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Proactive Approach to Preparedness: Getting Ready Younger

SAN JUAN, PR –If new generations are raised with emergency preparedness awareness as an inherent part of their early education, communities will become smarter and more resilient sooner. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supports this approach since dependable preparedness plans equal a swifter recovery for individuals, local, state and federal governments after a disaster.

“Our communities need to get better prepared to rapidly respond to emergencies and if we reach this younger audience earlier, emergency preparedness will be a familiar subject, but most importantly, they will be ready sooner. Youngsters have a significant influence on their peers and families, which may drive this preparedness message further on,” said FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division Director, Alejandro De La Campa.

For this reason, FEMA established the first Youth Preparedness Council to discuss and promote steps meant to strengthen the nation’s resiliency against all types of disasters. This Council is comprised of 13 youth leaders (ages 13 – 17) from each of FEMA’s 10 regions, which will develop and conclude their emergency preparedness projects in two years.

13-year old Humacao resident, Gabriela Rodriguez-Boria, is FEMA’s Region II Youth Council representative. Puerto Rico is one of the jurisdictions under Region II, which also includes New York, New Jersey and the US Virgin Islands. With her project, Gabriela seeks opportunities to prepare youngsters to be ready before and after a disaster strikes, making communities in Puerto Rico more emergency resilient through its budding members. She is organizing a Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) of approximately 15-20 students at her school and plans to replicate this program in other schools in neighboring communities, and eventually to all Region II jurisdictions.

The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Youngsters can involve their schools, neighbors, churches, families and friends in similar initiatives where they can acquire surviving tools for future emergencies. Young minds bring fresh eyes and new perspectives to any preparedness endeavour, therefore FEMA encourages their contribution in emergency planning and readiness for our communities.

There is additional information about the Youth Council at www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthindex. If you are interested in becoming a CERT member, locate the nearest CERT team or check for upcoming training opportunities, visit www.citizencorps.gov/cert. Learn more about emergency preparedness and how to improve your community resiliency to emergency situations by visiting www.fema.gov or www.ready.gov.

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Proactive Approach to Preparedness: Getting Ready Younger

Learn Rebuilding Techniques at Stores in Milford, New Haven and Orange

Main Content

Release date:

December 4, 2012

Release Number:

038

WINDSOR, Conn. – Outreach teams from FEMA will be at Lowe’s home improvement stores in Milford, New Haven and Orange this weekend to explain techniques that may reduce potential damage to homes, businesses and property from future flooding.

Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will offer “how-to” information for retrofitting buildings and elevating utilities. Specialists can also provide clean up tips for removing mold and mildew from a storm-damaged home.

FEMA teams will be at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 9:

Lowe’s – 311 Old Gate Lane, Milford, CT 06460
Lowe’s – 115 Foxon Blvd., New Haven, CT 06513
Lowe’s – 50 Boston Post Road, Orange, CT 06477

Information will include instructions on how to:

Relocate circuit breaker panels, outlets and switches above potential floodwaters;
Move washer and dryer hookups to a higher floor;
Elevate furnaces and water heaters; and
Prevent sewer backups with a backflow valve.

More information on ways to protect your home from future disasters is available at www.fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities.

Last Updated:

December 4, 2012 – 14:50

State or Region:

Connecticut

Related Disaster:

Connecticut Hurricane Sandy

Credit:

Learn Rebuilding Techniques at Stores in Milford, New Haven and Orange

Hurricane Season Ends, but Preparedness is Year Round

Hurricane Season Ends, but Preparedness is Year Round

ATLANTA – Today marks the end of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season, but disasters aren’t limited to hurricanes or a specific time of year. Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and it’s important to be prepared year round.

“While today is the end of an active hurricane season, it serves as an important reminder of just how critical it is for all of us to be prepared so that we can protect our families, homes, businesses and communities from the potentially devastating effects of a disaster,” said Phil May, Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IV Administrator. “There are some simple steps we should all take, such as make a family communications plan and put together a disaster supplies kit, which will help keep us safe when we’re faced with an emergency.”

