Presentation on Potential Historic District in West Pittston, PA

PHILADELPHIA – FEMA’s Environmental and Historic Preservation division and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is hosting a presentation on the potential West Pittston, PA Historic District, which may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

The presentation is open to the public and will be held Thursday, November 14th, 2013 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 220 Montgomery Avenue, West Pittston, PA 18643.

FEMA will present a brief history on West Pittston, the architectural styles that are present throughout the community, and the boundaries of the potential historic district.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will explain the process for formally listing the potential historic district in the National Register, pros and cons of listing, as well as potential financial incentives.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

Media Contact: FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

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Presentation on Potential Historic District in West Pittston, PA

Penn Township Lowers Flood Insurance Premiums

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Residents of Penn Township in Snyder County, Pennsylvania have received a reduction in their flood insurance premiums through increase of various floodplain management measures encouraged by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) oversees the NFIP, which administers a program called the Community Rating System (CRS).  The CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum NFIP requirements.  The program includes 10 different class rating levels based on the number and type of activities voluntarily initiated by the participating community.  Each level corresponds to a percentage discount on National Flood Insurance policy premiums within the municipality.

As a member of the Community Rating System, Penn Township is within an elite group of 24 Pennsylvania municipalities that have received this recognition.  With the continued steps taken by Penn Township to protect its citizens and increase its resiliency, it has moved from a Class 8 to a Class 7 Community Rating System community.  The Township is one of only four communities in the Commonwealth that have achieved this rating.  The Class 7 rating qualifies National Flood Insurance Program policy holders in the Township an average of $103 savings on their annual premium.  In total, the upgrade in class rating level accounts for a total savings of over $4,000 annually for citizens of Penn Township.

Under the CRS, local officials are asked to meet three goals: (1) reduce flood losses; (2) facilitate accurate insurance rating; and (3) promote the awareness of flood insurance.  Communities can earn a CRS rating by submitting an application explaining the projects they have in place or development.  Once the information is verified and approved, FEMA provides flood insurance premium discounts through the NFIP.  The amount of a property owner’s policy discount is based on the community’s CRS rating.

For each Class that a community moves up to, it provides its residents with an additional 5% reduction in their flood insurance premiums up to the 45% reduction that a Class 1 community receives. As a Class 7 community, Penn Township enables its residents to receive a 15% reduction on their flood insurance premiums.

For information about flood insurance, property owners should contact their insurance agent, visit floodsmart.gov, or call the NFIP’s toll-free information line at 800-427-4661.  To learn more about the CRS, visit floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/crs/community_rating_system.jsp.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

From:  

Penn Township Lowers Flood Insurance Premiums

You Can Be a Local Hero

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Preparing a community for an emergency or disaster can be a daunting task; there are so many people, each with unique needs, and so many aspects that need to be addressed.  If such a monumental task is left to just one group of people such as local officials, it’s sure to remain just that, monumental.  When the Whole Community comes together to provide input, complete tasks, and take responsibility though, it becomes a very manageable undertaking.  Pitching in to help your community prepare for the next disaster has a very large impact, the kind that can make you a local hero.

“Too often we rely upon local officials and first responders to prepare for and respond to a disaster;” said Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney, “there are so many ways that everyone can come together and make their community more resilient.”

Citizen Corps brings together the power of individuals through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds.  Citizen Corps has many councils throughout the country at the state and local level, and you can find your nearest council for more information or to sign up at ready.gov/citizen-corps/find-your-nearest-council.

Citizen Corps has many affiliates that offer communities resources for public education, outreach, and training; represent volunteers interested in helping to make their community safer; or offer volunteer service opportunities to support first responders, disaster relief activities, and community safety efforts. Visit ready.gov/citizen-corps-affiliate-programs for more information on Citizen Corps’ affiliates.

