CHICAGO –September is National Preparedness Month, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages everyone to act now and make their families’ preparedness for disasters a priority. 

“National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that we all need to prepare for disasters and emergencies,” said Regional Administrator Andrew Velasquez III.  “Make disaster readiness manageable by taking one step at a time— start by learning your specific risk, gathering supplies for an emergency kit, and developing a family communications plan. By taking these small, but critical, steps over time, you can be prepared for disasters.”

Severe weather and other emergencies can strike with little or no warning and can have disastrous impacts. Already this year, the Midwest has experienced several waves of destructive severe storms, including the devastating tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma. Additionally, other parts of the country are currently fighting intense wildfires, flooding and other emergencies that threaten the infrastructure people depend on every day. Whether at home or on the go, everyone should learn the steps necessary to make preparedness part of their everyday life. 

“As a nation we are seeing disasters increase in their size and complexity, and they are occurring with greater frequency,” said Velasquez. “The impacts of these events are a reminder that everyone should be prepared for the hazards faced in their communities or even while traveling. Make preparedness a priority for your family today and help encourage a culture of preparedness in your community.”

An emergency supply kit should have at least three days of basic emergency supplies, such as water, food, flashlights, batteries and medications that you or your family may need on a daily basis. You can make collecting these items more affordable by gradually adding supplies to your kit until it is complete.

Throughout the month, FEMA will offer tips to help you be disaster ready. Follow FEMA Region V online at twitter.com/femaregion5 and www.facebook.com/fema, to receive the latest preparedness updates.  

For detailed information about how to be ready for severe weather in your area, including a list of items you will want to have in your emergency kit, visit http://www.ready.gov/, or our Spanish site at http://www.listo.gov/.

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

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

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, FEMA, 312-408-4455

 

 

 

 

Source:  

Get Ready: National Preparedness Month Launches September 1

La asistencia por desastre alcanza los $5.1 millones para las tormentas ocurridas entre el 18 y el
27 de mayo

OKLAHOMA CITY – La asistencia por desastre estatal y federal ahora alcanza $5.1 millones para los propietarios de viviendas e inquilinos de Oklahoma afectados por los tornados y tormentas severas ocurridas entre el 18 y el 27 de mayo.

Más de 8,000 residentes de Oklahoma han solicitado asistencia al Departamento de Oklahoma para el Manejo de Emergencias (OEM, por sus siglas en inglés) y a la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) luego de las tormentas que se produjeron entre el 18 y el
27 de mayo.

La asistencia por desastre puede incluir subvenciones para ayudar a pagar una vivienda temporal, reparaciones para viviendas u otros gastos importantes relacionados con el desastre, como gastos médicos y dentales o costos funerarios y de entierro que no estén cubiertos por un seguro u otro recurso.

• Fondos de Asistencia Individual aprobados: $5,153,643
o Asistencia para vivienda: $3,699,408
o Asistencia para otras necesidades: $1,145,234
• Inscripciones: 8,049

OEM y FEMA cuentan con cuatro Centros de Recuperación por Desastre donde los sobrevivientes pueden asistir para recibir información y solicitar asistencia. Los especialistas de OEM, FEMA y la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) de los Estados Unidos estarán disponibles para responder preguntas. A la fecha, 3,179 personas han visitado los centros:

• Little Axe Elementary School, 2000, 168th Ave. NE, Norman, horario de atención: 9.00am—
7.00pm.
• Carney High School, 204 South Carney St., Carney, horario de atención: 8.00am—7.00pm.
• Westmoore High School, 12613 South Western Ave., Oklahoma City, horario de atención:
8.00am—8.00pm.
• Gordon Cooper Technology Center, One John C. Bruton Blvd., Shawnee, horario de atención:
8.00am—8.00pm.

También hay disponibles préstamos por desastre a bajo interés de la SBA para los propietarios de vivienda, inquilinos y empresas de todos los tamaños y organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro. Ya se aprobaron los primeros préstamos para propietarios de viviendas e inquilinos que reúnen los requisitos.

Los propietarios de viviendas, inquilinos y propietarios de empresas de los cinco condados designados (Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma y Pottawatomi), que hayan sufrido daños por las tormentas ocurridas entre el 18 y el 27 de mayo, pueden solicitar asistencia estatal y federal en línea en DisasterAssistance.gov/es o a través de un teléfono inteligente en www.m.fema.gov/es.

