FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle South Carolina Wildfires

ATLANTA, Ga.–The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized federal funds to reimburse costs to South Carolina to fight the Pinnacle Mountain Fire burning in Pickens County.

This authorization makes FEMA grant funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire. Eligible costs can include labor, equipment and supplies used for fighting the fire and costs for emergency work such as evacuations and sheltering, police barricading and traffic control.

“This wildfire is a major risk to lives and property. FEMA has approved this request to ensure that South Carolina has the resources to fight this fire,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “State and local partners are the frontline responders battling this wildfire, and we will continue to work closely with them.”

The state requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), and it was granted in the late afternoon of November 12, 2016. The fire started on November 8, and at the time of the request, had burned in excess of 1,500 acres of state and private land. The fire was threatening 180 homes around Pinnacle Mountain including the Folsom Rest Subdivision (Sugar Likker Road), Bear Valley Golf Club Subdivision, and other numerous subdivisions along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy. The fire was also threatening communication towers, infrastructure, utilities, and  the Greenville watershed, Jocassee gorges, Gravely wildlife management area (black bear refuge), and Table Rock State Park. Mandatory evacuations have taken place for approximately 130 residences.  

Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to fund firefighting activities when there is a fire threat that could cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided.

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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.

Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips.

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FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle South Carolina Wildfires

FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Smith Mountain Complex Wildfire

ATLANTA, Ga.–The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized federal funds to reimburse costs to Tennessee to fight the Smith Mountain Complex fire burning in Bledsoe, Hamilton and Sequatchie counties.

This authorization makes FEMA grant funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire. Eligible costs can include labor, equipment and supplies used for fighting the fire and costs for emergency work such as evacuations and sheltering, police barricading and traffic control.

“This wildfire threatens lives, structures and property, so FEMA has approved this request to make certain that Tennessee continues to have tools and personnel to fight this, and other fires, in the state,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “We will continue to work closely with our state and local partners, who are the frontline responders battling this wildfire.”

The state requested a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG), and it was granted in the early morning of November 11, 2016. The fire started on November 5, and has burned more than 2,400 acres of state and private land. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 330 homes in and around the Smith Mountain Complex. The fire is also threatening the Windridge Community. Mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 15 to 30 homes and evacuations are expected to increase.

Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to fight fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided.

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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.

Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips.

 

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FEMA Authorizes Federal Funds to Help Battle Smith Mountain Complex Wildfire

Disaster Assistance Tops $3.1 Million for Virginia Survivors

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – One week after President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia, more than $3.1 million has been approved for homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Matthew on Oct. 7, 2016.

This assistance comes in the form of federal grants to individuals and households as part of a joint effort by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials. More than 1,970 households have applied to FEMA for disaster grants for homeowners and renters. Assistance is currently available to residents in four cities, Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.

Disaster assistance for individuals may include grants to help homeowners and renters with temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and serious disaster-related needs. Disaster assistance grants from FEMA are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, and other federal programs. Grants do not have to be repaid to the federal government and do not count as taxable income.

FEMA-contracted housing inspectors have completed more than 1,035 inspections of disaster-damaged properties to verify damage.

Although $3.1 million has been approved in FEMA grants, flood insurance policies have paid more than $12.3 million to those who were covered by flood insurance. To date 2,179 claims have been filed.

Everyone in the disaster declared municipalities is eligible to buy flood insurance, whether they are a business owner, reside in, rent, or own a primary or secondary residence inside or outside a high risk or special flood hazard area. Even condominium complexes can purchase flood insurance. Flood insurance is the best tool for economic recovery after a flood event.

One of FEMA’s federal partners in disaster recovery, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and private non-profit organizations. SBA disaster loans may cover repairs, rebuilding, as well as the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged real estate and personal property.

For more information about SBA loans, call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster.  TTY users may call 800-877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Registering with FEMA is the first step in qualifying for disaster assistance. January 3, 2017 is the deadline for survivors to file an application. FEMA encourages all survivors who sustained disaster-related damage or losses to apply by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3622. TTY users should call 800-462-7585. Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

The Commonwealth and FEMA operate Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. DRCs are open Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  An easy-to-use DRC Locator is available online at //asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

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Disaster Assistance Tops $3.1 Million for Virginia Survivors

Federal Agencies Actively Engaged in Response and Recovery Operations throughout the Southeast United States

FEMA Urges Residents Affected by Flooding in North Carolina to Register for Assistance
 

WASHINGTON – As life-threatening flooding throughout the eastern Carolinas continues, Federal agencies remain active in supporting a wide array of response and recovery efforts throughout the Southeast United States.

On October 10, President Obama signed a major disaster declaration for North Carolina, allowing residents in declared areas of the state to register for FEMA assistance that may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of Hurricane Matthew. Federal funding is also available to state and eligible tribal and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for debris removal and emergency protective measures for declared areas.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in North Carolina can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice. 

