security - femacontract.com

Don’t Miss Out on FEMA Help

PURVIS, Miss. – Homeowners, renters and businesses in Forrest, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Marion and Wayne are eligible for federal disaster assistance. But not everyone affected by the storm’s destruction has registered for FEMA aid.

“There are many misconceptions about getting help,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating OfficerTerry Quarles. “Often people who would qualify for assistance miss out because they don’t understand how the process works.”

Some people believe that since they have already cleaned up and made whatever repairs were needed that they can’t apply for assistance. Some are worried that accepting money from FEMA might have an impact on their Social Security checks or would be taxed as income by the IRS. Others might feel hesitant in accepting FEMA money because “my neighbor needs it more than I do.”

A few disaster survivors think that when they collect their insurance claims, even if the amount they receive falls short of covering repair or replacement costs, they aren’t qualified to get any federal help.

The most common reason that people don’t register for assistance is the idea that having alerted local, county or state officials – or even such organizations as the American Red Cross – about the damages and other losses they suffered that they automatically get registered with FEMA.

But these assumptions are not based on fact.

“It’s perfectly logical to think that once you talk to any emergency official, the process has started,” said Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Director Robert Latham. “But that is not correct. The thing to do is call the FEMA registration line at 800-621-3362 and let them decide if you qualify for help.”

FEMA registration is simple and can be completed several ways:

Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov any time day or night.
By phone or video relay at 800-621-3362 daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Help is available in many languages.
By TTY at 800-462-7585.
C-Spire Wireless customers can register by calling #362.
By web-enabled mobile devices at m.fema.gov. Select “Disaster Survivor” then “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance.”

“FEMA is here to support the state of Mississippi’s efforts to come to the aid of area residents,” Quarles said. “We want to make sure everybody who is eligible for assistance gets the help he or she needs and deserves.”

Mississippians have until April 15 to apply for assistance, but FEMA urges anyone affected by the storm to register right away.

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

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

###

Excerpt from:

Don’t Miss Out on FEMA Help

FEMA Awards $3.2 Million Grant for Hazard Mitigation Project in Montgomery County

HARRISBURG, Pa. — More than $3.2 million has been awarded to fund a hazard mitigation project in Springfield Township, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

FEMA has awarded a total of $3,214,928 to the project, which is intended to reduce risk of damage from future flooding. The FEMA portion of the grant will fund the acquisition and demolition of 12 repetitive damaged structures that are located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. The properties will be deed-restricted as open space in perpetuity, which will help to restore the natural functions of the land.

Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, FEMA awards funds to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program supports communities as they implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. McCool.

This award is an outcome of the ongoing collaboration between the Commonwealth and FEMA as recovery from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee continues in Pennsylvania.

“As we continue to work closely with our federal partners on recovery, mitigation projects like these are an important step in reducing future storm damage,” PEMA Director Glenn M. Cannon said.

The FEMA award is 75 percent of the expense of the project, which will cost a total of $4,286,570. The remaining 25 percent of the total cost will be shared by the Commonwealth and Springfield Township. The Commonwealth will pay 22 percent of the remaining part of the total cost; the local part of the cost-share will be three percent.

To learn more about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, see: http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program.

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

This article is from:

FEMA Awards $3.2 Million Grant for Hazard Mitigation Project in Montgomery County

FEMA Releases Preliminary Flood Hazard Information for San Bernardino County

OAKLAND, Calif. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is joining the city of Fontana, the city of Ontario, the city of Rancho Cucamonga, and San Bernardino County, Calif., to update flood hazard risk information. FEMA released preliminary flood maps which will help community officials, individuals and business owners identify flood risks, and when finalized be used for flood insurance, land use and development decisions. The revised maps are digital, incorporating the latest available technology to identify flood risk based on detailed engineering models, decades of rainfall and storm gauge information, and current topographic data.

Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States. Individuals and business owners in the areas along the San Sevaine Channel and East Etiwanda Creek are urged to look at the preliminary maps to become familiar with their flood risks. These maps can help make informed decisions about flood insurance options and flood protection measures.

If individuals and business owners believe the preliminary flood maps contain errors, they may submit appeals by sharing additional scientific or technical information through their community officials for FEMA review. Once all appeals are resolved, FEMA will make any necessary updates and notify community officials of any further changes. Floodplain administrators in each community have copies of the maps available for public viewing.

For more information about flood insurance, premium estimates or to find a local agent, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.

For specific questions about flood maps and FEMA’s flood hazard mapping program, call 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627), email FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com or visit http://msc.fema.gov.

