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May 6-12 is Arson Awareness Week

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Release Number: R10-12-013

» 2012 Region X News Releases

SEATTLE, Wash. — National Arson Awareness Week is being observed May 6-12. This year’s theme is Prevent Youth Firesetting. According to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, we all need to join in a collaborative effort with fire and emergency service departmentsto zero in on the importance of helping reduce the occurrence of fires caused by children playing with fire.

It’s important to set a good example for our children,” said Murphy. Use matches, lighters, and fire carefully, as children will imitate adult behavior.”

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), fires started by children playing accounted for an average of 56,300 fires per year between 2005 and 2009, with associated annual losses of 110 deaths, 880 injuries and $286 million in direct property damage.

To help prevent children in your household from setting fires, never leave matches or lighters within their reach. Keep matches and lighters in high, locked cabinets. In addition, praise your child for practicing responsible behavior and showing respect for fire.

For more information on Arson Awareness Week and youth firesetter prevention, visit the USFA website at www.usfa.fema.gov/aaw/.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 07-May-2012 14:29:17

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May 6-12 is Arson Awareness Week

Administration Takes Another Step Toward Strengthening Resilience For All Hazards

Release Date: May 3, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-034

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and its partners released the 2012 National Preparedness Report (NPR) identifying significant progress the nation has made in areas of prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. Overall the Report found that the nation has increased its collective preparedness, not only from external threats, but also for natural and technological hazards.

“This Report illustrates areas of national strength to include planning, operational coordination, intelligence and information sharing, and other response related capabilities,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “As we continually assess and aim to meet the full vision of the National Preparedness Goal, we must continue to build on the significant progress to date and address identified opportunities for improvement.”

The Report reflects how the nation has made significant progress addressing opportunities for improvement identified after events such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. For example, the 9/11 attacks revealed limited information sharing across the government and the private sector, but since that time, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has developed a national network of fusion centers and has standardized policies. Additionally, DHS has been closely coordinating with the Joint Terrorism Task Forces for sharing information across the whole community.

The Report details how federal preparedness grant dollars have been used to build and sustain core capabilities. From fiscal year (FY) 2006 to FY 2010, $17.2 billion in DHS-FEMA non-disaster preparedness grant investments were made through various grant programs. Programs such as the State Homeland Security Program and Urban Areas Security Initiative support a range of capabilities across all mission areas, leveraging these substantial investments more broadly.

Decision makers in the public and private sectors use risk analysis to shape and prioritize preparedness activities across mission areas. States are required to conduct threat and hazard identification and risk assessments as a condition for receiving most preparedness grants and set threat and hazard-based targets for capability assessments when developing State Preparedness Reports.

The NPR looked at 31 core capabilities needed to achieve the National Preparedness Goal across the five mission areas of prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery. This Report was written in close coordination with leaders of federal departments and agencies, and reflects input from state, local, tribal and territorial governments, private and nonprofit sector partners and the general public.

The National Preparedness Report is the next step in implementing PPD-8. Since the President signed the directive in March 2011, FEMA and its partners have released the first edition of the National Preparedness Goal, the National Preparedness System description and the working drafts of the National Planning Frameworks. For more information on PPD-8 and to download the Report, visit www.fema.gov/ppd8 or contribute your ideas at fema.ideascale.com.

Last Modified: Thursday, 03-May-2012 14:16:06

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Administration Takes Another Step Toward Strengthening Resilience For All Hazards

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Needed

Agency officials Urge Congressional Action for Reauthorization

Release Date: April 23, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-31

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The authorization for the National Flood Insurance Program is scheduled to expire on May 31 unless Congress acts, in advance, to reauthorize it. The program helps make federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters and business owners in communities.

“Without reauthorization, the NFIP will be unable to issue new policies, renew existing policies, or modify policies to increase coverage on the existing policy.” said David Miller, Associate Administrator for FEMA’s Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration. “Reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program is the prudent thing to do. FEMA is urging Congress to reauthorize the NFIP and send a clear signal to citizens, communities, and private sector partners that the federal government will continue to support our nation’s efforts to manage flood risk.”

Floods continue to be the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States and the NFIP plays a key role in our nation’s efforts to prevent and recover from flood disasters. The NFIP was created in 1968 to help lessen the financial impact of flood disasters on individuals, business, and all levels of government that would otherwise only be available through a limited pool of private insurance.

