September 2007

FEMA assistance for Hurricane Rita recovery tops $2 billion

Hurricane Rita struck less than a month after Katrina had devastated the Gulf Coast. At one point, Rita reached Category 5 strength before weakening to Category 3, making landfall Sept. 24, 2005, near Johnson Bayou, Louisiana. The storm pounded the coast of Texas and Louisiana and generated a tidal surge that devastated homes and businesses in Holly Beach, Cameron and other small Louisiana communities in its path. [more]

Your First FEMA Letter May Not Be The Last Word

FINDLAY, Ohio — A denial letter from FEMA may not mean you are ineligible for assistance. There are several easily fixed reasons why an applicant may receive a denial letter, according to the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

Nearly $9 Million in State and Federal Assistance Approved for Elevation Projects in Jefferson Parish

METAIRIE, La. — Today the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA), the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced approval of nearly $9 million to elevate 76 homes in Jefferson Parish. [more]

One Month Remains To Register For Federal Disaster Assistance

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Residents of southeastern Minnesota affected by the August severe storms and flooding have one month left to register for federal disaster assistance, according to officials from Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the U.S Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

SBA Outreach Center Opens In Rochester Monday, Sept. 24

ROCHESTER, Minn. — A U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open Monday, Sept. 24, in Rochester, according to officials from Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the U.S Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

Federal Agencies Monitor Gulf Storm, Stand Ready To Respond

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal agencies are on alert and in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a tropical depression quickly approaches communities along the Gulf coast. FEMA has been closely monitoring the system and will be ready to respond to any intensification of the storm that would threaten communities along the Gulf. [more]

Local Fire Departments Across The Nation Receive $16.9 Million In Firefighter Assistance Grants From FEMA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $16,873,140 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funds to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations throughout FEMA's ten national regional offices. Through the fiscal year (FY) 2007 AFG awards, over $490 million will ultimately be provided to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the United States and territories. [more]

FEMA Authorizes Funds for Broughton Wildfire

SEATTLE, Wash. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help the State of Washington fight the Broughton Wildfire, burning near the Columbia River in Skamania County, three miles west of White Salmon. [more]

Dillingham Fire Department Receives $313,500 In Firefighter Assistance Grants From FEMA

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $313,500 in an Assistance-to-Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the Dillingham Volunteer Fire Department for vehicle acquisition. 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 $522,500 In Firefighter Assistance Grants From FEMA

SALEM, Ore. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $522,500 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to two rural fire agencies in 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]

Washington Fire Departments Receive $564,857 In Firefighter Assistance Grants From FEMA

SEATTLE, Wash. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $564,857 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to local fire agencies in 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]

Local Fire Departments Across the State Receive in Firefighter Assistance Grants from FEMA

Boston, Mass. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $330,446 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in the state of Vermont. 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]

Local Fire Departments Across the State Receive in Firefighter Assistance Grants from FEMA

Boston, Mass. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $144,778 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in the state of Maine. 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 Awards $1 Million Wildfire Mitigation Grant to Colorado Springs

DENVER, Colo. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a $1 million mitigation grant to Colorado Springs for a project that will reduce wildfire risk in the city. [more]

Local Fire Departments Across the State Receive in Firefighter Assistance Grants From FEMA

Boston, Mass. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $221,778 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in the state of Connecticut. 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]

St. Margaret's Daughters' Nursing Home Reopens

Posted 35 minutes ago

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Hurricane Katrina devastated St. Margaret's Daughters' nursing home in the lower Ninth Ward, forcing it to close its doors. The nursing home was determined to reopen, however, and with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the facility will open its doors on Sept. 17, 2007. [more]

Haltom City DRC To Become Disaster Loan Outreach Center

WACO, Texas — Federal and State disaster officials today announced that the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Haltom City will transition to a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center beginning Monday, September 24. The Governor's Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and SBA officials opened the DRC to provide one-stop, personal assistance and disaster information to residents and businesses affected by the June 16 - August 3 severe storms, flooding and tornadoes. [more]

Be Careful Hiring Contractors For Disaster Repairs

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Watch out for scam artists. That is the warning issued by officials with Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). [more]

Local Libraries Offer Storm Repairs, Rebuilding, Insurance Info

LA CROSSE, Wis. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is distributing an informational packet this week on flood-related repairs, reducing flood damage in the future and flood insurance. One hundred twenty-five packets will go to libraries in counties designated for federal disaster assistance following the severe storms and flooding that occurred Aug. 18 - 31. [more]

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening In Atoka And Garfield Counties

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — In an effort to reach out to disaster-declared counties, Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are opening in Atoka and Garfield counties, said officials with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Applicants in any declared county may receive services at any DRC location. [more]

Federal Aid Programs for Iowa 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 Iowa . [more]

President Declares Major Disaster for Iowa

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 Iowa to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding during the period of August 17 to September 5, 2007. [more]

September is National Preparedness Month

FEMA's Community Preparedness Division is teaming up with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Ready Campaign and its partner, the Ad Council, to sponsor the fourth annual National Preparedness Month in September. National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort meant to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies. Throughout September, DHS will work with over 1,000 organizations to highlight these issues and promote events throughout the United States. We encourage you to get involved in preparedness at work, in schools and in your homes. This year's slogan, "Get a kit, make a plan, be informed and get involved," will be brought to life by focusing on the four areas of preparedness throughout September: [more]

Milk Helps Promote Preparedness

The New York State Emergency Management Office and FEMA's Region II have found a delicious way to spread the word about this year's National Preparedness Month message "Get a kit, make a plan, be informed and get involved." [more]

Dispelling Myths about Flood Insurance

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Buying flood insurance can provide protection and peace of mind. Flooding is one of the most common natural hazards in the United States. State and federal officials want to ensure that all Illinois residents are aware of the benefits of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). [more]

FEMA Distributes $190,000 To Maine Fire Department As The Nation Remembers Spetember 11th

BOSTON, Mass. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $190,000 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to a local fire department in the state of Maine . 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 Distributes $166,000 to Vermont Fire Department As the Nation Remembers September 11th

Boston, Mass. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $166,250 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to a local fire department in the state of Vermont. 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 Distributes $44,000 To Connecticut Fire Departments As The Nation Remembers September 11th

BOSTON, Mass. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $44,362 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in the state of Connecticut. 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]

Disaster Assistance Service Center Opens Monday In Williamsburg For People Affected By August 8th Storms

NEW YORK, N.Y. — A Disaster Assistance Service Center will open in Williamsburg at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, giving Brooklyn residents affected by flooding August 8th an opportunity to talk face-to-face to federal, state and city emergency management experts, said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State Emergency Management Office (SEMO). [more]

FEMA Distributes $56,525 to Chehalis Fire Department As the Nation Remembers September 11th

SEATTLE, Wash. — Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $56,525 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the Chehalis fire department in Washington for the department's operations and safety programs. 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]