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Two Years After Sandy, Most Of New Jersey’s Boardwalks Rebuilt

EATONTOWN, N.J. – Many of the boardwalks in New Jersey that were damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Sandy have been successfully rebuilt in the two years that have passed since the storm.

Construction in most shore towns began as soon as it was feasible, and the boardwalks were complete and open for the start of the summer tourism season. Spring Lake used a composite material to rebuild its boardwalk, while Sea Girt used recycled boards for part of its repairs. Atlantic City repaired the damaged northern section of its boardwalk with ipe wood and is upgrading access ramps and adding more lighting.

One exception was Long Branch, where city officials waited to rebuild until they could secure federal funds, including assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which obligated $79 million for 84 Sandy-related boardwalk and beach restoration projects.

In January 2014, Long Branch received $14.5 million from FEMA to repair an approximately 1-mile section of boardwalk and bluffs. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

The bluffs will serve as the support system for the boardwalk and new roadway from Melrose Place south to Brighton Avenue. They will be repaired with a new concrete foundation, 95,740 cubic yards of additional material, and 11,489 square yards of dune grass.

Plans call for 69,850 square feet of the boardwalk to be demolished and rebuilt. New lights, railings, and ramps will be installed from the boardwalk to the beach.

In October, the Long Branch City Council introduced a $30.4 million bond ordinance that includes $18.1 million for repairs to the boardwalk and bluff. The council anticipates that FEMA will reimburse the city for the cost of the boardwalk repairs and bluff construction, which Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. said could begin in the spring of 2015.

Belmar took the opposite approach, rebuilding its boardwalk first, and then working on a design for protective dunes. Belmar reopened its boardwalk in May 2013 before announcing plans for new dunes. The dunes will be sturdy, with 30-foot-long pieces of steel driven into the sand to a depth of 26 feet so the bulkhead stands out approximately 4 feet. The steel infrastructure will be covered with sand and plants will be added so that it looks like a natural dune. The $6 million dunes will shield the $8 million boardwalk from future hurricanes.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, 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.”

Two Years After Sandy, Most Of New Jersey’s Boardwalks Rebuilt

Check Flood-Damaged Heating Systems Say Emergency Officials

WARREN, MICH. – Winter is on its way, and the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and FEMA remind homeowners to make sure their heating systems and water heaters are in good working condition, especially those damaged by the August flooding.

“Michigan homeowners and their families may be at risk with flood-damaged furnaces, water heaters and electrical appliances,” warns Michigan State Police Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, State Coordinating Officer and Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “If the flood waters reached your heating system or water heater, have them checked for operating safety by experienced repair personnel.”

Dolph A. Diemont, the disaster’s lead federal official, reminded Michigan homeowners that FEMA grants may be available to help repair damaged furnaces and water heaters and replace those destroyed by flood waters.

“Michigan residents with flood damage to their furnaces and water heaters must register with FEMA by the Nov. 24 deadline to be eligible for grants,” Diemont added.

“If flood damage is found after the November date and the homeowner has failed to register, no FEMA assistance will be available.”

Homeowners who receive a FEMA grant for repairs and who later discover their furnace needs replacing must use the FEMA appeal process for additional grant funds. The homeowner has 60 days to appeal and must submit an estimate for replacement of the furnace on contractor company letterhead.

Disaster survivors may register online at disasterassistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may call 800-621-3362 or TTY users 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

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

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

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Check Flood-Damaged Heating Systems Say Emergency Officials

FEMA Says Disaster Recovery Centers Are One-Stop Shops

WARREN, Mich. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages disaster survivors to visit one of the four Disaster Recovery Centers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to learn about the many paths toward recovering from the August severe storms and flooding.

The recovery centers are one-stop shops where disaster survivors can register for assistance, discuss types of disaster assistance programs with specialists, receive the status of their existing application and obtain other information.

The advantage of already being registered before visiting a recovery center is that FEMA staff can look up an applicant’s case and tell how it is progressing. The same information is available at FEMA’s toll-free number, but the face-to-face experience at the centers makes it easier.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) customer service representatives at the recovery centers can explain the several different kinds of low-interest, long-term disaster assistance loans available. Not only businesses and private nonprofit organizations, but homeowners and renters can apply for SBA disaster recovery loans.

Rebuilding stronger and safer homes is the specialty of FEMA’s mitigation specialists. They are at the centers and can explain how to protect property against damaging winds and floods, and reduce damages from future events.

The centers should not be confused with the recovery support sites located throughout neighborhoods in southeast Michigan. The support sites are open for a short period of time and are staffed with FEMA personnel who can help survivors register and quickly answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

It is not necessary to go to a recovery center to register for the various federally-funded recovery programs that can be accomplished better by phone or on the web.

Register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smart phone or Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362. TTY users may call 1-800-462-7585.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

The deadline for individuals to apply for disaster assistance is Nov. 24, 2014.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

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FEMA Says Disaster Recovery Centers Are One-Stop Shops

Federal Disaster Aid in Michigan Tops $51 Million

WARREN, Mich. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that more than $51.8 million in federal disaster grants and loans has been approved for Michigan survivors of the Aug. 11-13 storms and flooding.

