May 2006

FEMA Aid to Alabama at $614 Million Eight Months after Katrina

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Eight months have passed since Hurricane Katrina battered the Gulf Coast, triggering an unprecedented recovery effort and the most challenging housing crisis in Alabama history. Since Katrina, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency have approved $613.7 million dollars in disaster aid to Alabamians and evacuees from other states affected by the storm. [more]

Warehouse Donations Show Evolving Recovery

BILOXI , Miss. — The evolving inventory at the Interfaith Disaster Task Force (IDTF) of South Mississippi warehouse reflects the region's progress in recovering from Hurricane Katrina. [more]

Time's Running Out for Purchasing Flood Insurance

Posted 16 hours ago

BILOXI, Miss. — Huey Lewis and the News had a big hit back in 1982 If This Is It! [more]

Louisiana Weekly Housing Update

NEW ORLEANS — Assisting those who are on the road to recovery with temporary housing continues to be a top priority for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Louisiana. [more]

Kennett Disaster Recovery Center To Close

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Kennett, Missouri, operated jointly by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) will close on Thursday, May 4, 2006, at 7 p.m. [more]

FEMA And MEMA Disaster Recovery Center In Moss Point To Close

BILOXI, Miss. — The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Moss Point, Jackson County will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 6. The Moss Point DRC will be consolidated with the DRC located in Ocean Springs. [more]

Rand Corporation Study: Flood Insurance is Underutilized

BILOXI, Miss. ? For most homes and businesses, the only insurance protection against damage from rising water is flood insurance underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This program is greatly underutilized, according to a recent study by the RAND Corporation, a non-profit research organization. [more]

Pemiscot Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline is May 9

COLUMBIA, Mo. — State and federal officials have announced May 9, 2006, as the deadline for applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for people who are out of work due to storms, flooding, and tornadoes that struck the state beginning March 30 through April 3, 2006. This deadline affects residents of Pemiscot County. [more]

Crawford County Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline Is Two Weeks Away

COLUMBIA, Mo. — State and federal officials have announced May 16, 2006, as the deadline for applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for people who are out of work due to storms, flooding, and tornadoes that struck the state beginning March 8 through March 13, 2006. This deadline affects residents of Crawford County. [more]

President Declares Emergency for Connecticut

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ' s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush declared an emergency exists in the State of Connecticut and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by record snow from February 11-12, 2006. [more]

Homeland Security Awards Oregon $4 Million In Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants

SALEM, Ore. — Officials of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have announced two Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM) grant awards totaling $3,940,850 to Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) to fund a sub-grant for a project to protect the city of Portland from earthquake and fire hazards. According to Acting FEMA Director R. David Paulison, the program is supported by the National Pre-Disaster Mitigation Fund to assist States, local governments and Indian Tribal governments in implementing cost-effective hazard mitigation activities that complement a comprehensive mitigation program. Funding mitigation activities reduces the risk to populations and structures, while reducing reliance on funding from actual disaster declarations. [more]

New Orleans - Statement from Gil Jamieson, Deputy Director for Gulf Coast Recovery on Continued Support of Long Term Community Recovery in New Orleans:

"FEMA remains committed to long-term recovery planning in the New Orleans area and across the entire Gulf Coast region. Reports our office in New Orleans is closing are inaccurate. [more]

FEMA's Manufactured Housing Program Available To Qualified Tornado Applicants

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Delaware County residents affected by the March 12th tornado and storm may be eligible to receive a manufactured home temporarily placed on their property, according to officials with the Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM). [more]

Orleans Workshop Rescheduled For May 10

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Orleans Parish workshop on Advisory Base Flood Elevations and Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC), originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 3, has been moved back one week to Wednesday, May 10. [more]

Jewish Community Disaster Recovery Center To Close

NEW ORLEANS, La. — After more than 52,000 visits since its opening on Oct. 11, 2005, the Jewish Community Disaster Recovery Center located on 5342 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans will cease operations on May 6 at 1 p.m. [more]

