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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Resources: FY 2016 AFG Fact Sheet

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

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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

Don’t Wait. Prepare for Emergencies Today.

ATLANTA, Ga. — September is National Preparedness Month and as tropical storm activity increases this week, FEMA encourages residents in the Southeast to make disaster preparedness a priority.

“National Preparedness Month focuses on the need to be ready for disasters and emergencies,” said FEMA Region IV Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “September is also the peak of hurricane season, so preparing now is even more critical for families and businesses in the Southeast.”

Across the nation, disasters are occurring with greater frequency, and are larger and more complex. Severe weather and other emergencies can strike with little or no warning and can have disastrous impacts. Already this year, states across the Southeast have experienced destructive severe storms and flooding. Seven named tropical cyclones have formed this summer, and they serve as a reminder to be ready for hurricanes.

“Make preparedness a part of your everyday life,” said Szczech. “Prepare for the hazards that are most likely to occur where you live and work. Talk to your family and make a family disaster plan. But don’t stop there. Practice your plan. Practicing in advance of a disaster makes you better prepared to handle any emergency you may encounter.”

Download and use the free FEMA app, which provides valuable safety tips to help you prepare for and recover from more than 20 natural and man-made hazards. The FEMA app lets you receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the nation, making it easy to follow severe weather that may be threatening your family and friends.

The app also provides family communication plans, a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, and maps of open shelters and disaster recovery centers. The app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

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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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Don’t Wait. Prepare for Emergencies Today.

Federal Aid to Rebuild Infrastructure Following Three Texas Disasters Nears Quarter Billion Dollars

AUSTIN, Texas—Three major disaster declarations affecting dozens of Texas counties—some on multiple occasions—will result in nearly one quarter-billion dollars in federal assistance to repair or replace damaged infrastructure.

FEMA said today that combined federal aid for severe weather disasters in May-June 2015; October 2015, and January 2016 will help fund recovery efforts for 3,087 individual projects among 569 applicants for Public Assistance.

Public Assistance is an element of FEMA’s disaster response that benefits everyone—neighborhoods, cities and states, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations—by reimbursing eligible work on damaged publicly-owned infrastructure.

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 and
restore damaged public parks so families can enjoy them again.

FEMA provides a minimum of 75 percent of the cost to repair or replace disaster-damaged infrastructure.

PA projects are developed and approved by local, state, and federal officials and work is continuing on many. Payments are usually made on a reimbursement basis.

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 work also continues on disasters resulting from storms this year in March, April and May-June.

Summary of Public Assistance to Three Texas Disasters

Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds and Flooding	Counties	Applicants	Projects	Federal Share*
May-June 2015	110	381	2,265	$175.9 million
October, 2015	57	85	486	$40.1 million
January, 2016	51	103	336	$32.5 million
TOTALS	178	569	3,087	$248.5 million

*Current estimate

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Federal Aid to Rebuild Infrastructure Following Three Texas Disasters Nears Quarter Billion Dollars

Texans in 12 Counties Affected by May-June Flooding Can Register With FEMA for Disaster Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who sustained damage or loss from the storms and flooding that began May 26 and continues can now register for disaster assistance with FEMA.

The presidential disaster declaration of June 11 makes federal assistance available to affected individuals and households in 12 Texas counties: Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller and Washington.

Residents are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance even if they applied for or received aid for other recent disasters.

“It may seem confusing, but residents who received disaster aid earlier this year need to apply again for assistance available through this new disaster declaration,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “We want to make sure that all Texans who had damage in this latest disaster receive every bit of assistance they are eligible for.”

Texans can register the following ways:

online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
visit a disaster recovery center

To find the nearest disaster recovery center, go online to the Disaster Recovery Center Locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access Braille or large print, please let the FEMA representatives know. American Sign Language interpreters can be available, if requested, by calling Everett Sedgwick at 202-870-4129.

Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses.

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.

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 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.

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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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Texans in 12 Counties Affected by May-June Flooding Can Register With FEMA for Disaster Assistance

Know Before You Go: Travel Safety Tips for Your Thanksgiving Holiday

CHICAGO –The Thanksgiving week ahead is one typically filled with travel, a busy schedule and potentially bad weather.

“Don’t let this hectic time of year sidetrack you from safety on the road,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Take some time now to talk to your family about how to handle a travel emergency, and stockpile necessary supplies in your car in case you become stranded.”