Los sobrevivientes de las tormentas ocurridas entre el 18 y el 27 de mayo también pueden completar una solicitud por teléfono llamando al 800-621-3362 o al (TTY) 800-462-7585. Las personas que utilizan el servicio 711 o el servicio de transmisión de video, pueden llamar al 800-621-3362 para inscribirse.

Para obtener más información sobre la recuperación por desastre en Oklahoma, haga clic en fema.gov/disaster/4117 o visite el sitio del OEM en oem.ok.gov.

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre se encuentra disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o condición económica.  Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido discriminado, comuníquese sin cargo con FEMA al 800-621-3362. Para utilizar la línea TTY, llame al 800-462-7585.

El OEM trabaja en la preparación, la respuesta, la recuperación y la mitigación de emergencias y desastres. El Departamento presta servicios a las ciudades, los pueblos y los condados de Oklahoma a través de una red de más de 350 administradores de emergencias locales.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a los ciudadanos y a las agencias de primera respuesta para garantizar que como país trabajemos juntos para desarrollar, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos, protegernos y recuperarnos de los peligros, responder ante ellos y mitigarlos.

La SBA es la fuente principal de dinero del gobierno federal para la reconstrucción a largo plazo de la propiedad privada dañada por el desastre. La SBA ayuda a propietarios de viviendas, inquilinos, empresas de todos los tamaños y organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro para que puedan financiar sus esfuerzos de reparación o de reconstrucción y a cubrir el costo de reemplazar la propiedad privada que se perdió o que sufrió daños por desastre. Los préstamos por desastre cubren pérdidas que el seguro u otras fuentes de recuperación no cubren en su totalidad y no duplican beneficios de otras agencias u organizaciones.

Síganos en Twitter en http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6 y en el blog de FEMA en http://blog.fema.gov.

Link: 

La asistencia por desastre alcanza los $5.1 millones para las tormentas ocurridas entre el 18 y el 27 de mayo

• MYTH: There’s no easy way to get true, reliable information about FEMA’s disaster assistance programs.
FACT: Straight answers and plain facts are available from the disaster assistance program experts on FEMA’s Help Line. Call 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585 to learn about disaster assistance programs and to register for aid.

• MYTH: It’s hard to register for FEMA disaster assistance.
FACT: There are three ways to register for disaster assistance. Call 1-800-621-3362; TTY 1-800-462-7585; online, visit www.disasterassistance.gov or go to m.fema.gov via web-enabled phone. Users of 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 1-800-621-3362.
o Oklahoma residents who live in counties designated for federal assistance — Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie — are urged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. 

• MYTH: It takes a long time for disaster aid to reach survivors.
FACT: FEMA already has Individual Assistance specialists on the ground in Oklahoma. They will continue to process assistance for eligible survivors as applications are received.

• MYTH: Survivors can’t register for FEMA assistance if they have insurance.
FACT: Survivors may be eligible for FEMA disaster aid for their uninsured and underinsured losses and damage.

• MYTH: Renters can’t get FEMA aid.
FACT: Renters whose homes were made unlivable by a disaster may be eligible for FEMA disaster grants, including rental assistance and other disaster-related needs. 

• MYTH: When survivors register, they immediately qualify and receive payments from FEMA.
FACT: After survivors register, their completed applications are reviewed, and an inspector may call to schedule an inspection at their home. If survivors are eligible for assistance, they should receive a U.S. Treasury/State check or notification of a direct deposit to their bank accounts. Other types of assistance may be provided later, based on specific eligibility and need.

• MYTH: If you receive FEMA assistance, it could reduce your social security benefit.
FACT: FEMA assistance will not affect your social security payments.

• MYTH: Only businesses can get low-interest disaster loans from SBA.
FACT: SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes (including landlords) and private nonprofit organizations for disaster damages not fully covered by insurance or other compensation.

• MYTH: Immigrants do not qualify for federal assistance.
FACT: It’s true that applicants must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or a qualified alien to be eligible for FEMA assistants. However, assistance may be available if someone registers on behalf of a child in the home who is a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien under 18.

