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FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Bald Fire in Lassen County, California

FEMA Public Affairs (626) 431-3843

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the state of California combat the Bald Fire currently burning in Lassen County.

On August 02, 2014, the State of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Bald Fire. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse up to 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 1,170 primary homes in and around the communities of Hat Creek with a population of 1,905, Little Valley with a population of 197, and Burney California with a population of 3,154. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are taking place for approximately 2000 people. The fires started on July 30, 2014, and has burned in excess of 13,000 total acres of Federal, State, and private land.

The Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for federal fire management grants (FMAG’s) through FEMA to assist in fighting fires which threaten to cause major disasters. Eligible costs covered by FMAG’s can include expenses for field camps; equipment use; repair and replacement; tools; materials; and supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities.

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 Provides Federal Funding to Combat Bald Fire in Lassen County, California

FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Oregon Gulch Fire in Siskiyou County, California

FEMA Public Affairs (626) 431-3843

On August 02, 2014, the State of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Oregon Gulch Fire. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse up to 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 92 primary homes in and around the community of Copco Lake, CA which has a combined population of 203. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are taking place for approximately 203 people. The fires started in the State of Oregon (FEMA Region X) on July 31, 2014, and has burned into the State of California (Region IX) in excess of 21,000 total acres, 4,500 within the State of California, of Federal, State, and private land.

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FEMA Provides Federal Funding to Combat Oregon Gulch Fire in Siskiyou County, California

Flood Insurance is an Essential Ingredient for Protecting Your Family

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In 2013, the National Weather Service issued 332 flash flood and flood watches/warnings for the state. The state also reported one tropical storm in the Gulf Coast. More severe weather came this spring with tornadoes and more than two feet of rain.

Between the Gulf Coast’s tropical storms and the numerous rivers and streams, the potential for flooding in Alabama is ever present, according to the National Weather Service Office in Birmingham.

“Flooding due to heavy rains is a serious threat to all residents of our state,” said Alabama Emergency Management Director Art Faulkner. “Many of the homes and businesses flooded in the recent historic rain events were not in a flood zone. For the best protection, a flood policy available through the National Flood Insurance Program is a wise investment. Flood insurance will not keep rising water out of your home or business, but it will protect the investment you have in them.”

Flood insurance is important regardless of your flood zone. In fact, people outside high-risk areas file more than 25 percent of flood claims nationwide. And according to the flood insurance program, from 2003 to 2012, the agency averaged $4 billion in claims per year nationwide.

In Alabama, only 57,000 of the estimated 1.8 million households have flood insurance. Yet, the state is highly susceptible to the ravages of flooding, according to FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer in charge of Alabama’s disaster recovery Joe M. Girot.

“Here are two important points people need to understand,” he said. “First, homeowner insurance policies do not cover flooding. Second, flood insurance policyholders can file a claim even if a storm doesn’t trigger a federal disaster declaration.

“Flood insurance is available to homeowners, business owners and renters in communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforce their local flood damage prevention ordinances,” Girot said.

Homeowners in a floodplain (or Special Flood Hazard Area) must buy flood insurance if they have a mortgage from a federally regulated lender. An interactive guide to determine your flood risk is available online at FloodSmart.gov. The site also provides information on the NFIP.

Flood insurance, with an average premium running about $600 per year, can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs. Just three inches of floodwater in a home will require replacing drywall, baseboards, carpets, furniture and other necessary repairs that can cost an estimated $7,800, according to the National Flood Insurance Program.

The deeper the floodwater, the more it will cost – 18 inches of water means repairs to the electrical system and the heating and cooling system. It also means replacement of doors, appliances and cabinetry, adding another $26,000 to the bill.

Homeowners can insure their homes for up to $250,000 and contents for up to $100,000. Renters can cover their belongings for up to $100,000. Nonresidential property owners can insure a building and its contents for up to $500,000 each.

There is normally a 30-day waiting period when purchasing a new policy. Flood insurance is sold through private companies and agents and is backed by the federal government.

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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 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.

For more information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://www.ema.alabama.gov/. For the joint Facebook page, go to www.facebook.com/AlabamaEMA. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/AlabamaEMA or www.twitter.com/femaregion4

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Flood Insurance is an Essential Ingredient for Protecting Your Family

Coffee and Collaboration: FEMA and NEW JERSEY Share Office Space at SRO

EATONTOWN, N.J. – When the NJ-Sandy Recovery Office moved from their previous facility in Lincroft to new office space in Eatontown last June, FEMA’s state partners moved their offices, too.

FEMA’s key partners in the state Office of Emergency Management work just down the hall from their FEMA colleagues in the new facility.

That proximity is a big plus when it comes to sharing expertise and working together to resolve any potential stumbling block.

