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FEMA Announces Second Meeting of the Technical Mapping Advisory Council

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the second public meeting of the Technical Mapping Advisory Council (TMAC), scheduled for December 4 – 5, 2014, in Arlington, Virginia. The public meeting will be held at the FEMA South Arlington Office on December 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and December 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EST) located at 1800 South Bell Street, Arlington, Virginia 20598.

Authorized under the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014, the TMAC was established to review and make recommendations to FEMA on matters related to the national flood mapping program. The TMAC is tasked with developing recommendations for FEMA’s flood mapping program to ensure that flood insurance rate maps reflect the best available science and are based on the best available methodologies for considering the impact of climate change and future development on flood risk. They will also be required to produce a Review of the Mapping Program Report; a Future Conditions Risk Assessment and Modeling Report; and an Annual Report on Activities to include recommendations.

During the public meeting, members will continue to discuss current and future possibilities for the flood mapping program to support the development of their recommendations and required reports. In addition, TMAC members will receive briefs from FEMA officials on the current mapping program and related activities and receive presentations from invited subject matter experts addressing the overall production of mapping components, future conditions, and examples of next generation mapping.

TMAC members will also discuss current and future possibilities for map development by considering how mapping data is acquired, maintained, and distributed; how maps are produced; how risk is accessed and communicated; how maps of risk are translated into insurance ratings; federal agency coordination and delegation of responsibility; and identify opportunities to emphasize mitigation throughout the process.

A public comment period will also be held on December 4 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. EST and on December 5 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. EST. Comments should be specifically related to and addressed to the TMAC. Those interested in speaking during the public comment period must contact FEMA by email at FEMA-TMAC@fema.dhs.gov or by calling 202-646-3432 to register as a speaker by November 25, 2014. Those not attending and who wish to submit written comments on issues to be considered by the TMAC can do so via one of the following methods:

Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
E-mail: Address the email to FEMA-RULES@fema.dhs.gov and cc: fema-tmac@fema.dhs.gov. Include the docket number FEMA-2014-0022 in the subject line of the message. Include name and contact detail in the body of the email.
Mail: Regulatory Affairs Division, Office of Chief Counsel, FEMA, 500 C Street SW., Room 8NE, Washington, DC 20472-3100.

All submissions received must include the words “Federal Emergency Management Agency” and docket number, FEMA-2014-0022. Comments received will be posted without alteration at http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.

For those planning to attend in person and for additional information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities or to request special assistance at the meeting, contact FEMA at FEMA-TMAC@fema.dhs.gov. Attendees must contact FEMA and register by December 2, 2014 to receive important information on the meeting location.

FEMA is excited to be a part of the TMAC and is looking forward to the expertise and recommendations they will provide. For more information on the TMAC meeting, visit http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-11-19/pdf/2014-27396.pdf or www.fema.gov/TMAC.

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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.

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.

Excerpt from:

FEMA Announces Second Meeting of the Technical Mapping Advisory Council

Take Time to Check for Earthquake Damage

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – When earthquakes occur, some of the damage happens in areas of our homes and businesses that may be nearly impossible to spot without close attention. Residents and business owners in Napa and Solano Counties continue to discover damage from the South Napa Earthquake.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge people in those counties to take time to check for any signs of potential damage and register for assistance as soon as possible.

“Earthquake damage sometimes goes unnoticed,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Steve DeBlasio. “Earthquakes are different from other disasters, because damages can mimic regular wear and tear or be so subtle that they are hard to find at first. A new crack or stuck door, for example, could be the sign of a serious problem.”

Homeowners and renters in Napa and Solano Counties who had damage from the South Napa Earthquake have until Dec. 29, 2014 to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA. Disaster assistance includes grants to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

“Every resident and business should take the necessary time to do a thorough double check for damages of their property,” said Cal OES Director Mark Ghilarducci. “It’s important for homeowners and businesses to take advantage of available federal assistance and register as soon as possible.”

Cal OES and FEMA offer the following questions and tips to help everyone spot potential damage:

Exterior Structure:
• Has the house shifted off its foundation? Has it fallen away from the foundation in any place?
• Is the structure noticeably leaning? When looked at from a distance, does it look tilted?
• Do you see severe cracks or openings between the structure and outdoor steps or porches?
• Do you experience seriously increased vibrations from passing trucks and buses?
• Do you see severe cracks in external walls or foundation?
• Are there any breaks in fence lines or other structures that might indicate nearby damage?
• Did you check for damage to ceilings, partitions, light fixtures, the roof, fuel tanks and other attachments to the main frame of the structure?

