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Texas Receives More Than $1.5 Million in Federal Funding for University of Texas Medical Branch Mitigation Measures

DENTON, Texas – The state of Texas has received more than $1.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for mitigation measures for a University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) building.

Hurricane Ike damaged the UTMB Customs House, also known as the 1700 Strand Building, in 2008. These mitigation measures will protect it from potential future storm damage.

The measures include elevating a new chiller onto a new exterior platform; relocating existing mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems from the basement level to upper floors; and restoring the basement with a new floor plan, new lighting and fire protection system. The basement will now serve as a “shell space,” which is essentially an unfinished space enclosed by an exterior building shell.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $476.8 million for UTMB-related projects, in the aftermath of Ike.

FEMA’s contribution, made possible by a Public Assistance grant, represents a 90 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Texas; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.

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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 us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6, and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Texas Receives More Than $1.5 Million in Federal Funding for University of Texas Medical Branch Mitigation Measures

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Hawaii Declaration

Main Content

Release date:

September 12, 2014

Release Number:

HQ-14-077FS

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Hawaii.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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.

Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts available at www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema ; follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fema and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fema.

Last Updated:

September 12, 2014 – 17:38

State/Tribal Government or Region:

Hawaii

Related Disaster:

Hawaii Tropical Storm Iselle

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Federal Aid Programs for the State of Hawaii Declaration

Being Alert to Fraud Helps Both Recovery and the Taxpayer

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The great majority of people registering with Federal Emergency Management Agency for help have genuine needs.

Unfortunately, the rush to get assistance by those affected by the Alabama tornadoes, severe storms and flooding of April 28 through May 5 also may present opportunities to defraud taxpayers.

Fraud increases the cost of recovery after a disaster and gives money to those without disaster-related losses, say emergency management officials.

The Inspector General for FEMA investigates complaints of fraud, waste or abuse involving FEMA contracts, programs or personnel.

The office of the Inspector General maintains a toll-free Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Potential cases of fraud or misuse can be referred to the U.S. Justice Department for prosecution. Penalties for felony offenses can be severe.

Here are some examples of complaints that are typically filed with the FEMA Office of the Inspector General:

Applicants used false names and multiple and/or fictitious addresses;
Applicants claimed losses they didn’t sustain or to which they were not entitled;
Applicants did not use FEMA grant money for the intended purposes;
Municipal officials used FEMA grant money for their own benefit;
FEMA checks were stolen; and
Applicants received duplicate payments from FEMA and their insurance companies.

Complaints also may be filed by writing to:

National Center for Disaster Fraud

Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909

Those who visit the Office of the Inspector General website at www.fema.gov/ig/hotline.shtm will find an option to submit a complaint using internet electronic mail. Those who submit complaints via email must waive confidentiality because of the non-secure nature of Internet electronic mail systems.

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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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Being Alert to Fraud Helps Both Recovery and the Taxpayer

Being Prepared for Disasters Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive

Here in Alabama, residents are no strangers to natural disasters. Civic histories of many cities and towns throughout the state include references to natural disasters such as fires, tornadoes and hurricanes.

Alabamians know they must be prepared. Every home should have a smoke alarm; every home should have an emergency supply kit packed and ready.

What not everyone realizes, however, is that being prepared doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster preparedness website, www.ready.gov is a destination site for information about getting your family prepared for a disaster.

“FEMA urges residents of every community in every state to Be Informed, Have a Plan and Prepare a Kit,” said Albie Lewis, federal coordinating officer for the Alabama recovery. “Each of these may be critical in a family’s ability to recover from disaster. A family preparedness kit, particularly, is one of the most important tools at your disposal to keep your family safe in a disaster.”

Commercially available disaster kits can range from $75 to $300 and up, but most of the pieces of a disaster kit already may be in the home and just need to be gathered together and stored in one place.

“The rule of thumb for residents who are survivors of a disaster is that they should be prepared to take care of their family’s needs for the first 72 hours after a disaster strikes,” says Art Faulkner, director of Alabama’s Emergency Management Agency. “It may take that long for responders to get to you.”

