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Help is Available for Disaster-Related Stress

Release Date: May 8, 2012
Release Number: 4059-064

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — West Virginia residents facing the loss of homes, businesses or cherished possessions in the wake of the recent storms and floods could find themselves struggling to cope with the emotional impact of the disasters.

Everyone who lives through a disaster is affected by it in some way. It is normal to feel anxious about your own safety and that of family and friends. Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event, and acknowledging such feelings is a first step toward healing, psychologists say. Everyone has different ways of coping, but remember that seeking or accepting help from community counseling programs is healthy and worthwhile.

Children can be particularly affected by disaster-related emotional stress.

Warning signs among children and adults that suggest the need for crisis counseling or stress-management assistance include:

Difficulty communicating or sleeping
Depression, sadness or feelings of hopelessness
Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol
Limited attention span, poor performance at work or school
Headaches/stomach problems, flu-like symptoms, disorientation or confusion
Reluctance to leave home
Mood-swings and frequent bouts of crying and
Overwhelming feelings of guilt and self-doubt.

Crisis counselors are available to assist applicants who may be experiencing emotional distress. To learn where you can get help, phone 866-867-8290. You will be referred to the nearest county Crisis Counseling center. In the Logan-Mingo area, the Crisis Counseling phone number is 304-792-7130.

For more information, visit www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/cope.shtm or www.bt.cdc.gov/mentalhealth .

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

Last Modified: Tuesday, 08-May-2012 13:22:37

May 6-12 is Arson Awareness Week

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

» 2012 Region X News Releases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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May 6-12 is Arson Awareness Week

May is Building Safety Month

Release Date: May 3, 2012
Release Number: R10-12-012

» 2012 Region X News Releases

SEATTLE, Wash. — When you enter a house or building, most likely you assume it is safe and was properly constructed in accordance with building codes. Fortunately, your local safety experts work hard to assure building safety and fire prevention every day. To help raise awareness of building safety, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)proudly celebrates Building Safety Month this May.

Building Safety Month is a month-long celebration of all aspects of building safety to help families, employers, and leaders understand and appreciate the best practices that keep the places where we live, work and play safe. The campaign is presented by the International Code Council and its 50,000 members worldwide, along with a diverse partnership of professionals from the building construction, design and safety community.

“Building codes are meant to protect us,” says FEMA Region 10 Regional Administrator Ken Murphy. “The more people understand and respect building codes, the better we will build and the safer our communities will be.”

In order for residents of a community to qualify for flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the community needs to maintain a minimal level of building code protection and floodplain management. If a community enforces even higher standards, they can participate in the Community Rating System (CRS) program. The CRS provides a reduction in flood insurance premium rates for property owners in communities that implement activities above and beyond the basic requirements of the NFIP. These reduced rates reflect the reduced flood risk.

Countless accidents occur in homes across the U.S. and globally where building codes are poorly understood or used improperly. Building Safety Month is an effort to help bridge these gaps and provide a broader platform to share the sphere of knowledge among architects, engineers and skilled industry veterans so that families, businesses and communities can be safe, strong and sustainable.

Last Modified: Monday, 07-May-2012 14:26:40

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May is Building Safety Month

More Than $6.8 Million in Help Approved for West Virginians

Release Date: May 7, 2012
Release Number: 4056-063

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on Washington Severe Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — More than $6.8 million in federal funds have been approved for residents and businesses in West Virginia recovering from the recent storms and flooding.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $4.48 million in grants to individuals and households in need of assistance. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and businesses for more than $2.37 million.

Five Disaster Recovery Centers, staffed with state and federal disaster-assistance experts, were set up in Lincoln, Logan, Marion and Wayne (2) counties to help guide survivors through the recovery process and to answer questions about state and federal programs. The last operating DRC, in Logan, is set to close at noon on Friday, May 11.

Nearly $1.3 million in additional funds have been requested through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which shoulders at least 75 percent of the costs of debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair and replacement of publicly owned buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructure damaged in the storms and floods. Help also might be available under the program for certain nonprofits that provide services of a governmental nature, like private schools, hospitals, volunteer fire departments and utilities.

