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FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance Available for Hurricane Sandy Evacuees With Inaccessible or Unlivable Homes

ALBANY, NY -– The Federal Emergency Management Agency, at the request of the state of New York, has activated its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which allows eligible evacuees from Hurricane Sandy, who cannot return to their homes, to stay in hotels or motels until more suitable housing accommodations are available.

This federal assistance is intended to provide a place to stay for a longer period of time for evacuees whose neighborhoods are not accessible or whose houses have been destroyed. The initial period of assistance is from Nov. 3, 2012 to Nov. 17, 2012. However, this federal program will not reimburse applicants for previously incurred hotel expenses. Applicants are responsible for their own meals and for any lodging costs above the authorized allowance.

“To be eligible to receive this federal assistance you must register with FEMA,” said Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) Michael F. Byrne. “Keep in mind the TSA initiative is only a temporary fix. We are working diligently with our state and local partners to develop a long-term housing solution to help people until their homes and communities are repaired or rebuilt. But, again, you must register with FEMA to be able to benefit from this short-term aid.”

You can register for FEMA assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY)
1-800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Eligible evacuees must fit the following criteria:

FEMA must be able to verify the identity of the evacuee;
The primary residence of the evacuee must be in one of the counties that has been designated a disaster area; and
The primary residence is inaccessible or unlivable due to damage or lack of power.

TSA allows eligible individuals or families to stay in a hotel or motel for a limited time and have the cost of the room and taxes paid directly to the hotel by FEMA. Meals, telephone calls and other incidental charges are not covered.

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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FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance Available for Hurricane Sandy Evacuees With Inaccessible or Unlivable Homes

New York Residents Urged to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York residents affected by Hurricane Sandy may now call or go online to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state and federal officials announced today.

“Registering is an important way to help get you on the path to a variety of recovery programs,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “We’re urging people with hurricane-related damages in federally declared disaster areas to apply as soon as possible.”

The major federal disaster declaration, signed by President Obama Oct. 30, offers Individual Assistance in the counties of Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester.

Disaster survivors have several ways to apply.

Individuals can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

Another option is to register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week until further notice.

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New York Residents Urged to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Brooklyn

ALBANY, N.Y. — A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open today in Brooklyn for homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

The DRC will operate at

Cyclone Stadium
1904 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224.

Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Specialists from the state of New York, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Administration (SBA) will be on hand to answer questions about available disaster assistance programs and the registration process.

Individuals may register for assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They may also apply by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. Users of 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week until further notice.

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Brooklyn

U.S. Fire Administration Urges Residents Affected by Hurricane Sandy to Stay Safe as Cold Weather Approaches

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is urging residents to be safe as cold weather blankets the United States, including areas recently impacted by Hurricane Sandy. According to the NOAA National Weather Service, a coastal storm is expected to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast beginning after midnight Tuesday night and continue through Thursday night, with clearing expected by Friday. Impacts to the effected regions include; strong gusty northerly winds of 20-30 mph with gusts of 40-45 mph, rain of 1 to 2.5 inches along the coast, with lesser amounts inland possible, light wintry precipitation is possible inland, and coastal flooding/beach erosion along the New York/New Jersey coast. USFA urges everyone to monitor NOAA weather radio and local news reports for the latest storm conditions and take the necessary precautions to keep safe.

“As the cold weather approaches and residents are taking measures to stay warm, remember to take safety precautions,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernie Mitchell.

Cooking and home heating are the leading causes of residential building fires during periods of cold weather. The risk of fires also increases with the use of supplemental heating, such as space heaters. Carbon monoxide (CO) is also a serious threat in cold weather. Any fuel-burning appliances in the home, including furnaces and fireplaces, are a potential CO source. Carbon monoxide is called the “invisible killer,” because it is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are an important line of defense in the home, and they give consumers valuable escape time. About two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or in homes where consumers have removed the alarm’s batteries or where the batteries are dead.

