“Fall Back” While Stepping Up Your Disaster Readiness

CHICAGO – Sunday, November 1, Daylight Saving Time ends and we set our clocks back an hour. Take advantage of extra sleep, then take a few simple steps to make your home more disaster-resilient:

1. Verify your carbon monoxide and smoke detector work. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing the equipment to ensure it’s functioning appropriately. Invest in new detectors if they’re near or past the manufacturer’s recommended replacement age.

2. Have a professional inspect the chimney and any fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves, coal stoves, space heaters and portable heaters) in your home to verify everything is working properly.

3. If you’re using a fireplace, space heater or wood stove, make sure that anything flammable is at least three feet away. Space heaters are particularly dangerous if used improperly. Make sure to use heaters that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory and always operate according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

4. Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic. Insulating pipes will help prevent them from freezing.

Find even more information and tips to better prepare your home for the winter months ahead at www.ready.gov/winter and www.usfa.fema.gov.

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 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.
 

###
 

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

Read More:  

“Fall Back” While Stepping Up Your Disaster Readiness

Most South Carolina Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed on Sundays, Open Veterans Day

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Most South Carolina disaster recovery centers will close on Sundays beginning this weekend with a few exceptions.

Only centers located in the following counties will remain open on Sundays until further notice:

  • Bamberg County
    • Kearse Building, 847 Calhoun St., Bamberg
  • Berkeley County
    • Berkeley County Magistrate’s Office, 303 N. Goose Creek Blvd., Goose Creek
    • Berkeley County Emergency Medic Station No. 7, 1501 Recreation Rd., Huger
  • Colleton County
    • Colleton County Recreation Center, 280 Recreation Lane, Walterboro
  • Georgetown County
    • Potato Bed Ferry Community Center, 531 Big Dam Swamp Drive, Andrews
    • Beck Recreation Center, 2030 W. Church St., Georgetown.
  • Horry County
    • Horry County Government and Justice Center, 1301 Second Ave., Conway
  • Newberry County
    • Newberry County Sheriff’s Emergency Services Building, 540 Wilson Road, Newberry
  • Orangeburg County
    • Gaillard Park Rural Development Center, 848 Sandspoint St., Eutawville

All other centers are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice.

Veterans Day Closings

All centers are open on Veterans Day, except for ones in public libraries. The following are closed on Veterans Day:

  • Lexington County
    • Irmo Library at 6251 St. Andrews Road in Columbia
    • Cayce West Columbia Library at 1500 Augusta Road in West Columbia
  • Richland County        
    • Richland Main Library at 1431 Assembly St. in Columbia
    • Richland Library Eastover at 608 Main St. in Eastover
    • Richland Library Southeast at 7421 Garners Ferry Road in Columbia

Representatives from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies are at the centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest loans. They can also help survivors apply for aid.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register for and receive state/federal disaster assistance. If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center.

To register, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) or require accommodations while visiting a center may call 800-621-3362. All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids.

Follow this link:

Most South Carolina Disaster Recovery Centers Will Be Closed on Sundays, Open Veterans Day

CNMI provides fifth free fax option for Soudelor survivors

SAIPAN, CNMI –  CNMI is providing a new, fifth free faxing location at The Aging Center in Garapan for Typhoon Soudelor survivors on Saipan who need to get documents to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The updated list currently stands at five and includes the following locations:

Saipan Mayor’s Office

Beach Road, Chalan Laulau

7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays

 

IT&E, TSL Plaza

Beach Road, Garapan

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays

 

IT&E Customer Service

Middle Road, Chalan Laulau

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays

 

Joeten – Kiyu Public Library

Beach Road, Susupe

10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Tues-Fri; 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturdays

 

The Aging Center

Sugar King Road, Garapan

7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays

 

FEMA applicants faxing documents will be doing so to a toll-free number, and these locations will not charge them anything to use their fax machines.

Continue at source:

CNMI provides fifth free fax option for Soudelor survivors

Flood Risk Open House to View Maps in Raymondville and Brownsville, Texas

News Release

Flood Risk Open House to View Maps in Raymondville and Brownsville, Texas

Public Open House Events Scheduled to Share Map Changes and Flood Risk Information

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in the Texas counties of Cameron and Willacy are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move forward with any development.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort follows the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks. To share that data, public workshops are scheduled in each of the counties where interested citizens can obtain more information about the proposed changes. Experts will be on hand to answer questions related to the newly identified flood risks.

 

Willacy County                                                          Cameron County                             

Wednesday, Nov. 18                                                 Thursday, Nov. 19   

Tourist Center                                                             Brownsville Public Library

700 FM 3168                                                              2600 Central Blvd.

Raymondville, TX                                                        Brownsville, TX

2:00 – 7:00 p.m.                                                         2:00 – 7:00 p.m.                                                                                      

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to these counties, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

Additional information is available, including links to the interactive mapping website on www.riskmap6.com. Residents can also contact the floodplain administrator in each county for more details.

###

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 us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

View original article: 

Flood Risk Open House to View Maps in Raymondville and Brownsville, Texas

FEMA Mitigation Advisers Offer Guidance to Flood Survivors in Florence and Horry Counties

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As South Carolinians rebuild and repair after the recent historic floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand in Florence and Horry counties to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared towards do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Advisers will be available at two locations through Nov. 10. Hours and locations are as follows:

Florence County: Lowe’s located at 2301 David H. McLeod Blvd. in Florence (Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Horry County: Lowe’s located at 1160 Seaboard St. in Myrtle Beach (Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage. More information about strengthening property can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation.

