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FEMA Encourages Participation in Oct 15 Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills

Washington D.C. – More than 40 U.S. states have some potential for earthquakes. To increase earthquake preparedness, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages all Americans to participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill happening on Thursday, October 15, at 10:15 a.m. local time.

“Residents in California aren’t the only ones threatened by the potential of a catastrophic earthquake,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “From the Cascadia subduction zone in the Pacific Northwest to the New Madrid seismic zone in the South and Midwest, millions of Americans live and travel to areas that can be impacted by a major earthquake. All of us – regardless of where we live – should be prepared by knowing what to do: drop, cover, and hold on.”

In most situations during an earthquake, one would drop to the ground, take cover under a nearby sturdy table or desk, and hold on to it until the shaking stops. People who have mobility disabilities and are unable to drop, should still cover and hold on. If seated they should cover their head and neck with their arms or a pillow until the shaking stops. Individuals who use wheelchairs should lock their wheels, and cover and avoid transferring from their wheelchair until the shaking stops.

More than 20 million people worldwide are registered to participate in next Thursday’s Great Shakeout drill. Anyone can register their involvement and learn how to participate at www.ShakeOut.org.

FEMA supports Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills as part of America’s PrepareAthon!, a community-based campaign that asks everyone to take an action—such as a group discussion or disaster drill—to increase their preparedness. Information on America’s PrepareAthon! is available at www.ready.gov/prepare.

Additional tips for preparing for earthquakes are also available at www.ready.gov/earthquakes.

The Great ShakeOut is an annual public earthquake drill coordinated and supported by the Southern California Earthquake Center and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). NEHRP is a partnership of the United States Geological Survey, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The Ready Campaign advocates four universal building blocks of preparedness—Be Informed, Make a Plan, Build a Kit, and Get Involved—and continues to raise awareness about the importance of preparing. The goal of the campaign is to get the public involved and ultimately to increase the level of basic preparedness across the nation.

America’s PrepareAthon! was established to provide a comprehensive campaign to build and sustain national preparedness as directed by Presidential Policy Directive-8. The campaign is coordinated by FEMA in collaboration with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations.

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FEMA Encourages Participation in Oct 15 Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills

31st MEU’s Typhoon Relief Mission in Saipan

SAIPAN – Following Typhoon Soudelor, FEMA called upon the expertise of our federal partners to help support the response. This included mission assigning the Navy and the Marine Corps to help provide relief to the island. The 31^st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) was conducting regularly scheduled training in the vicinity of the Mariana Islands when they were redirected to support the relief efforts.

When the USS Ashland and the MEU arrived in Saipan, August 7^th, they hit the ground running. The Navy-Marine Corps team quickly assessed the situation and brought to bear a myriad of capabilities including: manpower, transfer of goods and equipment, and distribution of donated humanitarian aid to individual survivors. This included multiple mobile water containers able to transport more than 2,000 gallons of drinking water, generators and equipment to repair and restore power and approximately 10,000 pounds of Red Cross relief goods.

“The Marines provided manpower, equipment and technical expertise for emergency drinking water production, and distribution for typhoon survivors as directed by the CNMI government. Their assistance expedited immediate humanitarian relief. We appreciate the unique capabilities of the Marines” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen M. DeBlasio Sr.

The 31^st MEU also provided critical emergency water production and distribution to survivors of Typhoon Soudelor in support of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands government. 337,200 gallons of water and 71,136 individual Meals, Ready to Eat, were delivered to distribution sites across the island of Saipan. These sites included Koblerville Fire Station, Garapan Fishing Base, San Roque Fire Station, and Kagman Fire Station.

Debris clearance was another priority of the Marines, and they assisted in debris clearance for Marianas High School, Hopwood Junior High School, Garapan Elementary School, William Reyes Elementary School, Koblerville Elementary School, Koblerville Middle School, and Saipan Southern High School.

The 31^st MEU will complete their mission at 6PM on August 22, and following that will return to their home port in Okinawa, Japan. Media queries concerning the 31^st MEU’s participation in typhoon relief efforts operations may be directed to Capt. Jennifer Giles, 31^st MEU Public Affairs Officer at jennifer.giles@bhr.usmc.mil.

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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31st MEU’s Typhoon Relief Mission in Saipan

Louisiana Receives More Than $1.4 Million for Repairs to Touro Infirmary in New Orleans

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded more than $1.4 million to Louisiana for repairs to Touro Infirmary in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac.

