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FEMA Administrator Appoints National Advisory Council Members

Today, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate appointed twelve new members and reappointed two current members to FEMA’s National Advisory Council (NAC).

The NAC is an advisory committee established by federal law to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal emergency management activities. Members represent the whole community and include representatives from a wide array of backgrounds and communities involved or affected by the emergency management profession. The NAC consists of up to 35 members.

“FEMA is just one part of our nation’s emergency management team,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. “The National Advisory Council serves a vital role in guiding our plans and strategies by ensuring we remain informed by diverse viewpoints and experiences from every sector of society. I value the expertise and input of each of these members, and appreciate their dedication and commitment to ensuring effective emergency management.”

The NAC provides recommendations to the FEMA Administrator on a variety of issues within emergency management. For example, the NAC recently made recommendations regarding regional response and recovery capabilities as well as regarding mutual aid agreements among different units of government.

FEMA received over 200 applications for the open positions. All applicants were carefully considered through an intensive review process, which included an interagency membership recommendation panel of senior government officials. Most appointments are for three-year terms.

The twelve new NAC members include:

Emergency Management
Samantha Phillips, Director of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Non-Elected Local Government Officials
W. Scott Field, Director, Denver Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Denver, Colo.)

Standards Setting and Accrediting
Fritz Wilson, Executive Director, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (Cumming, Ga.)

Health Scientists
Gerald Parker, Jr., Vice President of Public Health Preparedness and Response, Texas A&M Health Science Center (Bryan, Texas)

Disabilities
Christopher Littlewood, Project Coordinator, Center for Public Safety Innovation, St. Petersburg College (Seminole, Fla)

Non-Elected Tribal Government Officials
Jeffrey Hansen, Emergency Manager, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (Durant, Okla.)

Elected Tribal Government Officials
James Akerelrea, Tribal Council Member, Scammon Bay Traditional Council and Store Manager, Scammon Bay Askinuk Store (Scammon Bay, Alaska)

Emergency Response Providers
Gerard Dio, Fire Chief, City of Worcester (Worcester, Mass.)

Communications
Christopher Smith, Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor and Emergency Management Director, State of Nevada (Sparks, Nev.)

Infrastructure Protection
Daniel Zarrilli, Director of Resiliency and Acting Director for Long-term planning and sustainability, Office of the Mayor, City of New York (New York, N.Y.)

Administrator Selection
Jeanne-Aimee De Marrais, Senior Director for U.S Emergencies, Save the Children (Westport, Conn.)

Administrator Selection
Meloyde Batten-Mickens, Executive Director of, Facilities, Gallaudet University (Washington, D.C.)

The two reappointed members include:

Administrator Selections
Lee Feldman, City Manager, City of Fort Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

Administrator Selection
Felix (Phil) Zarlengo, Chairman, AARP Board of Directors (Jamestown, R.I.)

In addition, Jerry Demings, Sheriff, Orange County Sheriff’s Office (Orlando, Fla.) was appointed on July 1, 2014 to fill a vacancy in the Elected Local Government Officials position.

Additional information on the National Advisory Council, including a full list of members, is available at www.fema.gov/national-advisory-council.

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FEMA Administrator Appoints National Advisory Council Members

FEMA Urges Preparedness ahead of Severe Weather; Residents Encouraged to Monitor Conditions and Follow Direction of Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its regional offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Philadelphia and Denton, Texas, is monitoring a large-scale storm system moving across the western U.S. into the Great Plains which will potentially cause a multi-day severe weather outbreak this weekend and into early next week. Residents in potentially affected areas should take the time now to ensure they are prepared for severe weather.

FEMA is in close contact with the National Weather Service, which is forecasting the development of severe thunderstorms across the central and southern Great Plains this weekend and into the Mississippi Valley and mid-South early next week, with the potential for hail, damaging winds and tornadoes, as the system progresses eastward. Ahead of this storm, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible today in parts of southern Virginia and North Carolina For a comprehensive forecast for your area, visit www.weather.gov.

Many mobile devices are capable of receiving free Wireless Emergency Alerts, which are sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service about imminent threats like severe weather. They look like a text message and show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert.

When natural disasters like severe weather and tornadoes strike, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and numerous private interest groups who provide emergency assistance required to protect the public’s health and safety and to meet immediate human needs.