Captain Geleta is seated in front of the flags at the SRFO Captain Joseph Geleta“There is a collaborative spirit between FEMA and the state government, working on behalf of all of the applicants who require assistance,” said N.J. Recovery Bureau Chief Captain Joseph Geleta following a recent Command Staff meeting at the SRFO.

“You still have FEMA and state teams mirroring each other to help many who were affected by Sandy. It’s not just the state doing something or FEMA doing something, it’s working together.”

Captain Geleta, a veteran of many previous disasters in New Jersey, said the successful collaboration between FEMA and New Jersey is inspired by a mutual commitment to the mission.

“The SRFO is a key component in sustaining the Sandy recovery efforts here in New Jersey,” Captain Geleta said.

“Having FEMA and the State working together under one roof creates a single, comprehensive approach to fulfilling Public Assistance, Mitigation, and Individual Assistance missions.”

Laura Connolly at work at her desk at the SRFO Branch Director Laura ConnollyThe close collaboration has also helped to build trust and forge friendships. “We have all created personal relationships with our program counterparts here at the SRO,” Captain Geleta noted.

For State Individual Assistance Branch Director Laura Connolly, working closely with her FEMA partners at the SRFO offices has helped the recovery mission operate more efficiently across the board.

“The SRFO is a key component in sustaining the Sandy recovery efforts here in New Jersey,” Connolly said. “FEMA and the State working together under one roof creates a single comprehensive approach to fulfilling Public Assistance, Mitigation, and Individual Assistance missions. We have all created personal relationships with our program counterparts, which fosters continued interested participation during this phase of the disaster. The free coffee is an amazing perk as well!”

Public Assistance Unit Head for the state of New Jersey Lt. Patrick Gorman, works closely with his FEMA counterpart, Infrastructure Branch Director Doug Westermann.

Lieutenant Patrick Gorman takes a moment for a pose at his desk. Lieutenant Patrick Gorman“The relationship has been phenomenal. It’s kind of like we’ve developed total quality management. In a lot of states, it’s the state against FEMA. But when you’re face to face with people who are like-minded in solving problems, it’s just much easier.”

“That kind of relationship is a win-win for the people of New Jersey,” said Captain Geleta.

“The relationship that we have with Pat and his group has been second to none,” said PA Branch Director Westermann. “Without the state’s cooperation, we might have been going down two different paths, but with their cooperation, we are going down a single path.”

“The incredible partnership that has been built here will benefit the people of New Jersey for many years to come,” said NJ-SRO Director John Covell.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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.

Coffee and Collaboration: FEMA and NEW JERSEY Share Office Space at SRO

Federal funds authorized to help fight Watermelon Hill Fire

Seattle, WA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Watermelon Hill Fire, burning in Lincoln and Spokane County, Washington.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator, Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Watermelon Hill Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on July 19, 2014 at 11:14 p.m. PDT.

On July 19, 2014, the State of Washington submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Watermelon Hill Fire, burning in the Counties of Lincoln and Spokane. At the time of the request, 200 primary homes were threatened and approximately 300 people had evacuated the area. At the time of the request the fire threatened; a major BNSF/UP rail line, overhead power lines, Eastern Washington University, the Cheney Medical Center Community Hospital and the Turnville Wild life Preserve. The fire started on July 19, 2014, and has burned approximately 5,000-7,000 acres of Federal, State, Bureau of Land Management, and private land. Firefighting resources supporting this incident are from local, out of state and Federal who are providing fire suppression support with air resources, engines, and dozers on the fire line. State firefighting resources have been exhausted, and out of state and international firefighting support is being requested. The Federal Principal Advisor confirmed the threat to homes, overhead power lines, and rail line. The fire is at zero percent contained.

A state of emergency was declared by the Governor late Tuesday, July 14 in 20 Eastern Washington counties in response to multiple wildfires threatening homes, businesses, public infrastructure, and natural resources in many parts of the state as fire crews face continued severe fire weather conditions.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of Washington State’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

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Federal funds authorized to help fight Watermelon Hill Fire

Federal funds authorized to help fight Saddle Mountain Fire

Seattle, WA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Saddle Mountain Fire, burning in Kittitas County, Washington.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator, Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Saddle Mountain Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on July 19, 2014 at 10:43 a.m. PDT.

On July 19, 2014, the State of Washington submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Saddle Mountain Fire, burning in Kittitas County. At the time of the request, 5 homes had been burned, 80 homes were threatened and about 90 people had evacuated the area. One shelter in the Kittitas School District was operating around the clock at the time of the request. The fire has reached the Wanapum Dam and Crease Rapids Dam, both hydropower facilities, and three (3) main power transmission lines, which provides power to the City of Yakama, population of nearly 93,000, and to southeast Washington State. The fire is also threatening the Kittitas Valley Community Hospital. The fire has damaged or threatened the Ginko Petrified Forest, multiple cultural resources sites, historical sites, and recreational sites. The fire started on July 18, 2014, and has burned approximately 38,000 acres. The Federal Principal Advisor confirmed the threat to homes, dams, overhead power lines, and rail line. The fire is at zero percent contained.

