Important Information for Hurricane Isaac Disaster Survivors

CLINTON, Miss. — Disaster survivors in 17 Mississippi counties, who had losses as a result of Hurricane Isaac, can now register online or by phone for federal disaster assistance. 

The Declaration and Amendments

On Sept. 1, a major disaster declaration signed by the president was amended to include Individual Assistance in four counties: Jackson, Hancock, Harrison and Pearl River. On Sept. 7, another 13 counties were designated for Individual Assistance, enabling people to apply for federal aid in the following counties: Adams, Amite, Clarke, Forrest, George, Hinds, Lincoln, Marion, Pike, Stone, Walthall, Warren and Wilkinson counties.

The Road to Recovery Begins with Registration

People who experienced losses should register online as soon as possible at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile device at m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Operators speak many languages.

People in the newly designated counties who already registered for federal disaster assistance do not need to do so again. If they have any questions about their applications for disaster assistance, they should call 800-621-3362.

FEMA will ask for the following information:

  • The telephone number where applicants can be reached
  • The address where applicants lived at the time of the disaster and the address where they are staying
  • Their Social Security number
  • A general description of damage to property and other losses
  • The name of the insurance company and policy number or agent if the property is insured
  • Bank account routing information for direct deposit of funds

Survivors May Be Eligible for Many Types of Assistance

Federal disaster aid to people may include:

  • Rental assistance for temporary housing if their home or apartment is unlivable.
  • Grants for minimal home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.
  • Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.
  • Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover losses of renters and homeowners

Other sources of assistance:

  • A number of voluntary agencies, faith- based groups and community organizations are providing food, shelter, supplies and are assisting in clean-up efforts. More information on a range of aid programs is available from local governments or by calling 2-1-1.

Federal aid to businesses and nonprofits with losses may include:

  • Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA for businesses and certain private nonprofit organizations that sustained physical damage or economic injury.

Survivors Should Register Even If Insured

It’s important for survivors to document damage with photographs, save repair receipts and notify their insurance companies. Those with insurance should know that federal disaster assistance may be provided prior to a delayed insurance settlement and assist an eligible survivor during their recovery. However, federal assistance must be repaid once an insurance settlement is received.      

An insurance settlement may be insufficient to cover all eligible damages or losses. Federal disaster assistance may fill in eligible gaps a survivor’s insurance doesn’t cover. 

Survivors who have flood insurance on their property should be aware that it covers the following:

  • The structure and its foundation
  • Electrical and plumbing
  • Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces and water heaters,
  • Refrigerators, cooking stoves and built-in appliances such as dishwashers
  • Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished flooring
  • Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases and cabinets
  • Window blinds
  • Detached garages
  • Debris removal
  • Some personal items, such as clothing, furniture, window units, microwave ovens and dishwashers, washers and dryers and food freezers

PHOTO AND VIDEO RESOURCES

  • Photos of FEMA operations, including response and recovery efforts in Mississippi for Hurricane Isaac, are on the FEMA website. These include Community Relations specialists in the field, people being helped at Disaster Recovery Centers, early response operations and more. Photos are updated frequently.  Link to the FEMA Photo Library: http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary (keywords Isaac Mississippi or DR 4081)

·http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary (keyword Isaac or DR 4081)

LINKS

Twitter:

Facebook:      www.facebook.com/fema

                        www.facebook.com/msemaorg?ref=sgm

Websites:

Blog: www.fema.gov/blog

News releases: http://www.fema.gov/news-releases

Via phone: m.fema.gov or on the FEMA app                                  

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

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 public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original article: 

Important Information for Hurricane Isaac Disaster Survivors

There is Still Help Available for Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Tropical Storm Debby survivors who need information on recovery programs still have services available to them.

Those in need of assistance beyond insurance or other sources can access 2-1-1 in participating counties.

Survivors who can’t afford an attorney and run into legal difficulties due to the storm can call the Florida Disaster Legal Services hotline at 866-550-2929 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Assistance is available in Spanish.

Those survivors with questions regarding their Federal Emergency Management Agency application can call the toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and assistance is available in most languages. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY line can call 800-462-7585.

Individuals and businesses with questions about their application for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration may call 800-659-2955 or send an email to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY line can call 800-877-8339.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or www.floridadisaster.org/. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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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Read more: 

There is Still Help Available for Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

The Road To Recovery: Know Where To Get Help

ATLANTA—Knowing where to get assistance after a disaster can make the process go faster. Help is available from a wide range of sources.