Under the NFIP, federally backed flood insurance is made available to homeowners, renters and business owners in communities that adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances designed to reduce future flood losses by regulating new construction. The NFIP identifies areas of flood risk; encourages communities to implement measures to mitigate against the risk of flood loss; provides financial assistance to help individuals recover rapidly from flooding disasters; and lessens the financial impact of flood disasters on individuals, businesses, and all levels of government.

Without the NFIP in place, many individuals, families, businesses and local communities will find themselves left vulnerable to the devastating effects of flooding. Property owners in high risk areas, who would normally be required to purchase flood insurance to fulfill lending requirements will be unable to obtain affordable flood insurance.

The National Association of REALTORS estimates that a lapse in authorization jeopardizes an estimated 40,000 mortgage closings per month for individuals purchasing property mapped in a special flood hazard area. In addition, if the NFIP experiences a lapse in authorization, the cash flow into the program from premiums will diminish, and the NFIP may have to halt payment of claims for survivors who have recently experienced flooding, including those impacted by recent hurricanes Irene and Lee.

In recent years, a series of short-term reauthorizations and temporary suspensions of the NFIP have had a negative impact on the confidence in the program among citizens and stakeholders, including state governments, tribal governments, local communities, individual policyholders, mortgage lenders, and the private insurance industry. FEMA is asking Congress to support a two year reauthorization and affirm its commitment to citizens, communities, and private sector partners that the federal government will continue to support our nation’s efforts to manage flood risk.

Follow FEMA online at 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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 24-Apr-2012 17:23:48

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FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Needed

Recovery Continues With Assistance to Pennsylvania Communities

Release Date: April 23, 2012
Release Number: 4025-138

» More Information on Pennsylvania Tropical Storm Lee
» More Information on Pennsylvania Hurricane Irene

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Federal assistance continues to support Pennsylvania’s recovery from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The aid now focuses on supporting whole community recovery and preparing for future disasters.

Disaster assistance to date totals more than one-half billion dollars.

“Our emphasis now is on longer-term solutions,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. McCool. “Important infrastructure is being repaired, and efforts are being made to make communities more disaster-resistant.”

Rebuilding infrastructure
More than $47 million in Public Assistance (PA) funding has been reimbursed to repair or replace taxpayer-owned infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities, schools, and similar facilities.

There are an estimated 6,000 PA projects from among 1,900 applicants that could result in federal funding of more than $200 million.
Of the nearly 3,000 projects completed to date, about 725 have shared more than $3 million in additional funding to lessen the effects of future disasters. The effort is known as mitigation. FEMA is expected to provide more than $30 million in mitigation funding to the commonwealth when all eligible projects are complete.

Long-Term Recovery Committees (LTRC) rely on local volunteers and donations which provide assistance to individuals that helps repair, replace, and rebuild those households whose needs are beyond the legal capacity of government assistance.

These committees have been established for 20 counties: Adams, Berks, Bradford, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuykill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wyoming, and York.

Providing for the whole community
Long-Term Community Recovery teams have been organized in the hardest-hit areas of the commonwealth. Their objective is to help focus local goals and match the whole community’s efforts with available federal, commonwealth, and community resources.

The community recovery teams have been organized in Shickshinny, Athens, and the Wyoming Valley and Swatara Valley areas.

Other statistics to date:

94,385 persons registered for assistance
83,936 damage inspections were completed
$141.8 million in Individual Assistance grants were disbursed:
- $128.6 million in housing assistance including temporary housing, home repairs, and personal property losses and
- $13.2 million in dental, medical, and funeral costs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance
- $18.1 million in maximum grants were awarded to 601 applicants
$98 million in low-interest disaster loans were approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration
$322 million in claim payments were paid through the National Flood Insurance Program
$874,400 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance was distributed
Recovery officials continue to transfer residents displaced by the storms from temporary to more permanent housing
- 249 temporary housing units in nine counties remain occupied

“The strength of the partnership between FEMA and the commonwealth has helped make the best of a bad situation,” said Commonwealth Coordinating Officer John Forr. “Working together effectively has paid off for the residents of Pennsylvania.”