At the President’s direction, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is leading the federal government’s response efforts to provide assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. There are more than 1,500 FEMA personnel on the ground supporting response and recovery efforts including Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams; and seven Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs). There are three Urban Search & Rescue teams working in North Carolina actively conducting rescues and another team on standby in South Carolina.

Today, President Obama signed a major disaster declaration for the state of South Carolina. This is in addition to the major declarations issued for Florida and Georgia making federal funding available to state and eligible tribal and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for debris removal and emergency protective measures for declared areas. Damage assessments are underway and additional designations and forms of assistance may be added at a later date.

Additionally, FEMA is transporting pre-positioned commodities to affected areas as requests are submitted. More than 6.9 million meals; 4.3 million liters of water; 89,000 blankets; and 522 generators were made available for state, tribal and local officials to distribute to individuals. Thus far, states have received the following commodities:

  • Florida: More than 4.4 million meals; 1.2 million liters of water; 17,200 blankets; 128 Generators;
  • Georgia: More than 875,000 meals, 930,000 liters of water; 245 Generators;
  • North Carolina: More than 1.4 million meals; 1.95 million liters of water; 49,000  blankets; 148 Generators; and,
  • South Carolina: More than 267,000 meals; 400,000 liters of water; 4,400 blankets.

Survivors in affected areas who have flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and whose property suffered flood damage are encouraged to contact their local insurance agency or company to file a flood insurance claim. When calling, they should have their policy number and a telephone number/email address where they can be reached. Policyholders affected by Hurricane Matthew are also now eligible for advanced payments under their flood insurance policy. 

Policyholders with additional questions about filing a claim or about their NFIP policy can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 and press option “2.”  For a TTY line, call 800-462-7585. The line is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT Monday to Friday.

Ongoing Federal Response and Recovery Efforts:

The National Guard continues to support states impacted by Hurricane Matthew. During the next 24 hours, the total number of Guardsmen is decreasing from approximately 8,000 to 6,000; however the number of activations in North Carolina will increase as flooding concerns continue.

The American Red Cross continues providing shelter throughout the affected areas. Nearly 4,800 people stayed in 90 Red Cross and community shelters. Although sheltering numbers are decreasing in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, shelter numbers increased overnight for North Carolina as additional flooding occurs. The American Red Cross has more than 3,000 trained disaster workers on the ground in addition to 155 pre-positioned response vehicles and more than 100 trailer loads filled water, ready-to-eat meals, shelter and kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies and comfort kits, insect repellant, gloves, masks, shovels, rakes, coolers and more. As conditions permit, Red Cross response vehicles will begin circulating through the hardest hit areas to begin delivering food and relief supplies. For Hurricane Matthew shelter locations, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-768-8048.  The American Red Cross still has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations as Hurricane Matthew has forced the cancellation of many blood drives. Residents who are in an unaffected area, are encouraged to give blood or platelets, to help patients in the affected areas with great need. Go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced recovery assistance in the form of low-interest disaster loans are now available to North Carolina survivors and businesses affected by Hurricane Matthew. SBA’s Field Operations Center staff also joined FEMA, state and local officials today to assist conducting Preliminary Damage Assessments in both Florida and South Carolina.

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance teams are deployed to Haiti, Jamaica and the Bahamas and are working with local authorities to coordinate relief efforts. Updates on the status operations throughout the Caribbean are available on travel.state.gov and on individual Embassy websites.  U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad are encouraged to enroll their travel plans on the agency’s website using the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and to read the “Country Specific” information also found on the site.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) deployed more than 500 AmeriCorps members, including FEMA Corps, to areas affected by Hurricane Matthew. These deployments include 59 teams of FEMA Corps members – 471 AmeriCorps members in total – that have been pre-staged to support FEMA’s response to affected states. An additional 90 AmeriCorps members are supporting shelter and emergency operations in Florida and South Carolina. CNCS is coordinating with local partners in each state, including governor-appointed state service commissions and voluntary organizations, to support state emergency operations and volunteer response efforts. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages producers with crops insured under the Federal crop insurance program to immediately contact their local crop insurance agent to report any damage to insured crops after the storm. For assistance with Rural Development financed housing, business or community assistance information, and to get help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service for debris removal, click here. Additional disaster resource information as well as food safety, livestock and pet guidance is available at www.usda.gov. USDA Foods’ inventories have been requested from all potentially impacted state agencies, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) staff is prepared to respond to any state requests for disaster SNAP and/or other SNAP-related needs. Additional information about USDA’s disaster assistance resources is available here.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) deployed more than 100 personnel in response to Hurricane Matthew. USACE is supporting temporary power restoration, coast engineering-damage assessments, emergency operation center activations and dam inspections. USACE military leadership remain engaged at state emergency operations centers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The Temporary Emergency Power support for North Carolina includes members of the 249th Engineer Battalion and Power Planning and Readiness Teams who manage and install generators. Personnel supporting power missions in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia have been released. Coastal Engineers continue damage assessments in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The dam inspections are occurring on 83 privately-owned dams in South Carolina. Debris and temporary roofing subject matter experts continue performing ground assessments along impacted state coastal areas. USACE is also participating in port surveys in coordination with the Coast Guard. USACE has deployed our Public Health and Safety Officer to FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) who is working on Zika virus related issues connected with the recession of flood waters in support of the Department of Health and Human Services. Seven of USACE’s emergency operations centers remain activated in the affected areas.

