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One Year Later: Mitigation Makes Communities Safer

LINCROFT, N.J. — Emergency response. Debris removal. Reconstruction and repair. Rental assistance. Low-cost disaster loans. These activities and terms have become familiar to many New Jerseyans since Superstorm Sandy struck last year. But another activity is going full force with the purpose of protecting life and property from future disasters – hazard mitigation.

Sea Bright, N.J., Feb. 20, 2013 — Homeowners stand and watch their home being elevated. This family has started the rebuilding process after being forced out of their home by Hurricane Sandy. Rosanna Arias/FEMAHazard mitigation is the only phase of emergency management specifically dedicated to breaking the cycle of damage, reconstruction and repeated damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides assistance to state and local governments after a major disaster declaration to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during disaster recovery.

“Hazard Mitigation grants help make communities safer,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer in New Jersey, Gracia Szczech. “Mitigation programs also help reduce the financial impact of disasters on the state and on the county.”

Eligible applicants for HMGP grants are states, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations. Individual homeowners and businesses may not apply directly to the program, but local governments may apply on their behalf.

These grants can be used to fund projects that protect public or private property if the project fits within state and local mitigation plans. Projects eligible for HMGP funds include retrofitting buildings to minimize damage from high winds and flooding; elevation of flood-prone buildings; minor flood-control projects; and the purchase of property at risk of repetitive flooding for conversion to open space. The state works with local communities to determine the focus of the Hazard Mitigation program.

FEMA has obligated $340.7 million in Hazard Mitigation grants after Sandy for New Jersey’s mitigation measures, which include:

$100 million for the acquisition of structures in flood-prone areas to be cleared and converted to permanent greenspace;
$100 million for elevation of buildings in flood-prone areas; and $3.8 million for county mitigation plans

Sea Bright, N.J., Feb. 20, 2013 — Construction worker carries wood for cribbing used in the elevation of a Sea Bright home as part of mitigation. Homeowners have just begun rebuilding and expect their home to be ready by summer. Rosanna Arias/FEMAThe state is applying the remaining grant money for mitigation measures being incorporated into eligible rebuilding projects of state and local agencies, and certain private nonprofit organizations, such as hospitals and universities.

Five issues are considered when determining the eligibility of a proposed project:

Does the project conform to the state’s hazard mitigation plan?
Does the project provide a beneficial impact on the disaster area?
Does the application meet the environmental requirements?
Does the project solve a problem independently?
Is the project cost effective?

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding is made available at the request of a state’s governor following the declaration of a major disaster. The grant funds available for mitigation equal 15 percent of the amount FEMA spends to assist disaster survivors and communities in the recovery process. Under

HMGP, federal funds pay for 75 percent of the project cost with 25 percent coming from non-federal sources. All programs require an up-to-date Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Video-links: Sea Bright Mitigation

Next week the One Year Later releases will feature examples of a business owner and a homeowner who applied mitigation techniques to their property at their own cost, which, in the aftermath of Sandy, proved to be a sound investment.

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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One Year Later: Mitigation Makes Communities Safer

FEMA Awards $6.75M for Community Safe Rooms in Hidalgo Co, TX

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $6.75 million to the state of Texas for construction of four community safe rooms in the city of Pharr in Hidalgo County, Texas

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will pay 75 percent or $6,750,000 of the combined $9 million cost.

The concrete, dome safe rooms, which will also serve as multi-purpose community centers, will be 20,000 square feet each and should provide protection from storms and tornadoes for the people of Hidalgo County.

The community safe rooms will be built at two high schools, a fire station and a community center in Pharr. The safe rooms are accessible for people with disabilities.

The federal share of the funds for the project come from the agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). HMGP provides grants to states, and tribal and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures that reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

Learn more about FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant program online at http://go.usa.gov/D6D.

