July 2007

Calcasieu Parish Receives Funding for Acquisition Project

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved $84,842 in funding for Calcasieu Parish to acquire a residential property. Acquisition is an effective way to move people and property away from high-risk areas and reduce disaster losses. Project grants are used to implement mitigation activities that reduce flood losses by elevating, acquiring and demolishing or relocating National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insured buildings. [more]

Washington Fire Departments Receive Over $540,000 Through FEMA's FY 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

SEATTLE, Wash. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $540,775 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in the state of Washington. Nationally, the fiscal year (FY) 2007 AFG awards, which will be distributed in phases, will ultimately provide over $490 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country. [more]

Oregon Fire Departments Receive Over $214,000 Through FEMA's FY 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

SEATTLE, Wash. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $214,291 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in the state of Oregon. Nationally, the fiscal year (FY) 2007 AFG awards, which will be distributed in phases, will ultimately provide over $490 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country. [more]

Idaho Fire Departments Receive Over $81,000 Through FEMA's FY 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

SEATTLE, Wash. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $214,291 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in the state of Idaho. Nationally, the fiscal year (FY) 2007 AFG awards, which will be distributed in phases, will ultimately provide over $490 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country. [more]

North Star Fire Department Receives Over $514,000 Through FEMA's FY 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

SEATTLE, Wash. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a $514,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for operations and safety to the North Star Volunteer Fire Department, in North Pole, Alaska. Nationally, the fiscal year (FY) 2007 AFG awards, which will be distributed in phases, will ultimately provide over $490 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country. [more]

FEMA Aid to Texans Tops $12 Million

WACO, Texas — The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) are working in partnership to help Texas residents recover from the recent flooding that occurred June 16th and continuing. The following is a summary of ongoing response and recovery efforts: [more]

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Coming to Rio Grande City

WACO, Texas — A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (MDRC) is coming to Rio Grande City to offer assistance to residents affected by the severe storms and flooding in the region, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today. Recovery specialists will be available to answer questions residents may have about the disaster aid process. The MDRC will open in Rio Grande City on Monday, July 30 and operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through August 4. It will be located at: [more]

USFA Announces New Web-based Online Training System

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is pleased to announce the launch of a new Web-based online training system [more]

New Federal Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance Strengthens Communities in Nebraska

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Residents of Nebraska have witnessed how disasters threaten more than personal property and homes. The severe storms and flooding that occurred May 28 through June 2 damaged public buildings, utility systems, bridges, roads, and culverts, not to mention disrupting communications and emergency services. [more]

Flood Insurance Saves More than Money

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — People who live near water are not the only ones who experience flooding. Floods can happen because of heavy rains, leaking levies, urban runoff, snow melt, sandbags forcing water to other areas, and rivers changing course. Flash floods can begin and end within a few hours, cutting a path of major destruction. [more]

A Gathering of 'Momentum' in Pearlington and Gulfport

BILOXI, Miss. — The first nails have been driven, the first walls have been erected, and the first sets of permanent steps have been installed. Most important to families in Pearlington, work has started on brand new homes. [more]

Eight More Texas Counties Designated for Individual Assistance

WACO, Texas — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that eight additional Texas counties are now eligible for individual assistance to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from the effects of severe storms, flooding and tornadoes beginning June 16. [more]

Public Assistance Expanded to Eight Additional Texas Counties

WACO, Texas — Public Assistance to repair damaged infrastructure is available in eight additional Texas counties, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today. Communities in Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, McCulloch, Menard, Stephens, Victoria and Williamson counties may apply for assistance to recover from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding beginning June 16 and continuing. PA funds are now available to 34 Texas counties. [more]

Pet Adoption Caravan Crosses Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — About 33 dogs and 30 cats displaced by the recent northeast area flooding were transported to community shelters and animal rescue groups along a route from Miami, Oklahoma, to Irving, Texas today. The groups and shelter officials in Tulsa, Midwest City, Norman, Ardmore and Irving, Texas will work to find homes for the animals. The initiative is a joint project of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the State Animal Response Team (a unit of the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

Protect Pets Before And After A Disaster Strikes

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Simple precautions by pet owners can protect family pets when disaster strikes. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), working with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recommend the following steps before a disaster: [more]

Federal Aid Programs for Nebraska Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush’s major disaster declaration issued for Nebraska. [more]

President Declares Major Disaster for Nebraska

WASHINGTON. D.C. — The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Nebraska to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding during the period of May 28 to June 2, 2007. [more]

