The Federal Emergency Management Agency takes this action out of concern for the safety and well-being of Hurricane Sandy survivors who might be planning to visit a recovery center.

The FEMA Helpline will remain open for normal operations. Hurricane Sandy survivors who have questions can still call  800-621-3362 (7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services are available) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice. Disaster Recovery Centers will re-open at 9 a.m., Monday, Feb. 11.

Residents or visitors should follow guidance issued by emergency officials and check with their local weather forecast office or www.weather.gov for the latest information, including additional watches and warnings.

Now is the time to prepare for intense cold, limited travel options, and the possible loss of electrical power. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and car with supplies such as a NOAA weather radio, plenty of clean water, and non-perishable foods. More information on how to prepare for severe weather is available at www.Ready.gov.

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

Originally from: 

Disaster Recovery Center hours altered due to severe winter weather

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