FEMA Obligates $4.5 Million to Jefferson Parish for Debris Removal

BATON ROUGE, La. – A $4.5 million federal grant has been awarded to Jefferson Parish to help with costs for cleaning up debris created by Hurricane Isaac’s high winds and flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said Thursday.

The FEMA grant, totaling $4,510,862, helps reimburse the parish for work to remove and dispose of debris from the public rights of way. That includes more than 203,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris and nearly 54,400 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris.

“This grant demonstrates FEMA’s strong support for Jefferson Parish’s efforts to clear debris after the storm,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard M. Stolar. “The funds go to the parish but ultimately they will help the whole community recover from Hurricane Isaac.”

The FEMA grant covers the federal share of the parish’s eligible costs for the work. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA reimburses the state for 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant pay the remaining 25 percent.

The newly obligated funds are a portion of the $14.3 million in total Public Assistance recovery funds approved for applicants in Jefferson Parish since the Aug. 29, 2012, declaration for Hurricane Isaac. Statewide, Public Assistance grants total $171.2 million.

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.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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FEMA Obligates $4.5 Million to Jefferson Parish for Debris Removal

Baltimore County, MD Added To Disaster Declaration

 

 

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – Baltimore County has been designated for all categories of the Public Assistance (PA) program as part of Maryland’s federal disaster declaration, according to officials from the Maryland State Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The announcement makes federal funding available to local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Baltimore County on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy that occurred October 26 through November 4.

Under the cost-share program, FEMA funds at least 75 percent of the cost for eligible work by local governments and certain private non-profit organizations.

Through the PA 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 Non-Profit (PNP) organizations. The PA program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process (known as 406 Mitigation).

This brings the total number of counties designated for Public Assistance to 24. Baltimore County joins Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties and the Independent City of Baltimore under the disaster declaration signed by President Obama on November 20, 2012.

More detailed information on the Public Assistance program is available at:

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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Baltimore County, MD Added To Disaster Declaration

FEMA Aid Will Not Affect Senior Citizens’ Benefits

WARWICK, R.I. – Rhode Island senior citizens who receive federal disaster assistance for losses due to Hurricane Sandy will still be able to receive all their other federal benefits-and they need not worry about having to pay any additional taxes. 

“We want to assist seniors affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo, who leads the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Sandy recovery mission in Rhode Island. “We can’t do that if they fear that asking for help will impact their other benefits or raise their taxes.”

Federal disaster assistance does not affect Social Security payments, Medicare benefits, food stamps or any other federal assistance programs.. The Internal Revenue Service does not consider it taxable income.

Seniors and others who experienced damage from Sandy may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program. This may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs, not covered by insurance or other programs.

To determine whether they are eligible for disaster recovery help from FEMA, seniors and others must register. Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or to m.fema.gov if using a smartphone or call 800-621-FEMA (3362), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585.

After registering with FEMA, applicants may receive a packet from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA loans are not just for small businesses. After a federally declared disaster, the SBA offers low-interest disaster recovery loans for homeowners and renters. No one is obligated to take out a loan. But if you don’t complete the application, you will not be considered for some other federal grants.

Some seniors with paid-off mortgages may wonder why they would want a long-term government loan. But if they need funds to restore their homes to pre-disaster condition, a low-interest loan from the federal government may be the best solution. The SBA offers disaster loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to homeowners and renters for personal property losses.  Interest rates are as low as 1.688 percent. 

Find tweets about Sandy recovery at @femaregion1. For Rhode Island specific information go to http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4089. Other online resources include @FEMASandy and http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/FEMASandy and http://blog.fema.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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, 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.

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FEMA Aid Will Not Affect Senior Citizens’ Benefits

Resolve to be Ready in Georgia, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready in Georgia, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

ATLANTA — This year was characterized by extremely active and devastating weather events across the country; flooding in the Southeast as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Isaac, wildfires across the Midwest, and Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Northeast and was the second-largest Atlantic storm on record.

In Georgia, 2012 was active with disasters as tornados, flooding, tropical storms and a record-breaking heat wave plagued the state.

As 2012 comes to a close and people make resolutions for the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA) are encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2013 by committing to emergency preparedness.

“Research from our Ready Georgia campaign shows more Georgians are prepared for emergencies and disasters than ever before. Although these gains are modest at best, they do show positive trends and movement in the right direction. But, much work remains to be done. That’s why we ask all residents, families and businesses to make disaster preparedness one of their 2013 resolutions,” said GEMA/Homeland Security Director Charley English.

