Know Your Risk Now to Build Back Stronger, Safer, Smarter

TRENTON, N.J. — Property and business owners affected by Hurricane Sandy along the New Jersey coast have new guidance for rebuilding stronger, safer and smarter to avoid the consequences of future floods.

The State of New Jersey and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have released Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) maps for 10 coastal counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union. 

ABFE maps are digital renderings of flood hazards maps that provide an updated depiction of flood hazards for communities affected by coastal flooding including those along rivers that are subject to tidal surges. 

To access the new maps, visit region2coastal.com and click on the Hurricane Sandy tab.

The advisory maps, which are based upon scientific and engineering assessments of storms like Sandy, will provide communities with recommended building elevations for use in reconstruction until more detailed data becomes available.

With the updated information: 

  • Property owners can understand where flood risks exist and make informed decisions about elevations or about taking other mitigation steps to protect the investment in their property.
  • State and local governments can site and elevate public buildings and facilities and guide new construction.
  • Architects and builders can design better rebuilding and rehabilitation solutions for property owners.

Communities are being encouraged to adopt the ABFEs because they provide a significant opportunity to mitigate their future flood risk. Communities can increase their resiliency against future disasters, and flood insurance policy holders may save on future flood insurance premiums.

Property and business owners should work with local building officials to fully understand any requirements for using ABFEs in rebuilding. Decisions made now can mean a safer, stronger, smarter future.

For information on flood insurance visit www.floodsmart.gov, call 888-379-9531 or contact your insurance agent.

Anyone who suffered damages as a result of Hurricane Sandy is encouraged to register with FEMA. Individuals can apply for assistance and follow up on previous applications by visiting   www.DisasterAssistance.gov  or by smart phones or tablets at m.fema.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 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.

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.

Continued here:

Know Your Risk Now to Build Back Stronger, Safer, Smarter

FEMA Hiring Locally to Help in Disaster Recovery

WARWICK, R.I. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is hiring a number of Rhode Islanders to assist in the state’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy.

“It is FEMA policy, and the agency makes it a priority, to employ local residents,” explained FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo.  “It gives us an opportunity to tap into the skills and experience of people who live right here in the Ocean State.  Moreover, a paycheck makes it into the hands of some local, unemployed workers on a temporary basis.” 

FEMA is currently seeking up to 15 local employees, which will comprise 10 percent of the FEMA workforce, at its Joint Field Office in Warwick.  Civil engineering, administrative management, accounting, and charting and mapping are but a few of the skill sets being sought.

This is the second time in recent years FEMA has recruited locally in Rhode Island.  Many individuals were hired in 2010 when the agency helped the state recover from spring storms and flooding at that time.

Individuals interested in applying should register online at www.EmployRI.org.  The initiative is supported by EmployRI and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

View the original here:

FEMA Hiring Locally to Help in Disaster Recovery

Three New Recovery Centers Open In Hudson, Middlesex, And Union Counties

TRENTON, N.J. — Anyone affected by Hurricane Sandy can now visit newly opened Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Hudson, Middlesex, and Union counties if they have questions about recovery programs. The new DRCs are located in:

Hudson County:

Bayonne City Museum, 229 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002

Two other DRCs are open in Hudson County at the Jersey City Museum and next to the Office Depot at 59 Washington St. in Hoboken.

Middlesex County:

Woodbridge Health Center, 2 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

A second DRC is open in Middlesex County at the Sayreville Senior Center.

Union County:

Gregorio Recreation Center, 330 Helen St., Linden, NJ 07036

Two other DRCs are open in Union County at the Chisholm School Community Center,

100 S. Springfield Ave., Springfield, NJ  07081 (scheduled to close Dec. 1),                                                                                                          and the Plainfield Senior Citizen’s Service Center, 400 East Front St., Plainfield, NJ 07060.

There are now 34 DRCs open in New Jersey. All are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. except for the center in Bay Head which opens from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the curfew remains in effect.   

Individuals can register for assistance and follow up on previous applications by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, you can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.

DRCs allow residents to speak one-on-one to recovery representatives. FEMA program specialists are available to provide registration and other information, and to answer questions at the centers. These include mitigation specialists who can provide guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

It is not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance.

In addition to FEMA program specialists, customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions about the SBA low-interest disaster loan program, and to assist with disaster loan applications.

An applicant may go to any DRC, even if it is located in another county or state. Once an application has been made, a FEMA registration number is assigned. It can be accessed nationally.

DRC locations change frequently. The closest open offices can be found online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm. An alternative is to go to www.fema.gov and search for DRC locator.