Flood Insurance Provides Financial Protection

WINDSOR, Conn. — Typical property insurance provides financial protection from losses due to most perils - fire and windstorms, for example - that threaten structures and possessions. However, one peril that represents a significant threat to Connecticut residents is not covered by standard policies…virtually all these policies exclude any insurance for flooding. [more]

Ten Additional Counties Declared Eligible For Public Assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that 10 additional Oklahoma counties that sustained severe weather damage in early May have now been declared for Public Assistance (PA). [more]

Correction on the Status of Selling and Donating FEMA Travel Trailers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — News outlets have printed an Associated Press story indicating that FEMA intends to continue selling / donating travel trailers. This is not accurate. [more]

New York Disaster Assistance Tops $50 Million

ALBANY, N.Y. — More than $50 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) individual assistance (IA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, and FEMA public assistance (PA) funding as been approved for 14 New York counties that sustained damage during the April 14 - 18 nor'easter. [more]

Disaster Assistance in New York's Westchester County Tops $30 Million

ALBANY, N.Y. — More than $30 million in disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been approved for Westchester County. The monies include individual assistance (IA) grants, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, and public assistance (PA) funding for damage sustained during the April 14 - 18 nor'easter. [more]

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to Close Thursday

WINDSOR, Conn. — Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) serving Norwalk and Danbury will close on Thursday, July 26, at 6 p.m. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will operate a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the Danbury location to help Fairfield County residents complete SBA loan applications. [more]

Free Legal Services Available for Disaster Victims

WACO, Texas — Through an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Bar Association's Young Lawyer Division and the State Bar of Texas, free legal services are available to low-income disaster victims who have insufficient resources to secure adequate legal services. [more]

FEMA Authorizes Funds To Help Fight Boxelder Fire In South Dakota

DENVER, Colo. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Boxelder Fire in Lawrence County. [more]

FEMA Authorizes Funds To Help Fight Salt Creek Fire In Utah

DENVER, Colo. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) this evening authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Salt Creek Fire. The fire is threatening approximately 125 homes in Holiday Oaks and surrounding subdivisions, has destroyed one home, and damaged the main water line to Nephi. The communities of Thousand Oaks and Indianola Valley are on standby for possible evacuation. [more]

Statement of Administrator R. David Paulison

Important Formaldehyde Information for FEMA Housing Occupants [more]

Disaster Aid More Than $2.41 Million in Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans total more than $2.41 million for individuals, households and businesses affected by the severe storms and flooding in Missouri May 5-18. [more]

Formaldehyde And Travel Trailers

The health and safety of residents is FEMA?s primary concern. The agency has asked the Centers for Control and Prevention (CDC) for its assistance and expertise in conducting a public health assessment of indoor air quality in travel trailers housing disaster victims in the Gulf Coast states. [more]

Mold Can Be a Serious Health Threat after Storms and Flooding

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — State and federal emergency management officials warn Oklahomans whose homes or businesses were flooded as a result of recent storms, flooding and tornadoes, to be alert to possible health problems from mold. [more]

Registering With Local Officials or Voluntary Organizations Does Not Register You For Fema Assistance

WICHITA, Kan. — Those who have registered with local officials, voluntary agencies or other organizations for disaster assistance should understand that they aren’t registering for federal disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

FEMA Fixed Disaster Recovery Centers Closed Sundays

WACO, Texas — The six fixed Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) opened to assist Texas residents following the recent flooding will operate under new hours. The DRCs will be open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on Sundays beginning July 22. Serving residents in affected counties, the DRCs, operated in partnership by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor’s Department of Emergency Management (GDEM), will continue to operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday at the following locations: [more]

New Kansas Counties Added for FEMA Infrastructure Disaster Assistance from June Floods

WICHITA, Kan. — The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announces that 21 counties affected by storms that began June 26 are now eligible for all categories of FEMA?s Public Assistance. [more]

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Linn and Cowley Counties

WICHITA, Kan. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) announce the opening tomorrow, July 20, of two Disaster Recovery Centers in Linn and Cowley counties. [more]

FEMA's Mobile DRC Coming To Webb And Starr Counties

WACO, Texas — As part of continuing efforts to aid Texans affected by recent flooding, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) operates several Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) including two Mobile units. These Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MDRCs) offer all the capability of fixed locations but also provide flexibility so FEMA can quickly meet the needs of affected areas. [more]

Last Chance to Visit Disaster Recovery Center in Mound City,Mo.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — This week is the last chance for Holt County residents and business owners impacted by the severe storms and flooding of May 5-18 to visit the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) jointly operated by the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

Additional Kansas Counties Eligible For Individual Assistance From June Storms

WICHITA, Kan. — The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announces that 11 additional counties are now eligible for FEMA's Individual Assistance to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from the effects of the severe storms and flooding that began June 26. [more]

