Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Duval County to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors 

Release Date: July 16, 2012
Release Number: 4068-012

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A disaster recovery center is open in Duval County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by Tropical Storm Debby. The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U. S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the center to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for aid.

The disaster recovery center is located at the following address:

Duval County

Johnnie Walker Community Center

2500 W. 20th St.

Jacksonville, FL 32209

If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm or flooding losses should register with FEMA. There are three ways to apply:

  • By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages, and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
  • Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By tablet or smartphone using the FEMA app or m.fema.gov.

Anyone who sustained damage in any of the 17 Florida counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any disaster recovery center.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. After registering with FEMA, survivors and businesses may apply online at SBA’s secure website https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; or obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.sba.gov.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://www.floridadisaster.org/. On Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/FLSERT or www.twitter.com/femaregion4.

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.

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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Last Modified: Wednesday, 18-Jul-2012 08:57:55

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Duval County to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Clay and Franklin Counties to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors 

Release Date: July 10, 2012
Release Number: 4068-008

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga. — Disaster recovery centers are open in Clay and Franklin counties to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by Tropical Storm Debby. The centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the centers to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for aid.

The disaster recovery centers are located at the following addresses:

Clay County
Clay County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall No. 1
2497 State Road 16W
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Franklin County
Community Service Center (old Apalachicola High School)
192 14th St.
Apalachicola, FL 32320

If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm or flooding losses should register with FEMA. There are three ways to apply:

  • By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages, and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
  • Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By tablet or smartphone using the FEMA app or m.fema.gov.

Anyone who sustained damage in any of the 14 Florida counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any disaster recovery center.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. After registering with FEMA, survivors and businesses may apply online at SBA’s secure website https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela; or obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.sba.gov.

For the latest Tropical Storm Debby Recovery information, follow @FLSERT on Twitter or visit www.facebook.com/floridasert. To get a disaster preparedness plan, go to the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website at www.FloridaDisaster.org.

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.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 10-Jul-2012 16:46:51

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Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Clay and Franklin Counties to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Two Weeks After TS Debby, $5.3 Million Approved for Disaster Aid 

Release Date: July 10, 2012
Release Number: 4068-006

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga. — Two weeks after Tropical Storm Debby struck Florida, $5.3 million in state and federal aid has been approved to help those affected by the storm and flooding.

Almost 3,500 survivors have contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help or information regarding disaster assistance. Some are seeking housing assistance from FEMA because the flooding has made their home unlivable or inaccessible.

Other forms of disaster assistance are provided by partner agencies such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Small Business Administration. FEMA refers survivors to those agencies. Businesses are also referred to the SBA. Other callers may be interested in disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling or legal aid.

The following is a snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of July 9:

  • 932 households already approved for FEMA grants that assist with temporary rentals and personal property loss.
  • $4.7 million approved for housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
  • More than $551,000 approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
  • 1,715 home inspections completed.
  • 620 visits to disaster recovery centers by people affected by the disaster.
  • 5 disaster recovery centers currently open.

No matter the degree of loss or insurance coverage, survivors are urged to apply for help. They can use any of the following methods:

  1. By phone, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Assistance is available in most languages. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.
  2. Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  3. By tablet or smartphone, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

Businesses that need help may contact the Small Business Administration at the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339), send an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply.

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.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 10-Jul-2012 09:07:03

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Two Weeks After TS Debby, $5.3 Million Approved for Disaster Aid

FEMA and Florida SERT Teams are in the Field Helping Tropical Storm Debby Survivors Recover 

Release Date: July 9, 2012
Release Number: 4068-005

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga. — Florida’s State Emergency Response Team and the Federal Emergency Management Agency community relations teams are in the 11 declared counties going door to door with disaster assistance information to help survivors recover from Tropical Storm Debby.

Anyone representing the SERT or FEMA, including FEMA-contracted home and property damage inspectors, carries a photo ID ensuring they are easily identifiable. FEMA and SERT teams wear agency shirts.

The teams are visiting with individuals to provide information on resources that are available and to identify people who need assistance in the federally designated counties of Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Franklin, Hernando, Highlands, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee and Wakulla.

Officials with the FEMA and SERT teams will not request personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers. Survivors will be asked to provide personal information only when calling FEMA to register the first time.

Once a survivor has registered with FEMA, an inspector will call and set up an appointment to see the damaged property. The inspector will ask for identification and proof of ownership and occupancy (for homeowners) or occupancy only (for renters).

Official FEMA-contracted housing inspectors assess damage, but do not determine cost estimates. They do not charge a survivor for this inspection service. FEMA contractors are not allowed to endorse a contractor or to hire someone on behalf of the survivor.

Suspicions of fraud or attempts to scam survivors should be reported to local law enforcement immediately. People who suspect anyone of committing contractor fraud should contact the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation by calling 866-532-1440 or by emailing ULA@dbpr.state.fl.us.

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), going online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or using the FEMA app or m.FEMA.gov with a smartphone or tablet.