DRCs in New Jersey are located in:

Atlantic County

Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Blvd., Room 201, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Hamilton Mall, 4403 Blackhorse Pike (Route 322), NJ 08330

 

Bergen County

Bergen County Plaza, 1 Bergen Plaza, 4th Floor, Hackensack, N.J. 07652

 

Burlington County: Rotating Center

Burlington Center Mall, 2501 Burlington-Mount Holly Road, Suite 215, Burlington, NJ 08016

DATES: Thurs., Nov., 29 to Sat., Dec. 1 and Mon., Dec. 10 to Wed., Dec. 12

  

Cape May County

Cape May Courthouse Public Library, 30 Mechanics St, Cape May, N.J. 08226

Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City, N.J. 08210

 

Cumberland County: Rotating Center

Emergency Management Office, 637 Bridgeton Ave., Bridgeton, N.J. 08302

DATES: Mon., Nov. 26 to Wed., Nov. 28 and Thurs., Dec. 6 to Sat., Dec. 8

 

Essex County

Willing Heart Community Care Center, 555 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Newark, NJ 07103

 

Gloucester County: Rotating Center

Government Services Building, 1200 N. Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ 08312

DATES: Thurs., Nov., 29 to Sat., Dec. 1 and Mon., Dec. 10 to Wed., Dec. 12

 

Hudson County

Adjacent to Office Depot, 59 Washington St., Hoboken, NJ 07030

Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302

Bayonne City Museum, 229 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002

  

Mercer County: Rotating Center

Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550

DATES: Mon., Nov. 26 to Wed., Nov. 28 and Thurs., Dec. 6 to Sat., Dec. 8

 

Middlesex County

Sayreville Senior Center, 423 Main St., Sayreville, NJ 08872

Woodbridge Health Center, 2 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

 

Monmouth County

Belmar Municipal Bldg., 601 Main St., Belmar, NJ 07719

Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, 945 Highway 36, Leonardo, NJ 07737

Long Branch Fire Station #4, 199-205 Union Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740

Union Beach Municipal Building, 650 Poole Ave., Union Beach, NJ 07735

 

Morris County: Rotating Center

Morris Plains Community Center, 51 Jim Fear Drive, Morris Plains, NJ  07950

DATES: Mon., Nov. 26 to Wed., Nov. 28 and Thurs., Dec. 6 to Sat., Dec. 8

 

Ocean County

Bay Head Fire Station #1, 81 Bridge Ave., Bay Head, NJ 08742

HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice

 

Ocean County

Bell Crest Plaza Store Front 4C, 953 Fischer Blvd., Toms River, NJ 08753

Brick Township Civic Center, 270 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, NJ 08723

Harvey Cedars Bible Conference Center, 12 Cedars Ave., Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008

Little Egg Harbor Senior Center, 641 Radio Road, Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08087

Old Township Bldg., 775 East Bay Ave., Stafford, NJ 08050

 

Passaic County

Passaic County Department of Health, 317 Pennsylvania Ave., Paterson, NJ 07503

 

Salem County: Rotating Center

Penns Grove EMS Bldg., 25 East Griffin St., Penns Grove, NJ 08069

DATES: Mon., Dec. 3 to Wed., Dec. 5 and Thurs., Dec. 13 to Sat., Dec. 15

 

Somerset County: Rotating Center

Somerset County Human Services, 27 Warren St., Somerville, NJ 08876

DATES: Mon., Dec. 3 to Wed., Dec. 5 and Thurs., Dec. 13 to Sat., Dec. 15

 

Sussex County: Rotating Center

Sussex County Community College, 1 College Hill Road, Newton, NJ 07860

DATES: Mon., Dec. 3 to Wed., Dec. 5 and Thurs., Dec. 13 to Sat., Dec. 15

 

Union County

Chisholm School Community Center, 100 S. Springfield Ave., Springfield, NJ  07081

(scheduled to close 12/1)

Plainfield Senior Citizen’s Service Center, 400 East Front St., Plainfield, NJ 07060

Gregorio Recreation Center, 330 Helen St. in Linden, NJ 07036.

 

Warren County: Rotating Center

Franklin Township Municipal Bldg., 2093 Route 57, Broadway, NJ 08808

DATES: Thurs., Nov. 29 to Sat., Dec. 1 and Mon., Dec. 10 to Wed., Dec. 12

 

SBA customer service representatives are available for one-on-one consultation with business owners who are seeking assistance in applying for low-interest disaster loans for business losses caused by Hurricane Sandy.

 

Atlantic County

Richard Stockton College, Small Business Development Center, 35 South Martin Luther King Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 08401

HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Bergen County

Bergen Community College, Small Business  Development Center, 355 Main St., Room 121, Hackensack, NJ 07601

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Cape May County

Cape May County Chamber of Commerce 13 Crest Haven Road, Cape May, NJ 08210

HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Essex County

Rutgers University, Small Business Development Center, 25 James St., Newark, NJ 07102

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Hudson County

Small Business Development Center, New Jersey City University, 285 West Side Ave., Suites 189-191, Jersey City, NJ 07305

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Middlesex County

John F. Kennedy Library, 500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854

HOURS: Mon-Sat.10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

               Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Monmouth County

Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Bankier Library, Rm. 246 (SBDC), Lincroft, NJ 07738

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Ocean County

Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, Stafford Heritage Park Train Station

(Across from Manahawkin Lake Between RT 9 and RT 72), West Bay Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050

HOURS: Mon-Sun 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Passaic County

William Paterson University, Small Business Development Center, 131 Ellison St.,Paterson, NJ 07505

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Union County

Kean University – SBDC, Business One-Stop Service – The Incubator, 320 Park Ave., Plainfield, NJ 07060

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Renters, homeowners and businesses that do not need one-on-one assistance do not need to visit a center. They can apply for an SBA disaster loan online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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.

Read More: 

Three New Recovery Centers Open In Hudson, Middlesex, And Union Counties

Need Help After the Storm? Visit a Disaster Recovery Center

LINCROFT, N.J. — When Hurricane Sandy survivors need face-to-face help, the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is the place to go. From Cumberland to Sussex, customer service representatives are ready to help in many ways and in multiple languages.