###

Credit:

FEMA Releases Preliminary Flood Hazard Information for San Bernardino County

Threat of Snow and Ice Means Prepare Now Before You Travel

CHICAGO – With an ominous mid-week forecast that includes snow, high winds, rain and the potential for a wintry mix including sleet and ice, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V encourages everyone to get prepared for all weather conditions.

“If you must leave home in dangerous weather conditions, take precautions to get to your destination safely,” FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III said. “Taking simple steps to prepare before the storm not only keeps you safe, but others as well.”

Follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information. If you are told to stay off the roads, stay home, and when it is safe, check on your neighbors or friends nearby who may need assistance or extra support.

Find valuable tips to help you prepare for severe winter weather at www.ready.gov/winter-weather or download the free FEMA app, available for your Android, Apple or Blackberry device. Visit the site or download the app today so you have the information you need to prepare for severe winter weather.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

###

Original link:

Threat of Snow and Ice Means Prepare Now Before You Travel

Disaster Survivors May Get Tax Deadline Postponement

PEARL, Miss. – Mississippi taxpayers living in counties that were designated as major disaster areas as a result of recent storms and tornados may be able to postpone filing their federal tax returns and paying what they owe.

This would apply to residents of Forrest, Lamar, Wayne and Marion counties. Under Internal Revenue Service rules, taxpayers in these counties whose returns and payments are due Monday, April 15, can hold off on filing until April 30. Businesses who must file by March 15 or on any date after that can also postpone filing.

IRS rules and regulations tend to be very complicated. Taxpayers should talk to their tax preparers to make sure they qualify for relief under Section 7508A of the Federal Tax Code and what any new deadlines might be.

Taxpayers who don’t use a tax-preparing service or a tax accountant can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 for individual taxpayer help or 800-829-4933 for business help.

For personal service, visit any of the six IRS offices in Mississippi. There is a list of these offices with their addresses and phone numbers at www.irs.gov/uac/Contact-My-Local-Office-in-Mississippi.

Assistance grants from state or federal sources do not count in a taxpayer’s gross income, nor do they affect the amount of Social Security he or she receives.

The IRS will forgive any penalties for late filings (as long as they are filed before any new deadline) for individuals and businesses in the declared counties. In addition, any individual or business whose necessary records are in those counties might also get relief.

According to the IRS, “If an affected taxpayer receives a penalty notice from the IRS, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate any interest and any late-filing or late-payment penalties that would otherwise apply.”

In some cases, taxpayers who reside or have a business outside the disaster-declared counties can also seek relief. Phone the IRS Disaster Help Line at 866-562-5227. Residents within the declared areas are identified by IRS computers and don’t have to file relief requests.

Losses that were not covered by insurance or state and FEMA grants can be deducted from a taxpayer’s gross income on either their 2012 or 2013 tax return. If anyone wants to claim a loss deduction on his or her return that was already filed and wishes to have any refund sent, he or she should note “Mississippi/Tornado and Flooding” at the top of the tax form.

###

Continue reading:

Disaster Survivors May Get Tax Deadline Postponement

Storm Survivors: Be Aware and Beware of Fraud

PEARL, MISS., – Mississippians rebuilding from the recent storms and tornadoes should be aware that disasters often bring out phony contractors and rip-off artists who try to take advantage of storm survivors in the aftermath of the disaster.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggest ways people can protect themselves.

Before allowing anyone to do work on your home, get a written contract. The contract should detail the work to be done, the agreed-upon costs, a project schedule and a completion date. This is one of the best ways homeowners can protect themselves from contractor fraud.

The contract should also detail procedures to cancel the contract, negotiate changes and settle disputes. All guarantees should be in writing.

Before signing a home repair contract, homeowners should:

Get three written estimates.
Check each contractor’s credentials and references.
Check with the Mississippi Board of Contractors at www.msboc.us to make sure the contractor is licensed.
Make sure the contractor carries liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage.
Check the website of the contractor, if there is one. If the site is unfinished or unprofessional in appearance, it may be that it was quickly constructed to give the impression of being in business, when in fact, the contractor is not. A website does not verify the existence of a business.
Confirm instructions for project clean up and construction debris removal.

Don’t pay any more than 10 percent or $1,000 down on proposed work and don’t pay with cash.

Scam artists also look for other ways to part people from their money using a storm survivor’s information. Don’t give out personal information such as your Social Security number or FEMA registration number. Credit card numbers should not be given out unless the contractor’s legal status has been verified.

