Three Counties Added to Washington Public Assistance Disaster Declaration for Windstorm

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended federal disaster aid under the Public Assistance program to three additional Washington counties affected by the Aug. 29, 2015, severe windstorm.

Eligible applicants in Clallam, Grays Harbor and Whatcom counties may now apply for FEMA Public Assistance (PA) supplementary reimbursement for the costs of debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairs to roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, utilities, parks and recreational facilities and other public as well as some private facilities.

Supplementary funding under the PA program goes to the state and eligible agencies, tribal governments, local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations. Under the program, FEMA obligates funds to the state for 75 percent of eligible costs, while the remaining 25 percent is the nonfederal share. The state forwards the federal funds to the eligible local and tribal governments or organizations that incurred costs.

In the original October 15 declaration, Island, Jefferson and Snohomish counties were designated for FEMA Public Assistance funding as a result of the windstorm.

For more information on Washington disaster recovery, visit online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4242. FEMA Region 10 is also on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/femaregion10 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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Three Counties Added to Washington Public Assistance Disaster Declaration for Windstorm

FEMA Assistance Will Not Change Social Security, Medicare Benefits

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance grants do not count as income. Survivors who receive federal disaster assistance as a result of the wildfires will not pay additional income taxes or see any reduction in their Social Security checks or any other federal benefits.

Grants for temporary housing, essential home repairs, replacement of personal property or other disaster-related needs do not count as income. Donations from charitable organizations will not affect Social Security payments or Medicare benefits.

“We understand the concerns of senior citizens and other survivors and want them to know that disaster assistance will not affect other benefits they may be receiving,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy J. Scranton. “The assistance we provide will not affect taxes or social security. Anyone with questions can call the FEMA helpline or visit one of our disaster recovery centers.”

Disaster recovery centers (DRCs) are open in Calaveras and Lake counties:

The Calaveras County DRC in San Andreas:
891 Mountain Ranch Rd.
San Andreas, CA

Hours of operation until further notice:
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Lake County DRC in Middletown:
21256 Washington St.,
Middletown, CA

Hours of operation until further notice:
Tuesday, Sept. 29 – Tuesday, Oct. 6
8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information on Social Security, contact the Social Security Administration by calling 800-772-1213 or by visiting www.SocialSecurity.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.
The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters 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 more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov. (Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.).

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FEMA Assistance Will Not Change Social Security, Medicare Benefits

Washington Wildfire Survivors Urged to Act Now on Flood Insurance

SEATTLE – Flood risk is higher this year as a direct consequence of the wildfires that burned thousands of acres in eastern and central Washington. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging residents in areas affected by the wildfires to consider purchasing flood insurance now.

When fire burns away trees and other vegetation, healthy roots that soak up rainwater are lost. Heavy rains on burn scars can cause flash flooding or debris flows that can severely damage homes and businesses.

While properties burned in the blazes face the highest risk of wildfire-related flooding, the risk also increases for homes downstream or below scorched areas. Such conditions are one reason flooding is America’s most common natural disaster.

Yet, most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

A flood insurance policy is the best option for property owners and renters to safeguard their homes and belongings from flood losses. Most flood insurance is written through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is administered by FEMA. The NFIP offers flood insurance to property owners and renters in communities that participate in the program.

Due to the waiting period, NFIP policies become effective 30 days after the premium is paid.

Less than half of the floods in the U.S. result in a federal disaster declaration, while NFIP pays claims even if a disaster is not declared. What’s more, one out of every four claims paid is from an area at medium-to-low risk of flooding.

Most Washingtonians can obtain flood insurance from the agent who handles their homeowners or renters insurance policy, or they can go to the NFIP website at www.floodsmart.gov to get a list of the agents in their area who sell the policies. The interactive website also offers an easy way to get the estimated annual cost of flood insurance for a specific address.

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Washington Wildfire Survivors Urged to Act Now on Flood Insurance

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Lake County

SACRAMENTO – The Lake County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Middletown will be open Monday September 28, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., to help survivors impacted by the Valley Fire. Regular hours will begin Tuesday September 29. The DRCs are operated by the California Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the county and local agencies.

DRC Location:
Middletown Senior Center
21256 Washington St., Middletown, CA 95461
Hours of operation until further notice:
Tuesday – Tuesday 8 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, State of California, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies are among those represented to explain assistance programs and help survivors register.

Survivors with losses are encouraged to register for assistance before going to the disaster recovery center by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362 to register. Online registration is also available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by using a web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Businesses and residents can go to www.sba.gov/disaster or call SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (Deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339).

