President Obama Signs Virginia Emergency Declaration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the Commonwealth of Virginia to supplement commonwealth and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Sandy beginning on October 26, 2012, and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all counties and independent cities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.  Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding. 

Donald L. Keldsen has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area. 

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

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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President Obama Signs Virginia Emergency Declaration

FEMA Urges National Participation in Great Shakeout on October 18

WASHINGTON – In less than two days, more than 13 million people nationwide are expected to participate in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill.

“Earthquakes occur all year long across our country – in a lot of places you wouldn’t expect,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “For the Great ShakeOut, we’re asking everyone to take just a minute out of your day to drop, cover and hold on, and practice what you would do during an actual earthquake.”

Plan now to take part in the drill on Thursday, October 18 at 10:18 a.m., your local time. When an earthquake happens, you only have seconds to react. The best protective action is to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.”

  • DROP to the ground;
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table; and
  • HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

If it’s not possible to get to the floor to safely take cover, before the exercise, identify an inside corner of the room near your work station or the other locations you may be in, away from windows and objects that could fall on you.  The Earthquake Country Alliance advises getting as low as possible to the floor. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices should lock their wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.

This year marks the first time that southeastern states and jurisdictions will participate in a regional Great Shakeout, just weeks after the one year anniversary of the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Mineral, Virginia. Participating states nationwide include: Alaska, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington.

ShakeOut participants are supported by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC), FEMA and many other local, state, federal and volunteer partners.  In February 2012, CUSEC coordinated a similar drill across nine Central U.S. states.

To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, including information for seniors and those with disabilities, visit http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and can have disastrous and far-reaching effects.  Earthquake hazards vary from region to region.  To learn more about reducing your risks during an earthquake visit http://www.fema.gov/quakesmart

There are many ways for individuals, households, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, and others to participate in the ShakeOut.  Those interested in participating in the ShakeOut are encouraged to first register online at www.shakeout.org .  Once registered, participants will be listed with thousands of other participants, and receive information on how to participate in the drill. 

For details on U.S. earthquake information by state and territory, visit http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, 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 .

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

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FEMA Urges National Participation in Great Shakeout on October 18

Are You Ready to ShakeOut on October 18?

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — In less than two days, on October 18, 2012 at 10:18 a.m. EDT, over one million people are expected to take part in the first ever Great SouthEast ShakeOut.  The ShakeOut is a regional earthquake drill in which participants simultaneously practice the recommended action during an earthquake.  This action is known as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”, which means:

  • DROP to the ground
  • Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
  • HOLD-ON to it until the shaking stops

The states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia are encouraging their schools, businesses, organizations, government agencies, communities, and households to participate in this historic event. The event is free and open to the public, and teaches easy to do, yet potentially life-saving information.

The ShakeOut comes on the heels of the one year anniversary of the August 23, 2011 M5.9 Mineral, Virginia earthquake. Last year’s earthquake caused significant damage in Louisa County, Virginia, and millions of dollars in damages in Washington, D.C. 

The ShakeOut is a dedicated time where individuals and communities focus on disaster safety and preparedness activities.  Participants in the ShakeOut are encouraged to take actions to become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters; this includes securing heavy items to prevent them from causing injuries during an earthquake, creating an emergency plan or updating emergency supply kits, and talking with their families and neighbors about how they might respond to an emergency.

There are many ways for individuals, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, scouts, and others to participate in the ShakeOut, to get prepared for earthquakes, and to share activities with others.  Although it is only days away, it’s not too late to register and participate.  For more information on the ShakeOut or how to participate in the drill, visit www.shakeout.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. 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 http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema.   Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

Source – 

Are You Ready to ShakeOut on October 18?

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Home fires can happen at any time and spread in just minutes, claiming the lives and property of those affected. During the week of October 7-13, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association, are encouraging individuals and families to have a fire escape plan. People can protect their homes and loved ones from emergencies by making their homes safer now and throughout the year.

Hundreds of thousands of fires happen in and around American homes every year, killing or injuring thousands of people and causing untold damage to families and communities. In 2010 alone, a total of 362,100 residential fires resulted in 2,555 deaths, 13,275 injuries, and more than $6.6 billion in property loss. For more information on fire statistics, visit: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/estimates/index.shtm.

FEMA Region III Acting Regional Administrator Robert Welch encourages everyone to prepare for and prevent against a fire: “In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Having an escape plan and practicing it can help you get out quickly.”