U.S. Northern Command continues to support seven Incident Support Bases and Federal Staging Areas in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia to support federal and state resources needed for response. Additionally, Defense Coordinating Officers and Defense Coordinating Elements remain in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, along with a Defense Coordinating Officer in Virginia. Dual-status commanders are designated in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

A 46-member Disaster Medical Assistance Team from the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) continues to provide medical support to a hospital in Brevard County, Florida, assisting with a surge in demand for emergency department services. Approximately 570 personnel from the National Disaster Medical System, U.S. Public Health Service, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response remain activated and another 350 are on alert ready to assist in other communities as needed, particularly as rivers crest after the storm. HHS agencies continue to promote public health messaging and tips on staying healthy after the storm at www.phe.gov/hurricanematthew and www.cdc.gov.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued an official memo to impacted states regarding immigration enforcement activities.  The message notifies the public that there will be no immigration enforcement initiatives associated with evacuations or sheltering related to Hurricane Matthew, including the use of checkpoints for immigration enforcement purposes in impacted areas during an evacuation.  The message has been translated in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Additionally, CRCL and FEMA ODIC holding daily calls of the Interagency Coordinating Council on Individuals with Disabilities (ICC) to share information and resources with interagency partners on any issues impacting individuals with disabilities in the affected states.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services encourages those whose application, petition or immigration status may be impacted by Hurricane Matthew to call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 (TDD for the deaf and hard of hearing: 800-767-1833) to learn how to request certain types of relief. For more information, click here.

The U.S. Coast Guard continues working with the U.S. Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), local port authorities, and other partners to reopen the Georgia ports of Savannah and Brunswick. The teams are surveying channel depths to ensure safe navigation for commercial vessels. The Coast Guard also continues to assist in search and rescue efforts and remains poised to assist in future rescue efforts from those affected by Hurricane Matthew to ensure the safety of individuals that may be in distress from this storm. Additional information for Haiti operations and ongoing support for the Brunswick and Savannah, Georgia ports is being updated online.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) continues working with energy partners in affected areas as power restoration continues. Requirements for restoration vary state-by-state and with local jurisdictions, which may cause delays for some communities and neighborhoods.  As power is being restored to communities affected by Hurricane Matthew, it is important to note that structural inspections are required before any damaged homes can start receiving power. DOE is providing daily situational updates on power outages and restoration throughout the affected area.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) deployed housing assessment teams in each affected state.  The teams are compiling damage data on all of HUD’s Multifamily and Public Housing apartments.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s United States Geological Survey (USGS) is now focusing on historic inland flooding in North Carolina. Personnel from 40 crews continue to collect the surge sensors and gages that identify high water marks in the affected states.  USGS has additional crews making flood measurements and repairing stream gages damaged by river flooding.  The overall storm totals were 393 sensors at 290 locations, making the Matthew deployment the largest in USGS history.  Sensor recovery operations in GA and SC may be completed by early Wednesday.  Sensor recovery in NC is underway and may be completed late Wednesday. Crews there are actively responding to the period-of-record riverine flooding that in some cases rivals or exceed Hurricane Floyd peaks. Some areas are devastated with access problems and no food or gas nearby. Safety is the top priority. Information on all sensors and gages is available online.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service reports that 10 Atlantic coast national park units in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina remain closed in the wake of Hurricane Matthew as the NPS continues to determine the extent of damage caused by the storm’s wind and water. The NPS deployed its Eastern Incident Management Team to Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve to coordinate and oversee the assessment and recovery operations at all of the affected parks. NPS deployed more than 130 personnel for Hurricane Matthew response.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that 19 wildlife refuges and two fish hatcheries remain closed until it is safe for staff to return.

The U.S. Department of Justice deployed 77 federal law enforcement personnel in the affected states, with an additional 50 personnel on stand-by for assignment, if necessary.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to conduct oil and hazardous material field assessments. In Florida, EPA completed more than 100 field assessments, reporting no hazardous materials. Additionally, EPA is working with affected states to incorporate debris assignments.

The Federal Aviation Administration posted and is updating information on temporary flight restrictions for unmanned aircrafts and other aircraft operations.

The Federal Communications Commission continues monitoring the status of communications networks, and coordinating with providers and government partners on communications status and restoration throughout the affected areas.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration divisions in the southern region continue working with contact permitting agencies & commercial motor vehicle law enforcement agencies in their states to assist with necessary emergency waivers and permits.

