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FEMA Dollars Begin Flow Into Washington Disaster

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Release Number: 4056-006

» More Information on Washington Severe Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

LACEY WA (May 1, 2012) – When the severe winter storms dubbed ‘Snowmageddon’ hit Washington State in January of this year, airports, roads and schools closed, cars crashed, and trees and tons of debris blocked roads and knocked out power to more than 275,000 customers across the state.

Governor Christine Gregoire’s request for disaster funding after the storm estimated damage at more than $32 million.

As of today, more than $354,800 has been approved for 21 of some 800 recovery projects. FEMA will pay 75 percent of that, nearly $266,000 in Public Assistance (PA) disaster relief dollars; the State and local governments will match 25 percent.

Reimbursement dollars have begun flowing.

“Without a doubt, having these dollars begin flowing into these disaster-struck communities will help them with budget shortfalls,” said Kurt Hardin, Washington Emergency Management Division’s state coordinating officer. “The massive January disaster response hit these already strapped local governments hard.”

Following the March 5, 2012 Presidential disaster declaration, the State Emergency Management Division (EMD) and FEMA began processing public assistance applications throughout the 11 disaster declared counties. Projects in Seattle, Lacey, Renton, the Shelton School District, the Cedar River Water and Sewer District, as well as others, were among the first applicants to be approved.

“Our primary goal is to get to ‘yes’ on projects so we can help these Washington communities recover as quickly as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Karl at FEMA’s Lacey-based field office. “This initial funding approval is the first of many to come.”

Eligible counties include Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, and Wahkiakum. FEMA will pay 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned facilities.

Under the PA program, the state is able to forward federal funds to eligible state, local and tribal governments as well as certain private non-profit organizations providing essential community services that incurred disaster-related costs.

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.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 02-May-2012 10:14:00

Get FloodSmart: Protect Now With Flood Insurance

30-Day Countdown to the 2012 Hurricane Season Begins May 2

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-033

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Every year, thirty days from the start of hurricane season, FEMA officials urge U.S. residents to prepare their homes and businesses for the heightened flood risks associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. This year, FEMA is placing more urgency in this message due to the expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on May 31, 2012, the day before the 2012 hurricane season begins on June 1st.

The authorization for the National Flood Insurance Program is scheduled to expire on May 31 unless Congress acts in advance to reauthorize it. The NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters and business owners. The NFIP identifies areas of flood risk; it encourages communities to implement measures to mitigate against the risk of flood loss; and it provides financial assistance to help individuals recover rapidly from flooding disasters.

“Flood insurance is essential to help protect against the devastating effects of flooding, and the time to act is now,” said David Miller, Associate Administrator for FEMA’s Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration. “As we approach a potentially active hurricane season, FEMA is urging Congress to reauthorize the NFIP and send a clear signal to citizens, communities, and private sector partners that the federal government will continue to support our nation’s efforts to manage flood risk.”

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster to affect every state across the country. Severe weather has already brought significant flood events to many states in the U.S. As we continue to monitor conditions and respond to these events, we must also look forward to summer and hurricane-related weather patterns that will heighten flood risks for many.

FEMA also stresses that flood risks associated with hurricane season extend beyond the Gulf and Southeastern coasts. The largest amounts of rainfall from hurricanes are often produced by slow moving storms that stall out miles from a shoreline as did Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. In addition, last year Hurricane Irene caused major flooding over much of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast when it moved inland, with high winds and torrential rains.

FEMA is urging residents to purchase flood insurance now. Flood insurance is available through more than 85 insurance companies in nearly 22,000 participating communities nationwide. Most everyone can purchase flood insurance – including renters, business owners, and homeowners. Flood insurance is also affordable. The average flood insurance policy is around $625 a year. And in moderate- to low- risk areas, homeowners can protect their properties with low-cost Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs) that start at just $129 a year. Individuals can learn more about their flood risk by visiting www.FloodSmart.gov or calling 1-800-427-2419.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 02-May-2012 08:45:23

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Get FloodSmart: Protect Now With Flood Insurance

Mingo County Town Hall Meeting Set for May 3

Release Date: April 30, 2012
Release Number: 4059-059

» 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. — Mingo County residents who suffered losses from recent flooding will be able to learn more about disaster assistance programs at a Town Hall Meeting at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 3, at the Dingess Elementary School, 101 Schoolhouse Road in Dingess. Mingo County was added to the federal major-disaster declaration for Individual and Households Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on April 20.