Contact your insurance company. Insurance can be an important source of assistance for people and businesses.

Register with FEMA. FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program may provide help in the form of temporary housing and financial assistance if you suffered eligible losses or damages to your home, rental home or personal property. 

Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone by going to FEMA’s mobile site at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Services call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster aid to people may include:

  • Rental assistance for temporary housing if your home or apartment is unlivable;
  • Grants for minimal home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional;
  • Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs; and
  • Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses of renters and homeowners.

Federal aid to businesses and nonprofits may include:

  • Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA for businesses and certain private nonprofit organizations that sustained physical damage or economic injury.

Seek out community sources. In addition to FEMA, you should know that a number of voluntary agencies, faith- based groups and community organizations are providing food, shelter, supplies and are assisting in clean-up efforts. Contact your local government or call 2-1-1 to access a range of aid programs to help Mississippians recover from Isaac.

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

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 public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

Link:  

The Road To Recovery: Know Where To Get Help

Take Precautions When Returning Home After Hurricane Isaac

Baton Rouge, La. – As Louisianians begin to return home following Hurricane Isaac, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds residents that the dangers have not ended just because the worst of the storm is over. Dangling power lines, flooding and other hazards remain – and survivors should know what to do to safeguard themselves and their families. 

“Remember to practice safety first as you return home,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA. “It’s important to first heed instructions from local authorities about when it’s safe to go home. Then, take a few precautions before entering your neighborhood and your home.”

Before returning home, survivors should make a cleanup kit that includes rubber gloves, cleaning products, bleach, sponges, goggles, spatula, rubber boots, odor-control products, trash bags, hydrogen peroxide, adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointments and work towels.

Survivors should read the following tips for staying safe BEFORE beginning the clean-up process.

Safety Tips: Before Entering a Building

Utility checks: Check for downed or loose power lines and gas leaks. Gas leaks can smell like rotten eggs. Call the utility company immediately if a gas leak is suspected. If a downed power line is seen, move away from the line and from anything touching it and contact the utility company. Do not try to move either the downed power line or anything in contact with it by using another object such as a branch, stick or broom. Do not drive over a downed line.    

Look for external damage: Examine the foundation, roof and chimney for cracks or other damage. Inspect porch roofs and overhangs. If obvious damage is found or if serious safety doubts exist, contact a building inspector before going inside.

Enter the building slowly and carefully: If the door sticks at the top as it opens, it could mean the ceiling is ready to cave in. If forcing the door open, stand outside to avoid being hit by falling debris. If in doubt about the safety of a building, do not enter. If the ceiling is sagging, or other signs the building is in a weakened condition or about to collapse exist, leave the building immediately.

Safety Tips: After Entering a Building

Do not approach wild animals that take refuge in the home: Wild animals often seek refuge from floodwaters on upper levels of homes and have been known to remain after water recedes. Call animal control or a wildlife resource office to handle the situation. Also, watch household pets closely and keep them under direct control.

Double check and re-check for gas leaks: To be safe, assume there could be a gas leak in the house. Return to the home during daylight to avoid turning on lights. Do not light candles, cigarettes or operate electrical switches in the house until it has been inspected and is safe. If gas is smelled or a hissing or blowing sound is heard, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if possible. Call the gas company from a neighbor’s residence or from a cell phone away from the building.

Be careful around electricity: If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. If in wet clothing, standing in water, or if unsure of safety, do not check the electrical system. An electrician may need to inspect the wiring.

Once the electrical power is turned off, unplug all appliances: Clean them out and let them dry. Then have them checked by a professional before using them again.

Check water and sewage systems: If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with local authorities to make sure the water is not contaminated. Some Louisiana neighborhoods are under boil advisory. Do not drink or cook with tap water until authorities declare the water supply is safe to drink.

Check the furnace and water heater: The water heater may work, but if floodwater covered part of the entire tank, the insulation between the walls may be damaged. Obtain an estimate to replace the damaged furnace and water heater.

Safety Tips for Cleaning Up

Protective clothing: Wear protective clothing and make sure hands, arms, feet, and legs are covered. If cuts exist on hands or other body parts, protect them from contact with water or debris. Wear a mask for protection from inhaling harmful odors or fumes while cleaning up. Even people with no known risk factors for mold should wear filtering face masks and gloves if they plan to do anything more than look around.

