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
Friday 21st of November 2008
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New Study Examines Impact Of 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake On States In New Madrid Seismic Zone
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released a report, Impact of Earthquakes on the Central USA, which presents the findings of a two-year study on the impact of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on states in the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). The study was conducted for FEMA by the Mid-America Earthquake (MAE) Center at the University of Illinois in partnership with the Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and George Washington University's Institute for Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management. [more]
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Hoosiers Should Buy - and Understand - Flood Insurance
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — More Hoosiers are buying flood insurance since the severe storm and flooding events of this year because they know it can protect against financial devastation. Knowledge is power and, in the case of buying flood insurance, knowing as much as possible about the coverage of different types of policies is critical to getting the most out of it. [more]
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New Madrid Seismic Zone Catastrophic Earthquake Planning
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has an initiative underway with the eight states of the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) in the central United States to develop catastrophic earthquake disaster response plans. The NMSZ states include Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee. The initiative, known as the NMSZ Catastrophic Earthquake Disaster Response Planning Initiative, involves partnerships and collaboration with hundreds of government agencies; business, industry and voluntary organizations; and scientific and academic institutions. It is part of FEMA's Catastrophic Disaster Planning Initiative to conduct analyses and develop plans for mass evacuation, sheltering and response to catastrophic disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes. [more]
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Three Harris County Disaster Recovery Centers to Close: FEMA Just A Call Away
AUSTIN, Texas — As three FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers in Harris County prepare to close, disaster recovery officials remind everyone that FEMA is always just a phone call or mouse click away. [more]
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By the Numbers 010
AUSTIN, Texas — Inspectors contracted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have inspected more than 375,000 homes damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Ike. These inspections are free and generally take less than an hour. They are conducted by FEMA contract inspectors who have construction and/or appraisal expertise and receive disaster-specific training. Each inspector wears official photo identification. [more]
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Do You Think You Registered For Federal Aid?
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises affected residents in disaster declared areas to make sure that he or she has applied for federal disaster assistance. Many state, local and voluntary agencies also have residents filling out paperwork which may have caused some confusion, and many think they have registered for federal aid, but they really have not. [more]
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Twelve Days Left To Apply For Disaster Assistance
SAN JUAN, PR — Federal and Commonwealth recovery officials reminded residents and business owners living in the 21 municipalities included in the recent presidential disaster declaration that they have only twelve days to register for federal disaster assistance. [more]
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By the Numbers 009
AUSTIN, Texas — Free legal advice is available to some disaster-affected Texans who are unable to secure legal services after Hurricane Ike. The federally-funded program for low-income individuals is run under an agreement between the American Bar Association?s Young Lawyers Division and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [more]
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Oakville to Hold City Council Work Session for Recovery Planning
OAKVILLE, Iowa — The community of Oakville and the surrounding area are invited to participate in the Oakville City Council Work Session with the Community Vision Committee and community leaders on Thursday, November 20. [more]
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Long-Term Recovery Committees May Provide Other Avenues of Assistance
ORLANDO, Fla. — In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Fay, Florida residents with disaster-related needs not met by federal or state assistance programs can explore another alternative by learning about their local Long-Term Disaster Recovery Committee (LTRC). [more]
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Two Montgomery County Disaster Recovery Centers to Close: FEMA Just A Call Away
AUSTIN, Texas — As two FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers in Montgomery County prepare to close, disaster recovery officials remind everyone that FEMA is always just a phone call or mouse click away. [more]
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Disaster Recovery Center Moves From Gregg To Smith County
AUSTIN, Texas — The FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center in Gregg County is relocating to a new site in Smith County, after close of business on Thursday, Nov. 20. The new center is scheduled to open from Saturday through Monday, Nov. 22?24, to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. [more]
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It's Hoosier Winter Storm Preparedness Week
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — For many, a winter storm summons thoughts of time off from school or work to spend a cozy day at home reading a book or watching television, drinking hot chocolate or making a snowman. But if you're not prepared, a winter storm could replace idyllic plans with a life- threatening disaster. State and federal officials remind Hoosiers during this week of Winter Storm Preparedness to finalize their plans to meet the challenges of a potential winter storm emergency. [more]
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Be Careful When Hiring Contractors
San Juan, PR — Commonwealth and federal disaster recovery officials are advising Puerto Rico residents who have disaster-related damages to be extremely careful when hiring contractors to restore and repair their homes and businesses. [more]
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Lake Jackson Disaster Recovery Center To Close: FEMA Just A Call Away
AUSTIN, Texas — As the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center at the Lake Jackson Civic Center in Lake Jackson prepares to close, disaster recovery officials remind everyone that FEMA is always just a phone call or mouse click away. [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.