2014 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award Application Period Now Open

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce that the application period for the 2014 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards is now open.

The awards highlight innovative local practices and achievements by recognizing individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward making their communities safer, stronger, better prepared, and more resilient.

To be considered for this year’s awards, all submissions must be received by May 30, 2014, at 11:59 P.M. EST and must feature program activities taking place between January 1, 2013, and May 30, 2014.

FEMA will review all entries and select the finalists. A distinguished panel of representatives from the emergency management community will then select winners in each of the following categories:

  • Outstanding State Citizen Corps Initiatives
  • Outstanding Local Citizen Corps Initiatives
  • Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) in Action
  • Community Preparedness Heroes
  • Outstanding Youth Preparedness Initiatives
  • Awareness to Action
  • Survivor Empowerment and Integration
  • Preparing the Whole Community
  • Technological Innovation

Winners will be announced in fall 2014 and will be FEMA’s honored guests at a community preparedness roundtable event. The winner of the Preparing the Whole Community category will receive the John D. Solomon Whole Community Preparedness Award.

Emergency management is most effective when the whole community is engaged and involved. Faith-based organizations, voluntary agencies, the private sector, tribal organizations, youth, older adults, people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, and all individual citizens can make a difference in their communities before, during, and after disasters.

These awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the work an individual or organization has done to build a more resilient nation. More information about the awards is available at http://www.ready.gov/citizen-corps/citizen-corps-awards. Applications should be submitted to citizencorps@fema.dhs.gov and are due by May 30.

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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. 

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.

Originally posted here:

2014 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award Application Period Now Open

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Tennessee 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 State of Tennessee.

Assistance for State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

  • Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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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.

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.

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Tennessee Declaration

President Declares Disaster for Tennessee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Tennessee to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm during the period of March 2-4, 2014.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by a severe winter storm in Carroll, Cheatham, Dickson, Haywood, Houston, Madison, Shelby, and Tipton counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Terry L. Quarles has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Quarles said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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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. 

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.

See the article here:  

President Declares Disaster for Tennessee

FEMA Awards $69,632 to City of Forest Lake: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $69,632 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the city of Forest Lake Minn., for the construction of a safe room at John Jergens Estates.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of loss of life and property,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “The construction of thissafe room will protect the lives of vulnerable citizens by providing a secure location to seek shelter from tornados and other high wind events.”

“People in Forest Lake will be safer thanks to local leaders who joined with state and federal partners on this project,” said Kris Eide, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Tornado safe rooms are one way communities across the state are reducing the risk that comes with disasters. We’re encouraging more cities and counties to apply for grants that will help them protect their residents.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMAwill pay $69,632, or 75 percent of the eligible project cost. The city of Forest Lake will contribute the remaining 25 percent, or $23,210.

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.

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

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See the article here: 

FEMA Awards $69,632 to City of Forest Lake: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

Five Months Remain Before Refugio County, TX Flood Maps Become Final

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

Local, state and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps before Friday, Sept. 26, 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.  Maps are available online for review.

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

View original article – 

Five Months Remain Before Refugio County, TX Flood Maps Become Final

Five Months Remain Before Harrison County, TX Flood Maps Become Final

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

Local, state and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps before Wednesday, Sept. 3, 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.  Maps are available online for review.

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

Continued here: 

Five Months Remain Before Harrison County, TX Flood Maps Become Final

$4 Million Federal Grant for Disaster Counseling

$4 Million Federal Grant for Disaster Counseling

Main Content

Release date:

April 8, 2014

Release Number:

NR-119

DENVER-Crisis counseling services will continue over the next nine months for survivors of the Colorado flooding disaster in September 2013 because of a $4 million federal grant. FEMA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration have awarded the $4,058,060 grant to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment through the 2014 Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP).  

The new grant will allow counselors to continue door-to-door services and community outreach counseling programs. Since the disaster, Colorado Spirit crisis counselors have:

  • Talked directly with 18,178 people and provided referrals and other helpful information to more than 88,000;
  • Met with nearly 1,200 individuals or families in their homes.

CCP was established by the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide mental health assistance and training activities in designated disaster areas. The program provides the following services:

  • Individual crisis counseling and group crisis counseling to help survivors understand their reactions and improve coping strategies, review their options and connect with other individuals and agencies that may assist them;
  • Development and distribution of education materials such as flyers, brochures and website information on disaster-related topics and resources;
  • Relationship building with community organizations, faith-based groups and local agencies. 

Last Updated:

April 8, 2014 – 12:56

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Colorado

Related Disaster:

Colorado Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

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$4 Million Federal Grant for Disaster Counseling

Local, State and Federal Partners Working Closely, Individually With SR 530 Slide Survivors as Recovery Continues in Washington

BOTHELL, Wash. – Local, State, and Federal partners continue working one-on-one with survivors of the State Route 530 Slide in Washington to ensure they receive all of the disaster assistance for which they may qualify.

To that end, Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – including bereavement and program area specialists – are meeting in person with survivors to learn more about their short-term and long-term needs due to the slide.

“We’re working with FEMA to quickly bring the next phase of federal and state assistance to help survivors and affected families. This aid is part of the overall resources they will need to start their long-term recovery,” said State Coordinating Officer Kurt Hardin.

Federal disaster assistance was made available to individuals in Snohomish County –

including the Sauk-Suiattle, Stillaguamish, and Tulalip Tribes – on April 2 when President Obama declared a major disaster for the State of Washington.