A previously scheduled meeting at the location was postponed because of severe weather conditions that arose on April 26.

“Residents of Mingo County are now eligible to receive federal assistance to help affected individuals, families and businesses recover from losses sustained in the flooding of March 15 through March 31,” FEMA’s Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell said.

The town hall meeting will be hosted by FEMA, the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Mingo County Emergency Management Agency. FEMA disaster-assistance experts and representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to answer questions about the available assistance programs.

Residents should register for FEMA assistance by calling FEMA’s 800 HelpLine number 800-621-3362 or apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov before they attend Thursday night’s meeting. Those unsure if they might be eligible for assistance should register with FEMA to find out whether they qualify.

Some registrants might receive an SBA disaster-loan application in the mail. It is important that the application be completed even if no loan is wanted. The information is needed to determine what additional help might be available, and no one is required to accept an SBA loan.

Last Modified: Monday, 30-Apr-2012 15:41:24

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Mingo County Town Hall Meeting Set for May 3

FEMA Offers Tips On Smart Building At Local Supply Stores

Release Date: April 30, 2012
Release Number: 4058-039

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

INDIANAPOLIS – Residents who want to make their homes and businesses more hazard-resistant can get advice from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation specialists at local building supply stores from May 2 through 6 in Columbus and Vincennes.

In addition to answering questions, mitigation specialists will have information about techniques to make structures safer and stronger and ways to avoid damage from storms and other hazards. Ideas range from creating a disaster family plan to building a storm shelter.

Mitigation specialists will be in Lowe’s stores this week from Wednesday through Saturday from
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The stores are at the below locations:

3500 10th St., Columbus, IN 47201
2700 N. Sixth St., Vincennes, IN 47591

A series of free mitigation publications is 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.

Small changes can make a big difference the next time storms strike and can lessen the damage and financial impact on individuals, communities and society as a whole. An independent study shows each dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of $4 by reducing future losses due to disasters.

Last Modified: Monday, 30-Apr-2012 11:55:19

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FEMA Offers Tips On Smart Building At Local Supply Stores

As May 8 Deadline Approaches, Fed Storm Aid to Hoosiers Continues

Release Date: April 27, 2012
Release Number: 4058-038

» 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 April 26, $1,431,643 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 1,420 registrations have been received. Homes are being inspected within 36 hours of registration, and 614 inspections have been completed.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has thus far approved more than $2 million in low-interest disaster loans. Today, SBA reports $2,016,600 have been approved for homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits. Forty loans have been approved thus far, and more approvals are anticipated. The agency has issued 1,062 home loan applications and 137 business loan applications.

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 are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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, 27-Apr-2012 16:15:46

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As May 8 Deadline Approaches, Fed Storm Aid to Hoosiers Continues

As Disaster Aid Deadline Approaches, Online Storm Help Continues

Release Date: April 26, 2012
Release Number: 4058-037

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — With the May 8 registration deadline less than two weeks away, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security point out that storm recovery help is available online. Hoosiers affected by severe storms from Feb. 29 through March 3 in Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Scott, Warrick and Washington counties may visit FEMA’s virtual Disaster Assistance Center, www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Some of the online resources available include:

Personal account

To go directly to the section of the website where Hoosiers can learn the status of their individual FEMA registration, visit: www.disasterassistance.gov/DAC/govBenefitReceiver.do?langcode=EN&action=LOGIN.

Visitors must have a Disaster Assistance Account to access their registration. Those who have registered online may have already created an account. Other applicants may create accounts by clicking the “create my account” link located on the bottom of the page.

Questionnaire for customizing resources for your unique situation

By responding to an anonymous 11-question survey on the Disaster Assistance website, Hoosiers may learn which online resources are available in their unique situations. Depending on the combination of responses, a list of resources is automatically generated. The list may include home and personal property disaster loans, unemployment assistance and mortgage insurance. To locate the survey, visit: www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-assistance/questionnaire#benefits&qc=cat_8.