• MYTH: Receiving a letter from FEMA stating the applicant is not eligible means the person will not get any assistance.
FACT:   Receiving such a letter does not necessarily mean an applicant is not eligible for disaster aid, even when the letter states “ineligible” or “incomplete.” It can be an indication that further information is needed, or that the applicant’s insurance claim needs to be settled first before disaster aid can be granted.
For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4117 or visit the OEM site at www.oem.ok.gov. The fema.gov website has a link to a Rumor Control Page, which clarifies disaster-related rumors.
 

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) prepares for, responds to, recovers from and mitigates against emergencies and disasters. The department delivers service to Oklahoma cities, towns and counties through a network of more than 350 local emergency managers.

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.
SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding 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 uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Continue reading:  

Myths and Facts about FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for Oklahoma Tornado Survivors

OKLAHOMA CITY – Funcionarios estatales y federales anunciaron un nuevo horario para visitar el Centro de Recuperación por Desastre ubicado en la escuela primaria Little Axe Elementary School en Norman: de 9.00am a 7.00pm todos los días. El centro es un lugar al que los residentes de Oklahoma afectados por los recientes tornados pueden acudir para encontrar información sobre asistencia por desastre estatal, federal o de otro tipo para propietarios de viviendas, inquilinos y propietarios de empresas.

Los especialistas del Departamento de Oklahoma para el Manejo de Emergencias (OEM, por sus siglas en inglés), la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) y representantes del Servicio al Cliente para la Administración de Pequeños Negocios de EE.UU (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) estarán disponibles para responder preguntas.

Condado de Cleveland
Escuela primaria Little Axe Elementary School
2000 168th Ave. NE
Norman, OK 73026
Horario de atención: de 9.00am a 7.00pm hasta nuevo aviso

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre se encuentra disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o condición económica.  Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido discriminado, comuníquese sin cargo con FEMA al 800-621-3362. Para utilizar la línea TTY, llame al 800-462-7585.

El OEM trabaja en la preparación, la respuesta, la recuperación y la mitigación de emergencias y desastres. El Departamento presta servicios a las ciudades, los pueblos y los condados de Oklahoma a través de una red de más de 350 administradores de emergencias locales.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a los ciudadanos y a las agencias de primera respuesta para garantizar que como país trabajemos juntos para desarrollar, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos, protegernos y recuperarnos de los peligros, responder ante ellos y mitigarlos.

La SBA es la fuente principal de recursos financieros del gobierno federal para la reconstrucción a largo plazo de la propiedad privada dañada por desastres. La SBA ayuda a propietarios de viviendas, inquilinos, empresas de todos los tamaños y organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro para que puedan financiar sus esfuerzos de reparación o de reconstrucción y a cubrir el costo de reemplazar la propiedad privada que se perdió o que sufrió daños por desastre. Los préstamos por desastre cubren pérdidas que el seguro u otras fuentes de recuperación no cubren en su totalidad y no duplican beneficios de otras agencias u organizaciones.

Síganos en Twitter enhttp://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6 y en el blog de FEMA en http://blog.fema.gov.

See original article – 

Cambio de horario para el Centro de Recuperación por Desastre de FEMA y el estado ubicados en Norman

Ciudad de OKLAHOMA – Los residentes de Oklahoma afectados por las recientes tormentas y tornados severos ahora pueden visitar un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre. El centro es un lugar al que los sobrevivientes pueden ir para procurar toda la información que necesiten sobre asistencia por desastre estatal, federal o de otro tipo.

Condado de Cleveland
Little Axe Elementary School (Escuela primaria Little Axe Elementary School)
2000 168th Ave. NE
Norman, OK  73026
Horario de atención: de 8:00 am a 8:00 pm hasta nuevo aviso

Los especialistas del Departamento de Oklahoma para el Manejo de Emergencias (OEM, por sus siglas en inglés), la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) y representantes del Servicio al Cliente de la Agencia Federal para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) estarán disponibles para responder preguntas. Los visitantes pueden:

• Analizar sus necesidades individuales relacionadas con el desastre.
• Presentar toda la documentación adicional necesaria, tal como facturas telefónicas o cartas de compañías de seguros.
• Averiguar el estado de una solicitud.
• Obtener información sobre los diferentes tipos de asistencia federal y estatal.
• Recibir ayuda de especialistas de la SBA para completar las solicitudes de préstamos a bajo interés para propietarios de viviendas, inquilinos y dueños de negocios.
• Recibir recomendaciones para acudir a la Cruz Roja Americana y a otras organizaciones voluntarias para obtener ayuda con necesidades inmediatas insatisfechas.
• Conocer las medidas económicas para reducir el impacto de futuras pérdidas por desastres.