To report a missing child, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-866-908-9570. Anyone who finds an unaccompanied child who may have been separated from their parents or caregivers because of the hurricane, can enter basic information and/or a photo into the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Unaccompanied Minors Registry or call 1-866-908-9570.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration deployed about a dozen personnel from division offices to assist with the storm response.  Bridge and road inspectors will make damage assessments in affected areas are beginning.

The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service announced today that North Carolina storm victims will have until March 15, 2017, to file certain individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments, with similar relief expected soon for Hurricane Matthew victims in other states. For more information, go to Tax Relief in Disaster Situations on www.IRS.gov.

Up-to-date information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities is available.

FEMA advises anyone in the impacted areas looking to help or assist with response and recovery efforts can get involved by contacting their American Red Cross chapter or their local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) chapter to connect to many organizations working on the ground that are in need of volunteers. To get in touch with the local VOAD in the affected areas, visit:

For additional information, imagery, graphics and b-roll from FEMA, click here.

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

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

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Federal Agencies Actively Engaged in Response and Recovery Operations throughout the Southeast United States

President Declares Major Disaster For South Carolina

WASHINGTON –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of South Carolina to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Matthew beginning October 4, 2016, and continuing. 

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible tribal and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Marion, and Williamsburg counties.

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

W. Michael Moore has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Moore said additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

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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President Declares Major Disaster For South Carolina

North Carolina Residents Encouraged to Register for Federal Assistance

RALEIGH, N.C. — Disaster survivors in Beaufort, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Edgecombe, Hoke, Lenoir, Nash, Pitt, and Robeson Counties are encouraged to register for federal disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Individuals, including homeowners, renters, and business owners, in the above designated counties who suffered loss or damages due to Hurricane Matthew may register for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), the number is also 1-800-621-3362.  For people using TTY, the number is 1-800-462-7585.

These toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice; operators are standing by to assist survivors in multiple languages.

The President declared a major disaster October 10, 2016 for the above North Carolina counties to assist individuals and households as they recover from the effects of Hurricane Matthew beginning October 4, 2016 and continuing.

Grant assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners and renters can include funds to help with rent, temporary housing and home repairs to their primary residences, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as personal and necessary items, moving and storage expenses, transportation,  medical and dental expenses, or funeral and burial and reinternment costs caused by the disaster. Other relief programs include crisis counseling and legal assistance.

Survivors should also contact their insurance company to file an insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or who may be underinsured may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled. 

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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 800-621-3362 or TTY at 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 latest updates on road closures can be found at ReadyNC.org or by calling 5-1-1. Residents can also get real-time traffic and weather on the ReadyNC mobile app.  Follow us on Facebook at NCEmergencyManagement and Twitter @NCEmergency  or @femaregion4.

 

 

 

 

 

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North Carolina Residents Encouraged to Register for Federal Assistance

Federal Government Continues to Ramp Up Resources and Support to Affected States

Residents Urged to Stay off of Flooded Roads, Clean up Begins in Some Areas
 

WASHINGTON –The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its partners continue to mobilize additional resources and personnel to support state and local efforts as record rains and flooding remains a significant concern for public safety.  Local and federal officials are also working to clear debris from major roads, ensure coastal ports are safe to re-open and support efforts to restore power in affected areas.   

At the direction of President Obama, FEMA is leading the federal government’s efforts to provide assistance and support in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Recovery efforts are under way in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina and response efforts continue in North Carolina, including thousands of water rescues supported by federal responders and assets in the state.

There are more than 800 FEMA personnel on the ground supporting response and recovery efforts including Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams; and seven Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs). There are three active Urban Search & Rescue teams with seven additional teams on standby, if needed. To date, USAR teams have conducted 75 rescues.

FEMA is transporting prepositioned commodities to affected areas as requests are submitted. More than 5.2 million meals, 3.7 million liters of water, and 72,000 blankets for state, were made available for state, tribal and local officials to distribute to individuals should they be requested by states. Thus far, states have received the following commodities:

  • Florida: More than 3 million meals; 800,000 million liters of water;
  • Georgia: More than 580,000 meals, 649,000 liters of water; 17,200 blankets;
  • North Carolina: More than 1.39 million meals; 1.85 million liters of water; 49,000 blankets; 
  • South Carolina: More than 267,000 meals; 400,000 liters of water; 4,400 blankets.

The National Business Emergency Operation Center (NBEOC) continues to coordinate with more than 375 national businesses about the effects of Hurricane Matthew and flooding.  Businesses are encouraged to use established social media hashtags to report public safety concerns, share local access areas that remain close or inaccessible, and the status of reopening business hours. The hashtags are:  Florida: #FLOpen4Biz; Georgia: #GAOpen4Biz; South Carolina: #SCOpen4Biz; and North Carolina: #NCOpen4Biz.

