Louisiana Farmers and Ranchers Have Options for Assistance

BATON ROUGE, La. – Farmers and ranchers affected by the August flooding could be eligible for assistance from several agencies.

Louisiana emergency management officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency can assist survivors who are farmers and ranchers with some immediate personal needs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans to farmers and ranchers for rebuilding or repairing their primary homes and replacing lost or damaged personal property. Call the SBA at 916-764-9918.

  • To begin the application process, call FEMA at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585, or for those who use 711 or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. You may also apply online with any computer, smartphone or tablet at www.DisasterAssistance.gov

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency has programs that are tailored to help with recovery. Visit the department’s website at: www.fsa.usda.gov.                                       

The Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program provides financial assistance for non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or disrupted planting occur because of natural disasters.

The Livestock Indemnity Program provides payments for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality caused by the disaster.

The Tree Assistance Program helps nursery tree growers and orchardists.

The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program provides relief for feed losses and/or water shortages because of disaster.

The Emergency Conservation Program provides funding to rehabilitate land severely damaged by a natural disaster.

Government officials leaned over soybean crops on the edge of a soybean crop field.

Randolph Johnson, Jr., Louisiana Assistant State Conservationist for the USDA (foreground), shows visiting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Jay Williams, dead soybeans pods hanging from the unharvested crops of farmer Ricky Roussel in Lutcher, La. Roussel estimates 850 of his 1,000 acres of soybean crops were lost to the 2016 historic flooding in Louisiana. (Photo by J.T. Blatty/FEMA)

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Louisiana Farmers and Ranchers Have Options for Assistance

Partnerships and progress: West Virginia severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides 60 days later

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia is taking significant steps toward recovery following the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred June 22-29, 2016.

Recovery takes the Whole Community. Affected communities and disaster survivors are repairing and rebuilding better, stronger and safer with the help of neighbors, friends, family members, voluntary groups, faith- and community-based organizations and local, county, state and federal governments.

The following highlights recovery progress made in the 60 days since the June 25 presidential disaster declaration and how disaster survivors and affected communities are overcoming challenges:

Initially three counties were designated as eligible for federal assistance. Since then, the presidential disaster declaration has been amended six times, making survivors in 12 counties eligible to apply for help under FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program.

The deadline for survivors to register for federal aid under the IA program is Wednesday,     Sept. 7, 2016.

In addition, local, county and state government infrastructure and certain private nonprofit organizations in 18 counties became eligible to receive funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program to repair and rebuild certain eligible disaster-damaged facilities. Local, county and state government expenses related to debris removal, saving lives, providing security, and managing the immediate response also became eligible for reimbursement.

The PA program benefits everyone in the affected communities because essential services like roads, utilities, schools and hospitals are often restored stronger than they were before the disaster. FEMA relieves burdens of local and county governments and the state by paying 75 percent of the eligible costs.

So far, more than 8,732 West Virginia households have contacted FEMA for IA help.

To date, survivors have received more than $111 million in federal disaster assistance for a variety of recovery purposes.

  • More than $32.7 million in grants has been approved for a place to stay for homeowners and renters whose residences were uninhabitable and to make essential repairs for homes to be safe, secure and functional.

  • More than $6.2 million in grants has gone to homeowners and renters to repair and replace certain household items and for disaster-related burial, medical and dental expenses.

  • Homeowners, renters and businesses have received more than $44.2 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to repair, rebuild and replace damaged property and contents. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources.

  • NFIP policyholders have received more than $20 million in claims to repair and rebuild flood-damaged property.

  • The total Public Assistance Grants obligated as of Aug. 23 is more than $7.8 million

The SBA may call you after you register with FEMA. If they do, advise SBA on how you want to apply and submit your disaster low-interest loan application.  As a business, homeowner or renter, you can submit your SBA disaster loan application in one of three ways: 

FEMA and SBA encourage homeowners, renters and business owners to submit your SBA loan application to help fund recovery and to ensure the federal disaster recovery process continues.

If your SBA loan application is approved, you may be eligible to borrow additional funds to cover the cost of improvements that will protect your property against future damage. Examples

include elevating utilities, water heaters and furnaces, and installing retaining walls and sump pumps. Applicants may be eligible for an SBA loan increase, for mitigation purposes, of up to 20 percent of their physical damage.

If SBA determines you aren’t eligible for a home loan, they will refer you back to FEMA. This could make you eligible for FEMA aid.

Disaster recovery officials are still on the ground in West Virginia and interacting with survivors in a variety of ways to help them recover:

  • FEMA specialists have attended more than 30 community organization events in West Virginia to discuss and answer questions about federal disaster assistance.

  • More than 9,100 survivors have visited 15 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). The first centers opened three days after the presidential disaster declaration.

  • More than 7,100 FEMA housing inspections have been completed.

  • FEMA disaster survivor assistance specialists canvassed the affected communities to encourage survivors to register for help, provide recovery information and listen to their concerns.

  • Free consultations on building hazard-resistant homes have been given to more than 2,800 survivors at DRCs and more than 5,300 at West Virginia home improvement stores.

The West Virginia Chief Recovery Officer, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer of the National Guard; the West Virginia State Disaster Recovery Officer, Keith Burdette, who is Secretary of Commerce for the State of West Virginia; and Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator Kevin Snyder are coordinating a team of state and federal disaster recovery specialists to restore, redevelop, revitalize and better prepare affected communities.

Recovery has significantly progressed because of voluntary, faith and community-based groups that are donating their time and skills to help survivors muck out, repair and rebuild their homes. These groups are always the first and last presence to help disaster survivors recover.

Whole community partners continue to collaborate to find solutions to enable West Virginia’s recovery and will be here as long as it takes.

Registering with FEMA is the first step in qualifying for assistance. Sept. 7 is the last day 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 800-621-3362 (TTY users should call 800-462-7585) or online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The toll-free lines are open         7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Additional information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery can be found by calling the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362 or visiting: www.DisasterAssistance.gov; www.WVflood.com; fema.gov/disaster/4273; twitter.com/femaregion3; and fema.gov/blog.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia is taking significant steps toward recovery following the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred June 22-29, 2016.