Help After a Disaster booklet

FEMA’s recovery booklet “Help After a Disaster, Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals & Households Program” is also available through the Disaster Assistance website. The publication includes an overview of FEMA programs for individuals and families, as well as an extensive guide, beginning on page 21, explaining the meaning of letters about ineligibility and appeals decisions. For more details about these and other key recovery points, Hoosiers may access the Help After a Disaster booklet online by visiting: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/assistance/process/help_after_disaster_english.pdf.

General recovery guidelines

Additionally, the disaster assistance website features recovery information about topics ranging from smart ways to salvage household items and rebuild to guidelines for taking photos of damaged property and other suggestions for filing an insurance claim. This information can be accessed by logging onto: www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-information/your-home.

Listing of resources

The disaster assistance website includes links to helpful federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Loan application forms from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can be downloaded from www.sba.gov and submitted online at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. To access the list of agencies, visit:

www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-assistance/browse-by-federal-agency.

Apply for FEMA assistance: May 8 is the last day to register

May 8 is the last day storm-impacted Indiana residents can register for federal recovery assistance. Online registration is possible through www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov. Registering is also possible by calling the toll free telephone registration phone line, (800) 621-FEMA (3362). This number is also a help line through which applicants can ask questions and verify information. 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 are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

May 8 is also the last day to submit SBA loan applications for physical property damage. Assistance is available through SBA’s Customer Service Center. The toll-free number is (800) 659-2955. Individuals with hearing impairments may call (800) 877-8339. The email address for the Customer Service Center is disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Completed applications may be mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Road
Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Last Modified: Thursday, 26-Apr-2012 16:23:38

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Disaster Unemployment Benefits Now Available for Residents of Lincoln and Mingo Counties

Release Date: April 26, 2012
Release Number: 4061-051

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

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Some residents who are unemployed as a direct result of the March 15-31 storms and flooding in Lincoln and Mingo counties may now apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance program benefits. The deadline for filing a claim is May 23.

“The DUA program extends coverage to self-employed people, farm workers and others who have lost employment as a direct result of the disaster,” Jimmy Gianato, West Virginia state coordinating officer, said. “It is specifically designed to assist those who are otherwise ineligible for state unemployment benefits.”

The availability of benefits extends to those living or working in either of the two added counties eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance.

You may be eligible to apply for DUA if:

You were injured in the disaster and are unable to work, whether you are an employee or self-employed
Your workplace was damaged or destroyed
Your transportation to work is not available
You cannot get to your job because you must travel through the affected area
You were about to begin working, but could not because of the disaster
You derived most of your income from areas affected by the storms and flooding and your business is down as a direct result of the disaster

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but it is administered through the West Virginia Department of Labor.

To apply for DUA, go to your nearest Workforce West Virginia One Stop Office. The offices serving the three counties are in Charleston, Huntington and Logan. Office locations are available at www.wvcommerce.org and www.workforcewv.org. By phone, find your local Workforce office address by dialing 211.

Have your Social Security number, earnings from your most recent tax year and employment history available.

Last Modified: Thursday, 26-Apr-2012 16:18:23

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Disaster Unemployment Benefits Now Available for Residents of Lincoln and Mingo Counties

FEMA Administrator Fugate Announces New Superintendent Of Emergency Management Institute

Release Date: April 26, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-032

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today announced that current FEMA Region VI Administrator Tony Russell was selected to become the new Superintendent of FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) effective May 6.

EMI is the emergency management community’s flagship training institution, and provides training to emergency managers at all levels of government, volunteer organizations, and the private sector as they work to prevent, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the potential effects of all types of disasters and emergencies. EMI trains more than two million students annually, and is located on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Md.

“I’m confident that Tony is the right person to take on this important role,” said Fugate. “The emergency management training that takes place at EMI is critical to the FEMA mission and with Tony’s leadership, I’m confident that we will continue to educate and train the country’s finest emergency managers.”

Russell was appointed as the FEMA Region VI Administrator in December 2009, and has been responsible for the oversight of FEMA operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. He previously served as the Acting Director of FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office and as a Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA Region VIII.

Russell’s accomplishments while serving as the Region VI Administrator include the streamlining and reinvigoration of recovery efforts from hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike in Louisiana and Texas. He also oversaw many federal disaster and emergency declarations for events such as flooding, tornadoes and severe winter storms in all five of the region’s states.