More Kansas Counties Damaged by May Tornadoes, Floods Now Eligible for Disaster Assistance

WICHITA, Kan. — The Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that three additional counties are now eligible for FEMA's Individual Assistance to help homeowners, renters, and businesses recover from the effects of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 4 to June 1. [more]

Misconceptions Prevent Purchase of Flood Insurance

Windsor, Conn. — Despite the fact that destructive flooding regularly occurs in Connecticut, only 2 percent of Connecticut residents have flood insurance. Some may not be purchasing insurance due to a number of misconceptions about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). [more]

DHS Announces $1.7 Billion in Homeland Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today final Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) awards totaling $1.7 billion, including a total of almost $411 million to the nation’s six urban areas at highest risk of a terrorist attack: New York City/Northern New Jersey; the National Capital Region; Los Angeles/Long Beach; the California Bay Area; Houston; and Chicago. [more]

FEMA Continues To Address Formaldehyde Concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for its assistance and expertise in conducting a public health assessment of indoor air quality in its temporary housing units. Although tests of air samples from travel trailers in the Gulf Coast have demonstrated that ventilating the units is effective in reducing levels of formaldehyde, the health and safety of residents is FEMA's primary concern and FEMA believes additional research is needed to address recently raised inquiries and concerns. [more]

Secretaries Gutierrez, Chertoff Announce Nearly $1 Billion in First Responder Communications Grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and U.S. Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff announced today $968 million Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grants to help state and local first responders improve public safety communications and coordination during a natural or man-made disaster. [more]

National Advisory Council Members Named

[more]

Art's Message

Posted 41 hours ago

[more]

The Year of the Recall

It's a familiar scenario playing out in homes across the country; a news anchor reads a story about a major food recall, and the mad dash to the refrigerator begins to make sure their family isn't exposed to dangerous food or tainted products. [more]

Memorial Hall In Independence To Replace Fema?s Mobile Disaster Recovery Center

WICHITA, Kan. — The mobile unit serving as a Disaster Recovery Center in Independence, Montgomery County, will be replaced tomorrow, July 17, with a local permanent facility. [more]

FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Circulating Affected Areas

WACO, Texas — To best serve Texans affected by flooding, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is operating a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (MDRC) that will be serving several affected counties. The MDRC is currently operating in Leander in Williamson County, where it will be available to serve affected residents until July 18 at 6 p.m. [more]

FEMA Ice Disposition

FEMA initiated a contract clause for its ice storage vendor to dispose of ice that it purchased to support the 2005 hurricane season. The vendor, Americold Logistics, Inc. is executing this contract across 22 locations nationwide. [more]

Joining Forces to Rebuild in Greensburg

GREENSBURG, Kan. — National energy experts, local, state and federal government agencies, trade associations and non-profit organizations are joining forces to help residents in Greensburg and Kiowa County create an affordable, healthier and a more efficient town as well as become a model community for the state of Kansas. [more]

Additional Oklahoma Counties Eligible for Individual Assistance

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that three additional counties affected by the recent storms, flooding and tornadoes are now eligible for Individual Assistance. [more]

New Kansas Counties Eligible for Individual Disaster Assistance

WICHITA, Kan. — The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that four additional counties are now eligible for FEMA's Individual Assistance to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from the effects of the storms and flooding that began June 26. [more]

Rebuilding? Learn How To Build Safer, Live Smarter

WACO, Texas — Many individuals who suffered losses in the recent Texas flooding are looking for ways to prevent future damages. To assist, officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are coming to Cooke County building supply stores to demonstrate the best rebuilding practices. As part of FEMA Mitigation, experts will be on hand with information about ways to flood-proof your home, abate mold damage and reduce the likelihood and scale of future losses. [more]

Federal Aid Available to Repair Damaged Infrastructure

WACO, Texas — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that 10 Texas counties affected by flooding beginning June 16th and continuing are now eligible for Public Assistance funds to help repair and restore damaged infrastructure. The eligible counties are: Bosque, Burnet, Collin, Cooke, Coryell, Eastland, Fannin, Grayson, Lampasas and Webb. [more]

FEMA Authorizes Funds For Egley Complex Fire

SALEM, Ma. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help the State of Oregon fight the Egley Complex Fire burning near Riley in Harney County. [more]

One Week Remains To Register For FEMA Assistance And Return SBA Loan Applications

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — With just a week remaining to register with FEMA for disaster assistance, more than $22.5 million in FEMA grants and U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans have been approved to assist South Dakota residents who suffered damages from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 4-5, 2007. [more]