Wind and rain from the storm damaged multiple buildings and structures in the hospital system: the main hospital; the Quaife building; the St. Charles garage; the Gumbel building; the Medical Arts Building; and the Buckman Building/Garage.

The Public Assistance funding pays for repairs to the roofs of many of the buildings, as well as structural components associated with those buildings.

“Southern Louisiana continues to struggle with the recovery of critical infrastructure damaged in Katrina and a number of subsequent disasters over the past nine years, to include Hurricane Isaac. We appreciate the partnership with FEMA to continue to address our recovery needs,” said Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Kevin Davis.

“Hospitals are a necessary element of any community, so it’s important to ensure medical facilities like Touro Infirmary are fully operational,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We are committed to assisting our state and local partners in Louisiana as they continue to repair and rebuild.”

The Public Assistance funding represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Louisiana; the state then disburses the grant to the eligible applicant.

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Louisiana Receives More Than $1.4 Million for Repairs to Touro Infirmary in New Orleans

MEMA, FEMA, Volunteers Working Together to Help Disaster Survivors Recover in Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. – A cooperative effort involving the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), federal agencies including FEMA, local governments and volunteer groups is underway to help disaster survivors recover from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that swept across Mississippi between April 28 and May 3.

The need is great. Officials have identified more than 700 households and individuals whose dwellings were too heavily damaged to be habitable. Nearly 2,000 other dwellings were less seriously damaged.

Compounding the issue, nearly 800 households who have registered for FEMA assistance are uninsured.

Clearing the debris is the first step toward recovery. Without homeowner insurance to pay the bill, it may seem an insurmountable obstacle. That is where the generosity of volunteer groups can be critical. Organizations such as Mennonite Disaster Service, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, Samaritan’s Purse and Team Rubicon have responded to Mississippi with the experience, the tools and the equipment to move debris and make repairs.

MEMA and FEMA are working together and with local governments, the volunteers and disaster survivors to get the debris moved to roadsides where it can be taken to the appropriate landfills. FEMA is covering 75 percent of the cost of hauling debris away from roadsides and the state is paying the remaining 25 percent. If homeowners contract to remove debris, it must be hauled away by the contractor.

Debris removal from private property is an allowable cost in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses.

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.

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. SBA customer service representatives are available at ALL disaster recovery centers. Disaster recovery center locations can be found online at FEMA.gov/DRCLocator.

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 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.

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MEMA, FEMA, Volunteers Working Together to Help Disaster Survivors Recover in Mississippi

Two Disaster Recovery Centers in Chicago Have Childcare This Week

AURORA, Ill. – Two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are offering childcare services for visitors seeking in-person information on FEMA assistance for the recent flooding that took place from April 16 to May 5.

Volunteers from the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief will be providing the free childcare at the DRC in North Park Village and in South Chicago from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. through this Friday, June 7.

The Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief is a FEMA voluntary partner agency that has been providing much needed assistance to survivors throughout the state by cleaning out and removing debris from damaged homes. Providing childcare at the DRCs is another way the organization is supporting storm survivors.

It is not necessary to visit a DRC to receive FEMA assistance, but for those who have additional questions or would like more information on other programs, it is an additional option. Individuals can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.

The DRC locations are:

North Park Village

5801 N. Pulaski, Bldg. C

Chicago, IL 60646

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily

Royal Savings Bank

9226 S. Commercial Ave.

Second Floor

Chicago, IL 60617

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily

(Bank parking is free but limited. Additional free parking is at 9137 S. Exchange Ave.)

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema, and 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.

Photo available for download: http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=66182

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Two Disaster Recovery Centers in Chicago Have Childcare This Week

New Jerseyans Have Two Weeks Left To Register For FEMA Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. — Hurricane Sandy survivors who had storm-related damages in New Jersey have just two weeks left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Residents must register for disaster assistance by midnight (EDT), May 1.

Survivors can register online and check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. They also can call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362.

May 1 is also the deadline to return applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans, which are the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding. Survivors can apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan by filling out an online application at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela by midnight, May 1.

Survivors who applied for federal disaster assistance are urged to stay in touch with FEMA and SBA. Applicants should notify FEMA and SBA of changes to their mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses.

FEMA staff is available at the disaster recovery centers to provide clarification to letters, assist survivors with finding a temporary home if their primary residence was damaged or destroyed, check on the status of applications for assistance or refer survivors to other agencies that may provide additional help.