For the latest Tropical Storm Debby recovery information, follow @FLSERT on Twitter or visit www.facebook.com/floridasert. To get a disaster preparedness plan, go to the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website at www.FloridaDisaster.org

For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to get a disaster preparedness plan, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/flsert and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/floridasert.

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.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 09-Jul-2012 13:03:58

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FEMA and Florida SERT Teams are in the Field Helping Tropical Storm Debby Survivors Recover

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Suwannee and Wakulla Counties to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors 

Release Date: July 5, 2012
Release Number: 4068-002

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga. — Two disaster recovery centers are open in Suwannee and Wakulla counties to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by Tropical Storm Debby. They are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the centers to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for aid.

The disaster recovery centers are located at the following addresses:

Suwannee County
Suwannee Coliseum Exhibition No. 2
1302 S.W. 11th St.
Live Oak, FL 32064

Wakulla County
Wakulla Agricultural Center
84 Cedar Ave.
Crawfordville, FL 32327

If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, people with storm losses should register with FEMA. There are three ways to apply:

  • By calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Help is available in most languages, and lines are open7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
  • Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By tablet or smartphone using the FEMA app or m.fema.gov.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance and essential home repairs not covered by insurance.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.SBA.gov. They may also apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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.

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Jul-2012 09:55:50

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Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Suwannee and Wakulla Counties to Help Tropical Storm Debby Survivors

Federal Disaster Assistance Available to Tropical Storm Debby Survivors in 11 Counties 

Release Date: July 4, 2012
Release Number: 4068-001

» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Debby

ATLANTA, Ga. — Tropical Storm Debby survivors in Florida’s Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Franklin, Hernando, Highlands, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwannee and Wakulla counties can apply now for federal disaster assistance.

Money for temporary housing and essential home repairs not covered by insurance is available. Renters, homeowners and business owners may register for help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

If you live in one of the designated counties and sustained losses or damages from Tropical Storm Debby, you can register with FEMA by one of the following methods:

  • Call 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is video relay service accessible. Assistance is available in most languages and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
  • Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • By smartphone or tablet, use the FEMA app or go to m.fema.gov.

FEMA will ask for the following information:

  • The telephone number where you can be reached;
  • The address where you lived at the time of the disaster and the address where you are staying;
  • Your Social Security number;
  • A general description of damage to your property and other losses;
  • The name of your insurance company and policy number or agent if you have property insurance; and
  • Your bank account routing information if you want FEMA to use direct deposit.

Federal disaster assistance helps eligible applicants with temporary housing, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Survivors and businesses may obtain

information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) or online at www.SBA.gov. They may also apply for disaster loans electronically from SBA’s website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 05-Jul-2012 14:39:06

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Federal Disaster Assistance Available to Tropical Storm Debby Survivors in 11 Counties

FEMA Continues to Monitor Tropical Storm Debby 

Individuals in Affected States Urged to be Aware of Potential Flooding Conditions and Listen to Local Officials

Release Date: June 25, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-048

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to monitor and work closely with states potentially affected by Tropical Storm Debby, including Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina. FEMA and its partners will continue to closely track severe weather conditions and forecasts for Debby through the week, and are urging residents to be vigilant in monitoring local reports due to anticipated heavy flooding.

As of 10 a.m. today, the storm is currently located in the Gulf of Mexico about 75 miles south-southwest of Apalachicola, Florida, and continues on a very slow pace, moving northeastward at 3 m.p.h. Tropical storm watches and warnings, as well as flash flood watches and warnings have been issued for several areas along the Gulf Coast, including inland areas.

“Gulf coast residents and visitors should take Tropical Storm Debby seriously,” emphasized FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 illustrates the immense amount of rain a slow-moving tropical system can produce. Flooding with Tropical Storm Debby is a very big concern for the Florida panhandle and portions of the southeast.”

According to the National Weather Service, Debby is expected to produce rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches over eastern portions of the Florida panhandle and northern Florida, with isolated maximum amounts of 25 inches possible. Total rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are expect over central Florida and southeast Georgia into coastal South Carolina, with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches possible.

Along with the heavy rains, land falling tropical systems also increase the potential for tornadoes, and FEMA is urging people in the impacted areas to monitor weather conditions by listening to your local radio and television news outlets, or by listening to NOAA Weather Radio.

FEMA, through its regional offices in Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas, remains in constant contact with state emergency management officials stands ready to support impacted states if requested. At the request of the State of Florida, a FEMA liaison officer is onsite at the Florida state emergency operations center to support state response efforts as needed.

More information on tropical storm and flooding preparedness is available at www.ready.gov, www.listo.gov, and for other languages at www.ready.gov/translations.

Follow FEMA online at 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.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 26-Jun-2012 08:46:51

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FEMA Continues to Monitor Tropical Storm Debby

FEMA Urges Residents along Gulf Coast to be Prepared and Monitor Tropical Storm Debby 

Release Date: June 24, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-047

WASHINGTON — FEMA, through our regional offices in Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas, has been closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby which is currently located in the Gulf of Mexico about 200 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River, and remains in close coordination with federal as well as state and local partners as the storm develops.