Severe Weather & Tornado Safety Tips

Maintain an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car to help prepare for power outages or impassable roads. Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn more about how to be better prepared and how to protect your family during emergencies. Find severe weather and tornado preparedness tips at http://www.ready.gov/severe-weather.
Follow the instructions of state and local officials, and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated disaster response and evacuation information. Residents can listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local news to monitor for severe weather updates and warnings. The National Weather Service is the source for tornado watches and warnings.

Become familiar with the terms used to identify severe weather and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe tornado and other severe weather hazards include the following:

For a flash flood:

A flash flood watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
A flash flood warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

For a severe thunderstorm:

A severe thunderstorm watch means that a severe thunderstorm with large hail and/or damaging winds is possible in your area.
A severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm with large hail and/or damaging winds is occurring or imminent, move indoors immediately.

For a tornado:

A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area.
A tornado warning means a tornado is either occurring or imminent, take shelter immediately.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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

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FEMA Urges Preparedness ahead of Severe Weather; Residents Encouraged to Monitor Conditions and Follow Direction of Local Officials

FEMA Announces Next Meeting of National Advisory Council

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be holding the next National Advisory Council (NAC) public meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2014. The public meeting will be 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EDT) at the FEMA Region III Office in Pennsylvania located at 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

The NAC was established to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of Federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other man-made disasters. The NAC advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management and incorporates federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and non-profit and private sector partners’ input into the development and revision of FEMA policies and strategies.

During the meeting, the NAC will meet with the FEMA Administrator to review the progress and/or potential recommendations of its three subcommittees: Preparedness and Protection; Response and Recovery; and Federal Insurance and Mitigation.

The NAC will also discuss:

FEMA’s Strategic Plan;
National Preparedness Grant Program;
National Preparedness System;
America’s PrepareAthon!;
Disability Inclusive Emergency Management; and
Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Initiative.

For those planning to attend in person and for additional information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities or to request special assistance at the meeting, please contact the Office of the NAC by email at FEMA-NAC@fema.dhs.gov.

For more information on the NAC please visit www.fema.gov/national-advisory-council.

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FEMA Announces Next Meeting of National Advisory Council

FEMA Continues to Support Response Efforts to Severe Winter Weather

Residents Urged to Continue Following Guidance from Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to closely coordinate with impacted and potentially impacted states in the path of a severe winter storm, through its National Response Coordination Center in Washington D.C. and its regional offices in Atlanta, Boston, New York City and Philadelphia.

Today, President Obama declared an emergency for all counties in the State of South Carolina, at the request of Governor Nikki Haley, authorizing FEMA to support the state in its efforts to respond to the storm. The declaration comes in addition to the President’s Emergency Declaration for 91 counties in the State of Georgia yesterday, at the request of Governor Nathan Deal.

FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team to the Georgia Emergency Operations Center in Atlanta, along with liaisons to the state emergency operations centers in Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia to facilitate close coordination with the states. FEMA has activated its Regional Response Coordination Centers in Atlanta and Philadelphia, and continues to be in close contact with state, tribal and local partners in impacted and potentially impacted areas and stands ready to support its partners, if requested and needed.

FEMA has also established an Incident Support Base in Augusta, Georgia where additional federal teams are on the ground. Commodities including generators, meals, water, blankets, and cots are being moved to that location. At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, including Atlanta, Ga. and Frederick, Md., if needed and requested.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is helping facilitate the expedited movement of utility trucks and personnel in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina which includes bypassing weigh stations as long as they are under the legal weight requirements.

According to the National Weather Service, dangerous ice and snow and is expected to intensify this evening as the storm moves up the Eastern Seaboard, affecting locations across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. More than one inch of ice accumulation is possible from central Georgia into South Carolina through Thursday morning. Residents along the path of the storm can find their local forecast at www.weather.gov.

When natural disasters like severe weather strike, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and private organizations who provide emergency assistance required to protect the public’s health and safety and to meet immediate human needs.

FEMA encourages residents and visitors in the track of the storms to follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials, and monitor NOAA Weather Radio and their local news for updates and directions provided by local officials. Residents can find trusted sources for weather and preparedness information via Twitter on FEMA’s Social Hub here: http://www.fema.gov/social-hub

Wireless Emergency Alerts are currently being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carrier networks. These alerts are sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service about imminent threats like severe weather. They look like a text message and show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. More information on Wireless Emergency Alerts is available at http://www.ready.gov/alerts. Individuals can check with their cellular carrier to determine if their phone or wireless device is WEA-enabled.

