Voluntary Organizations Assisting in North Carolina’s Recovery

RALEIGH,  NC — Disaster survivors who sustained losses from Hurricane Matthew and the flooding that followed are receiving help from many nonprofit and faith-based organizations in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Baptist Men’s Ministry Disaster Relief, United Methodists, Catholic Charities, Mennonite Disaster Service, the United Way, the American Red Cross, and dozens of other organizations are providing assistance to survivors who have unmet needs as a result of the disaster. Voluntary organizations provide a wide range of assistance to disaster survivors, including flood debris clean-up, shelter, food, clothing, counseling, home repairs and reconstruction.

“The recovery from Hurricane Matthew is far from over,” said Mike Sprayberry, North Carolina’s Emergency Management director. “Volunteer organizations are a crucial part in helping people recover. Because there is much work left to be done, I encourage anyone who is able to volunteer with these organizations to please do so.”

The organizations belong to the North Carolina chapter of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD), a coalition of nonprofit organizations that respond to disasters as part of their overall mission and provide a forum where organizations can share knowledge and resources throughout the entire disaster cycle—preparation, response and recovery.

 “After a disaster, the whole community participates in the recovery process, and these voluntary organizations play a vital role in the effort,” said Libby Turner, federal coordinating officer for the recovery operation in North Carolina. “FEMA is working hard in supporting our state partners at North Carolina Emergency Management to provide assistance to survivors, but there are many additional needs that can be met by these organizations.”

FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) assist these voluntary, faith-based and community organizations with federal programs, deadlines, coordination of effort and donation management. They also identify special-needs populations and help applicants avoid duplication of benefits. In addition, liaisons educate, guide and promote long-term recovery in affected communities to bring back a sense of normalcy to the residents.

In some instances, donated resources by voluntary organizations can help reduce municipal costs in disaster recovery. If emergency work is organized by an eligible Public Assistance program applicant, such as a local or tribal government, and proper documentation is submitted, those costs may qualify for an offset to its share under the FEMA Public Assistance Donated Resources Program

Examples of eligible work include, but are not limited to: removing eligible debris, filling and placing sandbags, donating equipment and materials for use in emergency response. Search and rescue, when part of organized response operations, and mass care and sheltering of disaster survivors are also eligible.

Disaster survivors in North Carolina can call 2-1-1 or log-on at nc211.org to find available services in their community. North Carolinians who want to know more about the work of the national and local volunteer organizations should visit nvoad.org or ncvoad.org/cms/.

Registering with FEMA is a separate process from registering with a volunteer organization. Residents who experienced losses from Hurricane Matthew should register with FEMA as soon as possible. They can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585. Applicants may also register using the FEMA Mobile App. Registration ends on Dec. 9, 2016.

For more information on the North Carolina recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4285  and readync.org. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion4 and North Carolina Emergency Management @ncemergency.

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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 800-621-3362 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

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 on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 or 877-511-4662 for the latest road conditions or check the ReadyNC mobile app, which also has real-time shelter and evacuation information. For updates on Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org or follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306.

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 organizations or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

Originally posted here: 

Voluntary Organizations Assisting in North Carolina’s Recovery

FEMA Announces Notice of Funding Opportunity for Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the annual funding opportunity for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

The Fiscal Year 2016 AFG program will award $310.5 million to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters against fire-related deaths and hazards.

FEMA awards AFG funding to fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Service (EMS) organizations, and state fire-training academies.  In addition, FEMA awards funding to other nonprofit organizations recognized for their experience and expertise with respect to fire prevention, fire safety programs and activities, and firefighter research and development programs.

Since 2002, FEMA has awarded $6.8 billion in fire grants to more than 62,300 recipients. Historically, 84 percent of awards go towards purchasing personal protective equipment, vehicles, and other operational equipment.

The application period is open through Nov. 18, 2016. The grant guidance is posted at www.grants.gov and here.  Fire departments and other applicants who need additional information or assistance may contact the help desk at firegrants@fema.gov or by calling 866-274-0960.