As of close of business Oct. 9:

58,845 Michigan residents in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne registered for federal disaster assistance;

More than $35.9 million has been approved for housing assistance, including rental assistance and home repair costs;

More than $11.1 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses, lost personal possessions and child care;

More than $4.8 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration;

More than 100 disaster survivor assistance specialists are strategically positioned throughout the affected communities to explain the types of disaster assistance available;

1,159 residents have visited four disaster recovery centers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties;

430 housing inspectors in the field have completed more than 41,005 inspections of damaged properties; and

209 people have received rebuilding advice from mitigation specialists located at four home improvement big-box stores in the affected communities.

Residents can register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a smart phone or Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362. TTY users may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

FEMA News Desk: (586) 574-4222

EMHSD contact: Ron Leix (517) 336-6464

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Federal Disaster Aid in Michigan Tops $51 Million

FEMA Offers Free Home Repair Advice

WARREN, Mich. – Residents who want to reduce the risk of property damage from storms, floods and other potential hazards have the opportunity to meet with hazard mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Mitigation specialists will be available in:

Macomb County
Lowe’s Home Improvement
31140 Van Dyke Ave.
Warren, MI 48093
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays through Oct. 21

Wayne County
Wal-Mart Supercenter
7555 Telegraph Road
Taylor, MI 48180
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays through Oct. 19

Ace Hardware Store
8544 McGraw Ave.
Detroit, MI 48210
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sundays Oct. 9-22

Home Depot
18700 Meyers Road
Detroit, MI 48235
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays from Oct. 10-22

Residents can get free publications to help them protect their properties against storms and flooding. Mitigation measures may help protect electrical systems, furnaces and other appliances.

FEMA mitigation specialists will provide registration assistance for disaster applications and offer flood insurance information.

Residents can register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smart phone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362. TTY users may call
1-800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA is providing mitigation information in coordination with the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management Homeland Security Division, and Wayne County Emergency Management. Publications will be available in English and Spanish.

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English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

FEMA News Desk: (586) 574-4222

EMHSD contact: Ron Leix (517) 336-6464

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FEMA Offers Free Home Repair Advice

Know Your Neighbors, Get Involved In Community Preparedness

EATONTOWN, N.J. – Whether you just moved into your neighborhood a week ago or you’ve lived there for 25 years, getting to know your neighbors has always been an important part of a functioning society. It can also be helpful in a crisis, because after a disaster occurs, the people in closest proximity to you – and the people who will be able to help you most immediately – are your neighbors.

They may need your help as well. Research reported by FEMA says that people often are not as prepared for disasters as they think they are. Forty percent of survey respondents said they did not have household plans in the event of an emergency, and nearly 60 percent did not know their community’s evacuation routes. Almost 20 percent of responders said they had a functional disability that would affect their ability to respond during a disaster, but only 25 percent of those people have made arrangements to or alerted others to their disability in case of an event. In a different survey, 46 percent of people said they expect to rely on people in their neighborhood for assistance in the first 72 hours after a disaster.

There are several ways to find out what you can do to help. If you live in an area that is known for disaster events or has had them recently, it can be as simple as asking them how they dealt with any previous incidents. Their feedback can teach you what precautions are the most effective for the situation.

You can also organize your neighbors with the help of local service groups such as Citizen Corps Councils, Neighborhood Watch teams, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), as well as local fire and police departments and emergency management agencies. Their input can help you figure out your neighborhood’s biggest needs.

FEMA also recommends hosting meetings with family, friends and neighbors to plan service projects, set service goals, and learn about existing local emergency response plans. Community-based organizations often lack the capacity to manage large numbers of volunteers, so they need individuals to organize themselves and work alongside them.

The Community Preparedness Toolkit, available at www.ready.gov, offers specific steps and links to resources to help you take a proactive role in making your neighborhood safer, more resilient and better prepared.

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

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Know Your Neighbors, Get Involved In Community Preparedness

President Declares Disaster for Hawaii

WASHINGTON, D.C. – 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 Hawaii to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Tropical Storm Iselle during the period of August 7-9, 2014.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state 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 by Tropical Storm Iselle in Hawaii and Maui counties.

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

Kenneth K. Suiso has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Suiso said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

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

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

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President Declares Disaster for Hawaii

Be Disaster Aware. Take Action to Prepare. National Preparedness Month Launches September 1

CHICAGO –September is National Preparedness Month, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages everyone to make disaster preparedness a priority.

“National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that we all need to prepare for disasters and emergencies,” said FEMA Region V acting regional administrator, Janet Odeshoo. “Make disaster readiness manageable by taking one step at a time— start by learning your specific risk, then gather supplies for an emergency kit, and finally develop a family communications plan. By taking these small, but critical, steps, over time you can be prepared for disasters.”