FEMA recommends that an emergency preparedness kit include food and water for each member of the family for three days, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, spare batteries, first aid kit, non-electric can opener, local maps and personal sanitation items such as hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, toilet paper, garbage bags and plastic ties.

Water supplies should be sufficient to meet both health and sanitation needs.

Family emergency kits also should include important family documents such as wills or property deeds, personal identification and any prescription medicines a family member may be taking.

Other items to consider include sleeping bags or blankets, paper towels, books, puzzles and games for children, pet food and medications for family pets.

It’s helpful to have cash in case banks are closed and there is no power for ATMs.

The emergency supplies can be stored in an easy-to-carry plastic storage container or duffel bag, making them easy to grab and go when an emergency forces people to leave their home.

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Being Prepared for Disasters Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive

Only One Week Left for Alabama Disaster Survivors to Register With FEMA

MONTGOMERY, Ala., — Just one week remains to register for federal disaster assistance for those who sustained damage from the April 28 through May 5 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. The last day to register is Tuesday, July 15.

Residents who suffered damage should register as soon as possible. Here is how to register with FEMA:

Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Visit m.fema.gov from a Smartphone.
Dial 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free numbers are operated from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Those who already have registered can track their claims and should notify FEMA of changes of their mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses and if they receive insurance settlements or discover additional damages.

July 15 also is the deadline to return an application for physical damage to the Small Business Administration.

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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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Only One Week Left for Alabama Disaster Survivors to Register With FEMA

Don’t Forget That Date; Appeals Must be Submitted to FEMA Within 60 Days

Those who received a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency should take note of the date the letter was written. Appeals or submission of missing documents must be made within 60 days of that date.

Disaster survivors may request an appeal to review their cases regarding the amount or type of federal disaster assistance available.

The appeal must be in writing and explain why you disagree with a decision. Attach any new or additional documents supporting the appeal.

Appeal letters for the April 28 through May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding should also include:

Federal disaster declaration number, 4176-DR-AL, on all pages of documents.
Applicant information including:
- The nine-digit FEMA application number on all pages of documents,
- Applicant’s name,
- Applicant’s date and place of birth, and
- Address of the damaged dwelling.

Copies of verifiable documentation that supports the appeal. All receipts, bills and estimates must include contact information for the service provider. Keep all originals for your records.
A copy of a state-issued identification or driver’s license, unless the letter is notarized or includes the following statement: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
The applicant’s signature.

Applicants can call the Disaster Legal Services hotline phone number, 888-857-8571. The service is available from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday for free legal help with insurance claims.

In the Huntsville area of Limestone County, call 256-539-2275. Those in Mobile and Baldwin counties can call 855-997-2857.

Mail the appeal letter to: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055.

Applicants also may fax their appeal letter to: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA.

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Don’t Forget That Date; Appeals Must be Submitted to FEMA Within 60 Days

New Saturday Hours for Arkansas Disaster Recovery Centers

Little Rock, Ark. – Effective immediately, the State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Vilonia and Mayflower will have new Saturday hours.

The centers will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The centers will continue to be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Disaster Recovery Center Locations:

600 Hwy 365

Mayflower, AR 72106

1122 Main Street

Vilonia, AR 72173

Disaster Recovery Centers gather different state and federal agencies and programs under one roof, offering survivors convenient access to guidance from a number of resources. Recovery centers are one-stop shops for eligible survivors from the severe storms, floods and tornadoes of April 27, to get help as quickly as possible. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives are available at both centers to provide information and answer questions about SBA low-interest disaster assistance loans to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover.

Survivors can continue to register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

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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 us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants can go to www.sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955 (TTY 1-800-977-8339).

Original article –

New Saturday Hours for Arkansas Disaster Recovery Centers

First Letter May Not Be the Last Word from FEMA

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Applicants who receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) saying they are ineligible for disaster assistance after the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding on April 27 may discover that a “no” can be turned into a “yes.”

“Please don’t be discouraged if you get a letter from FEMA saying you are ineligible for aid,” said State Coordinating Officer David Maxwell of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM). “That letter may be just one step in the process. You can ask FEMA for a fresh review of your situation.”

“A denial may simply mean that we need more information to make a decision regarding your application,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) Timothy J. Scranton. “Please work with us. Help us help you.”