On Saturday, October 8, President Obama signed major disaster declarations for Florida and Georgia making federal funding available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for debris removal and emergency protective measures for affected areas. Damage assessments are underway and additional designations and forms of assistance may be added at a later date.

Ongoing Support and Preparedness Efforts:

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance teams are deployed to Haiti, Jamaica and the Bahamas and are working with local authorities to coordinate relief efforts. Updates on the status operations throughout the Caribbean are available on travel.state.gov and on individual Embassy websites.  U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad are encouraged to enroll their travel plans on the agency’s website using the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and to read the “Country Specific” information also found on the site.

The National Guard continues support to states impacted by Hurricane Matthew. Additional Guard members are now activated in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia to assist with high water transport. The number of total Guard personnel on duty is expected to drop from more than 8,000 Sunday to approximately 7,500 today.

The American Red Cross continues supporting a massive shelter operation in the affected areas. Nearly 7,000 people stayed the night in 156 Red Cross and community shelters in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. The American Red Cross has more than 3,000 trained disaster workers on the ground in addition to 149 pre-positioned response vehicles and 100 trailer loads filled water, ready-to-eat meals, shelter and kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies and comfort kits, insect repellant, gloves, masks, shovels, rakes, coolers and more. For Hurricane Matthew shelter locations, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-768-8048. The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations as Hurricane Matthew has forced the cancellation of many blood drives. Residents who are in an unaffected area, are encouraged to give blood or platelets, to help patients in the affected areas with great need. Go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) deployed more than 500 AmeriCorps members, including FEMA Corps, to areas affected by Hurricane Matthew. These deployments include 59 teams of FEMA Corps members – 471 AmeriCorps members in total – that have been pre-staged to support FEMA’s response to affected states. An additional 90 AmeriCorps members are supporting shelter and emergency operations in Florida and South Carolina. CNCS is coordinating with local partners in each state, including governor-appointed state service commissions and voluntary organizations, to support state emergency operations and volunteer response efforts. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages producers with crops insured under the Federal crop insurance program to immediately contact their local crop insurance agent to report any damage to insured crops after the storm. For assistance with Rural Development financed housing, business or community assistance information, and to get help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service for debris removal, visit here. Additional disaster resource information as well as food safety, livestock and pet guidance is available at www.usda.gov. USDA Foods’ inventories have been requested from all potentially impacted state agencies, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) staff is prepared to respond to any state requests for disaster SNAP and/or other SNAP-related needs. Additional information about USDA’s disaster assistance resources is available here.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues to engage in dam safety inspections throughout South Carolina, testing more than 80 privately-owned dams at the state’s request. USACE also continues to support damage assessments to coastal regions.

U.S. Northern Command continues to support seven Incident Support Bases and Federal Staging Areas in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia to support federal and state resources needed for response. Additionally, Defense Coordinating Officers and Defense Coordinating Elements remain in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, along with a Defense Coordinating Officer in Virginia. Dual-status commanders are designated in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Members of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Disaster Medical Assistance Team from Pennsylvania continue providing medical support to a hospital in Brevard County, Florida, assisting with a surge in demand for emergency department services. More than 700 personnel from the National Disaster Medical System, U.S. Public Health Service, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response remain pre-positioned or on alert ready to assist in other communities as needed. HHS agencies, continue to promote public health messaging and staying healthy after the storm at www.phe.gov/hurricanematthew and www.cdc.gov.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with FEMA, issued an official memo to impacted states regarding immigration enforcement activities. The DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), in coordination with FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination and FEMA’s Office for Equal Rights, issued a notice to ensure that individuals and communities affected by the disaster do not face unlawful discrimination in the provision of federally assisted services. Additionally, CRCL and FEMA ODIC holding daily calls of the Interagency Coordinating Council on Individuals with Disabilities (ICC) to share information and resources with interagency partners on any issues impacting individuals with disabilities in the affected states.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services encourages those whose application, petition or immigration status may be impacted by Hurricane Matthew to call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 (TDD for the deaf and hard of hearing: 800-767-1833) to learn how to request certain types of relief. For more information, visit here.

The U.S. Coast Guard continues working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA, local port authorities, and other partners to reopen the Georgia ports of Savannah and Brunswick. The teams are surveying channel depths to ensure safe navigation for commercial vessels.

The Coast Guard also continues to assist in search and rescue efforts and remains poised to assist in future rescue efforts from those affected by Hurricane Matthew to ensure the safety of individuals that may be in distress from this storm.