Emergencies can range from natural disasters such as flooding, tornadoes and hurricanes, to events such as power outages. Visit www.Ready.gov to learn about different hazards, and how to prepare for them.

Here are a few tips to help you get ready:

Most communities may be impacted by several types of hazards during a lifetime–be informed about the hazards that exist in your area.
When tailoring your family communications plan, consider working with others to create networks of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers who will assist each other in an emergency.
Among the items in your basic disaster supplies kit, include enough food for at least three days, and one gallon of water per person per day.
Since you can’t predict where you will be for disasters, it’s important to have plans and supplies for the locations you and your household go to regularly.
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster, but standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. To protect your property, consider getting flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Check out opportunities to get involved in programs and activities to make your family, home and community safer from risks and threats.

Link:

Hurricane Season Ends, but Preparedness is Year Round

Federal Aid Programs for the State of New Hampshire Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

November 28, 2012

Release Number:

HQ-12-153Factsheet

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 New Hampshire.

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

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (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 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 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:

November 28, 2012 – 15:22

State or Region:

New Hampshire

and

Region I

Related Disaster:

New Hampshire Hurricane Sandy

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of New Hampshire Declaration

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Alaska Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

November 27, 2012

Release Number:

HQ-12-152Factsheet

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 Alaska.

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

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (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 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, tribal 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.

Last Updated:

November 27, 2012 – 21:54

State or Region:

Alaska

and

Region X

Related Disaster:

Alaska Severe Storm, Straight-line winds, Flooding, and Landslides

From –

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Alaska Declaration

Federal Aid Programs for the State of West Virginia Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

November 27, 2012

Release Number:

HQ-12-151Factsheet

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 West Virginia.

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

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (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 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.

Last Updated:

November 27, 2012 – 13:24

State or Region:

West Virginia

and

Region III

Related Disaster:

West Virginia Hurricane Sandy

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of West Virginia Declaration

Two Week Reminder: Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station Exercise Process To Be Discussed At Public Meeting

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the state of Iowa, Clinton County, Iowa, and Scott County, Iowa, will participate with Exelon Corporation in a one-day exercise on December 5, 2012, then host a public meeting to explain exercise processes on December 7, 2012, in support of the Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station.

The routine exercise will test the ability of the state of Iowa, the utility, and the participating counties to protect the health and safety of the public living in the vicinity of the Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station, located on the east side of the Mississippi River, near Cordova, Illinois.

The exercise is a biennial requirement to determine the adequacy of the state and local radiological emergency preparedness and response plans. It will require the activation of emergency facilities by the participating state and local officials. The activities of the state, county and local units of government will be observed and evaluated by the FEMA Region VII Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program. The Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station on-site performance will be observed and evaluated by officials from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

On Friday, December 7, 2012, a public meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. (CST) in the Scott County Emergency Management Agency facility, located at 1100 East 46th Street, Davenport, Iowa. The purpose of the meeting is to describe and explain the full-scale response exercise process. However, because the process of evaluating the full-scale response exercise will take months, only preliminary findings which are very limited in scope can be shared during the meeting.

Representatives from FEMA Region VII will chair the meeting and explain the exercise process.

EDITOR’S NOTE: For information about the Illinois public meeting for this exercise, please contact Patti Thompson, Communications Manager, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, at 217-557-4756.

Visit FEMA Region VII online, at http://www.fema.gov/region-vii-ia-ks-mo-ne Follow FEMA on social media, at www.twitter.com/femaregion7, 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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Two Week Reminder: Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station Exercise Process To Be Discussed At Public Meeting

Nearly $633 Million Approved for New York State Hurricane Sandy Survivors

Main Content

Release date:

November 23, 2012

Release Number:

NR-047

NEW YORK — Since Hurricane Sandy struck New York, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved nearly $633 million to help individuals and families recover from the disaster.