In addition to their affiliates, Citizen Corps also has partner programs which give citizens the opportunity get involved. Citizen Corps’ federally sponsored partner programs help build capacity for first responders through the use of volunteers.  These programs can be very specific in what they support, such as the Fire Corps which supports fire departments, the Medical Reserve Corps which supports medical needs, and the Volunteers in Police Service which supports law enforcement; or they are more broad in their service, such as the Community Emergency Response Teams or the Corporation for National and Community Service. More information on Citizen Corps’ partners is available at ready.gov/citizen-corps-partner-programs.

There are many community and faith-based organizations that support communities before, during, and after a disaster.  Whatever your level of interest, your skill set, or your time, there is a program out there that you can join to support your community.  Reach out to organizations that you are already involved in and see what they’re doing or talk to your local officials for ideas.

However you choose to get involved with your community and prepare for the next disaster, know that your work makes a difference to everyone, but for you it can be the difference between being a resident and being a local hero.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema.   Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

 

Media Inquiries

FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov     215-931-5597

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You Can Be a Local Hero

Registration Deadline for Disaster Assistance is Quickly Approaching

OKLAHOMA CITY – The deadline to register for state and federal disaster assistance for the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred between May 18 and June 2 is quickly approaching.

Monday, Aug. 19 is the last day that homeowners, renters and business owners can register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  Survivors can do so by calling (800) 621-3362, registering online at disasterassistance.gov, or using a smartphone typing in m.fema.gov.

More than 15,000 households have already registered and more than $54.3 million in disaster assistance has already been approved.

Disaster assistance is available in the designated counties of Canadian, Cleveland, LeFlore, Lincoln, McClain, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie for eligible survivors who suffered uninsured and underinsured losses from the spring storms.

Aid may include housing assistance grants to help pay for temporary housing and home repairs, other disaster-related needs for personal property replacement or to pay for other necessary disaster-related expenses, and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations. The deadline for submitting an SBA application is also Monday, Aug. 19.

“If you have storm damage, please register with FEMA before the deadline. We want to ensure that everyone who is eligible receives assistance for their losses,” said Michelann Ooten, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy Director with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.

An SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center remains open at the Moore Norman Technology Center located at 13301 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday until further notice. SBA representatives are available to provide one-on-one assistance completing applications, answering questions and assisting with loan closings.

Survivors who have already registered with FEMA but have additional questions or need to complete their registration process with more information or documentation should simply stay in touch with FEMA; this support is available even after the Aug. 19 deadline. 

“While applying is the first step, you still should follow up on your application and continue to update your contact information,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman.

Media Note: For interviews with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and FEMA senior officials, please contact the News Desk at (405) 616-2918.

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

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

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.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

 

Originally from: 

Registration Deadline for Disaster Assistance is Quickly Approaching

National Flood Insurance Program Probation for Bowers, DE

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Town of Bowers, DE, is scheduled to be placed on probationary status with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on November 21, 2013, unless the Town remedies all of the identified corrective actions prior to that date.  The NFIP is a federally backed program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The program provides flood insurance coverage to residents of communities that agree to participate by adopting and enforcing adequate floodplain management ordinances and practices.

After working with the Town for three years to obtain compliance with the minimum requirements of the program, FEMA sent notification to Town officials that unless the identified remedial measures are taken, the Community will be placed on probation for floodplain management violations and program deficiencies.

The deficiencies cited in the Town of Bowers notifications include failure to manage floodplain development in accordance with the Town’s floodplain program, and failure to obtain and maintain compliance documentation for all floodplain development.  Direct violations of the community’s flood damage prevention ordinance include failure to implement enforcement procedures to mitigate all suspected or known violations.  Due to these identified deficiencies, FEMA is required to initiate the probation process pursuant to Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations §59.24.

These program deficiencies came to light after a Community Assistance Visit (CAV) on March 25, 2010.  A CAV is a dual purpose meeting where a community is able to receive technical assistance related to the NFIP, and FEMA is able to assess the community’s enforcement of its floodplain management regulations.  Since the 2010 CAV, FEMA has provided technical assistance on numerous occasions to the Town of Bowers regarding the floodplain management violations and program deficiencies.

