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David Passey Named FEMA Region 6 Deputy Administrator

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today named David Passey as Deputy Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 6.

“David has 22 years of experience in dealing with emergency managers at the local, state, tribal, federal and international level,” said Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “With his leadership and communications skills, he will be a great asset for this Region.”

Passey, a Magna Cum Laude graduate from Brigham Young University, began his FEMA career as an Emergency Management Intern at FEMA Headquarters in 1991. Since moving to Region 6 in 1992, he has served in several positions including Hazard Mitigation Specialist, Flood Mitigation Specialist and Regional External Affairs Officer. In the fall of 2007, he left Region 6 to serve as Senior DHS Representative to NATO. He returned to Region 6 in 2011, most recently serving as Hazard Mitigation Assistance Branch Chief.

As Deputy Regional Administrator, Passey will work closely with state, tribal, federal partners, and local emergency managers to support our communities as they prepare for, respond to, recover from and to mitigate against disasters. “I’m looking forward to the challenges of the job, and the chance to strengthen the ties Region 6 has with our partners,” said Passey.

Passey fills the position which was vacated when Tony Robinson was named Administrator of FEMA Region 6 on January 10, 2013.

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David Passey Named FEMA Region 6 Deputy Administrator

President Declares Disaster for Colorado

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 Colorado to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by the Royal Gorge Fire during the period of June 11-16, 2013.

Federal funding is available for Disaster Unemployment Assistance for affected individuals in Fremont County.

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 the Royal Gorge Fire in Fremont County.

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

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

Follow FEMA online at 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.

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President Declares Disaster for Colorado

Florida Mass Care Specialist Recognized For Excellence

Michael Whitehead wins Craig Irwin Memorial Award

ATLANTA – Florida mass care coordinator Michael Whitehead of Tallahassee won the Craig Irwin Memorial Award this week at the FEMA Region IV annual Individual Assistance Conference in Atlanta.

The Craig Irwin Memorial Award recognizes excellence in service and support with the individual assistance network.

“I’m honored to receive such an award,” Whitehead said. “I want to thank FEMA and all the state officers for giving me such a tremendous honor. I promise to continue working to increase our nation’s mass care capabilities.”

Following a disaster, individual assistance and/or mass care programs coordinate with federal, state, local, and voluntary/non-profit entities to provide recovery assistance to survivors.

Whitehead serves as the mass care coordinator as part of Florida’s State Emergency Response Team and is an employee of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation where he has worked for more than 25 years.

In addition to working disaster events in Florida, Whitehead has also assisted other states including Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Louisiana during Hurricane Gustav in 2008, New Jersey during Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Maryland during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Following his work in Maryland, Whitehead took two weeks of vacation time to volunteer with the American Red Cross in New York City to assist with additional Sandy response and recovery efforts.

The Craig Irwin Memorial Award is named for the long-time individual assistance and mass care officer for the state of Tennessee. Irwin, a Fairview, Tenn. native, died at the age of 60 in January 2009.

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Florida Mass Care Specialist Recognized For Excellence

FEMA Extends Case Management Program For Irene Survivors

WILLISTON, Vt. – The program that funneled federal funds through a statewide network of community action groups to help struggling Vermonters recover from Tropical Storm Irene will be extended past the two-year anniversary of the storm.

Officials with the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that the deadline for using the last of a $2.8 million Disaster Case Management Program grant will be moved from August 31 to November 30.

“The Disaster Case Management Program has proven itself successful in helping Vermonters who are still experiencing difficulties relating to Irene,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont operations. “It only makes sense to continue doing what’s working.”

“Case management is an important part of helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency,” Vermont State Coordinating Officer Ross Nagy said. “It’s an opportunity to focus on all aspects of recovery for these survivors, and continuing the case management process allows the program to maximize the use of available resources at no additional cost.”

Through the program, case managers will assist disaster survivors with developing a goal-oriented plan for their recovery, match survivors’ essential needs to available resources in the area, monitor their progress toward reaching recovery goals and, when necessary, offer survivor advocacy. Services are available to any survivor with disaster-caused unmet needs.