La asistencia por desastre puede incluir subvenciones para ayudar a pagar vivienda temporal, reparaciones o costos de reemplazo del hogar, dinero para gastos necesarios y necesidades importantes causadas por el desastre o préstamos de bajo interés de la SBA por pérdidas no cubiertas por el seguro u otras fuentes.

FEMA no distribuye dinero en efectivo, cheques, tarjetas de débito ni cupones en los centros. Se abrirán centros adicionales a medida que se identifiquen lugares aptos.

Actualmente hay cuatro centros para recibir inscripciones en el corto plazo abiertos en las ciudades de Moore, Shawnee, Carney y Oklahoma para ayudar a los sobrevivientes a inscribirse en FEMA. Las ubicaciones son:

• First Baptist Church, 301 NE 27th St., Moore
• Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center, 1700 W Independence, Shawnee
• Carney High School, 203 S. Carney St., Carney
• Luther Community Service Center, 205 E. 1st St., Luther

Los sobrevivientes también pueden solicitar asistencia federal en línea en www.DisasterAssistance.gov/es o desde un teléfono inteligente o una tableta usando la aplicación de FEMA o en m.fema.gov/esp. Las personas también pueden llamar al 800-621-3362 o al (TTY) 800-462-7585 de 7:00 am a 10 pm. Las personas que utilizan el servicio retransmisión del 711 o el servicio de transmisión de video, pueden llamar al 800-621-3362.

Inscribirse en FEMA es necesario para que se lo considere para recibir ayuda federal, aunque la persona se haya inscrito en alguna otra organización de asistencia por desastre, como la Cruz Roja Americana, una entidad religiosa u organización comunitaria local.

Para inscribirse en FEMA se debe usar el nombre que figura en la tarjeta del Seguro Social. Se les pedirá a los solicitantes que brinden:

• Número del Seguro Social
• Dirección de la vivienda o el departamento dañado
• Descripción de los daños
• Información sobre la cobertura de seguros
• Número telefónico actual para contacto
• Una dirección donde puedan recibir correo
• Cuenta de banco y números de ruta, en el caso de que deseen un depósito directo o cualquier asistencia financiera.

Para obtener más información sobre la recuperación por desastre en Oklahoma, haga clic en http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4117 o visite el sitio de OEM en www.oem.ok.gov. El sitio web fema.gov tiene un enlace a una Página de control de rumores, la cual aclara los rumores relacionados con los desastres.

La asistencia de recuperación por desastre se encuentra disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, dominio del inglés o condición económica.  Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido discriminado, comuníquese sin cargo con FEMA al 800-621-3362. Para utilizar la línea TTY, llame al 800-462-7585.

El Departamento de Oklahoma para el Manejo de Emergencias  (OEM) trabaja en la preparación, la respuesta, la recuperación y la mitigación de emergencias y desastres. El Departamento presta servicios a las ciudades, los pueblos y los condados de Oklahoma a través de una red de más de 350 administradores de emergencias locales.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a los ciudadanos y a las agencias de primera respuesta para garantizar que como país trabajemos juntos para desarrollar, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos, protegernos y recuperarnos de los peligros, responder ante ellos y mitigarlos. Síganos en Twitter en www.twitter.com/femaregion6  y en el blog de FEMA en http://blog.fema.gov.

La SBA es la fuente principal de financiación del gobierno federal para la reconstrucción a largo plazo de la propiedad privada dañada por desastres. La SBA ayuda a propietarios de viviendas, inquilinos, empresas de todos los tamaños y organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro para que puedan financiar sus esfuerzos de reparación o de reconstrucción y a cubrir el costo de reemplazar la propiedad privada que se perdió o que sufrió daños por desastre. Estos préstamos por desastre cubren pérdidas no aseguradas o no compensadas y no se otorgan si otras agencias u organizaciones han concedido beneficios por los mismos conceptos. Para obtener información sobre los programas de la SBA, los solicitantes pueden llamar al 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Read this article – 

Se abre un Centro de Recuperación del estado/FEMA en el condado de Cleveland

WASHINGTON – In the wake of severe storms and tornadoes in Oklahoma, voluntary agencies continue to be a vital member of the disaster response and recovery team, working alongside state, tribal and local emergency responders to assist in caring for the immediate needs of survivors. The public can play an important role with the emergency management team, volunteering their time, money, and energy to help disaster survivors and their families. There are ways individuals can support the ongoing response and recovery efforts, whether they live in the affected area or across the country.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is advising people who want to help survivors to do so through affiliation with the voluntary organizations that are active in the ongoing disaster operations.  More information on volunteering and donations can be found at www.fema.gov/howtohelp.