Property owners will still be able to purchase and renew flood insurance coverage during the probationary period, but a $50 surcharge will be added to any policy sold or renewed in the community for the next year beginning on November 21, 2013.  There are currently 123 flood insurance policies in the Town.

If the Town fails to make adequate progress during the first six months of the NFIP probation, or by May 21, 2014, the Town could be suspended from the program.  The result of suspension is the loss of federally-backed flood insurance in the community, meaning that residents will not be able to purchase or renew their flood insurance policies after the suspension occurs. 

Additionally, if a flood disaster occurs in a suspended community, most types of federal disaster assistance for structures within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), including federal assistance to individuals and households is not available.  Furthermore, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 prohibits federal agencies from making grants, loans, or guarantees for the acquisition or construction of structures located in a SFHA.

FEMA remains committed to working with the officials of Bowers to help the Town achieve a good standing in the NFIP.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

See the article here – 

National Flood Insurance Program Probation for Bowers, DE

FEMA Announces New Members to Join the Youth Preparedness Council

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced five newly selected members of the FEMA National Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council was formed last year to bring together youth leaders from across the country that are highly interested and engaged in advocating youth preparedness and making a difference in their communities.  The Council supports FEMA’s commitment to involving youth in preparedness-related activities, and provides an avenue to engage youth population, taking into account their perspectives, feedback and opinions.  Council members will attend a Youth Preparedness Council Summit on youth disaster preparedness and will also complete a Council project with FEMA support.

Young people are capable of playing an important role in emergency preparedness, and have the unique potential to help their communities be safe, stronger and more resilient before, during and after a disaster. Youth involved in preparedness programs are able to effectively spread important messages about preparedness to their family, school and community. By participating in youth preparedness programs, young individuals are empowered to become leaders at home, in their schools and communities.

In its second year, interest in the Youth Preparedness Council has increased based on the number of applications received this year for the five seats available.  The five newest members of the Council from across the country have been selected based on their dedication to public service, efforts in making a difference in their community, and their potential to expand their impact as a national advocate for youth preparedness.

The distinguished members selected in 2013 are as follows:

  • FEMA Region II:       Sophie Friedfeld-Gebaide (New York)
  • FEMA Region III:      Alex Pasculle (Pennsylvania)
  • FEMA Region IV:      Louyankkah Justilien (Florida)
  • FEMA Region V:       Daniel Wernsman (Wisconsin)
  • FEMA Region VII:    Emily Rosenblum (Missouri)

The returning Council members are as follows:

  • FEMA Region I:         Rachel Little (Massachusetts)
  • FEMA Region II:       Gabriela Rodriguez Boria (Puerto Rico)
  • FEMA Region V:       Jason Reed (Indiana)
  • FEMA Region VI:      Jonathan DeLong (Texas)
  • FEMA Region VII:    Nimansha Jain (Nebraska)
  • FEMA Region VIII:   Ashley Houston (Utah)
  • FEMA Region IX:      Divya Saini (California)
  • FEMA Region IX:      Tiffany Espensen (California)
  • FEMA Region IX:      Christian Chowen (Hawaii)
  • FEMA Region X:       Cayman Kirkhart (Idaho)

Over the past year, the Youth Preparedness Council members have been promoting preparedness in their communities and across the nation.  Several members achieved noteworthy results, including:

  • Rachel Little (Region I) authored a FEMA blog post about the importance of preparing for severe weather.
  • Gabriela Boria (Region II) developed a preparedness group called REACT that holds “Preparedness Days” and started a Teen CERT program at her school.
  • Ashley Houston (Region VII) was requested to speak about youth preparedness on a panel at the 2013 Institute of Medicine Workshop (to be held in June 2013).
  • Divya Saini (Region IX) was awarded the “Disney Friends for Change” grant for her Block Preparedness Coordinator work, and has authored and published three articles about preparedness in the Palo Alto Weekly Newspaper.
  • Tiffany Espensen (Region IX) developed “Tiffy’s Tip Tuesday” in which she relays disaster preparedness tips via her Twitter account, which currently has 16,880 followers.