The best way to prepare for a fire is to plan in advance and practice your response plan. Here are some suggestions for how to get ready:

Check that all smoke alarms work: USFA recommends that every residence be equipped with both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors;

  • Make sure that there are two ways out of every room;
  • Make a home fire plan; and
  • Practice with family members including children, older family members, and individuals who have access and functional needs so that every person knows how to use both ways to get to safety.

Please help spread the word about fire safety planning and preparedness. For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit:

National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.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. 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 http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema.   Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

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Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13

Tennessee Teen Joins Nation’s Youth In Washington For Community Preparedness Roundtable

WASHINGTON –Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Youth Preparedness Council, including Benjamin Cooke of Memphis, Tenn., will hold their inaugural meeting in Washington, DC today and tomorrow to discuss steps to strengthen the nation’s resiliency against all types of disasters.

“This has been an opportunity for members of the Youth Preparedness Council to share their ideas, experiences, solutions and questions on youth disaster preparedness with FEMA, other federal agencies and national organizations,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Engaging youth is critical to including the whole community in national preparedness. The Youth Preparedness Council is contributing to set a national agenda for how young people play a role in emergency management.”

The Council members will participate in roundtable discussions and plenary sessions today, the first day of their two-day visit to the nation’s capital.  During the roundtable, the Council will meet with Administrator Fugate and discuss steps to strengthen the nation’s overall resiliency. In addition to developing their annual work plan to address youth preparedness during national disasters, the Council is meeting with other federal and private sector partners committed to supporting their work. Tuesday, council members will also visit Capitol Hill and learn how disaster management legislation moves through the legislative process.

Benjamin is among 13 exceptional Youth Preparedness Council members. He frequently speaks to diverse groups of youth about the need for emergency preparedness and volunteers at the Memphis Virginia Hospital. During the May 2011 flooding of the Mississippi River, he witnessed the benefits of planning and the values taught by the Memphis’ Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program. He has participated in community initiatives such as “Get Ready Shelby” and “Go Green Memphis.”

The Youth Preparedness Council is comprised of the following youth leaders (13 – 17 years of age) from each of FEMA’s ten regions:

•    FEMA Region I: Rachel Little (Massachusetts)
•    FEMA Region II: Gabriela Rodriguez Boria (Puerto Rico)
•    FEMA Region III: Donald “Diesel” Embrey (Virginia)
•    FEMA Region IV: Benjamin Cooke (Tennessee)
•    FEMA Region V: Jason Reed (Indiana)
•    FEMA Region VI: Dorian Tre’Vaughn Gregory (Louisiana)
•    FEMA Region VI: Jonathan DeLong (Texas)
•    FEMA Region VII: Nimansha Jain (Nebraska)
•    FEMA Region VIII: Ashley Houston (Utah)
•    FEMA Region IX: Divya Saini (California)
•    FEMA Region IX: Tiffany Espensen (California)
•    FEMA Region IX: Christian Chowen (Hawaii)
•    FEMA Region X: Cayman Kirkhart (Idaho)
 
Council members are eligible to serve on the Council for two years.

To learn more about FEMA’s youth preparedness efforts, please visit: http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthindex.shtm.

To learn more about each council member visit: http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthpreparednesscouncil.shtm.

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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Tennessee Teen Joins Nation’s Youth In Washington For Community Preparedness Roundtable

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of Virginia

FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of Virginia 

Emergency preparedness exercise scheduled for the North Anna Power Station

Release Date: July 12, 2012
Release Number: R3-12-011

» 2012 Region III News Releases

Philadelphia, PA – The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency will evaluate a Biennial Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the North Anna Power Station. The exercise will take place during the week of July 9 to assess the ability of the Commonwealth of Virginia to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said MaryAnn Tierney, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III. “We will assess state and local emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile emergency-planning zone of the nuclear facility.”

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise in a public meeting at 11:00 am on July 13, 2012at the Richmond Marriott West, 4240 Dominion Boulevard, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Scheduled speakers include representatives from FEMA, NRC, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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 http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and http://www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/femaregion3.