FEMA encourages all Americans to visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn more about how to be better prepared and how to protect your family during emergencies.

Generator Safety

Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless and odorless gas that is emitted from fuel burning appliances, like generators, or machines that are not working or venting properly. Breathing in high levels of Carbon Monoxide can be fatal and kills more than 150 Americans annually. FEMA recommends the following steps to protect your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide:

Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning
Install CO alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home
Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows and vents
Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris, and
Remove vehicles from the garage immediately after starting.

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: www.usfa.fema.gov to find out more on carbon monoxide and fire safety.

Preparing for Severe Winter Weather

Get to know the terms that are used to identify winter storm hazards and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.

A Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
A Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
A Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
An Ice Storm Warning is when freezing rain produces a significant and possibly damaging accumulation of ice.
Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.

Avoid traveling by car, but if you must, make sure you have an emergency supply kit in the trunk of your car. FEMA encourages families to maintain an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car to help prepare for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads.

An emergency supply kit should include a three-day supply of food and water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra flashlights and batteries. Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:

Rock salt to melt ice on walkways;
Sand to improve traction;
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment; and
Adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm.

Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government, and ensure your home and car are prepared for the winter weather.

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: www.ready.gov/winter-weather or www.listo.gov to find out how you can prepare your family for winter storms and other disasters.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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FEMA Continues to Support Response Efforts to Severe Winter Weather

FEMA Continues to Support Response Efforts in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, Wv. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is on site in Charleston, W.Va., and through its regional office in Philadelphia, Pa., continues to work in close coordination with the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to support state and local efforts to ensure public health and safety, in response to emergency conditions resulting from a chemical spill in Charleston on Thursday.

At the request of the state, FEMA is continuing to provide supplies to a regional staging area in Charleston. As of Sunday, FEMA has delivered over 2 million liters of water from its distribution centers in Cumberland and Frederick, Maryland, to the area for use by the state. FEMA will continue to deliver supplies to the state for distribution, as needed and request.

Friday, President Barack Obama signed an emergency declaration for federal disaster assistance to West Virginia to supplement state and local response efforts. Direct federal assistance is currently available to officials in Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Putnam and Roane counties to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. FEMA is continuing regular on-going dialogue working closely with State officials with the state to ensure there are no unmet needs in helping those impacted by this incident as the response continues through its fourth day.

In support of state and local response efforts, a FEMA liaison, an Incident Management Assistance Team and a Mobile Emergency Response team are on site in Charleston to help coordinate assistance to the state as needed. In addition, FEMA’s Regional Response Coordination Center in Philadelphia is activated to support coordination efforts and assist in mobilizing resources.

“Each day we are seeing higher stock levels of bottled water in the stores within the communities,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Lapinski. “FEMA will continue to provide bottled water as requested to meet the needs of the state and its citizens, especially vulnerable populations who may have difficulty getting to stores or distribution centers.” If you need water and can’t get to a distribution site due to accessibility issues, FEMA recommends you contact your local fire, police or emergency manager.

For more information on voluntary donations and how to help, please visit West Virginia’s Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster on Facebook. Residents can also follow the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion3, fema.gov/blog, twitter.com/fema, facebook.com/fema, and 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: FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or 215-931-5597

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FEMA Continues to Support Response Efforts in West Virginia

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.

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

FEMA Urges Residents to Take Steps to Prepare for Tropical Storm Andrea and Listen to Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its regional offices in Atlanta, Ga. and Philadelphia, Pa. is monitoring the conditions of Tropical Storm Andrea. As Tropical Storm Andrea approaches Florida, FEMA urges citizens to closely monitor the storm and take steps to be as prepared as possible, in advance of severe weather and most importantly, follow the direction of state, tribal and local officials.

FEMA remains in close contact with state, tribal and local officials in Florida and all hurricane prone states to ensure they have the resources they need in preparation for Andrea and for the 2013 hurricane season. FEMA has increased the operational status of the National Watch Center in Washington, D.C. to an enhanced watch and a liaison is on site at the Florida emergency operations center to assist in coordination efforts.