This year council members will have the opportunity to participate in the Youth Preparedness Council Summit in Washington, D.C. this summer where they will advise and ask questions on youth disaster preparedness with the leadership of national organizations working on this critical priority.  Council members will also determine their Council project and meet with FEMA Community Preparedness staff, who will be their ongoing FEMA support contacts and mentors. Members will also meet virtually with FEMA leadership on a regular basis throughout the year and will provide ongoing input on strategies and initiatives as well as updates on their projects.

To learn more about FEMA’s youth preparedness efforts please visit: Ready.gov/youth-preparedness.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

Original link: 

FEMA Announces New Members to Join the Youth Preparedness Council

FEMA Urges Residents to Follow Direction of Local Officials Ahead of Severe Weather

Areas from Chicago to Washington, D.C. Should Prepare Now and Monitor Conditions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency urges residents to follow the direction of state, local and tribal officials ahead of severe weather forecast to affect the upper Midwest and Ohio Valley, eastward to the Mid-Atlantic states, tonight and tomorrow. FEMA, through its National Watch Center in Washington, D.C and its regional offices in Chicago, Kansas City, and Philadelphia, is closely monitoring the storm system. 

FEMA has been in touch with its emergency management counterparts, and also is in close contact with federal partners at the National Weather Service.  The severe weather is forecast to include the threat of widespread damaging winds, along with the possibility of isolated tornadoes, through the evening and overnight hours from extreme eastern Iowa, across northern and central Illinois and Indiana, and including southwest Michigan and western Ohio. The severe weather threat will shift east on Thursday and a moderate risk for severe thunderstorms is forecast for the Mid-Atlantic region from southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey and southward into southern Virginia. The area of risk includes the eastern third of the United States from Florida to New England.

Individuals in the risk areas are encouraged to monitor weather conditions and follow the guidance provided by state, local or tribal officials. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are available on many cell phones on participating wireless carriers’ networks. Tune to local news media for further emergency details in your area, and take immediate action to keep safe.  WEAs sent by public safety officials, such as the National Weather Service, are designed to provide brief, critical instructions to warn about imminent threats like severe weather or flash flooding. More information is available about the WEA program is available at www.fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts.  You can also tune to local news media for further emergency details in your area, and take immediate action to keep safe. 

Everyone should become familiar with the terms used to identify a severe weather hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued. Some of the more common terms used to describe severe weather and tornado hazards include the following:

  • Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm. 
  • Tornado Watch – Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. 
  • Tornado Warning – A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately. 

Now is the time for residents to prepare their emergency supplies and plan for a possible loss of electrical power that could result from downed trees and debris. For detailed information about how to prepare for severe weather, including a list of items you will want to have in your emergency kit tonight, please visit www.Ready.gov. 

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.

Link: 

FEMA Urges Residents to Follow Direction of Local Officials Ahead of Severe Weather

Hurricane Season Approaches

PHILADELPHIA – Over the past two years, our region has seen numerous major hurricanes and tropical storms. In 2011 Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee brought fierce winds, and heavy rains. Last year Hurricane Sandy brought battering storm surge to coastal and bay areas, and heavy snows to inland areas. All areas of our region saw the various effects that hurricanes and tropical storms can have.

As the 2013 Hurricane Season approaches, FEMA Region III continues to proactively work with its state, local, and federal partners to increase preparedness, coordinate response and recovery capabilities, and empower individuals to take an active role in their community’s emergency management team.

Starting on June 1st, hurricane season lasts until November; the greatest potential for storm activity is the months of August and September. A great time for the Whole Community to begin planning for hurricane season is Hurricane Preparedness Week designated May 26 – June 1, 2013. 

