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
Sunday 05th of September 2010
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As Tropical Storm Earl Moves Northeast, Away From The US, FEMA Continues To Underscore The Importance Of Preparedness
WASHINGTON - As Tropical Storm Earl continues to move northeast, the National Hurricane Center has dropped all watches and warnings from the United States Atlantic Coast line, however dangerous water conditions, including swells and rip currents still exist as far south as New Jersey. Beach goers are urged to head warnings, listen to life guards and be safe. [more]
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FEMA Administrator Fugate Swears In MaryAnn Tierney As Regional Administrator
PHILADELPHIA ? Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate on Monday swore in MaryAnn Tierney as Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III, which includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Tierney served previously as the Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management for the city of Philadelphia. [more]
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As Hurricane Earl Moves Away From North Carolina, FEMA Urges Caution For NC Residents
As Hurricane Earl, now a Category 1 storm, moves northeast and away from North Carolina today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges continued caution for North Carolina residents. FEMA continues to work with its federal partners, as well as state and local officials, in order to ensure safety and security for North Carolina residents. [more]
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FEMA Urges Caution And Preparation As Hurricane Earl Moves Towards New England
WASHINGTON - With Hurricane Earl moving up the East Coast and expected to arrive in New England by tonight, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging New England residents to stay informed about any developments with the storm and to listen to directions of state and local officials, including any calls for evacuations. Yesterday, at the request of Governor Deval Patrick, President Obama signed a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Massachusetts, making federal funds available to support the state's efforts to prepare for and respond to Hurricane Earl and save lives and protect property. [more]
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As Hurricane Earl Moves Northeast, FEMA Continues To Support State And Local Officials Along The East Coast
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Hurricane Earl moves away from North Carolina and up toward the Northeastern United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is continuing to take aggressive steps to coordinate with state and local officials across New England as they prepare for the storm. In the Northeast, FEMA is urging residents to get ready for possible severe weather and listen to instructions from local officials. In areas already affected by Hurricane Earl, especially in North Carolina, FEMA urges continued precautions as residents and visitors emerge from their homes or return to evacuated regions. [more]
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Disaster Assistance Made Available To Eight Additional Nebraska Counties
LINCOLN, Neb. — Federal disaster assistance is being made available to eight additional Nebraska counties that suffered damages during the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes June 1 through August 29, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today. [more]
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No Holiday For Disaster Recovery — Aid Tops $84.6 Million
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. ? Labor Day marks the symbolic end of the summer; yet the work of disaster recovery continues … Disaster Recovery Centers will be open; operators will be standing by to take your call; and, Community Relations Specialists will continue visiting hard hit neighborhoods. [more]
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FEMA Funds $2.1 Million Lewiston Stormwater Improvements
BOISE?The U.S. Department of Homeland Security?s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced Pre-Disaster Mitigation Competitive (PDM-C) grant awards of $1,593,691 to the City of Lewiston to update and improve that city?s storm water control system. According to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, the system serves an area that includes most government buildings and offices and provides all of the outflow capacity for that portion of the city. [more]
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FEMA Disaster Registration Phone Lines And Recovery Centers Open Labor Day
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Telephone registration and Disaster Recovery Centers will be open Labor Day weekend, according to state and federal officials. [more]
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Cameron, Webb Counties To Host FEMA/State Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers
LAREDO, Texas — The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announce the opening of mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) Tuesday and Wednesday in Cameron and Webb counties for those affected by Hurricane Alex flooding. [more]
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Hurricane Season Is Flood Season, Even In Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee is far from any seashore, but that doesn?t mean residents can afford to relax during hurricane season. [more]
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President Declares Emergency Disaster For Massachusetts
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Craig Fugate announced today that federal disaster aid has been made available for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to supplement Commonwealth and local response efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Earl beginning on September 1, 2010, and continuing. [more]
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Federal Aid Programs For State Of Massachusetts Disaster Recovery
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama?s emergency declaration issued for Massachusetts. [more]
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Hurricane Earl: Ongoing Preparations By FEMA and the Federal Government
*Earlier today FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read held a press conference call to discuss the latest developments with Hurricane Earl. To listen to the audio of today's briefing, click here. * [more]
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As Hurricane Earl Moves Closer To East Coast, FEMA Continues Urging All Residents To Be Prepared
WASHINGTON - As Hurricane Earl prepares to approach North Carolina tonight, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is continuing to aggressively prepare for the storm, plan for all possible scenarios and support state and local officials along the East Coast as they work to protect their communities. FEMA strongly encourages all East Coast residents to take steps now to prepare for severe weather in the coming days. [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.