Chimneys:
• Are there cracks between the chimney and the exterior wall or the roof?
• Are there cracks in the liner?
• Did you find unexplained debris in the fireplace?

Utilities:
• Are power lines to your house noticeably sagging?
• Is your hot water heater leaning or tilted?
• Are all the water connections secure including those for pipes, toilets, faucets?

Interior:
• Are any doors and windows more difficult to open or close?
• Is the roof leaking? Is there water damage to the ceiling?
• Has the furnace shifted in any way? Are ducts and exhaust pipes connected and undamaged?
• Do you feel unexplained draftiness? Are any cracks in the walls, poorly aligned window frames or loosened exterior sidings letting in breezes?
• Has the floor separated from walls or stairwells anywhere inside the house?
• Are there cracks between walls and built-in fixtures such as lights, cupboards or bookcases?
• Does the floor feel “bouncy” or “soggy” when you walk on it?
• Have you checked crawl spaces, stairwells, basements, attics and other exposed areas for signs of damage such as exposed or cracked beams, roof leaks and foundation cracks?

Low-interest disaster loans are also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations that had damage or loss as a result of the South Napa Earthquake. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

To apply for disaster assistance, register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or VRS may call 800-621-3362.

FEMA must verify damages for every application. FEMA inspectors have completed more than 2,600 inspections in Napa and Solano Counties. FEMA inspectors display photo identification badges.

Damage inspections by FEMA are free and generally take 30 to 45 minutes, and they are conducted by FEMA contract inspectors who have construction or appraisal expertise and have received disaster-specific training. Inspectors document the damage by checking the building structure and its systems, major appliances and any damaged septic systems and wells.

If applicants discover additional damage to their property after the inspection takes place, they can request another one by calling FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Additional information on California disaster recovery is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4193.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

The Cal OES protects lives and property, builds capabilities and supports our communities for a resilient California. Cal OES achieves its mission by serving the public through effective collaboration in preparing for, protecting against, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the impacts of all hazards and threats.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and 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.

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Take Time to Check for Earthquake Damage

By the Numbers: Flood Recovery in New Mexico on Schedule as Partners Collaborate & Coordinate

SANTA FE – Less than two months after two presidential disaster declarations, one approved on Oct. 6 followed by an amendment on Oct. 24 for July 27 – August 5 flooding, and the other approved on Oct. 29 for September 15-26 flooding, recovery partners are already seeing great progress through collaboration and coordination.

The earlier declaration designated six counties and two pueblos eligible for federal aid under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program. Those counties and pueblos include Guadalupe, Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, San Miguel and Sandoval, and the Pueblo of Acoma and Santa Clara Pueblo. The latter declaration designated eight counties under the same federal assistance program. Those counties include Colfax, Eddy, Lincoln, Lea, Otero, Santa Fe, San Miguel and Sierra.

The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NM DHSEM) and FEMA, partners in the state’s recovery from the summer flooding, provide the following ‘by the numbers’ summary of disaster efforts as of November 17, 2014:

Number Information

2 Federal Declarations in New Mexico for Summer Flooding

4 Pueblos Requesting Public Assistance Funding

11 Counties Designated in both Declarations

55 Entities Requesting Public Assistance Funding

200 Estimated Recovery Projects for both Declarations

Eligible applicants include state agencies, tribal and local governments, community ditch associations, and certain private nonprofits. Eligible work may include debris removal, emergency protective measures taken to save life and property, repairs to roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings, contents and utilities and repairs to parks and recreational facilities. Learn more about the Public Assistance program at www.fema.gov/public-assistance-eligibility.

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More information on New Mexico disaster recovery is available online at www.nmdhsem.org/. DHSEM is the state’s homeland security and emergency management agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to New Mexico by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies. Follow DHSEM on Twitter @NMDHSEM.

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. Find more information at www.fema.gov/disaster/4197 and www.fema.gov/disaster/4199. Follow FEMA Region 6 on Twitter @femaregion6.