Thirty DRCs are now open seven days a week. Hours today until Thanksgiving are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (except for Bay Head, which is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while its curfew remains in effect.)

All DRCs will be closed Thanksgiving Day and will reopen Friday, Nov. 23, with new hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., except for Bay Head, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Meet face-to-face with representatives from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Services (NJOES), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other government and volunteer agencies to learn about:

  • Housing assistance and rental resources.
  • The status of an application.
  • Letters from FEMA.
  • SBA’s disaster loan programs and how to complete a loan application.
  • Multilingual assistance.
  • Strengthening a home.
  • Counseling services.
  • Other resources that may be available.

FEMA does not distribute cash, checks, debit cards or vouchers at recovery centers.

New Jersey DRCs are in the following locations:

Atlantic County                                             Atlantic County                                

Atlantic City Convention Center                     Hamilton Mall            

1 Convention Blvd., Room 201                      4403 Blackhorse Pike (Route 322)                

Atlantic City, NJ 08401                                   Mays Landing, NJ 08330                              

 

Bergen County                                              Burlington County

Bergen County Plaza                                       Burlington Center Mall

1 Bergen Plaza, 4th Floor                                 2501 Burlington – Mount Holly Road 

Hackensack, NJ 07652                                     Suite 215

                                                                        Burlington, NJ 08016

 

Camden County                                            Cape May County                                        

Public Works Building                                     Cape May Courthouse Public Library                       

2311 Egg Harbor Road                                   30 Mechanics St.

Lindenwold, NJ 08021                                     Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210

 

Cape May County                                         Cumberland County

Ocean City Community Center                       Emergency Management Agency Office

1735 Simpson Ave.                                         637 Bridgeton Ave., Lower Level

Ocean City, NJ 08226                                     Bridgeton, NJ 08302      

 

Essex County                                               Gloucester County   

Willing Heart Community Care Center            Government Services Building

555 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.                    1200 North Delsea Dr.

Newark, NJ  07103                                          Clayton, NJ 08312

 

Hudson County                                             Hudson County

Adjacent to Office Depot                               Jersey City Museum

59 Washington St.                                          350 Montgomery St.

Hoboken, NJ 07030                                        Jersey City, NJ 07302

         

Hunterdon County                                        Mercer County

Hunterdon County                                          Mercer County Community College

Department of Public Safety Annex              1200 Old Trenton Road

77 Park Ave.                                                   West Windsor, NJ 08550

Flemington, NJ 08822

                                                                      

Middlesex County                                         Monmouth County                          

Sayreville Senior Center                                 Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center

423 Main St.                                                   945 Hwy. 36

Sayreville, NJ 08872                                       Leonardo, NJ 07737

 

Monmouth County                                       Monmouth County

Belmar Municipal Building                             Union Beach Municipal Building

601 Main St.                                                   650 Poole Ave.

Belmar, NJ 07719                                           Union Beach, NJ 07735

 

Morris County                                               Ocean County

Morris Plains Community Center                   Old Township Building

51 Jim Fear Drive                                            775 East Bay Ave.

Morris Plains, NJ 07950                                  Stafford, NJ 08050

 

Ocean County                                                Ocean County

Bay Head Fire Station #1                               Bell Crest Plaza Store Front 4C

81 Bridge Ave.                                               953 Fischer Blvd.

Bay Head, NJ 08742                                      Toms River, NJ  08753

 

Ocean County                                                Passaic County         

Brick Township Civic Center                           Passaic County Department of Health

270 Chambers Bridge Rd.                              317 Pennsylvania Ave.

Brick, NJ 08723                                              Paterson, NJ 07503                               

 

Salem County                                                Somerset County

Penns Grove EMS Building                            Somerset County Human Services

25 East Griffith St.                                          27 Warren St.

Penns Grove, NJ 08069                                  Somerville, NJ 08876 

 

Sussex County                                               Union County

Sussex County Community College               Chisholm School Community Center

1 College Hill Road                                        100 S. Springfield Ave.

Newton, NJ 07860                                          Springfield, NJ 07081

 

Union County                                                Warren County

Plainfield Senior Citizen’s                                Franklin Township Municipal Building

Service Center                                                 2093 Route 57

400 E. Front St.                                               Broadway, NJ 08808

Plainfield, NJ 07060

In addition to the DRCs, there are also SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) to serve business customers. SBA customer service representatives are available at BRCs to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses. They are at the following locations, until further notice:

 

Atlantic County                                             Bergen County

Richard Stockton College                               Bergen Community College

Small Business Development Center             Small Business Development Center 

35 South Martin Luther King Blvd.                 355 Main St., Room 121

Atlantic City, NJ 08401                                   Hackensack, NJ 07601

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.           Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Cape May County                                         Essex County

Cape May County Chamber of Commerce    Rutgers University

13 Crest Haven Road                                     Small Business Development Center

Cape May, NJ 08210                                      25 James St.   

Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.        Newark, NJ 07102

                                                                        Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Hudson County                                             Middlesex County

Small Business Development Center              John F. Kennedy Library

New Jersey City University                               500 Hoes Lane

285 West Side Ave., Suites 189 – 191             Piscataway, NJ 08854  

Jersey City, NJ 07305                                      Hours: Mon. – Sat.10 a.m. to 5 p.m

Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.                                 Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.                                                                                                                                                 

Monmouth County                                       Ocean County

Brookdale Community College                       Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

765 Newman Springs Road                            Stafford Heritage Park Train Station and Rail Car   

Bankier Library, Room 246 (SBDC)              (Across from Manahawkin Lake between RT 9 and

Lincroft, NJ 07738                                         RT 72)

Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.                    West Bay Ave.

                                                                      Manahawkin, NJ 08050

                                                                     Hours:   Mon – Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

 

Passaic County                                            Union County

William Paterson University                            Kean University – SBDC

Small Business Development Center             Business One-Stop Service – The Incubator

131 Ellison St.                                                320 Park Ave.

Paterson, NJ 07505                                       Plainfield, NJ 07060

Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.                    Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All BRCs will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov.22.                                                                      

Renters, homeowners and businesses that do not need one-on-one assistance do not need to visit a center. They can apply for an SBA disaster loan online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela          

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.

 

View original:

Need Help After the Storm? Visit a Disaster Recovery Center

New Jersey Adds Additional Disaster Recovery Centers in Cape May, Ocean and Union Counties

LINCROFT, N.J. — Anyone affected by Hurricane Sandy can now visit newly opened Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Cape May, Ocean, and Union counties if they have questions about recovery programs. There are now 30 DRCs open daily. The center in Bay Head will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the curfew there remains in effect. All others are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.  All DRCs in New Jersey will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22; they will reopen on Friday, Nov. 23, with a permanent change in hours to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Before going to a DRC, it is helpful to register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). 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.

At DRCs visitors can speak one-on-one to recovery representatives. FEMA program specialists provide registration and other information, and answer questions.  FEMA mitigation specialists provide guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

In addition to FEMA program specialists, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) customer service representatives are available to answer questions about the SBA low-interest disaster loan program, and to assist with disaster loan applications.

The new DRC locations are:

Cape May County                                                    Ocean County

Ocean City Community Center                                  Old Township Building

1735 Simpson Ave.                                                    775 East Bay Ave.

Ocean City, NJ 08226                                                Stafford, NJ 08050

 

Union County

Plainfield Senior Citizen’s Service Center

400 E. Front St.

Plainfield, NJ 07060

DRC locations change frequently. Updates can be found online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.  An alternative site is www.fema.gov; search DRC Locator.

An applicant may go to any DRC, even if it is located in another county or state but it is not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance. Once an application has been made, a FEMA registration number is assigned that can be accessed nationally.

The following is a list of DRC locations in New Jersey:

Atlantic County                                                        Bergen County

Atlantic City Convention Center                                Bergen County Plaza

1 Convention Blvd., Room 201                                 1 Bergen Plaza, 4th Floor

Atlantic City, NJ 08401                                              Hackensack, NJ 07652

                                               

Burlington County                                                    Camden County                                           

Burlington Center Mall                                               Public Works Building                                   

2501 Burlington – Mount Holly Road                         2311 Egg Harbor Road

Suite 215                                                                  Lindenwold, NJ 08021

Burlington, NJ 08016

 

Cape May County                                                     Cumberland County

Cape May Courthouse Public Library                        Emergency Management Agency Office

30 Mechanics St.                                                       637 Bridgeton Ave., Lower Level

Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210                              Bridgeton, NJ 08302

 

Essex County                                                            Gloucester County

Willing Heart Community Care Center                        Government Services Building

555 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.                                1200 North Delsea Drive

Newark, NJ  07103                                                      Clayton, NJ 08312

         

Hudson County                                                         Hudson County

Adjacent to Office Depot                                            Jersey City Museum

59 Washington St.                                                      350 Montgomery St.

Hoboken, NJ 07030                                                    Jersey City, NJ 07302

                                                                      

Hunterdon County                                                    Mercer County

Hunterdon County                                                      Mercer County Community College

Department of Public Safety Annex                            1200 Old Trenton Road

77 Park Ave.                                                               West Windsor, NJ 08550

Flemington, NJ 08822

 

Middlesex County                                                   Monmouth County

Sayreville Senior Center                                            Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center

423 Main St.                                                               945 Highway 36

Sayreville, NJ 08872                                                   Leonardo, NJ 07737

 

Monmouth County                                                  Monmouth County

Belmar Municipal Building                                         Union Beach Municipal Building

601 Main St.                                                              650 Poole Ave.

Belmar, NJ 07719                                                      Union Beach, NJ 07735

 

Morris County                                                          Ocean County                       

Morris Plains Community Center                                Bell Crest Plaza                      

51 Jim Fear Drive                                                       Store Front 4C                                                                                                          

Morris Plains, NJ 07950                                              953 Fischer Blvd.                                                                                

                                                                                   Toms River, NJ  08753

                                                          

Ocean County                                                           Passaic County

Brick Township Civic Center                                       Passaic County Department of Health

270 Chambers Bridge Road                                       317 Pennsylvania Ave.

Brick, NJ 08723                                                          Paterson, NJ 07503

 

Salem County                                                          Somerset County

Penns Grove EMS Building                                       Somerset County Human Services

25 East Griffith St.                                                     27 Warren St.

Penns Grove, NJ 08069                                            Somerville, NJ 08876

 

Sussex County                                                        Union County