This storm is projected to bring significant rainfall and the risk for flash flooding in many areas. Remember to stay away from flood waters. Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous and almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas, at bridges, and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Remember – turn around, don’t drown.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service, as of 11 a.m., Tropical Storm Andrea is located 110 miles south-southeast of Apalachicola, Fla. with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. On the forecast track, the center of Andrea will reach the coast of the Big Bend area later today and then move northeastward near the East Coast of the United States through Saturday. No significant change of strength is expected before the center reaches the coast later today. Some weakening is forecast tonight and early Friday while the center of Andrea moves over land.

“Now is the time to ensure your family is prepared, monitor storm conditions and follow the instructions of state, tribal and local officials,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “With the increased risk of storm surge and flash flooding, remember to stay out of the water. Turn around, don’t drown.”

Tropical storm warnings are in effect along the west coast of Florida from Boca Grande to Indian Pass, along the East Coast from Flagler Beach, Fla. to Cape Charles Light, Virginia, for Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds and the lower Chesapeake Bay south of New Point Comfort, Virginia. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours. There is a potential for tornadoes over the Florida Peninsula today.

As the first named storm of the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Tropical Storm Andrea should serve as another reminder that if you live in a coastal state, now is the time to be prepared, including determining if you live in an evacuation zone. As always, residents should listen to the instructions of state, tribal and local officials, and evacuate if told to do so. Visit www.Ready.gov for more information on how you can get your family ready for a hurricane or other emergency.

Here are some things everyone can do to prepare for the 2013 hurricane season:

Know your risk: Understand how hurricanes can affect where you live, work, go to school and play and how the weather could impact you, your family and your community. When you understand your risk, you are more likely to know how to prepare. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for local alerts from emergency management officials and obtain a NOAA Weather Radio.

Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan and practice how and where you will evacuate if instructed by your emergency management officials. Pledging also provides information on how to strengthen your home and business against hurricanes. You can also download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane. Understand the National Hurricane Center warning and alerts.

Be an Example: Once you have pledged and taken action, be an example by talking to your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors on what you have done to prepare and to inspire others.

For more information on hurricanes, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family, visit www.Ready.gov.

Information can also be found on your smartphone at m.fema.gov.

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FEMA Urges Residents to Take Steps to Prepare for Tropical Storm Andrea and Listen to Local Officials

FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support State and Local Response in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Region

Release Date: July 5, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-059

» En Español

WASHINGTON – The Administration, through FEMA, is committed to providing support to Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states affected by the storms. FEMA, through our National Response Coordination Center and Regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa., has been in constant coordination with our federal partners as well as impacted states since the storms first struck on Friday, to make sure there are no unmet needs.

The following timeline provides an overview of federal activities, to date, in support of the impacted states, families and communities.

Thursday, July 5

At the request of the State of New Jersey, FEMA personnel are on the ground working with federal, state and local officials to conduct preliminary damage assessments in New Jersey as a result of the storms. These assessments are an important step in identifying the damages, helping the governor determine whether the event is beyond state and local capabilities, and if federal support might be needed.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the lead agency for Emergency Support Function 12 – Energy, issues a DOE situation report.

Wednesday, July 4

FEMA continues to stage and transfer supplies such as food, water, kits for infants and toddlers, and durable medical equipment to the states as needed, and requested.
Twenty-nine FEMA community relations staff work with the West Virginia National Guard Bureau, visiting residents door-to-door to help spread the word about cooling stations, to assess needs and provide situational awareness to the state. In Ohio, Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Moore, highlights the importance of neighbors helping neighbors.
DOE issues a situation report.

Tuesday, July 3

DOE issues a situation report.
At the request of the State of Maryland, FEMA deploys two Region Liaison Officers to the state Emergency Operation Center to coordinate potential federal resources requirements.
FEMA deploys community relations teams to West Virginia to support state and local efforts to check on residents without power, provide informational resources, and provide situational awareness about conditions in impacted communities.

Monday, July 2

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deployed representatives to the West Virginia State EOC to assess medical needs and requirements for access and functional needs support.
FEMA continues to distribute water and generators to various staging areas in Ohio and West Virginia, to support state and local response efforts.
FEMA’s Regional Disability Integration Specialists in Philadelphia, Pa. and Chicago, Ill. send out information on Cooling Stations to the disability community, including through the National Federation for the Blind and Deaf advocacy groups, and reached out to these groups to determine needs of affected persons with disabilities.