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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 us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6, the R6 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/region-vi/region-6-preparedness and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Awards $6.75M for Community Safe Rooms in Hidalgo Co, TX

Local Permits Are Needed Before Rebuilding Begins

PURVIS, Miss. – State and federal recovery officials are urging Mississippians to obtain any necessary building permits before starting new construction or repairs to property damaged by the recent tornadoes and flooding.

“Getting building permits is necessary for those with homes or businesses damaged by the storms,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles. “Residents need to know that permits are based on local ordinances enforced by their communities.”

In Mississippi, depending on the size and nature of the project, additional building permits beyond a basic document may be required before rebuilding begins. There also might be a need for a flood-elevation certificate. Special permits are required for demolition work, asbestos removal, and sometimes for use of portable storage containers. Typically, all permits must be obtained before construction begins.

“Having the proper permits before repairs or rebuilding begins will protect the homeowner,” said State Coordinating Officer Robert Latham. “These permits will ensure that the local government knows what work is occurring in their area and that it will be done to their standards. It can be frustrating for residents who make repairs without a permit to find out after the fact that the repairs are not up to local ordinances and they may have to spend more money on additional repairs to their property.”

Securing the correct local building permit is the homeowner’s responsibility. Those who agree to have their contractors secure permits on their behalf should follow up with building officials to verify. Permits may be required for repairs to roofs, walls, siding, wallboard, plaster, insulation, paneling, cabinets, flooring, electrical wiring, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

Local permitting offices can provide suggestions and information on how to protect homes or businesses from future disaster-related damages and might be able provide consumers with information on choosing licensed contractors as well as advice on protecting homeowners from unscrupulous contractors.

FEMA and MEMA are not permitting agencies and do not authorize rebuilding or repair simply by providing disaster grants, loans or, in FEMA’s case, settling flood-insurance claims. The agencies do not recommend or endorse any contractors, and recovery officials warn people to be wary of any contractors who claim they are authorized by FEMA or MEMA. They are not.

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

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Local Permits Are Needed Before Rebuilding Begins

FEMA Offers Free Coastal Construction Guides for Home Builders and Do-It-Yourselfers

WINDSOR, Conn. – Connecticut home builders and skilled do-it-yourselfers undertaking repair and rebuilding projects in the wake of Hurricane Sandy can get detailed guidance from free, comprehensive publications offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA’s Coastal Construction Manual outlines best practices for planning, siting, designing, constructing and maintaining homes in coastal environments.

Volume I provides information about hazard identification, siting decisions, regulatory requirements, economic implications and risk management. Volume I is primarily intended for design professionals, local officials and those involved in the project decision-making process.
Volume II contains in-depth descriptions of design, construction and maintenance practices to increase the durability of residential buildings in the coastal environment and reduce economic losses associated with coastal natural disasters like Sandy. Volume II is aimed at design professionals who are familiar with building codes and standards and have a basic understanding of engineering principles.

The Coastal Construction Manual is available to download for free from FEMA’s online publication library at http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?fromSearch=fromsearch&id=1671.

Also available is the Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction – Technical Fact Sheet Series, which can be downloaded at http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2138.

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FEMA Offers Free Coastal Construction Guides for Home Builders and Do-It-Yourselfers

Federal, State and Local Partners Team Up to Identify Texas Coastal Flood Risks in Calhoun, Refugio and Jackson Counties

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating flood maps in Calhoun, Refugio and Jackson, Texas counties following the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks.

As FEMA works to update the new flood maps, the agency is working closely with its federal, state and local partners to help these coastal communities better understand the current flood risk so that action can be taken to reduce that risk.

Meetings with local officials have already taken place and open houses for the general public have been scheduled. The local workshops provided an opportunity for local officials to review the storm surge study methods and get an update on the project’s progress. The open houses will help to educate the public about the current flood risk in the area. Public meetings will be posted on www.txchart.com.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort is part of FEMA’s comprehensive approach to integrating flood hazard identification and analysis with risk communications for affected coastal counties. In addition to the Calhoun, Refugio and Jackson counties, the effort also includes Aransas, Brazoria, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Orange, San Patricio, Victoria and Willacy.