The most common reasons for a denial of housing assistance include:

The applicant needs to provide FEMA with a copy of an insurance settlement.
The applicant did not sign the required documents.
The applicant did not prove occupancy or ownership.
The damage is to a secondary home or a rental property, not a primary residence.
Someone else in the household has already applied and received help.
A FEMA housing inspector cannot reach the applicant by phone.
The applicant did not maintain the required flood insurance coverage for the damaged property.

An applicant has the right to appeal a denial in writing within 60 days from the date of the decision letter from FEMA. Instructions for appeals can be found in the “Help After a Disaster” handbook that each applicant receives.

Applicants can call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362, or TTY 1-800-462-7585, to ask for an explanation of why they were denied and instructions for submitting information that was missing or has changed from their initial registration. For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Applicants may also get assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center, where specialists from the state of Arkansas, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are on hand to answer questions, accept required documents and review applications, including disaster loan applications. DRCs are currently operating in Mayflower, Pocahontas and Vilonia, with Mobile DRCs open in Searcy and Little Rock.

If FEMA determines that an applicant is not eligible for a federal grant, the applicant may still be eligible for other assistance, such as disaster unemployment assistance, low-interest federal disaster loans or free legal assistance.

For more information on Arkansas disaster recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4174. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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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.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies. For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.gov.

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 us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6, Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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First Letter May Not Be the Last Word from FEMA

FEMA Public Assistance Expanded to 11 Counties

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today has expanded federal disaster aid to 11 Arkansas counties. This action makes Clay, Cleburne, Faulkner, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and White counties eligible for reimbursement for a portion of their expenses due to the April 27 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

Public entities and certain non-profits in these counties are now eligible to apply for support from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program. Federal PA reimbursement may cover emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to infrastructure, including roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, parks and recreation, and other facilities.

Faulkner County was previously designated on April 29 for Public Assistance for Emergency Work and Debris Removal. Today’s action extends the county’s eligibility to include reimbursement for approved infrastructure repair and restoration projects.

“People depend on having roads, schools, hospitals, water and electricity. These and other facilities can be damaged or affected by severe weather such as the April 27 storms,” said State Coordinating Officer David Maxwell. “That’s why infrastructure repair is such a critical component to our recovery.”

“FEMA reimbursement helps the state and communities cope with the unpredictable costs of emergency response, debris removal and repairing infrastructure damaged by disaster,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy J. Scranton. “These grants help communities complete infrastructure projects that, in turn, help people and businesses get back on their feet.”

Eligible applicants for the PA program include state, county and local government agencies and private non-profits that provide critical or essential services. FEMA obligates funds to the state for 75 percent of eligible costs, while the state and applicant cover the remaining 25 percent.

For more information on Arkansas disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4174. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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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 us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Public Assistance Expanded to 11 Counties

FEMA Awards $1.2M to Central Texas Governments for 2013 Halloween Floods

DENTON, Texas – Federal funding totaling more than $1.2 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been approved for eligible city, county and state government agencies in central Texas following last year’s Halloween floods.

The grant money reimburses eligible entities for costs incurred during the Oct. 30-31, 2013 flooding in Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Freestone counties for their response activities and repairs to flood-damaged infrastructure.

More than $303,000 was approved for administrative costs associated with disaster response and recovery efforts; another $369,671 reimburses for debris removal and emergency protective measures; and $619,930 pays for eligible repairs to road systems, bridges, water control facilities and public buildings, contents and utilities, and parks and recreational facilities.

Additional funding is expected in the coming weeks, as FEMA continues to work with its local and state partners to review and approve eligible projects. The funding is authorized under a Dec. 20, 2013 federal disaster declaration, which designated the four counties eligible for Public Assistance. The agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program was approved statewide.

The mission of FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program is to provide assistance to state, tribal and local governments, and certain types of nonprofit organizations so that communities can quickly respond and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the president.

Through the program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities of certain nonprofit (PNP) organizations.

For more information on FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program, visit http://go.usa.gov/kq55.

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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 us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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FEMA Awards $1.2M to Central Texas Governments for 2013 Halloween Floods

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