The USFA recommends that in addition to having working smoke and CO alarms, all residents should follow these safety tips to prevent fires and CO poisoning during the recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy:

Preventing Fires

Do not enter a building when the smell of natural gas is detected. Leave the building immediately and contact the fire department.
Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
Make sure your alternative heaters have ‘tip switches.’ These ‘tip switches’ are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
Refuel heaters only outdoors.
Make sure wood stoves are properly operating, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items
Place space heaters on a floor that is flat and level. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets. Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture, and other flammable materials; and place space heaters out of the flow of foot traffic. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
To prevent the risk of fire, NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or place a space heater close to any sleeping person. Turn the heater off when you leave the area.
Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
Store fireplace ashes in a fire-resistant container, and cover the container with a lid. Keep the container outdoors and away from combustibles. Dispose of ashes carefully, keeping them away from dry leaves, trash or other combustible materials.
Never bring gasoline into a building.

Preventing CO poisoning

Schedule a yearly professional inspection of all fuel-burning home heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents.
NEVER operate a portable gasoline-powered generator in an enclosed space, such as a garage, shed, or crawlspace, or in the home.
Keep portable generators as far away from your home and your neighbors’ homes as possible – away from open doors, windows or vents that could allow deadly carbon monoxide into the home.
When purchasing a space heater, ask the salesperson whether the heater has been safety-certified. A certified heater will have a safety certification mark. These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features. An unvented gas space heater that meets current safety standards will shut off if oxygen levels fall too low.
Do not use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space, unless they are designed specifically for indoor use. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use.
Never use gas or electric stoves to heat the home. They are not intended for that purpose and can pose a CO or fire hazard.

For further information regarding these safety tips or other post hurricane safety recommendations, visit www.fema.gov or www.ready.gov.

As an entity of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the United States Fire Administration is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness, and response.

U.S. Fire Administration Urges Residents Affected by Hurricane Sandy to Stay Safe as Cold Weather Approaches

Only Two Weeks Remain to Apply for Disaster Assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY – Homeowners, renters and business owners in Cleveland and Creek counties who sustained damage due to the Aug. 3-14 wildfire have until Nov. 21 to apply for disaster assistance.

“Registration is the first step in the process, but time is running out,” said State Coordinating Officer and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Deputy Director Michelann Ooten. “We want everyone who is eligible to receive assistance as soon as possible.”

“To date, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided more than $6.7 million to help people in Cleveland and Creek counties whose property was damaged or destroyed, and whose losses are not covered by insurance or other forms of assistance,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III. “If anyone has suffered losses or damages as a result of the wildfire and has not yet registered for assistance, I urge them to register before time runs out.”

Loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses of real and personal property must also be submitted by Nov. 21. The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to qualified homeowners, renters and certain private non-profit organizations and businesses of any size that sustained uninsured or underinsured losses due to the disaster.

To register for FEMA disaster assistance, those with access to and who wish to use a computer or smartphone may apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phones at m.fema.gov or the FEMA app. Survivors can also register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. If using 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, the number is also 1-800-621-FEMA. FEMA phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT seven day a week; multilingual operators are available.

Homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the Aug. 3-14 wildfire, can apply for an SBA disaster loan after registering with FEMA by going online to SBA’s secure site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; calling 1-800-659-2955 or TTY 1-800-877-8339. For information on SBA disaster assistance, go to www.sba.gov.

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click on www.fema.gov/disaster/4078 or www.oem.ok.gov.

Follow the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook at twitter.com/okem and www.facebook.com/oklahomadepartmentofemergencymanagement.

FEMA tweets about the Oklahoma disaster are at twitter.com/femaregion6. Additional FEMA online resources include blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.

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 Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) prepares for, responds to, recovers from and mitigates against emergencies and disasters. The department delivers service to Oklahoma cities, towns and counties through a network of more than 350 local emergency managers.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 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 non-profit 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.

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Only Two Weeks Remain to Apply for Disaster Assistance

Less Than 6 Months Before Flood Maps are Effective in St. Helena Parish

DENTON, Texas – In less than six months, on April 2, 2013, new flood maps for St. Helena Parish, La., will

become effective. Before the maps are final, state, local and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view

the maps to understand their flood risk and consider purchasing flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured

loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or

coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by

the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the predominant natural disaster in the United States and only flood insurance covers these

unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA

Region 6 Acting Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.”

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, please contact your local

floodplain administrator (FPA) who may be located in the St. Helena Parish Offices or in your City Hall.