Sussex County Community College                           Chisholm School Community Center

1 College Hill Road                                                    100 S. Springfield Ave.

Newton, NJ 07860                                                      Springfield, NJ 07081

 

Warren County

Franklin Township Municipal Building                     

2093 Route 57

Broadway, NJ 08808

In addition to the DRCs, there are also SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) for business customers. SBA customer service representatives are available at BRCs to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for business losses. They are at the following locations, until further notice:

Atlantic County                                                         Bergen County

Richard Stockton College                                           Bergen Community College

Small Business Development Center                         Small Business Development Center 

35 South Martin Luther King Blvd.                             355 Main St., Room 121

Atlantic City, NJ 08401                                               Hackensack, NJ 07601

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.                       Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Cape May County                                                     Essex County

Cape May County Chamber of Commerce                 Rutgers University

13 Crest Haven Road                                                 Small Business Development Center

Cape May, NJ 08210                                                  25 James St.   

Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.                     Newark, NJ 07102

                                                                                   Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Hudson County                                                         Middlesex County

Small Business Development Center                          John F. Kennedy Library

New Jersey City University                                          500 Hoes Lane

285 West Side Ave., Suites 189 – 191                        Piscataway, NJ 08854                        

Jersey City, NJ 07305                                                 Hours: Mon. – Sat.10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.                                             Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.                                                                                                                         

 

Monmouth County                                                  Ocean County

Brookdale Community College                                 Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

765 Newman Springs Road                                      Stafford Heritage Park Train Station and Rail Car   

Bankier Library, Room 246 (SBDC)                          (Across from Manahawkin Lake between RT 9 and

Lincroft, NJ 07738                                                     RT 72)

Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.                                West Bay Ave.

                                                                                   Manahawkin, NJ 08050

                                                                                   Hours:   Mon – Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

 

Passaic County                                                          Union County

William Paterson University                                         Kean University – SBDC

Small Business Development Center                          Business One-Stop Service – The Incubator

131 Ellison St.                                                             320 Park Ave.

Paterson, NJ 07505                                                     Plainfield, NJ 07060

Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.                                  Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All BRCs will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov.22.                                                                  

Renters, homeowners and businesses that do not need one-on-one assistance do not need to visit a center. They can apply for an SBA disaster loan online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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.

Original post: 

New Jersey Adds Additional Disaster Recovery Centers in Cape May, Ocean and Union Counties

Additional New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Atlantic and Ocean Counties

TRENTON, N.J .–  Anyone affected by Hurricane Sandy can now visit newly opened Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Atlantic and Ocean counties if they have questions about recovery programs. There are now 27 DRCs open daily. The center in Bay Head will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the curfew remains in effect.  All others are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All DRCs in New Jersey will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22.

Before going to a DRC, it is helpful to register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). 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.

DRCs allow residents to speak one-on-one with recovery representatives. FEMA program specialists are available to provide registration and other information, and to answer questions at the centers. These include mitigation specialists who can provide guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

It is not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance.

In addition to FEMA program specialists, customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions about the SBA low-interest disaster loan program, and to assist with disaster loan applications.

The new DRCs are located at:

Atlantic County                                                      Ocean County

Adjacent to Hamilton Mall                                         Bay Head Fire Station #1

4403 Blackhorse Pike (Route 322)                          81 Bridge Ave.

Mays Landing, NJ 08330                                          Bays Head, NJ 08742

DRC locations change frequently. The closest open offices can be found online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm. An alternative is to go to www.fema.gov and search for DRC Locator.

An applicant may go to any DRC, even if it is located in another county or state. Once an application has been made, a FEMA registration number is assigned. It can be accessed nationally.

Other DRCs in New Jersey are located in:

 

Atlantic County                                             Bergen County

Atlantic City Convention Center                    Bergen County Plaza

1 Convention Blvd., Room 201                      1 Bergen Plaza, 4th Floor

Atlantic City, NJ 08401                                  Hackensack, NJ 07652

                                             

Burlington County                                      Camden County                                           

Burlington Center Mall                                   Public Works Building                                   

2501 Burlington – Mount Holly Road             2311 Egg Harbor Road

Suite 215                                                       Lindenwold, NJ 08021

Burlington, NJ 08016

 

Cape May County                                        Cumberland County

Cape May Courthouse Public Library            Emergency Management Agency Office

30 Mechanics St.                                           637 Bridgeton Ave., Lower Level

Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210                  Bridgeton, NJ 08302

 

Essex County                                               Gloucester County

Willing Heart Community Care Center            Government Services Building

555 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.                    1200 North Delsea Drive

Newark, NJ  07103                                          Clayton, NJ 08312

         

Hudson County                                             Hudson County

Adjacent to Office Depot                                Jersey City Museum

59 Washington St.                                          350 Montgomery St.

Hoboken, NJ 07030                                        Jersey City, NJ 07302

                                                                      

Hunterdon County                                       Mercer County

Hunterdon County                                          Mercer County Community College

Department of Public Safety Annex                1200 Old Trenton Road

77 Park Ave.                                                   West Windsor, NJ 08550

Flemington, NJ 08822

 

Middlesex County                                        Monmouth County

Sayreville Senior Center                                 Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center

423 Main St.                                                    945 Highway 36

Sayreville, NJ 08872                                        Leonardo, NJ 07737

 

