May 24, 2008
Posted in:Hurricane Center, Disaster Planning, New Post — jeromeba @ 12:43 am
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Hurricane season officially starts June 1, and lasts through November 30.
If you live along the coast, keep your gas tank full and ensure you have an family plan and evacuation route maps.
For information on storm forecasts visit the Hurricane Center Page.
Current Watches, Warnings, and local Radar for your area.
TROPICAL STORM BARRY FORMS IN GULF OF MEXICO ON FIRST DAY OF HURRICANE SEASON
November 27, 2007
April 1, 2007
Posted in:New Post — jeromeba @ 12:36 pm
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FEMA: Press Releases and
Federal Disaster Declarations
Tuesday 09th of March 2010
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FEMA Publishes New Flood Risk Maps For Grady County, Okla.
DENTON, Texas — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is presenting draft flood risk maps to communities in Grady County, Okla. The maps will help county officials and local residents identify known flood risks and will be used for insurance and development decisions. [more]
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FEMA Publishes New Flood Risk Maps For Caddo County, Okla.
DENTON, Texas — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is presenting draft flood risk maps to communities in Caddo County, Okla. The maps will help county officials and local residents identify known flood risks and will be used for insurance and development decisions. [more]
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FEMA Administrator Fugate Keynotes National Emergency Managers Association Conference
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today delivered the keynote remarks at the National Emergency Managers Association (NEMA) mid-year conference. The association brings emergency management professionals from all levels of government and the private sector together twice a year for a conference to share ideas and practices, as well as discuss ways to better collaborate on emergency management efforts. [more]
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Federal Aid Programs For California Disaster Recovery
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama?s major disaster declaration issued for California. [more]
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President Declares Major Disaster For California
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Craig Fugate today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for California to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe winter storms, flooding, and debris and mud flows during the period of January 17 to February 6, 2010. [more]
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The Good News About Flood Insurance In Arkansas
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Even if you don?t live near water your home still has a chance of being flooded. In fact, 25 to 30 percent of flood insurance claims are paid in low risk areas. [more]
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FEMA Publishes New Flood Risk Maps For Logan County, Ark.
DENTON, TEXAS — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is presenting preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to communities and unincorporated areas in Logan County, Ark. The FIRMs will help county officials and local residents identify known flood risks and will be used for insurance and development decisions. [more]
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FEMA Publishes New Flood Risk Maps For Robertson County Texas
DENTON, TEXAS — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is presenting preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to communities and unincorporated areas in Robertson County, Texas. The FIRMs will help county officials and local residents identify known flood risks and will be used for insurance and development decisions. [more]
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President Declares Major Disaster For The State Of Oklahoma
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Oklahoma to supplement recovery efforts in the areas struck by the severe winter storm during the period of January 28-30, 2010. [more]
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Federal Aid Programs For Oklahoma Disaster Recovery
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama's major disaster declaration issued for Oklahoma. [more]
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Deadline To Request Federal Assistance Is March 19, 2010
FORT MONMOUTH, N.J. — The deadline is March 19 for state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations in southern New Jersey to request federal disaster assistance for eligible costs and damages resulting from the Dec. 19 ? 20 snowstorm. [more]
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FEMA Administrator Fugate Addresses American Bar Association Homeland Security Law Institute
WASHINGTON, DC — Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate yesterday addressed the American Bar Association (ABA) Homeland Security Law Institute. Fugate discussed the role of the private sector and non-profit entities in engaging the public as part of the nation's emergency management team. [more]
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South Dakotans Urged to Buy Flood Insurance Now
DENVER - With considerable snow pack on the ground and more moisture predicted this Spring, the threat of flooding once again looms over South Dakota. So what can individuals and families do to prepare? They can buy flood insurance. [more]
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Spring Rainfall, Snow Melt Can Cause Flooding
DENVER - As spring approaches, South Dakota communities are once again preparing for the possibility of flooding. FEMA Mitigation experts have several recommendations to help people get ready for flood waters. First and foremost on the list is to get flood insurance. In South Dakota, the average cost of flood insurance is about $685 a year. Since 1978, state residents have collected almost $17 million in insurance reimbursements. [more]
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FEMA Publishes New Flood Risk Maps For Hot Spring County, Arkansas
DENTON, TEXAS — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is presenting preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to communities and unincorporated areas in Hot Spring County, Ark. The FIRMs will help county officials and local residents identify known flood risks and will be used for insurance and development decisions. [more]
March 22, 2007
Posted in:Getting Help, About FEMA, New Post — jeromeba @ 10:41 am
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — According to officials with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the best source for information following a disaster is federal, state and voluntary agencies. Here are answers to some frequent questions:
Q: Does FEMA charge a fee for a home inspection?
A: No. FEMA never charges for an inspection.
Q: I have applied for disaster assistance before. Do I need to apply again?