Sunday, July 1

FEMA stages water and generators in West Virginia as well as Columbus, Ohio to transfer to the State to support affected communities.
One Mobile Communications Office Vehicle (MCOV) onsite in Morgantown, W.Va.; 2 MCOVs en route to Charleston, W.Va.
In coordination with FEMA, the U.S. Department of Energy deploys experts to West Virginia and FEMA Headquarters in Washington D.C., and is supporting FEMA’s regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa.
USACE deploys personnel to Ohio to support assessments and generator installations for emergency power.
A FEMA Disability Integration Specialist participates in a coordination call with West Virginia Emergency Management to support identifying the needs of affected populations with access and functional needs.

Saturday, June 30

President Obama issues emergency disaster declarations for the State of Ohio for all 88 counties in the state, and the State of West Virginia for all 55 counties in the state. The declaration authorizes FEMA and its federal partners to provide direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance to protect lives and property.
President Obama speaks with Ohio Governor John Kasich, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, and West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin to receive an update on the severe storms, and to express his condolences for the loss of life and his concern for individuals and first responders still confronting the destruction and loss of power that is impacting communities as a result. The President tells the Governors that he has directed FEMA to ensure they continue to provide necessary support to state and local officials in impacted areas as they respond to these events.
The President receives an update from FEMA Administrator Fugate on impacts and response activities in states, including parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia. The President asks Administrator Fugate to stay in close contact with our partners on the ground to make sure FEMA and federal partners are providing all available support, and to keep him updated as the response and recovery continues.
DHS Secretary Napolitano speaks with the Governors of the affected states to express condolences for the loss of life and to ensure that federal support is provided to the states as needed.
FEMA Administrator Fugate contacts District of Columbia Deputy Mayor for Public Safety to provide support as needed.
A Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) team deploys to West Virginia to provide secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations, if needed.
FEMA activates the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), a multi-agency center based at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C. The NRCC provides overall coordination of the federal response by bringing together federal departments and agencies to assist in the preparations for and response to disasters. Select emergency support functions are activated to support state operations.
FEMA activates its Regional Response Coordination Centers (RRCCs) in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa. to support state requests for assistance.
FEMA deploys Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) and liaison officers to West Virginia and Ohio State Emergency Operations Centers to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response.
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate holds a video teleconference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives and to assess their needs or shortfalls.

Friday, June 29

A line of severe thunderstorms moved across parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia causing widespread wind damage and there have been reports of significant power outages and debris.
FEMA through its regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa., begins constant contact with affected states’ emergency management officials. FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney and Region V Regional Administrator Andrew Valasquez III make direct contact with the Emergency Management Directors of the affected states.

For more preparedness information about extreme heat, visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to find out how you can protect your family, pets, business and property.

For information on the latest Energy situation reports, visit www.oe.netl.doe.gov/emergency_sit_rpt.aspx.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Jul-2012 16:40:01

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FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support State and Local Response in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Region

FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support State and Local Response Efforts in Impacted Areas

Release Date: July 3, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-057

The Administration, through FEMA, is committed to providing support to Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states affected by the storms. FEMA, through our National Response Coordination Center and Regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa., has been in constant coordination with our federal partners as well as impacted states since the storms first struck on Friday, to make sure there are no unmet needs.

The following timeline provides an overview of federal activities, to date, in support of the impacted states, families and communities.

Tuesday, July 3

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the lead agency for Emergency Support Function 12 – Energy, issued a DOE situation report.
At the request of the State of Maryland, FEMA is deploying two Region Liaison Officers to the state Emergency Operation Center to coordinate potential federal resources requirements.
FEMA has deployed community relations teams to West Virginia to support state and local efforts to check on residents without power, provide informational resources, and provide situational awareness about conditions in impacted communities.

Monday, July 2

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deployed representatives to the West Virginia State EOC to assess medical needs and requirements for access and functional needs support.
FEMA continuedto distribute water and generators to various staging areas in Ohio and West Virginia, to support state and local response efforts.
FEMA’s Regional Disability Integration Specialists in Philadelphia, Pa. and Chicago, Ill. send out information on Cooling Stations to the disability community, including through the National Federation for the Blind and Deaf advocacy groups, and reached out to these groups to determine needs of affected persons with disabilities.