FEMA Map specialists and Flood Insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached

by phone and online chat:

• To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to

FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com
• To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
• For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, flood facts and to locate an agent in your

area, visit www.FloodSmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the

program. Participation in the NFIP can assure a faster recovery in the event of a devastating flood.

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 http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Less Than 6 Months Before Flood Maps are Effective in St. Helena Parish

Federal Family and Partners Continue to Support States Impacted by Sandy

More than $158 million in Individual Assistance Approved for Disaster Survivors

WASHINGTON – At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to lead the federal government’s effort to provide assistance and support to states affected by Hurricane Sandy, ensuring the federal family and its public and private partners continue to provide all available resources to support state, local, and tribal communities in affected areas.

Today, the President convened a call with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security John Brennan and other senior members of his response team to receive the latest update on ongoing efforts to support governors and local officials in impacted states. The President made clear that he expects his team to stay completely focused on meeting the needs of our state and local partners, and the families that have been impacted by the storm.

Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano traveled to Monmouth County and Hoboken, New Jersey to meet with state and local officials including Governor Chris Christie, Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, U.S. Representatives Rush Holt, Frank Pallone and Albio Sires, and Mayors Paul Smith and Dawn Zimmer to review ongoing response and recovery efforts.

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate traveled to New York City to meet with Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and visit the communities of Rockaway, Broad Channel and Breezy Point in Queens, NY, to survey the ongoing response and recovery efforts, and discuss long-term recovery planning.

“Our priority remains getting assistance directly to the survivors of this storm,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “More than $158 million has already been approved for individuals to assist with housing and other disaster-related needs. Impacted residents and business owners in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey can apply for federal assistance by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), via mobile devices at m.fema.gov or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.”

As of 3 p.m., more than 182,000 individuals in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have registered for assistance, and more than $158 million has been approved in FEMA Assistance. Disaster Recovery Centers continue to open in the hardest hit areas. Seven Disaster Recovery Centers are open in New York, two in New Jersey and three in Connecticut and more continue to open. Additional disaster recovery centers are being planned. Specialists from the state, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. To find a disaster recovery center location, check out the disaster recovery center locator at FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by mobile phone at m.fema.gov.

The first step to receiving assistance is registering with FEMA. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Those in affected areas with access to the internet may register by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or online at www.disasterassistance.gov. FEMA is asking that those with ability to register online do so to keep phone lines open for those without connectivity and to share this information with friends and neighbors.

FEMA has activated, at the request of the states, its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for New Jersey and New York. This program allows eligible survivors who cannot return to their homes due to damages caused by Hurricane Sandy to stay in participating hotels or motels until more suitable housing accommodations are available.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has begun opening Business Recovery Centers in impacted areas of New Jersey and New York. These Centers provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses caused by Hurricane Sandy. Businesses and non-profit organizations may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

“Businesses with physical damages or loss of revenue should visit the Center and apply for an SBA disaster business loan,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “The SBA is opening these centers and making resources available to assist affected business owners in their recovery. Customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and assist business owners in completing their applications during this sensitive time.”

The Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is working with FEMA and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to secure as many as 350 buses which will be used across New Jersey to help commuters connect to or reach Manhattan and the surrounding area. The buses will be used to supplement NJ Transit commuter rail and PATH rail lines where service is not yet restored. Some of the buses are expected to be in place for Monday’s commute and more will be added throughout the week.

With residents experiencing long lines at gas stations in the impacted areas, the federal government is taking immediate steps that will provide relief in the short term at the President’s direction, and working with the National Guard and the Governors of New Jersey and New York. As part of that effort, the Energy Department has established a team that is helping state and local officials identify gas stations that are in need of emergency generators to restore power or are running short on fuel supplies. Department of Energy has created a new toll-free number that gas station owners and managers along the East Coast can now call if they need assistance from state and local officials in restoring power or securing supplies of gasoline. Station owners or operators can now call the Department of Energy’s toll free hotline at 1-866-402-3775 to report their condition. The Defense Logistics Agency continues to provide much needed fuel to the region, which will be moved directly into the most impacted areas in close coordination with state and local partners.