Debris Removal Surpasses 40 Million Cubic Yards

BILOXI, Miss. — Just how much is 40 million cubic yards? [more]

Making a Family Plan for the New Hurricane Season

ORLANDO, Fla. — Imagine a hurricane has taken a sudden turn and is heading straight for your town. The forecasters and meteorologists had all said the dangerous storm would hit in another location several hundred miles away. But now, it is headed straight for you and your family. Fortunately, you have done everything you knew to do in preparation for an event of this nature. You have implemented mitigation techniques by reinforcing your home to survive hurricane-force winds. You purchased flood insurance to protect against water damage. You even put together a disaster safety kit with enough food and water for your family to survive for at least three days. [more]

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Scott County

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have opened a mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Sikeston . In an effort to speed assistance to Missouri residents affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from March 8 through March 13, 2006, the mobile Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open on Friday, May 5, 2006, at: [more]

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline Is Two Weeks Away For Six Counties

BATON ROUGE, La. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced 12 new grants totaling $37.1 million to help COLUMBIA, Mo. — State and federal officials have announced May 18, 2006, as the deadline for applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for people who are out of work due to storms, flooding, and tornadoes that struck the state beginning March 30 April 3, 2006. This deadline affects residents of Andrew, Butler, Dunklin, St. Francois, Stoddard and Pettis. [more]

Storm Shutters, Other Measures Help Center Survive Storm

BILOXI, Miss. — The Hancock County Senior Center in Bay St. Louis survived Hurricane Katrina and served as a safe haven for the community for 88 days because of storm shutters and other mitigation measures. [more]

Disaster Assistance Tops $9 Million Dollars

COLUMBIA , Mo. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) officials continue recovery efforts for those affected by the recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding of March 8-13 and March 30- April 3, 2006. [more]

Registration Deadline 30 Days Away

JACKSON, Tenn. — Homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered losses from the recent tornadoes and storms in Tennessee have until June 5 to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance. [more]

Farmers, Ranchers Urged to Apply for Disaster Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas — Disaster assistance may be available to Texas farmers and ranchers who have suffered damage or incurred losses as a result of the Texas Wildfires, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM). [more]

Hurricane Katrina Recovery Update: Week 35

BILOXI, Miss. — As Mississippi moves into the ninth month following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to work closely with local and state organizations as well as voluntary agencies to assist Mississippians in their recovery process. [more]

Don't Close the Door on Disaster Aid

JACKSON , Tenn. — Disaster officials in Tennessee are concerned that disaster victims who still need help may be closing the door on additional assistance for themselves and their families. In most cases, they say, it is simply because one piece of paperwork is missing ? a disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). [more]

Tennessee Tornado Recovery Update

JACKSON, Tenn. — After two tornado outbreaks savaged parts of 15 Tennessee counties, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to work with state and local agencies in Tennessee to assist victims of April's tornadoes and severe storms. [more]

Texas Wildfires Disaster Assistance and Loans Exceed $4.8 Million; $3.3 Million Reimbursed In Public Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas — Families and individuals who suffered damage from the Texas wildfires have been approved to receive $4,890,261 in assistance from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Those affected by the wildfires are urged to register online at www.fema.gov/assistance or at FEMA's toll free tele-registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) , or for hearing or speech impaired, register at TTY 1-800-462-7585. Assistance is available in multiple languages. [more]

Flood Insurance: Peace of Mind for Alabama Homes and Businesses

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — With less than one month remaining until the beginning of the 2006 Hurricane Season, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency urge Alabamians to prepare their homes and businesses for the flood risks associated with what promises to be another very active storm season. Flood insurance is a critical investment to help protect against the devastating effects of flooding, but the time to act is now; there is typically a 30-day wait before a policy takes effect. [more]

