Arizona to receive FEMA funding to battle Willow Fire in Mohave County

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of Arizona to combat the Willow Fire burning in Mohave County.

On August 8, 2015 the State of Arizona submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Declaration for the Willow Fire.  At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 150 primary homes in and around the communities of Topack Lake Ranchos and Delta City.  Mandatory evacuations were taking place for approximately 400 people.  The fire started on August 8, 2015 and has burned in excess of 6,000 total acres.

The Regional Administrator for FEMA’s Region IX office determined that the Willow Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster and approved the State’s request on August 8, 2015.

The Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires which threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps; equipment use; repair and replacement; tools; materials; supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities.

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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Original article – 

Arizona to receive FEMA funding to battle Willow Fire in Mohave County

Disaster Help is Available Even After Recovery Centers Close

OKLAHOMA CITY – The remaining Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) set up by the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are closing this Friday, August 14 but FEMA help is still available for those in need.

Anyone who has not yet registered for disaster aid has until August 26 to do so. For the more than 10,000 Oklahomans who have registered, information and guidance is only a phone call or mouse click away.

“Residents and business owners across the state continue to work hard recovering from this year’s disaster, and some may continue to have questions about the disaster assistance process” said OEM Deputy Director and Oklahoma State Coordinating Officer Michelann Ooten. “It’s important for them to know where to turn to get their questions answered as the recovery centers close”.

The FEMA Help Line is 800-621-3362. Telephone operators are on duty from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Help is available on-line at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.  Those who still need to register, update their information, or just ask disaster-related questions should contact FEMA using either method.

According to FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer John Long, “Our commitment is to help everyone in Oklahoma get all eligible disaster assistance. We just need you to register and stay in touch with us.”

The same goes for those who have applied for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Homeowners, renters and businesses of any size have access to SBA’s low-interest loans to recover from damage and losses and other economic setbacks attributed to the May 5 through June 22 severe weather and flooding.

The number for the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center is 800-659-2955 (Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339). The website for disaster questions and information can be accessed at www.sba.gov/disaster.

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Disaster Help is Available Even After Recovery Centers Close

Volunteer Firefighters in Chenango County Village to Receive Air Compressor to Fill Breathing Cylinders

Assistant Fire Chief Sees Gear as “Fundamental to Safety”

NEW YORK, NY — The Sherburne Village Fire Department will receive equipment to fill self-contained breathing apparatuses used to provide 39 volunteer firefighters with breathing air as they fight blazes or encounter toxic fumes.

“This compressor provides an integral piece of safety equipment to our volunteers,” said Jansen Casscles, First Assistant Fire Chief.  “Last year,” he said, “our department responded to some 500 fires and emergency medical service calls.  The old air compressor broke down regularly and made it very difficult to maintain air quality standards.”

The announcement of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant was made here today by Dale McShine, Director of Grants for Region II of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which administers the AFG program.  She said the award totaled $43,000, with the federal share coming to $40,953.

Chief Casscles said that the new air compressor replaces equipment that was more than 25 years old, adding, “The old equipment struggled to fill air cylinders of greater capacity, which used to be larger and heavier.  But today,” he said, “those cylinders are smaller and allow our firefighters far more mobility.  We’ve got a population of 4,500 to serve and the new compressor is fundamental to the safety of our citizens and our firefighters.”

FEMA’s Dale McShine pointed out that in 2013, Assistance to Firefighter Grants provided funding of almost $22 million to the 192 fire departments and EMS agencies throughout Region II, which includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

“These grants assist emergency agencies,” she said, “and we know that they provide safety and protection to entire communities.  We are very pleased to be part of that process.”

For further information, please contact William H. Douglass or FEMA: 212-680-3665 or 917-561-3223.

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

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

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

More – 

Volunteer Firefighters in Chenango County Village to Receive Air Compressor to Fill Breathing Cylinders

New Rescue Equipment to Be Awarded to New Jersey Fire Company

NEW YORK, NY — The Borough of Deal’s Board of Commissioners are happy to report that the Deal Fire Company No. 2 will receive a $60,000 federal grant to replace out-of-date rescue equipment.  The Borough of Deal is located within Monmouth County, New Jersey.

The new extrication equipment will enable the town’s firefighters to rescue people trapped in a car after an accident or unable to move as a result of another calamity.  Extrication tools include hydraulically operated cutters and spreaders.  Cutters enable firefighters to cut through buckled car metal as a scissors would do to cloth, while spreaders widen cut metal to allow extrication of a pinned individual.  

The $60,376 award is an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from Region II of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and was announced here today by Dale McShine, Director of the Grants Division of the Region. The federal share of the grant totals $57,501.  The grant became effective July 31, 2015.

“This rescue capability is a key part of our fire company’s responsibility in Deal and in assisting our neighboring communities,” said Fire Chief John Anastasia.  “And we value this grant because it takes the place of our aging equipment and will allow us to do our job more safely and effectively,” he added.