As we have seen in 2012, including the recent severe weather affecting many parts of the country during the holidays, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.  Resolve to be Ready in 2013 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year. 

“Resolve to be Ready is one new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep,” said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare for emergencies, such as putting together an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan. Taking these steps will help keep you and your family safe, and could be the most important pledge you make.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, people can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes and businesses.  To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to put together a kit and make a plan.

Here are a few important tips to get you started:

  • Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area and learn what you need to do to get ready for them. One way you can do this is by signing up to receive information on your mobile device.  Here are a few agency websites that offer timely information:
  • Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones when a disaster strikes. Think about how you would reach your kids at school or your spouse at work. If you had to evacuate, where would you go? Thinking this through in advance will make a big difference.
  • Build two emergency supply kits – one for home and one for the car – that include water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or are stranded in your car. This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.
  • Get Involved.  Be an advocate and educator for safety and emergency preparedness within your community. Contact your local Citizen Corps.

Spread the word to your loved ones and encourage them to Resolve to be Ready in 2013. Anyone can learn more by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.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.

 

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Resolve to be Ready in Georgia, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Don’t Wait on Insurance to File For FEMA Aid or Apply for an SBA Disaster Loan

WINDSOR, Conn. — Disaster officials say residents should file their homeowner’s insurance claims first, but not wait on an insurance settlement to register for FEMA disaster assistance or complete an application for an SBA disaster loan.

“We want to make sure everyone who had damage from Sandy gets all the help they are eligible for,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “Don’t think you have to wait for an insurance adjuster. File your insurance claim, then register with FEMA and get the process started.”

Officials say it is always best to document damage thoroughly with photos and/or videos in case some of the damaged items have to be disposed of during the cleanup or before an inspector can inspect the property.

Residents of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London counties, and the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan Tribal Nations located within New London County who had damage from Hurricane Sandy may be eligible for federal disaster assistance from the FEMA Individual Assistance grant program.

Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available at the close of the English message.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance; flood insurance claims are handled separately.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration  is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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Don’t Wait on Insurance to File For FEMA Aid or Apply for an SBA Disaster Loan

More than $1 Million in Sandy Federal Disaster Aid Approved for Rhode Island

WARWICK, R.I. — Since November 14 when President Obama declared a major disaster for Rhode Island due to damage from Hurricane Sandy, federal disaster aid to Rhode Islanders has topped $1,060,342 in assistance.

Below is a statistical summary of state-federal aid for individuals, families and public entities in the counties designated for FEMA’s assistance programs. Numbers are as of December 30, 2012:

  • 509 households have registered with FEMA for some form of disaster assistance, including financial grants, loans and other disaster-related services.
  • $293,243 has been approved through the Individuals and Households Program to help pay for housing assistance, including rental assistance and repairs to homes.
  • $22,086 has been approved to help applicants cover other disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, funeral costs and lost personal property and loss of transportation.
  • $213,513 has been obligated through the Public Assistance Program, which reimburses local, county, and state government entities and some non-profit organizations for their disaster related costs.
  • 71 applicants have requested aid from the Public Assistance Program.
  • $531,500 in low interest, disaster recovery loans to homeowners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FEMA and state officials continue to encourage anyone with storm-related losses to register for assistance. This includes renters and those who have insurance. FEMA provides assistance to renters. And for those with insurance, FEMA may be able to cover expenses insurance does not cover.

The registration deadline is January 14, 2013. Rhode Islanders affected by Hurricane Sandy should register now to see if they qualify for assistance. Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362). The phone line is open 24 hours a day seven days a week. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.  Rhode Islanders with questions about federal disaster assistance or their registration may call 800-621-3362 and select the “help” option.

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, 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.

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More than $1 Million in Sandy Federal Disaster Aid Approved for Rhode Island

Two Months Later, Recovery Efforts Are Still Going Strong in New York

NEW YORK — In the two months since Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New York, recovery moves forward for survivors, businesses and communities.

“New Yorkers have made tremendous progress in their journey toward recovery from Hurricane Sandy,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “The efforts of the survivors themselves, combined with those of the whole recovery community, have made all the difference in New York.”  

Below is a snapshot of significant milestones achieved by FEMA, the state of New York and federal partners since the Oct. 30 disaster declaration:

  • FEMA and the state have approved more than $816.3 million in disaster assistance for New Yorkers through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, which helps eligible applicants with emergency home repairs; uninsured personal property losses; and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster. It also helps cover other disaster-related expenses.
  • 13 New York counties are designated for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. These are Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. Greene County has been designated for Public Assistance only.
  • A total of 258,527 New Yorkers have registered for disaster assistance in the 13 counties designated for Individual Assistance including more than 140,000 who have applied through the online application site at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or on their smartphone at m.fema.gov.