Scott County Disaster Recovery Center to Close

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Sikeston, Missouri, operated jointly by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) will close on Wednesday, May 10, 2006, at 7 p.m. [more]

"Pacific Peril" - 3 Day Multi-State Tsunami Exercise Begins 23 May, 2006

SEATTLE, Wash. — The U.S. Department of Transportation in cooperation with Federal, State, local, and Canadian partners will host PACIFIC PERIL 06 from 23-25 May 2006 at Camp Rilea on the NW Oregon Coast. The three-day event will consist of a “training day” presenting earthquake and tsunami hazards and response plans, a full day Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a final table top review. The exercise play postulates a catastrophic seismic event that triggers a massive tsunami that devastates Pacific coastal communities from British Columbia to northern California. The Government of Canada, including the Province of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver, are also engaged in exercise play. [more]

One Week Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri disaster victims living in: Bates, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Cooper, Crawford, Greene, Henry, Hickory, Howard, Iron, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Mississippi, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, New Madrid, Newton, Perry, Phelps, Pettis, Putnam, Randolph, Saline, Scott, St. Clair, Ste. Genevieve, Taney, Vernon, Webster and Wright who have not yet applied for federal disaster assistance have only one more week to apply. Monday, May 15, 2006 is the last day to file applications for most disaster assistance programs, according to federal and state disaster recovery officials. [more]

FEMA Remains Committed To Recovery For Those Affected By Hurricane Rita

LAKE CHARLES, La. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remains committed to long-term hurricane recovery efforts in partnership with the State of Louisiana. Here is an update of federal and state agency accomplishments in the seven months since Hurricane Rita hit the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, De Soto, Evangeline, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Vermilion, and Vernon. [more]

Greene County Disaster Recovery Center To Close May 6th

LITTLE ROCK, Ar. — The federal-State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Marmaduke (Greene County) will end its operations at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 6th, officials from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) announced today. [more]

Assistance Surpasses $ Three Million for Tornado Declaration

LITTLE ROCK, AR. — More than $3,200,000 has been approved in disaster housing, other needs assistance and low-interest disaster loans for Arkansas residents in the seven declared counties, officials from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) announced today. [more]

Louisiana Weekly Housing Update

NEW ORLEANS, La. — At the close of business on May 6 there were 67,104 FEMA occupied travel trailers and mobile homes on private, industrial, group and commercial sites, and 3,113 occupied federal housing resources provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). [more]

Prepare Your Car For Evacuation

AUSTIN, Texas — When local officials announce a "Hurricane Watch," it means there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 to 36 hours. Individuals along the Texas Gulf coast should be ready to go once an evacuation order is announced. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that residents and visitors take the following actions to be ready: [more]

FEMA Officials Say Keep Your Car Ready To Go

AUSTIN, Texas — Once a tropical disturbance enters or forms in the Gulf of Mexico, local officials monitor activity and provide information to the public through the media in accordance with State and local emergency preparedness plans. [more]

Landslide Discussion Forum Has First Meeting

SALEM, Ore. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) initiated a landslide discussion forum recently in Salem to promote sharing landslide mapping data among other agency stakeholders. [more]

FEMA Approves Another $21.62 Million In Public Works Money

BILOXI, Miss. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved three grants totaling $21.62 million to assist with oversight and repairs to the Hancock County Port and Harbor and the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. [more]

FEMA and the State Remain Committed to Recovery in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Many strides have been made in the recovery process since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit Louisiana last year. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Louisiana remain committed to these important recovery efforts. [more]

Hurricane Rita Disaster Assistance And Loans Top $914.8 Million; $748.8 Million In Public Assistance Funded

AUSTIN, Texas — Families and individuals who suffered damage from Hurricane Rita have been approved to receive more than $914.8 million in assistance 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]

Disaster Recovery Center To Open At Kahala Mall

HONOLULU , Hawaii — State and federal officials will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) on Oahu at the Kahala Mall on Monday, May 15 to serve individuals and businesses impacted by the severe storms and flooding. [more]