More than 4,800 FEMA personnel are working to support response operations, including search and rescue, situational awareness, communications and logistical support in states affected by the storm. Community relations teams are on the ground in the hardest hit areas going door-to-door to inform disaster survivors about available services and resources and to gather situational awareness. FEMA continues to coordinate with the federal family to deploy and mobilize hundreds of staff from various federal agencies to support community relations and operational activities. More than 1,700 housing inspectors are on the ground, meeting with disaster survivors to identify damages to homes, to further expedite assistance to individuals.

To date the President has declared that major disasters exist in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey and emergency declarations have been made in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.

Federal and state personnel are on the ground to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments in several states. These assessments are designed to give the governor of each state a better picture of damages, and to determine if a request for further federal support is needed. Other assessments may be scheduled as needed and requested.

In addition, the following federal activities are also being coordinated:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened a Business Recovery Center in Manahawkin, NJ, which provides one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses caused by Hurricane Sandy that began on Oct. 26. Also, the SBA has opened a Business Recovery Center in Brooklyn, NY for business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses caused by Hurricane Sandy that began on Oct. 27.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has 924 national service members that have been deployed to seven states, with more than 850 more on standby for assignments. These duties include assisting with shelter operations, call centers, debris removal, and mass care in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Members include AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and 41 of 42 FEMA Corps teams.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s continuing efforts are focused on removing all restrictions on vessel movement in the Port of New York and New Jersey, as well as its associated waterways, approaches, and anchorages, and to facilitate the delivery of fuel and other critical commodities.

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has purchased unleaded and diesel fuel that is being distributed in areas throughout New York, New Jersey and other communities impacted by the storm to supplement ongoing private sector efforts.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that National Emergency Grant funds will be awarded to both New Jersey and New York to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts. More than $15.5 million will be available to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to assist with the restoration of public lands and infrastructure while also providing temporary work to those in need of employment. More than $27.7 million will be available to the New York Department of Labor to assist with the restoration of public lands and infrastructure.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive federal clean diesel fuel requirements in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and in and around New York City to allow the use of home heating oil in highway vehicles, nonroad vehicles, and nonroad equipment designated by the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York for emergency response. These waivers were granted by EPA in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE). The federal waivers will help ensure an adequate supply of fuel for emergency response in the impacted areas of New Jersey, New York City, and Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has made $12 million in quick release emergency relief funds immediately available to New Jersey and Connecticut to help begin repairing the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, while assessments continue throughout the Northeast to determine the full extent of the damage. The funds – $10 million for New Jersey and $2 million for Connecticut – mark another installment of federal-aid highway funds going toward repairing damage from Hurricane Sandy. Last week, DOT approved $17 million in quick release emergency relief funds – $10 million for New York; $3 million for Rhode Island; and $4 million for North Carolina.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has loaned the Department of Defense ultra-low sulfur diesel from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) will begin drawing down stocks from the heating oil reserve terminal in Groton, Connecticut. The fuel, which will be distributed to state, local and federal responders in the New Jersey York and New York area, will be used to provide additional supplies to ensure continued response and recovery efforts. This includes fuel for emergency equipment and buildings, including electrical generators, water pumps, GSA buildings, trucks and other vehicles. Also, DOE continues to work closely with FEMA, and in support of state, tribal, and local officials as the electric industry engages in power restoration efforts. Daily Situation Reports that detail the storm’s impacts and the restoration activities being taken by the energy sector are available at www.doe.gov.

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is meeting FEMA’s requirement for 200,000 gallons of fuel per day and is increasing current fuel stores through the purchase of 12 million gallons of gasoline, and 12 million gallons of diesel. DLA is also filling a 300,000 gallon FEMA order for points of distribution in Egg Harbor, West Orange, and Freehold, NJ; and 200,000 gallons to support three New York/New Jersey airfields. Meanwhile, a DLA vendor has 440,000 gallons of fuel available with 160,000 gallons en route and 100,000 gallons of gasoline on order for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ.

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will waive low-income housing tax credit rules that prohibit owners of low-income housing from providing housing to survivors of Hurricane Sandy who do not qualify as low-income. The action will expand the availability of housing for disaster victims and their families. Also, in response to shortages of clear diesel fuel caused by Hurricane Sandy, the IRS will not impose a tax penalty when dyed diesel fuel is sold for use or used on the highway. This relief applies beginning Oct. 30, 2012 in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania and will remain in effect through Nov. 20, 2012. Recently IRS announced it is granting taxpayers and tax preparers affected by Hurricane Sandy until Nov. 7 to file returns and accompanying payments normally due on October 31.