The U.S. Department of Energy continues working with energy partners in affected areas as power restoration continues. Requirements for restoration vary state-by-state and with local jurisdictions, which may cause delays for some communities and neighborhoods.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development deployed housing assessment teams in each affected state.  The teams are compiling damage data on all of HUD’s Multifamily and Public Housing apartments.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s United States Geological Survey deployed more than 40 teams to the affected areas to collect the surge sensors and gages that identify high water marks. USGS has additional crews making flood measurements and repairing stream gages damaged by river flooding.  USGS is placing employee safety as the top priority.  Access issues in some locations and continued significant flooding are impacting field work efforts. Information on all sensors and gages is available online.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service reports that nine Atlantic coast national parks in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina remain closed in the wake of Hurricane Matthew as the NPS continues to determine the extent of damage caused by the storm’s wind and water. The NPS has deployed its Eastern Incident Management Team to Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve to coordinate and oversee the assessment and recovery operations at all of the affected parks.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that 20 wildlife refuges are closed and each will remain so until it is safe for staff to return. 

The Department of Justice deployed 77 federal law enforcement personnel in the affected states, with an additional 50 personnel on stand-by for assignment, if necessary.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to conduct oil and hazardous material field assessments. In Florida, EPA completed more than 100 field assessments, reporting no hazardous materials. Additionally, EPA is working with affected states to incorporate debris assignments.

The Federal Communications Commission continues monitoring the status of communications networks and coordinating with providers and government partners on communications status and restoration throughout the affected areas.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) divisions in the southern region continue working with contact permitting agencies & commercial motor vehicle law enforcement agencies in their states to assist with necessary emergency waivers and permits.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) deployed staff to Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to support FEMA efforts to establish Joint Field Offices and Disaster Response Centers.  GSA assessment teams are preparing to survey potential damage to federal facilities and will ensure any necessary repairs are undertaken quickly.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) activated its Unaccompanied Minors Registry (UMR). Family members can go to https://umr.missingkids.org or call 1-800-THE-LOST to find unaccompanied children who may have been separated from parents or caregivers because of the floods, by entering basic information and/or a photo.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration deployed about a dozen personnel from division offices to assist with the storm response.  Bridge and road inspectors will make damage assessments in affected areas are beginning.

The Department of Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) latest guidance for taxpayers affected by Hurricane Matthew. 

Up-to-date information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities is available.

FEMA advises anyone in the impacted areas looking to help or assist with response and recovery efforts can get involved by contacting their American Red Cross chapter or their local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) chapter to connect to many organizations working on the ground that are in need of volunteers. To get in touch with the local VOAD in the affected areas, visit:

For additional info, imagery, graphics and b-roll, see our Hurricane Matthew web page: www.fema.gov/hurricane-matthew.

 

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

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

Original article: 

Federal Government Continues to Ramp Up Resources and Support to Affected States

Federal Aid Programs for the State 0f Florida Declaration

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 Florida.

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

  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective 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 including direct federal assistance (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 on 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. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

Original article: 

Federal Aid Programs for the State 0f Florida Declaration

Hurricane Matthew Unified Response Efforts Underway

Hurricane Matthew Unified Response Efforts Underway

FEMA and the Federal Family Coordinating with Partners to Support Impacted Communities
 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to mobilize resources and personnel to support state, local and tribal efforts in the southeast U.S. as the possibility of dangerous conditions and flooding continues in some areas.

At the direction of President Obama, FEMA is leading the federal government’s effort to provide assistance and support in preparation and response to Hurricane Matthew. The President declared emergencies in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, making federal assistance available to mobilize equipment and resources necessary to prepare for and respond to Hurricane Matthew in the anticipated impacted areas. These pre-disaster emergency declarations make available direct federal assistance to save lives and protect property.

As of this morning, more than 680 FEMA staff are deployed to impacted states in support of response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Matthew and thousands more remain on alert to support recovery efforts, as needed. This includes six Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSAT) deployed to help federal, state, local and tribal partners gather detailed information on the affected communities during the critical days and weeks following this storm.  DSAT teams address immediate and emerging needs of disaster survivors including: on-the-spot needs assessments, requests for disability related accommodations and access to partners offering survivor services.

Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) are positioned in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. IMAT teams support preparation and anticipated response activities, and ensure that there are no unmet needs. Additionally, FEMA has ten Urban Search & Rescue teams on the ground to support any search and rescue efforts. Two teams are in Florida, four teams are in South Carolina, three teams are in Georgia, and one team is in North Carolina.

FEMA has made available more than 1,427,000 meals, more than 958,000 liters of water, and more than 48,000 blankets for state, tribal, and local officials to distribute to individuals.  These points of distribution are centralized locations established by state or local officials where supplies are delivered.

A breakdown by state:

Florida: More than 71,000 meals; 341,000 liters of water;

Georgia: More than 535,000 meals, 617,000 liters of water; 17,000 blankets;

North Carolina: More than 570,000 meals; 26,000 blankets; and,

South Carolina: More than 250,000 meals; 4,500 blankets.

The National Business Emergency Operations Center is activated in the NRCC and is coordinating with potentially affected states to work with private sector companies, preparing for landfall and coordinating on evacuation orders, potential transportation impacts, and access/re-entry permits ahead of the storm.