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters 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 more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Lake County

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight the Horsethief Butte Fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Horsethief Butte Fire in Klickitat County, Washington.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state of Washington’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on Sept. 13, 2015 at 10:42 p.m. PDT. There have been 12 FMAGs approved in Washington since June 2015.

Two New Mexico firefighters walk up a hill to continue battling smoldering forest fires. Fire Management Assistance Grants can provide federal funds to support costs like firefighting tools and equipment, overtime compensation, mobilization and travel costs, meals, health and safety items.

Through Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs), federal funds are available to support firefighters battling wildfires if needed. Original photo by Andrea Booher/FEMA News Photo.

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The fire started on September 13, 2015, and had burned in excess of 2,000 acres of federal, state, and private lands. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening over 125 primary homes in and around the communities of Dallesport and Wishram. Evacuation orders were issued for approximately 300 people. The fire was also threatening public utility transmission and distribution lines along state Route 14, community buildings, irrigation infrastructure, recreational resources at two state parks, and valued environmental resources of the Columbia River.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state of Washington’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

FMAGs are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

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 provides federal funds to help fight the Horsethief Butte Fire

Next Meeting of the FEMA National Advisory Council

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be holding the next FEMA National Advisory Council (NAC) public meeting in Washington, D.C., from September 16-18, 2015.

WHAT: NAC Meeting

WHERE: Gallaudet University
Kellogg Conference Center
800 Florida Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002

WHEN: September 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (EDT)
September 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EDT)
September 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (EDT)

During the meeting, the NAC will meet with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Deputy Administrator Joe Nimmich, and senior agency leadership to receive program briefings, and discuss the progress and potential recommendations of its three subcommittees: Preparedness and Protection, Response and Recovery, and Federal Insurance and Mitigation. The full agenda can be found on the FEMA NAC website at www.fema.gov/national-advisory-council.

There will also be remarks from Dr. Carol Erting, Provost of Gallaudet University, and Chris Geldart, Director of the District of Columbia’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (DC HSEMA).

Members of the public are invited to provide public comments after the subcommittee report- outs between 3:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. EDT on Thursday, September 17, 2015. Directions on how to submit public comments can be found on the NAC webpage.

The NAC was established to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. The NAC advises the FEMA Administrator on all aspects of emergency management, and incorporates federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and non-profit and private sector partners’ input into the development and revision of FEMA plans and strategies.

For those planning to attend in person and for additional information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities, or to request special assistance at the meeting, please contact the Office of the NAC by email at FEMA-NAC@fema.dhs.gov.

More information on the NAC is available at www.fema.gov/national-advisory-council.

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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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Next Meeting of the FEMA National Advisory Council

National Preparedness Month Kicks Off on September 1

Washington – Disasters like floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes are a harsh and frequent reality for much of the country. According to a recent survey conducted by FEMA, progress has been made; however, fewer than half of Americans have discussed and developed an emergency plan with their household.

Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ad Council launched a new series of public service announcements (PSAs) to encourage families to develop an emergency communication plan before a disaster occurs. An extension of the national Ready campaign, the new PSAs launch in conjunction with the 12^th annual National Preparedness Month, serving as a reminder to take action to prepare for the types of hazards that could impact where you live, work, and vacation.

“The last thing you want to be worried about during a disaster is how to communicate with your family members,” said Administrator Craig Fugate. “Have that conversation today. It doesn’t cost a thing.”

The new campaign includes English and Spanish-language TV, radio, outdoor, print and digital PSAs. Created pro bono by Chicago-based advertising agency Schafer Condon Carter, the PSAs illustrate the importance of having a family plan in the event of an emergency by showing real emergency moments and asking the question, “when is the right time to prepare?” The viewer is encouraged to develop a family emergency communication plan through the clear message, “Don’t wait. Communicate.” The PSAs direct audiences to Ready.gov/communicate for tools and resources to help develop and practice a family emergency communication plan.

“Through the Ready campaign, we’ve made a lot of progress educating and empowering Americans to prepare for all types of emergencies but there are still so many families that don’t have a plan, said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council. “Having these conversations is really important and can have a big impact on our families’ safety in the event of a disaster.”

“SCC is honored to work with the Ad Council and FEMA on the Ready campaign,” said David Selby, President and Managing Partner of SCC. “This new campaign provides powerful imagery and a critically important call-to-action that we hope will cause individuals and families to pay attention, lean in and, ultimately, take action.”