To learn more or access services, call 2-1-1 or contact your local Long Term Recovery Committee. A list of Long Term Recovery Committees is available at http://www.vermontdisasterrecovery.com/

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

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FEMA Extends Case Management Program For Irene Survivors

FEMA Blizzard Aid to Massachusetts Tops $4 Million

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program has obligated more than $4.2 million to help the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with costs due to the February 8-10 blizzard.

On April 19, a major disaster declaration made federal funding available to the commonwealth, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester counties. FEMA has obligated $4,208,651 to aid the affected counties.

FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo said, “This assistance reduces the blizzard’s financial burden on local governments and agencies who worked tirelessly in the days immediately following the crippling storm.” He added that FEMA continues working to ensure that all receive the maximum disaster assistance for which they are eligible.

Kurt Schwartz, director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, said his agency works closely with FEMA to ensure all eligible federal dollars flow to the commonwealth in a timely manner.

“MEMA will continue to work with our local communities as we move forward with the distribution of these reimbursement dollars,” Schwartz said.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses public agencies and certain private non-profits for 75 per cent of their eligible costs. For the snowstorm, most of the costs were for emergency response overtime work and for clearing tons of snow from public roads and other public facilities.

In addition, assistance is available to the commonwealth and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for snow assistance for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period in Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.

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FEMA Blizzard Aid to Massachusetts Tops $4 Million

One Week to Register for Disaster Assistance

Aurora, Ill. – Only one week remains for Illinoisans affected by the storms and flooding that took place from April 16 to May 5 to register for FEMA assistance. The deadline is Wednesday, July 24, 2013.

Some residents may have disqualified themselves for disaster assistance because of misinformation. Those who have received FEMA assistance in the past or have insurance should register anyway. Failure to register by the deadline will prevent possible eligibility for this disaster.

“We urge everyone who experienced storm damage during that period to register with FEMA to determine their eligibility for recovery of uninsured losses,” said W. Michael Moore, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the Illinois disaster declaration.

All it takes is one call to FEMA’s toll-free registration number, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA registration lines. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

Applicants also may register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register with FEMA

For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

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

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Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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One Week to Register for Disaster Assistance

Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator Helps Focus Resources To Assist Recovery

TRENTON, N.J. — In the weeks after a large-scale disaster or catastrophic event, a range of work begins to help impacted communities focus not only on a path out of destruction but on enhancing their resilience to future hazards.

The Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator (FDRC) plays a significant role in that strategy, primarily serving to focus federal resources on the most pertinent recovery needs. Peter Martinasco was named to the role of FDRC in New Jersey for Superstorm Sandy recovery.

The FDRC is activated under the National Disaster Recovery Framework, which provides a structure for seamless coordination between federal, state, tribal and local governments, the private sector, and voluntary, faith-based and community organizations.

“The Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinators do long-term planning with municipalities that have been devastated,” said Bill Vogel, FEMA’s Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer for Sandy recovery in New Jersey. “These communities need help determining what their priorities are and how they want to look after they recover.”

In major disasters or catastrophic events the FDRC is empowered to recommend activation of six key areas of assistance, or Recovery Support Functions. The RSFs are led by designated federal coordinating agencies: Housing (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development); Infrastructure Systems (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers); Economic (U.S. Department of Commerce); Health and Social Services (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services); Natural and Cultural Resources (U.S. Department of Interior); and Community Planning and Capacity Building (FEMA).

Working in partnership with a State Disaster Recovery Coordinator and a Hazard Mitigation Adviser, the FDRC oversees an assessment of impacted communities and a recovery support strategy. That strategy helps ease access to federal funding, decrease gaps in assistance, and establish recovery goals in terms of outcomes, milestones and budget.

For communities that seek assistance, the FDRC also provides a team of recovery specialists with a broad array of skills. Among them: civil engineering, architecture, land-use planning, economic development, environmental science and disabilities integration.

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.