Monmouth County                                       Monmouth County

Belmar Municipal Building                              Union Beach Municipal Building

601 Main St.                                                   650 Poole Ave.

Belmar, NJ 07719                                           Union Beach, NJ 07735

 

Morris County                                               Ocean County                       

Morris Plains Community Center                     Bell Crest Plaza                      

51 Jim Fear Drive                                            Store Front 4C                                                                                                          

Morris Plains, NJ 07950                                   953 Fischer Blvd.                                                                                                                                                         Toms River, NJ  08753                                                                      

Ocean County                                               Passaic County

Brick Township Civic Center                           Passaic County Department of Health

270 Chambers Bridge Road                           317 Pennsylvania Ave.

Brick, NJ 08723                                               Paterson, NJ 07503

 

Salem County                                               Somerset County

Penns Grove EMS Building                            Somerset County Human Services

25 East Griffith St.                                          27 Warren St.

Penns Grove, NJ 08069                                 Somerville, NJ 08876

 

Sussex County                                            Union County

Sussex County Community College               Chisholm School Community Center

1 College Hill Road                                        100 S. Springfield Ave.

Newton, NJ 07860                                          Springfield, NJ 07081

 

Warren County

Franklin Township Municipal Building                     

2093 Route 57

Broadway, NJ 08808

 

In addition to the DRCs, there are also SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) to serve business customers. SBA Customer Service Representatives are available at BRCs to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses. They are at the following locations, until further notice:

 

Atlantic County                                                       Bergen County

Richard Stockton College                                         Bergen Community College

Small Business Development Center                        Small Business Development Center 

35 South Martin Luther King Blvd.                            355 Main St., Room 121

Atlantic City, NJ 08401                                              Hackensack, NJ 07601

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.                       Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Cape May County                                                    Essex County

Cape May County Chamber of Commerce                Rutgers University

13 Crest Haven Road                                                Small Business Development Center

Cape May, NJ 08210                                                  25 James St.   

Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.                    Newark, NJ 07102

                                                                                  Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Hudson County                                                       Middlesex County

Small Business Development Center                        John F. Kennedy Library

New Jersey City University                                        500 Hoes Lane

285 West Side Ave., Suites 189 – 191                      Piscataway, NJ 08854

Jersey City, NJ 07305                                               Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m to 5 p.m

Hours: Mon. – Sat.10 a.m. to 5 p.m.                                     Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.                                                                                                                                                 

Monmouth County                                                  Ocean County

Brookdale Community College                                  Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

765 Newman Springs Road                                       Stafford Heritage Park Train Station and Rail Car   

Bankier Library, Room 246 (SBDC)                          (Across from Manahawkin Lake between RT 9 and

Lincroft, NJ 07738                                                     RT 72)

Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.                               West Bay Ave.

                                                                                 Manahawkin, NJ 08050

                                                                                 Hours:   Mon – Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

 

Passaic County                                                       Union County

William Paterson University                                       Kean University – SBDC

Small Business Development Center                        Business One-Stop Service – The Incubator

131 Ellison St.                                                           320 Park Ave.

Paterson, NJ 07505                                                   Plainfield, NJ 07060

Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.                                Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

                                                                       

Renters, homeowners and businesses that do not need one-on-one assistance do not need to visit a center. They can apply for an SBA disaster loan online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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.

 

 

Original article: 

Additional New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Atlantic and Ocean Counties

New Disaster Recovery Centers Now Open in Mercer, Burlington, Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex and Monmouth Counties

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey residents who were affected by Hurricane Sandy can now visit six newly-opened Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) if they have questions about recovery programs. Twenty-two DRCs across impacted areas are currently open daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. – with the exception of one in Hoboken operating 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To serve the needs of those impacted by Hurricane Sandy, all centers are open until further notice including Veteran’s Day.

Before going to a DRC, it is helpful to register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). 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.

DRCs are set up for residents to be able to speak one-on-one to recovery representatives, but it is not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance.

FEMA program specialists are available to provide registration and other information, and to answer questions at the centers. These include mitigation specialists who can provide guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

In addition to FEMA program specialists, customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions about the SBA low-interest disaster loan program, and to assist with disaster loan applications.

 

New DRC locations are:

 

Mercer County

Mercer County Community College                                      

1200 Old Trenton Road

West Windsor, NJ 08550

 

Burlington County

Burlington Center Mall                                              

2501 Burlington – Mount Holly Road

Suite 215

Burlington, NJ 08016

 

Hunterdon County

Hunterdon County                                                                                                     

Department of Public Safety Annex

77 Park Ave.

Flemington, NJ 08822

 

Warren County

Franklin Township Municipal Building                     

2093 Route 57

Broadway, NJ 08808

 

Sussex County

Sussex County Community College                          

1 College Hill Road

Newton, NJ 07860

           

Monmouth County

Belmar Municipal Building                                        

601 Main St.

Belmar, NJ 07719

 

DRC locations change frequently. The closest open offices can be found online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm. An alternative is to go to www.fema.gov and search for DRC locator.

An applicant may go to any DRC, even if it is located in another state. Once an application has been made, a FEMA registration number is given to the file. It can be accessed nationally.