Texas Wildfires Disaster Assistance and Loans Exceed $5.1 Million; $3.5 Million Reimbursed In Public Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas — Families and individuals who suffered damage from the Texas wildfires have been approved to receive $5,103,867 in assistance from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Those affected by the wildfires are urged to register online at www.fema.gov or at FEMA's toll free tele-registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) , or for hearing or speech impaired, register at TTY 1-800-462-7585. Assistance is available in multiple languages. [more]

FEMA Applicants Need To Update Their Info

BILOXI, Miss. — It's more than eight months after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Do you know where your FEMA check is? If you moved and did not update your contact information with the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, chances are your check has been returned to sender. [more]

Logistics Center Fort Worth Employees - Ready to Respond

When disasters strike the central U.S. and when a large disaster affects any location in the continental U.S. , FEMA's team at the Logistics Fort Worth gets very busy fast. The center is part of FEMA's rapid response system that quickly ships water, ice, food, blankets, generators and other supplies and equipment needed in the first few days of disaster response. [more]

Hurricane Katrina Recovery Update: Week 36

BILOXI, Miss. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to work closely with local and state organizations, as well as voluntary agencies to aid Mississippians in their recovery process. [more]

Take Steps Now To Make Your Business Disaster-Ready

ORLANDO, Fla. — The small business that suffers damage from a disaster, such as Hurricane Wilma, has a greater chance of returning to pre-disaster operating levels if it prepares in advance. For that reason, business owners should take time now to plan ahead for a disaster, according to officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

Homeland Security Honors FEMA Local Operations Heads

BILOXI, Miss. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday honored three Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) operations managers who guided the FEMA response during the critical early days of the Hurricane Katrina disaster response on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. [more]

Safety Gear Is a Must - and Watch for Snakes

BILOXI, Miss. — With the end of the school year approaching, hundreds of high school and college students are expected to help storm-damaged neighborhoods spring back to life. These volunteers are a great asset in the recovery efforts. [more]

Tennessee Tornado Recovery Update

JACKSON, Tenn. — Five weeks after the last of two tornado outbreaks savaged parts of 15 Tennessee counties, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to work with state and local agencies in Tennessee to assist victims of April's tornadoes and severe storms. [more]

Earthquake Awareness: Personal Safety Comes First

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansans are encouraged to plan ahead for future earthquakes, officials from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) announced today. [more]

Wildfires Registration Ends May 30 for FEMA, SBA Aid

AUSTIN, Texas — Residents and business owners in 21 Texas counties affected by extreme wildfires have until May 30 to apply for assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Damage must have been incurred between Nov. 27, 2005 and May 14, 2006 to be eligible for any of FEMA's programs. [more]

Logistics Centers

There are eight logistics centers in the continental U.S. and three off shore storage sites. These centers support first responders with all the equipment needed to manage an emergency situation. They also providing life-saving and life-sustaining resources to states that need them for disaster victims. The centers are located near Atlanta, GA; Berryville, VA; Cumberland, MD; Ft. Worth, TX; Frederick, MD; San Jose, CA. The three offshore storage sites are located in Guam, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. [more]

Homeland Security?s Pre-Positioned Disaster Supplies (PPDS) Program

THE PRE-POSITIONED DISASTER SUPPLIES (PPDS) PROGRAM WAS DEVELOPED TO POSITION LIFE SAVING AND LIFE SUSTAINING DISASTER EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AS CLOSE TO A POTENTIAL DISASTER SITE AS POSSIBLE. THE GOAL IS TO SUBSTANTIALLY SHORTEN THE RESPONSE TIME FROM INCIDENT TO DELIVERY OF THESE INITIAL CRITICAL ASSETS. [more]

Chef Menteur Disaster Recovery Center To Close

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at 11700 Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans will close at 5 p.m. Friday, after more than 13,000 visits, according to officials at The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