Additionally, National Fire Prevention week is this week, Oct. 9-15. This year’s fire prevention campaign is, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”  For additional information on Fire Prevention Week, visit: www.usfa.fema.gov. For tips on fire safety and prevention, go to Ready.gov/home-fires.

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Resources: FY 2016 AFG Fact Sheet

 

Download the FEMA App to locate and get directions to open shelters across the state, and receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.

 

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. 

 

 

 

Source: 

FEMA Announces Notice of Funding Opportunity for Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

5 Years Later, FEMA Remembers Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee

PHILADELPHIA – In late August 2011, Hurricane Irene caused destruction and flooding across the eastern United States, including historic levels of flooding in communities across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Within a weeks time, Tropical Storm Lee would move through many of those same communities, bringing additional flooding to communities still responding to the aftermath of Irene.

Five years later, FEMA Region III is remembering the storms and their impact to communities, as well as the response and recovery efforts that in many communities continue to this day. “All disasters are local, and with Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, we have many communities who continue to recover from these disasters and are finding ways to mitigate future storms,” stated FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. To encourage individuals and communities to prepare for future hurricanes, FEMA Region III created products to remember Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee and to provide a retroactive view on the storms impacts on communities across the region.

‘5 Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee’ is a video which looks back on the impacts and recovery efforts undertaken in response to the storms, including efforts to get people into housing and the resilience of people faced with hardship. The video includes interviews with local, state, and federal officials who looked back at their role in responding to Irene and Lee and what mattered most in helping communities to recover back stronger than before.

In addition, FEMA Region III created ‘before and after’ photos which reveal just how much water certain communities received from the two storms. The photos are available in FEMA’s Multimedia Library at www.FEMA.gov/media-library by searching for “Tropical Storm Lee Pennsylvania” in the search bar at the top of the page. For additional information on Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, visit www.FEMA.gov/disasters. This before and after compilation photograph shows a water rescue on Hersheypark Drive in Hershey, PA and the same area today.

FEMA Region III also created a map journal, which includes the before and after photos, an interactive map feature highlighting federal assistance to communities, and additional information demonstrating the scope and impact the two storms had on communities across the country.

Want to share? Tweet or share using the hashtags #Irene5yrslater, #Lee5yrslater, and #ItOnlyTakesOne. Take time to prepare for hurricanes now, before the next storm hits. It only takes on storm to have a significant impact on a community. For more information on how to prepare, please visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

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Read more:  

5 Years Later, FEMA Remembers Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee

West Virginians: There’s still time to register for help. Do it now!

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – If you were affected by the severe storms, landslides and mudslides that occurred June 22-29 and haven’t registered for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), why wait? Do it now!

Take the first step toward getting federal assistance. Don’t miss out! Once you register with FEMA, you may be eligible for a federal grant to help you with your recovery. You may also qualify for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

If you haven’t registered yet and are a homeowner or renter with disaster-related damage in the designated counties, do it now before it’s too late.

Did you not register because:

  • You simply didn’t know that FEMA offers help to homeowners and renters whose homes were damaged?

    • Once you register with FEMA you will learn about the help that may be available to you.

  • You kept putting off registering because you were too busy and didn’t remember to register until the evening, and thought everything would be closed?

    • Registering is a very important first step to getting help. The FEMA helpline is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT every day of the week.

    • Or go online anytime to DisasterAssistance.gov.

  • You are confused about the process of registering with FEMA?

    • FEMA is there to help you. Make the phone call (800-621-3362) or go online to the website (DisasterAssistance.gov). Ask questions and you will get answers.

  • You thought talking with your county officials or the American Red Cross, or calling2-1-1 would automatically make you eligible for FEMA aid?

    • The only way for you to be eligible for federal help is for you, the homeowner, renter or as the business owner, to register with FEMA.

  • You thought the damage to your property would not be eligible for federal help?

    • Let FEMA make the decision to determine if you qualify for federal assistance.