Ongoing Support and Preparedness Efforts:

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance teams are deployed to Haiti, Jamaica and the Bahamas and are working with local authorities to coordinate relief efforts. Updates on the status operations throughout the Caribbean are available on travel.state.gov and on individual Embassy websites.  U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad are encouraged to enroll their travel plans on the agency’s website, travel.state.gov, using the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and to read the Country Specific Information also found on the site.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) deployed a Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader to FEMA Region IV.  Two Assistant Team Leaders and one Power Subject Matter Expert have been deployed to the FEMA National Response Coordination Center (NRCC).  Also, USACE deployed Team Leaders to FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.  The USACE deployed Emergency Power assets, including Planning & Response Teams (PRT) and Emergency Command & Control Vehicles (ECCV), to Florida and North Carolina.  Two companies from the 249th Engineer Battalion and four Temporary Emergency Power PRTs are coordinating response requirements under a FEMA pre-declaration for Emergency Power.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) encourages those whose application, petition or immigration status may be impacted by Hurricane Matthew to call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 (TDD for the deaf and hard of hearing: 800-767-1833) to learn how to request certain types of relief. For more information, visit www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/special-situations.

The U.S. Coast Guard continues to assess and advise the status of ports along the storm’s path.  Advisories are being issued for northern locations in Georgia and South Carolina.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has deployed more than 450 AmeriCorps members, including FEMA Corps, to areas affected by Hurricane Matthew. These deployments include 54 teams of FEMA Corps members – 425 AmeriCorps members in total – that have been pre-staged to support FEMA’s response to affected states. An additional 45 AmeriCorps members are supporting shelter and emergency operations in Florida and South Carolina. CNCS is coordinating with local partners in each state, including governor-appointed state service commissions and voluntary organizations, to support state Emergency Operations and volunteer response efforts. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has disaster resource information as well as food safety, livestock and pet guidance is available at www.usda.gov.  USDA Foods’ inventories have been requested from all potentially impacted state agencies, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) staff is prepared to respond to any state requests for disaster SNAP and/or other SNAP-related needs.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) established an Incident Support Base at Fort Bragg in coordination with FEMA to preposition commodities and resources close to the potentially affect areas.  The U.S. Northern Command deployed Defense Coordinating Elements to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. These service members are providing DOD regional subject matter expertise, validate requirements, and conduct liaison efforts in support of response operations.

 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is conducting daily coordination calls with industry, impacted states and the leadership of the Electricity Sub-Sector Coordinating Council to discuss preparations for the storm and plans for timely restoration.  As the preparation and response efforts for electric power change as the storm shifts, updates for each state can be viewed at here.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has almost 700 personnel pre-positioned and more than 450 on alert ready to support communities with medical, veterinary or fatality management needs from the storm’s impact. Personnel include members of the National Disaster Medical System, the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response staff, and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and they form eight Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, two National Veterinary Response Teams, a Public Health Service Rapid Deployment Force team, a disaster mortuary assessment personnel and an Incident Response Coordination Team. Information from HHS agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about protecting health before and after disasters can be found on www.phe.gov/hurricanematthew.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), in coordination with FEMA’s Office on Disability Integration and Coordination and FEMA’s Office for Equal Rights, issued a notice reminding its recipients of federal financial assistance who are engaged in emergency management to ensure that individuals and communities affected by disasters do not face unlawful discrimination in the provision of federally assisted services to disaster survivors. Additionally, CRCL issued a memo to impacted states regarding immigration enforcement activities. This memo notifies the public that there will be no immigration enforcement initiatives associated with evacuations or sheltering related to the hurricane, including the use of checkpoints for immigration enforcement purposes in impacted areas during an evacuation. This memo can be found here.

The U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs is coordinating with tribes in potentially affected areas as needed. 

The U.S. Department of Interior’s National Park Service is continuing to monitor and evaluate conditions at their parks as the storm moves further north.  With more than a dozen national parks closed, each is assessing the ability to re-open to the public. Anyone planning to visit a park in the impacted states is encouraged to verify a park’s open status on its website.

The U.S. Department of Interior’s United States Geological Survey (USGS) is preparing to collect the 393 surge sensors and gages deployed in advance of Hurricane Matthew along the East Coast to provide data that will assist water managers in determining the peak and duration of storm surge.   This includes Storm Surge Sensors (190), Wave Sensors (79), Barometric Pressure Sensors (92), and Rapid Deployment Gage’s (32). The information supports disaster recovery efforts and critical weather forecasts for the National Weather Service and FEMA.  The information collected will be distributed live on the USGS website to help federal and state officials gauge the extent and the storm’s damage as it passes through each area.  This is the largest deployment of surge sensors by the USGS and surpasses the total deployments for Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy.