Disaster Recovery Center Hours Change in Caruthersville

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Caruthersville Disaster Recovery Center, operated jointly by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), is changing its Saturday hours. The new hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday thru Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT on Saturday. The center is located at the American Legion Post #88, on Truman Road. [more]

Region III Takes Home the Gold

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — In recognition for its call to duty and diligence during the 2005 hurricane season, Regional III was awarded top honors by the Philadelphia Federal Executive Board (FEB) during its May 4th Excellence in Government Awards ceremony and luncheon. [more]

Planning Could Save Your Business from Storm Damage

AUSTIN, Texas — If a hurricane is threatening the area where your business is located, you can take actions ahead of time that may help minimize damage and lost productivity, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]

Roster Of Missing Loved Ones Now Fewer Than 300

BATON ROUGE, La. — A small brass bell hangs on a wall in an office in Baton Rouge . It is a ship's bell, the kind whose muffled chime you might hear along the coast when small craft pass unobserved in fog. [more]

Walthall County Learns Valuable Lessons Responding To Katrina

BILOXI, Miss. — Roland Vandenweghe is a busy man. He's the Emergency Manager of Walthall County, Miss. He's the county's Department of Homeland Security coordinator. And its flood plain administrator. On the side, he raises chickens. [more]

FEMA Family Preparedness Day Scheduled

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Family Preparedness Day will be held in Louisiana on Sunday, with entertainment, food and learning at a festive site in New Orleans. The fun will be woven into the essential work of planning for the uncertainty of the upcoming hurricane season. [more]

FEMA Family Preparedness Day Scheduled

LAKE CHARLES, La. — Family Preparedness Day will be held in Louisiana on Sunday, with entertainment, food and learning in Lake Charles. The fun will be woven into the essential work of planning for the uncertainty of the upcoming hurricane season. [more]

Disaster-Damaged Rental Homes May Qualify As Businesses

LITTLE ROCK, AR — Owners of rental properties damaged by the early April tornadoes in seven Arkansas counties may qualify for an SBA low interest disaster business loan, officials from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) said today. [more]

Hurricane Katrina Recovery Update: Week 37

BILOXI, Miss. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to work closely with local and state organizations, as well as voluntary agencies to aid Mississippians in their recovery process. [more]

More Than Six Million Now Approved For Tornado Declaration

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — More than $6,060,000 has been approved in disaster housing, other needs assistance and low-interest disaster loans for Arkansas residents in the seven declared counties, officials from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) announced today. [more]

National Dam Safety Awareness Day

SEATTLE, Wash. — May 31, 2006 is National Dam Safety Awareness Day. The date marks the 1889 South Fork Dam failure above Johnston, Pennsylvania, the worst dam disaster in United States history. Closer to home in the Pacific Northwest, are the Willow Creek Dam failure which almost destroyed the town of Heppner, Oregon on June 14, 1903 and the June 5, 1976 Teton Dam failure in Idaho. The Teton Dam failure sent 20 billion gallons of water spilling down Teton Canyon towards Willford, Teton, Sugar City, Rexburg, Roberts and Idaho Falls, causing over $2 billion in damages and contributing to the deaths of eleven people. Of over 80,000 dams across the country, 9,000 have been designated by their state as "high hazard dams," but according to FEMA Regional Director John Pennington, a "high hazard" designation has less to do with the strength of the dam than with threats posed to downstream populations if a given dam does fail. [more]

Only One More Week Left to Call and Apply for Disaster Assistance

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Only one week remains for Illinois residents and business owners to call and apply for state and federal assistance to replace losses from the March 11-13 severe storms and tornadoes, which struck central Illinois. [more]

Belle Chasse Disaster Recovery Center Relocates

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Belle Chasse Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has relocated to the Belle Chasse Branch Library at 8442 Hwy. 23, Belle Chasse. Regular DRC operations in the new building will resume tomorrow, May 20. [more]