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Federal funds authorized to help fight Saddle Mountain Fire

FEMA local hires and spending boost Alabama’s economy as tornado recovery continues

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Some Alabamians saw their homes and cars destroyed by this spring’s tornadoes and floods while others saw their jobs or businesses demolished.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is helping put the state’s economy back on track, not only by providing financial assistance to families and state and local governments, but also by hiring Alabama residents to help with the recovery efforts and spending money in the local economy.

The agency has hired 18 Alabamians in various positions around the state, according to Federal Coordinating Officer Albie Lewis, the head of FEMA’s recovery mission in Alabama.

“The positions are short-term temporary jobs working in numerous areas of the recovery operation but they are critical to our efforts and to helping the state get back on its feet,” Lewis said. “We take our responsibility to hire local people very seriously and we’re delighted with the quality of employees we’ve found.”

Alabamians have been hired to perform tasks that include performing administrative duties, serving as information technology specialists and couriers, and even assisting with media relations.

In addition, FEMA has roughly 230 personnel working around the state, most of them at the agency’s Joint Field Office in Montgomery where they share offices with U.S. Small Business Administration and state workers.

“This is the equivalent of a medium-sized business locating here in our downtown,” said Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange. “The impact on local businesses can’t be understated. It’s a huge boost to our economy.”

“We really want to put local people to work, not only to help Alabama’s economy but to take advantage of their knowledge of the communities in which we are operating,” said Alabama State Coordinating Officer Jeff Byard.

The Montgomery Joint Field Office has already signed contracts with local businesses for more than $500,000 worth of goods and services, as well as purchasing roughly another $48,000 more with cash or charge cards.

“We not only purchase supplies and services from local businesses but our staff rents cars, stays in hotels, shops in stores and eats in local restaurants. They have their families come to visit them,” said Albee. “That adds up to a tremendous economic impact.”

FEMA personnel have been in Alabama since late April and are expected to remain in the state until late summer, though the number of people will be declining as work is completed.

FEMA local hires and spending boost Alabama’s economy as tornado recovery continues

Federal funds authorized to help fight Carlton Complex Fire

Seattle, WA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Carlton Complex Fire, burning in Okanogan County, Washington.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator, Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Carlton Complex Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on July 17, 2014 at 12:25 a.m. PDT.

On July 16, 2014, the State of Washington submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Carlton Complex Fire burning in Okanogan County. At the time of the request,

no homes had been burned, but 80 primary homes were threatened and approximately 80 people had evacuated the area. One shelter in the Twisted Community Center was operating around the clock at the time of the request. State highway 153 and local roads were closed, as well as bridges. The fire has damaged or threatened electrical distribution lines and substation, with the potential to shut off power to the area. Impacts to irrigation facilities, wildlife and cultural resources were a concern in and around the fire perimeter. The fire started on July 15, 2014, and has burned approximately 3,500 acres of Federal, State, and private land. The fire is about one mile from the Town of Charlton. Firefighting resources committed to this incident include: mixed air platforms, helicopters, although limited because of visibility due to smoke, engines, water tenders and a Type 2 Incident Management Team. The Federal Principal Advisor confirmed the threat to homes. The fire is at approximately 40 percent contained.

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Federal funds authorized to help fight Carlton Complex Fire

Federal funds authorized to help fight Moccasin Hill Fire

Seattle, WA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Moccasin Hill Fire, burning in Klamath County, Oregon.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator, Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Moccasin Hill Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on July 14, 2014 at 11:16 a.m. PDT.

On July 13, 2014, the State of Oregon submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Moccasin Hill Fire burning in Klamath County. At the time of the request, the fire had burned six homes and was threatening 125 homes in and around the subdivision of Moccasin Hill north of the Town of Sprague River. Approximately 100 people had evacuated the area. The fire started on July 13, 2014, and has burned approximately 2,900 acres of private land. Firefighting resources on scene include: approximately 200 personnel, five air platforms, five helicopters, 10 engines, water tenders and a Type 2 Incident Management Team. There are two other large fires burning uncontrolled within the State. The Federal Principal Advisor confirmed the threat to homes. The fire is at approximately zero percent containment.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of Oregon eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

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Federal funds authorized to help fight Moccasin Hill Fire

FEMA Announces Membership of New Technical Mapping Advisory Council

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the membership of the newly created Technical Mapping Advisory Council (TMAC). As directed by Congress, the Council is tasked with developing recommendations for FEMA’s flood mapping program to ensure that flood insurance rate maps reflect the best available science and are based on the best available methodologies for considering the impact of future development on flood risk.