Recovery takes the Whole Community. Affected communities and disaster survivors are repairing and rebuilding better, stronger and safer with the help of neighbors, friends, family members, voluntary groups, faith- and community-based organizations and local, county, state and federal governments.

The following highlights recovery progress made in the 60 days since the June 25 presidential disaster declaration and how disaster survivors and affected communities are overcoming challenges:

Initially three counties were designated as eligible for federal assistance. Since then, the presidential disaster declaration has been amended six times, making survivors in 12 counties eligible to apply for help under FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program.

The deadline for survivors to register for federal aid under the IA program is Wednesday,     Sept. 7, 2016.

In addition, local, county and state government infrastructure and certain private nonprofit organizations in 18 counties became eligible to receive funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program to repair and rebuild certain eligible disaster-damaged facilities. Local, county and state government expenses related to debris removal, saving lives, providing security, and managing the immediate response also became eligible for reimbursement.

The PA program benefits everyone in the affected communities because essential services like roads, utilities, schools and hospitals are often restored stronger than they were before the disaster. FEMA relieves burdens of local and county governments and the state by paying 75 percent of the eligible costs.

So far, more than 8,732 West Virginia households have contacted FEMA for IA help.

To date, survivors have received more than $111 million in federal disaster assistance for a variety of recovery purposes.

  • More than $32.7 million in grants has been approved for a place to stay for homeowners and renters whose residences were uninhabitable and to make essential repairs for homes to be safe, secure and functional.

  • More than $6.2 million in grants has gone to homeowners and renters to repair and replace certain household items and for disaster-related burial, medical and dental expenses.

  • Homeowners, renters and businesses have received more than $44.2 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to repair, rebuild and replace damaged property and contents. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources.

  • NFIP policyholders have received more than $20 million in claims to repair and rebuild flood-damaged property.

  • The total Public Assistance Grants obligated as of Aug. 23 is more than $7.8 million

The SBA may call you after you register with FEMA. If they do, advise SBA on how you want to apply and submit your disaster low-interest loan application.  As a business, homeowner or renter, you can submit your SBA disaster loan application in one of three ways: 

FEMA and SBA encourage homeowners, renters and business owners to submit your SBA loan application to help fund recovery and to ensure the federal disaster recovery process continues.

If your SBA loan application is approved, you may be eligible to borrow additional funds to cover the cost of improvements that will protect your property against future damage. Examples

include elevating utilities, water heaters and furnaces, and installing retaining walls and sump pumps. Applicants may be eligible for an SBA loan increase, for mitigation purposes, of up to 20 percent of their physical damage.

If SBA determines you aren’t eligible for a home loan, they will refer you back to FEMA. This could make you eligible for FEMA aid.

Disaster recovery officials are still on the ground in West Virginia and interacting with survivors in a variety of ways to help them recover:

  • FEMA specialists have attended more than 30 community organization events in West Virginia to discuss and answer questions about federal disaster assistance.

  • More than 9,100 survivors have visited 15 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). The first centers opened three days after the presidential disaster declaration.

  • More than 7,100 FEMA housing inspections have been completed.

  • FEMA disaster survivor assistance specialists canvassed the affected communities to encourage survivors to register for help, provide recovery information and listen to their concerns.

  • Free consultations on building hazard-resistant homes have been given to more than 2,800 survivors at DRCs and more than 5,300 at West Virginia home improvement stores.

The West Virginia Chief Recovery Officer, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer of the National Guard; the West Virginia State Disaster Recovery Officer, Keith Burdette, who is Secretary of Commerce for the State of West Virginia; and Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator Kevin Snyder are coordinating a team of state and federal disaster recovery specialists to restore, redevelop, revitalize and better prepare affected communities.

Recovery has significantly progressed because of voluntary, faith and community-based groups that are donating their time and skills to help survivors muck out, repair and rebuild their homes. These groups are always the first and last presence to help disaster survivors recover.

Whole community partners continue to collaborate to find solutions to enable West Virginia’s recovery and will be here as long as it takes.

Registering with FEMA is the first step in qualifying for assistance. Sept. 7 is the last day 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 800-621-3362 (TTY users should call 800-462-7585) or online at DisasterAssistance.gov. The toll-free lines are open         7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Additional information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery can be found by calling the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362 or visiting: www.DisasterAssistance.gov; www.WVflood.com; fema.gov/disaster/4273; twitter.com/femaregion3; and fema.gov/blog.

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Partnerships and progress: West Virginia severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides 60 days later

FEMA Sends $33 Million To State For Repairs At Waterbury State Office Complex

Agency Also Sends $5.3 Million For Vermont’s Irene-Related Administrative Costs

WILLISTON, Vt. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has put $33 million into the state’s coffers to repair damage at the Waterbury State Office Complex caused by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene. 

Roughly $33 million of Public Assistance funding represents FEMA’s 90 percent reimbursement of a total eligible cost to the State of $36.3 million to perform work on approximately 40 buildings and tunnels at the Waterbury State Office Complex.

“This is not a case of saying ‘The check is in the mail,’” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s operations in Vermont. “The money is in the bank.”

FEMA and the state announced in late August that of the estimated $225 million total price tag for the cleanup, renovation and new construction associated with the Waterbury State Office Complex and Vermont State Hospital, more than $66 million in costs will be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance reimbursement.

“Getting this money so quickly is terrific news for the state,” said Administration Secretary Jeb Spaulding. “This means that we can draw down these funds immediately to pay for the work being done in Waterbury.”

The $33 million of Public Assistance funding represents the bulk of outstanding funds for the Waterbury State Office Complex and Vermont State Hospital projects.

In addition, FEMA sent the state approximately $5.3 million to cover administrative and grant management expenses related to Vermont’s recovery from Tropical Storm Irene. 