Sunday, July 1

FEMA staged water and generators in West Virginia as well as Columbus, Ohio to transfer to the State to support affected communities.
One Mobile Communications Office Vehicle (MCOV) onsite in Morgantown, W.Va.; 2 MCOVs en route to Charleston, W.Va.
In coordination with FEMA, the U.S. Department of Energy deploys experts to West Virginia and FEMA Headquarters in Washington D.C., and is supporting FEMA’s regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) deployed personnel to Ohio to support assessments and generator installations for emergency power.
A FEMA Disability Integration Specialist participated in a coordination call with West Virginia Emergency Management to support identifying the needs of affected populations with access and functional needs.

Saturday, June 30

President Obama issues emergency disaster declarations for the State of Ohio for all 88 counties in the state, and the State of West Virginia for all 55 counties in the state. The declaration authorizes FEMA and its federal partners to provide direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance to protect lives and property.
President Obama speaks with Ohio Governor John Kasich, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, and West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin to receive an update on the severe storms, and to express his condolences for the loss of life and his concern for individuals and first responders still confronting the destruction and loss of power that is impacting communities as a result. The President tells the Governors that he has directed FEMA to ensure they continue to provide necessary support to state and local officials in impacted areas as they respond to these events.
The President receives an update from FEMA Administrator Fugate on impacts and response activities in states, including parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia. The President asks Administrator Fugate to stay in close contact with our partners on the ground to make sure FEMA and federal partners are providing all available support, and to keep him updated as the response and recovery continues.
DHS Secretary Napolitano speaks with the Governors of the affected states to express condolences for the loss of life and to ensure that federal support is provided to the states as needed.
FEMA Administrator Fugate contacts District of Columbia Deputy Mayor for Public Safety to provide support as needed.
A Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) team deploys to West Virginia to provide secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations, if needed.
FEMA activates the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), a multi-agency center based at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C. The NRCC provides overall coordination of the federal response by bringing together federal departments and agencies to assist in the preparations for and response to disasters. Select emergency support functions are activated to support state operations.
FEMA activates its Regional Response Coordination Centers (RRCCs) in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa. to support state requests for assistance.
FEMA deploys Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) and liaison officers to West Virginia and Ohio State Emergency Operations Centers to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response.
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate holds a video teleconference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives and to assess their needs or shortfalls.

Friday, June 29

A line of severe thunderstorms moved across parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia causing widespread wind damage and there have been reports of significant power outages and debris.
FEMA through its regional offices in Chicago, Ill and Philadelphia, Pa., begins constant contact with affected states’ emergency management officials. FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney and Region V Regional Administrator Andrew Valasquez III make direct contact with the Emergency Management Directors of the affected states.

For more preparedness information about extreme heat, visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to find out how you can protect your family, pets, business and property.

For information on the latest Energy situation reports, visit www.oe.netl.doe.gov/emergency_sit_rpt.aspx.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Jul-2012 14:50:54

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FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support State and Local Response Efforts in Impacted Areas

FEMA Supporting State and Local Officials Responding to Severe Weather in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic

Individuals in Affected States Urged to Listen to Local Officials and Take Precautions Due to Extreme Hot Weather

Release Date: June 30, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-051

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to work closely with states affected by yesterday’s damaging winds, hail and severe thunderstorms, including parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

At the request of the State of Ohio, a FEMA liaison officer is deployed to the Ohio state emergency operations center to support state response efforts as needed. FEMA has also deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team to West Virginia to work side by side with the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as it continues to respond and identify potential needs from the storm outbreak. FEMA also remains in close contact with federal partners at the National Weather Service forecast offices, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The National Weather Service has issued Excessive Heat Advisories in many areas that have been affected by the severe weather and may be without power, and urges everyone to take safety precautions due to the extreme high temperatures.

“Response efforts are underway from last night’s storms. FEMA urges affected individuals to continue to monitor weather conditions, heed advice from local officials and take appropriate precautions due to the severe hot weather and humidity,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “We will continue to work closely with our state and local partners in impacted areas to ensure there are no unmet needs as they continue to respond.”

FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. is activated, and our Regional Response Coordination Centers in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa. are activated to support impacted states if requested.

More information on severe weather preparedness is available at www.ready.gov, www.listo.gov, and for other languages at www.ready.gov/translations.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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.

Last Modified: Saturday, 30-Jun-2012 16:43:44

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FEMA Supporting State and Local Officials Responding to Severe Weather in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic