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Two Additional Alabama Counties Now Eligible For FEMA Public Assistance

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – State and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in two additional Alabama counties may now apply for federal disaster assistance under the Public Assistance program for eligible response and recovery expenses.

Houston and Washington Counties were added Monday to the May 2 major disaster declaration issued by President Barack Obama for the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that struck Alabama.

The two additional counties are now eligible to apply for all seven categories (Categories A-G) listed under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program.

Categories A and B cover debris removal and emergency protective measures such as search and rescue and provision of shelters or emergency care, while categories C through G include more permanent work on infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, public buildings and contents, as well as water facilities, public utilities and parks.

Under the Public Assistance program, FEMA reimburses applicants a minimum of 75 percent of their eligible expenses. The remaining 25 percent non-federal share comes from state and local sources. The state manages the grants for all projects.

The twenty total counties in Alabama now eligible for Public Assistance categories A through G are Baldwin, Blount, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Geneva, Houston, Jefferson, Lamar, Lee, Limestone, Mobile, Perry, Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Washington.

More information about FEMA’s Public Assistance program is available at fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit.

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Two Additional Alabama Counties Now Eligible For FEMA Public Assistance

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Blanket Alabama to Meet Survivors’ Needs

PHOTO: Disaster Survivor Assistance Team member, Patricia Wiedmer

MONTGOMERY, Ala – Within two weeks in early May, Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams knocked on 3,000 doors in Alabama’s hardest hit areas to assess survivor needs after the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding.

In one instance, they were told about a woman with special needs who was unable to register with FEMA. The team visited her residence and registered her on the spot using their government-issued tablet computer.

These teams, totaling 67 FEMA specialists, are tasked with helping survivors by being the eyes and ears on the ground. They assess, inform and report issues to the proper authorities; assist survivors in their own homes or neighborhoods to apply for FEMA grants; guide survivors in the registration process, follow-up on pre- or post-survivor needs; and coordinate with local, tribal and state governments and other partners.

“They have the ability to help people on the spot,” said Albie Lewis, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer for Alabama. “They serve as a walking Disaster Recovery Center going door-to-door and people have been very receptive to the service.”

FEMA DSA teams are made up of disaster specialists as well as FEMA Corp members, 18- to 24-year olds who for 10 months volunteer their time to FEMA and the emergency management field.

The teams currently are canvassing eight counties that sustained some of the worst damage. They visit homes, businesses, organizations and high-traffic areas providing survivor support and coordinating with officials. The counties include Baldwin, Blunt, DeKalb, Etowah Jefferson, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa.

DSA specialists, who travel in pairs, are easy to spot – they wear FEMA badges as well as navy blue shirts, jackets and/or hats that say FEMA.

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FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Blanket Alabama to Meet Survivors’ Needs

Disaster Recovery Centers Open to Help Survivors

PENSACOLA, Fla. – There are still four disaster recovery centers and one registration intake center open to assist survivors of the recent severe storms and flooding in Escambia, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties.

The hours of operation for the disaster recovery centers and registration intake center, this week, are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Center locations are:

Escambia County

Brownsville Community Center

3100 W. DeSoto St.

Pensacola, FL 32505

Okaloosa County

Senior Centerview Parks & Recreation

205 Stillwell Blvd.

Crestview, FL 32536

Santa Rosa County

Gulf Breeze Recreation Center

800 Shoreline Drive

Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

Walton County

Community Church of Santa Rosa Beach

3524 US 98

Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Registration Intake Center:

Jackson County

City of Marianna Fire Station No. 2

3990 Kynesville Highway

Marianna, FL 32448

If possible, survivors should register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency before going to a recovery center. Survivors in Escambia, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties can register for disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov, or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. central time and assistance is available in multiple languages.

For more information on Florida disaster recovery, click fema.gov/disaster/4177. Visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website at FloridaDisaster.org or Facebook page at facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

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

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

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for 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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Disaster Recovery Centers Open to Help Survivors

Survivors in the Florida Panhandle Warned to Watch Out for Scam Artists

PENSACOLA, Fla. – With many Floridians on the road to recovery from the recent storms and flooding, state and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials warn of scam artists.

“We understand that survivors are anxious to get repairs done and get the help they need to put their lives back in order,” said State Coordinating Officer Bryan Koon. “As you begin repairs, please take the necessary steps to ensure that you are hiring legitimate, responsible contractors.”

The state and FEMA caution residents to be on alert for scam artists using tricks to obtain vital information or take advantage of storm-weary survivors.

Some of the scams often used are:

Home Repair

Unlicensed home improvement contractors may take the disaster survivor’s money and disappear, leaving unfinished work and unsafe homes. Before hiring a contractor, storm survivors should check with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation online at www.myfloridalicense.com. The DBPR website provides information about licensed contractors.

