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FEMA Awards More Than $3 Million for Repairs to St. John Parish School Damaged in Hurricane Isaac

BATON ROUGE, La. – The St. John Parish School Board will receive two grants totaling more than $3 million to repair damages to East St. John High School caused by Hurricane Isaac, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said Monday.

About 8 inches of water inundated the school during the August 2012 hurricane, damaging both the cafeteria/gymnasium and the main building. The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board will receive $1,032,448 for repairs to the gymnasium/cafeteria and $2,029,913 for repairs to the main building.

“The grants will help with much-needed repairs to help students get back into their school,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar of FEMA. “This will be an important step forward in the students’ lives and in the parish’s recovery.”

The newly awarded funds are a portion of the more than $231 million in total Public Assistance recovery dollars approved for the state since the Aug. 29, 2012, disaster declaration. FEMA pays 75 percent of the eligible costs of 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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FEMA Awards More Than $3 Million for Repairs to St. John Parish School Damaged in Hurricane Isaac

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:

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.

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FEMA Announces 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge Recipients

National Planning Frameworks: How We Work Together to Build, Sustain, and Deliver Capabilities to Ensure a Secure and Resilient Nation

WASHINGTON — The Federal Government and its partners today released three of five National Planning Frameworks. These National Planning Frameworks, document the roles and responsibilities of the whole community in all facets of national preparedness. The benefit of this unified effort is a more informed, shared understanding of risks, needs, and capabilities across the whole community; and, in the end, a more secure and resilient nation.

The Frameworks outline how the whole community can take steps to collectively achieve the National Preparedness Goal.

The whole community—individuals and families, including those with access and functional needs; businesses and nonprofits; schools; media; and all levels of government—is encouraged to read and use each Framework.

The three Frameworks released today are:

The National Prevention Framework. Focuses on avoiding, preventing, or stopping a threatened or actual act of terrorism. While other mission areas focus on all hazards, including natural disasters, Prevention focuses solely on terrorism. Specifically on imminent acts of terrorism on U.S. soil.
The National Mitigation Framework. Refers to reducing the loss of life and property by lessening the effects of disasters. This means, for example, taking actions now that would reduce property damage when a hurricane strikes. Mitigation also involves actions that improve our ability to bounce back after disasters. Resilience is a key focus.
The National Response Framework. Covers the capabilities necessary to save lives, protect property and the environment, and meet basic human needs after an incident has occurred. The National Response Framework was updated from the familiar 2008 version.

Two more Frameworks complete the set: the National Disaster Recovery Framework that was released in September 2011, and the National Protection Framework, which is currently under development to ensure it aligns with emerging national protection policy.

“The idea that everyone plays a role in national preparedness isn’t new. But this is the first time the Federal Government truly involved everyone in the whole community—not just the government—to document how we’re going to work together. That’s what the Frameworks do; they outline how everyone can take part in prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery activities in a coordinated and integrated way,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “The Federal Government brought everyone to the table so we can document how the whole community works together to achieve a secure and resilient nation.”

The National Planning Frameworks build on existing programs, authorities and best practices, such as the National Incident Management System. Each one:

Summarizes the roles and responsibilities of each part of the whole community
Defines each mission area’s core capabilities, along with examples of critical tasks
Defines coordinating structures—either new or existing—that enable the whole community to work together to deliver the core capabilities
Describes the relationships to the other mission areas
Identifies relevant information to help with operational planning
Provides information that all levels of government can use to revise their operational plans
Uses concepts from existing preparedness efforts, such as the National Incident Management System

This effort was completed in partnership with leaders of federal departments and agencies, and reflect input from state, local, tribal and territorial governments, private and nonprofit sector partners and the general public.

“As recent events in Boston have demonstrated, coordination among the public, the private sector and all levels of government is critical to our efforts to prevent, mitigate and respond to terrorist incidents and other disasters. The three National Planning Frameworks released today provide a blueprint for such coordination going forward and outline how everyone in this country can contribute to our efforts to keep our people safe and our communities more secure,” said Attorney General Eric Holder.

“PPD-8 represents a truly integrated whole-of-government approach to prevent terrorism, mitigate the effects of disasters, and respond when an incident has occurred,” said James R. Clapper, director of national intelligence. “Preparedness is a shared responsibility and the PPD-8 frameworks not only embody the best practices of inter-governmental collaboration, but exemplifies the partnerships required to work with the whole community to achieve a National Preparedness Goal.”

The National Planning Frameworks are part of the National Preparedness System, which outlines the tools and processes to help us achieve national preparedness. To download the Frameworks and view the complementary tutorial, visit: www.fema.gov/national-planning-frameworks.