If you are a victim of contractor fraud, notify the Mississippi State Board of Contractors in writing by completing the complaint form found online at www.msboc.us. The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection can investigate allegations of fraud or illegal practices by a Mississippi business. Contact them at 800-281-4418.

###

Link:

Storm Survivors: Be Aware and Beware of Fraud

Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Briefing Scheduled for Philadelphia County

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation applicant briefing is scheduled for Philadelphia County, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

The meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Municipal Services Building in Philadelphia. The address is:

Municipal Services Building, 16^th Floor, Room Z

1401 JFK Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19104

At the briefing, officials from state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations will receive information about applying for federal assistance to recover from Hurricane Sandy during the period from October 26 to November 8, 2012.

The Public Assistance program is for infrastructure recovery. Unlike Individual Assistance, through which individuals and households may apply for federal funding to help recover from disasters, Public Assistance provides funding for eligible projects to recover elements of the infrastructure. As an example, public roads, bridges and culverts are elements of the infrastructure.

FEMA manages the Public Assistance program, approves grants and provides technical assistance to the Commonwealth and applicants. The Commonwealth educates potential applicants, works with FEMA to manage the program and is responsible for implementing and monitoring the grants awarded under the program. Local officials are responsible for identifying damage, providing information necessary for FEMA to approve grants and managing each project funded under the program.

For more specifics about the Public Assistance process, including frequently asked questions, see: http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-frequently-asked-questions.

Federal funding is also available through the Public Assistance program on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in all counties of the Commonwealth.

View article:

Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Briefing Scheduled for Philadelphia County

FEMA Seeks Applicants for National Advisory Council

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is requesting individuals who are interested in serving on the National Advisory Council (NAC) to apply for appointment. The NAC is an advisory committee established to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

The NAC advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management frameworks, strategies, and plans while incorporating the whole communities input through appointed council members.

The NAC will have a position open for applications and nominations in the following disciplines:

Emergency Management Field (one representative appointment)

State Non-Elected Official (one representative appointment)
Standards Setting (one representative appointment)
Public Health (one Special Government Employee (SGE) appointment)
Functional Accessibility (one representative appointment)
Emergency Medical Providers (one SGE appointment)
Tribal Non-Elected Officials (one representative appointment)
Tribal Elected Officials (one representative appointment for a one-year term)
Emergency Response (one representative appointment for a one-year term)
Department of Defense (Ex Officio representative)

The NAC consists of up to 35 members, all of whom are experts and leaders in their respective fields. The members of the NAC are appointed by the FEMA Administrator and are composed of federal, state, tribal, local, and private-sector leaders and subject matter experts in law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, hospital, public works, emergency management, state and local governments, public health, emergency response, standard settings and accrediting organizations, representatives of individuals with disabilities, infrastructure protection, cyber security, communications, and homeland security communities.

Appointments are for three-year terms to June 15, 2016, unless otherwise noted. The Administrator may also appoint additional candidates to serve as a FEMA Administrator Selection for three-year terms.

Individuals interested in serving on the NAC are invited to apply for appointment by submitting a Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the Office of the National Advisory Council by fax, email, or mail. Letters of recommendation may also be provided, but are not required. Applications and/or nominations must also include the following information: the applicant’s full name, home and business phone numbers, preferred e-mail address, home and business mailing addresses, current position title and organization, and the discipline area of interest (i.e., Emergency Management). Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 8, 2012, 5:00 p.m. EST.

Members selected for the council serve without compensation from the federal government; however, consistent with the charter, members receive travel reimbursement and per diem under applicable federal travel regulations. Registered lobbyists, current FEMA employees, Disaster Assistance Employees, Reservists, FEMA Contractors, and potential FEMA Contractors will not be considered for NAC Membership.

For more information: www.fema.gov/national-advisory-council.

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.

# # #

Originally from:

FEMA Seeks Applicants for National Advisory Council

President Declares Major Disaster In Mississippi

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Mississippi and ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on February 10, 2013, and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Forrest and Lamar counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is available to 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 damaged in Forrest and Lamar counties including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent federal funding.

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

Terry L. Quarles has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Quarles said damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. 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.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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.

Visit source:

President Declares Major Disaster In Mississippi

President Declares Emergency Declaration for Connecticut

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available in the state of Connecticut to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from a severe winter storm beginning on February 8, 2013, and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all eight counties and the Tribal Nations of Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan in the state of Connecticut.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding. This emergency assistance will be provided for a period of 48 hours.

Albert Lewis has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.

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

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

Credit:

President Declares Emergency Declaration for Connecticut

Page 26 of 34 « First ... « 24 25 26 27 28 » ... Last »