 

Other DRCs open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in New Jersey are located in:

 

Atlantic County                                             Bergen County

Atlantic City Convention Center                    Bergen County Plaza

1 Convention Blvd., Room 201                      1 Bergen Plaza, 4th Floor

Atlantic City, N.J. 08401                                Hackensack, N.J. 07652

 

Cape May County                                         Cumberland County

Cape May Courthouse Public Library            Emergency Management Agency Office

30 Mechanics St.                                             637 Bridgeton Ave., Lower Level

Cape May Courthouse, N.J. 08210                 Bridgeton, N.J. 08302

 

Gloucester County                                        Hudson County

Government Services Building                       Jersey City Museum

1200 North Delsea Dr.                                    350 Montgomery St.

Clayton, NJ 08312                                          Jersey City, NJ 07302

 

Hudson County – special hours 8a.m to 5p.m.

adjacent to Police Department

59 Washington St.                             

Hoboken, N.J. 07030

 

Middlesex County                                         Monmouth County

Sayreville Senior Center                                 Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center

423 Main St.                                                   945 Hwy. 36, Atlantic Highlands

Sayreville, NJ 08872                                       Leonardo, N.J. 07737

 

Monmouth County                                       Morris County                                  

Union Beach Municipal Building                   Morris Plains Community Center                  

650 Poole Ave.                                               51 Jim Fear Dr.                                              

Union Beach, NJ 07735                                  Morris Plains, NJ 07950

                                   

Ocean County                                                Passaic County

Brick Township Civic Center                         Passaic County Department of Health

270 Chambers Bridge Rd.                              317 Pennsylvania Ave.

Brick, NJ 08723                                              Patterson, NJ 07503

 

Salem County                                                Somerset County

Penns Grove EMS Building                           Somerset County Human Services

25 East Griffith St.                                         27 Warren St.

Penns Grove, NJ 08069                                  Somerville, NJ 08876

 

Union County

Chisholm School Community Center

100 S. Springfield Ave.

Springfield, NJ 07081

 

SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs)

SBA Customer Service Representatives are also available provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses at Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) at the following locations, until further notice:

 

Ocean County

Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

Stafford Heritage Park Train Station and Rail Car

(Across from Manahawkin Lake between RT 9 and RT 72)

West Bay Avenue

Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Hours:   Monday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice

 

Bergen County                                                          Essex County

Bergen Community College                                       Rutgers University

Small Business Development Center                          Small Business Development Center

355 Main Street, Room 121                                        25 James Street          

Hackensack, NJ 07601                                               Newark, NJ 07102

Hours:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon- Fri                               Hours:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri

 

 

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.

See original article here: 

New Disaster Recovery Centers Now Open in Mercer, Burlington, Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex and Monmouth Counties

As Hurricane Sandy Nears Southeast Florida, FEMA Urges Residents to Prepare for Extreme Weather

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through our regional offices in Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston, continues to closely monitor Hurricane Sandy located in the eastern Caribbean Sea about 85 miles south-southeast of the central Bahamas with maximum sustained winds of 105 miles per hour, and remains in close coordination with state emergency management partners in Florida and the potentially affected southeast, Mid-Atlantic and New England states. 

With hurricane season lasting through November 30, FEMA stands prepared and ready to support state, local, tribal and territorial partners in responding to storms. The agency has a federal coordinating officer and staff that are currently in Florida working previously declared disasters.  They continue to work closely with the state on recovery operations.

Regional Administrators and other senior officials in FEMA’s regional offices along the East Coast have been in contact with their state counterparts in order to ensure coordination for any emergency response. FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams are on alert for potential deployment to states in order to help with coordination, should emergency response assistance be needed or requested. At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, including Atlanta, Ga. and Frederick, Md., if needed and requested.

“As Hurricane Sandy proceeds closer toward southeast Florida, residents should listen to local officials for updates and follow their instructions,” urged FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.  “As the storm moves northward, it serves as a reminder that we all need to be prepared for severe weather.  Now is the time to update your family communication plans, check your supplies, and stay informed.  A hurricane isn’t a point on a map – it’s a big storm and its impact will be felt far from the center. FEMA is in contact with states and tribal governments and stands ready to support their preparedness efforts.”

According to NOAA’s National Weather Service, Sandy is now a Category 2 hurricane expected to produce storm conditions along the east coast of Florida tonight and Friday.  Also, rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible across the Florida Keys into southeast and east-central Florida.  Tropical Storm watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service remain in effect in southeast Florida.  Tropical Storm warnings are in effect for Florida east coast from Ocean Reef to Flagler Beach and Lake Okeechobee.  A Tropical Storm watch is in effect for the Florida east coast from  north of Flagler Beach to Fernandina Beach; for  the Florida Upper Keys from Ocean Reef southward to Craig Key; and Florida Bay. 

 

FEMA urges residents in potentially impacted areas, including the Florida Keys, southern Florida peninsula to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local news, monitor for severe weather updates and warnings, and follow instructions of local officials.  State and local officials make determinations and announcement about evacuations, and if local officials give the order to evacuate, leave immediately.  While the exact track of the storm is uncertain, according to the National Weather Service, storm conditions associated with Hurricane Sandy may impact additional states throughout the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast early next week.

While tropical storms are unpredictable, those in the possible path of the storm should be preparing. If you haven’t done so already, take the time now to put together a family emergency plan and emergency kit.  Some of the items in a basic emergency kit include: one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation; at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food; battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio; flashlight and extra batteries; and First Aid kit.  Having a kit can help you weather the storm.

