FEMA’s New Youth Preparedness Council Includes a Texan

 

FEMA’s New Youth Preparedness Council Includes a Texan

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the members of the 2014-2015 Youth Preparedness Council, which includes the Region 6 member from Texas, Obie Jones.

Jones is 16-years-old and is from the Austin area. He started a Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program at his school. He’s also an Eagle Scout, a member of the Austin Police Department Explorer program and supported recent flooding response efforts in Austin by helping rescue and shelter affected animals.

FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council was formed in 2012 to bring together youth leaders from across the country who are interested in advocating on behalf of youth preparedness and making a difference in their communities. The Council furthers FEMA’s commitment to involve youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides an avenue to get their perspectives, feedback and opinions.

The 2014 application process produced a large number of highly-qualified applicants. The 12 newest members of the Council were chosen based on their dedication to public service, community involvement and potential to expand their effectiveness as national advocates for youth preparedness.

The other members selected in 2014 include:

  • FEMA Region 1: Bridget Smith (Connecticut)
  • FEMA Region 2: James Collins (New Jersey)
  • FEMA Region 3: Sahara Duncan (Pennsylvania)
  • FEMA Region 4: Jonathan Salazar (Florida)
  • FEMA Region 5: Isaiah Garcia (Michigan)
  • FEMA Region 7: Austin Witt (Iowa)
  • FEMA Region 8: Weston Lee (Utah)
  • FEMA Region 8: Matthew Mayfield (Colorado)
  • FEMA Region 9: Brittany Amano (Hawaii)
  • FEMA Region 9: Navjot Hansra (California)
  • FEMA Region 10: Raylene Ensminger (Washington)

The returning Council members are:

  • Council Chairperson: Emily Rosenblum (Missouri)
  • FEMA Region 2:  Sophie Friedfeld-Gebaide (New York)
  • FEMA Region 5:  Daniel Wernsman (Wisconsin)

Each Council member completes a self-selected legacy project during his or her term.  Council members also participate in a Youth Preparedness Council Summit where they share their ideas, opinions and questions about youth disaster preparedness with the leadership of national organizations working on this critical priority.  Members also meet with FEMA throughout their term to provide input on strategies, initiatives and projects.

To learn more about FEMA’s youth preparedness efforts, please visit: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council.

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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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FEMA’s New Youth Preparedness Council Includes a Texan

Five Months Remain Before Calhoun County, TX Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas ––In five months, new flood maps for Calhoun County, Texas will become effective.

Local, state and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps before Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014 in order to understand their flood risk and then consider buying flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.”

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, contact your local floodplain administrator.

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat. 

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

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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 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

 

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Five Months Remain Before Calhoun County, TX Flood Maps Become Final

Local Emergency Managers Team Up to Get Ready Together for America’s PrepareAthon!

DENTON, Texas — Emergency managers in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area teamed up today to get ready together in case tornadoes hit North Texas in the future.

FEMA Region 6 in Denton, the city of Denton and the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD) conducted simultaneous tornado drills as part of a “National Day of Action” for a campaign called America’s PrepareAthon! The campaign encourages people to work collectively to be prepared personally and professionally by staying informed, creating a plan, building a kit and getting involved.

The city of Denton held a tornado drill at the main City Hall building.

“Tornados are one of our primary severe weather threats.  The city of Denton was pleased to participate with FEMA Region 6 in a National Day of Action to test our tornado shelter plans. We encourage all residents to visit www.KnowWhat2do.com and learn how to be prepared for severe storms and other types of potential emergencies we are susceptible to in north central Texas,” stated Michael Penaluna, emergency management coordinator. 

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD held its tornado drill at Cross Timbers Middle School.

“As a school district, we have students in our care for eight hours a day, on average, every school day. A lot can happen in that time, particularly with the weather, and we have to be ready to move entire schools or groups of schools into secure positions at a moment’s notice,” said Michele Linn, GCISD’s emergency management coordinator and director of risk management. “Practice is the key to swift action and we run drills such as these throughout the year to train students and staff on safety procedures. Having the opportunity to partner with our city emergency operations, first responders and regional experts from FEMA on today’s drill further strengthens our ties as a community and reinforces our common goal to provide safe and secure learning environments for our students and staff.”

FEMA Region 6 held its tornado drills at its campuses in Texas and Louisiana and at its disaster field offices in Oklahoma and New Mexico.

“Everyone should have a plan of action individually, for their families and their communities before a disaster strikes,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Practicing plans like we are today makes us safer and practicing, and preparing, together – as a team – just makes good sense.”

Visit www.ready.gov/prepare for more information on America’s PrepareAthon! You can find tools to stage your own emergency preparedness drills, as well as register any preparedness activities for you or your community. 

Original article:  

Local Emergency Managers Team Up to Get Ready Together for America’s PrepareAthon!

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Indiana Declaration

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Indiana Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

April 22, 2014

Release Number:

HQ-14-29FS

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 Indiana.

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

  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for 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. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not less than 75 percent for snow assistance, for a specific period of time during or proximate to the incident period.  Snow Assistance may include snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps, and sanding of roads.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

  • Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema  and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

April 22, 2014 – 14:36

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Indiana

Related Disaster:

Indiana Indiana Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Indiana Declaration

FEMA Awards $121,323 Grant to City of Scandia: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct tornado safe rooms

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $121,323 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the city of Scandia Minn., for the construction of two safe rooms at Oakhill Neighborhood Cottages in Washington County.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of loss of life and property,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “The construction of thesesafe rooms will protect the lives of vulnerable citizens by providing a secure location to seek shelter from tornados and other high wind events.”

