BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA flood-insurance rate maps identify areas subject to flooding and establish various zones in a community on which to base premiums. But they can do something else: help first responders, government officials and others prepare for an oncoming deluge.

It was these maps that kept an older gentleman from being trapped during the floods of August. William Wilson grew concerned as the rains fell heavily in the area around his southern Louisiana home, between the Amite River and Jones Creek. Wilson’s son, Houston landscape architect Kirk Wilson, routinely uses FEMA flood maps in his work. He knew the maps might be critical in assessing his father’s looming problem.

“My dad called to tell me that local authorities expected the Amite to crest at 46 feet, higher than the devastating 1983 flood, and he feared his home would be inundated.”

Kirk Wilson, who vividly remembered the devastating ‘83 floods from his childhood, shared his father’s concerns. He told his dad to go online to the Louisiana State University’s AgCenter’s online map center. They studied the maps, with Kirk guiding his father through the data by phone.

He explained to his father how to determine his property’s Base Flood Elevation (commonly called BFE). Once they had that number, the Wilsons looked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s projections for the rising waters. “So we estimated the crest would be 36 feet, two feet higher than dad’s BFE,” said Wilson.

Wilson warned his father that while the house itself might not be in danger, his evacuation routes would almost surely be under water. A small, narrow bridge over Jones Creek was William’s only route to higher ground. Kirk told his father he was certain the bridge would be flooded and impassable, urging him to get out as soon as possible. The elder Wilson took the advice. The floodwaters lapped up just short of the house; the bridge was swamped.

Anyone can call FEMA’s Map Information Exchange and talk to an expert (877-336-2627, open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., EST). The specialist will explain the basics of reading and interpreting maps. The website is www.msc.fema.gov/portal. The LSU AgCenter website is www.lsuagcenter.com (scroll down to “flood maps”).

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How FEMA Flood Maps Helped a Man Evacuate Safely

AUSTIN, Texas—FEMA announced today more than $12.5 million is being awarded to support state and local efforts that reduce the impact of future disasters.

The fundingthrough FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Programis provided in addition to the federal aid that supports the recovery following a major disaster declaration.  This year, disasters were declared following severe storms and flooding in March, April and June; the $12.5 million in grants is the total HMGP assistance for all three.

HMGP grants to the state are typically 15 percent of the total FEMA assistance provided for recovery. While funding for disaster recovery is provided only for the affected counties, HGMP funds are available for communities throughout the state.

Some recent examples of HMGP projects around the state:

  • Cooke County’s safe room rebate program, which provided up to $3,000 to homeowners who built tornado shelters or safe rooms.
  • Bastrop County’s hazardous fuels mitigation program, which thinned 4,000 acres of woodland and vegetative debris, effectively limiting the source of fuel for wildfires.
  • The ongoing, multi-year home buyout program in Harris County, where since 1995, more than 2,000 homes have been removed from the high-risk flood zone.
  • The City of San Marcos’ early-warning system of 14 sirens placed on poles at strategic locations around the community.

The federal share of each approved project is 75 percent. FEMA provides the funding to the state, which sets project priorities and administers the program.  Eligible projects may be funded for or through:

  • State agencies;
  • Federally-recognized tribes;
  • Local governments, and
  • Private nonprofit organizations.

Individuals do not apply directly to the state, but their local government may apply on their behalf.

“Studies have shown that every $1 spent on mitigation avoids $4 that might have been spent for disaster recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s current operations in Texas.

For additional information on the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, go to www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance.  For examples of successful mitigation projects, visit www.fema.gov/mitigation-best-practices-portfolio.

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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.

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$12.5 Million in FEMA Grants Awarded to Support State Projects that Limit Disaster Impact

AUSTIN, Texas—Federal officials today estimated more than $44.8 million in disaster assistance will help local governments rebuild infrastructure damaged or destroyed by the severe storms, April 17 – 30.
 
That funding is in addition to nearly $60.5 million in federal disaster assistance to date for the April storms that has helped individuals and families with housing assistance, repairs and replacing essential possessions.