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

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FEMA Sends $33 Million To State For Repairs At Waterbury State Office Complex

FEMA, Federal Partners Mobilize in Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

WASHINGTON — The Administration, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  remains in close contact with emergency officials and continues to coordinate federal support to state, tribal and local officials in Oklahoma through FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, DC and Regional Response Coordination Center in Denton, Texas. At the President’s direction, FEMA is already providing resources to support the response.

Last night, the President declared a major disaster for the State of Oklahoma, supporting state, local and tribal emergency work in affected areas.  Federal disaster aid also is available to affected individuals in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties. 

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in these affected areas are encouraged to apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who 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. CDT seven days a week.

Today, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano briefed the President on response and recovery efforts, and at the direction of the President, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate traveled to Oklahoma to ensure all federal resources are supporting state, local, and tribal partners in life saving and safety operations including search and rescue.

“First responders are providing critical, life-saving assistance in the impacted area,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Oklahoma residents can help the emergency response by keeping mobile phone lines free from congestion and staying in touch with friends and family by text messaging, email or social media. I urge residents to follow guidance from state, local and tribal officials who are requesting individuals to remain away from the affected areas so first responders can have access to reach hard-hit areas.”

In coordination with the state, FEMA deployed a liaison officer, a national Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) and two regional IMATs to the state emergency operations center in Oklahoma City to coordinate with state and local officials in support of recovery operations. Three national Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams and an additional Incident Support Team have been deployed to support the immediate response efforts.  Two Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) teams are in Oklahoma to provide self-sustaining telecommunications, logistics and operations support elements.

Preliminary damage assessment (PDA) teams, comprised of representatives from the state, FEMA and the Small Business Administration, are on the ground and will begin assessments today, which will assist the state in identifying additional eligible federal assistance that may be warranted.

Three Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) are scheduled to arrive in affected areas later today to help federal, state, local, and tribal partners gather detailed information on the affected communities during the critical first hours, days and weeks. DSATs will address immediate and emerging needs of disaster survivors including: on-site registration, applicant status checks, on-the-spot needs assessments, and access to partners offering survivor services.

The Red Cross Safe and Well secure website provides a way for people to find information on survivors affected by the storms. To register, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell. Open Red Cross shelters can also be found on www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter.     

Individuals with a Blackberry, Android or Apple device can download the FEMA app to access safety tips, shelter locations, and more.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are 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.

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

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FEMA, Federal Partners Mobilize in Response to Severe Storms in Oklahoma

FEMA Helps Survivors Solve Housing Needs

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and our federal partners are working closely with the state to address the housing needs of New Yorkers displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Our priority is to help survivors move out of hotel rooms and into apartments or their safe, repaired homes.

FEMA has identified rentals in the area damaged by Hurricane Sandy and is working to match survivors to that available housing. A goal is to place survivors in rentals within their neighborhoods, or as close as possible to those areas. This not only is better for survivors, it helps neighborhood businesses.

Our goal is to maximize the number of people who are able to move back into their own homes; and for them to get home as quickly as possible.

There are several programs in place to help ease this housing crunch in a place where there is always a housing crunch.

The STEP Program

FEMA has authorized an emergency program designed to make damaged homes safe so survivors can return during the recovery process. The program, Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP), pays for those temporary and necessary repairs that help restore power, heat and hot water to primary residences prior to permanent repairs. This program is implemented by NYC, Nassau and Suffolk counties.

First, if it’s safe to inspect the home, damages will be assessed. If it’s practical, electricity will be restored along with other basic repairs.

Some homes may be eligible for other temporary repairs. Temporary repairs could include securing broken windows, covering damaged exterior walls and roofs, and patching and securing damaged exterior doors.

An inspector will decide what elements of the STEP Program are available for each residence.
Certain defined components of STEP are included in New York City’s Rapid Repair Program.

  • Residents in NYC can call 3-1-1 or go a New York City Restoration Center.
  • Nassau County residents: 888-684-4267.
  • Suffolk County residents: 2-1-1.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance

To get people out of shelters, FEMA activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program to move eligible survivors into hotels or motels if they can’t return to their damaged homes. TSA lodging expenses are paid directly to the hotel by FEMA.

The program has been extended four weeks. The new extension will allow applicants to remain in participating hotels during the holiday season. FEMA will call applicants eligible for the extension to notify them of the extended four-week period and the checkout date of Jan. 12, 2013.   
 
TSA-eligible survivors can receive help finding a hotel by calling: 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

Help finding TSA participating hotels also is available online: www.femaevachotels.com.

Rental Assistance

Renters with a need for housing because of storm damage to their dwelling may be eligible for a FEMA temporary rental grant. This assistance may be provided while renters are working to accomplish a permanent housing plan.

Returning to a permanent home is a significant milestone on the road to recovery. FEMA rental assistance may last for up to 18 months from the date of declaration. So it’s important for survivors to have a permanent housing plan.

FEMA has a Housing Portal at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm to help families find rental units. In addition to apartments or homes normally available, the portal identifies units provided by our federal partners.

To be eligible for possible rental assistance, survivors must first register with FEMA. There are many ways to register.

Individuals can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov. People may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

The deadline to register with FEMA is Jan. 28, 2013.

U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, led by Secretary Shaun Donovan, is also playing an active role in providing temporary housing to storm-displaced families. HUD has identified thousands of available units in HUD-assisted housing and is getting that information to displaced individuals, primarily at Disaster Recovery Centers.

The Department has also increased fair market rental allowances to make it easier for displaced Section 8 voucher recipients to find replacement housing, and is allowing owners of HUD-funded senior developments the flexibility to open up vacant units to storm evacuees.

Secretary Donovan was also instrumental in bringing together New York City and State government officials and real estate trade groups in the aftermath of the storm to find housing for New York displaced families. This has led to a government and private sector partnership that gives displaced families greater options in finding vacant apartments that are affordable and safe.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Original source:

FEMA Helps Survivors Solve Housing Needs

New York Recovery: One Month Later

Federal Funding for New York State Hurricane Sandy Recovery Tops $1 billion

NEW YORK — In the one month since President Barack Obama declared a major disaster in New York for Hurricane Sandy, the federal government has contributed more than $1 billion to help New Yorkers, their communities and the state with disaster-related needs, as well as assigning equipment and supplies, and deploying thousands of people to assist in the response and recovery from the storm.