Original article:

By the Numbers: Flood Recovery in New Mexico on Schedule as Partners Collaborate & Coordinate

Disaster Recovery Centers Announce New Hours of Operation

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – State and federal officials announced a change of hours for the disaster recovery centers, which serve individuals affected by the South Napa Earthquake. Since Oct. 31, nearly 1,100 people have visited the centers:

Napa Earthquake Local Assistance Center
301 1st Street, Napa, CA 94559

Solano County Disaster Recovery Center
1155 Capitol Street, Vallejo, CA 94590

The centers are now closed Sundays due to decreased demand, based on the number of visitors. The centers remain open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays until further notice. In observance of Thanksgiving, the centers will be closed Nov. 27-28.

At the centers, visitors can meet face-to-face with specialists from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

During a visit to a center, visitors may:
• Discuss their individual disaster-related needs
• Submit any additional documentation needed, such as occupancy or ownership verification documents and letters from insurance companies
• Find out the status of an application
• Get help from SBA specialists in completing low-interest disaster loan applications for homeowners, renters and business owners
• Meet with FEMA hazard mitigation specialists to learn about reducing future disaster losses and rebuilding safer and stronger

People who sustained losses or damages due to the earthquake may also apply for disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Or applicants may call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (Voice, 711-Relay or VRS) or 800-462-7585 (TTY).

Phone lines remain open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (PT) Sun.-Sat. until further notice. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA Helpline/Registration. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

People should register with FEMA before going to a disaster recovery center, if possible. For visitors with a disability or functional need, the centers may have amplified telephones, magnifiers and assistive listening devices. American Sign Language Interpreters are available upon request.

If other accommodations are needed during any part of the application process, please ask any FEMA or Cal OES employee for assistance.

People do not need to visit a center to receive disaster assistance. Disaster assistance includes grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repair and other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical expenses, not covered by insurance or other sources.

Low-interest disaster loans are also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

For unmet disaster-related needs, the United Way operates 2-1-1 that covers Napa and Solano Counties. Available 24/7 in 150 languages, the Bay Area 211 helpline connects callers with hundreds of programs to help people find food, housing, healthcare, senior services, childcare, legal aid and more.

For more information on California disaster recovery, go www.fema.gov/disaster/4193.

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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.
The Cal OES protects lives and property, build capabilities and support our communities for a resilient California. Cal OES achieves its mission by serving the public through effective collaboration in preparing for, protecting against, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the impacts of all hazards and threats.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and 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 Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

Link:

Disaster Recovery Centers Announce New Hours of Operation

FEMA Continues to Inspect Quake-Damaged Homes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) inspectors have completed more than 2,000 inspections of homes damaged or destroyed by the South Napa Earthquake. Homeowners and renters in Napa and Solano counties became eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance on Oct. 27 following the presidential declaration for Individual Assistance. FEMA must verify damages for every application.

Those affected by the South Napa Earthquake have until Dec. 29 to apply for disaster assistance. Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for rent, essential home repairs, personal property replacement or other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources.

Damage inspections are free and generally take 30 to 45 minutes. They are conducted by FEMA contract inspectors who have construction and/or appraisal expertise and have received disaster-specific training. Each inspector displays official photo identification.

Inspectors document the damage but do not determine the resident’s eligibility for disaster assistance. They check for damage to the building structure and its systems, major appliances and any damaged septic systems and wells. Residents should tell the inspector about other important losses such as clothing, personal property, medical equipment, tools needed for a trade, and educational materials.

Inspectors then relay this information to FEMA on their handheld tablet, which they call their inspector pad. They use their pads to download work assignments and communicate throughout the day.

Applicants are reminded to keep the contact information on their applications current so an inspector can reach them. To update their information, applicants should call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Contact information can also be updated online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

FEMA procedures for home inspections follow:
• An inspector calls the applicant to set up an appointment at a mutually convenient time and advises the applicant of documentation needed to complete the inspection, such as insurance policies and photo identification.

• The inspector tries a minimum of three times to contact the applicant. The inspector will call at different times on different days in the hope of finding someone at home.

• If attempts to reach the applicant are unsuccessful, the inspector posts a letter on the applicant’s door with a phone number to call for an appointment.

• If applicants have relocated to another area and cannot return for the mandatory damage inspection, they can authorize an agent or proxy to be present on their behalf.