Use extreme caution as cleanup begins: Floors and stairs may be covered with debris and may be very slippery. Watch out for broken bottles, exposed nails, soft spots in the floor and other hazards. When opening cabinets, watch for objects that may fall because they are not secure in their usual place. Standing water should be removed. Fans at open doors and windows can be used to help with the drying out process. They should blow outward, not inward.

When it doubt, throw it out: Get rid of all food and other supplies that may have be contaminated or that may have come in contact with floodwater. Porous materials such as carpets, mattresses, furniture with upholstery should be thrown out. Insulation, ceiling tiles, wallboard, drywall and particle board should be discarded because they are porous.

Register with FEMA

Survivors can register online with FEMA at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. For 711 Relay or Video Relay Services call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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

View article: 

Take Precautions When Returning Home After Hurricane Isaac

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In St. Charles Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. — A State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in 

St. Charles Parish to assist homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage to their home or personal property as a result of Hurricane Isaac.

Specialists from the state of Louisiana, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (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.

The DRC is located at:

Village Square Shopping Center

737 Paul Maillard Rd., Suite A

Luling, LA 70070

Opening on: Thursday, Sept. 6, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday forward: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice

This brings to 10 the number of centers that are operating. More recovery centers will open as sites are identified and approved. For a list of open centers in Louisiana go online to www.fema.gov/disaster/4080.

Applying for disaster assistance is quick and simple. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 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. seven days a week until further notice.

SBA offers federal low-interest disaster loans to residents and businesses. After registering with FEMA, visit any Disaster Recovery Center where SBA representatives will answer questions, explain the application process and help each resident or business owner apply to SBA. For SBA information or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 1-800-877-8339.

The major disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac now makes available federal assistance to eligible survivors in 16 parishes: Ascension, Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne and Washington.

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

Continue at source:

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In St. Charles Parish

Five More Parishes Added For FEMA Individual Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisianians in five more parishes — Assumption, St. Helena, St. James, Terrebonne and Washington — can now apply for federal and state disaster assistance, as they were added Thursday to the major disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac.

Homeowners, renters and business owners in the five parishes may now register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance, and report their uninsured or underinsured property damage or destruction from the storm.

“The disaster designation for these extra parishes will allow us to rush assistance to many more eligible hurricane survivors in Louisiana,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall. “Survivors in all 16 parishes now designated for Individual Assistance should register with FEMA as soon as possible.”

Just eight days since the major disaster declaration for Louisiana, Individual Assistance (IA) has been made available in 16 parishes. The other 11 are Ascension, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa.

Disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured individuals may include:

  • Grants to help pay for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make a home habitable;
  • Grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance;
  • Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Survivors can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Assumption, St. Helena, St. James, Terrebonne and Washington residents affected by the hurricane, along with the residents of the other IA parishes, should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if the person has registered with another disaster-relief organization or local community or church organization. FEMA registrants must use the name that appears on their Social Security card. They will be asked to provide:

  • Social Security number
  • Address of the damaged home or apartment
  • Description of the damage
  • Information about insurance coverage
  • A current contact telephone number
  • An address where they can get mail
  • Bank account and routing numbers if they want direct deposit of any financial assistance.

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.

Link – 

Five More Parishes Added For FEMA Individual Assistance

Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Five Locations

ATLANTA – Disaster recovery centers are open today in Gulfport, Pascagoula, Picayune, Poplarville and Waveland to help those with storm losses caused by Hurricane Isaac.

Center hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day until further notice.

The center locations are:

Hancock County
Hancock County Resource Center
454 Hwy 90
Waveland, MS 39576

Jackson County
Jackson County Fairgrounds
4761 Vega St.
Pascagoula, MS 39567

Harrison County
County Farm Road Community Shelter
15035 County Farm Rd.
Gulfport, MS 39503

Pearl River County
Mississippi National Guard Armory
1251B Hwy 11 South
Picayune, MS 39466

Pearl River County
Baker Maid Building
403 South Main St.
Poplarville, MS  39470

Representatives of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to explain assistance programs and help survivors apply for disaster aid.

Before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses are encouraged to register with FEMA.

Survivors can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone by going to FEMA’s mobile site at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY)
800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster assistance can include grants for rental assistance and home repairs, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.