Always ask for proof of the contractor’s liability insurance. All contracts should be in writing and carefully reviewed before being signed. Full payment should not be made until the work is completed. The local police department should be notified of suspected fraud.

Price Gouging

Excessive price increases are illegal. Check with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs at freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Consumer-Services or call 800-HELP-FLA or TTY 800-435-7352 if you suspect prices are unreasonably high.

False Payments and Bribes

Con artists may pose as insurance specialists or expeditors, claiming they can convince FEMA to increase home repair damage aid or the insurer to pay a larger settlement. The scammers ask the applicant or policyholder to sign a contract giving them a percentage of the “increased” payment.

The essence of the con is to take a percentage of the damage grant or policy settlement. FEMA always deals directly with each applicant and is always willing to consider an appeal by sending a new inspector to review damaged property or claimed losses.

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Survivors in the Florida Panhandle Warned to Watch Out for Scam Artists

FEMA Rebuilding Specialists to Provide Advice in Columbus

JACKSON, Miss. – Residents in the Columbus area can learn how to build or rebuild to reduce the likelihood of damage the next time severe storms, tornadoes or floods hit. Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation specialists know how and they are sharing their knowledge.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be at Lowe’s in Columbus for three days this week to discuss specific methods with anyone who stops by. They will have free booklets and pamphlets with additional details.

Thursday, June 5, through Saturday, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lowe’s

2301 Woodmont Dr.

Columbus, Miss. 39705

Disaster survivors in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Individuals and households in those counties can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (central time) and assistance is available in multiple languages.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to FEMA.gov/Disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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FEMA Rebuilding Specialists to Provide Advice in Columbus

Five Months Remain Before Lincoln County, New Mexico Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas ––In five months, new flood maps for Lincoln County, New Mexico will become effective.

Local, state and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps before Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014 in order to understand their flood risk and then consider buying flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.”

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, contact your local floodplain administrator.

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat.

To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
To see the interactive web page visit: http://goo.gl/RzvrIJ
To view a Preliminary Interactive Flood Map: http://goo.gl/U0Yk7y

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

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Five Months Remain Before Lincoln County, New Mexico Flood Maps Become Final

FEMA Employs First Local Hire, Seeks More

PHOTO: Tanina Jones (FEMA local hire)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency today swore in its first local hire to assist with the recovery from the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding. Tanina Jones is working for FEMA Human Resources as an administrative assistant.

Jones, who started work on Wednesday, May 28, said she hasn’t worked since she came to Montgomery to attend Troy University, where she will graduate in December with a degree in Criminal Justice.

“This has been a godsend to me,” she said. “I have been out of work since 2010.”

FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Albie Lewis administered the oath and said hiring local workers not only helps the area’s economy but brings in local knowledge, which is invaluable.

“These new employees bring local experience and a feeling for the community,” he said. “That’s instrumental to our work here.”

FEMA has more than two dozen full-time temporary jobs available to Alabama residents, including 24 in Montgomery and seven elsewhere in the state.

Skilled workers are being hired for jobs in a variety of areas, including human resources, information technology, couriers, engineers, communications, finance and administration.

Applicants will be required to pass a background investigation that includes finger printing and credit check, as well as able to furnish his/her own transportation to work. Employees are also required to participate in mandatory direct deposit/electronic funds transfer for salary payment, must be U.S. citizens and 18 years old.

Candidates who possess needed skills and pass a background check will be formally offered positions and sworn in, and then sent to the program areas they have been assigned.

Those interested in working for FEMA may apply at www.joblink.Alabama.gov. Enter “FEMA” into the keyword search to find available positions.

FEMA is committed to employing a highly qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, non-disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation and any other non-merit factor. The federal government is an equal opportunity employer.

Link to article:

FEMA Employs First Local Hire, Seeks More

FEMA’s New Youth Preparedness Council Includes a Texan

FEMA’s New Youth Preparedness Council Includes a Texan

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the members of the 2014-2015 Youth Preparedness Council, which includes the Region 6 member from Texas, Obie Jones.

Jones is 16-years-old and is from the Austin area. He started a Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program at his school. He’s also an Eagle Scout, a member of the Austin Police Department Explorer program and supported recent flooding response efforts in Austin by helping rescue and shelter affected animals.

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council was formed in 2012 to bring together youth leaders from across the country who are interested in advocating on behalf of youth preparedness and making a difference in their communities. The Council furthers FEMA’s commitment to involve youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides an avenue to get their perspectives, feedback and opinions.

The 2014 application process produced a large number of highly-qualified applicants. The 12 newest members of the Council were chosen based on their dedication to public service, community involvement and potential to expand their effectiveness as national advocates for youth preparedness.

