FEMA Awards Nearly $1.3 Million for St. John Parish School Repairs

DENTON, Texas – Nearly $1.3 million was recently awarded to the state of Louisiana by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for repairs to the interior of the East St. John High School Main Building in St. John Parish.

Hurricane Isaac flooded the school with eight inches of water, damaging flooring, drywall and baseboards, as well as the electrical and alarm systems. The building’s air conditioning units were also damaged by the flooding, causing temperatures and humidity levels to rise inside the school, allowing for significant mold growth.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $18.8 million in Public Assistance funding for St. John Parish Schools.
“Hurricane Isaac caused major devastation in St. John Parish last year,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We are proud of the successful recovery efforts there so far, and pledge to continue our successful collaboration with parish and state leaders as even more progress is made.”

FEMA’s contribution, made possible by a Public Assistance grant, represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Louisiana; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.

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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. 

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

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FEMA Awards Nearly $1.3 Million for St. John Parish School Repairs

President Obama Signs Colorado Emergency Declaration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the State of Colorado to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on September 11, 2013, and continuing.

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

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

William J. Doran III has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area. 

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

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

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

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President Obama Signs Colorado Emergency Declaration

FEMA Braces for Fires, Floods, Earthquakes and other Natural Disasters, Emphasizes need for citizens to plan to Survive for 3 days

OAKLAND – September is National Preparedness Month and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is partnering with communities in Arizona, California, Nevada and Hawaii to encourage citizens to encourage families, individuals and businesses to act now to increase preparedness throughout the U.S.

FEMA Region 9 Administrator Nancy Ward will participate in an event with the Arizona Division of Emergency Management (ADEM), American Red Cross, City of Chandler, and the business community to kick-off National Preparedness Month in Arizona with a press conference and expo on Wednesday, September 4th at the Chandler Wal-Mart located at 1175 South Arizona Avenue.  ADEM will share samples of a recipe found in the Emergency Kit Cook-off (www.EmergencyKitCookOff.org) that is inspired by the contents of the 72-hour emergency food kit. 

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility. It takes a whole community and this is why you see federal, state, and county government agencies partnering with local municipalities, non-profits, and private businesses to spread the message about the importance of being prepared for emergency situations,” said Nancy Ward, FEMA Region IX Administrator.  “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.”

National Preparedness’ Month is a nationwide, month-long effort hosted annually by the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, that encourages households, businesses and communities to prepare and plan for emergencies. One of National Preparedness Month’s key messages is: being prepared in the event an emergency means being self-reliant for three days without utilities and electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or local services, possibly  without available response from police, fire or rescue. Preparing for such disaster realities can start with four important 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

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 to http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/READYNPM

For a list of public events being hosted in FEMA Region 9 please visit:  https://www.fema.gov/NPM2013Events

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 Braces for Fires, Floods, Earthquakes and other Natural Disasters, Emphasizes need for citizens to plan to Survive for 3 days

Kansas Residents Urged to Use Caution When Returning to Flood Damaged Homes and Businesses

Kansas City, Mo – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) offers safety tips to residents returning to check on flood damaged property and encourages them to file flood insurance claims.

Potential health/safety hazards after a disaster include carbon monoxide poisoning from generators used to power homes or clean-up equipment; electrocution from stepping into water charged by live electric wires; infections to cuts or scrapes that come into contact with surfaces contaminated by floodwater; chemical hazards from spills or storage tank breaks, respiratory and heat-related illnesses; and the worsening of chronic illness from overexertion.

For some, flooding continues to be a concern, if a flood is likely in your area, you should:

  • Listen to your radio or television for information.
  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood that could affect you, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. If in your vehicle, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
  • United Way’s 2-1-1 is a helpful resource before, during and after disasters. Keeping this number and an up-to-date family communication plan handy is a must-do when preparing for emergencies (see below).

BEWARE OF Hazards

  • First, check for damage. Check for structural damage before re-entering your home. Contact professionals immediately if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric or sewer lines.
  • Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
  • Boil water until authorities declare the water supply safe to drink.

File your Flood Insurance Claim

  • Call your insurance agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim. Have the following information with you when you place your call: (1) the name of your insurance company (your agent may write policies for more than one company); (2) your policy number; and (3) a telephone number/e-mail address where you can be reached.
  • Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property. If necessary, place these items outside the home. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (e.g., cut swatches from carpeting) to prepare your repair estimate.
  • List damaged or lost items and include their age and value where possible. If possible, supply receipts for those lost items to the adjuster. Officials may require disposal of damaged items. If so, try to keep a swatch or other sample of the items for the adjuster.