Two Weeks Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri disaster victims living in Andrew, Butler, Dunklin, Pemiscot, Pettis, St. Francois and Stoddard counties have only two weeks to apply for federal disaster assistance. Monday, June 5, is the last day to file applications for most disaster assistance programs, according to federal and state disaster recovery officials. [more]

Wildfires Registration Ends May 30 For FEMA, SBA Aid

AUSTIN, Texas — Residents and business owners in 22 Texas counties affected by extreme wildfires have only one week left to apply for assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Damage must have been incurred between Nov. 27, 2005 and May 14, 2006 to be eligible for any of FEMA's programs. [more]

'Turn Around, Don't Drown' A Good Piece Of Advice

BILOXI , Miss. — Heavy rains, a fact of life during hurricane season, which begins June 1, create flooded roadways that should be avoided. Here's some sound advice for motorists when approaching these hazards: "Turn around, don't drown." [more]

One Year After Katrina, Recovery in Alabama Continues: FEMA Aid at $970 Million

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A year ago, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast with powerful winds and record storm surges. Today, as recovery efforts continue, the goal of rebuilding homes, businesses, and indeed people's lives remains a priority for many local, state and federal agencies. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency have coordinated these efforts to reclaim Alabama from the wrath of Katrina, and the state and federal disaster assistance stands as a testament to this monumental undertaking. Officials announced today that federal and state disaster assistance totals have reached a cumulative total of $970.5 million just days before the one year mark of Katrina. [more]

Alabama's Disaster Recovery Operation By the Numbers

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Category four Hurricane Katrina battered the Gulf Coast region almost one year ago. Today local, state and federal agencies are still working together to provide Alabama residents resources to rebuild their lives. As the recovery process continues, here is a look back to see how far Alabama has come. [more]

Tornadoes, High Winds Compound Hurricane's Power

BILOXI, Miss. — Tornadoes often can be the most dangerous part of a hurricane, especially in the storm's right front quadrant. That is yet another reason for Mississippi residents to prepare for evacuation when a hurricane heads their way, emergency management officials say. [more]

Debris Removal Nears Completion Across Mississippi

BILOXI, Miss. — More than 41 million cubic yards of debris scattered throughout Mississippi by Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29 has been removed, according to state and federal recovery officials. [more]

Inland Flooding a Deceptive Hurricane Danger

BILOXI, Miss. — Inland flooding accounts for the majority of U.S. hurricane-related deaths, a fact not lost on Mississippi residents still reeling from Hurricane Katrina and a good reason to be alert in the new hurricane season that begins June 1. [more]

FEMA Awards Maintenance And Deactivation Contracts For Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded 16 maintenance and deactivation contracts for Louisiana’s travel trailer and mobile home program. [more]

Caruthersville Disaster Recovery Center To Close For Memorial Day Holiday; Will Reopen May 30, 2006

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Caruthersville Disaster Recovery Center, operated jointly by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), will be closed Monday, Memorial Day, May 29, only. The Disaster Recovery Center will reopen on Tuesday, May 30 and resume normal hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday thru Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT on Saturday. The center is located at the American Legion Post #88, at 716 Truman Road. [more]

All Disaster Recovery Centers in Louisiana to Close on Memorial Day

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Louisiana will be closed on Monday, May 29, for the Memorial Day holiday. [more]

SBA Urges Application Return

COLUMBIA, Mo. — With less than two weeks left for residents of Andrew, Butler, Dunklin, Pemiscot, Pettis, St. Francois and Stoddard counties to apply for federal/state disaster assistance, the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is urging disaster victims who have received an SBA loan application to take the time to fill it out and return it before the June 5, 2006 deadline. Individuals who receive an SBA application and do not complete and return it, may preclude themselves from federal and state disaster programs. [more]

Leave The Trailer Behind

BILOXI, Miss. — With the start of the hurricane season only a week away, having a family disaster plan should be a priority with Mississippians across the state, especially those who occupy the more than 38,000 FEMA-provided travel trailers or mobile homes. [more]