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

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National Planning Frameworks: How We Work Together to Build, Sustain, and Deliver Capabilities to Ensure a Secure and Resilient Nation

FEMA Awards $2.3M for Community Safe Room in Victoria Co, TX

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $2.3 million to the state of Texas for construction of a community safe room in the city of Victoria in Victoria County, Texas

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will pay 75 percent or $2,325,000 of the $3.1 million cost.

The stand alone, 20,000 square foot safe room will provide protection from hurricanes, tropical storms and tornadoes for the residents of Victoria County and is accessible for people with disabilities. It will be built on the campus of St. Joseph High School.

The federal share of the funds for the project come from the agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). HMGP provides grants to states, and tribal and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures that reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

Learn more about FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant program online at http://go.usa.gov/D6D.

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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, the R6 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/region-vi/region-6-preparedness and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Awards $2.3M for Community Safe Room in Victoria Co, TX

New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers To Transition To SBA Loan Outreach Centers Saturday

TRENTON, N.J.–The remaining four New Jersey FEMA-State disaster recovery centers will transition Saturday, May 4 and reopen as Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Centers Monday, May 6.

The DRCs transitioning are the Brick Township Civic Center in Brick, the Bell Crest Plaza Store Front 4C in Toms River, the Union Beach Municipal Building in Union Beach and the DRC adjacent to the Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing.

State and federal officials have been paying close attention to how many applicants are visiting disaster recovery centers throughout the state. Over the past weeks, the number of individuals seeking help at the centers has dropped, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have mostly been met.

Survivors can locate the address of their nearest center by going to FEMA.gov/DRC or calling 800-621-3362.

SBA representatives at the DLOCs will provide homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofit organizations with face-to-face service in answering questions about SBA’s low-interest disaster loan programs, completing loan applications, checking the status of applications and closing on SBA loans.

The SBA outreach centers will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday.

Survivors are reminded that May 1, 2013 is the last day to register for federal disaster assistance with FEMA.

Survivors can register online and check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They also can call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362.

For more information about the SBA, call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Friday, at 1-800-659-2955. Survivors may apply online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants also may visit the SBA Web site at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

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.

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New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers To Transition To SBA Loan Outreach Centers Saturday

FEMA Corps Talks Disaster Preparedness with Mariners Fans

Main Content

Release date:

April 29, 2013

Release Number:

13-5

FEMA Corps team Gold 4 participated in the Seattle Mariners ‘Salute to Volunteers’ night Thursday, April 25^th, 2013. The Gold 4 team talked to baseball fans about the importance of disaster preparedness. FEMA Corps members gave out information on how to create a disaster kit, start thinking about a disaster plan, and information on what to have on hand for pet owners in times of natural disaster.

“I am excited to help get the community prepared for natural disasters.” Said Team member Chelsea Rayman. “Increasing awareness of natural disasters and ways to be prepared is one thing FEMA and FEMA Corps have been focusing on throughout the Pacific Northwest.”

The Mariners went on to win a 6-0 game, but FEMA Corps member Emily Brown says “The real win is to reach out to community members and get them thinking about being prepared for a disaster.”

FEMA Corps is a new partnership with FEMA and AmeriCorps NCCC. Gold 4 is a team of ten ranging in age from 18 to 24. They are currently working with FEMA Region X External Affairs Division in Lynnwood, Washington.

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Last Updated:

April 29, 2013 – 15:45

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Region X

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FEMA Corps Talks Disaster Preparedness with Mariners Fans

President Declares Emergency for North Dakota

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the State of North Dakota to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from flooding beginning on April 22, 2013 and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in Cass, Grand Forks, Pembina, Richland, Traill, and Walsh counties.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.

Gary R. Stanley has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

Follow FEMA online at http://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.

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President Declares Emergency for North Dakota

After 6 months, N.Y. communities make progress in recovery from Sandy

NEW YORK – In the six months since Hurricane Sandy made landfall on Oct. 29, 2012, significant progress has been made in New York’s recovery.

Nearly all of the debris is gone. Many survivors have returned to their homes and repaired or replaced damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses are reopening.

Many public schools, libraries, community centers and other institutions have reopened, including New York University Langone Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital and Coney Island Hospital.

In February, the Federal Emergency Management Agency released advisory flood-risk data to help homeowners, business owners and public facilities plan for future flood events. Bellevue Hospital is among the facilities that are already using the Advisory Base Flood Elevation data to protect themselves from future flooding.

“New York has made tremendous progress in the six months since Sandy,” said Michael F. Byrne, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for Hurricane Sandy operations. “But the work is not done. We are working with our state and local partners to apply mitigation measures to ensure that New York is better able to withstand future storms.”

The whole community is involved in the recovery effort, including local, state, federal and tribal, the private sector and voluntary and faith-based organizations.