Assistance to residents in the heaviest hit counties includes:

  • Bronx                $2.2 million
  • Kings                 $177.8 million
  • Nassau               $266.3 million
  • New York         $12 million
  • Queens              $208.6 million
  • Richmond         $83.8 million
  • Suffolk              $60.6 million
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $322 million in disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses. The SBA has staff members at every FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center and 19 Business Recovery Centers in the New York area to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance.

FEMA PA program reimburses state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations 75 percent of costs for disaster-related expenses associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure.

  • In the two months since Hurricane Sandy made landfall, FEMA Public Assistance has awarded more than $318 million dollars to local governments and eligible nonprofits.
  • New York University Langone Medical Center: $149.5 million to reimburse the cost of evacuating patients, performing emergency repairs, cleaning facilities and replacing critical equipment.
  • New York Police Department: More than $75.7 million to help pay for uniformed and civilian personnel who patrolled streets, distributed food and water to hurricane survivors and assisted residents in obtaining emergency medical care.
  • City of New York Department of Sanitation: More than $46.8 million to reimburse labor and equipment expenditures for the removal of an estimated 1.3 million cubic yards of debris.  
  • City of Long Beach: More than $24.3 million for expenses incurred collecting and clearing more than 700,000 cubic yards of debris scattered across the city.
  • Nassau County: More than $18 million for costs associated with debris removal and disposal throughout the county.
  • Nassau County: More than $2.8 million to help pay for the implementation of the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) Program.
  • Suffolk County: More than $1.1 million for costs associated with STEP.
  • More than 258,000 New Yorkers have contacted FEMA for information or registered for assistance.
  • FEMA housing inspectors have completed 167,107 home inspections, an important first step in determining eligibility for housing assistance.
  • Nearly 1,300 Community Relations specialists who responded to Hurricane Sandy have met face-to-face with more than 88,000 survivors at homes, schools, and community- and faith-based organizations. The CR teams visited counties designated for Individual Assistance, providing information, and answering survivors’ questions in neighborhoods, at Disaster Recovery Centers, and at points of distribution and shelters early in the response. They also reported critical issues in real-time for immediate action. 
  • Workers who have lost their jobs or those who are self-employed and unable to provide their services because of Hurricane Sandy have received $1,755,266 in Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
  • 22 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in the affected areas. These include mobile sites as well as fixed sites, and to date more than 110,000 survivors have been assisted at Disaster Recovery Centers in New York.
  • FEMA Mitigation specialists have provided advice and tips on how to repair and rebuild safer and stronger homes to 18,900 New Yorkers at recovery centers and home improvement stores.
  • FEMA specialists numbering 4,931 deployed from around the United States to help New York respond to and recover from Hurricane Sandy. FEMA teams continue to work with whole community partners to advance the recovery effort and mitigate against future hazards.
  • Nearly 900 National Service Members (AmeriCorps, FEMA Corps, and Senior Corps) have responded to communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy.  Areas of operation include: shelter operations, mass care, needs assessments, call centers, debris removal, and management of spontaneous volunteers.
  • More than 500 national and state voluntary organizations; local community and faith-based organizations have called upon their volunteers, to provide help to Sandy survivors in a range of programs and services. A number of the agencies will be part of the long-term recovery effort, working to meet the needs of hurricane survivors that go beyond state and federal assistance dollars.
  • More than 200 FEMA Corps young adults joined the Hurricane Sandy response under their assignment with the new program. Aimed at enhancing the nation’s ability to assist disaster survivors while expanding career opportunities for young people, FEMA Corps is a unique partnership between FEMA and the Corporation for National and Community Service and AmeriCorps.

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.  Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers are operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice.

Editor: A related story can be located at: http://www.fema.gov/updates/two-months-later-strong-recovery-effort-new-york

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

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Two Months Later, Recovery Efforts Are Still Going Strong in New York

Use Disaster Funds Wisely and for Intended Purpose

HUNT VALLEY, Md.  — State and federal disaster assistance is bringing needed financial help to homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered damage or loss as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

But Maryland Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are urging storm survivors to use disaster funds wisely and only for their intended purpose.

“Many people have great needs and the money they receive may not cover all they would like,” said MEMA Executive Director Ken Mellette. “But if you spend money on anything other than what your FEMA letter tells you, additional assistance may not be available.”