FEMA has provided more than $714 million to assist individuals and families repair damaged homes, find temporary housing and assist with expenses such as medical and dental bills.

Recognizing the response to such a devastating storm requires a coordinated effort; the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has partnered with dozens of federal agencies, the state of New York, New York City, county, local and tribal governments, volunteer organizations and the private sector to assist survivors through established programs as well as innovative initiatives developed specifically for Hurricane Sandy.    

Assisting New York residents affected by the massive storm has been a priority even before Sandy struck, when the President authorized federal action to prepare for the advancing storm including prepositioning food, water and blankets, deploying expert officials from several federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and other components of the Department of Homeland Security. Assistance remains on-going through the efforts of more than 3,700 FEMA personnel working to make sure eligible survivors know what help is available and how to get it.

Even as the storm raged, search-and-rescue teams and emergency medical personnel were responding to critical life-saving needs. As soon as the storm passed, crews went to work positioning power generators in strategic locations in affected areas, pumping millions of gallons of water from flooded subway stations and tunnels, and dealing with the most pressing

infrastructure needs. Since then hundreds of millions in disaster assistance have been allocated to make homes habitable, remove millions of cubic yards of debris, provide temporary housing, restore electricity and replace lost personal possessions.

In addition to President Barack Obama’s tour of damaged areas here, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, U.S. Small Business Administrator Karen Mills, Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service Wendy Spencer and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate have toured damaged New York communities to view response and recovery efforts while vowing to bring all available resources to bear to support state and local partners in assisting survivors in the 13 counties designated for assistance.

“FEMA and our federal and state partners are committed to the recovery and rebuilding of New York,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Byrne. “We will remain on the ground until the job is finished. We’ve been on it and we’re staying on it.”

Even as Sandy was making its way up the east coast, FEMA and the Department of Defense established Incident Support Bases at Westover, Mass., and Lakehurst, N.J., to position supplies and other resources close to areas in the hurricane’s path. Since the storm, 3.2 million meals have been served, and 2.4 million liters of water distributed, and 210,000, blankets have been distributed to survivors.

The first FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers opened just days after the storm passed and continue to assist survivors at more than 36 locations where more than 64,000 have met face-to-face with disaster assistance experts. Nearly 1,300 FEMA community relations specialists have met with more than 73,000 storm survivors while going door-to-door delivering information vital to recovery as well as blankets and other necessities.

By using geospatial mapping imagery, FEMA identified areas with the most significant storm damage so survivors whose homes were inaccessible could be eligible as soon as possible for temporary housing assistance — without having to wait for a FEMA home inspection. In neighborhoods reachable on foot, FEMA inspectors hit the ground as soon as they could to meet with survivors and assess damages to their homes.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has staff members at 19 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 $57 million in disaster loans to both individuals and businesses.

Along with FEMA’s traditional recovery programs designed to provide financial or direct assistance to individuals and families, FEMA has responded with an innovative program called Sheltering and Temporary and Essential Power (STEP).

The program is funded by FEMA and administered by the state, county and local governments to serve survivors by bringing in contractors to perform basic repairs, like covering broken windows and safely restoring electricity, so that residents can return to their homes while more long-term repairs are made.  New York City, Nassau and Suffolk counties have worked to implement programs available through STEP, and home repairs have begun. 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance also has been made available to supplement New York’s existing unemployment insurance system and expands eligibility to include individuals who might otherwise not be covered, like those who are self-employed.

FEMA continues to lead the government’s efforts to assist survivors and communities recover along with coordinating the emergency response of other federal agencies.

More than 27 federal agencies have joined FEMA in Hurricane Sandy preparation, response and recovery, including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Labor and numerous volunteer agencies affiliated with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, including the American Red Cross and many faith-based organizations.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development responded swiftly, deploying subject matter experts to staff disaster recovery centers to provide program information and local housing resources to Hurricane Sandy survivors. Additionally, the Department assigned employees to work closely with federal and state partners to quickly facilitate the approval of program waivers and new initiatives designed to speed aid to those impacted by the storm.

The Department of Health and Human Services approved more than $8.2 million in grants for behavioral health support to New York residents and deployed more than 1,100 personnel, including approximately 13 Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, medical and mental health professionals from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and caches of medical supplies to support hospitals and shelters in the New York City area.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provided approximately 1.1 million pounds of food for distribution to affected households and issued additional Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to qualifying households to help replace food lost because of hurricane damage. Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service mobilized 1,100 personnel to assist with tree clearing and disaster assistance. 

Other federal agencies responded with more than $460 million to help restore power, deliver gasoline and diesel fuel, dispose of hazards, clear roads, restore public transportation, provide medical services and various other disaster related activities.

A total of 1.4 million cubic yards of storm debris has been removed in New York, including 409,429 cubic yards disposed of by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which also has drained more than 270 million gallons of salt water from tunnels, underpasses and other areas throughout New York City, enough to fill a space equal to 843 football fields one foot deep. 

The U.S. Department of Labor awarded $27 million through its National Emergency Grant funds to the New York Department of Labor to assist with the restoration of public lands, infrastructure, and to assist with cleanup and recovery. The U.S. Department of Transportation approved $10 million in quick-release emergency relief funds to New York for a variety of immediate repairs to roads, bridges and tunnels.

The New York National Guard deployed almost 4,000 troops and fueled more than 13,000 city vehicles while visiting more than 16,000 homes and apartments to check on residents. Marine Corps helicopters airlifted generators into affected areas.

Other services contributed by federal agencies include U.S Air Force cargo planes that transported electric utility trucks from as far away as California, the U.S. Maritime Administration that dispatched ships to be used as cost-effective housing for first responders, utility workers, National Guardsmen and others, and the Defense Logistics Agency that purchased millions of gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel for distribution to communities impacted by Sandy.

FEMA also has teamed with the private sector network of business, industry, academia, trade associations, and other non-governmental organizations as partners in assisting with Sandy recovery.

