CHICAGO – With a threatening Wednesday forecast for most of the Great Lakes Region that includes severe storms, heavy rains, strong winds and the possibility of tornadoes, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V encourages everyone to get prepared.

“Summer has begun, and with it, the heightened risk of severe storms,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Now is the time to make sure your family knows what to do to stay safe, and verify your mobile phone is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts to warn you of extreme weather and other emergencies in your area.”

Individuals should follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information related to this storm system. Purchasing a weather radio for your home is another way to ensure that you receive critical warning information. If a warning is issued, get indoors, and move to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls.

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

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

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

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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Severe Weather Wednesday: Get Ready Now

Oct. 31, 2014DR 4197/4199 NMNR004NMDHSEM: 505-819-8129FEMA: 505-471-4352 or Toll Free 855-413-0777

 

 

   News Release

Nov. 5 & Nov. 23 Deadline for First Step to Receive Federal Aid after Summer Flooding in NM

SANTA FE – Getting disaster aid quickly into the hands of eligible applicants affected by July 27-August 5 flooding in New Mexico starts with the first stepinforming state and federal recovery officials that Public Assistance funding is needed.

State agencies, tribal governments, certain nonprofit organizations, community ditch associations and other local government entities in Guadalupe, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel counties and the Pueblo of Acoma affected by the summer floods have until November 5 to submit the appropriate forms to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NM DHSEM).  Lincoln, Otero, and Sandoval counties and the Santa Clara Pueblo have until November 23.

“These are very important deadlines,” said State Coordinating Officer Anita Statman. “We don’t want any eligible entity to miss out on reimbursements for expenses incurred from the floods earlier this year, so we encourage those interested to contact us for forms and more information as soon as possible.”  

Officials who have questions about making a Request for Public Assistance and upcoming Applicant Briefing schedules should contact Brian Williams at 505-476-9601.

A federal declaration was approved on October 6, followed by an amendment on October 24 designating the six counties and two pueblos as eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program (PA).  Federal grants are reimbursed to eligible applicants for costs covering emergency protective measures taken to protect lives and property; the cleaning up of downed trees, power poles and other debris; and the repairing of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public utilities. Under a cost-sharing formula, FEMA pays 75 percent of the total costs, while the state and/or applicant are responsible for the remaining 25 percent.  Find details of the Public Assistance program at www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.

“FEMA is committed to working with our partners to ensure that we reimburse eligible applicants as quickly as possible,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy Casper. “The quicker the forms are received, the quicker we can move forward to get these applicants the funds they need.”

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More information on New Mexico disaster recovery is available online at www.nmdhsem.org/DHSEM is the state’s homeland security and emergency management agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to New Mexico by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies.

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. Find more information at www.fema.gov/disaster/4197 and www.fema.gov/disaster/4199.

 

 

 

 

View article – 

Nov. 5 & Nov. 23 Deadline for First Step to Receive Federal Aid after Summer Flooding in NM

CHICAGO – The heat of summer is here, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants individuals and families to be safe when faced with extended periods of high temperatures.  

“A combination of high temperatures and high humidity can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA Regional Administrator. “Protect yourself by knowing what to do before and during a period of extreme heat.”

During extremely hot weather, you should take the following precautions:

  • Become familiar with the emergency plans of your community, school and workplace.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
  • Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings that are air conditioned.
  • Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
  • Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.
  • Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and seek medical attention if your conditions are severe.

For more information and tips on being ready for extreme heat, visit www.fema.gov and http://www.ready.gov/heat.

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

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

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

 

Continued: 

Know How to Beat the Summer Heat

Duluth, Minn.  – September is National Preparedness Month, a great time to organize and update your emergency plans and supplies. Disasters can happen with little or no warning.  If   you currently don’t have supplies on hand, now is the perfect time to prepare so you can care for yourself and family before, during and after any emergency.

You can start by planning for the types of disasters that can happen in the area where you live. Create a personalized emergency plan and kit based on the requirements of your family. For example, if you have infants, you will need to include items such as diapers, formula and a few toys in your kit.  And don’t forget to include your pets when making your emergency plans.   

Being prepared in case of an emergency does not have to cost a lot of money. Make a checklist of the most important items your family will need.  Next, budget emergency preparedness items as a normal expense. Shop the sales and use coupons when you can.  Try to buy one item from your list each time you go to the grocery store.  The reward of knowing you are prepared before disaster strikes makes it all worthwhile. 

It’s also important to remember you need to be prepared for all seasons. FEMA has many tools to help you plan, including videos and social media links. The following are just a few examples:

Winter is just around the corner, which can bring many types of unforeseen weather emergencies.

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6746

Spring weather is always unpredictable. Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding can occur without much warning.

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/7626

In the summer, weather conditions may seem perfect for outside activities everyone must be aware of dangerous health issues related to extreme heat and high humidity.

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/8966

Most people spend a lot more time on the road than they realize so no matter what the season.  An emergency kit for your car should be part of your emergency plan.

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/5546

Pre-planning will help you and your family better survive a disaster. For more information and ideas, log on to www.ready.gov. And remember to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest information: www.facebook.com/fema, www.twitter.com/fema.

 

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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.

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Be Prepared, All Year Long

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation specialists will be providing information and advice on cleaning and rebuilding homes after Tropical Storm Debby on Saturday in Highlands County.

FEMA mitigation specialists – who can explain disaster-resistant ways to repair and rebuild – will be at the Summer of Love Volkswagen Jubilee in downtown Sebring on Saturday, Aug. 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mitigation specialists offer suggestions on cleaning mold and mildew. They also provide information on flood insurance.

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

Fema Mitigation Specialists to Answer Questions at Volkswagen Jubilee in Highlands County

Summer Fire Safety Tips From FEMA 

Release Date: July 2, 2012
Release Number: R10-12-015

» 2012 Region X News Releases

SEATTLE, Wash. — As skies clear and weather turns warmer, Pacific Northwest residents are hoping for glorious weather this Fourth of July. But however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics — and entire summers.  New data released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that last year, during the 30 days surrounding July 4, these fireworks sent about 1,900 injured consumers to emergency rooms. CPSC’s statistics show that about 8,600 consumers ended up in hospital emergency rooms due to injuries involving legal and illegal fireworks. About 40 percent of the injuries that occurred during this time period were related to firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers.

“When celebrating the Fourth of July, Americans need to remember to use fireworks, fires and barbecues with care. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public displays held by trained professionals,” said Loper. “Summer holidays should be fun and generate good memories, not pain and remorse. Have fun, but be safe.”

FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS:

If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

  • Observe local laws.
  • Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
  • Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot a firework at or near another person.
  • Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
  • Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
  • Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
  • Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
  • Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.

GRILLING FIRE SAFETY TIPS

  • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Grills should be positioned at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill.
  • Use long barbeque mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames when cooking.
  • Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

USFA, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, serves the American public and the nation’s fire services through training, data collection and analysis, public fire education, and fire protection technology research. For more information, visit: www.usfa.fema.gov. For wildfire preparedness tips, sample preparedness plans and emergency checklists, visit firewise.org or www.fema.gov.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse 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: Monday, 02-Jul-2012 16:38:35

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Summer Fire Safety Tips From FEMA