Everyone should take time to ensure that their family, household, and/or business is properly prepared for a potential hurricane or tropical storm. Residents should also communicate and interact with their local emergency officials. By talking to local officials, citizens gain valuable insight, lend input, and develop relationships for planning and communications before a storm. 

FEMA recommends that everyone have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Emergency supply kits should include essential items like bottled water, battery-powered radio, flashlight, batteries, medicines, toiletries, non-perishable food items, manual can opener, and first aid supplies. Copy and store your important documents in a waterproof bag. These may include medical records, deeds, leases, banking records, insurance policies, and birth certificates.

When planning, think about the potential needs of everyone in the household during an emergency. If your household includes a person with a disability, an infant, or a senior citizen, be sure to take the necessary steps to assist and make them comfortable during an emergency.

Pets are part of the family too! It is up to pet owners to research pet boarding options and pet friendly emergency shelters within your area in case of an evacuation. Be aware that animals may not always be welcome at some public shelter facilities. 

Finally, hurricane season is an appropriate time to assess your risk of flooding and consider purchasing a flood insurance policy. Most homeowners’ policies do not cover flooding, so evaluate whether a flood policy is right for you. Don’t delay though, flood insurance policies take thirty days to take effect. To assess flood risk for your home or find a local agent selling national flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov or call toll-free at 888-379-9531.

For more preparedness information, visit fema.gov, ready.gov, and nhc.noaa.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

 

Media Contact:   (215) 931-5597   FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov

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Hurricane Season Approaches

Community Leaders Collaborate in Sayre to Discuss Best Practices and Challenges of Long-Term Recovery from Irene and Lee

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Community leaders from areas hit hard by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee met in Sayre on Saturday, April 27, 2013 to discuss best practices, challenges and objectives for moving forward as their towns continue to rebuild. The collaboration is an initiative to keep local organizations strong and growing in the direction of continued recovery.   

The four-hour-long meeting was hosted by Futurescapes. The Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that grew out of the Rebuild Athens Steering Committee, which was established to develop a long-term community recovery plan after Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. Futurescapes was formed in 2012.

“As our long-term recovery group moves beyond the first year of operation, we are seeking a partnership with other volunteers in communities rebuilding after the 2011 flooding. On Saturday, we gained insights on some specific challenges that communities are facing. By sharing our combined experiences, we hope participants came away from the conference with renewed energy and armed with specific information and resources to help them move forward in their recovery process,” said Linda Spagnoli, a Futurescapes board member.

Spagnoli joined 19 other volunteers, as well as county and Commonwealth emergency managers in the roundtable-style discussion. The conversation was moderated by Community Recovery Specialist SheaBrianna Christilaw with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“While all of you were impacted at the same time by the same storm, your roads to recovery have been very different,” Christilaw said. “Some of you are in the process of completing long-term recovery plans, while others published plans as long as one year ago.”

Many of the groups are in the process of securing tax exemption status from the Internal Revenue Service, a designation that will substantially augment their ability to secure further recovery funding.

“We are working to acquire tax exempt status,” said Shickshinny Forward President Brian Phillips.     

From new biking and hiking trails that will help areas regain their recreational resources to websites that will boost communication channels, each community is striving to accomplish projects. In many cases, funding will be required. The group highlighted the need for building and developing strong local partnerships.   

In West Pittston, volunteers are helping with the development of a website for West Pittston Tomorrow, a nonprofit group that residents established to help rebuild. 

“Right now, we are in the process of deciding how to format information and what information should be included,” said West Pittston Tomorrow President Judy Aita.

Organizations from both sides of the New York and Pennsylvania state borders are among the communities participating in the collaboration, which includes participants from Athens, Shickshinny and West Pittston in Pennsylvania and Nichols, Owego and Tioga in New York.