Last Modified: Thursday, 12-Jul-2012 11:59:34

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FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of Virginia

FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support State and Local Response in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Region

FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support State and Local Response in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Region 

Release Date: July 5, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-059

» En Español

WASHINGTON – The Administration, through FEMA, is committed to providing support to Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states affected by the storms. FEMA, through our National Response Coordination Center and Regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa., has been in constant coordination with our federal partners as well as impacted states since the storms first struck on Friday, to make sure there are no unmet needs.

The following timeline provides an overview of federal activities, to date, in support of the impacted states, families and communities.

Thursday, July 5

  • At the request of the State of New Jersey, FEMA personnel are on the ground working with federal, state and local officials to conduct preliminary damage assessments in New Jersey as a result of the storms. These assessments are an important step in identifying the damages, helping the governor determine whether the event is beyond state and local capabilities, and if federal support might be needed.
  • U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the lead agency for Emergency Support Function 12 – Energy, issues a DOE situation report.

Wednesday, July 4

  • FEMA continues to stage and transfer supplies such as food, water, kits for infants and toddlers, and durable medical equipment to the states as needed, and requested.
  • Twenty-nine FEMA community relations staff work with the West Virginia National Guard Bureau, visiting residents door-to-door to help spread the word about cooling stations, to assess needs and provide situational awareness to the state. In Ohio, Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Moore, highlights the importance of neighbors helping neighbors.
  • DOE issues a situation report.

Tuesday, July 3

  • DOE issues a situation report.
  • At the request of the State of Maryland, FEMA deploys two Region Liaison Officers to the state Emergency Operation Center to coordinate potential federal resources requirements.
  • FEMA deploys community relations teams to West Virginia to support state and local efforts to check on residents without power, provide informational resources, and provide situational awareness about conditions in impacted communities.

Monday, July 2

  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services deployed representatives to the West Virginia State EOC to assess medical needs and requirements for access and functional needs support.
  • FEMA continues to distribute water and generators to various staging areas in Ohio and West Virginia, to support state and local response efforts.
  • FEMA’s Regional Disability Integration Specialists in Philadelphia, Pa. and Chicago, Ill. send out information on Cooling Stations to the disability community, including through the National Federation for the Blind and Deaf advocacy groups, and reached out to these groups to determine needs of affected persons with disabilities.

Sunday, July 1

  • FEMA stages water and generators in West Virginia as well as Columbus, Ohio to transfer to the State to support affected communities.
  • One Mobile Communications Office Vehicle (MCOV) onsite in Morgantown, W.Va.; 2 MCOVs en route to Charleston, W.Va.
  • In coordination with FEMA, the U.S. Department of Energy deploys experts to West Virginia and FEMA Headquarters in Washington D.C., and is supporting FEMA’s regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa.
  • USACE deploys personnel to Ohio to support assessments and generator installations for emergency power.
  • A FEMA Disability Integration Specialist participates in a coordination call with West Virginia Emergency Management to support identifying the needs of affected populations with access and functional needs.

Saturday, June 30

  • President Obama issues emergency disaster declarations for the State of Ohio for all 88 counties in the state, and the State of West Virginia for all 55 counties in the state. The declaration authorizes FEMA and its federal partners to provide direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance to protect lives and property.
  • President Obama speaks with Ohio Governor John Kasich, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, and West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin to receive an update on the severe storms, and to express his condolences for the loss of life and his concern for individuals and first responders still confronting the destruction and loss of power that is impacting communities as a result. The President tells the Governors that he has directed FEMA to ensure they continue to provide necessary support to state and local officials in impacted areas as they respond to these events.
  • The President receives an update from FEMA Administrator Fugate on impacts and response activities in states, including parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia. The President asks Administrator Fugate to stay in close contact with our partners on the ground to make sure FEMA and federal partners are providing all available support, and to keep him updated as the response and recovery continues.
  • DHS Secretary Napolitano speaks with the Governors of the affected states to express condolences for the loss of life and to ensure that federal support is provided to the states as needed.
  • FEMA Administrator Fugate contacts District of Columbia Deputy Mayor for Public Safety to provide support as needed.
  • A Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) team deploys to West Virginia to provide secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations, if needed.
  • FEMA activates the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), a multi-agency center based at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C. The NRCC provides overall coordination of the federal response by bringing together federal departments and agencies to assist in the preparations for and response to disasters. Select emergency support functions are activated to support state operations.
  • FEMA activates its Regional Response Coordination Centers (RRCCs) in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa. to support state requests for assistance.
  • FEMA deploys Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) and liaison officers to West Virginia and Ohio State Emergency Operations Centers to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response.
  • FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate holds a video teleconference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives and to assess their needs or shortfalls.