So far, more than $6.6 billion has been provided in disaster assistance to individuals and families, low-interest disaster loans, flood-insurance claims payments and funding for debris removal, repair or replacement of public facilities and reimbursement for emergency expenses.

FEMA has approved more than $959 million for individuals and households in New York to help eligible survivors with home repairs, temporary rental costs and other uninsured hurricane-related losses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved low-interest disaster loans totaling more than $1.4 billion for nearly 22,000 homeowners, renters and businesses.

The National Flood Insurance Program has paid nearly $3.4 billion in claims to 56,766 policyholders.

Debris removal, essential to rebuilding neighborhoods, is nearly 95 percent complete. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local and state agencies have cleaned up nearly 5.7 million of the estimated 6 million cubic yards of debris.

FEMA has approved more than $848 million in Public Assistance grants to reimburse state, tribal and local governments and eligible private nonprofits for costs related to emergency response, debris removal and repairing or rebuilding damaged public facilities, among other expenses.

These grants include more than $114 million to New York University Langone Medical Center for temporary repairs, patient evacuation and other emergency-related expenses; $5.1 million to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to repair or reconstruct 16 pump stations; and $3.8 million to Long Beach Public Schools for repairs to the district’s elementary, middle and high schools.

More than 21,000 families were able to remain in their storm-damaged homes while repairs were made because of the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power program, operated by local governments and funded by FEMA.

Because of a shortage of rental housing, 5,933 individuals and families have been housed temporarily in hotel rooms under the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program

Six months after the storm, nearly 1,500 FEMA personnel are on the job in New York, including nearly 400 local residents hired to help with recovery operations.

Storm survivors continue to receive face-to-face help in the recovery process at disaster recovery centers. To date, there have been more than 181,000 visits to the centers.

Early in the disaster, Federal Disaster Recovery Coordination commenced when more than a dozen federal agencies deployed to New York under the National Disaster Recovery Framework. Their mission was to coordinate with one another and to collaborate with state and local officials and hundreds of stakeholders on a comprehensive, whole community recovery strategy for the state of New York.

Scheduled for release this summer, the Recovery Support Strategy focuses on how the federal government can help build back New York better, stronger and smarter. In addition to extensive input from local and national energy, housing, transportation, infrastructure, health, human services, economic, and environmental experts, the strategy reflects successful practices from other major disasters.

The document also incorporates guidance on effective uses for billions of dollars in Sandy supplemental funds approved by Congress and President Obama early this year. Federal Disaster Recovery Coordination in New York will be ongoing.

For more on Hurricane Sandy recovery in New York, visit www.FEMA.gov/SandyNY.

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After 6 months, N.Y. communities make progress in recovery from Sandy

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 14^th and Saturday May 18^th. 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 14^th in the Richard C. Trudeau Center’s Main Room, 11500 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94619 and on Saturday, May 18^th, 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

New Yorkers honored as White House Hurricane Sandy “Champions of Change”

NEW YORK – Eight New Yorkers were honored Wednesday by the White House as Hurricane Sandy “Champions of Change.”

The White House recognized the individuals for their work in response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy. These hidden heroes implemented innovative, collaborative solutions to meet the unique needs of communities and neighborhoods as they worked to rebuild after the devastating effects of this disaster.

“As soon as a disaster hits, we see citizens come together to help those in need,” said Paulette Aniskoff, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Public Engagement. “Time and again, we have seen the courage and heroism of first responders, organizations and ordinary people in providing relief, recovery and care, and these Hurricane Sandy Champions of Change are no exception.”

Those honored were:

Amanda “Mandy” Bickerstaff, UWSLoves (New York, NY)

Mandy Bickerstaff is a Program Director for Do Your Part, a nonprofit organization that supports disaster relief and long-term recovery. After Hurricane Sandy hit New York City, Bickerstaff volunteered with the Red Cross and saw how important good food made with love was in times of disaster. She co-founded UWSLoves, which prepared over 1,500 hot meals and more than 3,000 sandwiches for those in need on the Lower East Side, Rockaway, Coney Island and Red Hook. During this time, Bickerstaff also compiled a cookbook of recipes and stories from the relief effort to support continued fundraising. She continues to work with relief organizations around the New York and New Jersey areas, coordinating fundraisers, large donations and volunteers. Her grandparents are her inspiration, instilling in her the importance of public service and dedication to those in need.

Ariel Creamer, Survivors Silver Lining (Queens, NY)

After evacuating her home during Hurricane Sandy, fourteen-year-old Rockaway resident Ariel Creamer founded the organization Survivors Silver Lining, which matches donors with Hurricane Sandy survivors. The mission of the organization is to help children and families replace items lost in the storm and rebuild their lives. Creamer has worked with other hurricane relief organizations to bring and distribute supplies to the Rockaways. Her hope is to continue her work and to bring awareness that the need in the Rockaways is far from over.