“Voluntary agencies are playing a critical role in the response and recovery efforts in Oklahoma,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “To best meet the needs of survivors, voluntary agencies need the public’s support.”  

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD)  serves as the primary point of contact for voluntary organization coordination in FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center, supporting Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services needs.  National VOAD continues to work with a network of more than 50 national agencies and 55 state and territorial VOADs providing countless volunteers and services to support response and recovery efforts. Financial contributions offer voluntary agencies of your choice the most flexibility in obtaining resources.

“The coordinated support from the American public, Oklahoma survivors, faith-based and community-based relief organizations, the business community and local, state, tribal and federal governments will be necessary to restore the communities in Moore County,” said Daniel Stoecker, Executive Director of National VOAD. “The most effective way to help tornado survivors will be to donate to, or volunteer with, a reputable, recognized organization active in disaster response and recovery activities.”

National VOAD members including voluntary, non-profit and faith-based organizations are working closely with affected states and communities to assist with providing mobile feeding, assist with debris removal and, as needed, to support with temporary home repairs and other needs for disaster survivors. 

Examples of ongoing work include:

Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disastercontinues to work with its membership to coordinate mass feeding teams, debris clean up and volunteer reception centers.

American Red Cross disaster teams in Oklahoma have five open shelters.  Thirty-one emergency response vehicles are on the ground or en route to distribute food and water and five emergency aid stations were open where people can find a safe refuge, food and snacks, emotional support, health care services and information about what other help is available. The Red Cross and FEMA continue to jointly lead the planning and coordination of mass care services, as part of Emergency Support Function 6 (ESF#6), which assists states in their planning and coordinating of mass care services, specifically sheltering, feeding, distribution of emergency supplies, and family reunification services.

Team Rubicon, working with the American Red Cross, is providing teams of volunteers to assist local authorities with road openings, debris removal, and logistics coordination.

Salvation Army teams continue to provide food, hydration, and pastoral care to those affected by these tornados. Twelve Mobile Feeding Units (Canteens) have provided more than 4,600 meals to survivors. 

Southern Baptist Convention, working with the American Red Cross, is providing two kitchens to provide meals to disaster survivors. The kitchens are able to make tens of thousands of meals a day if needed.

Samaritans Purse has mobilized teams with equipment to support debris cleanup, roof tarping, and chainsaw work.

Mennonite Disaster Service has mobilized Early Response Teams with equipment to support debris clean up and chainsaw work.

Catholic Charities USA has been working with the local Archdiocese of Oklahoma City to provide support to the diocese efforts. Catholic Charities USA staff aredeployed to support the assessment and determination of the immediate service delivery program.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has a team of National Disaster Response members in Oklahoma City and is providing emotional and spiritual care for survivors and first responders.

Adventist Community Services (ACS) are collecting, sorting, and distributing supplies under the management of ACS Disaster Response teams.

ICNA Relief’s Disaster Response Services has deployed teams to assist with disaster clean up. Teams include chainsaw crews to assist to remove downed trees from damaged homes, remove damaged household contents and tree debris, and support roof tarping.

Brethren Disaster Services deployed two of the Critical Response Child Care Teams to provide support to affected families and children. They will be partnering with the American Red Cross to provide trained and certified volunteers to set up child care centers in shelters and disaster assistance centers.  The volunteers are specially trained to respond to traumatized children, providing a calm, safe, and reassuring presence.

United Way in coordination with the state of Oklahoma has established the OK Strong Disaster Relief Fund to assist with the long-term medical, emotional and educational needs of survivors. Donations can be made by calling (405) 236-8441 or donating online at www.unitedwayokc.org.  

Along with our partners at the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, here are reminders when helping those impacted in Oklahoma:

Cash is the most efficient method of donating– Cash offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources and pumps money into the local economy to help businesses recover. Remember, unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable food require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.