Residents are reminded that three disaster recovery centers will transition Saturday, April 20, and reopen Monday, April 22, as Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Centers.

The DRCs transitioning are located at the Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center in Leonardo, the Little Egg Harbor Senior Center in Little Egg Harbor Township and the Ocean County Southern Resource Center in Manahawkin.

Residents may choose to visit the remaining disaster recovery centers in New Jersey, located in Ocean, Cape May, Hudson, Atlantic and Monmouth counties. Survivors can locate the address of their nearest center by going to FEMA.gov/DRC or calling 800-621-3362.

As of April 15, more than $384 million in grants has been approved for home repairs or replacement, rental assistance and other needs. Another $718.9 million in SBA low-interest disaster loans has been approved for more than 10,900 homes and businesses.

For more information about the SBA, call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Friday, at 800-659-2955 OR TTY 800-877-8339. Survivors may apply online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants also may visit the SBA Web site at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ and SBA.gov/Sandy.

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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New Jerseyans Have Two Weeks Left To Register For FEMA Assistance

Three Disaster Recovery Centers Transition To SBA Loan Outreach Centers Monday, April 22

TRENTON, N.J.–Three disaster recovery centers will close Saturday, April 20, and transition into Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Centers on Monday, April 22.

The disaster recovery centers transitioning are the center at the Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center in Leonardo, the center at the Little Egg Harbor Senior Center in Little Egg Harbor Township and the center at the Ocean County Southern Resource Center in Manahawkin.

State and federal officials have been paying close attention to how many applicants are visiting disaster recovery centers throughout the state. Over the past weeks, the number of individuals seeking help at the Leonardo, Little Egg Harbor and Manahawkin centers has dropped, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have mostly been met.

SBA representatives at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center will provide homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofit organizations with face-to-face service in answering questions about SBA’s low-interest disaster loan programs, completing loan applications, checking the status of applications and closing on SBA loans.

The SBA outreach centers will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday.

The remaining disaster recovery centers in Ocean County are:

Brick Township Civic Center

270 Chambers Bridge Road

Brick, NJ 08723

Bell Crest Plaza Store Front 4C

953 Fischer Blvd.

Toms River, NJ 08753

Other disaster recovery centers are located throughout New Jersey and can be found online by going to FEMA.gov/DRC. Registration for FEMA assistance ends May 1, 2013.

FEMA staff is available at all the centers to provide clarification to FEMA letters, assist survivors with finding a temporary home if their primary residence was damaged or destroyed, check on the status of their application for assistance or refer survivors to other agencies that may provide additional help.

Also, survivors can consult with Small Business Administration customer service representatives about low-interest disaster loans to repair or rebuild their home and FEMA mitigation specialists about cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

Individuals can register for assistance and follow up on their applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by using a smartphone or tablet at m.FEMA.gov. By phone or 711/VRS, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

For more information about the SBA, call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Friday, at 1-800-659-2955. Survivors may apply online atdisasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants also may visit the SBA Web site at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

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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Three Disaster Recovery Centers Transition To SBA Loan Outreach Centers Monday, April 22

Volunteers Are A Vital Resource In The Aftermath Of Sandy

TRENTON, N.J. – When a disaster strikes, volunteers are a vital resource. They represent the compassionate face that brings comfort to disaster survivors and provides for their immediate needs.

“Working together as friends and neighbors is spontaneous after a disaster” said FEMA Volunteer Agency Liaison Manager Ken Skalitzky. “This approach is really what makes a community whole again.”

One group of volunteers recently was recognized when Middletown, N.J. Mayor Anthony P. Fiore presented the Key to the City to Dave Karr, whose volunteer staff from the Southern Baptist Convention, Oklahoma Disaster Relief, prepared more than 1.5 million meals for disaster survivors.

“It was a real honor,” Karr said. “I was told they rarely do this. I accepted on behalf of the whole Oklahoma team.”