FEMA Region VI Deputy Administrator Tony Robinson will assume the duties of Acting Regional Administrator upon Russell’s departure.

Last Modified: Thursday, 26-Apr-2012 13:35:24

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FEMA Administrator Fugate Announces New Superintendent Of Emergency Management Institute

City, State, FEMA Team Up To Offer Post-Irene Housing In Barre

Release Date: April 25, 2012
Release Number: 4022-079

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

» 2012 Region I News Releases

BARRE, Vt. – With limited housing options for some Vermonters displaced by Tropical Storm Irene, local, state and federal officials have unveiled a project that will provide housing through a private-public partnership.

Officials from the City of Barre, State of Vermont and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as congressional representatives, toured a formerly unoccupied apartment building that was recently renovated using almost $70,000 of federal money to provide housing for disaster survivors.

“This was a unique opportunity to leverage federal money to rehabilitate rental stock that is badly needed, not just as temporary housing for persons displaced by a disaster but for the public at large,” said Sue Minter, Vermont’s Irene Recovery Officer.

“FEMA has a number of innovative recovery programs available, and we’re committed to using all of those that apply,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo. “The Multi-Family Repair Program was a great fit here.”

The Multi-Family Repair Program (MFRP) provides funds to renovate unoccupied multi-family rental housing units that need to be brought to a habitable standard in areas where existing rental units cannot meet the needs of disaster survivors.

According to Vermont officials, Washington County saw 154 mobile homes as well as 394 stick-built homes destroyed or substantially damaged in Tropical Storm Irene, in an area that was already facing a tight housing market. At least 30 buildings statewide were evaluated for suitability for MFRP use.

The owners of the property used in the MFRP agree to make the repaired rental units solely available to FEMA-identified disaster survivors for up to 18 months from the date of the disaster declaration.

The repair work must be completed by a licensed, bonded contractor within a specified time period after completing the agreement with FEMA, and must bring the property to required standards.

The multi-family rental building chosen in Barre was once located down the block where the new Post Office was built. Now on South Main Street, the apartment building has been renovated to provide five rental units.

“It’s a win, win, win for everyone,” said Steve Mackenzie, Barre City Manager. “It’s a win for the city. It’s a win for the landlord. And it’s a win for the new tenants who are able to take advantage of the program.”

Residents were selected on the basis of need. If a unit is vacated by the initial resident before the 18-month period of assistance is over, additional families may be identified to occupy the units through the end of the period of assistance.

“These funds have also assisted the local economy by providing jobs and economic activity associated with the rehabilitation of the housing units,” Minter said.

The Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRCs) of voluntary agencies have been actively engaged in the MFRP. Each family entering the program has been working with a case manager to identify and effectively find resources for their unmet needs, including the development of permanent housing plans.

Other resources that may be accessed through LTRCs include: financial planning, job placement after disaster unemployment, mental health services and, volunteer labor for clean-up and rebuilding, among others.

Long Term Recovery Committees have been established to assist all those affected by Tropical Storm Irene. To be connected with a committee in your area, please contact 2-1-1, Vermont’s toll-free information referral network.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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: Thursday, 26-Apr-2012 12:59:12

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FEMA Region 6 Prepares For Leadership Transition

Regional Administrator Tony Russell Will Depart for New Post

Release Date: April 25, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-079

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 6 Office is preparing for a transition in leadership.

On May 6, current Regional Administrator Tony Russell will become the new Superintendent of FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Russell was appointed as FEMA Region 6 Administrator in December 2009, and has been responsible for the oversight of FEMA operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. He previously served as the

Acting Director of FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office (LRO) and as a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) for FEMA Region 8.

“It is very difficult to leave a job that is so meaningful and rewarding,” said Russell. “I am honored to have served with our federal, state, local, tribal, non-governmental and private sector emergency partners and look forward to working with them further, but now, on a national level.”

Russell’s accomplishments while serving as FEMA Region 6 Administrator include the streamlining and reinvigoration of recovery efforts from hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike in Louisiana and Texas.

He also oversaw many federal disaster and emergency declarations for events such as flooding, tornados and severe winter storms in all five of the region’s states.

FEMA Region 6 Deputy Administrator Tony Robinson will assume the duties of Acting Regional Administrator upon Russell’s departure.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 25-Apr-2012 11:34:39

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