Those affected by the storms and floods of February 29 through March 5 have until May 15 to register with FEMA for assistance. For those who suffered loss or damage from the flooding of March 15 through March 31, the deadline to register is May 21. Call FEMA’s Help Line at 800-621-3362 or log onto DisasterAssistance.gov. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. To register via any web-enabled smartphone or other PDA, log onto m.fema.gov.

Counties designated for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Assistance Program are Harrison, Logan, Lincoln, Marion, Mingo, Preston, Taylor and Wayne. Counties designated for Public Assistance Program are Doddridge, Harrison, Lincoln, Logan, Marion, Mingo, Monongalia, Preston, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor and Wayne.

Last Modified: Monday, 07-May-2012 14:19:47

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More Than $6.8 Million in Help Approved for West Virginians

FEMA Approves $1 Million for Acquisition Project

Release Date: May 7, 2012
Release Number: R3-12-007

» 2012 Region III News Releases

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the approval of a grant totaling more than $1million to acquire and demolish six residential structures in the City of Chesapeake, VA .

The proposed grant will acquire and demolish six (6) repetitive loss properties, thereby eliminating damages from future events. Following the demolition and removal of these properties, the land will be deed restricted into open space in perpetuity.

“This grant will provide flood victims and the City of Chesapeake the opportunity to start anew in a community outside the floodplain,” said FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “As the Commonwealth of Virginia submits applications for grant funding, FEMA is committed to supporting its efforts to make communities free from the risks of natural hazards.”

FEMA will pay $1,248,724.48. This amounts to75 percent of the total project costs. This grant is available through Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

The HMGP provides grants to States and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the HMGP is to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster. The HMGP is authorized under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

The HMGP grant program process is locally driven. Property owners interested in taking steps to reduce risks from future disasters must express their interest to their municipal or county officials. Local officials applying for an HMGP grant must develop a proposal and submit it to their respective State for review prior to it being submitted to FEMA to be considered for funding.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

Last Modified: Monday, 07-May-2012 09:48:54

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FEMA Approves $1 Million for Acquisition Project

New Flood Maps Show Updated Flood Risks in Collier County, Florida

Maps become effective May 16, 2012 for Collier County, including unincorporated Collier County, Everglades City, Marco Island and Naples

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Release Number: R4-12-014

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

ATLANTA, Ga. — New flood insurance rate maps go into effect for Collier County, Fla. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk of flooding, and they’re used to help determine flood insurance requirements.

Collier County, Fla. property owners and renters who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before the new maps go into effect.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Even people living outside of high-risk areas can experience flooding, which is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S. That’s why everyone, regardless of their flood zone, should take steps to financially protect themselves from a disaster which affects far too many communities each year. The primary way to do that is by purchasing flood insurance. It’s available at affordable rates through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to the May 16, 2012 effective date of the new maps may be able to obtain a preferred risk policy or be grandfathered into the current flood zone, thereby saving money on flood insurance. It’s important that people talk with an insurance agent to see what options are available to them.

Standard homeowner’s, business owner’s, and renter’s insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. NFIP policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agents who people already deal with for other property insurance needs. When that isn’t possible, NFIP can put people in touch with another agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

The new flood maps were produced through a partnership between Collier County and FEMA. They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data and the latest science available have been applied to make the maps more accurate, with the ultimate goal of protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Additionally, flood risks change over time due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening or shifting, and other factors — which is why it’s important that maps are updated periodically.

If you have questions about where your property is located on the new flood insurance rate maps, contact your local floodplain manager.