Friday, June 29

  • A line of severe thunderstorms moved across parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia causing widespread wind damage and there have been reports of significant power outages and debris.
  • FEMA through its regional offices in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa., begins constant contact with affected states’ emergency management officials. FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney and Region V Regional Administrator Andrew Valasquez III make direct contact with the Emergency Management Directors of the affected states.

For more preparedness information about extreme heat, visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to find out how you can protect your family, pets, business and property.

For information on the latest Energy situation reports, visit www.oe.netl.doe.gov/emergency_sit_rpt.aspx.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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: Thursday, 05-Jul-2012 16:40:01

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FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Support State and Local Response in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Region

FEMA and Whole Communities Continue Support in Aftermath of Storms

FEMA and Whole Communities Continue Support in Aftermath of Storms 

Individuals in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Regions Urged to Check on Neighbors during Extreme Hot Weather

Release Date: July 2, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-055

At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to work closely with states affected this weekend by severe storms in parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) in Washington, D.C. and the Regional Response Coordination Centers in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa. are activated to support state requests for assistance, including coordinating access and functional needs issues affecting storm survivors with disabilities due to power access for medical and mobility equipment, and communications access. FEMA also remains in close contact with our federal partners including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Army Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service forecast offices. In coordination with FEMA, DOE has deployed experts to West Virginia and FEMA Headquarters in Washington D.C., and is supporting FEMA’s regional offices in Chicago, Ill., and Philadelphia, Pa. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has deployed personnel to Ohio to support assessments and generator installations for emergency power. The West Virginia National Guard is also actively engaged in a generator mission for emergency power.

The President issued emergency disaster declarations Saturday for all counties within the states of West Virginia and Ohio in response to requests from the Governors of those states and directed FEMA to coordinate all federal disaster relief efforts in those states. An emergency declaration request is also currently under review for the District of Columbia.

FEMA is staging emergency generators and water supplies in Morgantown and Charleston, West Virginia and Columbus, Ohio to support state and local response needs.

Additionally, FEMA has deployed Incident Management Assistance Teams and liaison officers to the state emergency operations centers in Ohio and West Virginia. A Mobile Emergency Response Support team and Mobile Communication Office Vehicles (MCOV) have been deployed to West Virginia to provide secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations.

FEMA is part of a team that includes federal partners, state, tribal and local officials, the private sector, non-profits and faith-based groups. While FEMA and its federal partners continue to bring resources to bear to support state and local officials, FEMA is also working with other members of this team to leverage all available resources.

“From Ohio to Maryland, we’re seeing communities come together to support one another during this extreme weather,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “We encourage those who are interested in helping to do so by supporting the voluntary agencies that are providing disaster relief in affected areas.”

Voluntary agencies are providing shelter for those who are displaced by the storm or without power. National and local organizations are also operating cooling centers and making meals available to families and individuals impacted by the severe weather and power outages in a number of states.

FEMA Regional Disability Integration Specialists in Chicago and Philadelphia are distributing information on cooling stations to the disability community, including through the National Federation for the Blind and Deaf advocacy groups.

Residents should prepare for extreme heat. An Excessive Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. Hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illness is possible. Drink plenty of water. Stay in an air conditioned room. Stay out of the sun, and check on neighbors and relatives. Reschedule strenuous activity to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.

For more preparedness information about extreme heat, visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to find out how you can protect your family, pets, business and property.

For information on the latest Energy situation reports, visit www.oe.netl.doe.gov/emergency_sit_rpt.aspx.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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: Monday, 02-Jul-2012 17:21:16

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FEMA and Whole Communities Continue Support in Aftermath of Storms

FEMA and Federal Partners Continue to Support Storm Response in Affected States in the Midwest And Mid-Atlantic Regions

FEMA and Federal Partners Continue to Support Storm Response in Affected States in the Midwest And Mid-Atlantic Regions 

Release Date: July 1, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-054

Individuals in Affected States Urged to Listen to Local Officials and Take Precautions Due to Severe Weather Forecast for the Ohio Valley and Extreme Hot Weather Along the East Coast

WASHINGTON – At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to work closely with states affected this weekend by severe storms in parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

Yesterday, the President issued emergency disaster declarations for all counties within the states of West Virginia and Ohio in response to requests from the Governors of those states and directed FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts in those states.