  • You thought that since you already cleaned up and made repairs you couldn’t apply for assistance?

    • You can register with FEMA even after you make repairs. It is helpful to have photographs of the damage. It also helps if you keep all repair receipts.

  • You thought others needed the federal aid more than you?

    • No one is denied aid because of someone else’s need. If you are eligible for assistance, FEMA will provide funds to help you start the recovery process.

  • You thought you’d have to repay a FEMA grant?

    • FEMA assistance is a grant, not a loan. It does not have to be repaid. It is not subject to income tax.

  • You thought that getting disaster assistance from FEMA would affect your government benefits, such as Social Security, Medicaid or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)?

    • You will not have to pay additional income taxes or see any reduction in your Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.

  • You didn’t think you were eligible for FEMA help because you are not a U.S. citizen?

    • If you are in the United States legally or are the parent of a U.S. citizen in your household, you need not worry about applying for federal disaster assistance.

None of these reasons will prevent you from getting help from FEMA. Here’s what to do to get the correct information:

  • Call the FEMA helpline (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362; (TTY users should call 800-462-7585). The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

  • Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

  • Visit a Disaster Recovery Center near you. To find the closest one, go to www.fema.gov/drc.

If you have questions about how you may qualify for a low-interest SBA disaster loan for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes:

Additional information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery can be found by calling the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362 or visiting: www.DisasterAssistance.gov; the flood pages at www.WVflood.com; fema.gov/disaster/4273; twitter.com/femaregion3; and fema.gov/blog.

More here:

West Virginians: There’s still time to register for help. Do it now!

FEMA Urges Americans to Be Prepared for Extreme Heat, Download FEMA Smartphone App

Top FEMA Officials Available for Interviews to Discuss Extreme Heat Safety Tips, Urge Residents to Download FEMA Smartphone App Designed to Help Families Before, During, and After Disasters

Washington – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging residents across the nation to take steps now to prepare their families and communities for extreme heat, by reviewing important safety information and downloading the FEMA smartphone app. 

The National Weather Service announced today that “dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected this week across a large portion of the nation.” Additionally, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center’s latest outlook notes that most of the continental United States is facing elevated chances of well-above-average summer temperatures. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, heat kills more people than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, earthquakes and floods.

To help Americans stay safe during extreme heat, FEMA urges residents to consider taking the following actions in affected areas:   

  • Postpone outdoor games and activities and limit exposure to the sun.
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine; limit alcoholic beverage intake.
  • Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
  • Spend the warmest part of the day in temperature-controlled buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, or community facilities.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

FEMA also urges residents to download and use the free FEMA app, which provides valuable safety tips to help families prepare for and recover from more than 20 natural and man-made hazards. The FEMA app enables users to receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the nation, making it easy to follow severe weather that may be threatening family and friends.  The app also provides family communication plans, customizable checklist of emergency supplies, and maps of open shelters and disaster recovery centers. The app is available on the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

 

What:  Interview opportunity with FEMA officials to share information on how to stay safe during extreme heat and FEMA’s updated Smartphone App

Who:  FEMA Director of External Affairs Josh Batkin

          FEMA Director of Public Affairs Rafael Lemaitre  

          FEMA Director of Individual and Community Preparedness Helen Lowman

When:  Upon request

RSVP:  To schedule a media interview contact the FEMA News Desk at 202-646-3272 or FEMA-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov. 

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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.

View original article: 

FEMA Urges Americans to Be Prepared for Extreme Heat, Download FEMA Smartphone App

Pets displaced by disaster need forever homes

Charleston, W.Va. — Some pets that were separated from their human families by the flooding this past June aren’t able to return home. Their owners were displaced by the disaster and can no longer care for them. These precious four-legged friends, now in area animal shelters, are eager to find new forever homes.

The rescue of pets lost during a disaster involves a coordinated effort between state and local government and animal response groups with support from FEMA and a national animal welfare organizations, such as the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition. These and many other pet rescue groups came to West Virginia to aid displaced animals. Support has also come from businesses and individuals.