New York has had the full support of the federal government in this first month following the landfall of Hurricane Sandy, and we continue to stay on it.  FEMA continues to work with agencies like HUD, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, HHS, and other agencies as we work with the state on the ongoing and longer-term recovery needs of New York.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Link – 

New York Recovery: One Month Later

The Federal Family and Partners Continue to Support States Affected by Storm

More than $120 million in Individual Assistance Approved for Disaster Survivors

WASHINGTON – At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to lead the federal government’s effort to provide assistance and support to states affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, ensuring the federal family and its public and private partners continue to provide all available resources to support state, local, territorial and tribal communities in affected areas.  This morning, the President convened a briefing at that National Response Coordination Center at FEMA headquarters to receive the latest update on federal efforts to support state and local response and recovery activities. At FEMA, the President was joined by cabinet members and other senior officials from his team. During the briefing the President heard directly from Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, as well as borough presidents and mayors from across the affected area, who joined by phone.

Today, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano traveled to West Virginia and Long Island, New York to meet with state and local officials and discuss ongoing response and recovery efforts to Hurricane Sandy.  Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan joined officials from FEMA, the Department of Transportation and the Army Corps of Engineers in Hoboken, Newark, and Jersey City, N.J., as well as Staten Island, N.Y. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan visited public housing developments in the Rockaways and toured Breezy Point, N.Y. Secretary Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius visited hospital workers, residents impacted by the storm, and local officials in the Manhattan and Brooklyn boroughs of New York City. Small Business Administrator Karen Mills joined Governor Dannel Malloy and other state and local officials, and small business owners in Norwalk and Bridgeport, Conn.

As of 3:00 p.m. today, more than 139,000 individuals in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have registered for assistance, and more than $120 million has been approved in FEMA Assistance.  Disaster Recovery Centers continue to open in the hardest hit areas. Seven Disaster Recovery Centers are open in New York, two in New Jersey and three in Connecticut, and more continue to open. Additional disaster recovery centers are being planned. Specialists from the state, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. To find a disaster recovery center location, check out the disaster recovery center locator at FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by mobile phone at m.fema.gov.   The first step to receiving assistance is by registering with FEMA. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey can apply for assistance 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. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.  Those in affected areas with access to the internet may register by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or online at www.disasterassistance.gov.  FEMA is asking that those with ability to register online do so to keep phone lines open for those without connectivity and to share this information with friends and neighbors. 

For those who are unable to return home, states, tribes, localities and the Red Cross continue to operate emergency shelters along the East Coast.  As of last night, more than 280 shelters across 9 states supporting more than 17,700 residents.  To find a shelter, people can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check local media outlets. You may also text SHELTER and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA).

FEMA also has activated, at the request of the states, its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for New York and New Jersey. This program allows eligible survivors who are in shelters and cannot return to their homes due to damages caused by Hurricane Sandy to stay in participating hotels or motels until more suitable housing accommodations are available.  

“Individuals are registering for disaster assistance all the time, which means we’re getting more help directly to the survivors of this storm,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Impacted residents and business owners in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey can apply for federal assistance by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), via mobile devices at m.fema.gov or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.”

Residents are experiencing long lines at gas stations in the impacted areas and it will take some time for the region’s fuel supply chain to get back to full capacity.  We are taking immediate steps that will provide relief in the short term at the President’s direction, and working with the National Guard and the Governors of New York and New Jersey. The Defense Logistics Agency is providing much needed fuel to the region, which will be moved directly into the most impacted areas in close coordination with state and local partners.

The national task force, established at the direction of the President continues to work to restore power to people as quickly possible and address fuel shortages. Members include Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Energy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and representatives from the private sector and local law enforcement. 

The Department of Energy is working with industry partners to ensure that the infrastructure to deliver petroleum is up and running to meet fuel demands.  Normal operations have already resumed at two major refineries in Delaware and New Jersey, and pipeline companies have restored services to six pipelines servicing New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and north to Maine. Yesterday, the President declared that Hurricane Sandy has created a severe energy supply interruption and directed the Energy Department to loan DoD ultra-low sulfur diesel.

Yesterday, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) was directed to purchase up to 12 million gallons of unleaded fuel and up to 10 million gallons of diesel fuel for distribution in areas impacted by the storm to supplement ongoing emergency work and private sector efforts.  Fuel has begun to be distributed throughout New York, New Jersey and other communities impacted by the storm. The federal government also has provided hundreds of generators to help critical infrastructure sites and fuel stations operate until full power is restored. 

Today, Secretary Napolitano announced the expansion of the temporary, blanket waiver of the Jones Act, issued yesterday, to also facilitate the transportation of feedstocks, blending components, and additives used to produce fuels. As a result of impacts caused by Hurricane Sandy, yesterday Secretary Napolitano issued a temporary, blanket waiver of the Jones Act to immediately allow additional oil tankers coming from the Gulf of Mexico to enter Northeastern ports, to provide additional fuel resources to the region. This will provide more fuel to the region.  The U.S. Coast Guard’s continuing efforts are focused on removing all restrictions on vessel movement in the Port of New York and New Jersey, as well as its associated waterways, approaches, and anchorages, and to facilitate the delivery of fuel and other critical commodities.  In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act, earlier this week, to temporarily waive certain federal gasoline requirements for gas sold and distributed in more than a dozen states.  This waiver will help ensure an adequate supply of fuels in the impacted states.

To assist with the metropolitan flood fight, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues to aggressively support a de-watering mission of critical infrastructure at the direction of FEMA. De-watering pumps have been deployed and additional large capacity pumps are en route. Teams are in place at critical areas around the New York City vicinity, as identified by local officials and pumping water operations are underway.  Additional USACE teams are at ports and the waterways in both New Jersey and New York clearing debris, and technical assistance personnel have been deployed to support emergency temporary power operations. 