When disaster strikes, the first response is to ensure personal and family safety and then address the loss of property and possessions. The federal Individuals and Households Program responds to these urgent needs.

Public Assistance is another essential element of disaster response. The PA program benefits everyone—neighborhoods, cities and states, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations—by reimbursing applicants for eligible work on damaged public facilities.

The April 25 federal disaster declaration made PA available to these 26 counties: Anderson, Austin, Bastrop, Bosque, Callahan, Cass, Cherokee, Colorado, Coryell, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Harrison, Jones, Liberty, Milam, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, Waller, Washington, Wharton and Wood. 

PA dollars:

  • clean up the community and repair bridges.
  • put water systems and utilities back in order.
  • repair hospitals and emergency services.
  • rebuild libraries and replace damaged books.
  • rebuild schools and universities.
  • restore damaged public parks so families can enjoy them again.

PA will provide a minimum of 75 percent of the cost to repair or replace disaster-damaged infrastructure from the April storms.

FEMA estimates the federal share of almost $9 million will help reimburse local governments for the emergency work and debris removal that took place in the storm’s immediate aftermath.

Other PA projects are now being developed and approved by local, state, and federal officials. Payments are made on a reimbursement basis.

“Public Assistance grants support the work that helps an entire community recover,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of the agency’s operations in Texas. “These are federal tax dollars coming back to Texas to rebuild taxpayer-funded infrastructure.”

Public Assistance funding applicants can include:

  • state agencies.
  • local and county governments.
  • private nonprofit organizations that own or operate facilities that provide essential government-type services.

Recovery officials are currently working with more than 120 applicants to develop specifications and costs for about 285 projects, to date, in the counties eligible for disaster assistance.
 
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 txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion6.

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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.

Source article – 

Disaster Aid to Local Governments Helping Rebuild Texas Communities

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or losses from the April storms and flooding have only until July 29 to register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance.

“This really is your last chance, so please don’t miss out,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “FEMA wants to make sure that everybody who is eligible gets disaster assistance.”

Sixteen counties are included in the April 17-30 federal disaster declaration: Anderson, Austin, Cherokee, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Smith, Waller, Wharton and Wood.

At the request of the state, FEMA extended the period of time during which damage or losses can be covered as well as the deadline to register for assistance. Residents and those who work in those 16 counties now have until July 29 to register for assistance with FEMA if they have not already done so.

Applying for disaster assistance is essentially a two-step process, which ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return the no-obligation SBA loan application, if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

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

  • at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

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 txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion6.

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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 from:  

Only One Week Left for Texans to Register for April Flood Disaster Aid

AUSTIN, Texas—More than $51 million in federal disaster assistance to date is helping fuel the recovery for households and businesses in 24 Texas counties hit hard by the May-June storms and flooding.

As of July 13, nearly $28.4 million was approved in FEMA household assistance grants for eligible applicants to repair damaged homes and pay for temporary housing. An additional $4.5 million was approved to cover other essential needs including personal property, disaster-related dental and medical expenses, transportation and child care.

Some 4,911 households in 24 designated counties were approved for FEMA assistance. The designated counties are Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Hidalgo, Hood, Kleberg, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington.

The U.S. Small Business Administration approved 328 businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters for low-interest disaster loans totaling nearly $18.5 million.

“FEMA and the SBA have been working with our state and local partners to help families and communities get back on their feet,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “But we can only assist you if you have registered with FEMA.”

Individuals who had disaster-related damage or losses between May 26 and June 24 and who live or work in the 24 eligible counties have until Wednesday, Aug. 10, to register for FEMA assistance.

Applying for disaster assistance is essentially a two-step process, which ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete the no-obligation SBA loan application, if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
  • at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May-June storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion6.

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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

Link to original:

Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $51 Million for May-June Storms and Flooding

AUSTIN, Texas – Federal officials are cautioning Texans who have received disaster assistance from FEMA to use the money for its intended purpose and to keep disaster spending receipts for three years.