“People in Scandia will be safer thanks to local leaders who joined with state and federal partners on this project,” said Kris Eide, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Tornado safe rooms are one way communities across the state are reducing the risk that comes with disasters. We’re encouraging more cities and counties to apply for grants that will help them protect their residents.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay $121,323, or 75 percent of the eligible project cost. The city of Scandia will contribute the remaining 25 percent, or $40,441.

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

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

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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FEMA Awards $121,323 Grant to City of Scandia: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct tornado safe rooms

FEMA Awards $327,054 Grant to City of Rochester: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $327,054 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the city of Rochester Minn., for the construction of a safe room at Quarry Hill Nature Center in Olmsted County.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of loss of life and property,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “The construction of thissafe room will protect the lives of vulnerable citizens by providing a secure location to seek shelter from tornados and other high wind events.”

“People in Rochester will be safer thanks to local leaders who joined with state and federal partners on this project,” said Kris Eide, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Tornado safe rooms are one way communities across the state are reducing the risk that comes with disasters. We’re encouraging more cities and counties to apply for grants that will help them protect their residents.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMAwill pay $327,054 or 75 percent of the project’s total cost. The city of Rochester will contribute the remaining 25 percent, or $109,018.

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

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

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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FEMA Awards $327,054 Grant to City of Rochester: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of Pennsylvania and Maryland

PHILADELPHIA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station.  The exercise will occur during the week of April 7th to assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of Maryland to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III.  “We will assess state and local emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone as well as the adjacent support jurisdictions.”

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions.  The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise in a public meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11th, 2014 at the Homewood Suites, 200 Granit Run Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.  Scheduled speakers include representatives from FEMA, NRC, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response.  Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov or by mail to:

MaryAnn Tierney

Regional Administrator

FEMA Region III

615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

REP Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that is, state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the NRC.

Additional information on FEMA’s REP Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.

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

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

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FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of Pennsylvania and Maryland

FEMA Awards $238,112 Grant to Bayfield County: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $238,112 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Bayfield County, Wis., for the construction of a safe room at the Bayfield County Fairgrounds in Iron River.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “The construction of this safe room will protect the lives of vulnerable citizens by providing a secure location to seek shelter from tornados and other high wind events.”

Bayfield County has experienced numerous powerful storms in recent years. This safe room will be centrally located in the fairgrounds, across from the grandstand and provide shelter for up to 500 event participants and residents during a severe weather event.

“This safe room could provide life-saving protection during a destructive storm in Bayfield County,” said WEM Administrator Brian Satula. “I am pleased that federal, state and local governments are working together to help build this facility.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay $238,112 or 75 percent of the project’s total cost. Wisconsin Emergency Management Agency and Bayfield County will both contribute 12.5 percent of the funds, or $39,686 each.

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

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

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

 

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FEMA Awards $238,112 Grant to Bayfield County: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

Federal Disaster Aid for Colorado Flooding Tops $304 Million

Federal Disaster Aid for Colorado Flooding Tops $304 Million

Main Content

Release date:

March 25, 2014

Release Number:

NR-116

DENVER – In the more than six months since heavy rains brought flooding in September 2013, Colorado survivors have received more than $304 million from FEMA disaster grants, flood insurance payments and SBA low-interest disaster loans.

To date:

  • FEMA has granted nearly $55.9 million for housing assistance in 11 designated counties and nearly $4.9 million in other needs assistance, such as disaster-related medical expenses or personal property loss. Flood survivors have also received disaster unemployment assistance and disaster legal services.
  • FEMA has obligated more than $76.1 million to publicly owned entities and certain nonprofits in 18 designated counties. Through its Public Assistance cost-share program, FEMA reimburses 75 percent for eligible, disaster-related costs for debris removal, emergency measures and permanent work to repair and replace disaster-damaged public facilities. The remaining 25 percent nonfederal share comes from state and local sources. The state manages the grants for all projects.
  • The SBA has approved nearly $102.6 million in federal disaster loans to Colorado homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations that sustained damage from the severe storms and flooding.
  • The National Flood Insurance Program has approved nearly $64.7 million to settle 2,085 claims.
  • FEMA is providing manufactured housing units for 40 households who have no other suitable housing available.

Last Updated:

March 25, 2014 – 18:07

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Colorado

Related Disaster:

Colorado Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

Original source: 

Federal Disaster Aid for Colorado Flooding Tops $304 Million

FEMA Awards $6,415,688 Grant to City of West Frankfort: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to make sewer treatment plant improvements

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $6,415,688 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the City of West Frankfort, Ill., for aproposed sewer treatment plant improvement project.

The project includes the relocation of all sewer treatment plant components from the south plant site to the north plant site, where it will be three feet above the base flood elevation.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “The completion of this project will reduce flood damage and lessen the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area.”

“This grant supports an important public health and safety project in West Frankfort,” said Jonathon Monken, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “Flood waters have knocked the current sewer treatment plant out of service in the past, including for more than 200 days in 2008. Moving the facility above the flood elevation will protect the sewage treatment process from future flood-related disruptions.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay $6,415,688 or 75 percent of the project’s total cost. The City of West Frankfort will contribute 25 percent of the remaining funds, or $2,138,562.

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

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

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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FEMA Awards $6,415,688 Grant to City of West Frankfort: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to make sewer treatment plant improvements

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