Clean Up

  • Remove wet contents immediately to prevent mold. Wet carpeting, furniture, bedding and other items holding moisture can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. During the first 48 hours, you can help control mold growth by cleaning with non-ammonia detergents, soap, or commercial cleaner and disinfecting with a 10 percent bleach solution (1-1/2 cups of bleach in a gallon of water). Then dry and monitor for several days. If any mold develops, throw the item away.
  • Thoroughly dry out the building’s interior. Portable dehumidifiers are useful, and rental costs may be covered under your flood policy. An air conditioner can also be used to start the drying-out process.
  • Help damaged walls dry out. If the walls are damaged, take photographs of the baseboard. Then remove the baseboard. Knock small holes at floor level in the drywall, between the wall studs. This will let moisture trapped behind the drywall seep out.
  • Have your furnace checked for damage. Your water heater may work, but if the floodwater covered part of, or the entire tank, the insulation between the walls may be damaged. Obtain an estimate to replace the damaged furnace and water heater.

Flooding Resources for Kansans include:

FOR MORE INFORMATION

  • Contact your local building inspections or planning office or county clerk’s office to get more information on local building requirements before repairing your structure. If you can’t find a local contact, call your state NFIP coordinator. Contact information can be found at www.floods.org/statepocs/stcoor.asp.

BE FLOODSMART: More severe weather could be on the way, so prepare today!

  • Stay informed. Monitor local weather forecasts, watches, and warnings.
  • Don’t drive through floodwater. Most deaths in floods occur when people try to drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown!
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.

To file a flood insurance claim or learn more about purchasing flood insurance to protect your property, visit FloodSmart.gov, or call 1-800-427-2419.

###

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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

See original: 

Kansas Residents Urged to Use Caution When Returning to Flood Damaged Homes and Businesses

Missouri Residents Urged to Use Caution When Returning to Flood Damanged Homes and Businesses

Kansas City, Mo –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers safety tips to residents returning to check on flood damaged property and encourages them to file flood insurance claims.

Potential health/safety hazards after a disaster include carbon monoxide poisoning from generators used to power homes or clean-up equipment; electrocution from stepping into water charged by live electric wires; infections to cuts or scrapes that come into contact with surfaces contaminated by floodwater; chemical hazards from spills or storage tank breaks, respiratory and heat-related illnesses; and the worsening of chronic illness from overexertion.

For some, flooding continues to be a concern, if a flood is likely in your area, you should:

  • Listen to your radio or television for information.
  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood that could affect you, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. If in your vehicle, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
  • United Way’s 2-1-1 is a helpful resource before, during and after disasters. Keeping this number and an up-to-date family communication plan handy is a must-do when preparing for emergencies (see below).

BEWARE OF Hazards

  • First, check for damage. Check for structural damage before re-entering your home. Contact professionals immediately if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric or sewer lines.
  • Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
  • Boil water until authorities declare the water supply safe to drink.

File your Flood Insurance Claim

  • Call your insurance agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim. Have the following information with you when you place your call: (1) the name of your insurance company (your agent may write policies for more than one company); (2) your policy number; and (3) a telephone number/e-mail address where you can be reached. 
  • Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property. If necessary, place these items outside the home. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (e.g., cut swatches from carpeting) to prepare your repair estimate.
  • List damaged or lost items and include their age and value where possible. If possible, supply receipts for those lost items to the adjuster. Officials may require disposal of damaged items. If so, try to keep a swatch or other sample of the items for the adjuster.

 Clean Up

  • Remove wet contents immediately to prevent mold. Wet carpeting, furniture, bedding and other items holding moisture can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. During the first 48 hours, you can help control mold growth by cleaning with non-ammonia detergents, soap, or commercial cleaner and disinfecting with a 10 percent bleach solution (1-1/2 cups of bleach in a gallon of water). Then dry and monitor for several days. If any mold develops, throw the item away.
  • Thoroughly dry out the building’s interior. Portable dehumidifiers are useful, and rental costs may be covered under your flood policy. An air conditioner can also be used to start the drying-out process.
  • Help damaged walls dry out. If the walls are damaged, take photographs of the baseboard. Then remove the baseboard.  Knock small holes at floor level in the drywall, between the wall studs. This will let moisture trapped behind the drywall seep out.
  • Have your furnace checked for damage. Your water heater may work, but if the floodwater covered part of, or the entire tank, the insulation between the walls may be damaged. Obtain an estimate to replace the damaged furnace and water heater.