The ongoing recovery efforts continue with 247 FEMA employees and 73 from the commonwealth or other federal agencies. Sixty-five commonwealth residents were hired by FEMA to support the ongoing recovery

At the height of the recovery, there were 782 FEMA and 198 commonwealth and/or other federal agency employees working fulltime and overtime
- Additionally, more than 550 employees of the commonwealth, representing approximately 15 agencies, helped staff the temporary Disaster Recovery Centers. They answered questions on a number of issues, including mental health counseling, driver’s license replacements, emergency food program resources, farm damage, and much more
In addition to the Joint Field Office in Harrisburg, temporary FEMA/commonwealth operating facilities were opened in Sayre and Wilkes-Barre

“FEMA remains committed to the commonwealth,” said McCool. “We’ll be here until all available recovery resources have been provided.”

Last Modified: Tuesday, 24-Apr-2012 09:12:12

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Recovery Continues With Assistance to Pennsylvania Communities

Severe Weather – Be a Force of Nature: Know Your Risk, Take Action, and Be an Example

NOAA, FEMA Launch First National Severe Weather Preparedness Week April 22-28

Release Date: April 23, 2012
Release Number: R5-12-005

» 2012 Region V News Releases

CHICAGO, Ill. — Sunday marked the start of the first National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are joining together to help save lives from severe weather by delivering the following important message to the public: know your risk, take action, and be a Force of Nature by taking proactive emergency preparedness measures and inspiring others to do the same.

“Severe weather can strike with little or no warning and you may only have seconds to make life and death decisions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA regional administrator. “Preparing now can ensure you’re ready when severe weather strikes. Start by knowing your risk, take action by making your emergency plans and once you are prepared, encourage friends and neighbors to be prepared too.”

Just one year ago this week, the largest tornado outbreak in U.S. history stuck the central and southern United States with more than 300 tornadoes that claimed hundreds of lives. The historic outbreak was only one of many weather-related tragedies, and 2011 now holds the record for the greatest number of multi-billion dollar weather-related disasters in the nation’s history.

Already this year, the Midwest and other portions of the country have experienced several waves of early and destructive severe storm and tornado outbreaks. The impacts of these events are a reminder that everyone should be prepared for the hazards faced in their communities. We are headed into May, the peak month for tornadoes in the U.S, which means now is the time to make preparedness a personal and national priority.

To “be a force of nature,” NOAA and FEMA encourage citizens to prepare for extreme weather by following these guidelines:

Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Severe weather comes in many forms, and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.
Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter before a severe weather event. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication. Post your plan in your home where family and visitors can see it. Learn community evacuation routes. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio. Download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.
Be a force of nature: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends, school staff and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered with your social media network. Studies show that individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting – be one of those sources. When you seek shelter after a warning, text, tweet or update your status so your friends and family will know you are safe. You might just save their lives by encouraging others to seek safety too. For more information on how you can prepare for severe weather, visit www.ready.gov/severe-weather

About NOAA
NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook , Twitter and our other social media channels.

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. Take the pledge and learn more information at www.ready.gov/severe-weather — and encourage the rest of your community to join.

Last Modified: Monday, 23-Apr-2012 16:18:38

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Severe Weather – Be a Force of Nature: Know Your Risk, Take Action, and Be an Example

Severe Weather – Know Your Risk, Take Action, Be A Force Of Nature

FEMA, NOAA launch first National Severe Weather Preparedness Week April 22-28

Release Date: April 20, 2012
Release Number: R9-12-001

» 2012 Region IX News Releases

As the nation marks the first anniversary of one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are teaming up this week to save lives from severe weather.

The two agencies encourage the public nationally and in FEMA Region IX, which encompasses California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and territories and nations in the Pacific, to “know your risk, take action, and be a force of nature” by taking proactive preparedness measures and inspiring others to do the same. While the type and severity of threats vary across FEMA’s 10 Regions, the need to be prepared is universal.

Last April, tornadoes raked the central and southern United States, spawning more than 300 tornadoes and claiming hundreds of lives. That devastating, historic outbreak was only one of many weather-related tragedies in 2011, which now holds the record for the greatest number of multi-billion dollar weather disasters in the nation’s history.

The country has already experienced early and destructive tornado outbreaks in the Midwest and South this year over the last two months, including a significant number of tornadoes last weekend. May is the peak season for tornadoes, so it is important to take action now.

“The damaging tornadoes that struck this year, causing widespread devastation as well as loss of life, also spurred many amazing and heroic survival stories,” said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D. “In every one of these stories, people heard the warning, understood a weather hazard was imminent and took immediate action. We can build a Weather-Ready Nation by empowering people with the information they need to take preparedness actions across the country.”