Remember to take these simple steps to help ensure safe travel for you and your family:

1. Know the risks before leaving home. Listen to the radio or television for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions. If bad weather is forecast, drive only if absolutely necessary.
2. Keep your gas tank above half-full. When temperatures are extremely cold, condensation can build up in a near-empty gas tank, potentially freezing fuel lines and leaving you stranded.
3. Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your vehicle:
• Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Brakes – check for wear and fluid levels.
• Exhaust system – repair as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
• Fuel and air filters – replace as needed.
• Battery and ignition system – make sure they’re clean and functioning properly.
• Heater and defroster – ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights – check for serviceability.
• Thermostat – ensure it works properly.
• Windshield wiper equipment – repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
• Install good winter tires – make sure the tires have adequate tread.
4. Have an emergency supply kit for your car in case it’s needed. Include the following items:
• Jumper cables – consider including flares or reflective triangles.
• Flashlights – with extra batteries.
• First aid kit – remember any necessary medications, baby food or diapers.
• Food – non-perishable food such as canned food, and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars.
• Manual can opener
• Water – at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days.
• Basic toolkit – pliers, wrench, screwdriver.
• Radio – battery or hand cranked.
• Cat litter or sand – for better tire traction.
• Shovel
• Ice scraper
• Clothes – warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold.
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Charged cell phone – and car charger.
• Pet supplies – food and water.

You can always find valuable information to help you prepare for winter at www.ready.gov/winter-weather, and click here to watch our video on preparing your car for weather emergencies. Bookmark FEMA’s mobile site http://m.fema.gov, or download the FEMA app today to have vital information just one click away.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at 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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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

Give the Gift of Awareness and Preparedness This Holiday Season

WARREN, Mich. – The holiday season is here, and the state of Michigan and FEMA wish you all the best during this special time of the year. The heavy demands of the holiday season can be a busy time for all. Managing family obligations and handling seasonal preparations along with regular day-to-day activities can make disaster awareness and preparedness less of a priority.

Officials want to remind you that the holidays can also bring out scam artists and other criminals who want to prey on vulnerable survivors. The most common types of fraud after disaster strikes are contractor fraud and price gouging.

Be wary of contractors who solicit work door-to-door or who promise –“I’ll do it right away and cheap.”
Get estimates from more than one licensed, bonded, and reputable contractor.
Get a contract in writing.
Don’t make final payment until the job is finished.
Don’t sign over an insurance settlement check to a contractor.

Gift giving is also on the minds of many this time of year. We would like to offer some gift suggestions for those family members who might not be prepared for disasters or emergencies. While these may not be the fanciest gifts to give, they may save a life, protect property or make dealing with a disaster a little easier.

NOAA weather radios and extra batteries.
A home disaster kit that could include items such as a flashlight and batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, bottled water, and canned goods with a manual can opener. Place the items in a plastic tub or backpack.
Car emergency kits such as flares, a shovel, an ice scraper, flashlight and fluorescent distress flags.
Pet disaster kit that could include extra food, a leash, food dish, pet toys that would fit in a bag or backpack.

We wish you and your family a very happy and safe holiday season.

Those who suspect price gouging and fraud may call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement or through the Michigan Attorney General’s office at 877-765-8388 or online at www.michigan.gov/ag.

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Give the Gift of Awareness and Preparedness This Holiday Season

May 25-31 is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Be Prepared. Get a Plan. Know Your Evacuation Zone

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is joining its federal, tribal, state and local partners in Louisiana and Texas to commemorate Hurricane Preparedness Week by sharing critical information about the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season which starts on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.

The week-long campaign not only provides an opportunity for emergency management experts to remind everyone about this year’s hurricane season outlook and how to prepare in advance, but it also gives individuals, families, and communities a chance to take action now and practice for an emergency.

“We encourage everyone to take basic steps to get ready before hurricane season begins,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Tony Robinson. “In addition to talking about what you should do and building emergency kits, people can also take part in exercises, drills and discussions about emergencies that are being held in their communities.”

Those in hurricane-prone areas are urged to visit www.ready.gov/prepare to learn about America’s PrepareAthon! and get involved in local training sessions. Basic hurricane preparedness tips include:

Before a hurricane
Prepare an evacuation kit; you can find more information on what you need in the kit at www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov.
Secure any important papers in a waterproof container.
Fill your vehicle’s tank up with gas.
Get any necessary prescription medications refilled.
Have enough cash on hand to last for several days.
Make sure you have enough extra food and water for your pet.
During a hurricane
Listen to the radio or TV for information.
If you are directed by local authorities to evacuate, be sure to follow their instructions.
Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
After a hurricane
Safety is a primary issue, as is physical and mental well-being.