The establishment of the TMAC was mandated by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, and it was further expanded by the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014.

The national flood mapping program provides flood maps to inform communities about the local flood risk and help set minimum floodplain standards so communities may build safely and resiliently. The flood insurance rate maps established under the program are used to set flood insurance premiums.

“The experts selected to serve on the Technical Mapping Advisory Council represent a broad range of engineering and mapping disciplines,” said David Miller, FEMA’s associate administrator for the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA). “Their extensive knowledge and diverse points of view will be great assets as they make recommendations for the national flood mapping program and how we continue to map using technically credible and scientific practices in identifying flood risk.”

Members were selected based on specific, Congressionally mandated membership guidelines to ensure that a variety of stakeholder perspectives are reflected in the deliberations and recommendations. The legislation requires the appointment of members from 16 specific member categories to ensure a significant cross section of technical expertise. These categories include a geographically diverse group of federal, state and local agencies, and various categories of private sector associations and organizations that deal with flood-related issues.

In addition to the expertise of Council members, FEMA recognizes that specific subject matter experts will be a critical component of the Council’s work and will be selected to assist the TMAC membership. Subject matter experts will include tribal officials, climate science experts, flood control experts from states with high concentrations of flood insurance policyholders, and other expertise the Council concludes is not fully represented within the Council’s membership categories.

The TMAC intends to hold six meetings during the first year; three virtual, and three in-person meetings. Members serve either one to two year terms to refresh and ensure the expert input required to produce the specific recommendations and reports required.

Proposed TMAC Membership:

Pending final approval of disclosure forms that must by law be submitted by certain appointees and acceptance of terms of service, membership is proposed as follows:

CATEGORY: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) DESIGNEE

Doug Bellomo, P.E. (Va.) – Director, Risk Analysis Division (RAD), FEMA.

CATEGORY: NATIONAL OCEANIC AND AIR ATMOSPHERIC (NOAA) / COMMERCE FOR OCEANS AND ATMOSPHERE DESIGNEE

Juliana Blackwell (Md.)– Director, National Geodetic Survey (NGS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

CATEGORY: U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS DESIGNEE

Acceptance to be confirmed.

CATEGORY: STATE GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) REPRESENTATIVE

Richard Butgereit, GISP (Fla.) – GIS Administrator, Florida Division of Emergency Management

CATEGORY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPRESENTATIVE

Mark DeMulder (Va.) – Director, National Geospatial Program, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

CATEGORY: STATE COOPERATING TECHNICAL PARTNERS (CTP) REPRESENTATIVES (2)

John Dorman (N.C.) – Director, Emergency Management Division, Geospatial and Technology Management Office, North Carolina State Government
Leslie Durham, P.E. (Ala.) – Director, Floodplain Management Unit, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs/Office of Water Resources

CATEGORY: MAPPING MEMBER

Scott Edelman, P.E. (N.C.) – Division Director for North America, AECOM Water Resources

CATEGORY: STATE MITIGATION OFFICER

Steve Ferryman, CFM (Ohio) – Mitigation and Recovery Administrator, Emergency Management Agency, State Government of Ohio

CATEGORY: REGIONAL FLOOD AND STORMWATER MEMBER

Gale Wm. Fraser, II (Nev.) – General Manager and Chief Engineer, Clark County Regional Flood Control District

CATEGORY: LOCAL COOPERATING TECHNICAL PARTNER (CTP) REPRESENTATIVES (2)

David Mallory, P.E. (Colo.) – Manager, Urban Drainage & Flood Control District’s Floodplain Management Program
Second representative acceptance to be confirmed.

CATEGORY: ENGINEERING MEMBER

Christopher P. Jones, P.E. (N.C.) – Registered Professional Engineer

CATEGORY: RISK MANAGEMENT MEMBER

Acceptance to be confirmed.

CATEGORY: SURVEYING MEMBER

Wendy Lathrop, PLS, CFM (Pa.) – President and owner, Cadastral Consulting, LLC

CATEGORY: DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR (DOI) DESIGNEE

Robert Mason (Va.) – Deputy Chief, Office of Surface Water, Department of Interior (DOI)

CATEGORY: STATE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT MEMBER

Sally Ann McConkey, P.E., CFM, Diplomat, Water Resources Engineer (D.WRE) (Ill.) – Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS), Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois

CATEGORY: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) DESIGNEE

To be confirmed.

CATEGORY: NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE COORDINATION OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE

Christine Shirley (Ore.) – Oregon State NFIP Coordinator, Natural Hazards Program Group Leader

CATEGORY: FLOOD HAZARD DETERMINATION FIRM MEMBER

Cheryl Small (Texas) – Vice President of Operations, CoreLogic Flood Services

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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 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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FEMA Announces Membership of New Technical Mapping Advisory Council

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