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, if needed and requested.  In advance of the storm, FEMA and the Department of Defense established Incident Support Bases (ISBs) in Westover, Mass. and Lakehurst, New Jersey to pre-position supplies including water, meals, blankets and other resources closer to impacted areas.  An additional ISB has been established at Lakehurst Naval Air Station to focus on temporary emergency power, to serve as a staging area for generators from FEMA, the Department of Defense, General Services Administration (GSA) and other agencies throughout the country.  Seven federal staging areas are also operating in affected areas.  As of 4 p.m., more than 2.9 million liters of water and more than 2.3 million meals have been transferred to states to supplement their existing inventory.

In support of New York and New Jersey, FEMA has transferred resources such as food, water, and fuel to the state to distribute to individuals at Points of Distribution (POD) sites. Points of Distribution are centralized points where supplies are delivered and the public travels to the site to pick up commodities following a disaster or emergency. The state, in coordination with local governments, identifies the location of the PODs which are currently operating in hard-hit disaster areas. Individuals should contact their local emergency management for more information.

More than 4,400 FEMA personnel are working to support response operations, including search and rescue, situational awareness, communications and logistical support in states affected by the storm.  Community relations teams are on the ground in the hardest hit areas of the Mid-Atlantic going door-to-door to inform disaster survivors about available services and resources and to gather situational awareness.  FEMA continues to coordinate with the federal family to deploy and mobilize hundreds of staff from various federal agencies to support community relations and operational activities. More than 1,400 housing inspectors are on the ground, meeting with disaster survivors to identify damages to homes, to further expedite assistance to individuals.   

Today, the President expanded the Rhode Island declaration to include assistance for state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities in the counties of Bristol, Newport, and Washington. Earlier in the week, the President signed federal emergency declarations for Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.  This allows FEMA to provide resources directly to state, tribal and local government engaged in life-saving and sustaining activities.

Federal and state personnel are on the ground to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments in several states.  These assessments are designed to give the governor of each state a better picture of damages, and to determine if a request for further federal support is needed. Other assessments may be scheduled as needed and requested.

In addition, the following federal activities are also being coordinated:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has more than 120 employees on the ground in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  As of November 2, the SBA has issued more than 100,000 disaster loan applications to residents and businesses in the three declared states. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property.  Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has 924 national service members that have been deployed to seven states, with more than 850 more on standby for assignments.  These duties include assisting with shelter operations, call centers, debris removal, and mass care in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.  Members include AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and 41 of 42 FEMA Corps teams.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s continuing efforts are focused on removing all restrictions on vessel movement in the Port of New York and New Jersey, as well as its associated waterways, approaches, and anchorages, and to facilitate the delivery of fuel and other critical commodities. 

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has purchased millions of gallons of unleaded and diesel fuel that is being distributed in areas throughout New York, New Jersey and other communities impacted by the storm to supplement ongoing private sector efforts. 

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that national emergency grant funds will be awarded to both New Jersey and New York to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts. More than $15.5 million will be available to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to assist with the restoration of public lands and infrastructure while also providing temporary work to those in need of employment.  More than $27.7 million will be available to the New York Department of Labor to assist with the restoration of public lands and infrastructure.  

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved temporary fuel waivers to assist states impacted by Hurricane Sandy. EPA has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain federal clean gasoline requirements for gasoline sold and distributed in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, District of Columbia, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The waiver was granted by EPA in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE).  On November 1, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy, expanded the emergency waiver of the Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel specifications to allow the use of high-sulfur heating oil in diesel-powered highway and non-road equipment in addition to non-road vehicles in New Jersey. The waiver will be in effect through November 20.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is making $17 million in quick-release emergency relief funds immediately available to New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island to help begin repairing the damage to roads, bridges, and tunnels. Assessments continue throughout the Northeast to determine the full extent of the damage.

The Department of Energy (DOE) continues to work closely with FEMA, and in support of state, tribal, and local officials as the electric industry engages in power restoration efforts.  Daily Situation Reports that detail the storm’s impacts and the restoration activities being taken by the energy sector are available at www.doe.gov.    

The Internal Revenue Service recently announced it is granting taxpayers and tax preparers affected by Hurricane Sandy until Nov. 7 to file returns and accompanying payments normally due on October 31.

The Department of Defense (DoD) continues to coordinate with FEMA, U.S. Northern Command and the National Guard Bureau on providing lifesaving and life sustaining assets to FEMA and governors, as requested, and is available for disaster response to support recovery efforts.  

U.S. Northern Command Regional Defense Coordinating Officers (DCO), and portions of the Defense Coordinating Element (DCE) remain on the ground to validate, plan and coordinate Department of Defense (DoD) support of FEMA’s response operations and to facilitate DOD support of life-saving and response operations. Today, in support of power restoration efforts, Air Mobility Command heavy airlift aircraft supported movement of 61 power restoration vehicles, associated equipment, non-medical personnel and cargo from Travis and March Air Force Bases, Cal., to Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is coordinating with FEMA and affected states to identify housing providers who may have available housing units, including public housing agencies and multi-family owners.  HUD is also speeding federal disaster assistance to Connecticut, New York and New Jersey to provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes in the most heavily impacted areas.  The President’s major disaster declarations for Connecticut, New York and New Jersey allow HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to some families in the designated counties.  This week, HUD also announced it will speed federal disaster assistance to the State of New Jersey, State of New York and State of Connecticut and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes due to Hurricane Sandy.

 

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

 

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The Federal Family and Partners Continue to Support States Affected by Storm

FEMA and Federal Partners Continue to Mobilize Resources

WASHINGTON – At the direction of President Barack Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to coordinate the federal government’s response and recovery efforts.  Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano visited the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. where she participated in a video teleconference with the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, and federal agencies actively involved in response and recovery efforts underway.  FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate is on the ground in Louisiana and met with Governor Bobby Jindal and flew over areas of the Tangipahoa River. 

Last night, President Obama signed major disaster declarations for the states of Louisiana and Mississippi making federal aid available to supplement state and local response efforts for emergency protective measures and debris removal in the areas affected by Hurricane Isaac beginning on August 26, 2012.  These declarations build up on emergency declarations issued for both states earlier this week.  Statewide hazard mitigation is available to all counties and tribal government in Mississippi, and to all parishes and tribal governments in Louisiana.