The National Guard is working at the local, state, and Federal level to assist FEMA in their response to hurricane Sandy. Approximately 7,400 National Guard forces are supporting the governors of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. These forces continue to provide critical assistance to local first-responders and FEMA with damage assessments, route clearance, power generation, fuel distribution, debris reduction and removal, search and rescue, delivery of essential equipment and supplies, support at evacuation shelters/first responder bed-down locations, and the employment of unique engineering capabilities.

U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) delivered 61 power restoration vehicles and 65 technical personnel from March Air Reserve Base, Calif., to Stewart ANGB, N.Y. USTRANSCOM is in the process of delivering 63 power restoration vehicles and 132 technical personnel from Phoenix, Ariz., to Stewart ANGB, N.Y., and is expected to complete this mission today. USTRANSCOM is scheduled to deliver four vehicles and technical personnel from Seattle, Wash., to Stewart ANGB, N.Y., today.

U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine forces are currently anchored near Breezy Point, N.Y., in support of U.S. Coast Guard small boat operations in nearby waterways, recovery efforts in Sandy Hook, N.J., and the resumption of normal transit serves via the Hoboken Ferry terminal. They also have the capability to perform refueling operations and provide forces to the New York and New Jersey area when requested by civil authorities.

The Training Ship (TS) Empire State is in New York and in use with 266 first responders being berthed and fed. The TS Kennedy is en route from Massachusetts and is scheduled to arrive Nov. 5. The Ready Reserve Fleet Vessel SS Wright is en route from Baltimore and is scheduled to arrive on Nov. 4.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has installed 67 generators and has completed 243 assessments. The 249th Prime Power Engineer Battalion is moving all available personnel to support power mission assignments. USACE is currently pumping in five locations in and around New York City and have completed pumping operations at four locations.

The U.S. Northern Command Regional Defense Coordinating Officers (DCO), and portions of the Defense Coordinating Element (DCE) remain on the ground to validate, plan and coordinate Department of Defense (DoD) support of FEMA’s response operations and to facilitate DOD support of life-saving and response operations.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is coordinating with FEMA and affected states to identify housing providers who may have available housing units, including public housing agencies and multi-family owners. HUD is also speeding federal disaster assistance to Connecticut, New York and New Jersey to provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes in the most heavily impacted areas. The President’s major disaster declarations for Connecticut, New York and New Jersey allow HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to some families in the designated counties. This week, HUD also announced it will speed federal disaster assistance to the State of New Jersey, State of New York and State of Connecticut and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes due to Hurricane Sandy.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has more than 850 HHS personnel deployed to provide public health and medical assistance to New York and New Jersey in Hurricane Sandy response and recovery efforts. At the request of the State of New Jersey, the CDC has established a Federal Medical Station to serve as a medical shelter in Middlesex, New Jersey. This Federal Medical Station in Middlesex will be staffed by medical providers from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Disaster Medical System. Also, fourteen Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) from the National Disaster Medical System with caches of medical supplies and two teams of U.S. Public Health Service commissioned corps officers are deployed to New York and New Jersey. Four liaisons and 350 ambulances remain deployed to New York. All of the ambulances were made available through the FEMA national ambulance contract. An HHS team of mental health experts is integrated with the HHS medical teams, and an HHS Incident Response Coordination Team in New York and New Jersey continues to provide command-and-control to HHS teams requested in that state.

The HHS Administration for Children and Families is deploying a team of specialists to support child care and Head Start recovery efforts in New York City. Following Secretary Sibelius’ declaration of public health emergencies in New York and New Jersey, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has begun approving waivers under 1135 of the Social Security Act for healthcare providers in New York and New Jersey, as well as five individual waivers. Additional waiver requests have been received and are pending.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, 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 are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Federal Family and Partners Continue to Support States Impacted by Sandy

President Declares Disaster for Utah

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Utah to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe storms and flooding on September 11, 2012.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm in Washington County.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Gary R. Stanley has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Stanley said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at 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.