Federal Aid Programs For New Hampshire 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 Hampshire. [more]

President Declares Major Disaster For New Hampshire

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster aid has been made available for the State of New Hampshire to help people and communities recover from the effects of severe storms and flooding beginning on May 12, 2006, and continuing. [more]

Federal Aid Programs For Maine 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 Maine. [more]

President Declares Major Disaster For Maine

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster aid has been made available for the State of Maine to help people and communities recover from the effects of severe storms and flooding beginning on May 13, 2006, and continuing. [more]

Federal Aid Programs For Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. [more]

President Declares Major Disaster For Massachusetts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster aid has been made available for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to help people and communities recover from the effects of severe storms and flooding beginning on May 12, 2006, and continuing. [more]

FEMA Public Works Grants Total $1.097 Billion in Mississippi

BILOXI, Miss. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $41.02 million in public assistance grants for Mississippi in the past two weeks, bringing the total thus far to $1.097 billion. [more]

Hurricane Katrina Recovery Update: Week 38

BILOXI, Miss. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to work closely with local and state organizations, as well as voluntary agencies to aid Mississippians in their recovery process. [more]

Are You Ready To Evacuate When Time Comes?

BILOXI, Miss. — The state's eight-week Stay Alert. Stay Alive. hurricane awareness campaign is drawing to a close. The critical question now is: "Are Mississippians ready for the 2006 hurricane season that starts June 1?" [more]

June 15 Deadline Set For Private Property Debris Removal Requests

BILOXI, Miss. — June 15, 2006 will be the cutoff date for submitting hurricane-related debris removal requests by qualifying private residential and commercial property owners in Jackson, Hancock and Harrison counties according to state and federal recovery officials. [more]

Make a Home Disaster-Ready

ORLANDO, Fla. — In preparation for the upcoming hurricane season, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Florida's State Emergency Response Team (SERT) urge residents to take steps to make their homes safer. Getting a home disaster-ready is a key component for a faster recovery from a hurricane or other disaster. [more]

Only One Week Left To Apply For Disaster Assistance

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri disaster victims living in Andrew, Butler, Dunklin, Pemiscot, Pettis, St. Francois, and Stoddard counties, have only one week left to call and apply for disaster assistance. Monday, June 5 is the last day to file applications for most disaster assistance programs, according to federal and state disaster recovery officials. [more]

Hurricane Season 2006 Starts Today, But It's Not Too Late To Ensure Your Home's Financial Security With A Flood Insurance Policy

Washington, D.C. — As hurricane season begins, FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program strongly encourages homeowners to purchase a flood insurance policy to financially protect their investments from the damaging floods these storms can cause. The risk is real; experts recently released predictions for an active 2006 season, with 13-16 named storms and the potential for four to six major hurricanes. [more]

Hurricane Season 2006 Starts Today, But It's Not Too Late To Ensure Your Business' Financial Security With A Flood Insurance Policy

Washington, D.C. — As hurricane season begins, FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program strongly encourages business owners to purchase a flood insurance policy and financially protect their investments from the damaging floods these storms can cause. The risk is real; experts recently released predictions for an active 2006 season, with 13 - 16 named storms and the potential for four to six major hurricanes. [more]

Combined Disaster Assistance Tops $24.4 Million Dollars

COLUMBIA , Mo. — Homeowners, renters and business owners who were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding of March 8-13 and March 30 - April 3, 2006, have been approved to receive more than $24.4 million in assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). [more]

FEMA Urges Residents To Prepare For 2006 Hurricane Season

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the start of the 2006 hurricane season just one day away, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to urge residents living in hurricane prone areas to prepare their families and homes to reduce the risk of damage and loss to lives and property. The Atlantic Hurricane Season, which begins on Thursday, June 1, continues through November 30. [more]