“Whether a community is beginning the clean-up process, or still feeling the effects of Isaac, residents still need to be alert to the dangers that remain,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.  “This is still a powerful storm and there are a number of areas both along the coast and inland that can be affected by strong winds, storm surge and inland flooding and tornadoes.  Residents should follow the direction of local officials and continue to monitor NOAA weather radio and local news reports for the latest storm conditions.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) remains actively engaged in flood fighting efforts.  USACE teams also have been closely working with the states of Louisiana and Mississippi.  Teams are on the ground providing technical assistance, such as hydraulic modeling and finding available portable pumps, to reduce flooding along the Tangipahoa River and in Plaquemines Parish in Louisiana.  USACE also deployed emergency power teams to Mississippi and Louisiana, and commodities, debris, and temporary roofing teams have deployed to Louisiana.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) deployed two Federal Medical Stations, one to Baton Rouge, La., and the other to New Orleans, La. to serve as medical special needs shelters for residents. HHS has deployed five Public Health Officials from the U.S. Public Health Service and two 50-person Disaster Medical Assistance Teams from the National Disaster Medical System to aid in medical care for sheltering residents. HHS also is providing additional staff and a cache of medical supplies to assist the evacuating patients in Louisiana and there are more than 100 ambulances and more than 300 paratransit seats in Baton Rouge to move patients.

A 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week Disaster Distress Helpline was activated by the HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as a resource that responds to people seeking crisis counseling after experiencing a natural or manmade disaster or tragedy.  The residents of the Gulf States can call 1-800-985-5990 for assistance.

Incident Management Assistance Teams are in state emergency operations centers in Mississippi and Louisiana as well as supporting state and local needs in Plaquemines Parish, La.  Mobile Emergency Response Teams also are deployed to Louisiana, Mississippi to support state emergency communications requirements including voice, video, and information services. Texas Task Force 1, an urban search and rescue team, is deployed to Louisiana and available as needed or requested.  FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration, tomorrow, will be joining state and local officials in Florida to begin preliminary damage assessments in the hardest hit county.

As the storm continues to move further inland, FEMA’s regional offices in Denton, Texas, Chicago, Ill., and Kansas City, Mo. are monitoring Tropical Depression Isaac, and remain in close coordination with potentially affected states. Yesterday, FEMA Region VI Regional Administrator Tony Robinson spoke with Arkansas Emergency Management Director David Maxwell, and FEMA Region VII Regional Administrator Beth Freeman spoke with Andrea Stillar, the Deputy Director of Missouri Department of Public Safety.  Today, FEMA Region V Regional Administrator Andrew Velasquez III spoke with state emergency management directors from Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.  Regional Incident Management Assistance teams from Regions V and VII, and other staff are on standby, should they be needed.  An Incident Management Assistance Team and a Mobile Emergency Response Support Team, from a previous disaster, are on the ground in Ohio and can support response efforts for the approaching storm, if needed.

 

Below is a timeline of some of the key activities and events that have occurred since Tropical Depression Isaac first threatened Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on its path to the Gulf of Mexico:

 

Thursday, August 30, 2012

  • Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano joined FEMA Deputy Administrator Rich Serino on a video-teleconference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives to assess their needs and readiness.  The conference had the participation of emergency management leadership from the affected states including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
  • A National Incident Management Assistance Team deployed to support state efforts in Plaquemines Parish.  This is the second IMAT team on the ground in Louisiana.
  • FEMA deployed teams to join the U.S. Small Business Administration, and state and local preliminary damage assessments (PDA) scheduled to begin tomorrow in Palm Beach County, Florida. These assessments identify the damages in impacted counties and to help the governor determine if additional federal support will be requested. 
  • FEMA’s regional offices in Denton, Texas, Chicago, Ill., and Kansas City, Mo. continue to monitor Tropical Depression Isaac, and remain in close coordination with potentially affected states.  Regional Incident Management Assistance teams from Regions V and VII, and other staff are on standby.  There is also an Incident Management Assistance Team and Mobile Emergency Response Support team, on the ground in Ohio, from a previous disaster that can support response operations from storm, if needed.
  • Texas Task Force 1, a federal urban search and rescue task force with the National Urban Search and Rescue System, and an Incident Support Team remain in Louisiana.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard is rapidly assessing impacts to the maritime transportation system impacts in order to restore flow of commerce through the ports and the Mississippi river.  Seven helicopters and one fixed wing maritime patrol aircraft are conducting search and rescue operations, port assessments and off shore patrols in the Gulf of Mexico.  USCG was responding to a variety of stranded persons in all of the parishes affected by the storm.  17 people and 2 pets have been rescued.  The Captain of the Port of New Orleans has worked closely with the port authorities, the pilots and industry to safely clear a variety of grounded vessels and barges in the confines of the Mississippi river ensuring rapid recovery to the flow of commerce. 
  • FEMA, in coordination with U.S. Northern Command pre-staged in Fort Rucker, AL four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from Fort Campbell, KY and two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters from Norfolk Naval Air Station, VA, to assist in search and rescue efforts.  A Search and Rescue planner has also been activated and deployed to the Baton Rouge Emergency Operations Center.  There are four Emergency Planners Liaison Officers deployed to the National Response Coordination Center in support of FEMA and Fort Polk, LA has been designated as a Federal Team Staging Area.  The command activated Region VI Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO), and Defense Coordinating Element (DCE) to Baton Rouge, LA, to validate, plan and coordinate potential DOD support of FEMA’s hurricane response operations and to facilitate DOD’s support of potential life-saving and response operations.
  • U.S. Northern Command deployed their Southwest Navy Regional Mass Communications team to the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans, LA.
  • The Department of Energy (DOE) is the designated Federal Sector-Specific agency directing Emergency Support Function12 (ESF-12) activities for the Energy Sector under the National Response Framework. DOE and local area utility companies are gathering a workforce of more than 12,000 electricity workers from over 24 states to assess the situation and begin energy restoration efforts once the storm passes.
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues to support the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana Emergency Operation Centers and FEMA Regions IV and VI Regional Response Coordination Centers to organize response efforts, deployed Emergency Power Teams to Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. USACE’s commodities, debris, and temporary roofing teams are in Louisiana and others are placed on alert status to support Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi.  USACE teams are working with the State of Louisiana and Plaquemines Parish to assist in the flood fight of locally owned levees experiencing overtopping from Isaac.  Teams on the ground are providing technical assistance, such as hydraulic modeling and finding available portable pumps, to reduce flooding.
  • More than 4,100 National Guard forces in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana are on State Active Duty prepared to respond to Hurricane Isaac.
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) deployed two Federal Medical Stations to Baton Rouge and New Orleans, La., to serve as medical special needs shelters for residents. To provide medical care for sheltering residents, HHS deployed five commissioned corps officers from the U.S. Public Health Service and two 50-person Disaster Medical Assistance Teams from the National Disaster Medical System. HHS also is providing additional staff and a cache of medical supplies to assist the evacuating patients in Louisiana and there are more than 100 ambulances and more than 300 paratransit seats in Baton Rouge to move patients.