“One of the lessons we can take away from the recent tornado outbreaks is that severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “While we can’t control where or when it might hit, we can take steps in advance to prepare and that’s why we are asking people to pledge to prepare, and share with others so they will do the same.”

To “be a force of nature,” FEMA and NOAA encourage citizens to prepare for extreme weather by following these guidelines:

Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.

Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication. Post your plan where visitors can see it. Learn what you can do to strengthen your home or business against severe weather. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio. Download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.
Be a force of nature: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends, school staff and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered with your social media network. Studies show individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting – and you can be one of those sources. When you go to shelter during a warning, send a text, tweet or post a status update so your friends and family know. You might just save their lives, too. For more information on how you can participate, visit www.ready.gov/severeweather

Last Modified: Friday, 20-Apr-2012 18:08:34

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Severe Weather – Know Your Risk, Take Action, Be A Force Of Nature

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Randolph County, Arkansas

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-071

DENTON, Texas – Randolph County, Arkansas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Randolph County flood maps become effective on Wednesday, May 2 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Region 6 Administrator Tony Russell. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to May 2 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

To see changes since the last FIRM, visit http://maps.riskmap6.com/AR/Randolph/
To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Apr-2012 12:42:11

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Randolph County, Arkansas

Seven Months Later, Disaster Aid Surpasses $83.9 million

Release Date: March 27, 2012
Release Number: 4017-057

» More Information on Puerto Rico Hurricane Irene

» En Español

SAN JUAN, PR — More than $83.9 million in grants for disaster aid has been approved to Puerto Rico to continue recovering from the heavy rains, flooding, landslides and mudslides left by Hurricane Irene, Government of Puerto Rico and federal officials announced today.

After seven months, disaster assistance provided includes:

$32,883,649.59 million approved in Individual Assistance grants in which;$9,173,400 in low-interest disaster loans approved by the Small Business Administration
- $14,793,759.12 million are in housing assistance including temporary housing, home repairs, and personal property losses
- and $18,089,890.47 million in dental, medical and funeral costs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance
$2,312,536 in National Flood Insurance Program claims paid
$2,052,525 in Crisis Counseling (immediate and regular) programs
$21,400 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance
$36,861,110.63 in Public Assistance grants obligated
$666,750 in Mitigation Measures projects

Additional aid though is forthcoming: Public Assistance (PA) grants are now being obligated to repair or replace taxpayer-owned infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, utilities and similar public facilities. There are several approved projects from among 85 applicants that results in a federal funding of $36,861,110.63 million.

“We have taken steps toward renewing our lives and property,” said Justo Hernández, Federal Coordinating Officer. “Much more remains to be done. It will take time before we complete the recovery process from Hurricane Irene damages.”

On August 27, 2011, President Obama granted a federal disaster declaration making eligible for Disaster Assistance programs the municipalities of: Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Añasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Caguas, Canóvanas, Carolina, Cataño, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerío, Corozal, Culebra, Fajardo, Guayama, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Humacao, Jayuya, Juana Díaz, Juncos, Las Marías, Las Piedras, Loíza, Luquillo, Maricao, Maunabo, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Peñuelas, Ponce, Rincón, Río Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San Juan, San Lorenzo, Santa Isabel, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Baja, Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa and Yauco.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-Mar-2012 16:53:46

Seven Months Later, Disaster Aid Surpasses $83.9 million

FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice at Walmart

Release Date: March 25, 2012
Release Number: 4057-031

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Federal Emergency Management Agency Mitigation specialists will be offering free information and answering questions about rebuilding for survivors of the recent tornadoes and storms throughout counties designated for federal disaster assistance.

The FEMA teams will be at Walmart stores on March 29 through April 1 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. in Rowan, Johnson, Laurel and Lawrence Counties.

Representatives will answer questions about protecting homes from future disaster damage and offering other home improvement tips and techniques. Topics include safe room construction, flood- and wind-resistant building methods, wind straps and other measures to make homes stronger and safer such as mold and mildew cleanup and prevention. Free publications on these topics, as well as on flood insurance, will be available.

A Congressionally mandated study in 2005 by the National Institute of Building Sciences showed that every dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of four dollars in future losses due to disasters. Information about strengthening property can be downloaded at www.fema.gov/rebuild/.