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is currently undergoing a thorough modernization.

Meanwhile, contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to gather information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

Media note: If media would like to join an online, informational briefing beginning at 1p.m. (CST) on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, please call us at 940-898-5454 for details.

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Federal, State and Local Partners Team Up to Identify Texas Coastal Flood Risks in Calhoun, Refugio and Jackson Counties

Federal, State and Local Partners Team Up to Identify Texas Coastal Flood Risks: Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Galveston and…

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating flood maps in Galveston and Matagorda, Texas counties following the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks.

Meetings with local officials have already taken place and open houses for the general public are currently being scheduled. The local workshops provided an opportunity for local officials to review the storm surge study methods and get an update on the project’s progress. The open houses will help to educate the public about the current flood risk in the area. Public meetings will be posted on www.txchart.com.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort is part of FEMA’s comprehensive approach to integrating flood hazard identification and analysis with risk communications for affected coastal counties. In addition to the Galveston and Matagorda counties, the effort also includes Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Kleberg, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria and Willacy.

Meanwhile, contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to gather information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

Media note: If media would like to join an online, informational briefing beginning at 11.a.m. (CST) on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, please call us at 940-898-5454 for details.

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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 us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Federal, State and Local Partners Team Up to Identify Texas Coastal Flood Risks: Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Galveston and…

FEMA Awards $1.8 Million for Community Safe Room in Bay City, Texas

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $1.8 million to the state of Texas for construction of a community safe room in the city of Bay City in Matagorda County, Texas.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) will pay 75 percent of the $2.4 million total cost for the project, which is being built under the Texas Safe Shelter Initiative.

The concrete dome shaped safe room will be 20,000 square feet in size and will provide protection from storms and tornadoes for the people of Matagorda County, including those with access and functional needs, as well as medical special needs. It will also serve as a wellness center/physical rehabilitation facility for the Matagorda County Hospital District.

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FEMA Awards $1.8 Million for Community Safe Room in Bay City, Texas

AmeriCorps — and New FEMA Corps — Are Assisting Hurricane Isaac Recovery

BATON ROUGE, La. – Dozens of AmeriCorps and FEMA Corps members are doing double duty in response to Hurricane Isaac— helping Louisiana survivors with their recovery efforts and assisting their communities plan for future disasters.

Along with scores of local voluntary agencies, some AmeriCorps teams were in Louisiana before Hurricane Isaac struck, and other members have arrived regularly in the eight weeks since the storm. The newest group is from FEMA Corps, a program in which young adults serve alongside FEMA’s existing workforce to perform a variety of disaster response, recovery and mitigation tasks.

“FEMA relies on volunteer-based organizations and the service groups like AmeriCorps and now FEMA Corps to provide critical help for survivors,” said Gerard M. Stolar, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer. “These folks are getting right into the communities affected by Isaac and helping them with their recovery effort.”

The FEMA Corps members are working with FEMA specialists in the Joint Field Office in Baton Rouge and across southern Louisiana. Some of them have been integrated into operations at Disaster Recovery Centers, where they have met with survivors and helped connect them to resources and information. Others are helping compile Project Worksheets, which document applicant costs for Public Assistance reimbursements.

FEMA Corps members also have been working in the southern parishes to learn how to assess homes for private property debris removal. Still others have joined Community Relations teams, going door-to-door to meet survivors and provide information about FEMA registration.

Meanwhile, some AmeriCorps members are in St. John Parish where they are managing local volunteers and assisting in setting up a long-term recovery group for the area. The teams also are helping the parish begin tracking volunteer hours which can be used to offset the local cost share required in some FEMA grants. In Plaquemines, St. John and St. Tammany, AmeriCorps has helped set up Volunteer Reception Centers (VRCs).