Everyone should familiarize themselves with the terms that are used to identify a severe weather hazard.  A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.  A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours. 

We urge coastal and inland residents to be familiar with flood and flash flood terminology and safety tips:

  • Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous. Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas, at bridges, and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.  Remember – turn around, don’t drown.
  • Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
  • Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if local officials give notice to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Flash Flood Watch: Rapid rises on streams and rivers are possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
  • Flash Flood Warning: Rapid rises on streams and rivers are occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

More information about what to do before, during and after a disaster can also be found visiting ready.gov and listo.gov.  FEMA Applications for mobile devices are also available visiting http://www.fema.gov/smartphone-app.  Sharing information using social media tools is also a good way for residents to stay informed.  Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. 

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.

This article is from:  

As Hurricane Sandy Nears Southeast Florida, FEMA Urges Residents to Prepare for Extreme Weather

As Tropical Storm Nears Florida, FEMA Urges Florida and Gulf Coast Residents to Monitor Conditions and Follow the Direction of Local Officials

FEMA and Federal Partners Continue to Monitor Tropical Storm Isaac

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners, through the FEMA Regional Headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas, continue to monitor Tropical Storm Isaac and remain in close coordination with local officials and emergency management partners in Florida, and other southeastern and Gulf Coast states.  Earlier today, President Obama was briefed by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Rick Knabb on the projected track and timing of the storm as well as steps being taken by the Administration to support potentially impacted states.  Tropical storm conditions are already being experienced along the Florida Keys and the Florida East Coast.   

According to NOAA’s National Weather Service advisory at 2:00 p.m., a Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Florida Keys including the Dry Tortugas, the west coast of Florida from Bonita Beach southward to Ocean Reef and the Florida Bay.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for east of Morgan City, Louisiana to Indian Pass Florida including Metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Florida east coast from Sebastian Inlet southward to Ocean Reef; the Florida west coast and the Florida Panhandle from north of Bonita Beach, FL to Indian Pass, FL including Tampa Bay; and Lake Okeechobee. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida east coast north of Sebastian Inlet to Flagler Beach.  Hurricane conditions are possible in the Hurricane Watch area along the North Coast on Tuesday, with tropical storm conditions possible by Monday night.

“As Tropical Storm Isaac continues towards Florida and the Gulf States, local residents need to monitor storm conditions and follow the direction of local officials,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “FEMA and its federal partners remain in close coordination with states and tribal governments across the Southeast as Tropical Storm Isaac continues to move toward Florida and the Gulf States.   Teams have been deployed to Florida and states along the Gulf Coast to provide support as needed, and additional teams have been placed on alert.”

FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to Florida and a liaison is on site at the Florida emergency operations center. A Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) team is also being deployed to support the state with secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations, and with any potential requests for assistance.  An IMAT team is already on the ground in Louisiana and today, at the request of the states, FEMA is deploying IMAT teams as well as liaisons to the Alabama and Mississippi emergency operations center in advance of the storm. Other teams have been identified and will be deployed as needed and requested to southern and Gulf Coast states.  At all times, FEMA maintains commodities including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, to support states if needed and requested.  FEMA has distribution centers in Atlanta, Ga. and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and in coordination with U.S. Northern Command, has prepositioned supplies closer to potentially affected areas in Jacksonville, Fla. and Montgomery, Ala.  More than 436,000 meals, 1.1 million liters of water, 2,000 cots, 4,600 blankets and other supplies are on the ground in Jacksonville and supplies will be arriving in Montgomery, Ala. today.

FEMA urges coastal residents in Florida and the Gulf Coast states to monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local news for severe weather updates and warnings, and follow instructions of state and local officials.  Tropical weather systems can bring heavy rains, flooding and flash flooding, tornadoes and high winds. According to the National Weather Service, isolated tornadoes are possible over portions of Central and Southern Florida and the Florida Keys today, and flooding is likely to occur.  Now is the time to prepare your family, home or business to lessen the impact of severe weather.  Coastal residents are urged to ensure that you and your family have an emergency plan, including your local evacuation route, where you will go if you need to evacuate or seek shelter, family contact information and important paperwork and nearby shelter information.  Also be sure to fill up your tanks with gas and get cash in case ATMs are unavailable due to power loss.  If you haven’t already, visit Ready.gov (Listo.gov para español) for additional tips on creating your family emergency plan, getting an emergency kit and taking other steps to prepare.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends coastal residents include food safety as part of their preparedness plans.  Power outages and flooding that often result from weather emergencies compromise the safety of stored food, and planning ahead can minimize the risk of food borne illness. USDA food safety tips include having a cooler on hand to keep refrigerator food cold in case of power outage, and to group food together in the freezer; this helps the food stay cold longer. Additional food safety preparedness tips can be found at USDA Food Safety Inspection Service’s website www.fsis.usda.gov.

As is always the case, local officials make decisions on issuing evacuation orders, so FEMA advises residents to remember to listen to the direction of their local officials, and to learn where evacuation routes and sheltering locations are located, in case evacuation orders are given.  

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.

More – 

As Tropical Storm Nears Florida, FEMA Urges Florida and Gulf Coast Residents to Monitor Conditions and Follow the Direction of Local Officials

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