Location addresses and hours of the FEMA Mitigation Team visits are as follows:

Rowan County:
Walmart
200 Walmart Way
Morehead, KY 40351

Laurel County:
Walmart
1851 Highway 192 West
London, KY 40744

Johnson County:
Walmart
470 North Mayo Trail
Paintsville, KY 41240

Lawrence County:
Walmart
275 Walton Drive
Louisa, KY 41230

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 social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 13:02:03

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FEMA Specialists Offer Rebuilding Advice at Walmart

Vermont In Spotlight At National Hurricane Conference

Release Date: March 26, 2012
Release Number: 4022-075

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

» 2012 Region I News Releases

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. – When it comes to hurricanes, many people think Vermont is not in danger. But last August, as Hurricane Irene downgraded to tropical storm status, Vermont suffered a major blow that severely tested the state’s resources.

At the 2012 National Hurricane Conference in Orlando from March 26 – 29, Vermont will be in the spotlight for its response to Tropical Storm Irene and the state’s focus on meeting the needs of residents with disabilities and those with access or functional needs who took refuge in shelters.

Presenters will be Robert Schell, Chief of Field Operations for Vermont Emergency Management and Kate McCarthy-Barnett, Disability Integration Specialist for the Boston office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The American Red Cross will also be featured in the presentation.

To help entire communities recover from Tropical Storm Irene, FEMA and VEM began working together to ensure that people with disabilities and those with access or functional needs were able to fully participate in disaster recovery programs.

Within two days of the storm, the Vermont Interagency Emergency Response Committee was formed and included representatives from FEMA, VEM and the Red Cross along with over 40 disability organizations and agencies. The committee members joined daily conference calls and collaborated on the needs of the community and shared local resources.

Tropical Storm Irene was the first large©scale disaster in Vermont since the development of the Functional Needs Support Services (FNSS) guidance. It provided an opportunity to implement FNSS in a real-world response and recovery situation for individuals with disabilities. A Sheltering Team integrated partners and other specialized community leaders in planning to accommodate individuals with access and functional needs in general population shelters.

Pre©event planning and creative modifications allowed for integration in specialized shelters where disabled populations are often isolated. The team worked directly with people with functional and access needs within the shelters, ensuring they had a voice in identifying appropriate services and information formats.

“Vermont made great progress in inclusive planning for people with access and functional needs in shelters set up in affected communities,” said Vermont Emergency Management Director Joe Flynn. “We are honored to bring Vermont’s story to this national workshop.”

To make sure the whole community is engaged, FEMA’s McCarthy-Barnett has been in Vermont since the storm to not only advise FEMA and state leadership on the issues, but also to engage local and state community leadership as partners. She was the keynote speaker and a participant in Vermont’s annual Disabilities Awareness Day activities on March 21.

“The collaborations that took place after Irene between state, federal and the disability community enhanced the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities and those with access and functional needs,” said McCarthy-Barnett. “That has continued into the long-term recovery phase.”

Considerations in reaching the target population include:

Physical needs: Shelters, meetings, disaster recovery centers and other physical locations must be accessible.
Communication needs: Materials should be available in plain language and in alternative formats such as large print, Braille, sign language interpreters, and by TTY.
Programmatic needs: The approach is holistic to ensure that all programs, policies, services, and messages are accessible. When not possible, alternatives are offered. For example, if a meeting is advertised, a phone contact or e-mail address should be included for people to request reasonable accommodation to their specific needs.

The community has been engaged in a number of other ways including facilitating a series of presentations and meetings to get the word out about disability integration in emergency management, building capacity for response efforts, and enhancing community networks.

“FEMA is committed to ensuring that key aspects of recovery are available equally to all residents of Vermont or any other state where a disaster is declared,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo. “We need to provide accurate and accessible information to everyone who needs it.”

The National Hurricane Conference is a nationwide forum for education and professional training in hurricane-related topics. Participants include law enforcement, amateur radio, hospital and nursing home officials, transportation interests, engineers, insurance company representatives, armed forces disaster preparedness officials, fire and emergency services personnel and emergency managers.

More information on the National Hurricane Conference may be found at http://www.hurricanemeeting.com/.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Last Modified: Monday, 26-Mar-2012 11:48:11

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Vermont In Spotlight At National Hurricane Conference

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