Funds are available through grants for housing or other needs and through low-interest federal loans to replace housing or personal effects.

Housing Assistance grants must be used only for

Basic housing repairs for homeowners

  • Short-term rental assistance
  • Reimbursement of hotel/motel expenses

Other Needs Assistance grants should be used to help replace essential personal property and meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable-aid programs. Most funds are deposited electronically and a letter follows in the mail to explain how the money is to be used.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

“We want you to use the money to meet specific disaster-related needs,” Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Lapinski said.

Here are tips to help you get the most out of your personal disaster recovery payment:

  • Keep all of your receipts.
  • If you receive your grant in the form of a check, make sure to safeguard those funds and only spend the money on disaster-related expenses.
  • Don’t be tempted to pay household bills with the disaster recovery payment.
  • Don’t make purchases unrelated to needs created by the disaster.

Disaster grants are subject to an audit and recipients should keep receipts or bills for three years to demonstrate how all funds were used in meeting disaster-related needs. These grants are tax free and are not a loan. They do not have to be repaid. They are not counted as income for welfare or other federal benefit programs and they cannot be garnished.

 “If you receive an SBA loan application after you apply with FEMA, be sure to complete and return it to the SBA,” Lapinski said. “If you don’t, you can disqualify yourself from any more federal assistance.”

FEMA’s housing assistance and grants for disaster-related medical and dental expenses, 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 the SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Completing the loan application does not commit you to a loan, but it is an important part of the federal financial disaster assistance process.

President Obama’s major disaster declaration for Maryland made federal assistance available to affected individuals in Somerset County.

For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091, www.mema.maryland.gov or www.sba.gov/sandy.

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.

 

 

 

Original article – 

Use Disaster Funds Wisely and for Intended Purpose

New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers Assist Hurricane Survivors

TRENTON, N.J. — If you’re a Hurricane Sandy survivor and have questions about a letter you received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, need help finding a place to stay, or have any concerns about your recovery, a visit to a disaster recovery center can help.

FEMA staff is available at centers throughout New Jersey to provide clarification to your letters, assist you with finding a temporary home if your primary residence was damaged or destroyed, check on the status of your application for assistance, or refer you to other agencies that may provide additional help.                                                                                              

Also, you can consult with U.S. Small Business Administration customer service representatives about low-interest disaster loans to repair or rebuild your home and FEMA mitigation specialists about cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damages in future disasters.

New Jersey centers will continue to provide assistance for survivors during the holiday season. Normal center hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday until Saturday, Dec. 29. Centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. They will be closed New Year’s Day. Normal hours will resume Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.

To find the nearest center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. You also can visit www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

You should register for disaster assistance before visiting a center. You can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. You also can register by phone or 711/VRS by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

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.

Taken from: 

New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers Assist Hurricane Survivors

Resolve to be Ready, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

Resolve to be Ready, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

ATLANTA — This year was characterized by extremely active and devastating weather events across the country; flooding in the Southeast as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Isaac, wildfires across the Midwest, and Hurricane Sandy which devastated parts of the Northeast and was the second-largest Atlantic storm on record.

As 2012 comes to a close and people make resolutions for the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging everyone to Resolve to be Ready in 2013 by committing to emergency preparedness.

As we have seen in 2012, including the recent severe weather affecting many parts of the country during the holidays, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.  Resolve to be Ready in 2013 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year. 

“Resolve to be Ready is one new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep,” said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare for emergencies, such as putting together an emergency supply kit and creating a family emergency plan. Taking these steps will help keep you and your family safe, and could be the most important pledge you make.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, people can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes and businesses.  To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to put together a kit and make a plan.

Here are a few important tips to get you started:

 

  • Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area and learn what you need to do to get ready for them. One way you can do this is by signing up to receive information on your mobile device.  Here are a few agency websites that offer timely information:
  • Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones when a disaster strikes. Think about how you would reach your kids at school or your spouse at work. If you had to evacuate, where would you go? Thinking this through in advance will make a big difference.
  • Build two emergency supply kits – one for home and one for the car – that include water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or are stranded in your car. This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.
  • Get Involved.  Be an advocate and educator for safety and emergency preparedness within your community. Contact your local Citizen Corps.

Spread the word to your loved ones and encourage them to Resolve to be Ready in 2013. Anyone can learn more by visiting Ready.gov or Listo.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.

 

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Resolve to be Ready, Commit to Emergency Preparedness in 2013!

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