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President Declares Disaster for Utah

Defense Logistics Agency to Purchase Diesel and Unleaded Fuel to Supplement Ongoing Private Sector Efforts as Part of Ongoing Response to Hurricane…

WASHGINTON, DC – As part of the ongoing response and recovery from Hurricane Sandy, President Obama has directed the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to purchase up to 12 million gallons of unleaded fuel and up to 10 million gallons of diesel fuel for distribution in areas impacted by the storm to supplement ongoing private sector efforts. This purchase will be transported by tanker trucks and distributed throughout New York, New Jersey and other communities impacted by the storm.

“FEMA is just one part of the emergency management team, a team that includes the full federal government, state, tribal, and local officials, faith-based and non-profit organizations, the private sector, and especially the public,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “The entire team will continue to lean forward as we work together to respond to and recover from this disaster.”

This purchase is in addition to the emergency diesel fuel loan from the Energy Department’s Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve.

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

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Defense Logistics Agency to Purchase Diesel and Unleaded Fuel to Supplement Ongoing Private Sector Efforts as Part of Ongoing Response to Hurricane…

The Federal Family and Partners Continue Support to Multiple States Affected by Storm

WASHINGTON, D.C. — At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to lead the federal government’s effort to provide assistance and support to states affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy—ensuring the federal family and its public and private partners continue to provide all available resources to support state, local, territorial and tribal communities in affected areas. President Obama received updates throughout the day from his team on current response and recovery efforts, and spoke directly with state and local officials from across the affected areas.

Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano traveled to Connecticut and New York to meet with state and local officials and view ongoing response and recovery efforts of the storm. Yesterday, President Obama, Governor Chris Christie and FEMA Administrator Fugate toured the storm damaged New Jersey coast and met with disaster survivors and first-responders, and were briefed by state and local officials on response efforts.

In support of an aggressive power restoration effort, the President has approved a 100 percent cost share for ten days, starting October 31, for emergency work performed by state, tribal and local governments to restore emergency power and transportation assistance required to perform this emergency work, including direct federal assistance for New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut counties designated for Public Assistance. Other forms of Category B (emergency work) public assistance remain at a 75 percent cost share.

“FEMA’s priority is to accelerate disaster assistance to the storm survivors,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Impacted residents and business owners in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey can apply for federal assistance by phone 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), via mobile devices m.fema.gov or online www.DisasterAssistance.gov.”

Federal urban search and rescue teams continue to support state and local efforts for combined searches of more than 3,300 structures in Queens and 870 structures in Staten Island, and rapid reconnaissance of 9,500 structures in Nassau County, New York. As of last night, states, tribes, localities and the Red Cross and other organizations continue to support more than 258 shelters across 16 states supporting over 13,000 residents. To find a shelter, people can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check local media outlets.

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, including Atlanta, Ga. and Frederick, Md., if needed and requested. FEMA and the Department of Defense established Incident Support Bases in Westover, Mass. and Lakehurst, New Jersey to pre-position supplies including water, meals, blankets and other resources closer to potentially impacted areas, should they be needed and requested by states. As of this afternoon, more than 596,000 liters of water and more than 199,000 meals in staging at Incident Support Bases in Westover, MA and Lakehurst, NJ, have been transferred to states to supplement their existing inventory. The Incident Support Bases continue to be restocked in anticipation of additional requests for assistance from affected states. In addition to the ISBs, five Federal Staging Areas are operating in New York.

At the direction of the President, a national power restoration working group has been established to cut through the red tape, increase federal, state, tribal, local and private sector coordination and restore power to people as quickly as possible and includes DoD, DOT, DOE, USACE and representatives from local law enforcement. Today, more than 60 power restoration vehicles and crews from private utility companies were airlifted from California to the New York.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed the 249^th Engineer Battalion Technical Assistance personnel and other technical experts to support emergency temporary power. The USACE also deployed technical assistance, senior leadership oversight, and are working to identify and deploy additional pumps as priorities are established in coordination with the states.

Earlier this week the President Obama declared major disasters for Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, making disaster assistance available to those in the heaviest hit areas affected by the storm. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey can begin applying for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Those in affected areas with access to the internet may register by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or online at www.disasterassistance.gov. FEMA is asking that those with ability to register online do so to keep phone lines open for those without connectivity. To date, more than 58,000 individuals in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have registered for assistance, and more than $5.9 million has been approved.