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May 25-31 is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Be Prepared. Get a Plan. Know Your Evacuation Zone

September is National Preparedness Month

NEW YORK – September is National Preparedness Month, a good time for all New Yorkers to take advantage of resources that are available to help prepare for the next disaster or emergency.

The event, now in its ninth year and hosted by the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, encourages households, businesses and communities to prepare for emergencies.

FEMA urges New Yorkers to be prepared to be self-reliant during an emergency for three days without utilities and electricity, water service, fuel, access to a supermarket or local services, or maybe even without response from police, fire or rescue.

Preparing can start with four steps:

1. Be informed about emergencies that could happen in your community, and identify sources of information in your community that will be helpful before, during and after an emergency.

2. Make a plan for what to do in an emergency.

3. Build an emergency supply kit.

4. Get involved.

To assist with these efforts, FEMA will be sharing planning resources on the New York Sandy Web page (www.fema.gov/SandyNY) throughout the month. The documents should be shared with family, friends and community organizations.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility; it takes a whole community. This year’s National Preparedness Month focuses on turning awareness into action by encouraging all individuals and all communities nationwide to make an emergency preparedness plan. Preparedness information and events will be posted at http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/READYNPM. Information is also available at 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO or TTY 1-800-462-7585.

For more information from New York State on preparedness, visit www.nyprepare.gov/aware-prepare.

For more information on New York’s recovery from Hurricane Sandy, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.fema.gov/blog.

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September is National Preparedness Month

Rhode Island Looking Toward Long-Term Disaster Recovery

WARWICK, RI–Spring is just around the corner, and it is the ideal time to start home repairs. For many Rhode Islanders, this year’s springtime repairs include repairing damages from Hurricane Sandy, the Blizzard of 2013, or other severe weather events.

Rhode Islanders who sustained damages from recent severe weather events can call 2-1-1 for a referral to a Long Term Recovery Group or to other disaster aid resources. Information about smart and safe rebuilding is available on the FEMA website, according to FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer James N. Russo

Two key partners in the long-term recovery process are community organizations and faith-based groups. Faith-based groups report that they continue to receive requests for assistance from storm survivors who are struggling to find their “new normal”.

“We urge anyone who is tackling storm repairs to consider the fact that it costs less to prepare your home for future storms and flooding than it does to repair damage after it has happened,” Russo said.

FEMA has a library of information with techniques to make property safer and stronger at www.fema.gov/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster.

Find tweets about Sandy recovery at www.twitter.com/femaregion1. For Rhode Island specific information go to http://www.fema.gov/sandyri. Other online resources include https://twitter.com/FEMASandy and http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/FEMASandy and http://blog.fema.gov.

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Rhode Island Looking Toward Long-Term Disaster Recovery

Myth vs. Fact About Registering For FEMA Aid

TRENTON, N.J.– It’s important to know the difference between myth and fact in the aftermath of a hurricane. Survivors need accurate information on registering for FEMA aid and on what they may be eligible to receive. The best rule of thumb: if you’re unsure if you are eligible for assistance, go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov, or call 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA). Those with access or functional needs can call 1-800-462-7585, or 1-800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.

Here are some common misunderstandings:

MYTH: I’ve already cleaned up the damage to my home and had the repairs made. Isn’t it too late to register once the work is done?
FACT: You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair costs, even if repairs are complete.
MYTH: I’m a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners for home repairs.
FACT: FEMA assistance is not just for homeowners. FEMA may provide assistance to help renters who lost personal property or who were displaced.
MYTH: FEMA assistance could affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
FACT: FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income.
MYTH: My insurance agent told me I could not get help from FEMA because I have flood insurance.
FACT: Even if you have flood insurance you should register. FEMA may be able to help with uninsured costs.
MYTH: I heard registration involves a lot of red tape and paperwork.
FACT: There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. The process is very easy and normally takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
MYTH: I believe FEMA only makes loans so I didn’t apply for help because I don’t want a loan.
FACT: FEMA only provides grants. The grants may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs. They don’t have to be repaid.
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to renters, homeowners and businesses of all sizes. Some applicants may receive an SBA loan application after registering with FEMA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, but if they don’t complete the application they may not be considered for other federal grant programs.
MYTH: Since I received disaster assistance last year, I’m sure I can’t get it again this year.
FACT: Assistance may be available if you suffered damages from a new federally declared disaster.
MYTH: My income is probably too high for me to qualify for disaster assistance.
FACT: Income is not a consideration for FEMA assistance. FEMA grants may cover uninsured losses.
MYTH: I don’t want to apply for help because others had more damage than I had; they need the help more than me.
FACT: FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors with their disaster related needs.

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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Myth vs. Fact About Registering For FEMA Aid

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