Although the National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm watches and warnings for several areas along the Gulf Coast, FEMA continues to urge all residents in the area to closely monitor this storm due to the uncertainty in the track and strength of the storm, and to follow the direction of local and state officials.

Debby is the earliest fourth named storm on record, with the previous record being held by Hurricane Dennis, which became the fourth storm of 2005 on July 5.

“As always, we urge all individuals in the region to follow the directions provided by local officials, listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for updates,” said Administrator Craig Fugate. “History has taught us that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly and people are urged to stay informed and monitor storm conditions.”

Typically, with tropical systems these storms will produce high winds and heavy rains. The National Weather Service is predicting the storm may produce rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches along the immediate Gulf Coast from Southeast Louisiana to the central West of Florida, with isolated maximum amount of 15 inches possible.

Individuals in coastal areas of the Southeast United States, especially in the Gulf Coast where tropical storm watches and warnings are in effect, should take steps to prepare. Residents can find information to prepare their family, home or business to reduce the impact of severe weather by going to Ready.gov.

FEMA, working with our federal partners including the National Hurricane Center, will continue to monitor the strength and path of Debby and will remain in close contact with state and local partners as they prepare for potential severe weather.

Last Modified: Sunday, 24-Jun-2012 15:59:15

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FEMA Urges Residents along Gulf Coast to be Prepared and Monitor Tropical Storm Debby

Time Running Out to Bid on FEMA Housing Units Now Up For Auction 

Release Date: June 18, 2012
Release Number: 4031-110

» More Information on New York Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee
» More Information on New York Hurricane Irene

ALBANY, N.Y. — Time is running out for interested members of the public to bid on the current round of excess Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manufactured housing units now up for auction on a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) website.

Twenty five used housing units that have been deactivated by FEMA and turned over to GSA for disposal are currently up for auction at www.GSAauctions.gov. All the units for sale in New York State are located at a staging area in Cobleskill, Schoharie County, and can be viewed by prospective bidders by appointment. The last day to place bids is Wednesday, June 20th.

FEMA brought the units to New York State to help with unmet housing needs in the wake of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The used models up for auction have all been inspected, but they are no longer intended for residential use. Suggested uses include hunting or fishing camps, tool sheds, workshops or storage buildings.

The 25 “Park Model” units being offered are the smaller of two styles of manufactured housing units employed by FEMA. Under the GSA process, excess federal property like these used trailer models are first offered to other federal agencies, then state and local government agencies. Auctioning off the remaining used models allows the federal government to recover much of the cost of the units.

To make an appointment to see the units now up for auction, call 518-234-4825. The units cannot be viewed without an appointment.

Although the current auction of Park Models ends June 20, another round of THU auctions is expected in August, FEMA officials said.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 18-Jun-2012 16:22:51

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Time Running Out to Bid on FEMA Housing Units Now Up For Auction

FEMA, Vermont, And Local Officials Prepare For The Next Disaster 

Hurricane Season begins June 1: The time to prepare is now

Release Date: May 25, 2012
Release Number: 4022-082

» More Information on Vermont Tropical Storm Irene

MONTPELIER, Vt. — With the 2012 hurricane season officially starting on June 1 and the effects of Tropical Storm Irene still visible in many areas of Vermont, federal, state, and local officials worked together this week to get ready for the next time a disaster strikes the state.

Community leaders from Richmond and Huntington took part in a two-day course offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross on Community Mass Care and Emergency Assistance. Community agencies, public and private organizations, and businesses are trained to work together with emergency management and traditional mass care providers to provide services to those affected by a disaster.

The course in Richmond on May 23–24 was a pilot program. This is only the second time it has been held anywhere in the United States.

“This was an ideal location to pilot the Mass Care and Emergency Assistance training,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer James N. (Nick) Russo. “Irene and last spring’s storms are still fresh in people’s minds and this is when it is easier to commit time to doing something that will have long-term effects.”

Across Vermont, every Secretary and Commissioner in state government went through special in-depth emergency training at Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) this week to prepare for the next emergency event.

“This training is part of our mission to build back stronger following Irene. Training for emergency response will help our state hone its response for the next big storm,” said Secretary of Administration Jeb Spaulding. “Our state employees performed with great skill and dedication during and after Tropical Storm Irene, and have learned many lessons from that experience. We know that success in an emergency depends upon being well prepared for the next event.”

VEM staff ran the executives through Incident Command basics, Emergency Operations Plans, and Continuity of Operations Planning among many other tenets of emergency response. The integration of all state agencies has long been an important part of Vermont’s emergency response, and those agencies have representatives at Vermont’s Emergency Operations Center during incidents.

In addition to government entities, individuals also need to take responsibility when damaging weather is moving in their direction. Families need to keep an eye on the sky and have an emergency kit and a plan for communicating with each other if they are separated in a storm. More information may be found at vem.vermont.gov/preparedness and www.ready.gov/.

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

Last Modified: Friday, 25-May-2012 15:25:26

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FEMA, Vermont, And Local Officials Prepare For The Next Disaster

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