Disaster assistance is to help residents meet basic disaster-related needs and funds are distributed via check or direct deposit. A letter explaining what the payment is to be used for arrives within a day or two of the check or direct deposit payment.

If an applicant spends the payment on anything other than the purpose for which it is directed, he or she may be denied assistance the next time a disaster strikes. In some cases, FEMA will ask that the money be returned.

“Money from FEMA is not like a tax refund from the IRS, so please don’t treat it as such,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “These funds are to help survivors in their disaster recovery and shouldn’t be used for anything else.”

Those receiving assistance are urged to keep receipts of their disaster spending for three years to document the money was used to meet disaster-related needs. If a recipient receives an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, he or she must reimburse FEMA. Random audits are conducted to confirm funds were spent properly.

Disaster assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners.

Twenty-four counties are included in the May 26-June 24 federal disaster declaration: Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Hidalgo, Hood, Kleberg, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington.

Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and households, and those who work in those 24 counties.

Applying for disaster assistance is essentially a two-step process, which ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. First, register with FEMA, then complete and return the no-obligation SBA loan application, if one is offered. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if approved, no obligation to accept it.

Disaster survivors may register the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
  • at a disaster recovery center. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

A free multilingual guide to the types of assistance available can be found at fema.gov/pdf/assistance/process/help_after_disaster_english.pdf

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

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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.

Read article here – 

FEMA to Those Who Receive Assistance: Use Funds for Its Intended Purpose

AUSTIN, Texas – Businesses and nonprofit organizations that sustained damage or losses from the May-June storms and floods can apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help with their recovery.

“SBA disaster loans are the major source of federal disaster recovery aid,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “The interest rates are low—as low as 4 percent for businesses and 2.625 percent for nonprofits for the life of the loan.”

SBA offers two types of disaster loans to businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture and most nonprofits, including faith-based ones: physical disaster loans and economic injury disaster loans.

Physical disaster loans are used to repair or replace damaged buildings and business assets. Economic injury disaster loans help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses and most private nonprofits meet financial obligations they cannot meet because of the disaster.

Business owners may also be eligible to refinance existing liens or mortgages.

SBA low-interest disaster loans for businesses have several advantages:

  • SBA requires no collateral for both physical loans or economic injury loans less than $25,000. SBA requires the borrower to pledge as collateral only what is available, plus satisfactory credit and the ability to repay.
  • Applicants don’t have to wait for insurance settlements to obtain loans.
  • Loans are written for a length of time appropriate to the type of loan, but SBA may make adjustments in the length of the loan to lower the monthly payments. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
  • SBA offers mitigation loans to help pay for improvements to reduce potential for future damage. These mitigation funds are available for up to 20 percent of the total amount of disaster damage.
  • SBA never charges an application fee or points for its disaster loans.

By law, SBA business loans cannot exceed $2 million.  If a business is a major employer, SBA may waive the limit.

The deadline to file for a physical damage disaster loan is August 10. The deadline for an economic injury disaster loan is March 11, 2017.

No one is obligated to accept a loan if approved. SBA gives applicants six months to decide whether to accept a loan.

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

Disaster loan information, application forms and a list of counties eligible for assistance are available online at SBA.gov/disaster, from SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.

SBA representatives are also available at disaster recovery centers to provide information about disaster loans, the application process or help completing an SBA application. To find the nearest one, go online to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator.

Completed applications can 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.

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Businesses, Nonprofits Can Seek Low-interest Disaster Loans to Aid Recovery

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the May flooding and were referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration may lose income-based FEMA grants if they don’t complete and submit the SBA loan application.

Other Needs Assistance grants may cover uninsured losses for furniture, appliances and other personal property, even vehicles. Survivors will not be considered for this type of assistance unless they complete and return the SBA loan application.

Applicants from Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller and Washington counties should complete the application, even if they don’t want a loan.