Donate through a trusted organization – At the national level, many voluntary, faith and community-based organizations are active in disasters, and are trusted ways to donate to disaster survivors. In addition to the national members, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, in coordination with the United Way of Central Oklahoma, established the OK Strong Disaster Relief Fund to assist with the long-term medical, emotional and educational needs of disaster survivors. More information is available at okstrong.ok.gov. For more information on how do volunteer and donate responsibly, www.fema.gov/howtohelp.

Be wary of scams and fraud – Unfortunately, disasters often bring out criminals who prey on the needs of disaster survivors, or the generosity of those looking to help, by offering fraudulent services. If you suspect anyone – an inspector, disaster survivor, or someone posing as one of these – of fraudulent activities, call our toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or your local law enforcement agency.

 

FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or services. 

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.

Original article: 

In the Aftermath of the Oklahoma Tornadoes, the Support of Volunteers is Key

Survivors are Encouraged to Register with FEMA

WASHINGTON — The Administration, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remains in close contact with emergency officials and continues to coordinate federal support to state, tribal and local officials in Oklahoma through FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. and Regional Response Coordination Center in Denton, Texas. FEMA and its federal partners continue to provide resources to support the ongoing efforts.

Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and FEMA Deputy Administrator Rich Serino traveled to Moore, Oklahoma to meet with Governor Mary Fallin, U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, Mayor Glenn Lewis, Red Cross President Gail McGovern and other state and local officials to tour disaster affected areas and ensure that first responders are receiving the assistance they need in on-going response and recovery efforts to the severe weather that impacted the region. 

At the direction of President Obama, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate traveled to Oklahoma on Tuesday and remained there today to ensure all federal resources are supporting our state, local and tribal partners in life-saving and safety operations including search and rescue.

In coordination with the state, FEMA has more than 400 personnel on the ground in Oklahoma in support of response and recovery efforts, including a liaison officer, three national Urban Search and Rescue teams, a national Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) and a regional IMAT to coordinate with state and local officials in support of recovery operations. Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) assets also are in Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics and operations support elements. Additional teams are en route.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie counties are encouraged to apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.  Disaster assistance applicants 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.

Federal activities underway today to support Oklahoma response efforts include the following: 

  • As of 3:00 p.m. today more than 1,500 disaster survivors have registered for FEMA assistance. FEMA continues to encourage disaster survivors to register for FEMA assistance.
  • FEMA implemented a pilot program for debris removal that offers communities financial incentives for the timely removal of debris and a time limited financial incentive for having a pre-incident debris management plan.
  • Three national FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Teams (Texas Task Force 1, Nebraska Task Force 1 and Tennessee Task Force 1) remain on the ground and performed search and rescue operations in Oklahoma. 
  • FEMA Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) assets are positioned in Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics, and operations support elements. 
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) subject matter experts were on site at the National Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. and at the Regional Response Coordination Center in Denton, Texas. 
  • More than 160 Oklahoma National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, under the governor’s direction, conducted search operations, provided security and check point operations, and provided logistics support for the Moore tornado recovery efforts in non-federal status.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration deployed customer service staff to the affected areas and announced low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Oklahoma residents and business owners in the counties of Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie.
  • Three Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open in the affected areas to help disaster survivors register for assistance and access information to help them with their recovery. 
  • There are members of the Disaster Survivor Assistance Team (DSAT) supporting the Moore and Shawnee DRCs. Three teams were canvassing neighborhoods in Moore, north and south, to support registration intake and supporting disaster survivors.  The teams were supporting survivors who lived close to the former Briarwood elementary school that was destroyed.
  • The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) deployed 18 additional AmeriCorps members to help in the response activities.
  • Red Cross disaster teams in Oklahoma have five open shelters.  Nearly 30 emergency response vehicles were on the ground or en route to distribute food and water and five emergency aid stations were open where people can find a safe refuge, food and snacks, emotional support, health care services and information about what other help is available.
  • The Southern Baptist Convention, working with the American Red Cross, are providing two kitchens and are beginning to prepare meals today. The kitchens are able to make tens of thousands of meals a day if needed
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced steps it is taking to support Oklahoma recovery.  USDA is inventorying unoccupied multi-family housing rental units and the USDA Rural Development notified lenders who guarantee USDA housing loans that they may offer a moratorium on mortgage payments to borrowers in the disaster area.
  • FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., a multi-agency coordination center that provides overall coordination of the federal response to natural disasters and emergencies, and FEMA’s Region VI Response Coordination Centers (RRCC) located in Denton, Texas remains activated to coordinate any requests for federal assistance, if requested.
  • Additional resources beyond these immediate assets will also be available to support response and recovery efforts, including for affected individuals and small businesses.