 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

  • President Obama signed a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Mississippi making federal aid available to supplement state and local response efforts for emergency protective measures and debris removal in the area affected by Hurricane Isaac beginning on August 26, 2012.
  • President Obama signed a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Louisiana making federal aid available to supplement state and local response efforts for emergency protective measures and debris removal in the area affected by Hurricane Isaac beginning on August 26, 2012
  • President Obama, joined by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Rick Knabb, convened a call with Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
  • Secretary Napolitano also called Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon to talk with them about preparations ahead of the arrival of Isaac and to offer any support they might need.
  • FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate was on the ground in Louisiana, where he visited the state emergency operations center in Baton Rouge, met with Governor Bobby Jindal and Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser.  
  • FEMA Deputy Administrator Rich Serino held a video-teleconference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives to assess their needs and readiness.  The conference had the participation of emergency management leadership from potentially affected states including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
  • The Department of Energy (DOE), is the designated Federal Sector-Specific agency directing Emergency Support Function12 (ESF-12) activities for the Energy Sector under the National Response Framework. DOE has teams of responders specializing in energy infrastructure and coordinating with deployed personnel, other Department offices, and Federal and State and local agencies in responding to the emergency. 
  • FEMA, in coordination with U.S. Northern Command deployed four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from Fort Campbell, KY and two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters from Norfolk Naval Air Station, VA, to assist in search and rescue efforts.  A Search and Rescue planner has also been activated and deployed to the Baton Rouge Emergency Operations Center.  There are four Emergency Planners Liaison Officers deployed to the National Response Coordination Center in support of FEMA and Fort Polk, LA has been designated as a Federal Team Staging Area.  The command has activated Region VI Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO), and Defense Coordinating Element (DCE) to Baton Rouge, LA, to validate, plan and coordinate potential DOD support of FEMA’s hurricane response operations and to facilitate DOD’s support of potential life-saving and response operations.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard will resume initial response activities aimed solely at saving or protecting lives, to include evacuating people from the affected area, as soon as weather permits, and will continue to monitor conditions at all impacted ports.
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continued to support the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana Emergency Operation Centers and FEMA Regions IV and VI Regional Response Coordination Centers to organize response efforts, has deployed Emergency Power Teams to Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. USACE’s commodities, debris, and temporary roofing teams have deployed to Louisiana and others have been placed on alert status to support Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi.  USACE teams also have been closely working with the State of Louisiana and Plaquemines Parish to assist in the flood fight of locally owned levees experiencing overtopping from Isaac.  Teams on the ground are providing technical assistance, such as hydraulic modeling and finding available portable pumps, to reduce flooding. 
  • The American Red Cross (ARC) has provided shelter to more than 5,200 residents Tuesday night at about 80 shelters in six states from Florida to Texas as Hurricane Isaac made landfall along the Gulf Coast. Also, ARC deployed about 2,700 trained Red Cross disaster workers across the Gulf to run shelters, serve meals and distribute relief items. The Red Cross pre-positioned 311,000 ready-to-eat meals, kitchen support trailers and truck loads of relief supplies with clean up and personal hygiene items, cots, blankets, coolers, shovels, tarps and gloves. In addition, the Southern Baptist Convention had mobile kitchens capable of producing thousands of meals a day staged across the Gulf Coast alongside the Red Cross. Just outside the storm area, 187 emergency response vehicles were ready to move into affected communities as soon as weather conditions allow.  Local shelter locations are available at http://www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter
  • Mississippi National Guard responded to Hurricane Isaac with approximately 1,500 members from across the state including military police and others with civil support abilities that would enable them to assist local authorities in recovery and relief efforts.  Guard members scouted potential sites for the distribution of food and water and established communications with the various local authorities.  Louisiana National Guard pre-staged approximately 680 troops and assets across the New Orleans metropolitan area in order to better protect the community and its citizens as Hurricane Isaac churns toward the Gulf coast.  In order to quickly respond to possible high-water evacuation or search and rescue missions, Soldiers from the 769th Engineer Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade, staged Humvees hitched with boats at Jackson Barracks.
  • USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) urged livestock producers affected by natural disasters such as Hurricane Isaac to keep thorough records of their livestock and feed losses, including additional expenses for such things as feed purchases because of lost supplies.
  • FEMA’s Congressional Affairs Division hosted a Congressional Briefing via conference call in conjunction with NOAA’s National Weather Service for the Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi Congressional delegations, Congressional Asian, Black and Hispanic Caucuses and our Authorizers and Appropriators.  The purpose of the call is to provide an update on the latest track of Hurricane Isaac and FEMA’s current posture and preparations going forward.
  • FEMA’s Private Sector Representative in the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) in Washington, D.C. continues to engage National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC) members requesting store open/closed status from impacted areas.  Additionally, the NBEOC will host a call at 2:30 PM EST.

More information about the full federal response and activities is available at yesterday’s blog post recap.

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

 

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FEMA and Federal Partners Continue to Mobilize Resources