“The SBA loan application is used to review an applicant’s eligibility for additional assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “For that reason, complete the application even if you don’t plan to accept the loan.”

Some types of Other Needs Assistance—medical, dental and funeral expenses—are not SBA dependent, and completing the loan application is not required. However, it is always recommended by recovery experts. The application is not required for survivors seeking temporary rental assistance.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property, offering low-interest disaster assistance loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

Survivors 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.

SBA loan applications can be submitted even as disaster survivors await an insurance settlement. The loan balance will be reduced by the settlement. SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance.

  • Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence.

  • Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

  • Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury. SBA offers low-interest working capital loans—called Economic Injury Disaster Loans—to small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/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.

Link: 

Complete an SBA Loan Application to be Considered for Other Assistance

Additional Virginia Counties and Independent Cities Approved For Disaster Aid

Harrisburg, Pa. – The counties of Greene, Henrico, and Shenandoah and the independent cities of Fairfax and Fredericksburg are now eligible to receive federal assistance for some of their costs incurred during the Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorm occurring on January 22-23, 2016. This will allow for reimbursement for repairing infrastructure damage caused by the storms, as well as the cost of responding to them. In addition, Snow Assistance will be provided for a period of 48 hours.

On March 7, 2016 President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia triggering the release of Federal funds to help communities recover from the Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm. The disaster declaration authorized Public Assistance for Albemarle, Arlington, Caroline, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Highland, King George, Loudoun, Louisa, Madison, Page, Patrick, Prince William, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Warren, and the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Winchester.

In addition, the following counties were designated for Snow Assistance; Albemarle, Arlington, Caroline, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Highland, King George, Loudoun, Louisa, Madison, Page, Patrick, Prince William, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Warren, and the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park and Winchester.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Programs provide state and local governments and eligible private non-profit organizations, in the twenty-three designated counties and seven designated independent cities, with federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of the following; debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, snow assistance for snow removal, de-icing, salting, snow dumps and sanding of roads and other eligible facilities, and for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads, bridges, buildings and utilities.

The Commonwealth, which distributes the FEMA funds to local governments and qualified non-profits, must review Public Assistance projects, along with FEMA, to ensure compliance with regulations.

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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Continued:

Additional Virginia Counties and Independent Cities Approved For Disaster Aid

Federal Grant Eases Taxpayer Funding of Replacements

New York, NY — Firefighters of the Harrison Township Fire District #1 will be receiving 30 state-of-the-art, self-contained breathing apparatuses as the result of an Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

The AFG award totals $183,000 and was announced here today by Dale McShine, Director of Grants for Region II of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which administers the Region’s AFG program.  She said the federal share of the grant comes to $174,286.  The award will become effective today.

“The new SCBAs will replace 30 older models that are obsolete and will no longer be supported by their manufacturer. The new units will provide breathable air to the District’s 40 firefighters, the majority of whom are volunteer,” said Brian Bartholomew, the Fire District’s Business Administrator.

He said the District covers some 20 square miles with a population of roughly 14,000, adding that his District responded to some 370 fire calls last year.

“These SCBAs wear out over 15 to 25 years and need either to be totally replaced or are in need of parts, a responsibility that falls to the local taxpayers,” Bartholomew pointed out.  “So, this grant not only provides safe firefighting equipment that benefits both our residents and our firefighters, but also relieves our taxpayers.”

Bartholomew said that this AFG means that his District will have new, safe equipment for “a number of years, and that we won’t have to be repairing each SCBA on a piecemeal basis.”

FEMA’s Dale McShine said that in 2013, Assistance to Firefighters Grants provided funding of almost $22 million to the 192 fire departments and EMS agencies throughout Region II, which includes New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

“These grants assist emergency agencies,” she said, “and we know that they provide safety and protection to entire communities.  We are very pleased to be part of that process.”

For further information, please contact William H. Douglass at FEMA 212-680-3665 or 917-561-3223.

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.twitter.com/FEMASandy,www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, 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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Fire Department in NJ Gloucester County to Receive Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses

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