• As part of the inspection process, homeowners will be asked to show proof of ownership, such as a tax bill, deed, mortgage payment receipt or insurance policy showing the property’s address. Renters must show proof of occupancy, such as a lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was their primary residence at the time of the disaster. Both homeowners and renters must also be prepared to show a valid driver’s license or other photo identification.

To speed the inspection process, applicants should:
• Make sure their home address number can be easily seen from the road.
• Keep their appointment or notify the inspector if a postponement is necessary.
• Stay in touch with FEMA, which may include telling neighbors where they can be contacted.
• Let FEMA know during the registration process if they need a reasonable accommodation, such as an American Sign Language interpreter, during the inspection.

If applicants discover additional damage to their property, they can request another inspection by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

Besides the above personnel, residents and businesses may be visited by loss verifiers from the U.S. Small Business Administration, insurance adjustors, and local building officials, as well as others involved in the recovery process. Building officials typically charge fees for permits, though these are sometimes waived after disasters.

FEMA inspectors do not tag dwellings. FEMA inspectors must follow written guidelines to perform inspections on dwellings previously tagged as unsafe to enter or unsafe to occupy by local officials.

For more information on California disaster recovery, go www.fema.gov/disaster/4193.

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FEMA Continues to Inspect Quake-Damaged Homes

FEMA Awards $2,999,992 Grant to the Village of Glenview: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to acquire and demolish 16 flood prone structures

CHICAGO –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $2,999,992 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the village of Glenview, Ill., for the acquisition and demolition of 16 residential structures in the Chicago River floodplain. Following demolition, these properties will be maintained as permanent open space in the community.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo. “The acquisition and demolition of these structures permanently removes them from the floodplain and greatly reduces the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“Approval of this grant is good news for these Glenview residents who have been devastated by flooding many times in the past,” said Jonathon Monken, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “The grant will enable them to move out of the floodplain and avoid future heartache and property losses.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay $2,999,992 of the eligible project cost. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will provide $5,768,888 in non-federal funds to support the $8,768,880 project cost in partnership with the village of Glenview and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

FEMA Awards $2,999,992 Grant to the Village of Glenview: Hazard mitigation funds will be used to acquire and demolish 16 flood prone structures

FEMA registration deadline Monday, November 24

Warren, Mich. – Disaster survivors in Southeast Michigan have until Monday Nov. 24, to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and return their disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Survivors who have delayed registration for any reason should apply for potential assistance that could include:

Housing Assistance offers temporary rental assistance and home repair grants to eligible survivors. FEMA’s ultimate goal is to ensure survivors’ dwellings are safe, sanitary and functional.

Other Needs Assistance is available for disaster related costs associated with personal property, transportation, moving and storage, or other necessary expenses.

Survivors who register and receive an SBA low-interest disaster loan application should return the application. SBA applicants are not obligated to accept a loan; however, completing it may lead to additional FEMA assistance. Survivors are encouraged to consider all sources of aid.

It is not necessary to wait for an insurance claim determination to apply for FEMA assistance
or an SBA disaster loan, which may help if applicants later find they are underinsured.

Michigan residents who receive a letter from FEMA saying they do not qualify for disaster assistance have the right to appeal and can do so within 60 days from the date of the determination letter.

Applicants who received a denial letter can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY users call 800-462-7585.

Individuals can register for help online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet
at m.fema.gov. They may also call the FEMA helpline 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) users call 800-462-7585. The helpline is available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT, seven days
a week.

To apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan, go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

For assistance, call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955

(TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

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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.

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FEMA registration deadline Monday, November 24

Nov 28 is Deadline for Eligible Entities to Request Public Assistance Funding for Sept Flooding

SANTA FE – Getting disaster aid quickly into the hands of eligible applicants affected by September 15-26 flooding in New Mexico starts with the first step – informing state and federal recovery officials that Public Assistance funding is needed.

State agencies, tribal governments, certain nonprofit organizations, community ditch associations and other local government entities in Colfax, Eddy, Lincoln, Lea, Otero, Santa Fe and Sierra counties affected by the September floods have until November 28 to submit the appropriate forms to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NM DHSEM).

Officials who have questions about making a Request for Public Assistance and upcoming Applicant Briefing schedules should contact Brian Williams at 505-476-9601.