FEMA is reaching out to all 13 designated counties with attention focused on the hardest hit areas of New York State. Assistance to the hardest hit areas includes:

Bronx $1.4 million
Kings $129.3 million
Nassau $217.4 million
New York $7.1 million
Queens $165.2 million
Richmond $65.9 million
Suffolk $43.8 million

FEMA provides the following snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of Nov. 23:

More than 225,000 New Yorkers have contacted FEMA for information or registered for assistance with FEMA and nearly $633 million has been approved. Almost 116,000 have applied through the online application site at www.disasterassistance.gov, or on their smart phone at m.fema.gov.
36 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open in the affected areas. These include mobile sites as well as fixed sites, and to date more than 47,000 survivors have been assisted at DRCs in New York.
Nearly 1,300 inspectors in the field have completed almost 123,000 home inspections.
1,067 Community Relations (CR) specialists are strategically positioned throughout affected communities, going door to door explaining the types of disaster assistance available and how to register. More teams continue to arrive daily.
9 fixed feeding sites are being operated by the New York City Office of Emergency Management.
4 Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs), 1 Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) and 1 National Veterinary Response Team (NVRT) from the Department of Health and Human Services remain deployed in New York.
13 New York counties are designated for both individual and public assistance, including: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has staff members at 18 Business Recovery Centers in the New York area to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance and has approved more than $18.7 million in disaster loans to both individuals and businesses.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smart phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362. Multilingual telephone operators are available to help non-English-speaking survivors register for disaster aid and to get their questions answered. After dialing FEMA’s registration/helpline callers should choose Option 3. FEMA can provide translation/interpretation services over the phone.

People who have a speech disability or hearing impairment can call TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Last Updated:

November 24, 2012 – 14:37

State or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

Originally from:

Nearly $633 Million Approved for New York State Hurricane Sandy Survivors

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Maryland Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

November 20, 2012

Release Number:

HQ-12-149Factsheet

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 Maryland.

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

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (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 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.

Last Updated:

November 20, 2012 – 23:51

State or Region:

Maryland

and

Region III

Related Disaster:

Maryland Hurricane Sandy

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Maryland Declaration

West Virginia Disaster Aid Deadline Extended

CHARLESTON, Wv. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) announced today, the deadline to apply for disaster aid for damages resulting from the late-June/early-July derecho is being extended to December 19, 2012.

“We don’t want people with uninsured damages to their homes or businesses to miss the opportunity to register, especially with many of those same people recovering from Hurricane Sandy” said Robert Hoban, Federal Coordinating Officer. “That is why we are extending the deadline.”

Residents affected by the derecho in the disaster-designated counties are encouraged to register with FEMA for assistance if they have not already done so. The disaster-designated counties are: Boone, Cabell, Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Roane, Tyler, Webster, and Wood.

The fastest and easiest way to register is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov. You may also register on your smartphone at m.fema.gov. If you do not have access to the internet, you may call FEMA’s toll-free hotline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the deaf or hard of hearing.

After the application deadline, FEMA’s toll-free phone line will still be available to assist those who have already registered. Applicants who have questions about disaster assistance programs or questions about the status of their previously filed applications should continue to use FEMA’s toll-free number.

To date, 849 West Virginia residents have been approved for over $2 million in disaster assistance. To stay updated on the derecho recovery effort, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4071.

Temporary housing assistance from FEMA does not require that an applicant file for an SBA loan. However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for additional assistance under the part of the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. There are other ONA grants such as public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses that do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan to be eligible. FEMA will process applications for housing assistance regardless of whether the applicant has applied for an SBA loan, and eligibility determinations for applicants requesting FEMA’s temporary housing assistance will not be held up because the applicant has or has not filled out an SBA application.

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

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West Virginia Disaster Aid Deadline Extended

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