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Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator Helps Focus Resources To Assist Recovery

The state of Alaska and FEMA encourage residents to apply for disaster assistance

Individuals affected by the 2013 Spring Floods, that occurred during the period of May 17 to June 11, 2013, may now call or go online to register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“Registering is an important first step on the path to a variety of recovery programs,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Dolph Diemont. “We are encouraging people to apply as soon as possible.”

“Registering with FEMA is essential, even if survivors have already registered with the State,” said State Coordinating Officer Bryan Fisher.

The major federal disaster, signed by President Obama on June 25, authorizes assistance to individuals and households in Alaska Gateway Regional Educational Attendance Area (REAA), Lower Yukon REAA, Yukon Flats REAA, and the Yukon-Koyukuk REAA.

Disaster survivors have several ways to apply.

Individuals can call 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. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) should call 1-800-621-3362.
Another option is to register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time), seven days a week.

Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, and phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.

If you have questions about FEMA assistance, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). You can also visit www.disasterassistance.gov or www.fema.gov.

Please note: Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

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The state of Alaska and FEMA encourage residents to apply for disaster assistance

Federal Cost-Share For Sandy Cleanup, Rebuilding Projects In New Jersey Increased To 90 Percent

TRENTON, N.J. — At the request of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, President Obama authorized a federal cost-share increase for projects funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance grant program from 75 percent to 90 percent.

“When federal disaster aid to a state meets or exceeds a set amount per state resident – currently $133 – federal regulations allow for the President to authorize an increase to 90 percent,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech.

This increase allows FEMA to reimburse state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations 90 percent of eligible costs of emergency expenses, debris removal and infrastructure repair. The remaining 10 percent is provided by non-federal funds.

After Superstorm Sandy struck, the President authorized 100 percent federal funding for 15 days for emergency power restoration assistance and emergency public transportation assistance, including direct federal assistance, for those areas within New Jersey counties designated for Public Assistance.

To date, FEMA has approved more than $556 million in Public Assistance grants to help New Jersey communities recover and rebuild.

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.

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Federal Cost-Share For Sandy Cleanup, Rebuilding Projects In New Jersey Increased To 90 Percent

Disaster Assistance May be Available for HVAC Systems

AURORA, Ill. – The summer cooling season has arrived in Illinois and those in areas affected by the April 16 to May 5 storms may be eligible for repair or replacement of heating, ventilation and cooling systems (HVAC) if they were damaged or destroyed by flooding and were not covered by insurance.

“FEMA’s mission includes ensuring that all homes affected by the flooding are habitable,” said W. Michael Moore, federal coordinating officer for the disaster. “In order for homes to be habitable, furnaces and central air conditioning systems must be in good working order.”

Federal disaster assistance may cover the cleaning and testing of a flood-damaged HVAC system and replacement if the unit was destroyed because of storms during the incident period. To be considered, Illinois residents must first register for assistance from FEMA by the Tuesday, July 9 deadline.

Those who discover their HVAC system needs repair or replacement after they already received a FEMA grant for this disaster that did not include money to repair their HVAC system can file an appeal for additional disaster funds. However, the appeal must be made within 60 days of the date of the original grant or determination letter.

When filing an appeal, survivors must submit a letter requesting additional funds and a verifiable estimate or an itemized receipt by a contractor that states that the estimate or actual cost paid is not an upgrade, that the repair was necessary to make the home habitable and is disaster related.

Applicants may be eligible for costs related to the repair or replacement of the furnaces, including the cost for labor. If the furnace is located on the ground-level floor or basement, FEMA encourages the applicant to elevate the unit.

Low interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also cover repairs to HVAC systems. Disaster survivors with insurance should not wait for an insurance settlement before applying to the SBA. If survivors do not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, the SBA will consider making a loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay their SBA loan.

It is important that anyone receiving an SBA disaster loan application complete and return it. Returning the application does not obligate you to accept an SBA loan; however, it is a necessary step to be considered for other additional forms of federal disaster assistance.

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

The deadline to register for FEMA disaster assistance is Tuesday, July 9.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Disaster Assistance May be Available for HVAC Systems

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