The American Red Cross Safe and Well secure website provides a way for people to find information on survivors affected by the storms. 

The HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA) Disaster Distress helpline remains activated. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 via telephone (1-800-985-5990) and SMS (text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746) to survivors who are experiencing emotional distress.

If you were affected by the disaster and need a place to stay, open Red Cross shelters can also be found on www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter.   

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) member organizations such as American Red Cross, Salvation Army and many others continue to be heavily involved in the disaster response by providing assistance to disaster survivors.  For individuals and businesses who are interested in knowing how they can help, cash donations to their voluntary agency of choice is the preferred means of assistance.  For information on the voluntary organizations that support disaster response and recovery efforts, visit www.nvoad.org. Also, information can be found on the state’s official web portal at http://www.ok.gov/okstrong/.

For information on yesterday’s federal activities, visit fema.gov.
There are tools and resources available online to help prepare for, respond to and recover from any type of disaster. Visit www.ready.gov to learn more. The Spanish language site – listo.gov. Those with a Blackberry, Android or Apple device can download the FEMA app to access safety tips, shelter locations, and more.

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 original article:

FEMA, Federal Partners Support Survivors of Severe Storms in Oklahoma

WASHINGTON — The Administration, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  remains in close contact with emergency officials and continues to coordinate federal support to state, tribal and local officials in Oklahoma through FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, DC and Regional Response Coordination Center in Denton, Texas. At the President’s direction, FEMA is already providing resources to support the response.

Last night, the President declared a major disaster for the State of Oklahoma, supporting state, local and tribal emergency work in affected areas.  Federal disaster aid also is available to affected individuals in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties. 

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in these affected areas are encouraged to apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or by calling 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 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week.

Today, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano briefed the President on response and recovery efforts, and at the direction of the President, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate traveled to Oklahoma to ensure all federal resources are supporting state, local, and tribal partners in life saving and safety operations including search and rescue.

“First responders are providing critical, life-saving assistance in the impacted area,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Oklahoma residents can help the emergency response by keeping mobile phone lines free from congestion and staying in touch with friends and family by text messaging, email or social media. I urge residents to follow guidance from state, local and tribal officials who are requesting individuals to remain away from the affected areas so first responders can have access to reach hard-hit areas.”

In coordination with the state, FEMA deployed a liaison officer, a national Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) and two regional IMATs to the state emergency operations center in Oklahoma City to coordinate with state and local officials in support of recovery operations. Three national Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams and an additional Incident Support Team have been deployed to support the immediate response efforts.  Two Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) teams are in Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics and operations support elements.

Preliminary damage assessment (PDA) teams, comprised of representatives from the state, FEMA and the Small Business Administration, are on the ground and will begin assessments today, which will assist the state in identifying additional eligible federal assistance that may be warranted.

Three Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) are scheduled to arrive in affected areas later today to help federal, state, local, and tribal partners gather detailed information on the affected communities during the critical first hours, days and weeks. DSATs will address immediate and emerging needs of disaster survivors including: on-site registration, applicant status checks, on-the-spot needs assessments, and access to partners offering survivor services.

The Red Cross Safe and Well secure website provides a way for people to find information on survivors affected by the storms. To register, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell. Open Red Cross shelters can also be found on www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter.     

Individuals with a Blackberry, Android or Apple device can download the FEMA app to access safety tips, shelter locations, and more.

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.

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.

Read this article – 

FEMA, Federal Partners Mobilize in Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Oklahoma Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

April 8, 2013

Release Number:

HQ-13-027Factsheet

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 Oklahoma.

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

  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency 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 for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period.  Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads.  (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.

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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts 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.

Last Updated:

April 8, 2013 – 18:01

State/Tribal Government or Region:

This article is from – 

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Oklahoma Declaration

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 Oklahoma to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm during the period of February 24-26, 2013.

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 severe winter storm and snowstorm in the counties of Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Major, Noble, Roger Mills, Washita, Woods, and Woodward.

In addition, assistance is available to the state 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 Dewey and Ellis counties.

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

Sandy Coachman has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Coachman 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.

From:

President Declares Disaster for Oklahoma

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