Karr’s team and the organization they represent are typical of the volunteers working in New Jersey, both locally and from out of state. More than 100 organizations manage thousands of dedicated volunteers. Here are some of the major organizations and their services:

Adventist Community Services – manages warehouse distribution of supplies for disaster survivors.
Mennonite Disaster Service – doing clean up, repairs, and rebuilding homes.
The Salvation Army – provided Thanksgiving dinner or lunch in several locations throughout the state. The Transitional Sheltering Assistance social services programs connect needs with available resources.
Samaritans Purse – doing muck outs, removing dirt and debris; cleaning up and sanitizing homes to prevent mold.
Southern Baptist Convention/Oklahoma Disaster Relief – 117 volunteers prepared more than 1.5 million meals to date, and is deploying 41 emergency relief vehicles across New Jersey to continue feeding disaster survivors.
The Red Cross – more than 4,000 volunteers assisting with meals, sheltering, essential supplies, and health services.
United Methodist Committee on Relief – volunteers working on “muck outs.”
Catholic Charities – 363 volunteers serving at relief sites offered financial and other material assistance to some 3,000 families. The sites are now closed.

Voluntary Agency Liaison staff at FEMA work with the state umbrella organization, New Jersey Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). FEMA provides information on the extent

of damage from the disaster to VOAD. The organization then contacts its local partners who provide direct services to disaster survivors.

Disaster assistance is coordinated over the long term by VOAD to make sure everyone who needs help receives help.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Video of volunteers in action and of Volunteer Agency Liaison Manager Ken Skalitzky are available

for your use at: http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/10552.

For still photos of volunteer activities, go to: http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_search.do.

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.

Volunteers Are A Vital Resource In The Aftermath Of Sandy

Corps Teams with Volunteer Agencies to Help Bring Stability to New Jersey

LINCROFT, N.J. — FEMA, the state of New Jersey, volunteer agencies and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working out of the State-FEMA Joint Field Office in Lincroft, NJ, began a Shelter In Place Assistance Program Nov. 14 to help New Jersey residents recover following Hurricane Sandy.

The program provides training, mentoring, and materials by Army engineers to Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) members, such as the Southern Baptist Convention, Mennonite and Methodist Men.

“The most important part of recovery is helping those affected by Hurricane Sandy get back to a sense of normalcy,” said Joel Hendrix, South Atlantic Division, Chief Readiness and Contingency Operations, who is leading the Corps efforts. “Nothing brings more stability to someone affected by disaster than getting back into their home.”

The program seeks to give VOAD groups the skills and materials necessary to make minor, temporary repairs to homes, such as boarding up windows with plywood. Allowing people to return to their homes so quickly after a disaster, said Hendrix, not only gives them time to make more permanent repairs but also minimizes the number of people seeking temporary shelter.

About 500 homes, many of which suffered water damage, will be assessed for possible repairs.

“Our job is to support the governor and the volunteers,” Hendrix said.

The Corps’ team is working in close coordination with FEMA, and state and locals officials.

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.

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Corps Teams with Volunteer Agencies to Help Bring Stability to New Jersey

In the Aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, the Support of Volunteers is Key

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster actively involved in disaster response

WASHINGTON – In the wake of Hurricane Isaac, voluntary agencies continue to be a vital member of the disaster response and recovery team, working alongside state and local emergency responders to help to address immediate needs of survivors. The public can play an important role with the emergency management team, volunteering their time, money, and energy to help disaster survivors and their families. There are ways individuals can support the ongoing response and recovery efforts, whether they live in one of the affected areas or across the country.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is advising people who want to help survivors affected by Hurricane Isaac to do so through affiliation with the voluntary organizations that are active in the ongoing disaster operations.

“When disasters occur, local and national voluntary agencies are often among some of the first responders on the ground to help survivors with the support and resources that they need,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “In Isaac, we’ve already seen field kitchens opening in the hardest hit neighborhoods with thousands of meals being served; dozens of shelters available for temporary housing relief; and teams on the ground to assist with debris removal and temporary roofs.”

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) serves as the primary point of contact for voluntary organization coordination in FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center, supporting Emergency Support Function 6 (Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services). National VOAD continues to work with a network of more than 50 national agencies and 55 state and territorial VOADs providing countless volunteers and services to support response and recovery efforts.

National VOAD members including voluntary, non-profit and faith-based organizations are working closely with the state and communities to assist with providing mobile feeding in areas where there are power outages, assist with debris removal and, as needed, to support with temporary roofing for disaster survivors.