“In this event, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture was the primary point of contact that helped facilitate the establishment of three animal shelters,” said the department’s Threat Preparedness/Response Officer Roy McCallister. The department identified unmet needs and worked to get resources that met those needs, such as collapsible cages that it keeps on hand for emergencies.

To make room for the survivor animals, shelters needed help to move their pre-disaster populations out to other shelters. The Humane Society of the United States, for example, facilitated the transfer of the 62 animals that had been in the Nicholas County Animal Shelter to two shelters in upstate New York.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of many organizations, the animals displaced in this disaster have been rescued and well cared for. Many have been reunited with their families. But the cats and dogs who can no longer go home need kind folks who can give them new forever homes.

At the Greenbrier County Humane Society and the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association combined, there are more than 30 dogs and 40 cats that were rescued and need homes. Animals at Greenbrier are available now. Those at Kanawha-Charleston become available on Saturday, July 23. One or more of them may be just right for your family!

To give a home to a disaster survivor pet, contact:

Greenbrier County Humane Society

151 Holliday Lane

Lewisburg, WV  24901

Phone: 304-645-4775

 

Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association

1248 Greenbrier St.

Charleston, WV 25311

Phone: 304-342-1576

 

Additional information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery can be found by visiting: www.DisasterAssistance.gov; the flood pages at www.WVflood.com; fema.gov/disaster/4273; twitter.com/femaregion3; and fema.gov/blog.

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Pets displaced by disaster need forever homes

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Opens

CHARLESTON, W.v. ­­­­– The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center will be opening to assist survivors affected by the West Virginia Flooding. Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to provide one-on-one, face-to-face help. The location is:

Greenbrier County

Emmanuel United Methodist Church

31 Tressel St

White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, 6/28/16

             7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Wednesday, 6/29/16

             7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Thursday, 6/30/16          

Individuals do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register with FEMA.

FEMA urges those who have not yet registered to do so as soon as possible by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. FEMA also accepts registrations through your smartphone at m.fema.gov. For those without access to the internet, FEMA has a toll-free number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the deaf or hard of hearing.

To learn more about Disaster Recovery Centers, go to FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

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.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4273, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA and fema.gov/blog.

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 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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Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Opens

Disaster Recovery Center in Houston (Harris County) to Operate as Disaster Loan Outreach Center

AUSTIN, Texas – FEMA’s disaster recovery center at the Foundry United Methodist Church in Houston will close at 2 p.m. on June 11 and begin operating as a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan outreach center on June 13.

The disaster loan outreach center will begin operations at 9 a.m. Monday.

Location:      
Foundry United Methodist Church
8350 Jones Rd.
Houston, TX 77065

Hours:           
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Closed Saturdays and Sundays

SBA customer service representatives will be available to meet with business owners and residents to answer questions, explain SBA’s disaster loan program and close their approved disaster loans. Business owners and residents can meet with SBA representatives on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary.

Applicants for disaster loans may apply online using the electronic loan application via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339. For more disaster assistance information or to download applications, visit sba.gov/disaster.

Completed applications should be mailed to:

U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Rd.
Fort Worth, TX 76155 

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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.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

Originally posted here:

Disaster Recovery Center in Houston (Harris County) to Operate as Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Disaster Recovery Center to Close in Stafford in Fort Bend County June 11

AUSTIN, Texas – The disaster recovery center in Stafford in Fort Bend County will close at 2 p.m. on June 11.

Location:      
United Way Fort Bend Center
12300 Parc Crest Dr.
Stafford, TX 77477

Closing:         
2 p.m. Saturday, June 11

Disaster recovery centers are operated jointly by FEMA and the state. Visiting a disaster recovery center is not required to register for FEMA assistance.