FEMA’s Ms. McShine pointed out that in 2013, Assistance to Firefighter Grants provided funding of $21.9 million to 192 fire departments and EMS agencies throughout Region II, which includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  “We know that these grants play major roles in the local communities that receive them,” she said, “and we are very pleased to be a part of this process.”

For further information, please contact William H. Douglass at FEMA: 212-680-3665 or 917-561-3223.

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.

 

Taken from:

New Rescue Equipment to Be Awarded to New Jersey Fire Company

Advice on Preventing Damage from Future Storms Offered at Home Improvement Store in Hays County, Texas

AUSTIN, Texas – As Texans rebuild or repair their homes damaged by the May 4 through June 22 storms, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA specialists will be on hand in Hays County at in-store information centers to answer questions and offer home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Also, if you’re thinking of building a storm shelter or safe room, literature is available about the best options. Safe rooms built to FEMA specifications have saved thousands of lives.

Advisors will be available at the following location on dates and times noted:

Location and hours of operation

Home Depot

3730 Dry Hole Drive

Kyle, TX 78640

Aug. 13 – 18, Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage and cleaning up mold and mildew. More information about strengthening property can be found at http://www.fema.gov/what-mitigation.

FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a call center to answer Texas policyholders’ flood insurance questions. Specialists can help with servicing claims, providing general information and offering technical assistance to aid in recovery. To speak with a flood insurance specialist, call 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Visit http://www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4223, Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

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. 

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover 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. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Advice on Preventing Damage from Future Storms Offered at Home Improvement Store in Hays County, Texas

State/FEMA Recovery Centers to Close in Carter, McCurtain and Pontotoc Counties

OKLAHOMA CITY – Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Carter, McCurtain and Pontotoc Counties set up to help people in Oklahoma affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding and tornadoes will close on Friday, August 14.

The locations are listed below:

Carter County
Convention Center (Conference Rooms 3 & 4)
2401 N. Rockford Road
Ardmore, OK 73401
Hours: Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closes on Friday, August 14 at 7 p.m.

McCurtain County
Bypass Church of Christ
120 West Lincoln Road
Idabel, OK 74745
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Closes on Friday, August 14 at 1 p.m.

Pontotoc County
Evergreen Building
221 North Rennie
Ada, OK 74820
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closes on Friday, August 14 at Noon.

DRCs are one-stop shops where survivors can get information and guidance about what disaster assistance may be available.  Information from the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other federal agencies and volunteer organizations is available at the recovery centers.

After the DRCs close, survivors may still register for assistance or ask questions about the registration process or any disaster-related issues by calling the FEMA Help Line at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-75585.

State and federal officials urge everyone who has registered for assistance to stay in touch throughout the entire recovery process. Using any computer, smartphone, or tablet, survivors can log onto www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Registrants can update their current address and phone number, initiate appeals, reschedule inspection appointments, notify FEMA about insurance settlements, or ask any disaster-related questions. Telephone operators are on duty from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week and the website can be accessed anytime.

For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4222 or visit OEM at www.oem.ok.gov. 

 

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State/FEMA Recovery Centers to Close in Carter, McCurtain and Pontotoc Counties

Over $31 Million Provided to West Virginia for March, April Storms

Charleston, W.Va. – State and federal officials say that more than $31 million in combined state and federal disaster assistance has been delivered to the State of West Virginia to help cover the costs of the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in March and April that damaged infrastructure across the State.

“We continue to work with FEMA to ensure that eligible projects are completed,” said State Coordinating Officer Jimmy Gianato. “These incidents caused heavy damage to our State. This funding represents our strong partnership and ongoing efforts in recovering from the severe weather in March and April.”

“I am proud of the work we have completed so far in coordination with West Virginia and our partners,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Regis Phelan. “We remain committed to this process and to West Virginia’s recovery from these incidents.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance Programs provide state and local governments and eligible private non-profit organizations, in designated counties, with federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads, bridges, buildings and utilities. Hazard Mitigation funding is for cost-effective measures that would prevent or reduce the threat of future damages.

The State, which distributes the FEMA funds to local governments and qualified non-profits, must review Public Assistance projects, along with FEMA, to ensure compliance with regulations.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

Media Contact: FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

Link:  

Over $31 Million Provided to West Virginia for March, April Storms

Federal Aid Programs for the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Declaration

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

  • Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable.  Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters.  Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements.  (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
  • Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.  (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)
  • Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, tribal and charitable aid programs.   (Source: FEMA funded at 75 percent of total eligible costs; 25 percent funded by the tribe.)
  • Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for commonwealth benefits, such as self-employed individuals.  (Source: FEMA funded; tribe administered.)
  • Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance.  Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses.  Loans available up to $2 million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance.  (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
  • Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact.  This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. (Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)
  • Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence.  (Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)
  • Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans’ benefits and social security matters.

How to Apply for Assistance:

  • Affected individuals and business owners in designated areas can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.  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 9 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.