Federal grants are reimbursed to eligible applicants for emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repairing of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public utilities. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA pays 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant are responsible for the remaining 25 percent. Find details of the Public Assistance program at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.

“The first step to getting disaster aid is for eligible entities to let us know that they need the assistance” said State Coordinating Officer Beverley Simpson.

“The quicker we know which agencies, governments, organizations and associations are requesting Public Assistance, the quicker the process results in much needed funding in the hands of these impacted entities,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper.

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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. Find more information at www.fema.gov/disaster/4199. Follow FEMA Region 6 on Twitter @femaregion6.

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Nov 28 is Deadline for Eligible Entities to Request Public Assistance Funding for Sept Flooding

Tips to Prepare Now for Severe Winter Weather Ahead

CHICAGO – Cold temperatures, heavy snow, and treacherous ice storms are all risks of the impending winter season.

“Severe winter weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions,” said FEMA Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo. “Preparedness begins with knowing your risks, making a communications plan with your family and having an emergency supply kit with essentials such as water, food, flashlights and medications.”

Once you’ve taken these steps, consider going beyond the basics of disaster preparedness with the following tips to stay safe this cold season:

Winterize your emergency supply kit:

Before winter approaches, add the following items to your supply kit:
- Rock salt or other environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
- Sand to improve traction.
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
- Sufficient heating fuel and/or a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

Stay fire safe:

Keep flammable items at least three feet from heat sources like radiators, space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves.
Plug only one heat-producing appliance (such as a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.
Ensure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home. Check it on a monthly basis.

Keep warm, even when it’s cold outside:

If you have a furnace, have it inspected now to ensure it’s in good working condition.
If your home heating requires propane gas, stock up on your propane supply and ensure you have enough to last an entire winter. Many homeowners faced shortages due to the record freezing winter weather last year, and this season there’s the possibility of lower than normal temperatures again. Don’t be caught unprepared.
Avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide by installing battery-powered or battery back-up carbon monoxide detectors.
Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

Prevent frozen pipes:

If your pipes are vulnerable to freezing, i.e., they run through an unheated or unprotected space, consider keeping your faucet at a slow drip when extremely cold temperatures are predicted.
If you’re planning a trip this winter, avoid setting your heat too low. If temperatures dip dangerously low while you’re away, that could cause pipes to freeze. Consider draining your home’s water system before leaving as another way to avoid frozen pipes.

You can always find valuable information to help you prepare for winter emergencies at www.ready.gov/winter-weather. Bookmark FEMA’s mobile site http://m.fema.gov, or download the FEMA app today to have vital information just one click away.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

Source:

Tips to Prepare Now for Severe Winter Weather Ahead

Renters Advised to Register for Disaster Assistance

Warren, Mich. – Southeast Michigan homeowners and renters who lost personal property as a result of the August severe storms and flooding may be eligible for disaster-related assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other agencies.

Renters who suffered damage to their apartment or leased/rented house are encouraged to contact FEMA.

“August flooding didn’t discriminate between homeowners and renters,” said Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Thanks to rental-support programs, Michiganders who sustained flood damage could be eligible for assistance.”

Through Housing Assistance, FEMA offers two types of help to eligible renters:

Money to rent a different place to live for a limited period while repairs are done to the damaged home or apartment
A free referral service to find a safe replacement rental property

“As Michigan renters are discovering, disaster aid is not limited to homeowners,” said Dolph A. Diemont, federal coordinating officer. “Thousands of renters have registered with FEMA and are currently receiving rental assistance as they rebuild their lives.”

Both renters and homeowners may also be eligible for Other Needs Assistance (ONA), designed to help disaster survivors with uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster. ONA grants can be used for:

Disaster-related medical and dental expenses
Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses
Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged, household items such as room furnishings or appliances, and tools and equipment required by the
self-employed for their jobs
Primary vehicles and approved second vehicles damaged by the disaster
Reimbursement for eligible child care services

Filling out a U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application is a necessary step for homeowners and renters to be considered for additional recovery programs. If the SBA is unable to approve a loan, the applicant may be referred back to FEMA for other types of disaster aid.

To qualify for any of this assistance, renters must first register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov, via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY users call 800-462-7585. For 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Those with questions about the SBA loan application should call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or TTY users call 800-877-8339. Survivors can also apply online using the electronic loan applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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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. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

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Renters Advised to Register for Disaster Assistance

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