The Department of Justice has 500 federal law enforcement officers from across the country on standby and ready to deploy, as required.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) activated the Regional Emergency Operations Center in Atlanta, Georgia and has deployed liaisons to the FEMA Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta, and the Florida State Emergency Operation Center in Tallahassee.  All EPA regional programs have contacted their state counterparts and offered technical assistance concerning waste and debris disposal, water infrastructure, and fuel waiver issues. The Agency has received a mission assignment to support the State of Florida for oil and hazardous substance assessments in the coastal areas of the state, and are assembling teams to deploy from the Atlanta regional office.

The Federal Aviation Administration worked closely with airports and the air carriers that serve the affected area to prepare and is ready to restore air traffic control service in support of recovery efforts.  At FAA facilities in the hurricane’s path, fuel tanks were topped off for air traffic control equipment, radars immobilized and other navigation facilities so they could withstand high wind speeds. The FAA is also warning drone operators to stay clear of hurricane rescue and response aircraft to preserve the safety of first-responders.

The Federal Communications Commission is monitoring the status of communications networks and is prepared to work with affected providers to support restoration efforts as necessary.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) divisions in the southern region have been instructed to contact permitting agencies & commercial motor vehicle law enforcement agencies in their states to prepare for either emergency waivers from permits, or to be prepared to expedite permit issuance to support relief transportation efforts.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) deployed staff to Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to support FEMA efforts to establish Joint Field Offices (JFO) and Disaster Response Centers (DRC).  GSA assessment teams are standing by to survey potential damage to federal facilities and will ensure any necessary repairs are undertaken quickly.

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) activated its Unaccompanied Minors Registry (UMR). Family members can go to here or call 1-800-THE-LOST to find unaccompanied children who may have been separated from parents or caregivers because of the floods, by entering basic information and/or a photo. 

The National Guard continues to move north following the storm’s path. More than 9,000 National Guard personnel from nine states (AL, FL, GA, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN) are conducting search and rescue, security, infrastructure assessment, route clearance, and communications in support of hurricane recovery efforts.  The National Guard provides support to civil authority of the state under direction of the governor.

The American Red Cross is supporting a massive shelter operation in the affected areas. More than 18,000 people stayed the night in 183 Red Cross and community evacuation shelters in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The Red Cross has more than 2,200 trained disaster workers on the ground in addition to 95 pre-positioned response vehicles and 94 trailer loads filled water, ready-to-eat meals, shelter and kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies and comfort kits, insect repellant, gloves, masks, shovels, rakes, coolers and more. For Hurricane Matthew shelter locations, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-768-8048. The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations as Hurricane Matthew has forced the cancellation of many blood drives. If you’re in an unaffected area, please give blood or platelets, so we can continue to help patients in need. Go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is coordinating with affected state Departments of Transportation in anticipation of requests for Emergency Relief funds to repair highways and bridges that get damaged by the storm.  FHWA has deployed about a dozen personnel from division offices to assist with the storm response.  Bridge and road inspectors will make damage assessments once the storm has passed.  

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) is operating its SafeStor program on the M/V Cape Decision in Charleston, South Carolina, as shelter for local emergency vehicles in the region.  A total of seven agencies, including the Charleston Sheriff’s Department, have a total of 53 emergency service vehicles loaded on the Cape Decision’s massive cargo hold to weather out the passage of Hurricane Mathew.  MARAD’s SafeStor program provides safe shelter for emergency equipment and personnel and allows affected areas to be up and running as soon as possible in order.

The Department of Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) advises taxpayers to prepare in advance of Hurricane Matthew and stands ready to help after the storm. IRS will monitor the storm’s impact as the October 17 tax filing deadline approaches for those in the impacted areas who filed an extension to file their 2015 tax returns. The latest guidance available here.

Veterans Affairs facilities from Florida through South Carolina are implementing their emergency preparedness plans which includes closing many clinics and suspending non-emergency care services in medical centers.  For up-to-date information about VA facilities, visit here.

The National Weather Service expects Matthew to continue to move along the coast and be near the coast of North Carolina by tonight. Areas as far north as southern Virginia may experience high winds and dangerous flooding. Meanwhile, some residents in Florida and Georgia are beginning to return to their communities and face different risks from downed trees, power lines, and standing water. FEMA has advised residents to listen to local officials and follow all suggested safety measures in their area.

For additional info, imagery, graphics and b-roll, see our Hurricane Matthew web page: http://www.fema.gov/hurricane-matthew.

###

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

Original post: 

Hurricane Matthew Unified Response Efforts Underway

President Obama Signs Emergency Declaration for North Carolina

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the State of North Carolina to supplement state, tribal, and local response efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Matthew beginning on October 4, 2016, and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts that have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the counties of Alamance, Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Caswell, Chatham, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Davidson, Davie, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gates, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Sampson, Scotland, Stokes, Surry, Tyrrell, Vance, Wake, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wilson, and Yadkin.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent federal funding. Elizabeth Turner has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.  Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further evaluation.

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.

View original post here:

President Obama Signs Emergency Declaration for North Carolina

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