After the center closes, Texans whose homes or businesses were affected by the April 17-24 storms and flooding can still register for assistance, get updates about applications, learn about the appeals process or check the status of their claim the following ways:

  • visit DisasterAssistance.gov

  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Recovery officials encourage Texans who registered for disaster assistance with FEMA to stay in touch. If survivors change their addresses or phone numbers they should update FEMA with the information. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in getting a home inspection or receiving assistance.

Disaster survivors can also visit other recovery centers that remain open. To find the closest one, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269 or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at dps.texas.gov/dem/. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

# # #

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.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

View article:  

Disaster Recovery Center to Close in Stafford in Fort Bend County June 11

FEMA Encourages Preparedness for the 2016 Hurricane Season

WASHINGTON – Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is calling on individuals and families across the nation to prepare for the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season, which begins today and runs through November 30. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center seasonal outlook for 2016, released last week, states the season will most likely be near-normal, but uncertainty about the formation of Atlantic storms makes predicting this season particularly difficult.  The full release is linked at www.noaa.gov/near-normal-atlantic-hurricane-season-most-likely-year. 

The effects of hurricanes can stretch far beyond just coastal areas, impacting communities hundreds of miles inland. When a hurricane hits, it can bring high winds, heavy rainfall, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and even tornadoes. Storm surge produced by hurricanes poses the greatest threat to life and property along the coast. Taking action now, in advance of a storm, can save lives and enables families and communities to recover more quickly should disaster strike.

“The United States has not had a significant impact from a hurricane or tropical storm since Hurricane Sandy struck in 2012,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “But luck isn’t a strategy when it comes to being ready. If you live in a potentially affected state, you are at risk for storm surge, extreme winds and flooding during a hurricane. Now is the time for you to learn your evacuation routes and develop a hurricane evacuation plan. Prepare now and enjoy the summer with confidence that if a storm threatens you’ll be ready.”

To prepare for these powerful storms, FEMA is encouraging families, businesses, and individuals to take the following steps to prepare:

  • Know Your Risk: Residents should learn what types of natural disasters are common in their state.  NOAA’s historical hurricane tracks tool provides information on the severity and frequency of past hurricanes. 
     
  • Know your evacuation zone: Evacuation zones are areas that may be impacted by hurricane flooding. Many communities have designated evacuation zones and routes to get citizens to safety. This information can often be found on the websites of state, county, or town emergency management offices. If a hurricane threatens a community and local officials say it’s time to evacuate, residents should evacuate immediately. Do not wait for the next forecast.   
     
  • Download the FEMA app: The FEMA app contains important information on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. The app also allows users to receive weather alerts from NOAA’s National Weather Service, lifesaving safety tips, and provides access to disaster resources should survivors need them. The app is available in the Apple App store or the Google Play store. The FEMA app is also available in Spanish.
     
  • Make a plan, build a kit and practice what to do: When a hurricane hits, communications systems can go out, transportation can be limited, and it could be days before emergency responders are able to reach communities that need help. FEMA encourages residents in potentially affected states to do the following:
    • Make a Family Communication Plan: Family members should discuss how they contact one another in an emergency and check in with each other from different locations.  Families should plan how to care for children or members with access and functional needs, and learn how to get in touch if cell phone, internet, or landlines don’t work. Be sure to practice your plan so everyone will know what to do in the event of an emergency.
    • Emergency Supply Kit: A ‘go kit’ is a bag that contains basic items families may need, during an emergency. Kits should contain non-perishable food, water, and other supplies, such as flashlights, local maps, and a battery-powered radio, to last you and your family for at least 72 hours. Ready.gov contains a complete list of items.
    • Pets: Many local shelters do not permit pets, but laws require them to accept service animals. Families should have a plan for pets should they need to evacuate.

While much attention is often given to the Atlantic Hurricane Season, there are tropical systems that can affect many other areas around the nation. To learn more about hurricane seasons in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, visit www.hurricanes.gov. To learn more on how to prepare before, during, and after a hurricane, visit www.ready.gov.

 

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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.

Continued here:

FEMA Encourages Preparedness for the 2016 Hurricane Season

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