Assistance for Tribal Agencies Can Include as Required:

  • Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by the tribal government to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters.  (Source: FEMA funded, Tribe administered.)

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema  and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

This article is from: 

Federal Aid Programs for the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Declaration

Oklahomans Encouraged to Rebuild Safer, Stronger

OKLAHOMA CITY – In recovering from the recent severe weather and tornadoes Oklahomans have an opportunity to rebuild smarter, safer and stronger homes and businesses using “Flood Smart” building techniques. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offer the following recommendations when repairing or rebuilding flood-damaged properties:

• Electrical-system components should be raised to the community’s freeboard requirement above the base flood elevation in order to prevent future flood problems. Heating-fuel tanks, oil or propane, should be secured strongly enough to prevent any movement. Backflow valves may be needed on washing-machine drain lines, laundry sinks and sewer connections. If floors and walls have to be replaced, use materials resistant to water damage.
• If a dwelling is substantially damaged, make sure that the lowest floor of the structure is elevated above the base flood elevation. To determine what that elevation is, ask the local building department or call FEMA at 800-621-3362 and get directed to the proper source.
• Always remember to contact your local code officials to obtain all necessary permits before any repairs or new construction take place.
• Elevate water heaters, furnaces and appliances (such as washers and dryers), especially if they are located in a basement. Place them on a pressure-treated wood or masonry base at least 12 inches above floor level.
• Electrical panel boxes, circuit breakers, wall switches and wall outlets should be at least one foot above the 100-year flood level. Some basement or first-floor electrical systems may even be moved to a higher floor. Indoor and outdoor fuel tanks should be anchored by non-corrosive metal straps or pressure-treated wood to prevent them from turning over or floating away.
• Leaky roofs and foundation cracks let water into a home more readily. This weakens a structure and provides an ideal habitat for mold. If wet spots appear on the ceiling or cracks appear in a foundation, fix them immediately.
• If gutters and drainage systems are blocked by leaves or debris, water can overflow and quickly flood a home or yard. Check all gutters and drainage systems regularly for leaves and nests.
• Sump pumps remove water from a structure and can be an excellent defense against flooding – unless they’re powered by electricity and the power is out. Battery-powered sump pumps are a relatively inexpensive solution. Be sure to purchase a backup battery as well.
• Install a backflow valve, check valve, drain plug or standpipe. These measures ensure sewage only flows one way – out of the home.
• Oklahoma residents interested in placing a manufactured home on their property should work with local code officials to make sure the installation meets Oklahoma Department of Labor and floodplain regulations.

FEMA publications on mitigating flood damage are available online at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/floodplain/publications.shtm. The series includes topics like Above the Flood: Elevating Your Flood-prone House, Repairing Your Flood Damaged Home, Design Guidelines for Flood Damage Reduction, Answers to Questions about Substantially Damaged Buildings and many more.

For more information on building safer, visit www.fema.gov/rebuild/smart_strong.shtm
 

Credit:  

Oklahomans Encouraged to Rebuild Safer, Stronger

First Payments Going to NFIP Policyholders in Hurricane Sandy Claims Review

The first payments are being made to policyholders taking part in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hurricane Sandy Claims Review, the agency announced today.

The payments represent additional funds owed to National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders who filed flood insurance claims after Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

“We want to ensure our policyholders are paid what they are owed under their policies. This claims review gives us a chance to take another look,” said Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for FEMA’s Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration. “I encourage policyholders to request a review if they believe their Hurricane Sandy claim was underpaid for any reason.”

In May 2015, FEMA began contacting 142,000 NFIP policyholders who filed claims resulting from Hurricane Sandy, offering to review their claim files. To date, more than 10,000 policyholders have entered the process. FEMA authorized the insurance companies writing NFIP policies to make the first additional payments to policyholders whose claims have been reviewed through this process.

The deadline to request a review is Sept. 15, 2015. After initial request, the entire process usually takes around 90 days to complete.

To be eligible for the review, policyholders must have experienced flood damage between Oct. 27, 2012 and Nov. 6, 2012 as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Policyholders may call the NFIP’s Hurricane Sandy claims center at 866-337-4262 to request a review. Before contacting the claims center, policyholders are asked to have their flood insurance carrier name and policy number at hand.

Alternately, policyholders can go online to download a form requesting a review. The downloaded form may be filled out and emailed to FEMA-sandyclaimsreview@fema.dhs.gov to start the review process. 

For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use 711 or VRS, please call 866-337-4262.  For individuals using a TTY, please call 800-462-7585 to begin the review process.

The Sandy claims review process is designed to be simple for the policyholder, and does not require paid legal assistance. Several nonprofit service providers are ready to offer free advice and answer questions policyholders may have. A list of these advocacy groups can be found on the claims review web page.

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

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

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

Taken from – 

First Payments Going to NFIP Policyholders in Hurricane Sandy Claims Review

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