Severe weather and other emergencies can strike with little or no warning and can have disastrous impacts. Already this year, the Midwest has experienced several waves of destructive severe storms, including the severe flooding in parts of Minnesota. Additionally, other parts of the country are currently fighting flooding and other emergencies that threaten the infrastructure people depend on every day. Whether at home or on the go, everyone should learn the steps necessary to make preparedness part of their everyday life.

“As a nation we are seeing disasters increase in their size and complexity, and they are occurring with greater frequency,” said Odeshoo. “The impacts of these events are a reminder that everyone should be prepared for the hazards faced in their communities or even while traveling. Make preparedness a priority for your family today and help encourage a culture of preparedness in your community.”

Throughout the month, FEMA will offer tips to help you be disaster ready, including ways you can stay safe during a disaster and steps you can take to protect yourself and your family when traveling. Follow FEMA Region V online at twitter.com/femaregion5 and www.facebook.com/fema, to receive the latest preparedness updates.

For detailed information about how to be ready for severe weather in your area, including a list of items you will want to have in your emergency kit, visit http://www.ready.gov/, or our Spanish site at www.listo.gov.

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

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf (312) 408-4455

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Be Disaster Aware. Take Action to Prepare. National Preparedness Month Launches September 1

FEMA Registration Deadline Monday; Nearly $17.7 Million Approved So Far

JACKSON, Miss. – Monday, June 30, 2014, is the deadline to register for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration. As the deadline approaches, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, FEMA and SBA announce that nearly $17.7 million in federal assistance has been approved for residents in 12 Mississippi counties.

Here is a summary through Thursday, June 26, of all federal assistance to individuals and households in the 12 counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance. The severe storms, tornadoes and flooding occurred from April 28 through May 3, 2014.

Nearly $17.7 million in total federal disaster assistance has been approved by FEMA and SBA.
Of that, nearly $12.5 million in low-interest disaster loans has been approved by SBA for 197 homeowners, renters and businesses.
Almost $5.2 million in FEMA Individual Assistance grants has been approved to help Mississippi disaster survivors recover, including:
- More than $3.8 million approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
- Nearly $1.4 million approved to help cover other essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and household possessions. Included is approval of assistance with funeral expenses for 12 disaster-related deaths.
More than 5,200 people have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance.
- In addition to FEMA grants for individuals and families, other forms of disaster assistance are provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration and other partner agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. FEMA refers some survivors to those agencies.
- All businesses that contact FEMA also are referred to the SBA.

More than 2,800 home inspections have been completed.
More than 4,700 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance crews have visited 12,207 dwellings and assisted 9,298 survivors.
Almost 7,000 people have received advice from mitigation specialists on rebuilding safer and stronger.

Disaster survivors in Itawamba, Jones, Leake, Lee, Lowndes, Madison, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, Wayne and Winston counties may be eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.

Individuals and households in those counties can register for FEMA Individual Assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (central time) and assistance is available in multiple languages.

FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs such as Social Security, SNAP or Medicaid and is not considered taxable income.

For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster.

For more information on Mississippi disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4175. Visit the MEMA site at msema.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/msemaorg.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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

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FEMA Registration Deadline Monday; Nearly $17.7 Million Approved So Far

Misconceptions May Hinder Survivor Recovery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Some survivors of the recent Alabama storms may not have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance because of misconceptions or lack of accurate information. Here are some examples:

I didn’t know there was assistance available.
FEMA tries to let everyone know about disaster assistance, but some people miss the message. Please be sure to spread the word among your co-workers, neighbors and friends.

I thought my income was too high for me to qualify.
FEMA provides housing grants and other programs such as help with medical, dental and funeral expenses that are not income dependent. Anyone in a designated county with disaster damage or loss may be eligible for help.

My insurance agent told me I wouldn’t be able to get help from FEMA, because I have insurance.
Everyone with insurance should register. FEMA may be able to help with uninsured or underinsured costs.

I thought assistance would affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and it is not reportable as taxable income.

I thought it was too late for me to apply since I already cleaned up and made the repairs.
You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair expenses.

I thought FEMA only made loans. I don’t want a loan.
FEMA does not make loans, only grants to help survivors recover. These are not loans and do not have to be repaid. The United States Small Business Administration does make loans to cover disaster damage to uninsured or under insured property for homeowners, renters and business owners.

I’m a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners to repair their homes.
FEMA makes grants to help renters with temporary housing and help with disaster-related losses of personal property.

I’m going to register just as soon as I can find the time to get all the paperwork done.
There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. You can do it with one phone call that takes about 20 minutes. Don’t wait, because the deadline is July 1.

I already received disaster assistance last year. I thought I couldn’t get it again this year.
If you had damage from a previous federally declared disaster and you had damage from this declared disaster, you may register for new assistance.

Other people need the help more than I do.
FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors. You will not be taking from others, if you register for aid.

Residents of Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile or Tuscaloosa counties who suffered storm damage during the period April 28 through May 5 should apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available. The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is July 1, 2014.

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Misconceptions May Hinder Survivor Recovery

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