Torrington Recovery Center Extends Again

WINDSOR, Conn. — The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) serving Torrington and Litchfield County is again extending its operation period. The Torrington DRC is now scheduled to be open through 6 p.m. Friday, July 20, at 111 Water Street. This recovery center provides a location where individuals affected by the mid-April storm can talk face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists. [more]

Mississippi Schools to Set Storm Shelter Standards

BILOXI, Miss. — Officials broke ground late June for two new schools in Harrison County that also will serve as state-of-the-art storm shelters for residents in the event of severe weather. [more]

Got Mold? Clean, Disinfect and Dry

WICHITA, Kan. — Mold and the negative health consequences from the bacteria have become commonplace across much of Kansas as a result of the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that began in early May. [more]

FEMA Opens Three More Disaster Recovery Centers In Texas

WACO, Texas — The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) will open three new Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Texas to serve residents affected by flooding June 16 and continuing. The DRCs will open on Friday July 13, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. and are a resource for disaster-affected residents. [more]

Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Miami and Bartlesville

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — State and federal officials from the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have established Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) to assist individuals affected by severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes. The centers will open in Miami and Bartlesville on Friday, July 13, 2007, and will be located at: [more]

FEMA Inspectors Begin Work In Eligible Kansas Counties

WICHITA, Kan. — Some residents of designated Kansas counties who suffered property damages or losses from severe storms and flooding that began June 26, and have registered with FEMA, will soon hear from damage inspectors under contract to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

New York Disaster Assistance Tops $45 Million

ALBANY, N.Y. — More than $45 million in individual assistance (IA) grants and public assistance (PA) funding has been approved for 14 New York counties that sustained damage during the April 14-18 nor'easter. [more]

Community Relations Teams Blanket Storm-Damaged Counties

WICHITA, Kan. ? Community Relations (CR) teams of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are busy reaching out to those affected by the severe storms and flooding of June 26 and continuing. [more]

Disaster Recovery Center in Simsbury to Close Friday

WINDSOR, Conn. — The disaster recovery center serving Simsbury will close on Friday, July 13 at 6 p.m. The recovery center provides a location where individuals affected by the mid-April storms in Connecticut can talk face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists. [more]

FEMA Public Assistance Grants Reach $500,000 In New York?s Essex County

ALBANY, N.Y. — More than $500,000 in grants has been approved for Essex County, under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Program. [more]

Lack of Flood Insurance Puts Connecticut Residents at Risk

WINDSOR, Conn. — The shore and many inland bodies of water make Connecticut an attractive place to live. They also make the entire state a flood hazard area, according to experts from the National Flood Insurance Program. [more]

FEMA Provides $3.8 Million in Disaster Aid for Texas Residents

WACO, Texas — The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) are working in partnership to help Texas residents recover from the recent flooding that occurred June 16th and continuing. [more]

FEMA Public Assistance Grants Top $1 Million In New York?s Suffolk County

ALBANY, N.Y. — More than $1 Million in grants has been approved for Suffolk County, under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Program. [more]

Administrator Paulison Announces New Pre-Disaster Planning Office in Alaska

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officially opened their Alaska Area Office in the Anchorage Federal Building Annex (222 W. 8th Avenue) Monday, 9 July 2007. FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison announced that the new office will serve as a work station for agency pre-disaster preparedness initiatives, and as an initial operating facility for federally declared disasters. [more]

Don?t Miss The Deadlines For Disaster Assistance

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Only one month remains for people impacted by the severe storms and flooding that occurred May 5 – 18, 2007, to register for disaster assistance, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Missouri’s State Emergency Management Agency remind residents. [more]

Hot Weather Can Tax Energy Infrastructure

SEATTLE, Wash. — As our western states brace for this summer?s first heat wave, record-breaking high temperatures are placing additional loads on power grids and transformers. Although Pacific Northwest communities generally enjoy a robust infrastructure, FEMA Regional Administrator Susan Reinertson cautions against complacency. [more]

FEMA Authorizes Funds for Easy Street Fire

CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. — Early Sunday morning, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help the State of Washington fight the Easy Street Fire burning north of Wenatchee, near the Eagle Rock Subdivision in the Warm Springs Canyon area. [more]

Preparedness Publications Available From FEMA

Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lasting effects, both to people and property. To help communities, families, and individuals get informed, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers free publications designed to provide assistance in planning and preparing for disasters. [more]

Over $7 Million In Federal Disaster Assistance For Iowa

URBANDALE, Iowa — Iowa businesses, local governments, families, individuals, and certain non-profits, who suffered damage from the severe storms of May 5-7, have been approved to receive over $7 million in disaster assistance, including grants from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). [more]