More than 2,300 FEMA personnel are working to support response operations, including search and rescue, situational awareness, communications and logistical support in states affected by the storm. Community relations teams are on the ground in the hardest hit areas of the Mid-Atlantic going door-to-door to inform disaster survivors about available services and resources and to gather situational awareness. Hundreds of housing inspectors are on the ground, meeting with disaster survivors to identify damages to homes, to further expedite assistance to individuals.

On October 30, the President Obama declared major disasters for Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, making disaster assistance available to those in the heaviest hit areas affected by the storm. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey can begin applying for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Those in affected areas with access to the internet may register by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or online at www.disasterassistance.gov. FEMA is asking that those with ability to register online do so to keep phone lines open for those without connectivity.

The President also signed federal emergency declarations for Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia. This allows FEMA to provide resources directly to state, tribal and local government engaged in life-saving and sustaining activities.

Joint federal and state preliminary damage assessments began today in several states. At the request of the respective states, assessments have begun in New Hampshire, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Virginia, and assessments will continue as areas become accessible. These assessments are designed to give the governor of each state a better picture of damages, and to determine if a request for further federal support is needed.

In addition, the following federal activities are also being coordinated:

General Services Administration (GSA) continues to assess more than 1,500 leased and owned federal facilities that were situated in Hurricane Sandy’s path to ensure public safety. GSA has made its purchasing schedule available to local and state governments as well as the American Red Cross so that they can more easily and quickly buy needed emergency supplies equipment. In addition, the agency deployed 682 trucks transporting 48 shipments of essential equipment and supplies to FEMA staging areas.
The Department of Defense (DoD) continues to coordinate with FEMA, U.S. Northern Command and the National Guard Bureau on providing lifesaving and life sustaining assets to FEMA and governors, as requested, and is available for disaster response to support recovery efforts.
U.S. Northern Command Regional Defense Coordinating Officers (DCO), and portions of the Defense Coordinating Element (DCE) remain on the ground to validate, plan and coordinate Department of Defense (DoD) support of FEMA’s response operations and to facilitate DOD support of life-saving and response operations. Today, in support of power restoration efforts Air Mobility Command heavy airlift aircraft support to move 61 power restoration vehicles, associated equipment, non-medical personnel and cargo from Travis and March Air Force Bases, Cal., to Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York.
The National Guard currently has more than 11,800 National Guard forces on duty supporting the governors of New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maryland. These forces are providing assistance to local first responders and FEMA with critical tasks such and assistance at evacuation shelters, route clearance, search and rescue and delivery of essential equipment and supplies.
The U.S. Coast Guard announced that the Port of New York is open to all tug and barge traffic carrying petroleum products; New York waterway ferries and taxi service are fully operational on the Hudson and East Rivers; Gravesend Bay anchorage south of the Verrazano Bridge as well as the anchorage north of the bridge is open and anchorage north of the bride is scheduled to be open later today; the Hudson River is open to all vessel traffic north of George Washington Bridge; the Kill Van Kull is open to light tugs.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has more than 400 people engaged to support the response mission. The USACE priority is to support New York City unwatering mission. Also, the USACE is aggressively supporting Emergency Temporary Power mission in New York and New Jersey and has deployed the 249^th engineer battalion and other temporary emergency power assets to provide support to areas impacted by the storm.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has moved more than 100 officers from the Southeast and Midwest into the New York and New Jersey areas to assist with recovery efforts. These officers are working to ensure air and sea ports in the affected area are fully staffed and ready to receive passengers and cargo as they return to operation. CBP has worked to expedite the arrival of power recovery crews arriving from Canada by establishing a dedicated traffic lane at the land border crossing in Vermont used by the crews.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is making $17 million in quick-release emergency relief funds immediately available to New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island to help begin repairing the damage to roads, bridges, and tunnels. Assessments continue throughout the Northeast to determine the full extent of the damage.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has deployed more than 650 HHS personnel, including ten Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) from eight states and a team of U.S. Public Health Service officers who are providing care at medical shelters in the New York City area. HHS is setting up five Federal Medical Stations. One DMAT is deployed to provide care to two New Jersey shelters. Approximately 350 ambulances have been deployed with five liaison officers and two pharmacists through the National Ambulance Contract.
The Department of Energy (DOE) continues to work closely with FEMA, and in support of state, tribal, and local officials as the electric industry engages in power restoration efforts. Daily Situation Reports that detail the storm’s impacts and the restoration activities being taken by the energy sector are available at www.doe.gov.