Flooding Resources for Missourians include:

  • http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/fl_after.shtm – is a link to FEMA-recommended steps that should be taken immediately after a flood.
  • http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/after.asp#cleanup – is a site maintained by the Center for Disease Control with helpful information on health/safety concerns that can result following a flood.
  • http://www.211helps.org/ – United Way’s 2-1-1 is a helpful resource before, during and after disasters. Keeping this number and an up-to-date family communication plan handy is a must-do when preparing for emergencies. Information about local services, by zip code, is available online. Where 2-1-1 phone service is not available, dial 1-800-427-4626, or TTY 866-385-6525.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

  • Contact your local building inspections or planning office or county clerk’s office to get more information on local building requirements before repairing your structure. If you can’t find a local contact, call your state NFIP coordinator. Contact information can be found at www.floods.org/statepocs/stcoor.asp.

BE FLOODSMART: More severe weather could be on the way, so prepare today!

  • Stay informed. Monitor local weather forecasts, watches, and warnings.
  • Don’t drive through floodwater. Most deaths in floods occur when people try to drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown!
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.

To file a flood insurance claim or learn more about purchasing flood insurance to protect your property, visit FloodSmart.gov, or call 1-800-427-2419. 

###

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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

See original:

Missouri Residents Urged to Use Caution When Returning to Flood Damanged Homes and Businesses

Call FEMA Hotline to Report Suspicions of Fraud

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Disasters frequently bring out the best in people but sometimes the worst. When fraud occurs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a responsibility to take action.

People who intentionally defraud the federal government are taking money away from those who truly need disaster assistance. FEMA must ensure that taxpayer dollars go only to people who incurred legitimate losses. This may include prosecuting anyone who makes a fraudulent claim.

Most cases where possible fraud is detected are not deliberate attempts to defraud the government. FEMA recommends survivors receiving disaster assistance awards to keep receipts for at least three years that document how the funds were used.

Anyone with information about individuals who may have defrauded the government in connection with the 2013 spring floods should call the FEMA fraud hotline at 800-323-8603 or email DHSOIGHOTLINE@DHS.GOV. This can include information on contractors, inspectors, disaster survivors or anyone posing as any of these. Complaints also can be made via the FEMA disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) or with state or local law enforcement officials or consumer agencies.

Survivors who feel they have made a mistake in reporting damages or losses should call the FEMA disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s Office of Inspector General routinely audits individuals, local governments and nonprofit organizations that receive FEMA disaster assistance funds. The audits are independent assessments to determine whether recipients spent the funds according to federal regulations and FEMA guidelines. Auditors look at expenditures on ineligible items or instances of duplicate payments from insurance companies or other sources.

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Call FEMA Hotline to Report Suspicions of Fraud

FEMA Announces Appointments to National Advisory Council

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announces the appointment of ten new members and the reappointment of five members to the FEMA National Advisory Council (NAC).

The NAC is an advisory committee established to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.  Members represent the whole community including public health, tribal government and functional and access needs, and provide recommendations on a variety of issues within emergency management to the FEMA Administrator.

FEMA received over 500 applications for these positions.  Each applicant was carefully considered through an intensive review process that included a membership recommendation panel of senior government officials.

“The National Advisory Council provides FEMA with advice and recommendations on how to achieve the Agency’s mission,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.  “We look forward to continued dialogue on emergency management to support states, strengthen outreach efforts to Indian Country, and engage the whole community to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.  Both the new and reappointed members represent a cross section of the emergency management team and their insight is valued.”