Erin Corcoran Daly, Operation Breezy Gut and Pump (Queens, NY)

Erin Daly sprang into action after Hurricane Sandy struck her hometown of Breezy Point. Daly, a Florida state prosecutor, immediately began her relief efforts by collecting donations of generators, sump pumps, tools, food and water, and arrived at the disaster zone with a truckload full of supplies and gasoline. The next day, Daly and off-duty FDNY firefighter Kevin Adams pitched a tent in a field and offered to pump and gut houses for free. Operation Breezy Gut and Pump was born. Kevin recruited fellow FDNY member Phil Pillet, and soon volunteers began showing up by the hundreds. Over the next 36 days, Daly and her crew worked tirelessly day and night, coordinating the integration of federal, state and local resources and matching victims with volunteer groups and relief organizations. Thanks to Operation Gut and Pump’s efforts, over 600 homes in Breezy Point were pumped, gutted and cleaned out free of charge.

Mike “Loco” Hoffman, Boots on the Ground (Staten Island, NY)

His community devastated after Hurricane Sandy, Mike “Loco” Hoffman has contributed to disaster relief and recovery every day since the storm struck. From rescuing stranded and frightened survivors to providing household needs, heaters and generators to gutting and rebuilding homes, Hoffman has been a one-man powerhouse of recovery. He even brought Christmas gifts and cheer to residents by dressing as Santa Claus and driving a decorated truck playing Christmas music through the streets of storm-ravaged neighborhoods. A lifelong resident of Staten Island, Hoffman founded Boots on the Ground Staten Island to put his local knowledge to use and serve as a resource for the thousands of volunteers who arrived to the area. In this way, he is assisting with the formation of an organized at-the-ready volunteer response network as a resource for future disaster victims.

Adam Marlatt, Global DIRT: Disaster Immediate Response Team (New York, NY)

Adam Marlatt is a Marine Reserve infantry sergeant and the founder of Global Disaster Immediate Response Team (DIRT). Using the skills he learned on the battlefield, on a District Stability Team with the U.S. State Department, and with his local volunteer fire department, Marlatt leads his team into the immediate aftermath of disasters to provide technical solutions, medical assistance and coordination support. Founded after the Haiti earthquake of 2010, Global DIRT has deployed to Haiti, Pakistan, New Zealand, Japan and the tri-state area after Hurricane Sandy.

Walter Meyer, Power Rockaway Resilience (Brooklyn, NY)

Together with a group of designers, sustainability experts, and solar engineers, Walter Meyer, an urban designer based in Brooklyn, New York, helped form the community-based organization “Power Rockaways Resilience.” Days after Hurricane Sandy, while gas generators sat idle due to a fuel shortage, the group began delivering hand-built, shopping-cart-sized solar generators to the hardest-hit blocks of the Rockaway peninsula, a barrier island off New York City that bore the brunt of a 14-foot tidal surge topped by three-story-high waves. This small-scale initial effort grew, and with the help of a nationwide fundraising campaign, Power Rockaways Resilience oversaw the widespread installation of large-scale solar generators at relief centers and volunteer hubs. The use of solar power to keep lights shining and helping hands working throughout the darkest days of the storm has inspired peninsula-wide interest in alternative energy technologies. Power Rockaways Resilience is still on the ground connecting solar suppliers and installers with Rockaway businesses and residents seeking to rebuild for a more sustainable, resilient future.

Carolina Salguero, PortSide NewYork (Brooklyn, NY)

PortSide NewYork is a nonprofit in Red Hook, Brooklyn, focused on waterfront issues. Since 2005, the organization has operated from the Mary A. Whalen, an oil tanker on the National Register of Historic Places. After protecting the ship during Hurricane Sandy, they came ashore to help the community of Red Hook. Led by founder Carolina Salguero, PortSide created an aid station that evolved to provide services in response to emerging needs. They provided computer equipment to enable people to apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, organized the work of electrician Danny Schneider who donated his services for free, and set up free legal clinics and a small business recovery center. Based on what they learned, they are now planning programs for Red Hook and the New York City government.

Marcie Allen Van Mol, Beach 119th Street Angels (New York, NY)

Marcie Allen is the president of MAC Presents, a New York City-based sponsorship and fulfillment agency. After Hurricane Sandy, Marcie raised over $100,000 in donations and supplies for families on Beach 119th Street in Rockaway Beach, New York. Allen directed the short documentary film Beach 119 about the families of one block in Rockaway and their recovery.

To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program and nominate a Champion, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions.

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New Yorkers honored as White House Hurricane Sandy “Champions of Change”

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