Examples of ongoing work include:

The American Red Cross has opened shelters in several Gulf Coast states and has been mobilizing trained disaster workers across the region. Sunday night about 660 people stayed in 18 Red Cross or community shelters in Louisiana and Mississippi and thousands of Red Cross disaster workers are lending a hand. Almost 200 emergency response vehicles are traveling through affected neighborhoods, distributing hot meals and relief supplies. More than 193,000 meals and snacks have already been served.
With a large response effort spanning multiple states, the Red Cross is working closely with government agencies and community organizations to coordinate this multi-state relief response. Partners like AmeriCorps, Islamic Relief USA, NAACP and the National Baptist Convention USA are assisting to provide help and comfort. In addition, a number of companies such as Spectrum Brands, Walgreens, Coca-Cola, Home Depot and Vision Services, have contributed items such as insect repellent, bottled water and snacks.
Salvation Army teams in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana have distributed over 34,419 meals, 41,977 drinks, 26,275 snacks, 364 comfort kits, operated 25 mobile feeding units, 1 fixed feeding kitchen, provided emotional and spiritual care to 890 individuals, and have put in 7,377 hours of service.
Habitat for Humanity International reported local Habitats are checking on homes and conducting assessments in their communities and is engaged in dialog with Louisiana and Mississippi VOAD and local governments on clean-up efforts.
NECHAMA, a Jewish non-profit social service organization, has partnered with All Hands Volunteers along the coast to coordinate spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers to assist with debris removal and muck-outs.
United Way is standing up Volunteer Reception Centers to intake the unaffiliated volunteers from other states and tie them in with established organizations performing response and recovery operations.
Team Rubicon, an organization which unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with emergency responders, has provided teams of volunteers to assist local authorities with road openings, debris removal, and logistics coordination.
Islamic Circle of North America had opened Masjid shelters and hosts located in Baton Rouge, LA; Lafayette, LA; Jackson, MS; and Beaumont, TX; with a total population of over 60 individuals. These shelters provided gender-segregated sleeping space, catered food to meet the dietary needs, congregational prayer space, and common knowledge of practicing Muslims, and vouchers for local hotel accommodations.

Louisiana

Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (LA VOAD) continues to work with the mass feeding team to support the delivery of hot meals to Point of Distribution Sites (PODS). Operation Blessing, Southern Baptist Men, Convoy of Hope and many others are supporting the State’s effort.
As of September 1, 2012 Adventist Community Services mobile unit has served 1198 of clothing kits (which include socks, underwear, pants, and t-shirts), care kits, and blankets at the Jewella Shelter in Shreveport, LA.

Mississippi

Mississippi Southern Baptists (MSB) has two field kitchens supporting mobile feeding along the coast and has served in excess of 4,500 meals and snacks. Feeding is expected to continue through the end of this week. MSB also is assisting residents with chain saw and debris removal teams and is also assisting with a temporary roofing team applying plastic sheeting. Living Word Baptist Church has been assisting with muck outs and debris removal.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Camp Victor are providing volunteer housing for groups coming in to assist in response and recovery activities.

The activities of the voluntary agencies are far reaching and anyone interested in providing assistance to Isaac survivors may visit the National VOAD website at www.nvoad.org to learn more. Individuals’ support during this time goes a far way to helping these communities recover, and according to the National VOAD, there are several ways to help disaster survivors. They include:

Donation of Cash – A financial contribution to a recognized disaster relief organization is the most effective donation to make. When the public supports these voluntary organizations with financial contributions, it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to the people in need after a disaster.
Volunteering – Volunteer with a recognized organization involved in disaster response and recovery. While newly recruited volunteers may not complete training in time to assist with the Isaac response, they will be prepared to help with the next disaster event.
Donation of Goods – Before taking action, confirm what is needed and donate in-kind goods that are specifically requested or needed by recognized organizations. Receiving and managing unsolicited donated goods often redirects voluntary agencies’ valuable resources away from the services required to meet the needs of disaster survivors.

In addition, the Louisiana Service Commission has established a web portal at www.volunteerlouisiana.gov to help with coordinating donations and volunteers. The Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service has established a web portal at www.mcvs.org for volunteer opportunities and donation information. Cash is the preferred method of donation in order to ensure that disaster survivors get the services and supplies they need quickly.

Just as the federal government works closely with 50 plus National VOAD members, as well as many other voluntary, community, and faith-based organizations, each state also has its own organizes State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. For information on VOADs in affected states, please visit the following: Alabama; Florida; Mississippi; Louisiana.

(NOTE: this on-line version of the press release reflects an updated quote from Administrator Fugate.)

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In the Aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, the Support of Volunteers is Key

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