The new NAC members are:

Mr. Chris E. Howell, Tribal Liaison/Executive Director, Kansas Native American Affairs (Topeka, KS)

Mr. Bart Johnson, Executive Director, International Association of Chiefs of Police (Alexandria, VA)

Dr. Emily Gayle Kidd, Assistant Professor, University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)

Chief W. Nim Kidd, Assistant Director/Chief, Texas Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management (Austin, TX)

Ms. Linda Langston, Linn County Supervisor (Cedar Rapids, IA)

Mr. Brian Lugo, Elected Tribal Councilmember, Morongo Band of Mission Indians in Southern California (Banning, CA)

Dr. Suzet McKinney, Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Public Health Preparedness and Emergency Response and Division of Women & Children’s Health, Chicago Department of Public Health (Chicago, IL)

Mr. Richard Alan Reed, Vice President, Preparedness and Resilience Strategy, American Red Cross (Bethesda, MD)

Mr. Robert Salesses, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense Integration and Defense Support of Civil Authorities, U.S. Department of Defense (Washington, DC)

Mr. Dennis Joseph Storemski, Director, City of Houston’s Mayor’s Office of Public Safety & Homeland Security (Houston, TX)

The reappointed NAC members are:

Ms. Elizabeth Armstrong, Executive Director, International Association of Emergency Managers (Falls Church, VA)

Mr. Mark A. Cooper, Senior Director, Emergency Management, Wal-Mart (Rogers, AR)

Ms. Nancy Dragani, Executive Director, Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Columbus, OH)

Ms. June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant (Playa del Rey, CA)

Ms. Teresa Scott, Executive Director, City of Gainesville, Public Works Department (Gainesville, FL)

Additional information on the NAC, including a list of current members, can be found at fema.gov/national-advisory-council.

 

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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FEMA Announces Appointments to National Advisory Council

President Declares Disaster for Wisconsin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Wisconsin to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, and mudslides during the period of June 20-28, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, flooding, and mudslides in Ashland, Bayfield, Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Richland, St. Croix, and Vernon counties and the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Bayfield County.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

Warren J. Riley has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Riley said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at 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. 

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.

Credit: 

President Declares Disaster for Wisconsin

Fema Mitigation Grants Important For Recovery, Protection

LINCROFT, N.J. — FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides important assistance to local, state and tribal governments following a major disaster declaration, both speeding recovery and protecting life and property from future disasters.

With the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides funds to the state to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during recovery from a disaster.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant program can be used to fund projects to protect public or private property as long as the project fits within state and local government mitigation strategies. Funds are sent to the state for distribution.

Examples of projects include:

  • Acquiring and relocating structures from hazard-prone areas, such as the $29.5 million acquisition of flood-prone properties in Sayreville.
  • Retrofitting structures to protect them from floods, high winds, earthquakes or other natural hazards.
  • Constructing certain types of minor and localized flood control projects.
  • Constructing safe rooms inside schools or other buildings in tornado-prone areas.
  • Helping state, local or tribal governments develop mitigation plans.

Federal funding under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is made available at the request of a state’s governor following the declaration of a major disaster.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding is allocated using a sliding scale formula based on the percentage of funds spent on FEMA’s Public and Individual Assistance Programs for each declared major disaster.

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

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

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

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Fema Mitigation Grants Important For Recovery, Protection

FEMA Go Green Initiative Team wins 2013 DHS Sustainable Practices Award

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Go Green Initiative Team at the joint field office for New York Sandy recovery was recently recognized for its success in implementing sustainable practices. The team won the “Green Dream Team Award” from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Sustainable Practices Award program.

The annual award, which received 17 nominations from federal departments and agencies, recognizes the FEMA team for outstanding achievement in reaching their sustainability goals as outlined in Executive Order 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance.

A panel of federal sustainability leaders selected the FEMA team because it presented a “superior quality project reflecting the highest ideals of [our] sustainability efforts,” according to Chris Cummiskey, senior sustainability officer for DHS. “I am impressed with the leadership and teamwork that helped institute sustainability practices into a response and recovery effort.”

Part of the team’s initiatives included encouraging the use of mass transit and issuing fewer rental vehicles, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the 75-person team oversaw a 51 percent reduction in paper usage and took energy conservation measures like installing light sensors in restrooms at the office. These sustainability practices are responsible for an estimated savings of $25 million.

“Even as we coordinate response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy, we must be good stewards of both the taxpayer’s money and the environment,” said Willie Nunn, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer in New York. “Our Go Green Initiative Team set high goals and executed a strong sustainability strategy that is now being recognized by DHS. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve been able to accomplish so far.”

The FEMA “Green Dream Team” is now being considered for a 2013 GreenGov Presidential Award, a program led by the White House Council on Environmental Quality that recognizes the efforts of federal agencies to lead sustainability practices.

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

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.

Originally posted here: 

FEMA Go Green Initiative Team wins 2013 DHS Sustainable Practices Award

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