Last Modified: Friday, 04-May-2012 11:40:15

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New Flood Maps Show Updated Flood Risks in Collier County, Florida

Federal Storm Aid Tops $3.7m as Registration Deadline Approaches

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Release Number: 4058-042

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the May 8 deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance quickly approaches, aid continues for Indiana residents and communities affected by severe storms that occurred from Feb. 29 through March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that, as of May 3, $1,504,212 has been approved to fund expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. Such expenses include temporary rental assistance, repair and replacement of essential household items and disaster-related medical, dental or funeral costs. FEMA reports 1,447 registrations have been received. Homes are being inspected within 37 hours of registration, and 639 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports $2,227,700 have been approved for homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits. Forty-five loans have been approved thus far, and more approvals are anticipated.

May 8 is the last day to register for FEMA Individual Assistance.

The first step for homeowners, renters and business owners to obtain federal disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. One easy way to apply is to call the toll-free telephone registration number, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). This number is also a help line individuals may call to ask questions and verify their registration. For speech-or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is (800) 462-7585 and Video Relay Service may be accessed at (800) 621-3362. These lines will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week through Tuesday.

Registration is also possible in the following ways:

Online at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov; and
by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Last Modified: Friday, 04-May-2012 10:26:34

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Federal Storm Aid Tops $3.7m as Registration Deadline Approaches

FEMA Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes

Release Date: May 3, 2012
Release Number: 4059-061

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — West Virginians who receive disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the recent tornadoes and flooding will not pay additional income taxes, see any reduction in their Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.

Disaster assistance for temporary housing, home repair, repair or replacement of personal property or for other needs does not count as income, FEMA officials said. Disaster relief payments from the government or donations from charitable organizations will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits.

Eligibility for assistance is not dependent on income. The determination on the amount of disaster assistance an eligible applicant receives is based on the amount of loss and damages incurred as a direct result of the recent storms and flooding and the amount of their insurance settlement, if any.

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

The only way to know if you are eligible for disaster assistance is to register with FEMA. By phone, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. People with hearing disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants also can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link to “Apply for Federal Assistance.”

Applicants may visit the Disaster Recovery Center after they register with FEMA. The only West Virginia Disaster Recovery Center currently in operation is in Logan County at the Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department at 2270 Mud Fork Road in the city of Logan. The center will be open until noon, Friday, May 11.

The center is staffed with disaster recovery specialists who can provide information and answer questions about disaster-related assistance, according to FEMA and state officials.

Last Modified: Thursday, 03-May-2012 16:45:45

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FEMA Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes

Administration Takes Another Step Toward Strengthening Resilience For All Hazards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Administration Takes Another Step Toward Strengthening Resilience For All Hazards

Old Idea Still Works: Storm Shelters Provide Safe Refuge

Release Date: May 2, 2012
Release Number: 4058-041

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Recent storms in southern Indiana have heightened awareness of the value of storm shelters among some residents. Near Holton, one family is planning improvements to the storm shelter they installed 25 years ago. Just west of Corydon, a resident is including a shelter in his new home.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) applaud these efforts and encourage residents to consider taking similar steps to reduce their risks of damage from future storms.

In the 25 years since they built their shelter, Don Wood and his family have sought protection through several windstorms and a few tornadoes. Their shelter, which is accessed through a trap door on a deck, has 8-inch-thick walls made of concrete-filled concrete blocks. Improvements the Woods are making now include extending the concrete roof over a part of the stairway and resurfacing the concrete stairs.

Nearby, Jeremy Shireman is incorporating a storm shelter in the basement of his new home, which is under construction. The shelter will occupy the space under the front porch of his home with the concrete floor of the porch serving as the roof of the shelter.

IDHS and FEMA offer several resources for residents interested in reducing their risks of storm losses. Information on the IDHS website includes tornado safety guidelines. Free hazard mitigation publications are available at www.fema.gov or by calling (800) 480-2520. These include Taking Shelter from the Storm and Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses.

IDHS and FEMA officials advise residents with storm shelters to notify their local fire departments or other emergency responders about the locations of their storm shelters. That information can be vital in post-disaster recovery efforts, in the event debris covers the access to the shelter.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 02-May-2012 14:05:21

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Old Idea Still Works: Storm Shelters Provide Safe Refuge

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