Localized television and radio PSAs were created and will be available for 27 states, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington D.C., and New York City as part of an ongoing collaboration with state and local emergency management partners. These PSAs drive audiences to their local organization’s website for resources and information pertinent to their area.

As an extension of the national Ready campaign, versions of the PSAs were created for Ready New York, a local initiative that was launched in partnership with the New York City Office of Emergency Management in 2009. Tailoring the message to the unique challenges faced by people living in New York City, audiences are directed to call 311 or visit NYC.gov/readyny, where they can find preparedness resources, including 11 Ready New York guides in 13 languages and audio format.

Managed and sponsored by the Ready campaign, National Preparedness Month is designed to raise awareness and encourage Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, schools, organizations, businesses, and places of worship. National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to share emergency preparedness information and host activities across the country to help Americans understand what it truly means to be ready.

National Preparedness Month Weekly Themes

Week 1 (September 1–5) Flood
Week 2 (September 6–12) Wildfire
Week 3 (September 13–19) Hurricane
Week 4 (September 20–26) Power Outage
Week 5 (September 27–30) Lead up to National PrepareAthon! Day, September 30

National Preparedness Month culminates with National PrepareAthon! Day on September 30 when cities and counties across the country are planning community-wide events bringing together schools, their business community, government, faith leaders, hospitals, individuals and families, and others to participate in community-wide preparedness drills and activities for hazards that are relevant to their area.

Since the launch in 2003, the Ready Campaign has received nearly $1.2 billion in donated media. The Campaign helps to generate more than 92 million unique visitors to Ready.gov. The Ad Council is distributing the new PSAs to media outlets nationwide this week, and the PSAs will run in donated time and space.

For more information visit Ready.gov/September or follow the campaign on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about National PrepareAthon! Day, visit www.ready.gov/prepare.

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National Preparedness Month Kicks Off on September 1

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight the Renner Fire

Through Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs), federal funds are available to support firefighters battling wildfires if needed. Original photo by Andrea Booher/FEMA News Photo. Los Alamos, N.M., May 4, 2000 – “Hot Shot” members from Zuni, NM, continue their fight with smoldering forest fires.

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SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Renner Fire in Ferry and Stevens County, Washington.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Renner Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on August 21, 2015 at 4:52 p.m. PDT.

The fire started on August 14, 2015 and has burned in excess of 3,000 acres of federal, state, private lands. At the time of the request, the fire had threatened 185 homes in and around the communities of Orient and Boyds. Nearly 2,800 residents were impacted and mandatory and voluntary evacuations were issued. Approximately 90% of the threatened homes are primary residences and 10% are secondary homes. The fire was also threatening high value timberland, cultural resources, camp grounds, wildlife areas, power lines, communications, water supplies, natural gas lines and community infrastructure in the area. There are multiple other large fires burning uncontrolled within the state. The fire was 0 percent contained.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the State of Washington’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

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FEMA provides federal funds to help fight the Renner Fire

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Twisp River Fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Twisp River Fire, burning in Okanogan County, Washington.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator, Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Twisp River Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on August 19, 2015 at 7:12 p.m. PDT.

The fire started on August 19 and has burned in excess of 1,500 acres of Federal, State, and private land. At the time of the request, three firefighters had lost their lives with multiple others injured. The fire threatened 1,200 homes in and around the communities of Twisp, Winthrop and neighboring areas with a total population of 2,600. Approximately 95% of the threatened homes are primary residences and 5% are secondary homes. The fire was also threatening timberland, cultural resources, camp grounds, wildlife areas, power lines, communications and community infrastructure in the area. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations were issued for approximately 2,600 people. There are currently three shelters open.

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FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Twisp River Fire

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Okanogan County Complex Fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Okanogan County Complex Fire burning in Okanogan County, Washington.

At the time of the request, eight known fires (Old Railroad, West Bonaparte, Roy, Dugout, North Star, Cooper Mountain, Dunn Mountain and Pine Creek) were threatening homes, infrastructure, natural and cultural resources across the county. Mass evacuations were underway and structures have been lost. The community of Pateros, with a population of 3,500 was at immediate risk and is particularly vulnerable after suffering damage in the 2014 Carlton Complex. State Route 153 at Pateros, a vital arterial route for the community, was closed from MP 248-253. Numerous other communities are threatened, including Conconully, a community of 210 where important infrastructure includes a dam and power distribution lines. Shelters have been established at Oroville High School and Republic High School.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state of Washington’s eligible firefighting costs for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

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FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Okanogan County Complex Fire

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