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) remains in close communication with the East Coast state VOAD’s to coordinate on a regional, multi-state level. Currently 15 states have activated their VOAD networks for readiness actions; the National VOAD is sharing their activities and needs with all VOAD members and partners.
The Internal Revenue Service recently announced it is granting taxpayers and tax preparers affected by Hurricane Sandy until Nov. 7 to file returns and accompanying payments normally due on October 31.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved temporary fuel waivers to assist states impacted by Hurricane Sandy. EPA has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain federal clean gasoline requirements for gasoline sold and distributed in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, District of Columbia, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The waiver was granted by EPA in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE).
FEMA’s National Business Emergency Operations Center remains activated. More than 330 representatives from retail, transportation, food and groceries, building management, and other industries receive daily briefings on key federal response efforts. These briefings assist in federal and private sector planning efforts, provide a forum to discuss response efforts and challenges for maintaining business operations and provide an opportunity to collaborate on innovative solutions.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the disaster declaration covers the counties of Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond and Suffolk in New York, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Westchester in New York and Bergen and Hudson in New Jersey. Also, the disaster declaration covers the counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union in New Jersey, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Morris, Passaic, Somerset in New Jersey; and New York County in New York. In Connecticut, the disaster declaration covers the counties of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Mohegan Tribal Nation located within New London in Connecticut, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Hartford, Litchfield, Tolland, and Windham in Connecticut; Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester in New York; Kent and Washington in Rhode Island.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is coordinating with FEMA and affected states to identify housing providers who may have available housing units, including public housing agencies and multi-family owners. HUD is also speeding federal disaster assistance to Connecticut, New York and New Jersey to provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes in the most heavily impacted areas. The President’s major disaster declarations for Connecticut, New York and New Jersey allow HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to some families in the designated counties. This week, HUD also announced it will speed federal disaster assistance to the State of New Jersey, State of New York and State of Connecticut and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes due to Hurricane Sandy.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regional Food and Nutrition Service leadership is working with state commissioners and program administrators in the affected area to meet food needs for emergency shelters and feeding sites and to assist with Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) requests. USDA Rural Utilities Service staff is working with members of the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA) to determine how to efficiently meet requests for assistance. Additionally, 38 water system professionals (Circuit Riders) funded by USDA, are helping rural communities assess water system outages and damages, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service is providing emergency watershed protection funds to 10 affected states. The Food and Nutrition Service has reached out to state partners to offer food assistance. USDA staff is also monitoring facilities to ensure the safety of the food supply, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working to protect producers from the spread of insect pests during debris removal. APHIS is also working with partners to provide care to companion animals.
The U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) bureaus are mobilizing incident management teams to assess natural resource and infrastructure damage at national parks, wildlife refuges, Indian reservations and other DOI facilities in impacted areas. More than 300 personnel are deployed in this effort. The National Park Service is mobilizing 44 boats and crews to support DOI search and rescue efforts. Receiving numerous media requests for damage assessments and need to work with FEMA to coordinate how and when and who will respond. The Forest Service has more than 250 chain saw crew team personnel deployed to storm-affected states to assist with debris removal and road clearance for power personnel. The U.S. Geological Survey continues to collect storm surge and tidal flow gages and assess coastal impacts and erosion.
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has procedures in place to expedite recovery efforts, including making sure there is timely delivery of mailed ballots. Voters in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy as well as other customers can obtain updates on postal facility operation changes due to the storm on the Mail Service Updates page on the Postal Service website. The safety of employees, the public and the U.S. Mail remains the top priority, and the USPS will continue to post Mail Service updates for residential customers on their front home page on usps.com, located in the bottom right corner. Access this information directly at http://about.usps.com/news/service-alerts/welcome.htm Also, USPS will continue to post updated information for business mailers on the following web site. Access this information at https://ribbs.usps.gov/.

The FEMA smartphone app provides further safety tips and displays open shelter information at www.fema.gov/smartphone-app. Sharing information using social media tools is also a good way for residents to stay informed. Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.

Link to original:

The Federal Family and Partners Continue Support to Multiple States Affected by Storm

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