“We are determined to provide as much personalized attention as possible here to survivors of this heart-breaking tragedy,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Michael J. Hall. “Our goal is, when desired, to meet personally with each individual – whether they lost a loved one, their home or were severely impacted in some other way.”

Three Disaster Recovery Centers are open to assist survivors in Arlington, Darrington and near Oso. Local, State and Federal disaster recovery specialists are meeting face-to-face with disaster assistance applicants at the centers. Representatives of local, State and Federal agencies and nonprofits such as the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the American Red Cross will be available to work directly with survivors. Representatives with the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the centers to explain about low-interest disaster loans for qualifying homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.    

Before visiting a center, applicants are encouraged to apply for disaster assistance. Registration is possible online or by phone or mobile device. To register online, visit: www.DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov. To register by phone, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who 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 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. PDT, seven days a week.

For individuals who have hearing and visual disabilities or are deaf, Disaster Recovery Centers can typically provide such accommodations as: 

• Captioned telephones, which transcribe spoken words into text
• American Sign Language interpreters, available upon request
• Magnifiers and assistive listening devices
• 711-Relay or Video Relay Services

Locations and hours of operation of the centers are as follows:

Oso Fire Station (Snohomish County Fire Protection District 25 – parking lot)

21824 State Route 530 NE

Arlington, WA 98223

 

Arlington Public Works Administration-Stillaguamish Conference Room

154 West Cox Ave.

Arlington, WA 98223

 

Darrington Ranger District Office (Parking Lot)

1405 Emens Ave. North

Darrington, WA 98241

 

Hours of Operation

Opening Day (Monday, April 7) – 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

 

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 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.

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

The Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division is responsible for administering federal disaster recovery programs on behalf of the state. The Department’s mission is to minimize the impact of emergencies and disasters on people, property, environment, and the economy of Washington State at the region; provide trained and ready forces for state and federal missions; and provide structured alternative education opportunities for at-risk youth.

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 information about SBA programs, applicants can go to www.sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955 (TTY 1-800-977-8339).

 

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Local, State and Federal Partners Working Closely, Individually With SR 530 Slide Survivors as Recovery Continues in Washington

FEMA Region III Promotes Pet Preparedness in April

PHILADELPHIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its regional office in Philadelphia has kicked off the 2014 Petpared Initiative to encourage pet owners to be more resilient in the face of disasters. 

The goal of the Petpared Initiative is to increase the number of citizens who understand the hazards that are most relevant to their family and pets; know the corresponding protective actions to take, and to encourage everyone to practice a real-time action to increase their preparedness.

In support of America’s PrepareAthon!, FEMA Region III will be promoting the #Petpared Twitter Challenge that will run throughout the month of April. To participate in the challenge, pet owners should complete a preparedness action to increase their pet’s preparedness, then tweet a picture of their action using the hashtag #Petpared. Successful actions will be retweeted on May 5, 2014, National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day.

On April 17, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. EDT, FEMA Region III will coordinate the #Petpared Twitter Chat with pet experts from organizations such as the American Humane Association, ASPCA, American Red Cross, PetSmart Charities, Red Paw Emergency Relief Team, Schuylkill CART, Virginia Search and Recuse Dog Association, and others to help pet owners understand what they need to do to prepare for disasters and encourage them to take action.

There are simple steps pet owners can take to increase both their own and their pet’s preparedness. Through the use of social media platforms, pet owners will have access to the information they need through a variety of different mediums to increase their preparedness. This will also give pet owners an opportunity to engage and share their experiences with the pet community.

Having a pet emergency supply kit is just one way to prepare; there are also simple steps you can take now to be prepared for all hazards such as developing a family emergency plan, having an emergency supply kit ready to go, and learning about your risks. Other resources to prepare your pet and your family for disasters are available at Ready.gov/caring-animals.

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 or 215-931-5597

Originally posted here:

FEMA Region III Promotes Pet Preparedness in April

FEMA Releases Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Ocean County, NJ

Release Number:

FEMA Region II PR-002–NY, NJ, PR, USVI

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday, March 28, 2014, released Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Ocean County that reflect the latest refinements to the ongoing analysis of flood hazards. This release is the next step in the coastal Flood Insurance Study update. The Preliminary FIRMs replace the Preliminary Work Maps for Ocean County that were released in June of 2013 as an interim product.

The new maps are extremely important as FEMA, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and Ocean County communities continue to work in partnership to support resilient communities, and to avoid or reduce the loss of life and property, and the financial impacts of flooding. The Preliminary FIRMs reflect the same coastal flood risks as the Preliminary Work Maps and have now been updated to include riverine flooding.

The release of the Preliminary FIRMs indicates the first step in the official regulatory review process. The next step is a statutory 90-day appeal and comment period, which is expected to begin in Spring 2014.  Property owners and interested parties will have the opportunity to appeal the Preliminary FIRMs by submitting technical documentation to their local Floodplain Administrators during this period.  Once the appeal period is over, and all appeals are resolved, FEMA will issue a Letter of Final Determination (LFD) to the Ocean County communities that initiates the six-month adoption period before the maps become effective.

Upon becoming effective, expected to occur in 2015, the new FIRMs will determine flood insurance rates. In the meantime, to promote higher standards for building performance and reduce potential future flood insurance costs, NJDEP and FEMA encourage Ocean County communities to refer to the standards reflected in the Preliminary FIRMs for the construction of new and substantially improved structures.

For more information on flood risk mapping and insurance, visit www.region2coastal.com, www.msc.fema.gov, and www.floodsmart.gov.
 

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FEMA Releases Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Ocean County, NJ

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