The following organizations were also represented at the meeting: Ashburn Advisors, the Bradford County Emergency Management Agency, the New York Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and the Tioga (N.Y.) County Emergency Management Agency and the Tioga (N.Y.) County Planning Department.   

“These communities are working together to share their successes, build a network of peers, and brainstorm solutions to common challenges,” Christilaw said.

Futurescapes is currently analyzing feedback to strategize the next steps that should be taken to continue the collaborative approach. Ideas about locations and times of the next in-person meeting with community leaders will be planned based on information captured in survey results.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

Excerpt from – 

Community Leaders Collaborate in Sayre to Discuss Best Practices and Challenges of Long-Term Recovery from Irene and Lee

West Hanover Elementary School Fourth Graders Start the Countdown to Hurricane Season 2013 Producing Digital Severe Weather Awareness Stories

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Fourth graders at West Hanover Elementary School kicked off the 30-day countdown to Hurricane Season 2013 on May 2 with a special severe weather preparedness program at the school. During the event, representatives of the Dauphin County Emergency Management Agency, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) presented preparedness information.

PEMA Central Area Director Fred Boylstein presented a two-way weather radio that was donated by Motorola through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to fourth grader Reilly Shafer. Shafer received the radio for his digital story about severe weather preparedness featuring Flat Stella and Flat Stanley, the iconic characters of the national Ready.gov preparedness initiative for young people. Shafer and his classmates used their computers to produce the digital stories, which were told in storyboard format.

Shafer’s storyboard, titled “Disaster Kit,” lists items that should be kept in a designated box in case of severe weather. In his story, Shafer listed the following items:

A six-day supply of water with enough for each person to have one gallon per day

  1. Non-perishable food items
  2. Battery-powered flashlights and a radio with extra batteries
  3. Food and extra water for pets
  4. Hats, gloves, blankets and rain gear
  5. Extra cash
  6. A hand-operated can opener
  7. Cell phone with charger
  8. Extra garbage bags
  9. A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

National Hot Rod Association World Champion Bruce Larson was one of three story judges. Larson chose Shafer’s story for its thoughtfulness. 

“I was impressed with the work that all of the students put into the contest,” Larson said. “Every topic was addressed with concern for public safety and well thought out. I chose Reilly Shafer’s entry based on his thoughtfulness in providing a list of contents for a disaster kit that should be included in every household for use in a wide variety of emergency situations.”

Emma Leibfried’s story “What to do During a Severe Thunderstorm” explained the importance of tuning into a radio to monitor severe weather. Her story said to listen to the radio throughout the storm while in a safe place. 

WPMT-TV FOX 43 Meteorologist MaryEllen Pann chose Leibfried’s story. 

“I chose Leibfried’s story because it was very well detailed,” Pann said.

Madison VonNeida’s story “What do You Need to Do During a Tornado” highlighted the importance of taking shelter in the lowest level of the building when a tornado warning is issued.

“Stay away from windows and doors!” VonNeida wrote. “Remain in a safe place until the warning has been lifted.”

WHP-TV CBS 21 Chief Meteorologist Tom Russell selected VonNeida’s story.

“What I really like is the touch at the end: ‘Now let’s go help others!’” Russell said.

“While these three stories were selected, each and every student told an excellent story about severe weather preparedness,” Boylstein told the students.

With Hurricane Season 2013 approaching, the precautions highlighted in the stories are especially important.    

“Every student told an important message about being prepared in case of severe weather,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas McCool. “These messages are more important now than ever, as Hurricane Season 2013 approaches.

After the award presentation, students recorded public service announcements based on their winning stories. Judges teamed up with students to rehearse and record 45-second recordings. The announcements will be distributed jointly by PEMA and FEMA in conjunction with the countdown to Hurricane Season 2013, which begins on June 2.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

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West Hanover Elementary School Fourth Graders Start the Countdown to Hurricane Season 2013 Producing Digital Severe Weather Awareness Stories

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