Other members are assisting the Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster with a temporary roof repair pilot project in eight parishes. They are helping collect data about the efforts of voluntary agencies to provide temporary roof repairs and tarps to damaged homes.

“I think these projects can be very helpful tools for future disasters,” said AmeriCorps St. Louis Team Leader, Abby Simons, whose teams are working on the roofing pilot project and the VRCs. “Knowing that we’re helping increase the effectiveness of local community groups now – and maybe influencing others years down the road ¬– is worthwhile service.”

AmeriCorps is one of dozens of agencies FEMA has partnered with to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters like Hurricane Isaac. A national service program, AmeriCorps offers real-world experience in public service in exchange for low pay, long hours, sparse lodging, student loan forgiveness and the rewards of helping people in need.

AmeriCorps, through its parent agency the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), has deployed more than 300 members to Hurricane Isaac-affected areas since the beginning of the storm.

Some 35 AmeriCorps members assisted with earlier evacuations from St. Charles Parish and supporting a call center to provide information to survivors. In New Orleans, AmeriCorps members have been at a call center, a shelter and in the neighborhoods helping with damage assessment, debris removal and home repair.

Others have been in Baton Rouge, assisting with shelter operations and the Louisiana 2-1-1 call center and yet another team was in Hahnville in St. Charles Parish helping collect and distribute donated items to survivors.

FEMA Corps is the result of a new, innovative partnership between FEMA and CNCS. The program aims to enhance the nation’s ability to assist disaster survivors while expanding career opportunities for young people.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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AmeriCorps — and New FEMA Corps — Are Assisting Hurricane Isaac Recovery

FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS TEAM UP TO IDENTIFY TEXAS COASTAL FLOOD RISKS – Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Jefferson and…

federal, state and local PARTNERS TEAM UP TO IDENTIFY Texas COASTAL FLOOD RISKS

Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Jefferson and Orange Counties

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating flood maps in Jefferson and Orange, Texas counties following the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) that gives updated information on coastal flood risks

As FEMA works to update the new flood maps, the agency is working closely with its federal, state and local partners to help these two coastal counties better understand the current flood risk so that action can be taken to reduce that risk.

Meetings with local officials have already taken place and open houses for the general public are currently being scheduled. The local workshops provided an opportunity for local officials to review the storm surge study methods and get an update on the project’s progress. The Open Houses help to educate the public about the current flood risks in their area.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort is part of FEMA’s comprehensive approach to integrating flood hazard identification and analysis with risk communications for affected coastal counties. In addition to the two counties, the effort also includes Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria and Willacy counties.

Media note: If media would like to join an online, informational briefing beginning at 1 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, Aug. 22 please call us at 940-898-5454 for details.

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Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS TEAM UP TO IDENTIFY TEXAS COASTAL FLOOD RISKS – Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Jefferson and…

FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS TEAM UP TO IDENTIFY TEXAS COASTAL FLOOD RISKS: Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Kleberg, Nueces,…

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating flood maps in Kleberg, Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas, Texas counties following the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) that gives updated information on coastal flood risks

As FEMA works to update the new flood maps, the agency is working closely with its federal, state and local partners to help these four coastal counties better understand the current flood risk so that action can be taken to reduce that risk.

Meetings with local officials have already taken place and open houses for the general public are currently being scheduled. The local workshops provided an opportunity for local officials to review the storm surge study methods and get an update on the project’s progress. The Open Houses help to educate the public about the current flood risks in their area.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort is part of FEMA’s comprehensive approach to integrating flood hazard identification and analysis with risk communications for affected coastal counties. In addition to the four counties, the effort also includes Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Matagorda, Orange, Refugio, Victoria and Willacy counties.

Media note: If media would like to join an online, informational briefing beginning at 10 a.m. (CST) tomorrow July 24, please call us at 940-898-5454 for details.

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Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6, the R6 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS TEAM UP TO IDENTIFY TEXAS COASTAL FLOOD RISKS: Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Kleberg, Nueces,…

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