Source article: 

FEMA Mitigation Advisers Offer Guidance to Flood Survivors in Florence and Horry Counties

FEMA Mitigation Advisers Offer Guidance to Flood Survivors in Lexington and Richland Counties

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As South Carolinians rebuild and repair after the recent historic floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand in Lexington and Richland counties to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared towards do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Advisers will be available at two locations through Nov. 10. Hours and locations are as follows:

Lexington County:

Lowe’s located at 5412 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington (Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Richland County:

Lowe’s located at 2829 Augusta Road in West Columbia (Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage. More information about strengthening property can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation.

Continue reading here: 

FEMA Mitigation Advisers Offer Guidance to Flood Survivors in Lexington and Richland Counties

Completing SBA Loan Application May Mean More Assistance for Some

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina storm and flood survivors are reminded to complete loan applications from the U.S. Small Business Administration even if they do not plan to accept a loan.

Survivors who receive notice to apply to the SBA are encouraged to complete the application as it may make them eligible for other assistance. Survivors should apply to SBA before insurance is settled.

Completing an SBA application can help homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes with repair or rebuilding costs or disaster-related damage costs that exceed initial estimates. SBA disaster loans are also available to help private nonprofit organizations with their recovery. The application is not required for survivors seeking temporary rental assistance.

Homeowners may be eligible to receive loans of up to $200,000 for their primary residences. Homeowners and renters may also borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal items such as clothing and vehicles. Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for property damage. Small businesses may borrow up to $2 million for economic injury.

Survivors may obtain more information by visiting the SBA website, www.sba.gov/disaster, applying online via SBA’s secure website: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela, or calling SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities and use a TTY may call 800-877-8339. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-659-2955.

Survivors may also visit any disaster recovery center where SBA customer service representatives can answers questions, help complete loan applications and close loans. For the nearest location go to http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4241. The SBA is also operating business recovery centers in Charleston, Horry, Richland and Sumter counties.

View this article – 

Completing SBA Loan Application May Mean More Assistance for Some

No flood insurance? Now is the time to buy

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – It is time to buy flood insurance, if you don’t already have it. Available to everyone, businesses, homeowners and renters alike, it is the only insurance that will help you recover from flooding and mudflows.

Citing a strong El Niño and other factors, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts wetter than average conditions for central and southern California, along with warmer than normal temperatures from December through February. There is a 30-day waiting period between purchasing flood insurance and the time the insurance goes into effect.

Residents living in the vicinity of the recent wildfires are especially vulnerable to runoff flooding this rainy season because wildfires dramatically alter the terrain and ground conditions.

Normally, vegetation absorbs rainfall, reducing runoff. But wildfires leave the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water. That enhances the chances of flash flooding and mudflows. Flood insurance covers mudflows, but not mudslides.

Just because your property is outside a high flood risk zone doesn’t mean there is no risk. But it does mean you can buy flood insurance at a lower price, because the risk is lower.

Information about flood insurance is available at the Disaster Recovery Centers in Lake and Calaveras counties: 891 Mountain Ranch Rd., San Andreas; Middletown Senior Center, 21256 Washington St., Middletown, and 14860 Olympic Dr., Clear Lake.

Flood insurance is for everyone, not just survivors of the wildfires. It is easy to find out how much flood insurance will cost by going to FloodSmart.gov. Fill in the blanks in the red box on the right side of the screen, “How Can I Get Covered”. You will be taken to a table of flood insurance options and costs for your address. Contact information for local agents is available on the website.

Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling  800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The deadline to register is Nov. 23, 2015.

For more information on California’s wildfire recovery, visit: caloes.ca.gov, Twitter@Cal-OES Facebook.com/CaliforniaOES or FEMA.gov/disaster/4240 and follow us on Twitter@femaregion9 and at Facebook.com/FEMA.

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

 

###

Source: 

No flood insurance? Now is the time to buy

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Johns Island to Help South Carolina Flood Survivors

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A disaster recovery center is open in Johns Island to help South Carolina flood survivors. This Charleston County center is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice.

The disaster recovery center is located at:
Berkeley Electric Cooperative
3351 Maybank Highway, Johns Island

Representatives from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies are at the center to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest loans. They can also help survivors apply for aid.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register for and receive state/federal disaster assistance. If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center.

To register, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) or require accommodations while visiting a center may call 800-621-3362. All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids.

Additional disaster recovery centers are open in affected South Carolina counties. For information call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4241.

See the article here: 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Johns Island to Help South Carolina Flood Survivors

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Newberry to Help South Carolina Flood Survivors

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A disaster recovery center is open in Newberry to help South Carolina flood survivors. This Newberry County center is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

The disaster recovery center is located at:
Newberry County Sheriff’s Emergency Services Building
540 Wilson Road, Newberry.

Representatives from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies are at the center to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest loans. They can also help survivors apply for aid.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register for and receive state/federal disaster assistance. If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center.

To register, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) or require accommodations while visiting a center may call 800-621-3362. All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids.

Additional disaster recovery centers are open in affected South Carolina counties. For information call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4241.

Excerpt from: 

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Newberry to Help South Carolina Flood Survivors

 Page 95 of 386  « First  ... « 93  94  95  96  97 » ...  Last »