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

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 public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

Originally posted here:

Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Five Locations

Disaster Survivors In Mississippi Should Register With Fema

ATLANTA —Disaster survivors in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl River counties affected by Hurricane Isaac should apply now for federal assistance.

Registration is available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Operators speak many languages. Disaster applicants who use TTY should call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) should call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s individual assistance program helps eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to cover residential and business losses not covered by insurance.

Homeowners and renters may qualify for Individual Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, they must apply for assistance. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

The toll-free FEMA registration numbers are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.

Survivors also can apply for federal assistance directly through Web-enabled mobile phone devices or smartphones. Registration through the mobile site takes three steps:                    

  1. Go to m.fema.gov and click “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance.” You will be directed to www.DisasterAssistance.gov
  2. Click on Start Registration
  3. Fill out the registration form

FEMA will ask for the following information:

  • The telephone number where applicants can be reached
  • The address where applicants lived at the time of the disaster and the address where they are staying
  • Their Social Security number
  • A general description of damage to property and other losses
  • The name of the insurance company and policy number or agent if the property is insured
  • Bank account routing information for direct deposit of funds.

People whose property suffered any storm damage are encouraged to document damages with photographs and to save repair receipts. Damage also should be reported to the insurance company.

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

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

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 public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Link: 

Disaster Survivors In Mississippi Should Register With Fema

More Mississippi Counties Eligible For Assistance

ATLANTA – Fourteen additional Mississippi counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians have been designated for federal assistance to supplement state and local response efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Isaac.
       
The counties added to the declaration are: Adams, Claiborne, Franklin, Jefferson, Kemper, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Warren and Winston. This brings the total to
48 counties included in the Mississippi disaster declaration.

State, tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations are eligible to be reimbursed on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program, at 75 percent federal funding.

FEMA Region IV continues to work with its state and federal partners to respond to and assess the impacts from Isaac.

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

Source article:  

More Mississippi Counties Eligible For Assistance

FEMA Authorizes Funding to Help Fight Large Fire in Northwestern Nebraska

KANSAS CITY, MO – Firefighters battling a large fire in northwestern Nebraska may get help paying certain firefighting costs from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA Region VII Deputy Administrator Arthur Freeman approved a request from the State of Nebraska shortly before 2 p.m. CDT Thursday for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Region 23 Complex Fire, which has burned more than 68,000 acres in two days in Sioux, Dawes, Sheridan counties in northwestern Nebraska.  The fire has been burning both grassland and forest areas, including some of the Nebraska National Forest.

The grant authority provides funding on a cost-share basis for certain costs incurred by firefighting entities bringing in resources to help keep the fire’s impacts from causing a major disaster.  FEMA does not provide actual firefighting equipment or personnel.

The State of Nebraska requested the grant assistance about 12:30 p.m. CDT on Thursday.  At that time, the fire was threatening 102 homes in and around Chadron, Nebraska, population 5,860. The fire also was threatening ranch complexes; businesses; infrastructure, including two state radio communication towers; utilities, livestock and equipment in the area.  Chadron State Park and the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center were being evacuated as a precaution.  

The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag warnings for the area, which has been impacted by extreme drought, causing lower water tables and well levels. The fire started on August 28 from a dry lightning strike and is burning on federal, state and private land.  Local volunteer fire departments, the Nebraska National Guard and federal firefighting resources are battling the blaze.

The U.S. Forest Service deployed a Type II Incident Management (IMT) team to Nebraska to assist with fire suppression/containment activities. The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Nebraska National Forest, Nebraska State Forest Service, Nebraska Park Service, Nebraska Department of Roads, Nebraska State Patrol, sheriff’s offices from Dawes and Sioux counties, and local municipalities are assisting in the fire suppression activities/efforts.

As of 7 p.m. MDT Thursday, fire officials reported that the fire was 10 percent contained.  Weather conditions Thursday were in the high 80s to low 90s with a relative humidity of 17 percent.  Similar weather is expected to continue Friday with higher wind gusts and potentially lower humidity.

The FEMA funding, provided through the federal Disaster Relief Fund once a baseline threshold is met, pays 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires.  These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners, or cover costs associated with infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Eligible costs for reimbursement can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

FEMA region VII covers the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

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Visit FEMA Region VII online at www.fema.gov/region7. Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femaregion7, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.  The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA’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.

 

Continue reading – 

FEMA Authorizes Funding to Help Fight Large Fire in Northwestern Nebraska

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