Scam Artists May Be Lurking

WINDSOR, Conn. — When flood waters subside, one of the first things to float to the surface is the scam artist pretending to offer help, warns the State of Connecticut and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

Public Assistance And Project Worksheets: The Path To Rebuilding

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) public assistance program plays an integral role in a community's disaster recovery process. In Louisiana, the program is one of many key forces behind the recovery of state and local governments and certain private nonprofits. [more]

Thomas County Added For FEMA Public Assistance

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Following additional damage assessments, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Public Assistance funding for Thomas County in the state of Nebraska to help local governments recover from damage associated with the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes May 4 ? 19, 2007. [more]

FEMA Carries Message: Return SBA Loan Applications

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Have disaster damage? Don?t limit the types of disaster assistance available to you. Return the U.S. Small Business Administration loan application. SBA loans are not just for businesses. [more]

Second Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Montgomery County

WICHITA, Kan. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Independence tomorrow. [more]

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 Bush's major disaster declaration issued for Oklahoma. [more]

Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Southeast Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) announce the opening tomorrow (Sunday) and Monday of two additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Elk and Neosho counties. [more]

Don?t Return Home Until Officials Say The Area Is Safe; Then Be Careful

WICHITA, Kan. — Don?t return to your flood-damaged home before the area is declared to be safe by local officials. Federal and state disaster officials also urge people to take extra precautions when returning. [more]

President Declares Major Disaster For Oklahoma

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Oklahoma to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding and tornadoes during the period of June 10, 2007, and continuing. [more]

Disaster Recovery Centers To Open In Jackson County

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The State Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) this week in Independence and Buckner, Mo. for people affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred May 5 - 18, 2007. [more]

Clearing The Muddied Waters On Flood Insurance

I would like to correct some of the information on flood insurance and flood maps from the series of articles that recently appeared in the Press-Register. The stories highlight a problem that FEMA faces: informing the public about flood risk and the limits of flood maps. Right now in Alabama’s neighboring states, you can read stories and editorials critical of map changes that show more property at higher risk for flooding. It is the old damned-if-we-do-damned-if-we-don’t syndrome: saying you are at risk draws criticism; not showing risk draws criticism. [more]

Sidney Melton Named Director For FEMA's Mississippi Office

BILOXI, Miss. — Sidney Melton has been named director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency?s (FEMA) Mississippi Transitional Recovery Office (TRO). As director, Melton will have overall responsibility for federal recovery activities in Mississippi and lead a staff of nearly 1,000 people. [more]

FEMA Developing Technology for Accurate Flood Mapping

The Press-Register's series of articles on flood insurance and flood maps highlights a problem that the Federal Emergency Management Agency faces: informing the public about flood risk and the limits of flood maps. [more]

FEMA URGES Residents to Be Cautious This July 4th

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics – and entire summers. More than 23,000 fires are attributed to fireworks every year, and according to FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison, more than half of those occur the first week in July. [more]

Project Pace of Hazard Mitigation Grant Funding in Florida

The Palm Beach Post [more]

Accurate Flood Maps Save Lives and Protect Property

Your recent editorial expressed concern about the delay in FEMA's production of flood maps for Mississippi's Gulf Coast. I'd like to assure the residents of Jackson, Harrison and Hancock counties that FEMA is committed to producing the most accurate, reliable flood maps as quickly as possible. We intend to get it right, and the process takes time. [more]

President Declares Major Disaster For New York

WASHINGTON - The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of New York to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding on June 19, 2007. [more]

Misunderstandings May Cause Some to Miss Out on Disaster Aid

Windsor, Conn. — In the confusion following a disaster, rumors, half-truths and misunderstandings about federal and state assistance can cause some storm-struck residents to miss out on much needed help. [more]

$1.1 Million In Federal Disaster Aid For Vermont

WINDSOR, Conn. — More than $1.1 million in federal aid is obligated to help Vermont communities recover from damage and destruction caused by severe storms and flooding in April, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

Federal Aid Programs For Kansas Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration for Kansas. [more]

What To Expect When Inspectors Visit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Individuals who have applied for state and federal disaster assistance may be contacted and visited by a damage inspector to verify losses, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

President Declares Major Disaster For Kansas

WASHINGTON - The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Kansas to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding beginning on June 26, 2007, and continuing. [more]

Disaster Recovery Center To Open Tuesday

DENTON, Texas — The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor?s Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) announced today the opening of a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Sherman to serve those affected by the flooding of June 16-18. [more]

Federal Aid Programs For New York Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration issued for New York. [more]