FEMA is strategically positioning supplies closer to impacted areas of West Virginia and Ohio. Emergency generators, needed to supply critical infrastructure such as shelters, and water are positioned in staging areas in Morgantown and Charleston, West Virginia and Columbus, Ohio to support state and local response needs.

In addition, FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., and the Regional Response Coordination Centers in Chicago, Ill., and Philadelphia, Pa., continue to be activated to support state requests for assistance. FEMA has deployed incident management assistance teams and liaison officers to the state emergency operations centers in Ohio and West Virginia. A Mobile Emergency Response Support team and mobile communication office vehicles are en route to West Virginia to provide secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations.

FEMA also remains in close contact with our federal partners including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Army Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service forecast offices. In coordination with FEMA, DOE has deployed experts to West Virginia and FEMA Headquarters in Washington D.C., and is supporting FEMA’s regional offices in Chicago, Ill., and Philadelphia, Pa. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has deployed personnel to Ohio to support assessments and generator installations for emergency power. The West Virginia National Guard is also actively engaged in a generator mission for emergency power.

Yesterday, the President spoke with the governors of Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia, to express his condolences for the loss of life and his concern for individuals and first responders still confronting the destruction and loss of power that is impacting communities as a result. Over the weekend, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano also spoke with the governors of Maryland, Ohio, and Virginia, and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate spoke with the District of Columbia Deputy Mayor for Public Safety. The President has directed FEMA to ensure that state and local officials in impacted areas have the support necessary to respond to the severe weather events.

“The threat of severe weather and heat continues to be a risk in many affected areas, and we urge individuals to continue to follow the instructions of state and local officials,” said Fugate. “People should monitor conditions and check on family, friends, and neighbors who may be impacted by the heat and loss of power. FEMA continues to stay in close contact with state and local officials on the ground, and is supporting response efforts led by those teams.”

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the potential exists for another round of scattered thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and damaging winds across parts of the Dakotas through the Midwest to the Ohio Valley and Delmarva Sunday night and Monday. This is an evolving situation and weather developments will be constantly monitored. NWS has issued Heat Advisories in many areas that have been affected by the severe weather and may be without power, and urges everyone to take safety precautions due to the high temperatures.

FEMA continues to work closely with our state and local partners in impacted areas to ensure there are no unmet needs as they continue to respond.

For information on the latest Energy situation reports, visit http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/emergency_sit_rpt.aspx.

More information on severe weather 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.

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Last Modified: Sunday, 01-Jul-2012 14:28:26

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FEMA and Federal Partners Continue to Support Storm Response in Affected States in the Midwest And Mid-Atlantic Regions

FEMA Supporting State and Local Officials Responding to Severe Weather in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic

FEMA Supporting State and Local Officials Responding to Severe Weather in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic 

Individuals in Affected States Urged to Listen to Local Officials and Take Precautions Due to Extreme Hot Weather

Release Date: June 30, 2012
Release Number: HQ-12-051

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to work closely with states affected by yesterday’s damaging winds, hail and severe thunderstorms, including parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

At the request of the State of Ohio, a FEMA liaison officer is deployed to the Ohio state emergency operations center to support state response efforts as needed. FEMA has also deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team to West Virginia to work side by side with the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as it continues to respond and identify potential needs from the storm outbreak. FEMA also remains in close contact with federal partners at the National Weather Service forecast offices, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The National Weather Service has issued Excessive Heat Advisories in many areas that have been affected by the severe weather and may be without power, and urges everyone to take safety precautions due to the extreme high temperatures.

“Response efforts are underway from last night’s storms. FEMA urges affected individuals to continue to monitor weather conditions, heed advice from local officials and take appropriate precautions due to the severe hot weather and humidity,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “We will continue to work closely with our state and local partners in impacted areas to ensure there are no unmet needs as they continue to respond.”

FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. is activated, and our Regional Response Coordination Centers in Chicago, Ill. and Philadelphia, Pa. are activated to support impacted states if requested.

More information on severe weather preparedness is available at www.ready.gov, www.listo.gov, and for other languages at www.ready.gov/translations.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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: Saturday, 30-Jun-2012 16:43:44

Source – 

FEMA Supporting State and Local Officials Responding to Severe Weather in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic

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