The other members selected in 2014 include:

FEMA Region 1: Bridget Smith (Connecticut)
FEMA Region 2: James Collins (New Jersey)
FEMA Region 3: Sahara Duncan (Pennsylvania)
FEMA Region 4: Jonathan Salazar (Florida)
FEMA Region 5: Isaiah Garcia (Michigan)
FEMA Region 7: Austin Witt (Iowa)
FEMA Region 8: Weston Lee (Utah)
FEMA Region 8: Matthew Mayfield (Colorado)
FEMA Region 9: Brittany Amano (Hawaii)
FEMA Region 9: Navjot Hansra (California)
FEMA Region 10: Raylene Ensminger (Washington)

The returning Council members are:

Council Chairperson: Emily Rosenblum (Missouri)
FEMA Region 2: Sophie Friedfeld-Gebaide (New York)
FEMA Region 5: Daniel Wernsman (Wisconsin)

Each Council member completes a self-selected legacy project during his or her term. Council members also participate in a Youth Preparedness Council Summit where they share their ideas, opinions and questions about youth disaster preparedness with the leadership of national organizations working on this critical priority. Members also meet with FEMA throughout their term to provide input on strategies, initiatives and projects.

To learn more about FEMA’s youth preparedness efforts, please visit: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council.

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Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA’s New Youth Preparedness Council Includes a Texan

FEMA Rebuilding Experts to Provide Advice in Louisville

JACKSON, Miss. – Residents in the Louisville area can learn how to build or rebuild to reduce the likelihood of damage the next time severe storms, tornadoes or floods hit. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s mitigation experts know how and they are sharing their knowledge.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be at Winston County Co-Op in Louisville Friday, Saturday and Monday to discuss specific methods with anyone who stops by. They will have free booklets and pamphlets with additional details.

Friday-Saturday, May 30-31, and Monday, June 2

Winston County Co-Op

408 W. Main St.

Louisville, Miss. 39339

Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Monday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Individuals and households in those counties can online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (central time) and assistance is available in multiple languages.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to FEMA.gov/Disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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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Continued here:

FEMA Rebuilding Experts to Provide Advice in Louisville

One Month After Disaster: Federal Aid for Alabama Disaster Tops $20 Million

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — More than $14 million has been approved through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $5 million through its low-interest disaster loan program.

The following numbers, compiled May 29, provide a snapshot of the Alabama/FEMA disaster recovery to date:

Funds approved

$12.2 million for Housing Assistance grants to help with recovery rental expenses and home repair costs.
$2.5 million for Other Needs Assistance to cover essential disaster-related needs, such as medical expenses and lost personal possessions.
$5.4 million approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest loans to eligible homeowners, renters or business owners.

Survivor recovery

9,968 of the 10,464 damaged homes and property have been inspected (95 percent of requests).
3,285 visits have been made to the eight disaster recovery centers located in designated counties.
9 counties designated for Individual Assistance.

FEMA works with many volunteer agencies and the private sector to speed the recovery effort. Those affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding need to register with FEMA for disaster assistance.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance status, survivors are urged to apply for help. They can use the following methods:

By phone, call 800-621-3662 (FEMA) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., local time. Operators are multilingual. TTY 800-462-7585.
By computer, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

County-by-County approved breakdown of Individual Assistance:

County	Approved Registrations	Housing Assistance	Other Needs Assistance
Baldwin	1,577	$6,242,607.13	$968,722.75
Blount	16	99,152.38	3,189.15
DeKalb	23	37,845.10	20,674.77
Etowah	46	416,163.67	38,049.04
Jefferson	373	993,188.44	147,512.20
Lee	48	207,679.16	51,907.93
Limestone	247	761,540.29	390,040.69
Mobile	2,393	3,365,319.90	849,947.13
Tuscaloosa	43	157,684.42	46,744.85
Total:	4,766	$12,281,180.49	$2,516,788.51

Recovery officials urge all Alabama residents who have registered for assistance to stay in close contact with FEMA throughout the recovery process. This is especially true during the first weeks after registering when FEMA housing inspectors must contact applicants to view damages. Those with mobile phones should provide that number to FEMA during the registration.

Affected survivors and business owners in the nine designated counties may apply for assistance. Those counties are: Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa.

Alabama/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are located in Baldwin, Blount, Jefferson, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa counties. These centers are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The DRC in Blount County will close Saturday, May 31 at 6 p.m. The Tuscaloosa DRC will transition from a DRC as of 6 p.m. Saturday, May 31, to a Disaster Loan Outreach Center with hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The deadline to register is Tuesday, July 1.

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One Month After Disaster: Federal Aid for Alabama Disaster Tops $20 Million

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