A: Yes. Even if you applied for assistance for a previous disaster, you must apply again for this disaster.
Q: Will FEMA assistance affect my Social Security check?
A. No. Any aid you receive from FEMA will not affect your Social Security benefits, your state or federal retirement benefits, or your welfare status.
Q: If I got help from the American Red Cross, can I also get help from FEMA or the State?
A: Yes. FEMA and the State coordinate a number of programs to help disaster victims. These programs differ from the emergency food, clothing and shelter provided by the American Red Cross and other voluntary agencies.
Q: When I get help from the American Red Cross, am I automatically registered with FEMA?
A: No. Registering with the American Red Cross or any voluntary agency is not the same as registering with FEMA. If you are a homeowner, renter or business owner who has losses from the recent tornadoes, call the FEMA registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Individuals with hearing or speech impairments should call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday - Friday. You can also register online at www.fema.gov.
Q: Is there enough money for everyone? My neighbor needs the money more than I do.
A: Yes. There are enough disaster funds to take care of every eligible applicant.
Q: Do I have to be poor to qualify for disaster aid?
A: No. Federal disaster aid programs may be available to those who suffered damage, regardless of income.
Q: Do I have to own a business to apply for a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration?
A: No. The SBA is the primary source of financial assistance following a disaster and provides low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, business, and non-profits.
Q: Do I have to be turned down by my bank before I can apply for a disaster loan?
A: No. The SBA has its own criteria for determining each loan applicant’s eligibility.
Q: If I rent an apartment, can I get help to replace my damaged personal property?
A: Yes. A renter may qualify for a FEMA grant or a SBA low-interest disaster loan to replace eligible personal property.
Q: Will FEMA pay for all home repairs or contract work?
A: No. FEMA provides grants to qualified homeowners to repair damage not covered by insurance but the grants may not pay for all the damage. Qualified borrowers who lack sufficient homeowner’s insurance may use an SBA loan to return their homes to pre-disaster condition.
Q: Do I have to repay money I receive for disaster relief?
A: You do not have to repay grant money but you must repay SBA loans.
Q: Are disaster relief payments taxable?
A: No. Qualified disaster relief payments are not taxable.
Individuals with questions about recovery assistance should call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585, or visit www.fema.gov or the Alabama Emergency Management Agency Web site at ema.alabama.gov.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, economic status or retaliation. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact your State Office of Equal rights. If suspicious of any abuse of FEMA programs, please contact the fraud hotline at 1-800-323-8603.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
October 14, 2006
Posted in:Travel Trailers, Safety — jeromeba @ 5:42 pm
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With cold weather approaching, federal officials advise Hurricane Katrina survivors residing in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) travel trailers to take precautions with fire safety.
Fire safety is in the news for other reasons as well. October is Fire Prevention Month in Mississippi, where some 35,000 FEMA travel trailers are currently located, and National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 8-14.
FEMA urges anyone in a travel trailer to use only the built-in heater. Occupants should not use kerosene heaters, kitchen stoves or ovens, or electric space heaters.
“These trailers are equipped with heaters that are safe when used by occupants as instructed when we turn the trailer over to them,” said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for the Mississippi recovery. “Using unapproved devices for heat could lead to serious accident or injury.”
“Residents need to practice safety at all times,” Russo added. “Even those who’ve used these heaters before should re-familiarize themselves with how to use them safely.”
Most of the travel trailers are equipped with propane heaters, which automatically vent to the outdoors. However, using the oven or stove for heat may deplete oxygen in the trailer, resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas that causes dizziness, headaches and possibly death. Residents should make sure the carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and that heater vents on the outside of the trailer are not blocked or covered. All FEMA travel trailers that have propane heaters also have carbon monoxide detectors.
Fire Program Specialist Kathy Gerstner of the U.S. Fire Administration, a sister agency of FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, offers several fire prevention tips for residents of travel trailers:
- If it doesn’t seem safe, don’t do it;
- Shut off all appliances before leaving home;
- Know where the propane shutoff valve is located and how to shut it off;
- Keep flammable materials away from the stove top;
- Know where the fire extinguisher is in the unit and learn how to use it;
- Learn how to use the emergency window opening devices in the trailer;
- Do not store gasoline or other flammable liquids in or under the trailer;
- Do not store gasoline-powered vehicles or equipment in the trailer;
- Never smoke in bed.
Finally, firefighters at every level stress the importance of having a working smoke detector. Batteries should be replaced twice a year, and officials suggest doing so when changing between daylight and standard time.
“We want everyone to be comfortable and safe this winter,” said Russo. “If those in a travel trailer or mobile home feel their health or safety is in danger at any time, they should leave immediately and contact local emergency officials.”
For maintenance or repairs, trailer residents may call the Maintenance/Applicant Support Center at 1-866-877-6075. The center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.